Sarah Lillegard

CARSON CITY — The Nevada Arts Council announced Friday the awarding of more than $1 million in statewide grants to 172 recipients ranging from individual artists to nonprofit organizations and public institutions for the 2020 fiscal year.

Designed specifically for teams of local arts groups and “non-arts” civic agencies and organizations, the Nevada Arts Council’s Arts@theHeart 2016 focuses on creating vibrant, equitable and healthy communities throughout Nevada. Local arts leaders will convene to engage in conversation, networking and collective community action planning through the arts, June 9 and 10 at the Siena Hotel.

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

This National High Five Day I’m throwing out a virtual high five to the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension for putting on this year’s Capital City Farm Days at Fuji Park. 4-H is alive and well in our region, and rightfully so. Agriculture is a huge part of what makes this state great. The program is geared toward school-children, but is open to the public today and tomorrow if you want to learn more about ranching and farming in our region.

THURSDAY:

• Jewish Community Leadership Day at the Legislature
• Capital City Farm Days Celebrates All Things Agriculture at Fuji Park (8am-2pm; free, open to the public)
• Half Price for Everyone in the Outdoor Pools at the Carson Hot Springs

What’s up, Carson City? Hopefully you’ve got your taxes wrapped up for the year. If you’ve left it until the last moment, you can get them filed online or head to the post office until 5 p.m.; for those who need a last minute postmark, the Reno Main Post Office at 2000 Vassar Street will accept tax returns for postmarking up to 12 midnight.

WEDNESDAY: Tax Day

• Oral Health Awareness Day at the Legislature
• Customer Appreciation Month: free glazed donut with medium drink at Dunkin Donuts
• ‘The Observation and Conclusion’ by artist Joseph Watson at the LXS Gallery in the Legislature Building

This Tuesday is a day for celebrating. You can choose to celebrate Library Week with a look at an amazing collection of old west memorabilia. Cake awaits at the fourteenth anniversary program of Mile High Jazz at Comma Coffee, in addition to some great musicians and vocalists. Or help Youth Theater Carson City celebrate the end of their third season of performances with a fun-filled night of entertainment, raffles, awards and more at the Bob Boldrick Theater in the Community Center.

• TUESDAY:
• Williams Street Entrance to Mills Park closed
• Customer Appreciation Month: free small iced tea today at Dunkin Donuts
• CCAI Exhibit: BRIC Art 5 at the BRIC: 108 E Proctor Street (8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm)

It’s National Library Week. The Carson City Library has much to offer: employment resources, business services, a learning center, plenty of books, dvds, and periodicals, a youth center, and a Digitorium with fun technology. If you head over to the Friends of the Library’s Browser’s Corner Book Store today, you’ll stumble across more than great used books to buy. Today is their one year anniversary, so you’ll get a free book and some refreshments.

MONDAY:

• Jobs for America’s Graduates Day AND Nevada Libraries Special Day at the Legislature
• National Library Week: First Anniversary Party at Friends of the Library’s Browsers’ Corner Book Store: 711 E. Washington (9am-6pm; all day refreshments and coupons)

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)

The weekend quickly approaches, but the fun won’t wait. Belt out a few tunes with karaoke at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar, or smoke-free karaoke at the Feisty Goat Pub. ‘Live, Love, Lavish’ with local favorites, Lavish Green, at a special performance at Carson Cigar Co. tonight. Take a look at the whole list: there’s something for everyone.

THURSDAY:

• Last Day to RSVP for Carson City Leisure Hour Club April 15, with speaker Brian Crane (aka “Mr. Pickles”), nationally recognized syndicated cartoonist (Call Dorothy Link at 775-885-2542 to make your reservation. Reservations for buffet dinner are required.)
• Carson School District Spring Break
• Museum Advocacy Day at the Legislature

Wednesdays are such a good day for music in Carson City. Lunchtime blues at Comma Coffee, Three Olives and a Twist leading the Jazz Jam at Sassafras, tunes to dine by at Z’ Bistro, Glen Eagles, and Living the Good Life. Shake yourself out of the mid-week doldrums with some Line Dancing at Carson Lanes. Check out the list for all your options.

WEDNESDAY:

• Carson School District Spring Break
• Latino Lobby Day at the Legislature
• Customer Appreciation Month: free glazed donut with medium drink at Dunkin Donuts

There are plenty of things to do today; if you don't believe me, just take a look at the list! After enjoying a free spirits tasting at Red’s this afternoon, stick around for a movie with the Carson City Classic Cinema Club. This month is ‘The Agony and the Ecstasy:’ a 1965 Charlton Heston flick about Michelangelo and the painting of the Sistine Chapel.

Court Appointed Special Advocates is holding an information hour this evening for those who would like more information on how to volunteer.

TUESDAY:

• Carson School District Spring Break
• Customer Appreciation Month: free small iced tea today at Dunkin Donuts
• Father-Daughter Cinderella Ball Tickets Available at the Carson High School Admission Desk (8am-2pm; $25, $5 additional princess)

Take a walk with the Visitor’s Bureau as they help kick-off National Public Health Week. Meet at the new visitors’ center next to the Nevada State Museum at noon for a short walk to an undisclosed location. For more downtown walk options, check out the health walk series tab on the Visit Carson City app.

MONDAY:

• Carson School District Spring Break
• Tartan Day at the Legislature
• Customer Appreciation Month: free small iced coffee today at Dunkin Donuts
• OPENING DAY: ‘The Observation and Conclusion’ by artist Joseph Watson at the LXS Gallery in the Legislature Building

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.

It is now April. There is still hope for some late season storms, but the flowers blooming around town are ready for spring now. In this area, the weather seems to be whatever you aren't prepared for, so don’t put away those winter clothes just yet, and keep an eye on the weather report: a hard frost can undo the hard work you've put into your garden.

Watch out, Carson City, April Fools Day brings mischief. Today also brings some cooler temperatures and wind gusts, but that’s no reason to stay at home. Plenty of live music tonight.

It may be a day for pranks, but child abuse is no joke; join the Advocates to End Domestic Violence at the Legislature for the annual planting of Pinwheels for Prevention.

Get a glimpse of the world beyond at the Carson City Library: Dixie and Rob Jennings-Teats discuss their time living in Indonesia and Malaysia.

WEDNESDAY:

Yesterday was a day for walking in the park, but today is a day for Walken: Christopher Walken, that it. Happy birthday to him. (Go here for more cowbell.) If you are interested in a nice stroll though, join Carson City Parks and Recreation for their Tuesday morning ‘Easy Walk.’ If you want more of a challenge, Muscle Powered has a moderate conditioning hike in the afternoon.

A pretty good way to start out the week is meandering in nature, so take advantage of National Talk a Walk in the Park Day to witness the burgeoning spring foliage. Go here to see a list of the many parks that Carson City has to offer.

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 Veterans and Military Day at the Legislature today, complete with a display of the various services available to our Veterans set up in the front foyer. On this day in 1982, a ground-breaking ceremony was held in Washington D.C. for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Carson City has a Vietnam Veterans Memorial of its own located in Mills Park. The memorial will be the site of a Welcome Home Celebration this Saturday for Vietnam Veterans Day.

Are you ready to enjoy yourself? The weekends aren't the only time for fun in Carson City and today’s line up proves that. Have some laughs for a good cause at the Brewery Arts Center with Comedienne Kat Simmons and help raise funds for Nevada Rural Counties Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP.) They are the ones that sponsor the numerous carnivals at Mills Park throughout the year, in addition to coordinating volunteer programs and helping seniors stay independent.

Sarah Lillegard works in what she calls second skin — fabrics and dye. The Reno artist presents a workshop “Natural Dye Introduction” from 3:30 to 5 p.m. March 30 at the Nevada Legislative Building, in a SENarts “Work of Artists” event co-sponsored by the Nevada Arts Council and Capital City Arts Initiative. The artist will demonstrate simple and safe processes she uses to dye fibers with natural materials harvested in Nevada backyards.

Can I just designate this Steve McQueen Day? After all it is his birthday, but it’s so more than that. The Great Escape, one of McQueen’s most iconic films, is based the true story of 76 Allied prisoners of war and how, on this day in 1944, they began breaking out of the German camp Stalag Luft III. I wonder if the casting directors knew of the connection.

Nothing takes the edge off a Monday like a cute puppy on National Puppy Day. The one pictured is no longer that little, but he’s mine; and, no, you can’t have him. If you are looking for a dog to call your own, check out the Nevada Humane Society: they have several pooches (and kitties) looking for their forever homes.

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.

On this day in 1931 our state legalized gambling; what laws will they be making today? You can always head over to the Legislature building to sit in on a committee meeting or an Assembly session, eat in the café, or track down your representative to voice your opinion. But there is quite a bit more available in those halls.

I hope everyone is feeling okay this morning; lots of fun was had throughout town yesterday. Please be aware that schoolchildren are celebrating Nevada Moves Day today, and there will be several little ones walking or biking to school.

Enjoy a nice dinner tonight, complete with live music, if you head to Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint, Glen Eagles, or Living the Good Life. The Carson City Symphony is looking for bassoons, French horns, and violas to join them at rehearsals tonight.

Every year on March 17, the Irish and the Irish-at-heart across the globe observe St. Patrick’s Day. What began as a religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland has become an international festival celebrating Irish culture with parades, dancing, special foods and a whole lot of green. Carson City definitely gets in on the game with festivities all over town. Corned beef and cabbage, green beer, and live music abound. I've included a short YouTube video of Tom and Mary Kay Aufrance who will be performing at Red's this evening.

May the Irish hills caress you.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for free ice cream day at Dairy Queen. Hopefully that will take the edge off of Monday.

A weeklong St. Patrick’s Sale at Browser’s Book Store kicks off today. Everything is half off and benefits the Friends of the Carson City Library.

MONDAY:

• WNC Spring Break
• Alzheimers Advocacy Day at the Legislature

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.

It’s finally here, Nevada’s Big Give. Nevada’s Big Give is a 24 hour online donation push for non-profits, charities, and causes around the state. Plus, a world record attempt at the longest speech is taking place at the Brewery Arts Center. Ian Hill is raising money for the girls of CPAC soccer; they have been invited to represent the USA in a competition being held during the 2015 Women's World Cup in Canada.