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Lake Tahoe 2015 Valhalla Art, Music and Theatre Festival features Me and Bobby McGee's June Joplin

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.

Now in its 36th year, the festival sounds off once again at the South Shore’s lakefront Heller Estate (Valhalla) with highly anticipated performances, improv comedy, theatre productions and iconic arts and culture experiences, now through August 26, 2015. Tickets are on sale at ValhallaTahoe.com.

Just as the families that frequented Valhalla from the late 1800’s through the roaring 1920’s, visitors and locals alike can revel in the venue’s serene locale, framed by historic buildings and pristine Lake Tahoe beachfront. The sounds of waves lapping the shore and mountain air wafting through the towering pines harmonize with a dynamic festival lineup this month:

Me and Bobby McGee – Wednesday, July 15 at 7:30 pm: Polished, sophisticated renditions of masterpieces of American song for piano and voice. June Joplin has the voice and the heart for the Great American jazz songbook, a smooth, smoky, passionate style that’s part diva, part rapture, part pure sizzle.

Bob Reid backs her masterfully with tasteful, soulful accompaniments on piano. June is well known in the region as the owner and creative vision behind the beloved Comma Coffee in Carson City, Nev.

Live theatre continues with "On Golden Pond" July 9-12 and 16-18: "On Golden Pond", a classic American comedy/drama that's every bit as touching, warm, and witty today as when it debuted on Broadway in 1979.

"On Golden Pond", written by Ernest Thompson, is a work of rare simplicity and is the genesis of the much heralded film starring Henry Fonda and Kathryn Hepburn. This intimate family drama, lace with humor, is produced by The Dakota Organization and directed by Ethan Niven. This heartwarming play explores growing up, growing old and growing closer.

Free Music on the Lawn: The sprawling lawn outside Valhalla’s Grand Hall will transform into a free concert haven for all. Bring a picnic, lawn chairs and the whole family to enjoy live music from 12 – 2pm. July 12, CW and Mr Spoons, also of Carson City, with ragtime, old time and jug band music.

Artists in Residence: At the Viking Gallery in the Grand Hall 11am – 4pm. July 13-19: Natural subjects in acrylic

Comedy Improv, July 13: Comedy seekers catch all four the Tahoe Improv Players. Audience suggestions are turned into hilarious scenes made up on the spot.

No matter the performance, arrive at the festival in style. Preferred seating tickets offer early entry to the Boathouse Theater and a complimentary drink to enjoy before the show. Leave the car and cruise the paved bike trails to Valhalla, or paddle in via kayak or paddleboard. Foodie festival goers can bring a picnic or dine nearby at the Beacon Bar & Grill or Evan’s Gourmet Café.

About the Valhalla Arts, Music & Theatre Festival:
The Valhalla Art, Music & Theatre Festival is a unique celebration of music,theatre and the visual arts. Since 1979, the festival is set against the magnificent backdrop of Lake Tahoe and the Tallac Historic Site. Valhalla Tahoe is a non-profit organization based in South Lake Tahoe. Visit www.ValhallaTahoe.com for more.

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With Nevada’s primary elections approaching, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) reminds community members that political signage is not allowed on state highway property.

Federal regulations and Nevada state law prohibit political and advertising signage on public highway property, including but not limited to political signs, yard sale/event signs, and realtor or business signage.

It is important to know that state road property often extends beyond the roadside, fence line, or sidewalk of interstates, freeways, highways, and urban state roads/streets.

The application deadline for Mile High Band Association’s 2024 Jazz & Beyond Festival art contest is Friday, May 31. Northern Nevada artists, including teachers and students are invited to apply, and participation is free.

Selected entries in the competition will be used to promote the festival, and the winning entry will be featured on the festival’s advertising poster and program cover. Festival T-shirts may also feature the winning design.

The Sierra Nevada section of the Society of Women Engineers recognized several Carson City students and one teacher at the 2024 Night of STEM Star Awards in Reno, Friday, April 26.

The honorees were recognized for displaying remarkable talent and commitment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). These young scholars not only excelled academically but also engaged in innovative projects and extracurricular activities that have enhanced their learning and impacted their community.

I usually whistle past the obituaries, but Larry Young caught my eye. He was a scientist who discovered Love Potion Number Nine. Yes, Larry unearthed a chemical that heightens desire, not that the world needs it. A drug that would diminish desire might do the world more good in the long run.

Today was a very productive day working in the yard. The cold weather kept me in far too long recently. I wanted to be outside. The temperature was perfect with a bright blue sky and little wind.

A local couple's efforts to get the flag on C-Hill in Carson City repaired is well underway, with the president of the C-Hill Foundation working on getting the needed material.

As the summer sun begins to heat up, so does the excitement at Dayton Pop Warner as local athletes gear up for a two-day strength and conditioning camp.

Sunday in Carson City brought out a black bear with a shiny brown coat that lumbered through a yard in early morning light, probably looking for breakfast.

Here is the Carson City area road report for the week of May 13-19, 2024. Closures are expected at the following locations due to road and utility work:

“Kids to Parks Day is a national day of outdoor play celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May. The day connects kids and families with their local, state, and national parks and public lands through thousands of park events that promote discovery and exploration in the great outdoors.” – National Park Trust

The wait is finally over. The second annual Mark Twain Days Festival returns to Carson City and Virginia City this weekend! Enjoy themed train rides, concerts, literature, book sales, kid's stories, and so much more all throughout the capital city and Virginia City.

Let's take a look at the full list of events for the weekend.

The Misfits Theater Group presents its 2024 Spring Production: Gold Casino or Bar Be Tender on the weekends of May 18-19 and May 24, 25 and 26, 2024.

UNR Extension Native Plant Sale

UNR Extension Master Gardeners of Douglas County are hosting a Native plant sale on Saturday, May 18 at the River Fork Ranch (The Nature Conservancy) located at 381 Genoa Ln. Minden, NV.

The event is from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Carson High Youth Tennis Clinic

CHS Youth Tennis is hosting a clinic June 17, 18, 19, 20 from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM. It's being hosted at the high school at 1111 Saliman Rd. Carson City NV

Please click to expand the flyer for sign up options.

Free History Slide Show: Reflections of Lake Tahoe Tuesday May 14, 1:30pm, at the Carson City Senior Center.

Using extensive research and seldom seen photographs, local authors and historians David and Gayle Woodruff take a look back at the many people and events that have affected this magnificent Sierra Nevada gem over the years.

From industrial powerhouse of the Comstock Lode to the many efforts to create a Lake Tahoe National Park, the varied tales of “Big Blue’s” history are unique, interesting, and often amusing.

In an extremely rare display of colors, the aurora borealis was spotted throughout Northern Nevada Friday night as captured by multiple Carson Now readers. Click on each photo to expand.

This spectacular display is caused by a severe solar storm that is expected to continue through the weekend.

After review of the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s recommendations and consideration by County Advisory Board’s to Manage Wildlife, the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners has approved big game tag quotas for the upcoming 2024-2025 hunting season.

Once again our cat of the week is the winner of our Whisker Wednesday contest at Catmandu. Meet Cutie Pie. While she loves to be called Cutie, you can also call her Pie for short.

On Tuesday, May 14, the Carson City School District’s Board of Trustees will host a meeting at Carson High School at 1111 N. Saliman Street. At the meeting the district will discuss their plan to merge Carson High School and Pioneer Academy.

Join us for our 60th Anniversary + Spring Art Reception on May 18, 2024, from 1-4 p.m. Admission is free for all, as well as on-site and nearby parking.

Originally opened during the height of the mining boom of Virginia City, Nevada, the Delta Saloon started serving in 1880. Having seen its share of history, and creating its own, the property is under new ownership with Jim Grimes, VC Delta Saloon, LLC., a fourth-generation Nevadan born and raised in Reno and Sparks, Nevada.

Celebrate Carson High School Class of 2024! And, keep them safe.

Since 1988, Safe Grad has helped prevent fatalities related to graduation night intoxication by offering a FREE, safe, and sober all-night party for graduating high school seniors.

Southern Utah is lucky to be gaining one of Carson High’s most extraordinary students, Arene LeBlanc. She is an outstanding student who has overcome so much from her freshman year and now consistently demonstrates exceptional academics, leadership skills and a commitment to community service.

UPDATE 1:16 p.m.: Service restored.

Douglas County is experiencing a temporary disruption in the non-emergency dispatch phone line. This disruption solely affects the non-emergency dispatch line and does not impact access to emergency services via 911. In the event of an emergency, residents are urged to continue dialing 911 for immediate assistance.

Looking for something for you kiddos to do this summer that includes exercise, fun, and team building? Look no further than the Carson Baseball Summer Camp!

In a systematic approach to improve water quality, Lyon County Utilities will be conducting water main flushing Tuesday and Wednesday, May 14-15 in the Rose Peak area (roughly between Flowery Avenue and Sheep Camp Road) in Dayton, Nev.

The 2nd annual Hot Air for Hope Balloon Festival is returning May 17-19 at Lampe Park in Gardnerville. This is a free community event that benefits the Center for Hope and Healing.

Each year, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office hosts an open house event as a way to connect families, deputies, non-profits and more. This year the event takes place Saturday, May 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Nevada State Police has identified a Northern California man who died in a fatal crash last month on I-80 in Fernley.

Carson High School will host its First Annual Art Expo, showcasing the talents of its student artists in photography, graphic design, drawing, painting and ceramics Thursday, May 16, from 5-7 p.m.