Entertainment Briefs

Free programs at Sierra Place

Sierra Place welcomes the community to free special events.

"Mules, Mules and More Mules: The Importance of Mules In The Settlement of Nevada" is the topic of an illustrated history talk at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. Nevada State Museum Curator of History Robert A. Nylen will present Nevada's "mule tales" about this seldom-recognized, yet extremely useful, beast of burden.

Live bebop and cha-cha-cha will fill the air 2:30 p.m. May 25. Enjoy jazz and Latin standards with Judith Ames, known in Reno and the Bay Area for her authentic renditions of Latin tunes, sung in English, Spanish and Portuguese languages. She will also perform ragtime and American standards from the '30s and '40s.

Sierra Place is a senior living center at 1111 West College Pkwy. For more information, call 775-841-4111.

Chili cookoff and Peace officers vehicle parade

The 28th annual Chili on The Comstock, Chili and Salsa cook-off will take place 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday in Virginia City. C Street (the main drag) will be closed for this all-day street party.

Nearly 40 professional chili cooks from across the West will compete for cash, prizes, and the right to advance to the International Chili Society (ICS) World Finals later this year. Plus, the whole town will offer up their own chili recipes as they compete for the coveted People's Choice Award! The event is free but chili tasting kits will be available for just $5 each.

Silver State Peace Officers Museum Antique Emergency Vehicle Parade begins at noon, followed by a show n shine until 5 p.m.

Also scheduled is live music from the Rock n Roll Comedy Band and DJ Bobby G; gunfights on the street from the Nevada Gunfighters; traditional Native American dancing from the Eagle Wings Pageant Dancers; the Comstock Civil War Re-enactors will perform the "Virginia Rio" with a traditional dance master.

For more information, go to www.nvshows.com or call Rick Crombie at 775-240-7958.

West Coast swing dance lessons planned

The High Sierra Swing Dance Club and Yaple's Ballroom will present a six-week series of beginning West Coast swing lessons, 7-8:30 p.m. starting May 19.

Partners are not necessary. Cost is $50 for individuals or $90 for couples, and drop-ins are $10 per class. Register before May 15 and save $5.

Yaple's is located at 315 N. Carson St., Carson City, To preregister or for more information, call Tiffany Hopkins at 775-315-9574.

Introductory swing dance lesson offered

High Sierra Swing Dance Club is offering a free, two-hour lesson in basic West Coast swing at its monthly dance party May 21 at the Brewery Arts Center's Grand Ballroom, 449 W. King St., Carson City.

The free lesson is 5-7 p.m., followed by a social dance to practice your new skills follows from 7-10:30 p.m. Partners are not required.

The social dance is $7 for members of swing clubs and $10 for nonmembers. Join the club that night, and the dance is free. Artisans' Cafe will be open. For information, go to www.highsierraSDC.org or call 775-629-9369.

Paiute tales and traditions at BAC

Explore part of Nevada's Native American History through the language and the stories of the Walker River Paiute Tribe with Andy Allen at 2 p.m. May, Brewery Arts Center.

Allen, of Schurz, keeps the traditions alive through education as well as entertainment and will share his knowledge as part of the BAC's "Cultures of Nevada" Matinee Series.

Allen will share captivating traditional stories about his tribe as well as recite traditional Paiute creation tales and narratives. Audience members will also learn some basic Paiute words and phrases. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to experience Nevada's rich history together.

As an elder in his community, Andy is looked upon as a classic tradition bearer, one who is intertwined with his intent to share, preserve and teach the Paiute language. Some believe that his is the last generation with the knowledge and ability to sustain the Northern Paiute language and traditional stories. It is a rare treat to experience Andy and his associates sharing their linguistic and storytelling traditions.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students and seniors and $5 for BAC Members.

Writing class begins Monday

The popular workshop, "Short Story Writing" is back at Comma Coffee Mondays from 5:30-7 p.m. Monday-June 20,

The class is taught by Deana Hoover, a local author whose books include "Sing to the Moon," "Poems From an Ordinary Life," "Good Morning World," and many more. She teaches writing and art at the Brewery Arts Center and Comma Coffee in Carson City.

Cost for the class is $90, with lessons to help students learn to write quality work with individual style and flair. Several short works will be created.

To sign up for the class contact Hoover at 721-4453 or email her at deanasarts@yahoo.com. Payment is due during the first class. Payment options are available. For details visit www.commacoffee.com.

Local flutists featured in concert

Flutists Robin Link of Carson City and Diana Ruby of Reno will be featured soloists in the Capital City Community Band "Old Fashioned Band Concert" at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 22, Boldrick Theater in the Carson City Community Center.

The band will perform a variety of music styles including classical, show tunes and marches, reminiscent of the concerts performed during the John Philip Sousa era. The band will also play a musical tribute to our Armed Forces in recognition of Memorial Day.

Link, a teacher at Empire Elementary School, and Ruby will perform the "Concertante For Two Flutes" by Cimarosa.

The community concert is a great family event, and it's free.

The Capital City Community Band Has been providing free concerts for Carson City residents and the surrounding areas since 1979. New members are always welcome. For more information about the band or the concert please call the director, Richard Doede at 883-2219.