Backstage with Blues Traveler, garden jazz and a chance to be a star

by Karl Horeis

Nevada Appeal layout artist MaryJo Green has collected six of John Popper's harmonicas at the nine Blues Traveler concerts she's attended. She always seems to be in the right place at the right time when Popper hands them out after the show.

When they played Caesars Tahoe last week MaryJo urged a bunch of us to go. We're glad we did. I haven't seen so many ecstatic dancers since Willie Nelson did "Whiskey For My Men, Beer For My Horses" twice in a row with Lyle Lovett last year in Reno.

MaryJo said it was a great show.

"I've seen a lot of shows, but I haven't seen so many people so jazzed. Each time I see a show, they get more and more incredible."

MaryJo said the members of Blues Traveler aren't above their fans. She was invited backstage a few years ago in Ventura, Calif.

"It was one of the most incredible rushes I have ever had in my life. And when I spoke to the members that I did, they were so happy to be where they were at, and even more happy to know their fans," she said.

At Caesars on Saturday, she spoke to guitarist Chan Kinchla after the show.

"I said, 'Congratulations on your baby boy,' and he was shocked," she said. "He was like, 'Wow, a fan who actually pays attention.'"

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The Millennium Bugs, a music combo from the Mile High Jazz Band, will play two hours of live jazz Saturday at the Greenhouse Garden Center.

Called "Jazz in the Garden," the free event is a musical escape into the lush, green oasis of the garden center. It's part of an informal series aimed at enhancing the customers' experience, according to owner David Ruf.

"We want Greenhouse Garden Center to be a destination of enjoyment for all our customers. Not only do great gardens begin at Greenhouse Garden Center, but also great seminars and events."

The Millennium Bugs include Gil Linsley on trumpet; Dan Lancaster on saxophone, clarinet and flute; David Bugli on the keyboard; George Worth on bass and trombone; and Dennis Steele playing the drums.

Saturday's "Jazz in the Garden" is 1-3 p.m. at 2450 S. Curry St. For information, go to www.MileHighJazz.com or call 883-4154.

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Look for a story next week on 1996 Carson High grad Erin O'Shaughnessy, who will make her television debut on NBC's drama "ER." She'll be featured on two episodes - Thursday, April 22 and Thursday, April 29 at 10 p.m. on NBC. She will also be featured in an episode of "Judging Amy" set to air April 27 on CBS.

Other folks interested in getting their television and film careers off the ground should call Integrity Casting in Reno. They've announced auditions for a feature film called "Kid's Kourt," which will be filmed in Reno this summer.

"It's a kids' adventure-type movie," said casting assistant Tim Thompson. "It's kids saving the world - that type of thing."

Before you call, make sure you have a professional, 81Ú2-by-11 head shot and a resume. Auditions are today and Friday from noon to 6 p.m. at the Integrity Casting office, 1030 Matley Lane. Thompson said they will be doing auditions for a week or two.

For a character breakdown of "Kids Kourt," go to www.integritycasting.com/ICcurrentjobs.html. You must call (775) 322-1515 to set up an appointment before auditioning. Good luck!

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