Ancient knowledge, reggae and peach ice cream

Few people still have the traditional knowledge about using plants for food, medicine and crafts in Northern Nevada. Paiute singer and storyteller Marlin Thompson does.

He'll share what he knows during a presentation called "Traditional Foods and Plants from Mason and Smith Valleys" at the Nevada State Museum on Saturday.

A Yerington resident, Thompson will demonstrate traditional uses for plants with the help of elders Christine Neusbaum and Marge Torresas. They are concerned that plants they consider a source of life will be seen by some as simply weeds.

This unique look at the plant remedies, foods and crafts that are part of Paiute heritage is part of the ongoing "Under One Sky Exhibit."

The willow basket-making presentation by master artist Sue Coleman on June 19 was very popular. Saturday's event will be another opportunity to learn knowledge passed down in this region for thousands of years.

Thompson's presentation is 1 to 4 p.m. The cost is regular museum admission: $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and free for under 18. The museum is at 600 N. Carson St. For details, call 687-4810.

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I stopped by the free reggae concert at Sierra Glen on Saturday and was glad to find about 200 people shucking and jiving to the "irie" beat. Carson City is not really known as a center in the reggae world so I wasn't sure if anyone would show up. The rhythm echoed over a few blocks - drawing folks out of the westside neighborhood.

I tried my first Sierra Glen ice cream that night. Greg Hoch, who runs the creamery with his wife, Cindy, served up a big scoop of peach flavor in a waffle cone. I took it outside and enjoyed it with the tunes. It was a perfect blend of sweet fruit and cream flavors. If you haven't tried their cold treats, I recommend them as an antidote to the recent surge in temperatures. For all you Atkins dieters, there's sorbet and gelato.

Sierra Glen Restaurant & Tahoe Creamery is at 1480 N. Carson St.

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Reno band Burning Peace will play Saturday at Comma Coffee, 312 S. Carson St. The band played a popular show there in January with an opening set by Carson's own Jen Scaffidi, booking agent for the coffee shop.

Todd South of Burning Peace runs the very popular open mike at Waldens Coffee House in Reno. His band will play from about 8 to 10 p.m. at Comma.

An evening of outdoor jazz and poetry is Tuesday from 8 to 10. The Mile High Jazz Band with vocalist Sheryl Adams will be joined by poets Shaun Griffin, Rita Geil, Terry Breedin and Terry Forde at the courtyard beside Comma Coffee.

Winner of a Governor's Arts Award, Griffin has written several books of poetry, edited two collections, and had his poems published in several magazines. Geil, Breedin and Forde have participated in past "Jazz and Poetry" events.

"Poets captivate audiences at Jazz and Poetry events," said David Bugli, leader and pianist for the Mile High Jazz Band. "They choose poems that relate to the musical selections in interesting and sometimes unexpected ways. They are serious, humorous and thought-provoking."

Swing dance instruction is 6 to 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5 general, $4 for members of the Mile High Jazz Band Association and free for age 18 and under. Dance instruction is $5 additional. For details, go to www.milehighjazz.com or call 883-4154.

Contact Karl Horeis at khoreis@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.