Off the Couch: A guide to weekend activities in Carson Country

Today

- Annual Installation of Officers and Directors of the Carson City Area Chamber of Commerce dinner, 5:30 p.m. at the Pinon Plaza Resort. Keynote speaker is John Ensign, candidate for U.S. Senator. Cost is $25 per person; reservations required, call 882-1565.

- WC Karaoke Show at the Windsock Lounge, 2600 Graves Lane, 8 p.m. to midnight. Through Saturday. Call 888-9944.

- "The Viriginia and Truckee Right of Way" or "The Too Loose Caboose," as performed by Shootin' Starz Stage Co. of Virginia City, 7 p.m. at the Virginia City (outdoor) Amphitheater in Virginia City. Through Sunday. Call 847-SHOW.

- "A Celtic Summer's Eve" presentation by the Reno Irish Dance Company, 7 p.m. at Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch in Reno, a display of traditional and hybrid Irish dance. Call 827-6156.

Saturday

- The Mile High Jazz Band performs at 8 p.m. at the Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King St. Call 883-1976.

- "Solutions to Your Plant Problem," a free clinic presented by the Master Gardeners of University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, 8:30-10:30 a.m. at Cscape Demonstration Garden, northeast corner of Mills Park. Reservations required by July 12. Call 887-2252.

- Annual Open House of the High Sierra Radio Control Club, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m at the club field off Flint Drive in east Carson City (Dump Hill). Includes flight demonstrations, flight opportunities and barbecue lunch. Call 883-3111.

- Wine and Roses wine tasting benefit for Make-A-Wish, 6-10 p.m. at Genoa Lakes Golf Course, Genoa; $30 per person, features foods from 20 local restaurants and wines from 30 wineries, plus silent auction. Call 826-8008.

- Topaz Golf Tournament at Carson Valley Golf Course. Call 782-7917.

- Douglas County Sheriff's Mounted Posse 3rd annual dinner/dance, 6 p.m. at the Douglas County Fairgrounds on Pinenut Road, Gardnerville; $15 per adult, $10 for ages 10-16, 10-under free. Evening western dress is recommended. Call 782-4931.

- Smith Valley Fire Department annual steak fry and dance fund-raiser, 6 p.m. at Smith Valley Community Hall; tickets $15 per person, live music by The Bucking Band. Call (775) 465-2045.

Sunday

- The Carson City Preservation Coalition hosts a Jazz Brunch Garden Party 11 a.m. at Greenhouse Garden Center, 2450 S. Curry St.

- Nevada Raptors: Lecture at Mormon Station, Genoa, by Nancy Goldwater on birds found in Northern Nevada. 1 p.m. Call 782-2590.

- Concert-on-the-Green at 6 p.m. in Genoa Town Park, featuring jazz music by John and Cherie Shipley. Bring a picnic supper and enjoy the jazz. Sponsored by the Genoa Events Committee. Call 782-0810 or 782-8696.

- Sunday Jazz at the Sands features The Collective, 6-8 p.m. at the Sands Regency Hotel, Reno. Call 348-2232.