Things to do

The mountains are finally wearing a beautiful winter coat, with even a little more to fall before tomorrow, but Carson City just got a dusting. That means the roads are slick, so give yourself some extra travel time until the sun gets a chance to melt it off. The Roska Collective wants to help you kick off your weekend early with Techno and Tequila at Battle Born Social downtown. The Bella Vita Bistro in the Carson Mall adds Thirsty Thursday Karaoke to the mix.

Here we are, toward the end of January, with practically no snow to speak of; but, if all indications are correct, we will have some winter weather blowing in by day’s end. Warm up with some hot jazz at Living the Good Life. It’s always a party when the boys of J and M Productions host karaoke night at Caterpillar’s Hookah Lounge.

CARSON CITY — The Nevada Division of Tourism, also known as Travel Nevada, has released its 2018 Visitor’s Guide, available at visitors centers, airports, and hotels throughout the state. The free, 124-page guide also will be available for order or download from TravelNevada.com/travel-guides later this month.

Take some time for something fun today. If you’ve got little ones at home, a trip to the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada is always a good bet. Get there early for their ‘Books and Brags’ program. Learn something new on the dance floor at Carson Lanes; every week they’ll cover a different line dance. It’s up the hill to the V and T Trail with Muscle Powered this afternoon. Bring a camera, the views of Carson will be enviable

TUESDAY, Jan. 23: Things to do in Carson City

It’s back to school for the students of Western Nevada College, and they’ll have the traveling exhibit ‘Geographical Divides: Finding Common Ground’ to enjoy in the Bristlecone Building’s Main Gallery. There’s a storm in the hills, and it might just make it into the valley, so bundle up and drive safely. Tonight, everyone is invited to the Healthy Communities Coalition’s monthly cooking class; you’ll learn to make a meal, and then sample it. Learn how to find your center with the Dharma Zephyr Sitting Group. Beginners begin at 5:30 p.m., and those with practice meet at 6:45 p.m.

You’ll be ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ all weekend; Youth Theater Carson City’s final weekend of performances is sure to bring down the house. The Monks of the Gaden Shartse Monastery will teach a Tibetan Calligraphy and Butter Sculpture Workshop and hold a Vajravidarin Healing Ritual in the Brewery Arts Center today. Carson’s nightlife features live music, karaoke, Carson Comedy, and west coast swing. Read on for all the details.

FRIDAY, Jan. 19: Things to do in Carson City

Something wintery is on its way: prepare for a blustery afternoon and a rainy evening. But don’t let a little precipitation ruin your plans. The monks of the Gaden Shartse Monastery in South India will be visiting until Sunday and have several workshops and rituals in store. The Roska Collective is kicking up our downtown nightlife up a notch with a Tequila and Techno night at Battle Born Social. Sunni Frost and Cedric Williams are back on the Living the Good Life stage. Their vocals will turn an ordinary evening extraordinary.

The middle of the week can move slowly. Break the routine with something different. e Sacred Arts of Tibet Tour has returned to Carson City and brings a tea offering to the Brewery Arts Center. The CCAI exhibit in the Courthouse Gallery, ‘Wish You Were Here,’ by artist Susanne Forestieri, closes tomorrow. You won’t want to miss your chance to see her stunning work. Galaxy Theater brings a different flashback film to the big screen each week. Enjoy the exploits of Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they uncover the Chamber of Secrets.

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 17: Things to do in Carson City

The day may start out a little drizzly, but that isn’t supposed to last. However, Muscle Powered will opt for the Multi-purpose Athletic Center for their morning walk if the rain persists. Enjoy some old-time music at Comma Coffee: CW and Mr. Spitmore make an appearance during lunch. Jam out with songwriter Canyon White tonight at Living the Good Life.

“Not everybody can be famous but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service… You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.” Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke those words, and they still ring true today. A community is what a community does, and ours is filled with people that do amazing things for others. As we stand at the beginning of a new year, consider getting involved with a local non-profit: FISH, Advocates to End Domestic Violence, and the Nevada Humane Society are just a few of the great organizations in our valley.

Earlier this week, we were all 'Singing in the Rain,' but tonight the talented kids of Youth Theater Carson City open up the entertaining musical on the Carson City Community Center's stage. New eatery, Bella Vita Bistro in the Carson Mall, brings local singer, Dougie L in to entertain the dinner crowd. Funnyman, Joshua Fonokalafi, headlines at Carson Comedy inside the Nugget; get there early for dinner and drinks and make it a date night. Read on for even more Friday happenings.

FRIDAY, Jan. 12: Things to do in Carson City

Happy Thursday, Carson City. Today has plenty to offer, it just depends on what you’re in the mood for. Meet local author, Mark S. Bacon, at Browsers Corner Book Store; he’ll be signing copies of his newest book and share some insight into the writing process. Artist Andreana Donahue will make an appearance in the OXS Gallery at the Nevada Arts Council during a reception to honor her exhibit, Wintering Over. The Carson Victory Rollers are looking for new members of their roller derby team.

Welcome to Wednesday, Carson City. The hills have been dusted with a little bit of snow, and we are keeping our fingers crossed for more. Judith Ames has the hosting duties at this week’s Living the Good Life Jazz Jam. Dance it up at the Eleventh Frame Lounge inside Carson Lanes - Jeremy McGuigan serves as guest DJ. The Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus brings their winter concert, “BRRRoque Masters” to the Shepherd of the Sierra Church at the south end of town; those under 18 are invited to listen without an admission fee.

It’s looking like another rainy day, so there’s a good chance that Muscle Powered will choose to walk at the Multi-purpose Athletic Center rather than their chosen trails, it’s safer that way. You’ll find a power-packed quintet at Comma Coffee delivering a healthy dose of Mile High Jazz. Sierra Nevada Forums bring some truths about our local wildlife populations to this month’s event. Learn more about what makes Mother Nature tick in our neck of the woods.

TUESDAY, Jan 9: Things to do in Carson City

This Monday might feel a little manic. The Carson and Lyon County kids are back at school (Douglas County starts up again tomorrow.) Rain is expected all day long, so indoor activities are your best bet. Inquiring minds will enjoy the ‘NASA at your Library’ program, just make sure to register online if your kid would like to participate. The High Sierra Swing Dance Club is back on the Eleventh Frame Lounge dance floor after a few weeks of holiday hiatus.

We have survived the first week of 2018, and that deserves some celebration. Put a smile on your face at the Brewery Arts Center: their monthly improv night will have you in stitches. Ev Musselman of the Trippin King Snakes takes the stage at Living the Good Life and will have you on the dance floor. Meet artist Carrie White at the Carson City Art Gallery. Her bright abstract-impressionistic work will be showcased throughout the month. Read on for all of Friday’s fun stuff.

Friday, Jan. 5: Things to do in Carson City

The first weekend of the year approaches, and that means our monthly Downtown Carson City Wine Walk. It’s never deterred, come rain, shine, or tornado, so make plans with your friends now. Get a jump on any healthy resolutions by joining Muscle Powered on today’s hike along Prison Hill; just be prepared for the trek and great photo opportunities. Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint has snared touring band, The River Arkansas, to play some Americana roots on their stage; a perfect dinner and show.

Ease into the new year with something fun. Trivia junkies have two options for showing off their smarts: DJ Trivia at the Fox Brewpub and the Geeks Who Drink Pub Quiz at Sassafras are both free to play and open to all ages. Muscle Powered offers two trail hikes on Tuesday. Today take an easy walk along the Mexican Ditch area in the morning, or opt for something more strenuous along the Linear Ditch this evening. Songwriter Canyon White leads a jam at Living the Good Life: strum along or just sit back and enjoy the music.

TUESDAY: Jan. 2

A long weekend is just beginning. Tonight, funnyman Steven Briggs kicks off three nights of comedians at Carson Comedy inside of the Nugget Casino. Whiskey Tavern on Highway 50 East hosts a Friday night karaoke party. Enjoy the music stylings of Tom Miller during dinner at Living the Good Life, then stick around for some dancing.

The long holiday weekend has ended, but the school district’s winter break has just begun. The Carson City Library invites everyone to participate in their Winter Read-a-thon; cuddle up with a book during these cold winter days. New Year’s Eve is just days away and the annual Black Tie Gala thrown by the Friends of the Carson City Library still has tickets available. Go HERE for more information and to buy tickets.

Thursday, December 21 is the winter solstice, making it the longest night and the shortest day of the year. With Christmas just a few days away, the holiday activities are still going strong. Share your wish list with Santa at Red’s Old 395 tonight and you’ll walk away with a free photograph. Your ugliest sweater is invited to make an appearance at the Carson Cigar Company; bring a white elephant gift if you’d like to participate in the gift exchange.

On a morning like this, I realize that I need to ask Santa for some windshield wipers. Stay safe out there, Carson City, the roads are wet. The Carson Library is usually a great place to retreat on days like this, but you’ll find their doors closed for the next few weeks: time for a makeover. If you’d like to check out a book or use the wireless internet, you’ll find a ‘pop-up’ library in the Community Center this week, and in the Adams Hub on Proctor Street next week.

Winter is settling in, even if our mountains are lacking their snowy blanket. It’s chilly out there, but the members of Muscle Powered head out for a walk and a hike every Tuesday unless the rain or snow is falling. Join them tonight for a walk around downtown Carson City to take in the twinkling lights and decorations; there will even be a stop afterward for a warm beverage. If you’d rather exercise your brain, the Geeks Who Drink Pub Quiz at Sassafras and DJ Trivia at the Fox Brewpub are your choices.

It may be Monday, but the next one on the way is Christmas. If you still have some loved ones on your holiday shopping list, the Craft Fair at the Carson Mall is sure to have something for everyone. Monday also means football. Watch the Falcons take on the Buccaneers at Living the Good Life. You’ll find good food, good drinks, and the game on all of their screens. Put some swing in your step at Carson Lanes. The High Sierra Swing Dance Club meets weekly to learn some new dance moves and put them into action. Santa has been spotted at Red’s Old 395: from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Friday has finally arrived, and it has brought some nightlife with it. Enjoy the Trippin King Snakes on stage at the Max Casino. The Carson Nugget gives you comedian John Hilder in Carson Comedy and the band Adrenaline playing in ‘The Loft.’ Kids will love the Wild Horse Children’s Theater production of ‘Honk, Jr.’, while ‘Love/Sick,’ performed by the Proscenium Players, is meant for an older audience. Let Roska Entertainment take you into late-night with their weekly dance party in Battle Born Social’s Sage Lounge.

FRIDAY:

Time to make some joyful noise in the capital city. The annual community holiday show at the Brewery Arts Center features John and Cherie Shipley, with the special addition of the Joyful Noise Children’s Chorus. These chilly December evenings are perfect for checking out the lights and decorations around the area. Candy Cane Lane, the drive-thru display at Carson Valley Inn in Minden, runs every night. Nevada Christmas, a private home in the Stephanie Way neighborhood, goes all out with a light show that’s choreographed to music.

Welcome to Wednesday. If you haven’t had a chance to tell Ole’ Nick what you’d like to see under the tree, then wander over to Red’s Old 395 for a complementary picture and a moment on his lap. See what our local crafters and artisans have to offer at the Christmas Craft Show inside Carson Mall. It’s karaoke night at Caterpillar’s Hookah Lounge for those over 18. Families with younger ones will be interested in the Polar Express playing on the big screen at the Galaxy Theater.

WEDNESDAY:

Hello fellow anglers, we are getting closer to the Topaz opening day fishing season. The lake will open on Jan. 1, 2018. Some important things to do before the season opens. Time to change that line and lubricate your fishing reel.

I’m always surprised at how busy Tuesdays can get around here. Every week you can discover a new trail with Muscle Powered, get your boot-scootin’ boogie on at Carson Lanes, or test your trivia knowledge at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint and at the Fox Brewpub. Today, however, you can also enjoy the monthly Mile High Jazz Band gig at Comma Coffee, with a special serving of poetry. Christmas Beers are on tap at Cowboy Liquors for their weekly tasting event.

It’s the beginning of another work week, and a chilly one, at that. Take an hour to get yourself grounded and ready for what life throws your way during ‘Motivation Monday’ Yoga at the Adams Hub. Learn something new in the kitchen at this month’s cooking demo and dinner at the Dayton Community Center.