Coffee tasting

I hope you’re in the mood for music, Carson City. The annual Jazz and Beyond Festival begins today with an art show and concert on the lawn of the Bliss Mansion. Over the next two weeks you’ll have a plethora of melody to choose from at venues throughout town. Enjoy an outdoor concert at Third and Carson with Drinking with Clowns. Sassafras is thrilled to grab Groove Session for a show; they’re usually off touring. Mo’z Motley Blues will give you a reason to dance at Living the Good Life. You’ll want to take a look at the whole list: I’ve only barely scratched the surface.

FRIDAY: Jazz and Beyond Begins

• Hot August Nights in Reno and Sparks
• Monthly ‘Breakfast with Supervisor Brad’ Bonokowski at the Cracker Box (7am; open to Carson City residents, the coffee is on Brad)

Over the next few days you will be inundated with options: where to go, what to see. Fourth of July weekend in Northern Nevada is a great time. Kick it off today with the Nevada State Train Museum; a parade of trains and unlimited ride passes. The carnival at Mills Park opens every day at noon and has rides, games, funnel cake and cotton candy; you’ll find a $5 off coupon at the RSVP booth. Head up to Kings Beach tonight and catch an early-bird fireworks display. Go here for a list all of your Independence Day options.

FRIDAY:

• Fourth of July Specials at Empire Ranch Golf Course ($34 includes 18 holes, cart, and lunch)
• Fourth of July Weekend Celebration at the Nevada State Railroad Museum (Parade of trains 9am-10am; Train Rides 10am-4pm; Unlimited Ride wristband $15, $5 kids)

I have a confession to make. I love Carson City. I’m fifth generation Nevadan, and have been in Carson since I was three years old. I created a Facebook page called ‘I Love Carson City’ almost three years ago because I was getting tired of hearing ‘nothing ever happens in Carson’ or worse ‘I would have gone to that if I had known about it.’ That is why I do what I do. I am a long time local. I love my valley: the people, the views, the restaurants, the parks, the bands and artists. Community is what community does. We are as great as we want to be. Support your local venues, artists, non-profits, and they can do wonders. Read my list of things to do: I follow almost every local Facebook page and check out over 30 websites weekly to keep it as up to date as possible.

So much is going on today that I don’t even know how to fit it in this introduction.
FRIDAY:

• Monthly ‘Breakfast with Supervisor Brad’ Bonokowski at the Cracker Box (7am; open to Carson City residents, the coffee is on Brad)
• Street Vibrations Spring Rally: Downtown Reno

The Genoa Cowboy Festival is just starting, and I suspect that’s where Calamity Jane would be spending her birthday. If not there, than maybe up in Virginia City: today marks the first ‘Flashback Friday’ of the year, when all of the museums have free admission. Tonight she could catch some laughs at Carson Comedy in the Nugget or at the Brewery Art Center for First Friday Improv. Saturday she'd likely trade in her six-shooter for a wine glass, because it is Wine Walk Weekend.
FRIDAY:

• ’Drink One for Dane’ Muscular Dystrophy Association Fundraiser at Dutch Bros Coffee
• Genoa Cowboy Festival: A variety of daytime events are FREE at the Cowboy Festival including: Chautauquas, Living History Tours, Musical Performances, Cowboy Poetry, Melodramas, and Historical Reenactments

Busy weekend ahead! It’s a wine walk weekend in addition to the Easter festivities, but don't let Friday pass you by. Head to Sassafras tonight to catch the Trippin King Snakes or Living the Good Life for music by Jamie Rollins. If it’s laughs you're after, First Friday Improv at the Brewery Arts Center will have you in stitches or head to the Carson Nugget for comedy night with this week’s funnyman, Huck Flyn.

Happy Friday, Carson City. Grab a bite at Meek’s Lumber at their first Friday BBQ for lunch, or at the Lions Club Crab Feed at Fuji Park tonight. Cheer on the Western Nevada College Wildcats as they battle Salt Lake City Community College on the softball and baseball fields.

Days like this I wish I could clone myself. There are so many options for a good time tonight: an artist reception at the CCAI Courthouse gallery, ‘Himalaya’ playing at the Community Center as part of the International Film Weekend, Improv at the Brewery Arts Center, wine tasting at Genoa Coffee and Candy, and loads of music!

If you think today holds a plethora of good times, wait until you see what the weekend has lined up!

FRIDAY:

I don't know about you, but I am ecstatic to hear that this cold snap is on it's way out. It has been a chilly few days and I'm ready for my teeth to stop chattering. This first Friday of the year has plenty of options for fun. Join Mikey and Heidi at the Brewery Arts Center for Improv Night, enjoy some red-dirt country music at Caterpillar's Hookah Lounge (and make sure to wish proprietress, Dana, a happy birthday), or travel just outside our boundaries to see local favorites Notch 8 at the Genoa Bar.

FRIDAY: