Guide to Carson City’s Jazz & Beyond Music Festival

For the last seven years, the Jazz & Beyond Music Festival has been one of the largest events held in Carson City every summer. With more than 50 performances featuring more than 100 artists in music and art, the festival encourages locals to attend as many events in a 17-day period.

The Mile High Jazz Band Association originated the festival in 2004, by performing at the Brewery Arts Center in celebrations of jazz legend William “Count” Basie. Thus, the Jazz & Beyond Festival was born after years of expanding several events.

This guide will show you how to get jazzed up with two weeks worth of events. Even if you’re not an avid jazz listener, there’s something for everyone.

FESTIVAL OPENER AT THE BLISS: FRIDAY, AUG. 5

It’s the first Friday night of August and there are four events to choose from to make it a memorable start.

The earliest event begins at 4 p.m. — it’s the Nevada Artists Association (NAA) and the Capital City Arts Initiative (CCAI) Art Show at Bliss Mansion. Observe some of Carson City’s most popular art, such as the Miss Dixie bus, and catch a live performance by Take This.

Triple Treble is also showing off their forte at Bliss Mansion. That starts at 4:30. You won’t miss the flute trio as they will be performing on the lawn out front. The band consists of three talented women: Nancy Irwin, Jane Dykstra and Betsy Garfinkle.

Take This will take the stage again at 6:30 with other talented local artists.

This event at the mansion is like a goody bag of its own: food trucks will be on site from 4–8 p.m. On top of free admission, a free guided tour of the Bliss Mansion is included, if you wish.

You also can catch:

Southbound Train at Living the Good Life: This band will fulfill your cravings for classic rock, country and blues. The free show starts at 6:30 p.m. Friday at 1480 N. Carson St.

Open Mic Night: If you want to contribute your talents to the festival, here’s your opportunity. Be at A to Zen on 1801 N. Carson St., 7 p.m. Friday

FROM 8 to 8: SATURDAY, AUG. 6

Eight is the lucky number for Saturday’s events. From 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., eight events are dominating the festival:

Carson City’s Farmer’s Market is serving the best and fresh food — along with live entertainment — from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Find it all at 3rd and Curry streets.

After the Farmer’s Market, head to the Carson Mall to see Back Forty perform live. The free bluegrass concert starts at 1 p.m.

Not quite your cup of tea? Get a cup of coffee instead at Comma Coffee as local musician Hallie Kirk takes the stage. This free concert starts at 1 p.m.

Have a glass - free concerts during the Wine Walk:

Since Wine Walks are held the first Saturday of each month, why not combine it with Jazz Festival events? Here are free shows starting at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Judith Ames Trio: The performance is held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on 314 N. Division St. Sponsored by the Carson City Downtown Business Association.

Harmony Pines at A to Zen: Enjoy this performance as you shop for vintage and vinyl goodies at the A to Zen shop, on 1801 N. Carson St.

Saturday night, you also can catch:

Spoken Views Youth Collective: Enjoy poetry from Reno’s The Holland Project at Brewery Arts Center on King St. Members performed some of their work at the Arts @ Heart event in June in Reno. The event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. and contact the venue for ticket pricing at 775-883-1976.

Brian Bars: Listen to and meet one of Carson City’s newest musicians, with a unique genre mix of rap, metal and R&B. Local artist Reice Guerrero also will make an appearance. The cost of the concert is $5 at A to Zen, from 7–9 p.m.

SambaDá featured act: Brazilian-based salsa, funk and reggae band is performing as a featured act for the last of 10 Carson City Levitt AMP concerts. The free concert begins at 8 p.m. at the Brewery Arts Center on King St.

QUALITY OF LIFE INITIATIVE: SUNDAY, AUG. 7.

The festival is partnering up with the Quality of Life Initiative to celebrate 20 years. At this event, you’ll catch numerous bands such as Chris Bayer & Mr. Spitmore, Hick’ry Switch, Alex Muddy Smith and Sagebrush Rebels. Food trucks are serving and adorable burros are available to pet. Although this event has free admission, limited seating is available.

The concert jamboree is from 3-8 p.m. at the Silver Saddle Ranch, 4901 Carson River Road. For more information, contact the Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department at 887-2262.

YOUR POST-WORK CONCERT: MONDAY, AUG. 8

After you clock out, head over to the Brewery Arts Center on King St., and let the Carson Dreamers calm your Monday mind with saxophones and guitars. The show starts at 6 p.m. and is free.

TAKE A LISTEN: TUESDAY, AUG. 9

If you’ve been enjoying the music the festival has been hosting so far, kick back and show your support for the following bands performing:

CW & Dr. Spitmore: Go back in time with this group by enjoying a western-swing style of tunes. This duo’s inspirations come from mid-60s folk and Baroque music.The free show begins at 11:30 a.m. at Comma Coffee on S. Carson St.

Canyon White: If you enjoy music by Sheryl Crow and Melissa Etheridge, check out Canyon White at 6 p.m. at Living the Good Life, 1480 N. Carson St. White has gotten around musically; she won the Reno’s Got Talent contest in 2008 and was a runner up in the Reno News & Review Songwriting Contest in 2009. The native Nevadan has 20 years of professional experience as she’s performed on radio, TV, and at clubs and casinos. Admission is free.

Mile High Jazz Band: Performing is a daily lifestyle for this band, as they play on the second Tuesday of each month for the last 15 years. The band consists of 19 people and is one of the most well known performers in town. Snag a seat at 7:30 p.m. at the Comma Courtyard on S. Carson St. Admission is free, however, donations are appreciated.

HALFWAY THROUGH THE WEEK PICK-ME-UPS: WEDNESDAY, AUG. 10:

Dave Leather at the Comma Courtyard: Spend your lunch break at Comma Coffee on S. Carson St. with Americana musician, Dave Leather. His performance begins at noon and is free.

Red’s Blues Trio: Take your dinner date to Café at Adele’s. The Sacramento-based band is reviving the blues with their traditional sounds. They’ll remind you of Chicago shuffles and New Orleans-delta. The event starts at 6 p.m. and admission is free.

Mozart in the Mountains series: If you’re in the mood for Mozart, check out the Tahoe Symphony Orchestra’s Mozart in the Mountains series, as a part of the 21-concert Summer MusicFest. At 7 p.m. in the Shepherd of Sierra Lutheran Church, the orchestra will open with Mozart’s Concerto #5 in A major. Concerto #17 in G major will close the performance. Admission is $25. Jazz Jam with Rocky & Judith: For those who still can’t get enough of jazz, Rocky Tatarelli and Judith Ames will lead a jazz jam at Living the Good Life for free, starting at 7:30 p.m.

LEARN ALL ABOUT IT ON THURSDAY, AUG. 11

If you’re child has been desperate to learn how to play guitar, or if you’re fascinated and want to know more about the jazz culture, this is the night to broaden your mind.

At 5 p.m., A to Zen is offering a 45-minute youth guitar class for $5.

Afterward, receive a free, one-night course of education in music. Head to the Brewery Arts Center, and receive a lecture and demonstration on the History of Jazz from musician and teacher John Shipley. The two-hour class consists of a four-piece live jazz combo, featuring:

Visual art components by Marla Mills, president of the Nevada Artists Association.

Artists from the program will discuss their original works in the lobby. Their art ranges from watercolor, digital art, drawing to batik media.

Shipley will perform on piano and will be joined by other local jazz artists.

If you can’t make it in person, turn on your TV to Carson City cable channel 193 or go online to watch it.

You also can catch:

Johanna and Stan Soliday perform at Comma Coffee at noon.

FESTIVITIES ON MCFADDEN PLAZA: FRIDAY, AUG. 12:

Now that the new Bob McFadden Plaza on W. Third St. is open, it’s time for the Jazz Festival to makes its mark with a free show after the plaza’s inauguration last week.

Starting at 8 p.m., Musicole, the eight-person band is bringing their R&B, jazz and gospel spirit to the plaza.

You also can catch:

Lucky Diamond and the Gents o’Jive: This is a great concert for those who love swinging ’20s and ’30s jazz. Show begins at 4 p.m. at the Nevada State Railroad Museum on South Carson St.

Red Tango at Comma Coffee: Known for their rhythmic sounds, this international group grabs your attention with strings. The free concert begins at 6:30 p.m.

CV-41 at Living the Good Life: For more of a 70s rock vibe, check out CV-41 at 6:30 p.m. The band’s motto is “We live to play, and we love to play” — and their music combo consists of more than 30 years of rock music. Free admission.

Open Mic Night at A to Zen starts at 7 p.m.

SOCIAL SATURDAY ON AUG. 13:

Stock your fridge and pantry with the freshest products at the Carson City Farmers Market. Free live entertainment includes Harmony Pines. It all starts at 8:30 a.m.

Jakki Ford: They say the sound of her voice is like the ocean. She sings a variety of genres including pop, bossa nova, jazz, Motown, gospel, rock, Broadway and opera. By her side is pianist Peter Supersano. Get the full Jakki Ford experience at 10 a.m. at the Greenhouse Garden Center on S. Curry St. Free admission.

The Never Ever Band: A talented mix includes keyboard, sax, bass and vocals. Catch them live for free at 1 p.m. at the Carson Mall.

Ice Cream Social: Ice cream and other refreshments cost $3 but to sit back and enjoy The Millennium Bugs is free. The band is part of a five-piece combo affiliated with the Mile High Jazz Band. Exhibitors also will be present at the event to show their projects. This also is an opportunity to take a look at a vintage clothing display in the Foreman-Roberts House Museum and the Carriage House.

Speakeasy Dance Party: Get your groove on with the Brass Knuckles Band at 7:30 p.m. at the Brewery Arts Center. A dance floor is set up for jump-jive moves. If you rather would watch, check out a swing-dance exhibition by Tiffany Alm, dance instructor at Yaple’s Ballroom with Ben Pierson of Le Cirque Vagabond. Admission is $15-$20.

LAID BACK ON SUNDAY, AUG. 14:

Champagne Singers: Check out the vocal jazz trio performance at 4:30 p.m., at the Legislative Plaza, located between the Capitol and the Legislative building. Free show.

Urban Renewal Project: If you’re open to new sounds and beats, come to the Capital Amphitheater at 6 p.m. The Urban Renewal Project plays music that mixes pop, soul, jazz and hip-hop. They have performed in large venues in Los Angeles and New York City. Admission is free.

DEFYING MONDAY BLUES ON AUG. 15:

The following events will bring light to your Monday evening:

Me & Bobby McGee perform for an hour starting at 5:45 p.m. at Comma Courtyard. June Joplin and Bob Reid perform classics from the Great American Songbook. Admission is free.

At 7 p.m. in the Bob McFadden Plaza, Rosebud’s Dance Band performs Big Band era dance, jazz, swing and some modern pieces. RoseBud the burro will make a special appearance during “Man Garage” rehearsal by Rich Sheldrew. Admission is free.

U.S. AIR FORCE BAND TO PERFORM ON AUG. 16:

The Concert Band of the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West performs at 7 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center on E. William St. The band consists of 50 musicians and is the largest performing ensemble within the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West.

This event is free, however, you must obtain tickets from the Chamber of Commerce.

You also can catch:

CW & Dr. Spitmore at Comma Coffee, 11:30 a.m.

Canyon White at Living the Good Life, 6 p.m.

PLAY IT AGAIN WEDNESDAY, AUG. 17:

On Aug. 11, John Shipley instructs a free course on the History of Jazz. He’s back again to perform a jazz jam with Cherie Shipley at Living the Good Life at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.

You also can catch Dave Leather at Comma Coffee, noon.

COMMUNITY ART NIGHT ON THURSDAY, AUG. 18:

Three galleries are uniting for their August Community Art Night to display their greatest works.

Among the galleries are Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery, LLC and Charlie B. Gallery. Artists will line up at Telegraph St. along with performances by Rob and Kelly Hale.

Food trucks are available. It’s encouraged to bring a can of food to be donated to Friends in Service Helping (FISH) as admission.

You also can catch:

Carolyn Dolan Band at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall. Instruments feature vocals, harmonica, sax, trombone, trumpet and piano. The band also features members from the Reno Jazz Orchestra: Ronald Starr, Rich Lewis, John Beckman, Andy Heglund and Hans Halt. The band has an album out called How Deep is the Ocean. Admission is free and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Deep Groove performs live at 6:30 p.m. at Sierra place Senior Living on W. College Parkway.

MCFADDEN PLAZA ON FRIDAY, AUG. 19:

It’s a good excuse to spend time on the new Bob McFadden Plaza if you haven’t already. The Jackie Landrum Band is performing on stage at 8 p.m.

“I love to sing; it gives me the most indescribable feeling. To me, singing is what it sounds like to be truly alive, which is something I don’t take for granted and appreciate every day. I like to share that with people who are listening — I would love to share that with you,” from Jackie Landrum at www.jackielandrum.com.

For a good cause:

Don’t forget the fundraiser at 5 p.m. being held at the Carson-Tahoe Regional Medical Center. The Carson-Tahoe Cancer Center presents HopeFest, a benefit fundraiser to help raise funds for local cancer patients in need. The Waybacks will be performing at the fundraising event. Call CTRH for ticket information.

You can also catch:

Impromptu on the Rails: Impromptu is a mixture of harmonica, keyboard, trombone, sax, guitar and bass sounds. Catch them for free at the Nevada State Railroad Museum on South Carson St.

The Youth Strings are performing at 7:30 p.m. at Comma Courtyard. The group is from Carson City Symphony’s Strings. Admission is free.

THE FINAL SATURDAY: BEATLES FLASHBACK AND MORE, AUG. 20

Forget Throwback Thursdays when the Beatles Flashback cover band performs at the Bob McFadden Plaza. Don’t miss a concert full of Beatles greatest hits, which begins at 8 p.m.

But at 5:30 p.m. at the plaza, don’t forget to also check out CeCe Gable, a five-piece swing group. Both concerts are free to attend.

Also happening, free admission:

Carolyn Dolan at the Farmers Market, 8:30 a.m.

Whitehats in Comma Courtyard, 1:45 p.m.

No Comprende at Bob McFadden Plaza, Latin jazz, 3 p.m.

Graham Marshall Band in Comma Courtyard, 4:15 p.m.

We Rock Kidz in Comma Courtyard — music education through rock music — 6:45 p.m.

THE BIG SHOW: FINAL CONCERT FEAT. RENO JAZZ ORCHESTRA SUNDAY, AUG. 21:

The Jazz Festival is wrapping up two weeks worth of events with the Reno Jazz Orchestra at 6 p.m. at the Capital Amphitheater. Joining the band is Trey Stone, who was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame in 2015 from Detroit.

Members of the orchestra have performed with many well-known artists in the past, such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Natalie Cole. The event is free.

One last thing to check out:

The New World Jazz Project on Legislative Plaza, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. by Niall McGinness. This event is free and features a blend of Latin jazz tunes.