Having fun is what it's all about in the local Kid and Nic Show

Every time Nicole Tracy takes the stage, she is reminded of why she loves her job. The self-described "sexy and silly" brunette loves her job just the way it is.

Tracy provides the vocals for the Kid and Nic Show, a high-energy band based in Los Angeles. The band will begin a four-night stand tonight at John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks as part of a summer tour that will take them as far east as Michigan with dates in Wyoming, South Dakota, Minnesota and Nevada.

For the past 10 years, Tracy has toured the country with her husband, Kirk, and the other members of the band, currently consisting of Kevin Slagg on guitar, Matt Menaged on bass and Paris Parent on drums.

Kirk has been playing since he was 14, and was usually the youngest member of the groups with which he performed. His age garnered him the nickname "The Kid" which has stuck with him throughout his career. He plays the saxophone, harmonica and provides vocals for the group.

When he met Nicole, he was a member of a 10-piece funk band, and she was an actress. After a chance meeting at a Kinkos, they fell in love with each other and with the idea of a band celebrating what they call "Classic American Music."

"We do a fun show. It's an extraordinary show that is very high energy," Tracy said. "Kirk really conducts the show every night. He is so good and getting our shows to ebb and flow."

At any given performance, the group dabbles in blend of swing, blues, classic country, rock 'n' roll, jazz and Latin music. It also includes audience participation in many of their shows.

Three months ago, the Kid and Nic Show released its second album, titled "Drivin' Tunes" on Lamon Records. From the edgy "Gear Jammer," reminiscent of George Thorogood and the Destroyers; to the seductive swing of "Highway 101" - a song that causes the urge for a strong martini and a white tuxedo - Tracy said the album offers a good mix of fun originals and entertaining covers.

Even with more than a decade of performing under her belt, Tracy remains focused on what is important.

"I have no delusions about making it big. We just want to perform and make enough money to eat," she said. "For us, it's a pleasure to play what we want. What we feel like playing that night. Performing is the fun part, and there isn't really a worst part for us."

"It's hard sometimes playing and then driving all night to get where we need to be. But Kirk and I are lucky because we get to travel, do what we love, and make money," Tracy said.

• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.