Carson Mall jumps on bandwagon to bring jazz to August music lineup

As the capital city warms up for its annual Jazz!! Carson City monthlong celebration in August, the Carson Mall has jumped on the bandwagon with a lineup of music of its own, both inside and out.

"We've had summer concerts all along, with Concerts at the Cove, but when I heard about the jazz festival, I knew I wanted to participate, so in August, we're focusing on jazz and some rock," said Kevin Ray, general manager for the Carson Mall.

"(Owner) Francis Carrington has always wanted us to create a gathering place, so we've provided free outdoor concerts on weekends as a family-fun place. It's an alternative to weekend drinking events, something families can do together," he said.

Concerts at the Cove, outside Paradise Cove Cafe on the Stewart Street side of the mall, offers a chance for families to grab something to eat and listen to free music every weekend throughout the summer.

"You can also go buy a cocktail or grab a beer, but it's not a bar atmosphere. In these times, people need free things to do with the family," he said.

This also gives patrons a chance to try a meal at Carson City's newest restaurant, Thai Thai, which opened in the former L&L Hawaiian Barbecue space, he said.

And concertgoers will get a double whammy most Fridays, as bands will perform inside the mall, as well as outside, he said.

"We want people to know that the Carson Mall is a local gathering place in the center of town, and we want them to recognize it's not just for shopping," Ray said.

Go to www.ShopCarsonMall.com to learn more about the mall's August musical lineup.