Back to musical roots: Genoa, Virginia City, Washoe Valley events will take you back to simpler times

This weekend offers an array of activities and events for everyone to enjoy. Whether it's bluegrass, old time music, cowboy poetry or a bit of train time that captures your fancy, there is an event to attend.

Old Time Music Festival

Now in its second year, the Old Time Music Festival, "A Celebration of American Roots Music," takes place from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday in Genoa Town Park, and is free to attend.

With everything from swing, blues, folk, jazz, Celtic, rock-a-billy and more, there will be something for everyone, said Barb Wilson, publicist.

Of special interest this year is a performance by Banjo Hall of Fame member Georgette Twain, with her daughter Cecilia Yale, as well as local favorite The Quake City Jug Band featuring Natasha Haugnes, who is the daughter of Genoa's Wild Rose Inn owner, Sue Knight.

"Whenever they play, everyone comes out," Wilson said.

Several children's activities also are scheduled throughout the day, including Cindy Webb who will be there as the Bubble Fairy and a station where children can try out various musical instrument.

"With the economy being what it is, it's hard for families to go places and not spend a lot of money," Wilson said. "We encourage them to come out, take a picnic, and have some fun."

There will be food and craft vendors on hand and the Genoa Fire Department hosts a breakfast Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tickets for that cost $5 and benefit the department.

The Old Time Music Festival is presented by Genoa Recreation and Events Committee and is an expanded version of Genoa Concerts in the Park which takes place June through September each year.

Bluegrass Festival

The Northern Nevada Bluegrass Association presents the 25th annual Bowers Mansion Bluegrass Festival, Saturday on the lawn in front of Bowers Mansion in Washoe Valley, located half way between Reno and Carson City off Highway 395.

In addition to Saturday's ticketed event, there will be a local talent Bluegrass Show at Davis Creek Amphitheater from 7-10 p.m. Friday and A Gospel Show at the same venue, 10 a.m. Sunday. There is no cost for the Friday or Sunday events.

Food and craft vendors will be on hand to enjoy a bit of retail therapy.

Saturday's performances include music by The Monday Night Volunteer Band, Code Bluegrass, Hick'ry Switch, Fremont's Cannon, Piney Creek Weasels, Bar BQ Boys. The Silver State String Busters and Homemade Jam. Gates open Saturday at 9 a.m. with performances starting at 9:30 a.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $3 for children 2 through 12, available at the gate.

For more information, visit nnba.org or bowers

bluegrassfestival.org.

Cowboy Poetry

An evening of Cowboy Poetry takes place Tuesday at Crown Point Restaurant Gold Hill Hotel, 1540 S. Main St, Gold Hill, one mile south of Virginia City on Highway 341.

Featuring the talent of Tony Argento, in "Tuned Up & Twisted, Cowboy Poetry at Its Best," the evening is a sure bet for laughter and possibly some learning, said Karen Wright, publicist.

Argento began reciting cowboy poetry at the age of 5, carrying on a family tradition started by his grandfather. His topics range from humor and rodeo to classic, patriotic and beyond.

The show includes a buffet dinner served from 5:30-7 p.m. with show time at 7:30 p.m. To reserve a spot, call Gold Hill Hotel at 775-847-0111. For more information on Argento, visit tonyargento.com

Rail Fest

For those wanting to commemorate the area's rich ethnic history, Virginia City Rail Fest 2010 Honors U.S. Immigrant Children, begins with a ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the V & T Railroad Depot, 250 S. F St.

To honor the immigrants who worked on the railroad and built the legacy of Virginia City, children of United States citizens, by birth or naturalized, will be honored and take the Oath of Allegiance to the U.S. The public is invited and the ceremony will be followed throughout the day with a number of activities including face painters, free balloons, 1920 antique calliope music, refreshment service, evening V&T Spirits Train, and more.

The event has been planned by the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services in conjunction with the Short Line of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad and the Virginia City Convention & Tourism Authority. Discounted train tickets are available at the Virginia City Visitor Center at 86 S. C St.

For more information on this and other events, visit VirginiaCityNV.com or call 775-847-4FUN or 800-718-SLVR.