Seattle jazz artist Michael Powers, a favorite from past Concerts in the Park, will take the stage for this year's final Concert at Minden Village on Friday, at 7 p.m. in front of 88 Cups. This is a free concert with donations to the artist encouraged. There are many food merchants at the village or you can bring your own picnic.
At the same time, from 6-8 p.m., the art gallery inside 88 Cups will hold an art reception featuring the artwork of 10 artists. Bring a chair to enjoy the concert and come meet these local artists: Chris Buchanan, Peter Chope, Nancy Clarke, Dick and Sonnie Imes, Marilyn Jayne, Marilyn Koschelle, Margie Leslie, Mark Thompkins and Vilma Weneck.
Promoter Doug Reynolds said he hopes to expand the donations-only concert model next summer by offering 5-6 concerts at Minden Village on alternating weeks from the Minden Park concert series.
"Originally the plan was to bring my Comma Concerts series from Carson City down here as ticketed shows during the summer, but the free-with-donations idea was so successful at our July show that we'll try a whole series of world-class performers next year the same way.
"There's no pressure, we just put out a donations bucket and announce where it is, and those in the crowd who want to support this kind of show do the rest."
The basic production expenses and Powers' airfare have been sponsored by a group of Minden merchants. The artist's pay will be totally from audience donations.
Powers closed the last few seasons of the Minden Concert in the Park series and it had become the norm for him to appear in town just before Labor Day. Reynolds said that Powers so enjoys the area that he volunteered to fly down for the Minden Village show, and, like Michael Gulezian did in July, "play for his supper." His music and joyous performing style appeal to all ages.
On stage, Powers has shared billings with giants of jazz, including Herbie Hancock, Ray Charles, Diane Schuur, Gladys Knight and the Pips, David Benoit, the Yellowjackets, the Rippingtons and many more.
Minden Village is located on the corner of Highway 395 and Lucerne. Concert expenses are being sponsored by 88 Cups, Sweetie Pies, Cold Stone Creamery, Quiznos, Carson Valley Mortgage, Dr. Steven Brown at Alpine Medical Associates, Mike Eddy at American Family Insurance, JoEtta Brown, C and Company and The Jewelry Box. For more information visit www.CommaConcerts.com or call 220-0995.
For more information on the art reception, contact Sonnie Imes at 782-0035 or 781-6114, or Marilyn Jayne at 265-3785.
