The location of a 2,000-seat performance center in Carson Valley will be announced on June 25 in Reno at a benefit concert held at the Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation Amphitheater.
Singer Lane Baxter said the center will be located somewhere within two miles of Highway 395 and Johnson Lane, but could not be more specific until the formal announcement.
"I've been working on this since last November," the sixth-generation Nevadan said. "It came up at a party where I was asked to sing. People said we need a venue. There are so many people moving into this area who are used to cultural activities. We have culture, but no place to perform or exercise those abilities.
Baxter said she has financial backing for the proposed Sierra Tahoe Performing Arts Center.
"We have an unusual setting here that a lot of places don't have," she said. "This is a fabulous destination. By putting in the center and surrounding the building with things that will bring revenue to the Valley we will create jobs and create venues for other businesses."
Baxter said she has already met with a contractor and an architect. She will unveil a concept rendering of the building.
"This is very well-thought-out," she said. "I grew up with the building industry. I have a tremendous love of this area and this state and it deserves something of this caliber."
Among plans is a school for performing art and stage set and costume design.
"I approached my board of directors about building a school for artistic children who are autistic," she said.
The center still requires approval of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners and continued successful fundraising, according to Baxter.
Opening is planned for summer 2008. Sunday's concert will feature singers from opera, Broadway and ballet. Tickets for the concert are $30 lawn seating, $35 upper tier seating, $40 preferred seating. For ticket information please contact Baxter at 265-0998 or Rose Marie Sherman at 782-2126.
