Zen

For many, today is all about the big game. For others, it’s just about the commercials. For some, it’s no big deal at all. Either way, I’ve got you covered. You’ll find where to watch and where to bet on your favorites. Today is your last chance to audition for the upcoming production of ‘The Producers,’ so swing by the Brewery Arts Center if you’d like to be considered.

It’s hard to believe that it’s winter with these balmy temperatures. Take advantage of this beautiful day at the Downtown Carson City Wine Walk; grab a friend, a light jacket, and enjoy. See what the Wild Horse Children’s Theater’s elite performance troupe will be showcasing at an upcoming competition during a special presentation at the Carson Mall. If your bookshelves are looking a little bare, head to Dog Eared Books on Fairview where their fill-a-bag parking lot sale will have your reading list well supplied. Read on for a weekend full of happenings.

SATURDAY:

February is jumping right in. Join CCAI in celebrating the newest Courthouse Gallery exhibit: ‘Writing from Mars’ by Rick Parsons opens today with a reception at 5 p.m. Le Cirque Vagabond brings their rock sideshow revue, Asylum, to the Brewery Arts Center’s Performance Hall for a special performance; no one under 18 will be admitted. Choose from a number of venues hosting bands, karaoke, or DJs for a fun night out. If you’d like to be a performer yourself, consider auditioning for PPI’s newest venture, The Producers.

My column is late this week. And, you know what? It’s OK. It’s OK because done is better than not at all. It’s OK because I can get out of my head long enough to forgive myself for how busy I have been. And, guess what else? It’s OK for you to just get things done too.

Many a romantic tune has been written about the moon: Blue Moon, Dancin’ in the Moonlight, Fly Me to the Moon. Channel the rare blood blue moon eclipse into something creative and enter the ‘Tell Me You Love Me’ Short Film Competition that begins today. Get a beautiful view of the full moon in picturesque Washoe Valley during a guided hike at the state park, just make sure to reserve your spot first. Something sweet is in store today at Baskin Robbins; they are celebrating ‘31’ with $1.50 scoops all day, and with the spring-like weather, ice cream might not be a bad idea.

Don't miss the chance to see the "Giants of Zen" Saturday night, 7 pm. in Carson City. This acoustic duo will be playing their unique versions of classic, contemporary and original songs at the A to Zen at 1803 N. Carson Street.

Sunday offers some great options for a variety of interests. Learn about the Nevada State Children’s Home during the 1940s and 50s at a presentation hosted by the Carson City Historical Society. A free concert offered by the Capital City Community Band is perfect for all ages, and your donations will help the all-volunteer troupe cover the costs of their many free events throughout the year.

Sunny days in the fifties are okay for spring, but we still need some winter to come our way. Take advantage of the warmer weather during a Winter Hike along Carson Valley’s Pinion Trail with Muscle Powered. Song and dance kids will want to audition for the upcoming performance of ‘Willy Wonka, Jr.’ If you’re a fan of song, but possibly too old to join the Youth Theater Carson City cast, check out the monthly jam in Silver City at their historic School House. All instruments are welcome, in addition to vocalists and those who just want to listen.

It is finally Friday, so let’s kick off the weekend. Start the day at Dunkin Donuts on Highway 50 and you’ll be treated to some free coffee, samples, and giveaways. Kids will have a great time during Books and Brags Storytime Adventures at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada. The 19th annual Senior Fair at the Douglas County Community Center offers up a plethora of information, and is open to the public, no matter your age. You’ll always find a new headlining comic inside the Nugget at Carson Comedy: tonight Alex Elkin takes the stage.

Here we are, toward the end of January, with practically no snow to speak of; but, if all indications are correct, we will have some winter weather blowing in by day’s end. Warm up with some hot jazz at Living the Good Life. It’s always a party when the boys of J and M Productions host karaoke night at Caterpillar’s Hookah Lounge.

It’s play-off Sunday and we are all picking the teams that we want to cheer for in the big game. You can watch the Jaguars battle the Patriots, then the Eagles attack the Vikings. You have one last chance to commune with the monks of India. There is a workshop at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Coincidentally the classic sci-fi movie, Alien, is playing at Galaxy Theater the same times. Get a glimpse inside the historic Wungnema house at the east end of Mills Park during the afternoon’s Open House.

Ready, set, crawl. The Brew Crew’s monthly pub crawl kicks off from the Laxalt Plaza next to the Nugget and includes up several downtown area taverns and restaurants. If your new year’s resolution includes volunteering, the Muscle Powered Trash Mob is a quick, but mighty, helping hand. Learn about the future of the Stewart Indian School Historic Site during an encore lecture at the Nevada State Museum. Flashback to Beatle-mania at the Brewery Arts Center or karaoke at Battleborn Social are just some of your nightlife options.

SATURDAY:

You’ll be ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ all weekend; Youth Theater Carson City’s final weekend of performances is sure to bring down the house. The Monks of the Gaden Shartse Monastery will teach a Tibetan Calligraphy and Butter Sculpture Workshop and hold a Vajravidarin Healing Ritual in the Brewery Arts Center today. Carson’s nightlife features live music, karaoke, Carson Comedy, and west coast swing. Read on for all the details.

FRIDAY, Jan. 19: Things to do in Carson City

The middle of the week can move slowly. Break the routine with something different. e Sacred Arts of Tibet Tour has returned to Carson City and brings a tea offering to the Brewery Arts Center. The CCAI exhibit in the Courthouse Gallery, ‘Wish You Were Here,’ by artist Susanne Forestieri, closes tomorrow. You won’t want to miss your chance to see her stunning work. Galaxy Theater brings a different flashback film to the big screen each week. Enjoy the exploits of Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they uncover the Chamber of Secrets.

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 17: Things to do in Carson City

Playing in the snow probably isn’t an option for this weekend, but Singing in the Rain sure is. The kids of Youth Theater Carson City present a junior adaptation of the musical favorite this weekend and next. The Experimental Aircraft Association hosts ‘Young Eagle’ flights every few months at the Carson Airport to give kids 8 – 17 a plane ride to remember. Help out the Dayton Food Bank during their ‘Stuff-a-Cop-Car’ food drive at the Smith’s in Dayton; unexpired non-perishables of all kinds are appreciated. Read on and see what else the weekend brings.

SATURDAY:

Earlier this week, we were all 'Singing in the Rain,' but tonight the talented kids of Youth Theater Carson City open up the entertaining musical on the Carson City Community Center's stage. New eatery, Bella Vita Bistro in the Carson Mall, brings local singer, Dougie L in to entertain the dinner crowd. Funnyman, Joshua Fonokalafi, headlines at Carson Comedy inside the Nugget; get there early for dinner and drinks and make it a date night. Read on for even more Friday happenings.

FRIDAY, Jan. 12: Things to do in Carson City

Welcome to Wednesday, Carson City. The hills have been dusted with a little bit of snow, and we are keeping our fingers crossed for more. Judith Ames has the hosting duties at this week’s Living the Good Life Jazz Jam. Dance it up at the Eleventh Frame Lounge inside Carson Lanes - Jeremy McGuigan serves as guest DJ. The Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus brings their winter concert, “BRRRoque Masters” to the Shepherd of the Sierra Church at the south end of town; those under 18 are invited to listen without an admission fee.

After back to back three-day weekends, this one may feel a little short. Grab onto the hours allotted and have a good time. The monthly downtown wine walk is a great way to catch up with friends after the bustle of the holiday season. The annual Be Bold, Run in the Cold Winter Trail Series offers the Winter Round-up 5 or 10K. If staying active is a resolution, then a brisk run in our hills fits the bill. For something less strenuous, you can join our Parks and Recreation Department for a Winter Wonderland Walk along the Carson River.

We have survived the first week of 2018, and that deserves some celebration. Put a smile on your face at the Brewery Arts Center: their monthly improv night will have you in stitches. Ev Musselman of the Trippin King Snakes takes the stage at Living the Good Life and will have you on the dance floor. Meet artist Carrie White at the Carson City Art Gallery. Her bright abstract-impressionistic work will be showcased throughout the month. Read on for all of Friday’s fun stuff.

Friday, Jan. 5: Things to do in Carson City

I don’t want to jinx anything, but there are rumors of wet stuff on the way. Granted, the valley will probably just see some rain, but I love seeing our mountains snow-capped. The Epic Rides’ Carson City Off-Road race isn’t until June, but locals can sign up tonight at a nice discount. Teens can find a little peace and quiet with the new Meditation Group that meets at A to Zen. Learning to calm your mind can be an invaluable tool during the school year.

Eclectic is a word often overused when describing small businesses. A to Zen in Carson City, however, has earned the moniker.

It’s finally here, the last weekend of 2017. It’s fairly quiet around town, until Sunday night, that is. Today, Muscle Powered is leading a five-mile half-day hike along Prison Hill. Take advantage of the unseasonably warm weather, and join them. The Carson Nugget is hosting three nights of comedy this weekend: catch Myles Weber on the stage tonight. Head’s up. Galaxy Theater usually plays a movie from the past on Sundays and Wednesdays. This week, we get treated to the Christmas Classic, Die Hard. You won’t want to miss that.

SATURDAY:

A long weekend is just beginning. Tonight, funnyman Steven Briggs kicks off three nights of comedians at Carson Comedy inside of the Nugget Casino. Whiskey Tavern on Highway 50 East hosts a Friday night karaoke party. Enjoy the music stylings of Tom Miller during dinner at Living the Good Life, then stick around for some dancing.

I hope everyone is enjoying these last few days of 2017. While the Carson City Library is getting a much-needed refresh, you'll find limited services at the Adams Hub on Proctor. Get your fill of twinkling holiday lights while you can, the displays at Carson Valley Inn and at Nevada Christmas only run through Friday night.

WEDNESDAY: Dec. 27

Before you break into the cookies, you might want to consider a morning bike ride with Muscle Powered; it won’t do anything for the calories, but it may assuage some guilt. If you’re over 21, then test your luck at the Senior Citizen’s Center. BINGO today raises money for the Meals on Wheels program that feeds home-bound seniors. You’ve got one last chance to see Santa Claus. Find him at the Carson Mall until 5 p.m. and then he’s off for his midnight ride.

If you’re anything like me, there are still plenty of last-minute preparations for the holiday. Luckily the shops and businesses around Carson City are there with open arms. Find something one of a kind at the Carson Mall Craft Fair, drop it off at the Rainbow Girls Assembly #7 gift wrapping booth, and grab lunch while you wait. Breakfast with Santa at the Fox Brewpub serves as a toy drive for area kids and as no-fuss way to get start the day with a full belly. Read on for a weekend full of holiday happenings.

SATURDAY:

There are some fairly excited kids throughout the valley. This last Friday before Christmas marks the beginning of winter break. The Carson City Library invites everyone in the community to participate in the annual Winter Read-a-thon with a goal of 90,000 minutes read (or listened to) over the next two weeks. Sign up on-line or at their kick-off event this afternoon. Comedian John Mencarelli headlines Carson Comedy inside the Carson Nugget, and you’ll find the Rebekah Chase Band on stage in their Loft. Even more awaits, so read on and have a great day.

Friday, Dec. 22

On a morning like this, I realize that I need to ask Santa for some windshield wipers. Stay safe out there, Carson City, the roads are wet. The Carson Library is usually a great place to retreat on days like this, but you’ll find their doors closed for the next few weeks: time for a makeover. If you’d like to check out a book or use the wireless internet, you’ll find a ‘pop-up’ library in the Community Center this week, and in the Adams Hub on Proctor Street next week.

It’s beginning to look, and sound, a lot like Christmas. Let the Tintabulations Handbell Ensemble entertain you with the in the warmth and magic of the holiday season during their free Winter Wandering concerts. ‘Elf’ is a modern holiday classic, and you’ll find it on the big screen today and Wednesday at the Galaxy Theater. Track down Santa at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada; a family membership to the museum makes a great gift for anyone with little ones. Keep reading for even more Sunday fun day activities.

Santa comes in all shapes, sizes, and apparently, vehicles. Hop aboard the Santa Train at the Nevada Railroad Museum. It’s an out-of-this-world Alien Santa at the annual Zen Christmas at A to Zen. A cookie-loving Santa can be found at Adele’s during their annual toy drive for the Ron Wood Resource Center. If your ‘kids’ are the four-legged kind, then head over to PetSmart or Paws to Pur-fection Dog Grooming for your holiday photos. In addition to the Santa-mania, you’ll find a downtown Carson Beer Crawl, two plays at the Brewery Arts Center, and plenty of music.