Improv

Deck the halls with broken tree branches; the wind, she is a-blowin’. Hopefully we get some snow out of all of this bluster. Tonight is a good time for some ‘Joyful Noise,’ the 14th Annual Community Holiday Show at the Brewery Arts Center. If you’d rather make some noise yourself, check out karaoke at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar or at Living the Good Life. Turn the heat up with Salsa Dance at El Charro Avita. Santa’s waiting for you at the Carson Mall or at Red’s Old 395.

THURSDAY:

I love Carson City. Our downtown makes every season special: flower baskets in the summer, daffodils in springtime, the changing leaves of autumn, and winter means the Nevada Christmas tree at the Capitol. Tonight is the night when the light switch gets flipped. Join Santa and our community tonight at the annual Silver and Snowflakes tree lighting. Enjoy carolers, hot cocoa, and more in Telegraph Square during the Christmas Faire. Don’t miss the talented members of Wild Horse Children’s Theater: they’ll be singing at 4 p.m.

The Polar Express takes its first trip of the season today, and I hope you got your tickets. The annual event always sells out. Check here for ticket information; you may get lucky. Take the kids to the Carson City Library for weekly story time and check out CCAI’s Industrial Art Exhibit while you’re there. Today is the last day it will be on display. Hear stories of Old Virginia City at the Gold Hill Hotel. Or take a trip to the Nevada State Museum: the bombing of a Basque village during the Spanish Civil War and the affect it had on the United States is the topic of this month’s Francis Humphry lecture.
THURSDAY:

• American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout: Take a One Day Stand Against Tobacco at Western Nevada College (college campus is smoke-free for the day)
• ’Lines and Fields: Abstract Narrative Paintings’ by Liz Penniman at the Western Nevada College Main Gallery in the Bristlecone Building

No need to wait for black Friday or Small Business Saturday to get a jump on your holiday shopping. Western Nevada College’s annual Craft Fair is today, as is Santa’s Village at the Carson City Senior Center. Support local artists and crafters while finding a one of a kind gift for your loved ones. If you have a book-lover on your list, a book signed by local author Ken Beaton is easy to acquire. Browser’s Corner is holding a meet and greet with him this evening.

THURSDAY:

Break a leg, Western Nevada Musical Theater Company! The Broadway musical, Mary Poppins, opens today and is sure to be one of their best productions yet. For those who don’t know their lines, head to Improv at the Brewery Art Center and see what you can come up with on the fly. Live music hits the stage at Westside Pour House, Glen Eagles, Living the Good Life, and Comma Coffee.

FRIDAY:

• Monthly ‘Breakfast with Supervisor Brad’ Bonokowski at the Cracker Box (7am-8am; open to Carson City residents, the coffee is on Brad)

As the Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company celebrates its 25th anniversary with a long-awaited production of “Mary Poppins,” weekends, Nov. 6 through 21, the company is also reflecting on the impact it has made in Northern Nevada.

In addition to the high quality theatre that it has offered the region, many former student/performers have gone on to careers in Hollywood, on Broadway, in academia and more.

Welcome to Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015 Carson City. Here are today's happenings in and around our wonderful capital city:
•*NV Day Treasure Hunt (www.NVDayTreasureHunt.com)
•*Last day to RSVP for the Oct. 21 Leisure Hour Club Meeting with speaker Jan Loverin, curator of the Nevada State Museum’s Marjorie Russel Clothing and Textile Center (please call Dorothy Link at (775) 885-2542)
•*’Lines and Fields: Abstract Narrative Paintings’ by Liz Penniman at the Western Nevada College Main Gallery in the Bristlecone Building

The weekend is still two days away, but there is plenty of fun to distract you from the wait. Learn the finer points of Improv tonight at the Brewery Arts Center. Chat with ‘The Ghost Lady,’ author Arlene Jenkins at Browsers Corner Book Store. Indulge in some live music at Living the Good Life or Glen Eagles. Singers should check out Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar or the Feisty Goat Pub for karaoke. Dance your blues away with spicy salsa at El Charro Avita or country line dancing at Beercade.

It’s finally Friday with plenty of happenings to choose from. Start out with some coffee on Supervisor Bonokowski at the Cracker Box. Enjoy a free bbq lunch at Meek’s Lumber. Tea and cookies await at Browser’s Corner Book Shop to celebrate the Friends of the Carson Library’s Anniversary. Tickle your funny bone at first Fridays Improv at the Brewery Arts Center. Satisfy your craving for live music at Sassafras, Bella Fiore, or Living the Good Life. Let the theater feed your soul: Carson High School presents the Importance of Being Earnest at the Community Center.

FRIDAY:

• Nevada’s Manufacturing Month breakfast at the Governor’s Annex: 606 Mountain St. (6:30am; $35)
• Monthly ‘Breakfast with Supervisor Brad’ Bonokowski at the Cracker Box (7am; open to Carson City residents, the coffee is on Brad)

Happy Thursday, Carson City. I hope you’re ready for some fun. If you find yourself in Gardnerville, don’t miss out on their Thirsty Third Thursday Wine Walk, and wear your hula skirt – it’s Hawaiian themed. Here in town, you’ll find karaoke at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar and Caterpillar’s Hookah Lounge. Practice your improv skills at the Brewery Arts Center. You’ll enjoy country DJ Lisa at Living the Good Life. Erin go bragh at the Firkin and Fox with their ‘Halfway to St. Patrick’s’ Party. If you enjoy a nice cigar, you won’t want to miss out on the ‘Best in Show’ party at the Carson Cigar Company.

THURSDAY:

• National Championship Air Races at the Reno Stead Airport (8am-4:30pm; $17 general admission)
• Last day of Industrial Art exhibit at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)

Today, being hungry can be helpful. A benefit for fallen Deputy Carl Howell takes place today at Betsy’s Café inside Slot World with all café proceeds going to his family. This afternoon you can beat the heat and support the Western Nevada College Foundation at Yogurt Beach. If you're hungry for something a little different, try the Improv Workshop at the Brewery Arts Center. You'll be thinking outside the box in no time.

THURSDAY:

Labor Day weekend always seems bittersweet. Sure, it’s a three day weekend and a great time to bar-be-que, camp, or enjoy friends and family. It also marks the end of the summer. Everyone has gone back to school, and the autumn crisp is beginning to sneak in. No matter where you roam this weekend: north, south, east, or west there is fun to be had. Or stick around town and enjoy the many things that make Carson City unique.

FRIDAY:

• Monthly ‘Breakfast with Supervisor Brad’ Bonokowski at the Cracker Box (7am; open to Carson City residents, the coffee is on Brad)
• Revolution Dog Sports Rat-tacular Barn Hunt and BattleBorn Bonanza Jack Russell Trials at Fuji Park

The end of August already: how did that happen? This summer seems to have flown by. I guess that’s what happens when you’re having fun. Those of you gearing up for Burning Man have just a few last days to prepare for the playa. And those headed to Western Nevada College have this one last weekend before it’s time to hit the books. Compared to some of my previous Friday lists, tonight is relatively quiet. Don’t worry, though, there is still fun to be had. Check out your options below.

FRIDAY:

• Dennis at Billow's Custom Embroidery & First Responders Uniforms is doing an improv fundraiser today for the family of Deputy Carl Howell. He has t-shirts and decals available to purchase from 11-4:30 today; The shop is located at 1894 East William Street Suite No. 1.
• Back to School at Carson Hot Springs (Free 17 and younger admission per paid adult; outdoor pools only; 7am-10pm)

The mood has been somber in Carson City this week. The news of Sheriff Deputy Carl Howell’s shooting death has rallied the community, beginning with a large candlelight vigil held last Saturday at the Capitol. Today the officer will be laid to rest after a funeral service at the Reno Convention Center. A procession will leave the Carson City Courthouse at 9 a.m. and travel north along Carson Street. Various fundraisers have begun for the wife and four children that Howell leaves behind. For more information on the procession and how to donate, please go here and here.

THURSDAY: Jazz and Beyond

• Back to School at Carson Hot Springs (Free 17 and younger admission per paid adult; outdoor pools only; 7am-10pm)
• Fundraiser for Officer Carl Howell at the Café at Adele's (all day; 50% of all proceeds will be donated to the Officer's family)

Lake Tahoe radio host, standup comedian and emcee of the Improv at Harveys, Howie Nave is among 62 Nevada radio and television personalities and managers who will be inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame this Saturday in Las Vegas.

Nave, who has been with KRLT FM 93.9 as host of “Howie’s Morning Rush” at Lake Tahoe for nearly 15 years, will be inducted at the Four Seasons Hotel. He joins the ranks of more than 800 broadcasters from around Nevada who make up the Hall of Fame, celebrating its 20th year.

I love August in Carson City and it’s because of Jazz and Beyond. Music everywhere. The Tahoe Ridge Winery is hosting Jazz Van Gogh, a guitar and flute duo. You’ll enjoy some time in the evening sun at the Comma Coffee Courtyard with Brent Johnson and The Call Up listening to some bluesy roots rock. You won’t want to miss Carl Sonny Leland at the Performance Hall of the Brewery Arts Center. The boogie-woogie hall of famer will show you what fun can be had with a piano. That’s not all you’ll find going on in Carson today; check out the list for the whole scoop.

THURSDAY: Jazz and Beyond

• Back to School at Carson Hot Springs (Free 17 and younger admission per paid adult; outdoor pools only; 7am-10pm)
• ‘Wally’s World: The Loneliest Art Collection in Nevada’ in the OXS Gallery at the Nevada Arts Council: 716 N. Carson St. (8am-5pm)
• CCAI Exhibit: BRIC Art 5 at the BRIC: 108 E. Proctor St. (8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm)

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)

Hot August Nights is off and running in Reno, but there’s no need to leave the valley for a good time. Tahoe Ridge Bistro and Winery is hosting its monthly ladies night. You won’t want to miss DJ Bobby G at Living the Good Life. The Brewery Arts Center Improv Workshop welcomes a special guest: instructor and actor, Michael Lewis. Dancers will want to head to El Charro for Salsa lessons or Beercade for their weekly Line Dancing Night.

THURSDAY:

• Hot August Nights in Reno and Sparks
• Back to School at Carson Hot Springs (Free 17 and younger admission per paid adult; outdoor pools only; 7am-10pm)
• ‘Wally’s World: The Loneliest Art Collection in Nevada’ in the OXS Gallery at the Nevada Arts Council: 716 N. Carson St. (8am-5pm)

There will be a special Improv Workshop at 7pm this Thursday, August 6th in the Black Box Theater! Michael Lewis, a professional improv artist and instructor is coming down to lead this workshop. The workshop is open to ALL and is free, but donations are gladly accepted as Mr. Lewis is coming all the way from Truckee for this awesome workshop!

Tonight, Saturday, is the third annual City Wide Short Film Competition. In its third year we have 17 teams creating a short 1 to 10 minute film in the space of one week.

The community is invited to attend the showing and watch how the participants added three ingredients to each of their films. Teams could select from 4 genres but each must use the same three ingredients, a prop, sound effect and line of dialog, ensuring the film was made for this competition and into the last week of production.

Boot stomping to bluegrass in a 1920’s boat house turned theater with Lake Tahoe in the background, kicking back at free concerts on a historic lakeshore estate’s grand lawn, and experiencing the Washoe tribe’s ceremonial dances and drumming are some of the many iconic experiences at Lake Tahoe’s Valhalla Arts, Music & Theatre Festival this July.

Happy Thursday, Carson City! The skies are blue, the sun is shining, and not a thundercloud in sight. It’s hard to believe that it’s already the middle of July, and the Nevada Fair at Fuji will be upon us in no time. Head over to the Carson Visitor Center by the Museum and pick up a discounted pass for the Carnival: just $20 for a day of unlimited rides. Take a look at the list of things to do for some fun options tonight: music, dancing, karaoke. There is a special symposium at the Brewery Arts Center featuring speakers and experts on the transgender community that will be ready for your questions.

THURSDAY:

• One Putt Jr. Academy at Silver Oak Golf Course (sign in 7:45am, 8am-10am; $40 per class or $200 for six classes: includes Green Fees, Pull Cart, Golf Clubs, Gatorade; space limited, ages 7-12)
• Industrial Art at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)

Looking for something different? Check out Foodies Bystro for their Thursday Curry Tasting. Or head to the Nevada Railroad Museum tonight for a photographic tour of the Bay Area by rail. Browsers Corner Book Store is hosting Shirley Oxoby, author of 'Silent Warrior: A Journey of Hope' for a meet and greet. You can always brush up on your dance moves at Living the Good Life’s Salsa Night, or learn how to line dance at Beercade. Exercise your funny bone at the Brewery Arts Center: tonight’s improv workshop will get you ready for the stage.

THURSDAY:

• One Putt Jr. Academy at Silver Oak Golf Course (7:45am sign in, 8am-10am; $40 per class or $200 for six classes: includes Green Fees, Pull Cart, Golf Clubs, Gatorade; space limited, ages 7-12)
• Industrial Art at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)

Boot stomping to bluegrass in a 1920’s boat house turned theater with Lake Tahoe in the background, kicking back at free concerts on a historic lakeshore estate’s grand lawn, and experiencing the Washoe tribe’s ceremonial dances and drumming are some of the many iconic experiences at Lake Tahoe’s Valhalla Arts, Music and Theatre Festival this July.

Are you ready for the weekend, Carson City? I know that the Taste of Downtown is hard to beat, but the new Battleborn Brews, Bikes, and Bubbly has thrown its hat in the ring. Live music, vendors, competitions that test motorcycle driving skill and moustache growing ability. The brewfest and tasting is tomorrow night, but the fun will begin today at noon. Shine up your hot rod, the Karson Kruzers’ Run Whatcha Brung Show hits Fuji Park tomorrow, but you can register and show off your ride tonight in the Carson Nugget Parking Lot.

FRIDAY:

• Last day to purchase tickets for the Chamber of Commerce’s 70th Anniversary celebration concert with Lacey J. Dalton at the decommissioned Nevada State Prison ( $40 per person, paid in advance only. Reservations may be made online or by calling the Chamber at 882-1565)
• Reno Rodeo (Ticket prices range from $12 - $27) and Carnival (4pm-12am) at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center

The weekend is getting an early start. Carson Valley Days in Gardnerville kicks off with their Lampe Park carnival, and Dangberg Historic Ranch Home off Highway 88 hosts the first of their Twilight Concerts with Ciana. You can meet Author Laura Lea White at the Browser’s Corner Book Shop tonight; copies of her book ‘Generational Gifts: The Legacy of Evelyn Marie’ will be available. Silver Dollar Cruise Night is at Dunkin' Donuts; every Thursday through summer you'll find hot rods, street racers, and cool old cars at a different location.

THURSDAY:

• One Putt Jr. Academy at Silver Oak Golf Course (sign in 7:45am, 8am-10am; $40 per class or $200 for six classes classes includes Green Fees, Pull Cart, Golf Clubs, Gatorade; space limited, ages 7-12)
• Industrial Art at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)

Try out your acting skills at 7pm at the new Brewery Arts Centers’ outdoor Minnesota St Stage as Heidi and Mike host IMPROV AT THE BAC. Admission is only $5. Join in the fun and the games! Everyone is invited participate in the skits—setups often featured on "Whose Line is it Anyway" - Newscaster, Hitchhiker, Lines on the Floor, Props, Dating Game, and many more!

The weekend is almost here, and it’s one of those wonderful three day ones. You’ll find festivities all over, but I know better than to try to guess what kind of weather we’ll see. Rain is predicted, but the weather is the one thing we don’t bet on here in Northern Nevada. Keep dry today at the Senior Celebration at the Nugget sponsored by the Senior Service Network. Tap into the steamy south tonight with the Southern Drawl Band. The Brewery Arts Center is the only Nevada venue on their coast to coast tour, and this Country, Southern Rock, Trop Rock, Bluegrass blend of music is sure to be a great show!

THURSDAY:

• CCAI Exhibit: Tuscarora, by artist Ron Arthaud at the Carson City Community Center’s Sierra Room (available during public meetings and most evenings 5pm-8pm)

Do you want to meet an author or play with clay? Luckily, both of those are available to you today. The Friends of the Carson City Library are hosting Rockin’ Rev. Ken Haskins and Carson City Pottery needs help getting ready for an Empty Bowls bowl making event. Dancing shoes are perfect for salsa dance lessons at El Charro’s, but you may want cowboy boots for line dance lessons at Beercade. Practice those newly learned dance moves at Living the Good Life: DJ Bobby G is featuring Latin music. Sing to your heart’s content at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar or at the Feisty Goat Pub: it’s karaoke night.

THURSDAY: Bike to Work Week

• Last Day to RSVP for the May Carson City Leisure Hour Club meeting on Wednesday, May 20 with speaker Sherry Rupert, Executive Director of the State of Nevada Indian Commission (call Dorothy Link at (775) 885-2542 to RSVP)
• ’The Driest State: Nevada Watersheds’ by artist Nolan Preese at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)

Poetry, art, and theater today in Carson City. All day long, the CCAI exhibit, Tuscarora, will be visible in the Sierra Room as the Board of Supervisors conduct their meeting. Head over to the Legislature for ‘RenoScapes,’ the final SENarts ‘Works of Artists’ program this season; check out the LXS Exhibit by artist Dawn Dot Star while you are there, it will be changing next week. Teens are invited to learn some acting and improv skills at the Carson City Library this afternoon. Nevada Arts Council Fellowship winners, Laura Wetherington and Jared Stanley, will be sharing their poetry and honored at a reception today at Western Nevada College.

THURSDAY:

• Turkish Day at the Legislature
• National Day of Prayer (7:30 in Room 3100 of the Legislature AND 11am on the Capitol steps
• CCAI Exhibit: Tuscarora, by artist Ron Arthaud at the Carson City Community Center’s Sierra Room (available during public meetings and most evenings 5pm-8pm)