Chad Lundquist/Nevada Appeal Christina Bourne, left, and Patricia Talamantes practice Wednesday in advance of Bourne's portrayal of historic singer Emma Nevada on Sept. 11. The performance is the first of the season for the Carson Music Club.
Five years ago, Jane Theiss saw Carson City as a void for musicians. She knew the city had a musical pulse, but very few outlets for musicians to let it beat.
Then she decided it was time to change that.
She started the Carson City Music Club and partnered with the Brewery Arts Center to present monthly programs and provide an outlet for local musicians.
"Most of the programs we ask the performers to tell about their music or instruments as well as actually play them," said Theiss, president of the club.
The programs offer a sampling of many genres of music, from show tunes and Broadway hits to harmonica jazz groups and even a yodeler.
"This club fills a need in the community for this type of music and performance and makes it affordable for families to bring their kids," Theiss said.
The Carson Music Club will kick off its fifth season Sept. 11 with a performance by Miss Nevada 2003 Christina Bourne. She teaches music at Empire Elementary School.
"I grew up singing. I started voice lessons in middle school and sang through high school. I went to college and got a degree in music and I teach it now," Bourne said. "I also sang at the Miss America pageant."
Bourne will portray opera singer Emma Nevada, who was born in Nevada and traveled the United States and Europe during the late 1800 and early 1900s.
"Jane actually brought her to my attention. She's very prominent in what she did, but isn't well known," Bourne said.
Bourne will be accompanied by Patricia Talamantes, who has been playing music for the last 53 years and is a member of the American Guild of Organists.
The club has about 50 members and is open to anyone who enjoys music and performance. The club meets on the second Tuesday of every month at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall.
"It's for the love of music and not exclusively for the performers. We need to be able to listen and hear good music as well," Theiss said.
Other performances slated for this season include a classical guitarist, an expert on Beethoven and the annual bluegrass and barbecue event.
All events are open to non-members with tickets costing $5 per person.
• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.
Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Carson City
Time: Meetings are held at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of every month
Where: Sierra Bakery, 1966 Highway 50 East
Purpose: Assist Hispanic businesses in growing with educational seminars in Spanish; conduct new businesses seminars on vital topics, such as business plans and legal requirements; seminars planned for corporations on how to tap into the Hispanic market.
Information: Call Jose Servin, executive director, at 885-0347