Jazz Festival hosting Carson City events every weekend in August

After jamming out at special events such as the Levitt Concert Series and Concert Under the Stars, it’s no doubt Carson City is a hot spot for music this summer.

The 14th annual Jazz and Beyond Music Festival launches Aug. 4 featuring jazz and blues performances.

Many of this year’s concerts will be live at Brewery Art Center’s Minnesota Stage, a venue that has become popular over the last few months.

David Bugli, organizer of the event and director of Carson City Symphony, said some of the scheduled events listed on the website aren’t part of the festival, however, Jazz and Beyond supports those concerts.

The month-long festival features five special events so if you’re in town throughout August, here are the biggest events of the festival you don’t want to miss at a free cost:

Friday, August 4: Opening Event at Bliss Mansion

Although the kick-off concert begins at 6:30 p.m., attendees are more than welcome to arrive early at 4 for food trucks and an art show on the porch at Bliss Mansion, 608 Elizabeth St.

The art show is hosted by Nevada Artists Association. A free, guided tour of the 15-room Bliss Mansion also will be offered during the show.

Opening the event is Kantu Inka Machu Picchu, with Southern American beats, including guitars and bombos starting at 4 p.m.

The band Take This, conducted by John & Cherie Shipley, is performing for the third year in a row for the festival. The innovative jazz act covers and customizes classic jazz hits. For the concert, please bring lawn chairs or a blanket for seating. Low chairs get the best spots in front, near the stage.

Sunday, August 6: The Hohner Roadshow

The Hohner Roadshow is an indoor performance hosted by harmonica professional Ronnie Shellist at the Brewery Arts Center from 3:30 to 6 p.m.

The two and a half show consists of live demonstrations and discussions, including giveaways and hands-on instructional components.

Along with Shellist, the blues band Impromptu will perform at the Minnesota Stage afterward, as part of the afternoon package.

Harmonica artist of Impromptu, Tom Stryker, will present outdoor jazz tunes featuring Shellist at 7 p.m., followed by Shellist’s blues band at 8:15.

Sunday, August 13: A Day at the Silver Saddle Ranch

Four performances will be held at the second annual event at 2648 Carson River Road, east of Prison Hill, at 3 p.m.

A petting zoo and food trucks also will be featured along with the following performances:

2-3 p.m. – CW Bayer and Dr. Spitmore, old-timey music with wahsboard guitar and vocal sounds.

3-4 p.m. – Sierra Sweethearts, country western genre.

4-5 p.m. – Eagle Wings Pageant Dance Group, a Reno-based Native American dance group of 20-24 performers.

5-7 p.m. – Sagebrush Rebels Band, a two-hour performance.

Another returning festival band, Urban Renewal Project, is scheduled to perform on Minnesota Street from 8-10 p.m.

Sunday, August 20: Reno Jazz Orchestra 

Since 2004, seats have been filling up for Reno Jazz Orchestra’s free performance conducted for the Carson City Jazz Festival, as it’s one of the most significant highlights of the festival.

RJO is a diversified big band whose members have performed with Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Elvis Presley, Natalie Cole, and Luciano Pavarotti.

Carolyn Dolan, who also plays diatonic harmonica, also will be the vocalist for the orchestra at the Capitol Amphitheater.

Show begins at 6 p.m.

Monday, August 21: The Final Concert 

Since Carson City is expected to get an 85 percent view of the solar eclipse this day, an informal drum circle will kick off the day at 9:30 a.m. at Brewery Art Center’s courtyard.

In the evening, the Mile High Jazz Band will wrap up the festival at 7:30 p.m. at McFadden Plaza, celebrating Count Basie’s 113th birthday.

The festival originated with a tribute to Count Basie on his 100th birthday in 2004.

The concert has 18 days this year opposed to the past, which is usually 17.

For a calendar listing events for each day of the festival, visit jazzcarsoncity.com.