blues

Our library didn’t just get a new coat of paint during the several weeks it was undergoing its ‘refresh.’ It was also creating space for makers. Several programs are in the works that will require the use of the new sewing machines, and you’ll need to get certified before you can participate. Drop in today or on Saturday and you’ll be ready for anything. Carolyn Dolan brings the blues to Living the Good Life, but if you want to take to the stage yourself, look for karaoke at Jimmy G’s Hookah Lounge or the new Bella Vita Bistro in the Carson Mall.

The Brewery Arts Center Celtic Series goes Scottish this Saturday as folk music by the acclaimed duo Alan Reid and Rob van Sante take center stage at Maizie Harris Black Box Theater in Carson City.

I’m going to apologize right now. I can’t anticipate what this storm system will throw at us, so some of these planned events could get cancelled. One event that is never afraid of Mother Nature is the Downtown Carson City Wine Walk. Come rain, shine, or blizzard, you’ll find can sip, stroll, and discover starting at 1 p.m. Saturday. The Carson Hot Springs aren’t afraid of a little snow, and a special visit from Megan the Mermaid will make the icy hot experience more memorable. Keep reading to see what this slushy weekend has to offer.

SATURDAY:

The snow finally fell, and continues to fall. The Carson City and Douglas County School Districts have closed all schools due to the weather; Lyon County Schools are on a two hour delay. If you do have to head out, give yourself extra time to travel. Take a look in today’s happenings for family friendly options at the Carson Library or the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada. A celebration of new art exhibits and local artists can be found at the Carson City Art Gallery, in the Sierra Room of the Community Center, and in the Brewery Arts Center.

As I write this, the snow has not yet begun to fall. I cannot predict whether we’ll see one inch or seven inches on the valley floor over the next few days, but wet roads make for a more dangerous journey. Please stay safe out there. Muscle Powered has already cancelled today's planned hike in Washoe Valley. If you do venture out this evening, head downtown. You’ll find karaoke at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar, the Roska Collective in the Sage Lounge at Battle Born Social, and all you can eat wings at the Fox Brewpub.

It’s no secret that I’m ready for spring, but I’d like to see a little winter show up first. Seems that I got my wish this week. We’ll get a nice dusting here in the valley, with a few inches in the mountains. Roads will be slippery, especially that bridge to Reno, so keep the driving to a minimum.

February is coming to a close, and we’ve got the chance at a nice weekend. Explore a new trail with Muscle Powered as they take on the Fay-Luther Trail south of Genoa. If you’re in a theater kind of mood, catch the Proscenium Players’ production of ‘Love Letters.’ See what the Nevada Artists Association has been up to during their Grand Re-opening and Winter Art Show Reception this afternoon. Read on and see what options the weekend brings.

SATURDAY:    

• — Flying Pig Flea Market at Fuji Park (8am-3pm; $1 admission, kids free) 

It’s been a cold week, and today is no exception, but you can have a hot time tonight. Live music, comedy, and karaoke are just some of your nightlife options. It’s family BINGO and Chili night at Carson Middle School: get some grub, maybe win one of the great prizes, and help the CMS Band Program raise funds. Dayton has a BINGO night of its own. Head to Dayton High School to get in on the action. It’s opening night for the Proscenium Players. Their production of ‘Love Letters’ runs for one weekend only, so get your tickets early. Stay safe out there, and have a great weekend.

I really can’t keep up with the changing weather reports around here. I think we are expecting snow, so you’ll want to be ready for anything. Our County Clerk’s office is holding an open house to show off the new voting machines we’ll be using for this year’s elections.

There is absolutely a little bit of everything this weekend. There’s somewhere to volunteer, somewhere to eat some fundraising pancakes, join in an Asian New Year Lion Dance Parade, Beer Crawl in downtown Carson City, and get your Zumba on. I think the eclectic mix of happenings is one of my favorite things about our corner of the world. Whether it’s the International Film Festival, the Vagina Monologues, or telescope viewing at the WNC Observatory: you can’t tell me there is nothing to do.

SATURDAY:

Gong hei fat choy, Carson City. Today kicks off the Asian New Year, the Year of the Dog. Explore a new culture at the International Film Festival at the Community Center. The afternoon offers independent documentaries, and this evening brings a renown Mexican Film about the life and times of iconic actor and comedian, Mario Moreno. Take a gander at the newly refreshed Carson City Library during their Grand Re-opening celebration. Start your weekend with some comedy, live music, swing dancing, or karaoke.

Valentine’s was yesterday, but you can fall in puppy love any day of the year. CASI, the Carson Animal Shelter Initiative, does some great things for the shelter animals in our valley. Learn how you can get involved during their monthly meeting at the Nevada Humane Society. The International Film Weekend brings a slice of life from around the world to our own Bob Boldrick Theater. You’ll get the chance to see some great independent documentaries, in addition to award-winning films from other cultures.

You can probably scratch ‘hitting the slopes’ off this weekend’s list of options, but you can hit the ‘hill’ instead: Prison Hill, to be exact. You’ll find the start and finish line for Ascent Runs’ ‘Love Can Be Cold’ 5 or 10K at the Prison Hill Southern Trailhead. If you’d rather crawl than run, Virginia City’s ‘Devil Made Me Do It’ Saloon Crawl might be for you. Find something special for your special someone at Artsy Fartsy’s annual Champagne and Jewelry Show or at the Valentine’s Craft Fair inside the Carson Mall.

Carson City Parks and Recreation is stepping up to the plate with pizza and a movie if you are looking for a way to get out without the kids in tow. You’ll want to register for Parent’s Night Out before all the spaces are filled. Hit the town and discover what new restaurants have popped up this last year. Enjoy live music at Living the Good Life, Bela Vita Bistro, or at the historic Genoa Bar. Teens are welcome at the Boys and Girls Club for a night of dancing, music, and a chance at raffle prizes.

FRIDAY, Feb. 9: Things to do in Carson City

With Valentine’s Day next week, some people may be in a scramble to find just the right gift for their someone special. Carson City has got you covered. Check out the work of R. Fox tonight during an artist reception this evening at the Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery. The new Espresso Yourself Café inside Brewery Arts Center is filled with local art, and locally made chocolates. Their grand opening is on Saturday, but you’ll find them open now.

January just kind of flew by, it seems every weekend had an extra day attached. Well, now that it’s February that means we’ve got a wine walk coming up this weekend. The big Patriots versus Eagles battle is just days away, as well, so you’ll want to visit a sports book if you plan on placing a few bets. Get some amazing views of our valley during the Muscle Powered Hike along the Ormsby Fire Road, behind the Nevada State Railroad Museum. Ev Musselman makes an appearance at the Feisty Goat Pub, bringing some music into the little hide-away tavern.

The weekend is over and we are just a few days from February. Let me be the first to remind you that Valentine's Day is just around the corner. If you have a romantic dinner in mind, make those reservations now. Start the week with some swing in your step; the High Sierra Swing Dance club will even get you started with some new moves. Sing the workweek blues away during karaoke night at the Fox Brewpub.

MONDAY:

The mountains are finally wearing a beautiful winter coat, with even a little more to fall before tomorrow, but Carson City just got a dusting. That means the roads are slick, so give yourself some extra travel time until the sun gets a chance to melt it off. The Roska Collective wants to help you kick off your weekend early with Techno and Tequila at Battle Born Social downtown. The Bella Vita Bistro in the Carson Mall adds Thirsty Thursday Karaoke to the mix.

Something wintery is on its way: prepare for a blustery afternoon and a rainy evening. But don’t let a little precipitation ruin your plans. The monks of the Gaden Shartse Monastery in South India will be visiting until Sunday and have several workshops and rituals in store. The Roska Collective is kicking up our downtown nightlife up a notch with a Tequila and Techno night at Battle Born Social. Sunni Frost and Cedric Williams are back on the Living the Good Life stage. Their vocals will turn an ordinary evening extraordinary.

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

The first weekend of the year approaches, and that means our monthly Downtown Carson City Wine Walk. It’s never deterred, come rain, shine, or tornado, so make plans with your friends now. Get a jump on any healthy resolutions by joining Muscle Powered on today’s hike along Prison Hill; just be prepared for the trek and great photo opportunities. Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint has snared touring band, The River Arkansas, to play some Americana roots on their stage; a perfect dinner and show.

Are you ready to ring in the new year? 2018 is just around the corner, and there will be plenty of celebrations to choose from. Whether you’re looking to stay close to home or head out into a neighboring valley, you’ll find it right here. Please stay safe: designate a sober drive, call a cab, or get a ride from UBER or LYFT.

AAA TIPSY TOW: 1-800-222-4357 (Free Tow up to 10 miles from 6pm Dec. 31 until 6am Jan. 1 – you do NOT need to be a AAA member. Stay safe tonight!) 

CAPITAL CAB: 775-885-0300 

CARSON CITY NYE CELEBRATIONS:

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:

The temperature today will seem more spring-like than we expect for December, but you may as well take advantage. Muscle Powered is headed up Prison Hill this afternoon; grab a friend, a friendly dog, and your camera for a fun time. You’ll always find Thursday karaoke at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar hosted by the boys of J and M Productions. Jimmy Rollins takes the stage at Living the Good Life, and Dave Leather sings the blues at Sassafras. Where ever the day takes you, have a good one.

THURSDAY: Dec. 28

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

Thursday, December 21 is the winter solstice, making it the longest night and the shortest day of the year. With Christmas just a few days away, the holiday activities are still going strong. Share your wish list with Santa at Red’s Old 395 tonight and you’ll walk away with a free photograph. Your ugliest sweater is invited to make an appearance at the Carson Cigar Company; bring a white elephant gift if you’d like to participate in the gift exchange.

Time to make some joyful noise in the capital city. The annual community holiday show at the Brewery Arts Center features John and Cherie Shipley, with the special addition of the Joyful Noise Children’s Chorus. These chilly December evenings are perfect for checking out the lights and decorations around the area. Candy Cane Lane, the drive-thru display at Carson Valley Inn in Minden, runs every night. Nevada Christmas, a private home in the Stephanie Way neighborhood, goes all out with a light show that’s choreographed to music.

The Carson City area is awash in entertainment, shopping, and family-friendly options this weekend. Santa Claus is popping up all over, including at Benson Feed for the annual CASI Pet Photos with St. Nick and aboard the train at our Railroad Museum’s Santa Train. The musical ‘Honk, Jr’ for the young ones and Love/Sick for the older crowd are on the stage at the Brewery Arts Center. Spend the day at the Silver Saddle Ranch: their annual Holiday Open House is the perfect time to explore their trails and learn more about the working ranch’s preservation.

We’ve got one heck of a weekend on its way, and it’s starting right now. Start off with a trip to the Governor’s Mansion with something non-perishable for the annual Share Your Christmas Food Drive: you won’t even have to leave the warmth of your vehicle. Break a leg to Wild Horse Children’s Theater and to the Proscenium Players. Both troupes begin the run of their winter plays tonight at the Brewery Arts Center. It’s a Christmas Shopping Extravaganza at Fuji Park. You’ll find a plethora of vendors, crafters, and artisans waiting to help make your holiday shopping hassle-free.