Jazz trio to perform at Nelson's Take 5 Saturday evening

A former Douglas High School drama teacher has returned to Carson Valley and will perform at a local restaurant and bar Saturday night along with her jazz group.

Catherine Cook, who has worked in musical theater her entire life, was the singer in a trio on and off for four years. Recently, the trio decided to make their arrangement permanent and become The Tahoe Trio.

The Tahoe Trio will perform at Nelson's Take Five, 1425 Highway 395 in Gardnerville, for four evenings of wine tasting and jazz throughout the summer.

"We play lots of the old swing-era, blues-era jazz," said Cook, "Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, all the fun, old stuff."

Music will be performed by pianist Dave Gustafson and drummer Mark Ashworth, to the sounds of Cook's melodies, as hors d'ouevres and wine are served.

"They will feature different wines each time, and try to coordinate the appetizers with the wines," said Cook.

The Tahoe Trio will entertain 6-9 p.m. (or later) Saturday, and also on July 22, Aug. 26 and Sept. 23.

Being in a jazz group is "so much fun," Cook said.

Cook has appeared in several plays in the last few years, including playing Peter Pan in "Peter Pan" at the Carson City Community Center in 2000, taking the stage for the "Nunsense" shows and playing one of two actors in "Two Small Bodies" in March, both performed at the Brewery Arts Center.

She also sings on the Tahoe ship, the M.S. Dixie II, on Friday nights, where she and four others are performing "Showboat In Concert" during the dinner cruise.

Cook moved away from the Valley for four years and is glad to be back.

"It's wonderful. I feel at home - like I belong again," she said.

For more information on the evenings of wine tasting and jazz, call Nelson's at 782-8287.