ValleyVibrations

It's getting pretty exciting music-wise in Carson Valley. The Douglas County Parks & Recreation Department is presenting the Concerts in the Park as it usually does during the summer, and now local promoter Doug Reynolds has gotten into the act even more than in the past.

Because of their efforts, we will be enjoying concerts virtually every weekend throughout the summer.

Until next week, keep on playin!'

Remember, to keep this going, I have to hear from you. Just a little e-mail (jrafferty@recordcourier.com) or a phone call (782-5121, ext. 210) or even a fax (782-6152) is all I need to put your musical entertainment information in this column at no charge to you. If you send it, I'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":

Summer concerts at Minden Park

The line-up for the free Summer Concert Series at Minden Park includes: the Comstock Cowboys on July 13; the Jeff Jones Band on July 27; the John Jorgenson Quintet on Aug. 10; and the Michael Powers Band on Aug. 24.

The Concerts in the Park, presented by the Douglas County Parks & Recreation Department, are from 6:30-8:30 p.m., with the exception of the last concert, the Michael Powers Band, which will perform from 6-8 p.m. All concerts are held at Minden Park.

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. For more information, call the parks and recreation department at 782-9828.

Summer concerts at Minden Village

Douglas County will now experience a free, world-class concert on nearly every weekend of the summer.

The first performance, to be held 7 p.m. June 16, will be by internationally acclaimed guitarist and singer Beppe Gambetta of Genoa, Italy. This will be followed up on July 7 with a performance by Seattle jazz guitarist Michael Powers. Other performers of note will be acoustic rock pioneer John Batdorf, the leader of the highly acclaimed '70s group Batdorf and Rodney, and the Duo-Tones, two veterans of the '60s surf music scene who performed such hits as Pipeline, Wipeout and Mr. Moto.

All shows are free with donations to the artists accepted. 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 in Minden.

Who's at The Bank?

Ben Crocker will be playing classic rock-country rock 6:30-10:30 p.m. today at The Bank Parlor & Pub. Crocker brings 45 years guitar playing experience to the Bank. He plays a wide variety of music including hits from the '60s, '70s and '80s, with his specialties, Creedence Clearwater and Johnny Cash.

Saturday - Tony Sanders is back at The Bank. Come listen to music from the '50s through the present from 5-9 p.m. Tony will be playing his special blend of rockabilly, country, folk and rock and roll favorites from his vast repertoire. From The Beatles to The Stones, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Willie and Waylon to Neil Diamond, Green Day and more.

The Bank now 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.

Buckaroos features Dealer's Choice

Today, 8 p.m. to midnight, Dealer's Choice will perform at Buckaroos Saloon.

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

Open mic is the second and fourth Sunday of each month from 1-5 p.m.

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

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

Music is always Inn

Atomika appears through Sunday, Smokin' Aces make their Carson Valley Inn debut Tuesday through June 10 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.

Atomika is a diverse variety band with youthful, energetic musicians. Leader Liz Duran, Mark Twohey, Paul Zogby and Ian Tourvall entertain all with chart-topping hits from top 40, rock, R&B, pop, standards - even alternative and dance.

Smokin' Aces is a family that delivers vocal harmonies, with some of today's hottest music ranging from country and oldies to pop chart toppers. The heart of Smokin' Aces is father-daughter Jeff and Ileia who collectively have toured the northwest for more than 30 years.

This week's scheduled Monday night group is The Gardners.

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

Villa san Marcel presents ...

Jazz entertainer Monique Haviland will appear Saturday night at Villa san Marcel. Live jazz music will be performed during dinner. Dinners, Italian cuisine, are served starting at 5 p.m. and entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m.

Villa san Marcel features The After Dark Ultra Lounge 10 p.m. to closing on Fridays. Dance the night away or simply relax in a tranquil atmosphere.

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

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.

Jammin' on Eddy St.

On June 24, 2:30 - 5 p.m., at the Eddy Street Book Exchange, local musicians will host an acoustic jam. If you play any kind of acoustic instrument, join them for a song. Folks who don't play, but who may want to sing along or just listen, are also welcome. All levels of experience are welcome. Please bring a few copies of the lyrics, chord or tab sheets (not many of them read music). The Eddy Street Book Exchange is located at 1225 Eddy St., Gardnerville. Information, 782-5484.

Evening at the Comstock coming

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. The FEAT benefit weekend begins Aug. 3 with the Buffalo Creek Invitational Golf Tournament at Genoa Lakes Golf Resort. 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.