Open Mic

A to Zen has been a Carson City staple for the past decade. While they’re mostly known for their assortment of vintage finds, their large record and book collection, handmade gifts, costumes, and what may be the largest collection of knick-knacks in Carson City, they’ve also been engaging in community activities for years.

Hello Carson City. The weekend approaches and we're still wondering how we went from Thanksgiving to Christmas so fast. We are coming into Friday, Dec. 28, 2018. Besides having to put on an extra layer of clothing and setting the thermostat a couple degrees warmer, conditions outside are what can be expected as we head into 2019: Cloudy to sunny with a continued chill in the air.

Open Mic Night is held at A to Zen Gift Shop on the Zen Den Stage. All talents, creative projects welcome. Come practice being on stage. There will be music, comedy, poetry, magic, and more. All ages and skill levels welcome.

Last Friday, I was enjoying Open Mic Night at A to Zen and sipping on a cup of tea, when my heart and mind was captured by a ukulele and the voice of Carson City newcomer Kelsey Kelly.

Comedian Daniel Gabriel will be headlining the Carson Comedy Club inside the Carson Nugget in Carson City located at 507 N Carson St., Sept. 28-29. Show starts at 8 p.m.

August comes to an end today, and with it the end of an era. You are reading my last weekday list of things to do. Celebrate the unofficial end of summer with ‘Cruise Night’ at the Carson Mall, some great live music, or a comedy show.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Don’t worry, you’ve still got four months for your holiday shopping, but Santa needs to hire a few helpers. The annual Polar Express on the V & T is getting ready to steam up and they are auditioning for elves etc. to lend a hand. The Nevada Arts Council has a new exhibit featuring Basque artwork; attend this evening’s artist reception to learn more about these unusual carvings. The ESL at Home program works quietly behind the scenes to bring better English language skills to non-native speakers.

As your reward for making it through the first school-week of the year, you’ll find plenty of fun ways to celebrate. Hopefest8 at the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center is a free concert featuring folk/pop singer, Tyrone Wells, bringing awareness and raising funds for local patient resources. The grand prize of their raffle is a brand-new car, so good luck. It’s a birthday bash at Living the Good Life. Wish proprietress, Gina, many happy returns and groove to the sounds of the Trippin’ King Snakes.

I hope everyone had a great first day of school. It always takes a moment to get back into the swing of things, so you’ll still want to leave yourself a little cushion when it comes to your morning drive time. If you’ve got little ones at home, consider a trip to the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada; there are many fun, interactive exhibits, in addition to today’s Storytime Adventure activity. For those nostalgic for their own early childhood, the Carson City Library offers a monthly Coloring Night for the young-at-heart.

TUESDAY, August 21: Things to do in Carson City

It’s a very special Friday for the kids of Carson City: it’s the last day of summer vacation. Take full advantage of your free time and check out some of today’s activities. Live music at McFadden Plaza tonight features local cover band, Deception. The Bowers Mansion Bluegrass Festival kicks off tonight with a band in the Davis Creek Campground. The U.S. Air Force’s Jazz Ensemble performs at the Bob Boldrick Theater as part of the Jazz and Beyond Music Festival. Free tickets have been available at the Chamber of Commerce for a few weeks, and if any are left, their numbers will be limited.

It’s a happening day around Carson City. The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival makes an appearance downtown with Under the Radar in the Comma Coffee Courtyard, followed by the Mile High Jazz Band in McFadden Square. Head up the short hill to Silver City for a special hands-on Engineering activity for kids. Join local author Cindy Sutherland for this month’s edition of the Brown Bag Lunch Series at the Nevada State Library and Archives. Freshman, and their parents, are welcomed to Carson High School this morning for orientation, an overview of policies, and a tour.

It is finally Friday. As August melts away, it brings us closer to the new school year. Carson High returning students are invited to the Senator Kick-off this morning to get their fill of back-to-school updates. Families will love the Movie in the Park; bring a blanket or chairs and come prepared to enjoy ‘Coco.’ Three days of high-flying fun begins today at Heritage Park in Gardnerville as the Splash Dogs competition gets underway. You will always find live music around town on Fridays, but during the Jazz and Beyond Festival, it seems like music is everywhere.

Batten down the hatches, the smoky days continue. My thoughts and appreciation are with those fighting the multiple fires in Nevada and California. Learn more about our emergency responders at tonight’s annual ‘Partnership in Action’ National Night Out at Mills Park. Free hot dogs, chips, and soda, multiple exhibits and activities, and so much more make this an exciting event for kids of all ages. Muscle Powered has cancelled its evening hike, but the early birds can meet up at the Multi-Purpose Athletic Center for a stroll indoors.

TUESDAY, August 7: Things to do in Carson City

Get ready for all things shiny, whether it be brass or chrome. You’ll find plenty of horns playing during the Jazz and Beyond Music Festival that kicks off today. Just about every event is free to the public and family friendly, so get ready for a melodic few weeks. The historic Bliss Mansion, across the street from the Governor’s Mansion, hosts the opening night Garden Party. Hot August Nights gets an early start in Virginia City with a show and shine and poker run; 400 classic cars are waxed up and ready to impress.

FRIDAY, August 3: Things to do in Carson City

Happy Tuesday, Carson City. Another hot, smoky day is on tap, so you’ll want to find indoor activities and nothing too strenuous. The Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada offers a story book and craft activity on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; a family membership makes this a great place for summer fun. The Fox Brewpub welcomes all ages to participate in their weekly DJ Trivia tournament; get their early for a good seat and some pub-style eats.

TUESDAY, July 31: Things to do in Carson City

Ready for a good time? The Carson City Fair runs all day and culminates with a special concert in the arena starring Journey Unlimited. Car lovers are in for a treat: you can head down to the Carson Mall for their monthly cruise night, or roll into the Max Casino to get registered for the 33rd annual Run Whatcha Brung Car Show. The Trippin King Snakes take the stage in McFadden Plaza for a free all-ages show. Break a leg to the kids of Youth Theater Carson City; they open their production of ‘Bye, Bye, Birdie’ at the Community Center this evening.

Happy Tuesday, Carson City. You’re looking at a morning filled with sunshine, but come afternoon, anything goes. The Muscle Powered Hikes are always contingent on the weather, so the later trek may be moved to the MAC if the rain shows. Whatever the day brings, you can always grab your boots and head to Carson Lanes for Country/Pop Line Dancing; they’ll even teach you some new moves. If you drive by Fuji Park today, you’ll see quite a bit of activity. The Carson City Fair begins tomorrow, and they are working hard to get everything just right.

As we head into the weekend, you’ll find a fair number of ways to get the party started. Happy Anniversary to Living the Good Life; they will be celebrating four years of good times with Deception rocking their outdoor stage. For something all ages, head down to McFadden Plaza for live music by Just for Fun. For those who prefer a spot on the stage, check out Open Mic night at A to Zen or karaoke at Whiskey Tavern. No membership is necessary for tonight’s Race for Life with Carson City BMX; all ages are welcome, just don’t forget your helmet.

It’s going to be a hot one today. With temperatures flirting with three digits, you’ll want to stay hydrated and limit your exertion. Keep the kitchen cool by letting IHOP take care of breakfast; a short stack is only 60 cents today in celebration of their anniversary. Muscle Powered leads a hike this afternoon to the beautiful shores of Lake Tahoe’s Skunk Harbor. Ladies are invited each week to join the Ash Canyon Women’s Mountain Bike Ride, just make sure you bring your helmet.

TUESDAY, July 17: Things to do in Carson City

Triskaidekaphobia: one of those fun words that I very rarely get the opportunity to use. The fear of the number 13 may be a real thing, but you’ll have no reason to fear boredom on this Friday the 13th. This month’s TRIAD program will explain the various services offered by the Nevada Humane Society, many of them available a low cost. Break a leg to those talented members of our community taking the stage tonight: Senior Follies begins its three-show run this evening.

What a day. The Concert Under the Stars brings Jefferson Starship to the outdoor stage at the Brewery Arts Show. Get there early to peruse the silent auction items and food vendors; the annual fundraising benefit for the Greenhouse Project is always the talk of the town. The Greatest Showman on Earth makes an appearance at the Dangberg Home Historic Ranch: it’s Chautauqua night, and Doug Mishler will be portraying “Circus Showman P. T. Barnum.” The Stewart Indian School in east Carson City has history reaching into the early days of our state.

Tuesdays are happening in Carson City. Tonight, the Mile High Jazz Band takes to the stage at Living the Good Life for their monthly performance. Take advantage of the new program at the Nevada State Library and Archives: once a month, you’re welcome to bring a lunch and listen to a presentation. Celebrate the newest exhibit in the OXS Gallery inside the Nevada Arts Council.

What a week. I hope you’ve had the chance to catch your breath from Independence Day, we’ve got a wine walk on its way tomorrow. Tonight, head down to McFadden Plaza at Third and Carson. Tonight’s outdoor concert features the Reno Swing Set, so bring your dancing shoes. The ‘Dive-In’ Movie at the Carson Aquatic Center is a fun option for families. Artist Mimi Gomberg will be on hand at the Carson City Art Gallery for a reception celebrating some of her newest work. Read on for all of today's local happenings.

FRIDAY, July 6: Things to do in Carson City

Tomorrow is the big day, but today offers a sneak preview if you’re willing to drive a little. Every year the town of Kings Beach, on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, gets a head start on the festivities with a July Third Beach Bash and Fireworks Show. The Dayton Senior Center celebrates the holiday today with a BBQ, Cake Walk, BBQ and activities for all ages. The Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada gets in the patriotic swing during this week’s Storytime Adventure program: the Fourth of July is today’s theme.

TUESDAY, July 3: Things to do in Carson City

Let the band play on. Friday night offers some great night-life options for all ages. Fridays at Third continues with an outdoor concert featuring Road Daddy in the McFadden Plaza. Carson Mall plays hosts to their monthly cruise night. come for the cool cars and poker walk but stick around for a performance by Mo’z Motley Blues Band on the patio by Bella Vita Bistro. It’s open mic night at A to Zen; all talents and all ages are invited to show their stuff on the Zen stage.

FRIDAY, June 29: Things to do in Carson City

Welcome to Wednesday, Carson City. Break up the work week with some time out with friends. Try DJ Trivia at Bella Fiore; even though it’s a wine shop, the game is open to all-ages. Wine, Beer and Bowl at Carson Lanes is a fun way to break routine. Kids will love the Wildlife Show at the CVIC Hall in Minden; just get there early for a good seat. Take a trip back in time at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park. The Young Chautauquans will bring notable Nevadans like Charley Parkhurst and Abe Curry to life.

WEDNESDAY, June 27: Things to do in Carson City

It’s been toasty outside, which is one of the reasons Muscle Powered moves the start time for their morning walk during the summer months. A stroll along the Carson River at Riverview Park is a perfect way to start the day. If your little one is still a little uneasy on a bicycle, the Bike Safety Rodeo in Silver City will help get them on the right path. Tuesdays belong to Canyon White at Living the Good Life. The singer/songwriter takes to the stage for a jam session and open mic night.

TUESDAY, June 26: Things to do in Carson City

Head down to Mills Park for a great time. The annual Rockabilly Riot features cool cars, contests, and plenty of rock-n-roll. You’ll also find the Extreme Motor Officer Challenge with motorcycle cops from all over competing for top-dog status. For a free, family-friendly good time, you’ll find local band, Alias Jones, on the stage in McFadden Plaza. If you’ve ever been curious about the sport of BMX, tonight’s ‘Olympic Day’ racing will give you a taste of the track without any commitment.

FRIDAY, June 22: Things to do in Carson City

First off, I want to send a huge shout-out to the first responders, firefighters, and their support staff. We dove head-first into fire season, and like always, they work tirelessly to keep us safe. Thank you. Parks and Recreation has been leading a series of guided informative hikes along various trails. Today you’ll find a trip to Riverview Park with your four-legged friend in mind: Trails 4 Tails is open to all friendly, leashed dogs who love to sniff new things.

It’s Navy Week in Carson City, and that means you’ll have a handful of opportunities to catch performances by various US Navy bands over the next few days. Enjoy their woodwind quintet this afternoon in the Dema Guinn Concourse of the Nevada State Museum. This evening find the US Navy Brass Band in McFadden Plaza performing alongside the talented kids who participated in the Mile High Jazz Camp.