Three events will teach culture and heritage

This event caught my attention with the name alone: "Cool Jazz in January." Tuesday, enjoy a cool night of great jazz.

This event is presented by the Mile High Jazz Band at Comma Coffee. Not only can you listen to jazz, from Duke Ellington to Count Basie, but the band will also play some more-contemporary styles.

Now what's really cool about this night is you can put on your dancing shoes, come early, and learn a few steps. A swing-dance class will be held prior to the main event, and you can enjoy live music while twirling around the dance floor with your partner.

Mile High Jazz Band Presents 'Cool Jazz in January'

When: 8-10 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Comma Coffee, 312 S. Carson St.

Cost: $5 at the door, $4 for members of the Mile High Jazz Band Association and free for ages 18 and under. Swing-dance instruction, 6-7:30 p.m., $5 additional.

Contact: 883-4154 or 883-2662; www.milehighjazz.com

Katie Pollock is forever teaching. I remember the day she said she was retiring from the Carson City School District.

I thought, no way, how does a great teacher like that quit teaching? Now I know that they just find other avenues of teaching.

Katie is still around, and you don't want to miss her free lecture Wednesday at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. The subject is "A Chinese Character in Nevada," and describes the achievements and hardships of the Chinese railroad workers who helped open the West. I know how passionate Katie is when she speaks - this will not be a boring night of history facts.

'A Chinese Character in Nevada' talk

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday

Where: Nevada State Railroad Museum, 2180 S. Carson St.

Contact: 687-6953

I truly miss chatting with former director Ken Beaton, but I do still try to keep up on what the Northern Nevada Children's Museum is doing to present educational alternatives.

It's hard to find things to do with little children here, and when you have a child who's 5 or younger, it's even harder. The museum offers a wide variety of events and activities for all ages.

Jan. 16 honors Martin Luther King Jr. The museum will teach about why there is a King holiday, in preparation for Black History Month in February.

Also, check out the Web site and the upcoming Chinese New Year, Dr. Seuss Day, Art From the Heart, Dance Day and Kindermusik events for ages 1 to 7.

Children's Museum's Martin Luther King Jr. Day event

When: 10 a.m-4 p.m. Jan. 16

Where: 813 N. Carson St.

Cost: Adults $5, children $3, 1 year and under free (Call for group rates and reservations)

Hours: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday

Contact: 884-2226

Web site: www.cmnn.org

n If you would like your information included, e-mail Kim Riggs at kimriggs@att.net.