Open Mic

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)

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

We made it, Carson City! It’s Friday, and the first day of summer is this weekend. The Reno Rodeo has begun, and there are several days to get in on the action. Tonight, Carson City BMX is hosting Race for Life, and anyone with a bmx bike and a helmet can participate in helping them raise funds for a good cause. The annual Powwow kicks off at the Stewart Indian School with Grand Entrance at 7 p.m. Head to Comma Coffee and celebrate eleven years of World Dance Open Floor: just watch or sign up to show your moves.

FRIDAY:

• Reno Rodeo (Ticket prices range from $12 - $27) and Carnival (4pm-12am) at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center
• Industrial Art at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)

I don’t mean to make this hard on you, but you have some decisions to make. All day, all night, all weekend long, there are numerous activities throughout our area. Take a good look at the list, grab your friends, family, and kids, and have a great weekend. The Experimental Aircraft Association is hosting the Ford Tri-Motor this weekend, and has Young Eagles flights for the kids: registration and orientation is at 8 a.m. Head over to Eagle Valley Golf for free family golf day.

The weather app on my phone says that it’s supposed to be a sunny weekend hitting a high around 91 degrees. That sounds like summer to me! Get out and enjoy our valley and the surrounding towns, there will be plenty of good times. Carson Valley Days has begun in our neighbor to the south, complete with carnival at Lampe Park. Tonight, welcome a new exhibit in the CCAI Gallery at the Courthouse: a reception for the artists of ‘Industrial Arts’ begins at 5 p.m. Meet the Journey of Hope bike riders at Western Nevada College; plenty of activities for everyone.

FRIDAY:

• Industrial Art at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)
• Annual Rummage Sale for the Dayton Valley Historical Society at the Carson and Colorado Depot at the corner of Hwy 50 East and Main St., Dayton (8am-6pm)

"Republicans own the education issue in Nevada right now. Let's cash in on that ownership!"
-Pat Hickey on Ralston Live, June 3, 2015

Pat Hickey always begins his blog entries with a quote that resonates with the theme, and I've learned from the master. I've become one of Pat's fans, both because he talks more like a human being than a politician (e.g. calling KOH's Dan Mason's Show "right wing" before pretending to correct himself), and because he has an extremely wry sense of humor.

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 last Friday of May and Carson City is hopping. Catch some comedy at the Carson Nugget, the Sierra Nevada Ballet’s one woman show ‘Fancifool’ at the Brewery Arts Center, or some live music. The Trippin King Snakes are at Sassafras, Mo’z Motley Blues are at Living the Good Life, and Stereo Galaxy is ripping it up at Westside Pour House. I suggest you take a gander at the complete list for all the happenings.

FRIDAY:

• Reno-Tahoe Odyssey (178 mile relay race; begins at Wingfield Park in downtown Reno; legs 25-28 run through Carson City)
• ‘Forevermore’ by artist Su Limbert at the LXS Gallery in the Legislature Building

Welcome to the weekend, Carson City! Get things started with ska/reggae band, Taking Root at Sassafras; some African-infused blues at the Brewery Arts Center with Peter Joseph Burtt; or Atomica at the Casino Fandango. The Spoke Bar and Grill is rocking with the Remains, and the Chaser Band is playing at the Westside Pour House.

FRIDAY:

• Memorial Day Specials at Empire Ranch Golf Course (free 18 holes with Military I.D.; free bucket of balls if wearing red, white, and blue; free draft beer if wearing camouflage)
• CCAI Exhibit: BRIC Art 5 at the BRIC: 108 E Proctor Street (8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm)

There is no place like home, and for most of you reading this, that home is Carson City. One of our greatest prides is the Western Nevada Musical Theater Company: don’t miss the final weekend of ‘Music Man’ at the Community Center. Today caps Bike to Work week; if you brave the rain this morning, you will be rewarded with free coffee at several coffee houses around town. The annual Bike Week party is on Third St., by Firkin and Fox, starting around 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Bike to Work Week

• National Bike to Work Day: Free coffee for bicycle commuters at Comma Coffee, Alatte Coffee and Wine Bar, Carson Coffee, Capital Coffee, LA Bakery, and Starbucks (7am-9am; show your helmet)
• Last Day: White Pine County Artistry by artist Dawn Dot Star at the LXS Gallery in the Legislature Building

Breakfast is such a great way to start out the day, and local favorite, the Cracker Box, has been serving it up for 35 years. Join Supervisor Brad Bonokowski for his monthly meeting with residents, or wait until 9am for a short presentation from the Mayor honoring the restaurant. Their lunch menu is delicious, as well, but you may want to join Supervisor Karen Abowd during her monthly walkabout of Mills Park instead. It’s a good day to connect with our local leaders! If you’ve driven down Williams St., you’ve seen the RSVP Spring Festival and Carnival. It will be there all weekend, so you’ve got a few days to indulge in cotton candy and fried twinkees.

FRIDAY:

• Monthly Breakfast with Supervisor Brad Bonokowski at the Cracker Box (7:30am; open to Carson City residents, the coffee is on Brad)
• CCAI Exhibit: BRIC Art 5 at the BRIC: 108 E Proctor Street (8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm)

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

Friday at last! Are you ready for live music, dancing, and comedy? Check out the list below to get the low down on all that Carson City has to offer today.

FRIDAY:

• Last Day: ‘The Observation and Conclusion’ by artist Joseph Watson at the LXS Gallery in the Legislature Building
• ’The Driest State: Nevada Watersheds’ by artist Nolan Preese at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)
• CCAI Exhibit: BRIC Art 5 at the BRIC: 108 E Proctor Street (8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm)
• Everything Half-off at Browser's Corner Book Store: 711 E. Washington (9:30am-6pm)

Are you looking for a good time tonight? You’ve come to the right place. Whether it’s live music, comedy, karaoke, swing dancing, or the monthly World Dance Open Floor performance, Carson City has something for everyone. The inaugural Cinderella Father-Daughter Dance is at Carson High School tonight, so grab your favorite princess(es) and enjoy a night of magic.

FRIDAY:

• Capital City Farm Days Celebrates All Things Agriculture at Fuji Park (8am-2pm; free, open to the public)
• Final Day of ’Second Skin’ by artist Sarah Lillegard at the Nevada Arts Council: 716 N. Carson St. (8am-5pm)
• Last Day to get $12 Vouchers for the Reno Aces vs. Albuquerque game Sunday at Mark Twain Elementary School, 2111 Carriage Crest Drive

We are now 100 days into the year 2015; where does the time go? Hopefully, with help from my list, you've spent it exploring the food, drink, music, theater, art, museums, and outdoor fun stuff that Carson City has to offer. Let me tell you, there’s plenty of fun to come! Tonight, you can check out Mo’z Motley Blues at the Brewery Arts Center or the Whitehats at Westside Pour House. It’s also opening night for the kids of Youth Theater Carson City: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at the Community Center at 7 p.m.

FRIDAY:

• Carson School District Spring Break
• CCAI Exhibit: BRIC Art 5 at the BRIC: 108 E Proctor Street (8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm)
• ’Second Skin’ by artist Sarah Lillegard at the Nevada Arts Council: 716 N. Carson St. (8am-5pm)

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.

Are you doing the TGIF happy dance? There are plenty of reasons to if you take a look at this list: live music, art exhibits, comedy, tequila tasting, karaoke, baseball, bingo, theater, and more.

Print out the flyer if you head over to Buffalo Wild Wings on Friday or Saturday: 15 percent of your bill will be donated to Western Nevada College Athletics if you do.

It’s the International Day of Happiness and I hope song and dance make you happy. Carson City is awash with live music and theater tonight. Local favorite Stereo Galaxy teams up with Southern California performer, Loc Lion, for a show at Sassafras. You’ll find the Remains at Westside Pour House, and Jaime Rollins keeps it rollin at Living the Good Life. Just Sayin’ is this months featured talent in the Brewery Arts Center’s Eclectic Electric Series.

Are you ready to paint the town green? St. Patrick’s Day quickly approaches and there will be plenty of Irish action throughout town. The festivities start this weekend with the annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fest in Virginia City, complete with a parade and saloon crawl.

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.

“Act out being alive, like a play. And after a while, a long while, it will be true.”
― John Steinbeck, East of Eden

Birthday boy Steinbeck has it right. Carson City is what you make of it; plenty going on, but it won’t come to your home and ask you to get involved. Music, art, theater, dance, hiking, biking, wining, dining, volunteering, sports, and more are available in our area.

Kick up your heels, it’s finally Friday. World Dance Open Floor will be dancing for donations for CASI tonight at Comma Coffee. The Brewery Arts Center is hosting Mixed Company as part of its new Eclectic Electric series. The party is at Remedy’s; the blacklight body paint Mardi Gras Masquerade starts at 9pm, with the talented Lynzie Ruecker doing free body paint and music by DJ Justincredible.

It’s National Love Your Pet Day, so give your pooches and kitties some extra love.

FRIDAY:

If you have a hard time deciding what to do tonight, may I suggest you blame me? After all, the first Friday the 13th of the year is known as National Blame Someone Else Day.

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:

Super Bowl weekend is here, and so is some great music around town. Stereo Galaxy will be jamming downtown at the Westside Pour House. The Brewery Arts Center presents Mig O’Hara as the first installment of their new Nevada Songwriters Series. And local band Iron Age will be filmed at their gig tonight in the 11th Frame Lounge at Carson Lanes for a ‘rock-umentary.’ Where ever you end up tonight, you’re bound to have a good time.

FRIDAY:

• Demonstrations of Coin Press #1 at the Nevada State Museum (10:30am-12pm AND 1pm-3pm)

The long wait is over, Friday has returned. There are some great music options for tonight: the kick-off to the Tahoe Sound Series at the Brewery Arts Center with 4 Piece Puzzle, local favorites, the Whitehats, jammin’ at Westside Pour House, DJ Country Bobby will be at Carson Lanes, and Jimmy Mallett brings the swanky tunes to Bella Fiore.

One last reminder to avoid Saliman if possible. Road work continues today.

January 16th is National Nothing Day, so celebrate whatever you choose; I recommend the fact that it’s Friday. Live music is playing at several venues tonight: Foodies Bystro, Westside Pour House, and Living the Good Life to name a few. Carson High School’s production of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons debuts at the Community Center. World Dance Open Floor returns to Comma Coffee for a night of dancing and fun.

FRIDAY:

• ’Pets of the Homeless’ Food Drive at Evergreen Gene’s: 1811 N. Carson (10am-5pm)

If you were waiting for the sun to come out tomorrow, your wait is over. It is Friday and Annie, Jr. hits the stage tonight. Grab dinner at the Firkin and Fox and help celebrate their anniversary, or get your boogie on at 70s night at the Arlington Skating Rink. If blues or jazz are more your style, catch Boon Doggle at Bella Fiore, then head to the Black Box theater in the Brewery Art Center for a Jazz Jam.

FRIDAY:

• Curbside Christmas Tree Recycling: cut them if over six feet; put it out on your regular trash day

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:

Happy Friday, Carson City, the holidays are upon us in full force! Hanukkah has begun and Christmas is less than a week away. Time to get your last minute shopping finished and get those yummy smelling goodies in the oven. There are still some fun things happening around town, so grab the kids or a special someone and have yourself a holly, jolly time.