Brief: Piper's Wine and Music Gala

Piper's Opera House will hold its first-ever Wine and Music Gala from 5-9 p.m. Saturday Feb. 26 in Virginia City.

Big band impresario Brian Farnon's 18-piece Piper's Opera House Swing Band and Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt will perform Kahal and Fain's signature piece, "I'll Be Seeing You" at the event.

Farnon was the celebrated musical director at Harrahs Tahoe during the days of the 1960s through '80s, when Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole played the showroom and an young Barbra Streisand opened for Liberace.

The 1940s-themed gala will benefit the Piper's Opera House restoration fund. Silent and live auctions are planned with local celebrity John Tyson to host the live auction.

Piper's Opera House was built in 1862 and welcomed the famous of the 19th century and early 20th century of stage, theater and opera. Corporate sponsors for the event are Sierra Pacific Foundation and Southern Wine and Spirits.

For information, call 847-0454 or 847-7750, or e-mail mtwain1861@reno.quik.com.