ValleyVibrations

In case you don't know, this will be my last Valley Vibrations column since I am moving to Coos Bay, Ore., on Saturday. From now on, please send your musical event information to Jonni Hill, jhill@recordcourier.com or call her at 782-5121, ext. 213, and also to the new People editor, Sharlene Irete, sirete@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 210.

I have really enjoyed having the chance to be the catalyst in getting information out about local performances. Playing music is exciting and fun, but you don't get good enough to perform without many years of hard work, and you musicians deserve recognition.

By the way, the word "catalyst" reminds me of a club in downtown Santa Cruz, Calif., that has been there for at least 40 years and still is supporting both local and professional bands. I recommend checking it out if you're ever in the Santa Cruz-Monterey area.

Until next week, keep on playin!'

Remember, to keep this going, we have to hear from you. Just a little e-mail (jhill@recordcourier.com and sirete@recordcourier.com) or a phone call (782-5121, ext. 213 or 210) or even a fax (782-6152) is all we need to put your musical entertainment information in this column at no charge to you. If you send it, we'll even try to get a photo in to go with it. Details are needed by noon on Wednesday.

So, with a "One, two - one, two, three, four":

Mark Castro Band at Walley's

The Mark Castro Band will perform at David Walley's Resort, Hot Springs and Spa 5-8 p.m. today. The band performs classic rock songs from Chuck Berry, Santana, Jeff Beck, Hendrix and The Beatles, as well as songs that are not often performed by cover trios. For the band's schedule, go to www.calendar.yahoo.com/satiasongs

Other bands playing at Walley's weekly are:

Every Wednesday and Thursday night music can be listened to while dining at David Walley's Resort, Hot Springs and Spa:

-- The Big Tsunami plays every Wednesday, 6-9 p.m. at Walley's. The Big Tsunami performs island, contemporary and traditional music, as well as local standards.

-- On Thursdays from 5:30-9 p.m. the Red Davidson Trio performs "easy to listen to mainstream jazz" on bass, drums and piano.

David Walley's is located at 2001 Foothill Road, Genoa.

Information, 782-8155.

Steve Lord comes to Sharkey's

Entertaining in the Horseshoe Bar 8 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday will be Steve Lord, a local favorite at Sharkey's Casino. Lord is known for his rock ''n' roll and country classics. Lord lives and entertains in Western Nevada. Sharkey's Casino is located at 1440 Highway 395 Gardnerville. Information, 782-3133.

Topaz Lodge is back

Topaz Lodge and Casino reopened after a three-month closure last week. Weekend entertainment has been scheduled for the month of July in the newly renovated lounge.

Alan Moore & Company will entertain 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday; the Motifs will make a return engagement with their combination of dance tunes and sentimental favorites from the '50s through the '90s from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. July 20-21; and the last weekend of the month will close with Dealer's Choice, a country music, country rock band that also does the oldies which will entertain from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. July 27-28.

Who's at The Bank?

The Bank Parlor & Pub in Minden presents karaoke on Wednesday nights.

The bank has open mic on Thursday nights, hosted by Dean Brownell. Brownell plays a variety of instruments including rhythm and lead guitar, keyboards, bass guitar and congas and is both a lead and a backup singer. Come play solo or accompanied by others. Bring your instruments.

The Bank Parlor & Pub is located at 1596 Esmeralda Ave. Call 783-4770 for information.

Wild Card takes the stage at Buckaroos

Today, 8 p.m. to midnight, Wild Card will perform at Buckaroos Saloon.

Saturday from 8 p.m. to midnight Ted Nagel will host karaoke.

Sunday, Carson Valley Cruisers will host a hangout in the parking lot from 2-5 p.m. with live oldies music outdoors provided by Don and Nadine.

Wednesday from 8-11 p.m. Dale Jantzen will host karaoke.

Buckaroos is located at 1435 Highway 395 in Gardnerville. Information, call general manager Steve Orlando, 782-9693.

Villa After Dark

Today, beginning at 8 p.m., Villa After Dark will be presented at Villa san Marcel. Starting at 5 p.m. dinner is "rustic" Italian cuisine, followed by a piano bar.

Live music is featured on Saturday night.

Villa san Marcel is located at 1799 Ironwood Drive, between Danny's Ironwood Grill and the Mandarin Gourmet. For more information call 783-4987.

Carson Valley Inn entertains

Major Link continues through Sunday, Rolland Dempsey returns Tuesday through July 22 and various duos entertain on Monday nights. Cabaret Lounge live entertainment is presented with no cover and no minimum. The 45-minute shows start at 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 p.m.

Major Link is the duo, Terry Saunders and Mary Owens. They cover a full range of today's popular music, with hits from Traci, Tina, Cher, Ricki and more.

Rolland Dempsey and his band present a mix of rhythm & blues, soul and contemporary pop music.

This week's scheduled Monday night group is Take Note.

The Carson Valley Inn is located on Highway 395 in Minden. For information visit www.cvinn.com or call 782-9711.

Comstock Cowboys at Minden Park

The free Summer Concert Series at Minden Park this weekend features the Comstock Cowboys on Friday. The concert, presented by the Douglas County Parks & Recreation Department, will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Minden/Douglas Elks Lodge No. 2670 will provide food and non-alcoholic beverages for sale, but many families like to bring their own picnic dinners. Information, 782-9828.

Michael Gulezian at Minden Village

Michael Gulezian will perform 7 p.m. July 21 at Minden Village. This acoustic guitarist and singer played guitar with fellow musician and close friend, the late Michael Hedges.

Concerts are offered at Minden Village throughout the summer. Admission is free, although donations to the artist are appreciated. The entire concert schedule can be viewed online at www.UncommonConcerts.com or call Douglas Reynolds at 220-0995 for more information. Minden Village is located at the northeast corner of Highway 395 and Lucerne Street.

Just a reminder

Kenny Loggins will perform at Homewood Mountain Resort in Homewood on the west shore of Lake Tahoe at 7 p.m. on July 24. The cost is $55 for preferred seating, $30 general and $15 lawn. Youth younger than 16 get in free. Tickets are now on sale both online and at the chambers of commerce offices in Tahoe City, Incline and Truckee, and at the Lake Tahoe Music Festival office. For more information, call the LTMF office, (530) 581-1184 or visit www.KennyLoggins.com.

Music and a cruise

Passengers sail Lake Tahoe and swing along with The Jazz Guys each Sunday evening on the Woodwind II Sunset Champagne Cruise. The Jazz Guys play everything from Dixie and be-bop to bossas and big band swing, with Gil Linsley from Lake Tahoe on trumpet; Dan Lancaster from Minden on sax, clarinet and flute; George Worth from Gardnerville on bass and trombone; and Mark Ashworth from Washoe Valley on drums.

The Woodwind II, a catamaran (twin-hulled) sailboat, carries up to 50 passengers and operates from Zephyr Cove. The Woodwind II has a full bar, and passenger seating in the enclosed main salon, as well as, a sun deck. On the Sunset Champagne Cruise at 7 p.m., the cruise fee includes complimentary beer, wine and champagne.

Call 588-3000 or (888) 867-6394, option 2, for reservations.

Free ukulele lessons for young musicians

This summer free ukulele lessons will be offered at the Eddy Street Book Exchange by local musician David Smith. Musicians 8 to 14 are welcome. The lessons will start in June and will be held on Sunday afternoon. There will be a $20 charge for a ukulele and music materials. The lessons will be free. Call 782-5484 for more information.

Evening at the Comstock

The annual charity dinner, live/silent auction and concert to benefit children with autism, An Evening on the Comstock, will take place on Aug. 4 at Buffalo Creek Ranch, 319 Jones Lane, Gardnerville. The event features music by David John and the Comstock Cowboys. Tickets are $100 and are available at Casa Bella Home & Garden Center in Minden, Glen Eagles Restaurant in Carson City and online at FeatOfTheCarsonValley.org. Tee off to benefit FEAT the day before on Aug. 3. The FEAT benefit weekend begins Aug. 3 with the Buffalo Creek Invitational Golf Tournament at Genoa Lakes Golf Course. To register for the golf tournament or to sponsor the event, e-mail dms@buffalocreekranchnv.com or for information visit www.FeatOfTheCarsonValley.org or call 782-4138.

-- Jo Rafferty is the People editor at The Record-Courier.