Free concert to introduce performance hall concept

A free concert is set to introduce Carson Valley residents to the idea of converting the old Copeland Lumber building into a performing arts hall.

Members of the Carson Valley Arts Council are hoping the Dec. 7 concert by folk artist Edie Carey will help them raise money to convert the 17,902-square-foot former warehouse.

Brian Fitzgerald of the arts council said the group hopes to find backers to help pay to convert the warehouse into a 600-seat auditorium.

Fitzgerald said the group has been out pitching the idea and has received a positive response.

"It's a matter of finding the funding to complete the project," Fitzgerald said.

Carey is performing as part of the benefit to encourage interest in the project.

The group received a grant to conduct a structural analysis of the building and is producing architectural drawings of the building.

While the bow-string trusses estimated to be 80 years old are sound, the walls and the roof of the building will require a seismic retrofit to meet building codes.

The arts council was incorporated in 2004 and is looking for volunteers to support cultural activities in the Valley.

Anyone interested in participating should contact the arts council at 265-3529 or visit their Web site at www.cvartscouncil.com.

The Carey concert is sponsored by Tahoe Ridge Winery & Marketplace, Douglas County Parks & Recreation, the Town of Minden, Historian Inn, Sweetie Pies By Wendy, DRDesign.net, CarsonTahoeMusic.com, the National Endowment For The Arts, Nevada Arts Council, Starbucks Coffee, Syncon Homes and The Record-Courier.

Held at the CVIC Hall in Minden, the concert begins with a reception at 6 p.m. Carey begins performing at 7 p.m. and dessert is 8:15 p.m.