Boot Scootin' Barbecue benefit Saturday

The Carson Chamber Singers are about to start weekly rehearsals for the 19th season. Singers are welcome to audition for the group.

Director Judy Monson says they need people who are good music readers.

"I especially need men. It's always the way," she said.

They will sing an eclectic mix from different periods including romantic, modern and classical as well as lighter styles.

Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 7-9 p.m. beginning next week at First United Methodist Church on Musser and Division streets. For information on auditioning to join the Carson Chamber Singers, contact Monson at 882-7464.

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The sixth-annual Boot Scootin' Barbecue fund-raiser is from 5-9 p.m. Saturday at the Governor's Mansion. The event features music by David John and the Comstock Cowboys, food from Molly's Gourmet Catering and raffle and balloon prizes. Proceeds benefit Advocates to End Domestic Violence, Carson-Tahoe Hospital Cancer Center, Meals on Wheels, Safe Grad for Carson and Dayton high schools, CASA, GROW and local needy families. Reserved seating is $50, individual tickets $35. Call 883-8500.

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An Evening with the David Grisman Quintet starts at 8 p.m. Saturday at Bartley Ranch Regional Park in Reno.

Jerry Garcia and Grisman's self-titled acoustic CD was the one we played again and again in Bellingham, Wash., where I attended Western Washington University. The poignant "Two Soldiers" and "Russian Lullaby" seemed so much more meaningful than the top-40 schlock coming across the radio. And the "Friend of the Devil" they did on that album always did more for me than the versions Garcia did with his Grateful Dead.

But enough about Garcia -- it's Grisman who's coming to the area. He'll play at the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater in Reno with his quintet. The amphitheater is at 6000 Bartley Ranch Road off Lakeside Drive, a half-mile south of McCarran Boulevard South. Tickets are $50, $40, $35. Call 828-6642.

If you go, listen for a rendition of "Friend of the Devil." Hopefully, they'll play it, and you can take note of the first five words: "I lit out from Reno (I was trailed by 20 hounds)."

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Tonight, the Waybacks bring their "acoustic mayhem" to the Brewery Arts Center's Performance Hall at 511 West King St. at 7:30 p.m. The San Francisco band calls their music "new grass."

"These guys are excellent," said the Brewery's Kevin Ray.

Tickets are $18 general admission, $15 for seniors and BAC members, and $5 for people with student ID.

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On Friday night, also at 7:30 p.m., Golden Bough will perform at the Brewery. The trio plays wonderful Celtic and Irish music from the British Isles. They are an international touring and recording group that has played in Europe, America and Japan. They've played at the Belfast International Festival and the Edinburgh Frynge. Violinist Kathy Sierra is the newest member, joining original musicians Margie Butler and Paul Espinoza. They played a beautiful Christmas concert last year, said BAC's Ray, blending voices in three-part harmony.

Tickets are $12 general, $10 for seniors and BAC members, and $5 for students. For more details on what's going on at the Brewery, call 883-1976.

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On Wednesday, check out the Sierra Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lampe Park in Gardnerville. It features fresh produce, baked goods and homemade gifts. Call 782-9828.

Karl Horeis is a staff writer for the Nevada Appeal. Reach him at 881-1219 or e-mail khoreis@nevadaappeal.com.