Live music update

For all who are wondering where they're going to get their live music fix in the new year, Steve Holzer (local music enthusiat) has kindly complied a list of events worth seeing. Thanks for sharing the wealth Steve! - Kristin

Here's what you have to look forward to at the excellent start of 2007!

Dec 30 2006 9:30P	BLUE TURTLE SEDUCTION & VICTOR BARNES	@ GREAT BASIN BREWERY - $8
Dec 30 2006 10:00P	SOL'JIBE	@ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - FREE!!
Dec 31 2006 9:30P	BLUE TURTLE SEDUCTION & SAUL KAYE BAND	@ GREAT BASIN BREWERY - $15
Dec 31 2006 9:30P	FRAME OF MIND	@ BAR OF AMERICA - $TBA
Dec 31 2006 10:00P	MARCIA BALL/MISSION PLAYERS	@ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - $30/$35
Jan 3 2007 10:00P	ABSYNTH	@ CRYSTAL BAY CLUB - FREE!!
Jan 4 2007 10:00P	KEYSER SOZE	@ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - FREE!!
Jan 6 2007 8:00P	ZEPPARELLA (FEMALE ZEP COVER BAND)	@ MONT BLEU - $15 + TAX
Jan 6 2007 10:00P	HELLBOUND GLORY	@ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - FREE!!
Jan 9 2007 9:00P	B-SIDE PLAYERS/NATIVE ROOT AFTERPARTY	@ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - $12/$15
Jan 10 2007 10:00P	FRAME OF MIND	@ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - FREE!!
Jan 11 2007 10:00P	AL HOWARD & THE K-23	@ DIVIDED SKY - $8
Jan 12 2007 9:00P	BLUE TURTLE SEDUCTION	@ TAHOE UNDERGROUND
Jan 12 2007 10:00P	ABSYNTH	@ GREEN ROOM $5
Jan 13 2007 8:00P	ART GARFUNKEL	@ GRAND SIERRA THEATRE - $?
Jan 13 2007 9:00P	BLUE TURTLE SEDUCTION	@ TAHOE UNDERGROUND
Jan 13 2007 10:00P	SEISMIC	@ DIVIDED SKY - $8
Jan 14 2007 9:00P	JUNIOR BROWN/SEAN COSTELLO	@ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - $20/$23
Jan 17 2007 10:00P	SLY BUFORD	@ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - FREE!!
Jan 19 2007 9:00P	NEW MONSOON/TEA LEAF GREEN	@ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - $15/$17
Jan 20 2007 9:00P	TEA LEAF GREEN/NEW MONSOON	@ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - $15/$17
Jan 27 2007 10:00P	ROSE HILL DRIVE	@ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - FREE!!
Feb 7 2007 9:00P	JAKE SHIMABUKURO	@ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - $12/$15
Feb 9 2007 9:00P	TONY FURTADO BAND & HOT BUTTERED RUM	@ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - $17/$20
Feb 16 2007 10:00P	SOL'JIBE	@ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - FREE!!
Feb 18 2007 8:00P	UMPHREY'S MCGEE & TEA LEAF GREEN	@ GRAND SIERRA THEATRE - $22
Feb 18 2007 8:30P	KELLER WILLIAMS & SPEARHEAD	@ MONT BLEU - $33/$35 + TAX
Feb 20 2007 8:00P	SOUND TRIBE SECTOR NINE	@ MONT BLEU - $25 + TAX
Feb 21 2007 10:00P	COALITION OF THE WILLING (PREVITE/SKERIK/REED MATHIS)	@ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - FREE!!
Feb 23 2007 8:00P	THE WHO & ROSE HILL DRIVE	@ RENO EVENTS CENTER - $170
Feb 23 2007 9:00P	PARTICLE & ERIC MCFADDEN TRIO AFTERPARTY	@ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - $15/$17
Feb 24 2007 8:00P	BLUES TRAVELER	@ MONT BLEU - $45/$55 + TAX
Feb 24 2007 9:00P	BLVD	@ ZENBU - $7
Feb 25 2007 9:00P	BIG HEAD TODD & THE MONSTERS	@ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - $25/$30
Feb 28 2007 10:00P	PERPETUAL GROOVE	@ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - FREE!!
Mar 2 2007 8:00P	BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY	@ HARRAH'S
Mar 3 2007 8:00P	BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY	@ HARRAH'S
Mar 3 2007 10:00P	OPEN SPACE PROJECT	@ DIVIDED SKY - $5
Mar 14 2007 10:00P	BLU SIRKUT (1/2 OF KDTU)	@ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - FREE!!
Mar 21 2007 10:00P	MOONSHINE STILL	@ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - FREE!!

Steve writes:
Happy holidays!

Hope you had an excellent Christmas, Channukah, Kwanza or whatever else you, your friends & family celebrated!

I boldly predict that the two Tea Leaf Green/New Monsoon shows at the CBC on January 19 & 20 will be two of the three best shows of 2007! I highly recommend getting tix in advance at the box office or by calling 775-633-6330, as they'll definitely sell out. The other best show will be Umphrey's McGee and Tea Leaf at the Grand Sierra (Reno Hilton) in February.

Particle has also been bringing it rather seriously lately, and Charlie Hitchcock, their stupendous former guitarist, will be tearing it up with Al Howard & the K-23 at Divided Sky on January 11.

I'm also rather looking forward to Blue Turtle Seduction on NYE at Great Basin Brewery! Hope to see you there!

High Sierra tix are on sale at http://www.highsierramusic.com/. Until January 27 - or until their initial allotment runs out - tix are $128 plus a $10.75 service fee. Tix go up $10 a month after that. The fest is Thursday, July 5 to Sunday, July 8. Unfortunately no bands have been announced yet. If you've never been, DON'T MISS OUT AGAIN ON THE BEST 4 DAYS OF THE YEAR!!!!

I don't know about you, but the death of James Brown put me in a funk, which is appropriate given that funk very well might not have existed without him. Absolutely no other musician had as an enormous impact on as many styles of music - funk, soul, R&B, rap, hip-hop & innumerable jam bands - as the revolutionary, jubilant, energetic JB did. As an innovator, singer, performer, dancer, songwriter, band leader and philanthropist, he simply broke the mold. I'm damn glad that I saw him at Maritime Hall in 1996 and I can't even fathom how much less fun my life would have been without funk. RIP James, you certainly deserve it!!

As always, please spread the word by e-mailing these to everyone you know! Please also check out my new photos (including rather tripped out Christmas tree photos) and graphic art at http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h183/wowfotografix/. I also added more than 150 bands as Friends on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/happybooker. Just click on the icons to hear a lot of great tunes by bands from all over the place that deserve to get much more recognition than they do. As Frank Zappa so eloquently put it, "Information is not knowledge. Knowledge is not wisdom. Wisdom is not truth. Truth is not beauty. Beauty is not love. Love is not music. Music is the BEST." So support it constantly!!

Get up offa that thing, get on the good foot, stay on the scene like a sex machine & have a phenomenally happy, healthy and safe New Year's Eve and 2007!!

Love, peace & hippieness!

Steve

New Stuff to do this Holiday Weekend!

Dec. 24

Sunday

Kid’s Cookie Race: Children ages 4-12 can win cookies in cross country races beginning at noon Dec. 24 at the Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort, 9411 Hillside Drive, Soda Springs, Calif. Free. Details: 800-500-3871.

Santa Photos at Shoppers Square: Santa is available daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in front of Ben Franklin Crafts at Shoppers Square, 213 E. Plumb Lane. Details: 323-0430.

Entertainment Discount Book: The 2007 coupon book that offers two-for-one discounts on restaurants, shops, travel, sports and family activities in the Reno, Lake Tahoe, Sparks and Carson City areas is on sale to benefit the Temple Emanu-El. Cost: $25. Details: Estelle at 746-5305 or Linda at 825-5600.

Boomtown Family Fun Center: The center has more than 200 video and prize-redemption games, an antique carousel, an indoor miniature golf course, the Rodeo Rider and the MaxFlight virtual reality roller coaster. The 3-D Motion Theater is showing “Glacier Run,” “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” “Mad Racers,” “Cosmic Coaster,” “Aqua Ride,” “Haunted Mine Shaft” and “Magic Carpet Ride.” A party room is available for rental. Located at Interstate 80, Garson exit No. 4 in Verdi. Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and from 10 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Cost: $1, carousel; $2.75, nine-hole miniature golf; $4.50, 3-D motion theater; MaxFlight, $4.50; $10-$14 for all-day passports. A family pass of four is $40 on Wednesdays. Details: 345-8701 or www.boomtownfuncenter.com.

Grand Sierra Fun Quest: Featuring carnival style tossing games. The center has more than 175 prize-redemption and video games, Q-Zar laser tag center, MaxFlight Motion Roller Coaster, a six-person space battle video game in the Galaxian Theater and a Tumble Town “soft play” area for children younger than 8. Clay Quest is a ceramics painting studio. Located at 2500 E. Second St. Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and from 10 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Clay Quest is open from 3:30 to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. Cost: Clay Quest, $4 to $20; Laser Tag, $6; Tumble Town, $5 all day; Galaxian, $1; MaxFlight VR2002, $10 for two people; $25 VIP wristband. Details: 789-2386.

Dec. 25

Monday

Christmas Community Dinner: Harrah’s Reno sponsors a holiday meal for those in need from noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 25 at the Salvation Army’s Rehabilitation Program, Valley road and Timber Way. Free. Details: 688-4555.

COMING UP!!

“Jungua, Descendants of the Dragon”: This show features acrobatic acts and martial arts in the Chinese tradition beginning at 8 p.m. Dec. 26-30 in the Grand Sierra Resort Theatre, 2500 E. Second St. Cost: $20, $12.50 for children ages 12 and younger. Details: 789-2285.

“A Real Magic Holiday”: Celebrate the holidays with Kalin & Jinger’s seasonal show of magic and family fun at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 26-27 and at 3 p.m. 30 at Magic Underground in the Pioneer Center, 100 S. Virginia St. Cost: $25.92 adults, $20.95 seniors, $15.95 children age 12 and younger. Sunday matinees: $19.95 adults, $14.95 seniors, $9.95 children age 12 and younger. Details: 324-6007.

Family Fun Movie Tuesdays: Children can watch “Whistle For Willie,” “Officer Buckle and Gloria” and “The Talking Eggs” starting at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 26 at the Northwest Reno Library, 2325 Robb Drive. Children ages 5 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Free. Details: 787-4100.

Tournament of Games: Compete against others in board or computer games at the library starting at 3 p.m. Dec. 26 at the Mendive Community Library, 1900 Whitewood Drive. Free. Details: 353-5989.

Royal Crown Revue: The retro-swing band plays at 9 p.m. Dec. 27 at the Crystal Bay Club Casino in Crystal Bay. Cost: Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day of show. Details: 833-6333.

Sierra Nevada Classic Wrestling Tournament: High school athletes from Nevada, California, Washington and Oregon battle for top honors from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 27-28 at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, 1350 N. Wells Ave. Cost: $3-$8, event passes $10 and $15. Details: 688-5751 or www.sierranevadaclassic.com.

David Spade: The comedian performs at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28 at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Cost: $60. Details: 800-427-7247.

Kathy Griffin: The self-proclaimed D-List comedian performs at 8 p.m. Dec. 28 in the Silver Legacy’s Grande Exposition Hall. Cost: Tickets are $35, $45 and $55, available through Ticketmaster outlets and the Silver Legacy, www.silverlegacy.com. Details: 325-7401 or 800-687-8733.

Jonny Lang: The blues guitarist plays a special acoustic show at 8 p.m. Dec. 29-30 in the Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget. Cost: Tickets are $55, available at the Nugget, Tickets.com outlets or 800-648-1177. Details: 356-3300 or www.janugget.com.

Lorie Line, Traditions of Christmas: The family concert features a visit by King Herod and St. Nicholas, also music by the Pop Chamber Orchestra at 8 p.m. Dec. 29 at the Pioneer Center for the Performing, 100 S. Virginia St. Cost: $39.50 and $49.50, $44 seniors and $33 children ages 4-15. Details: 686-6600.

DJ Dan: The club DJ performs at midnight Dec. 29 at the Opal Lounge at Montbleu. Cost: Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at door, available through Ticketmaster outlets and Montbleu. Details: 800-648-3353.

Jackie Greene and Tim Bluhm: The singer-songwriters perform at 9 p.m. Dec. 29 at the Crystal Bay Club Casino in Crystal Bay. Cost: Tickets are $20 in advance, $17 day of show. Details: 833-6333.

Lou Gramm: The Foreigner front man (do we need to tell you what Foreigner played?) performs at 8 p.m. Dec. 30 and 10 p.m. Dec. 31 in the Eldorado Showroom. Cost: Tickets are $100, $70, $65 and $60. Details: 786-5700.

Cedric the Entertainer: The comedian performs at 8 p.m. Dec. 30 at the Silver Legacy’s Grande Exposition Hall. Cost: Tickets are $60, $50 and $40, available through Ticketmaster outlets and the Silver Legacy. Details: 325-7401 or 800-687-8733.

Cracker: The roots-rockers behind such songs as “Low” and “Euro Trash Girl” plays at 8 p.m. Dec. 31 in the Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget. Cost: Tickets are $37, available at the Nugget, Tickets.com outlets or 800-648-1177. Details: 356-3300 or www.janugget.com.

Joan Jett & the Blackhearts: The band behind such songs as “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll” and “Hate Myself for Loving You” plays at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 6 at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Cost: $45. Details: 800-427-7247.

AND THERE’S MORE!!!

Friday, Dec. 22

Spirit of Christmas: This show features a cast of singers and dancers beginning at 7 p.m. Dec. 22-23, 9:30 p.m. Dec. 23, 7 p.m. Dec. 24-29 in the Eldorado Showroom, 345 N. Virginia St. Sing along to standards including White Christmas, Winter Wonderland, Chestnuts Roasting and O Holy Night. Cost: $20.95-$38.95. Details: 800-648-5966 or 786-5700 or eldoradoreno.com.

The Buttcracker: This parody of the holiday favorite “The Nutcracker” shows at 8 p.m. Dec. 22-23 at Bruka Theatre, 99 N. Virginia St. Cost: $16 in advance, $20 at the door. Details: 323-3221 or www.bruka.org.

A Hometowne Nutcracker: The Reno Dance Company performs this holiday favorite at 8 p.m. Dec. 22-23 and 2 p.m. Dec. 23 at Montbleu Resort and Casino, U.S. 50 in Stateline. Cost: $25 general, $20 seniors and students, $35 VIP booth. Details: 800-648-3353.

Improv Comedy: Appearing at 8 p.m. in the comedy club in Harveys at Stateline are Max Alexander and Graham Elwood Dec. 22-24 and Bruce Fine and Chris Mancini Dec. 26-31. Howie Nave is host for all shows. No show on Mondays. Cost: $25 Sunday, Tuesday-Friday and $30 Saturday. Details: 588-2411.

Funny Bone Comedy: Appearing at the Sands Regency is Steve Hirst Dec. 22-24 and Cowboy Bill Martin Dec. 27-31. Times: Wednesdays 8 p.m., Thursdays 8 p.m., Fridays 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., Saturdays 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. and Sundays 8 p.m. Cost: $12 general admission, $16 VIP seating. Details: 348-2200.

Christmas Film Festival: Christmas on the Comstock presents a classic Christmas film festival with “White Christmas” and “Meet Me in St. Louis” showing at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 22-24 at Piper’s Opera House, 12 N. B St., Virginia City. Cost: $5, $3 for children. Details: 847-0433.

Sierra Arts Gallery: A reception happens from 5-7 p.m. Dec. 22 for the exhibit “Social Utterances” by Candice Nicol that is on display Dec. 18 through Feb. 10, 2007. Located in the Riverside Artist Lofts, 17 S. Virginia St. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Free. Details: 329-2787.

Holiday Cafe Booksale: This sale features new and nearly new books, videos and CDs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 22 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 23 at the South Valleys Library, 15650A Wedge Parkway. Free wrapping paper, ribbon and tags with each purchase. Details: 851-5190.

Young Rembrandts: Children can learn to draw cartoons at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 22 at the Duncan-Traner Community Library, 1650 Carville Drive. Free. Details: 333-5134.

Saturday

Holidaze in Hicksville: Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks perform songs such as “Somebody Stole My Santa Claus Suit” in this holiday concert at 8 p.m. Dec. 23 at the Center for the Arts, 314 W. Main St., Grass Valley, Calif. Cost: $20. Details: 530-271-7000 or www.thecenterforthearts.org.

Churchill Butte: Scale this mountain near Silver Springs with the sierra Club on Dec. 23. Learn about the history of Fort Churchill and emigrant wagon train routes on this 7-mile hike with a 3,000-foot gain. Free. Details: T.A. at 530-2935.

Pickled Nevada Trivia Event: This book signing event features creater of Pickles Brian Crane, local author Guy Clifton and local photographer Marilyn Newton at 11 a.m. Dec. 23 at Sundance Bookstore, 1155 W. Fourth St., Suite 106. Free. Details: 786-1188.

Parade of Christmas Lights: Hidden Valley homeowners present Christmas lights on outdoor displays for self -guided tours from 7-10 p.m. through Dec. 31. Download a map from the Web site to see the homes in the Hidden Valley area along Pembroke Drive. Maps and details at www.hiddenvalleyhomeowners.org. Free. Details: Kristy at 857-3477.

Sunday

Davis Creek Ice Skating: The frozen pond at the park is open to the public for ice skating between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily at Davis Creek Regional Park, 20-miles south of Reno on U.S. 395, Washoe Valley. Must provide your own skates. Free. Details: 849-0684.

Nevada Museum of Art: Selected works from the Hunterian Art Gallery by James McNeill Whistler are on display through Jan. 7. Selections from the John and Mary Lou Paxton collection show through Jan. 7. “Habitat, Lars Arrhenius” is on display through Jan. 28. “Voces Latinas, Works on Paper from 1921 to present” is on display through March 18. Located at 160 W. Liberty St. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and later on Thursday to 8 p.m. Docent guided tours begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday and 2 p.m. on Saturday, also offered in Spanish. Cost: $10, $8 students and seniors, $1 ages 6-12, free to museum members. Details: 329-3333.

Sorry for the inconvenience

You may have noticed we've been a bit slow lately. Sorry about that. Last weekend I was supposed to go to the White Girl Lust Show at Satellites but was snowed in! I was really comforatble staying in my p.js but I was still incredibly antsy to go out that night.

So much went on this Saturday night!!

There was the Reno Santa Crawl, a must do, I hear, but unfortunately I've never been to one. If you missed all the action or just want to relive it check out Kristin Larsen and Pete Krajewski's hilarious video on the event.

Red Hot Radio's last show for a while was on Saturday as well, which really broke my heart. According to the band's blog, their lead singer Kevin O'Connell just graduated from college and will be moving back to Vegas. I love these guys and their performances are always incredible. You can read a past article I wrote about them HERE!

Of course the White Girl Lust Show was also this Saturday which I was very sorry to miss. I knew the show was going to be an explosion of hot music and to everyone who did make the show, I'm so jealous!

So thanks snow for ruining a perfect night to go out! I was stuck on the couch watching my Boyfriend play old Super Nintendo games all night...ok so I was playing too.

We'll be back in time for New Years so have a Happy Holidays and enjoy your weekends~

White Girl Lust -This Saturday!

White Girl Lust. at Satellites Lounge this Saturday.
The Denver and San Francisco-based DJs Eric Kozak and Clay Meador are influenced by early hip hop DJs Afrika Bambaataa and Grandmaster Flash. This pair of booming rhythm makers have taken their infectious hip-hop-electro bass beats and created hot remixes of “party rap” group Spank Rock and the fierce female rap trio Yo Majesty. Their newest mix tape, “Bay Slaps and Disco Raps,” is a mix of wild beats from Mac Dre to INXS. Also spimning are Reno DJs AFS and Fernie Fresh at 10 p.m. Dec. 16. $5.

I will be there dacning like a fool. By the way, if you haven't heard Spank Rock-get your butt on that! Be warned that they are a bit vuglar but their beats and rhymes are amazing. They have been called, "The future of Hip Hop".

Beatles Party At Satellite Lounge!

Satellite Lounge and Scrapbookmedia Booking is proud to present "The Beatles Party" featuring The Lonely Hearts Club Band and The Stops. The party is going to be unbeliable in which Beatles Tunes will be playing, Beatles movies will be shown on a projector, and you can even dress up to go!

It stats at 9pm with a $5 cover charge!

Dress as you're favorite Beatles, Yoko Ono and other 60s chracters featuring flower Children, Deadheads, Mods, Black Panthers and etc. The winner in each cateogry will win a $25 dollar bar tab! This is a must folks, I'll be there, sporting an Afro as Angela Davis.

Hope to see you all there!

WHAT'S HAPPENEN!!

Friday, Dec. 8
It’s a Wonderful Christmas Craft Fair: Dozens of local crafters display and sell their crafts Dec. 8-10 at Lazy 5 Regional Park, 7100 Pyramid Lake Highway. Hours: Noon-6 p.m. Dec. 8, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 9 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 10. Cost: Free. Details: 424-1801.

Village Sip, Shop & Hop: Enjoy sipping wine while shopping from 4-8 p.m. Dec. 8 at The Village at Squaw Valley USA, Calif. Visits with Santa available. Bring a toy donation for their Toys for Tots campaign. Cost: Free admission. Details: 530-584-6060.

Cornish Christmas in Grass Valley: This annual holiday celebration takes place Dec. 8, 15 and 22 in downtown Grass Valley, Calif. Cost: Free. Details: 530-273-4667 or 530-265-2692.

“David Letterby’s Top Ten Reasons to Celebrate Christmas”: The Reno Christian Fellowship Adult Choir present this drama presentation Dec. 8-10 at 1700 W. Zolezzi Lane. Dinner performance is at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8; dessert performance at 6 p.m. Dec. 9 and general seating dessert performance at 6 p.m. Dec. 10. Tickets required for Dec. 8-9 performances. Cost: $10 dinner performance (advance), $5 each ticket thereafter. Free for Saturday and Sunday performances (tickets required. Reserve by Dec. 5). Details: www.rcfnv.org or 853-4234.

Homes for the Holidays Tour: Features six homes throughout southwest Reno. Proceeds from the home tours, preview party and auction benefit the STEP 2 organization that runs a recovery program for women. Preview party and auction begins at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8 with self-guided home tours from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 9-10. Cost: Tours are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. The preview party and auction cost $250. Details: 787-9411, 843-6190 or www.step2reno.org.

Charles Marshall Comedy: The Georgia comedian performs clean comedy ideal for the entire family at 7 p.m. Dec. 8-9 at Sparks Nazarene Church, 2200 El Rancho Drive. Reservations required. Cost: Free. Details: 358-4066.

Bella Voce: This group sings carols and lullabies in concert 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at Trinity Episcopal Church, Rainbow Street and Island Avenue. They perform again at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 1070 W. Plumb Lane. Cost: $15 general, $12 BAC members, seniors and students. Details: 323-6090.

“The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus”: Carson Performing Arts presents a fund-raiser for the Brewery Arts Center with a Christmas tale for children based on the book by L. Frank Baum that follows Santa’s childhood at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 and 2 p.m. Dec. 9-10 at the Brewery Arts Center Donald W. Reynolds Theatre, 449 W. King St., Carson City. Cost: $8 general, $7 students, seniors and BAC members, $5 children and students with ID, $25 family of four. Details: 883-1976.

“A Real Magic Holiday”: Celebrate the holiday’s with Kalin & Jinger’s seasonal magic and family fun beginning at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8-9, 15-16, 26-27 and at 3 p.m. Dec. 10, 17 and 30 at Magic Underground in the Pioneer Center, 100 S. Virginia St. Cost: Evenings: $25.92 adults, $20.95 seniors, $15.95 children age 12 and younger. Sunday matinees: $19.95 adults, $14.95 seniors, $9.95 children age 12 and younger. Details: 324-6007.

“The Nutcracker”: A.V.A. Ballet Theatre performs this holiday classic at 8 p.m. Dec. 8-9 and 2 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St. Cost: $21-$51. Details: 786-1221 or 686-6600.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band: The blues rocker performs at 8 p.m. Dec. 8-9 in the Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget. Cost: Tickets are $50, available at the Nugget, Tickets.com outlets or 800-648-1177. Details: 356-3300 or www.janugget.com.

Los Abadoned: The L.A. rock en espanol band plays an all-ages show at 8 p.m. Dec. 8 at Stoney’s, 71 S. Wells Ave. Cost: $10 in advance, available at Recycled Records; $12 at the door. Details: 828-4107.

Saturday, Dec. 9

Santa Train: Ride the rails with Santa Claus from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 9-10 at the Nevada State Railroad Museum, 2180 S. Carson St. in Carson City. Cost: Free. Details: 687-6953.

Antique and Collectible Show: The show takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 9-10 at the Carson City Elks Club, Nevada and Robinson streets, Carson City. Features vintage jewely, quilts, pottery and much more. Proceeds from a drawing benefit Alicia Smalley who is battling cancer. Cost: $1 admission. Details: 775-267-2557.

Hoop Shoot ­— Free Throw Contest: Boys and girls ages 8-13 can participate in this contest presented by the Sparks Elks Lodge #2397 taking place on Dec. 9 at Dilworth Middle School, 255 Prater Way, Sparks. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with contest starting at 10 a.m. Eligibility is determined by age on April 1, 2007 and students will need proof of age. Participants are asked to wear soft soled shoes. Details: 772-6568.

Santa Photos with Pets: Have a picture of your pet taken with Santa from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 9 at Healthy Tails, 3892 Mayberry Landing. All proceeds benefit the SPCA of Northern Nevada and Community Cats. Cost: $15 for two print greeting cards. Details: 787-3647.

Indoor Farmers Market: Holiday shoppers can purchase fresh produce from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Saturday in December at Shoppers Square, 213 E. Plumb Lane. Includes apples, oranges, potatoes, garlic, onions, winter squash, carrots and much more. Cost: Free admission. Details: 351-2551.

Reno Crafters Christmas Craft Fair: This handcrafted show features many local artisans on Dec. 9-10 at the Sparks YMCA, 850 Baring Blvd. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 10. Bring canned food donations as part of admission which will be donated to Evelyn Mount’s holiday food drive. Cost: $3 or $2 with canned food donation, free for seniors age 65 and older and children age 12 and younger. Details: Randi at 851-2424.

Wilbur D. May Museum and Arboretum: Children ages 7-12 can learn to paint with watercolors from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 9. Reservations required. Bring three cans of food for admission to be donated to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. Museum hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. The outdoor arboretum features specialty gardens and flora from Nevada’s high desert. Both are located in the
Rancho San Rafael Park, 1595 N. Sierra St. Cost: $6.50, $5.50 children ages 3-12. Details: 785-5961.

Kids’ Book Group: Join with other children to read and discuss books at 10:30 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month at North Valleys Library, 1075 North Hills Blvd. Cost: Free. Details: 972-0281.

Local Author Arts and History Event: Features local author Patty Cafferata, photographer, Elizabeth Carmel of Truckee and driving and walking guide, Penny Rucks at 11 a.m. Dec. 9 at Sundance Bookstore, 1155 W. Fourth St., Suite 106. Cost: Free. Details: 786-1188.

Bishop Manogue Open House: The school is hosting an open house for prospective 9th grade and transfer students from 1-3 p.m. Dec. 9 at the school, 400 Bartlett St. Cost: Free. Details: 336-6002.

The Sting of the Scorpion: Carl Breckenridge sings his newly released book at 1 p.m. Dec. 9 at Sundance Bookstore, 1155 W. Fourth St., Suite 106. Cost: Free. Details: 786-1188.

“A Hometowne Nutcracker”: The Reno Dance Company perform this holiday favorite fundraiser at 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 9 and 2 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Jeanne Dini Theatre, 120 N. California St., Yerington. Proceeds to benefit the theatre. Cost: $25 general, $20 seniors and students, $35 VIP booth. Details: 324-7288.

“The Giving Tree”: This play is based on the story of a boy and a tree written by Shel Silverstein showing at 2 p.m. Dec. 9-10 at the Bruka Theatre, 99 N. Virginia St. Cost: $7 general, $5 children ages 12 and younger. Details: 323-3221 or www.bruka.org.

Harmony for the Holiday: The Reno Silver Dollar Chorus presents a family Christmas show featuring favorite hymns and carols at 3 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Sparks United Methodist Church, 1231 Pyramid Way, Sparks. Cost: $12 for matinees, $15 for evening performances, free for children age 12 and younger. Details: 673-9014.

Book Signing: Richard O. Davies is available to sign copies of his book, “Sports in American Life: A History” at 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at Sundance Bookstore, 1155 W. Fourth St. Cost: Free. Details: 786-1188.

Christmas in the Sierra: David John and the Comstock Cowboys perform this family-friendly holiday show at 4 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Piper’s Opera House, 12 N. B St., Virginia City. Proceeds will fund Virginia City events and Piper’s Opera House. Cost: $20. Details: 775-847-0433.

May Arboretum Holiday Tree Lighting: The Beacon of the Season Holiday Tree Lighting takes place from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Wilbur D. May Arboretum, 1596 N. Sierra St. (enter off Sierra Street). Festivities include Hug High and Mendive Middle School choruses, refreshments and tree lighting. Cost: Free. Details: 785-4153.

Sierra Club Ice-Skating and Dinner: Meet at the Reno downtown ice-rink at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the corner of Virginia and First streets. Later have dinner at Contrada Cafe restaurant at the Sienna Casino. Cost: $5 admission and $2 for skate rental, plus the price of dinner. Details: Richard at 685-2600.

Swing Classes: Beginning swing classes are from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and intermediate to advanced classes from 6:30-7:30 p.m. each Saturday at Let’s Dance Studio, 1151 N. Rock Blvd., Sparks. Partner not needed. Cost: $35 four-week class, $10 drop-in. Details: 351-1400 or www.letsdancereno.com.

Faith Prince: As part of the Cabaret Concert Series, musical theater artist and Tony Award winner Faith Prince performs at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Magic Underground Theatre at the Pioneer Center, 100 S. Virginia St. Cost: $30. Details: 851-1638.

KRZQ Jingle Ball with Angels and Airwaves: Tom DeLonge’s post-Blink-182 band plays an all-ages show with opening acts Under the Influence of Giants, Shiny Toy Guns and I Hate Kate at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Grand Sierra Resort Theater. Cost: Tickets are $25.50 and $27.50, available at the Grand Sierra and Ticketmaster outlets. Details: 789-2000.

The New Cars: The reconstituted new-wave rockers featuring Todd Rundgren on lead vocals plays at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Cost: $50. Details: 800-427-7247.

Biggest Little Swing Dance Club: The club hosts swing dancing from 8-11 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month at Sports West Athletic Club, 1575 S. Virginia St. A free beginner’s lesson is from 7-8 p.m. No partner necessary. Cost: $10. Details: 851-3373 or www.blsdc.org.

The Tami Show Benefit Concert: This benefit concert to benefit Tami Kramer who needs major surgery begins at 9 p.m. Dec. 9 at Club Underground, 555 E. Fourth St. Featured bands: Redcel, Mnemonic, Obscured, Above All Things, Pushbox, The Swamp Donkey, Suffocate the Day and The Good Citizen. Cost: $5 at the door. Details: 786-2582.

Method Man: The rapper, actor and Wu Tang Clan-er plays an all-ages show with openers The Beatnuts at 9:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Montbleu. Cost: Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, available through Ticketmaster outlets and Montbleu. Details: 800-648-3353.

Sunday, Dec. 10

Kids’ Christmas Party: A children’s party complete with sleigh rides and pictures with Santa takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 10 in the Indian Room at Cal Neva Resort Spa & Casino, 2 Stateline Way, Crystal Bay. Cost: Free. Details: www.CalNevaResort.com or 800-225-6382.

Hanukkah Bazaar and Book Fair: Shop for Hanukkah supplies, general Judaica, books for all ages from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 10 at Congregation Temple Emanu-El, 1031 Manzanita Lane. Cost: Free admission. Details: 825-5600.

Rink on the River: Ice skating at the rink at 10 N. Virginia St. goes through Jan. 28 and is open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3-9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3-11 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Cost: $5 for ages 13 and older, $3 for youths or seniors, $2 skate rental. Passes are $25 and $45. Details: 334-6268 or www.renoparksandrec.com.

“Seussical the Musical”: Tahoe Players with a cast of 150 singers, actors and dancers perform two shows at 1 and 4 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino, 2500 E. Second St. The play is a composite of several books written by Dr. Seuss. Cost: $23 general, $15 for children ages 11 and younger. Reserve a four-person booth for $150. Details: 789-2285 or 800-648-3568.

Knitting Classes: This class meets on the first and third Sunday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at the Spanish Springs Library, 7100 Pyramid Lake Highway, Sparks. There is free yarn and needles available for use. Cost: Free. Details: 626-4533.

Holiday Treat Concert: The Carson City Symphony performs in concert along with the Carson Chamber Singers and Carson Middle School Singing Solons at 4 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St., Carson City. Cost: $12 general, $10 seniors, students and association members. Details: 883-4154.

Candle Lighting Service: The Northern Nevada Chapter of The Compassionate Friends (TCF) will light candles in an act of remembrance for those grieving the death of a child on Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Peppermill Hotel Casino, 2707 S. Virginia St. and at 6:30 p.m. at Harvey’s Resort Casino in Stateline. Both programs feature music, readings, a remembrance gift and refreshments. Please bring photo of loved one for Remembrance Table. Cost: Free. Details: Carol at 813-0828 or Delores at 849-1979.

Stanton Moore Trio: The Galactic drummer brings his jazz-funk outfit with opening act The New Mastersounds at 9 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Crystal Bay Club Casino in Crystal Bay. Cost: Tickets are $17 in advance, $20 day of show. Details: 833-6333.

Holland Benefit show a smash!

Saturday night was a time to shine for Reno’s creative young talents at The Holland Project benefit show. The Holland Project is a new youth center and all ages venue opening in downtown Reno. It’s created by local artists, musicians, idealists and other members of the community as a place for music, art, workshops, events and gatherings for Reno’s young and aspiring minds.

The benefit show was held at the XOXO bar to help raise money and finally open the doors of the Holland Project. The show featured Reno bands Back Harlow Road, All Day Drive, The Stops, This Calendar Year and DJs The Mousetraps on the turntables between sets.

To help raise more money for The Holland Project’s opening, a stunning painting by Reno artists Ahren Hertel and Erik Burke was raffled off to a lucky winner at the end of the event. Hertel and Burke worked on the panting throughout the entire night and finished just in time as the show was coming to an end.

Back Harlow Road welcomed guests by starting the show, delivering their pumped up and explosive rock to get the show started.

All Day Drive rocked the crowd with their punk rock sounds and dangerous energy inciting a small mosh pit near the front of the stage.

The Stops were next, producing the most powerful performance of the night. Their electrifying style and disco beats seduced the crowd into a wave of wild dancing and screaming, enticing them for more. A few times throughout the night the mics went dead, but that didn’t stop the bands from performing their duty. The crowd shouted the lyrics to the last song of “The Stops” set, making their performance more hyped and inviting.

The show ended with a red hot performance from This Calendar Year, a band with a sexual vibe reminiscent of the 70s classic rock bands.

With the help of the massive outcome and making over $400 dollars with the raffle, XOXO and The Holland Project made over a thousand dollars with the benefit. The Holland Project is now one step closer to opening its doors, a groundbreaking event that could change the youth scene of Reno as we know it.