Cover art chosen for 2017 Jazz & Beyond Carson City Music Festival

The Jazz & Beyond festival committee announced the winner of its 2017 poster and program cover art contest.

William Smith, a member of the Nevada Artists Association, won for his work, “Jazzman,” which was selected from eight entries to highlight the 14th annual music and art festival.

Smith, who moved to Dayton from the Bay Area in 2015, said, “I work in several styles with several different mediums, from color pencil realism to acrylic abstract. I love to explore new techniques and experiment with different mediums; variety is the spice of art.”

“Jazz & Beyond celebrates the talent of our region,” said festival committee cochair David Bugli, president of the Mile High Jazz Band Association. “Volunteers, sponsors, and advertisers help us make the 18-day festival a favorite for residents and visitors, and keep most performances admission-free.”

The festival opens on Aug. 4 at the historic Bliss Mansion, at the corner Mountain and Robinson streets.

An art show and sale featuring Northern Nevada artists, including Smith, will be on the porch and lawn at 4 p.m. Miss Dixie, the Vintage Art Bus from Fallon, will be there, too.

A performance by Cherie and John Shipley with Take This band will follow on the lawn at 6:30 p.m.

Also included in the festival is A Day at Silver Saddle Ranch on Aug. 13. Join the Wild Ass Women and their burros in enjoying performances by CW & Dr. Spitmore, the Sierra Sweethearts, Eagle Wings Pageant Dance Group, and the Sagebrush Rebels.

Events begin at 2 and go until 7 p.m. at the ranch, 2648 Carson River Road, on the east side of Prison Hill. Food trucks will be on site.

Festivities will continue with the Urban Renewal Project from Los Angeles on the Minnesota Street Stage at the Brewery Arts Center. The band, which blends genres like soul, jazz, and hip-hop, first played at Jazz & Beyond last year.

Additionally, free concerts also will be held at the Nevada State Railroad Museum, Carson Mall, Comma Coffee Courtyard, Bob McFadden Plaza, Brewery Arts Center, and other Carson City venues.

Events include a Hohner Harmonica Roadshow and a World Instruments demonstration and concert, both sponsored in part by Nevada Humanities. A schedule of events is at JazzCarsonCity.com.