Fascinating adventures in American culture

Monday morning, I took a seat on the "Big Shot" ride at the top of the 1,149-foot Stratosphere tower in Las Vegas. I had driven through the night to visit a buddy, and we figured we'd start the day by launching 160 feet up in 2.5 seconds from a starting point more than 100 stories above the ground. I kicked off the rubber sandals I got at Scolari's on Highway 50 so I wouldn't lose them when we experienced four Gs. The hot tiles of the roof burned my feet, but I exploded in laughter anyway when the earth dropped away.

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The hundreds who saw pianist David Benoit rock the Community Center on Friday shared a special experience. I counted at least three standing ovations. He played his new track, "Right Here, Right Now," live for only the second time. (The first was two days before in San Diego). His hands on the keys were like blender blades going from chop to blend to whip to puree. Though it was only the third song of his performance, the whole Carson crowd stood up, applauding furiously.

"I'm going to be in New York next week," Benoit said later. "I'll tell the record company about what happened here in Carson City."

Benoit played as part of the Capital City Music Series. The next performance is Dr. Ralph Stanley and his Clinch Mountain Boys at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Mills Park Pavilion. Call 887-3688 for tickets.

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Flute player and tenor sax man Lew Tabackin will perform with his International Jazz Trio at 4 p.m. in the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall, 511 W. King St. Friday night. Philadelphia-born Tabackin is known for the big band he leads with his wife, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and for his flute playing. During live performances, however, he concentrates on improvisational saxophone. Tickets are $15 general or $12 for BAC members and seniors. Also, don't forget to buy your raffle tickets to win the 25-foot Pioneer trailer donated by Michael Hohl RV. The winner will be named during the BAC's beer-tasting benefit on Friday, Sept. 12. Call 883-1976 for more details.

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Speaking of jazz musicians, I want to thank Elinor Bugli for holding my hand through several encounters with the Mile High Jazz Band and the Millennium Bugs. I had the pleasure of sitting with her in the shaded yard of the Roberts House during the Carson City Historical Society's social Sunday afternoon. While her husband, Mile High band leader and Carson City Symphony conductor David Bugli, performed, she helped me figure out who was who and what they were playing. She also gave me the band's schedule. They'll play at Comma Coffee on Aug. 12.

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In other news at Comma Coffee, owner/operator June Joplin's son Clinton is home from his deployment to Southwest Asia. She said he is healthy and happy and home for two weeks before he heads back to Camp Lejeune. Comma Coffee will host a drum circle Saturday night starting at 7 p.m. Call for more details at 883-2662.

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In my last 3 inches, I'll cram in three fascinating adventures in American culture -- monster trucks, Andy Warhol and the B.B. King blues festival. The Pro Monster Truck Racing Association monster truck show is Saturday at 6 p.m. at Champion Motor Speedway. Tickets are $12, and the first 500 kids get a free toy. There will be a monster truck on display at Les Schwab from 2-6 p.m. on Friday. Call 267-0505. The 12th Annual B.B. King Music Festival featuring Jeff Beck and Galactic will include stops in Los Angeles, New York and the Reno Hilton. The show starts at 6 p.m. in the outdoor amphitheater. Tickets are $33-$43; call (800) 648-3568.

And if you happen to be in "Lost Wages" before Sept. 1, check out The Bellagio's Gallery of Fine Art, where 59 of Warhol's celebrity portraits are displayed. I was never too intrigued by his stuff until I saw his Chairman Mao, John Lennon and Michael Jackson in person on Tuesday. I walked out totally energized after an audio tour narrated by Liza Minnelli. Because we're Nevadans, our tickets are discounted by $3. Call (877) 957-9777.

Karl Horeis is a general assignment report for the Appeal. He can be reached at 881-1219.