Carson City goes jazzy all month

Mile High Jazz Band Association presents the 8th annual Jazz!! Carson City beginning Sunday and continuing throughout August. This month-long celebration showcases music and special events at a variety of locales in the Capital City, in what has grown to be an event that others nationwide, are hoping to reproduce.

"We've received e-mails from other places - I just got one from Pennsylvania the other day, asking how we do this and if we will mentor them," said Eleanor Bugli, association member. "Almost everything we do is free and others want to know how we do it."

With the exception of the Jazz Garden Party at Bliss Mansion, Aug.13 at 5 p.m., all events are free to the public. The Jazz Garden Party is a new event and features Cece Gable, a jazz vocalist from Reno as well as the works of four artists, an array of food and wine all for $25 per person.

Tickets are available at Purple Avocado and Home Treasures in Carson City, and at Fresh Ideas in Gardnerville or on the web at jazzcarsoncity.com.

"Last year we hosted a lunch and the committee wanted to do something different this year," Bugli said. "This will be a lovely event in a beautiful setting."

The crescendo takes place Aug. 20, from 9 a.m.-11 p.m., with six bands alternatively performing in venues ranging from Downtown Farmer's Market to Plan:b Micro-Lounge.

While many events are planned throughout the month, there are several scheduled at Brewery Arts Center, 449 W.King St., that deserve special mention, Bugli said.

A guitar summit hosted by musician Steve Hayes, takes place Aug. 11 at 7 p.m. The evening includes four other guitarists selected by Hayes who will each talk about various aspects of guitar including its role in jazz and how to care for one. They will also be performing improvisational jazz and taking questions and inviting participation by the audience. Tickets to win a guitar will be sold and the raffle conducted at the end of the event.

Jazz Greats with moderators Danna O'Conner and Scott Faulkner is an historic event taking place Aug. 18, from 7-9 p.m. The forum features a panel of several local jazz musicians who came up the music ranks during the 1950s, '60s and '70s.

Funded in part by the Nevada Humanities, Jazz Greats will be filmed as part of the Jazz Oral History Project, to be made available upon completion to libraries and museums. Following the formal discussion, panelists will play together in a jazz jam.

A mini Jazz Film Fest, which ties into BAC's film schedule, features "But Then, She's Betty Carter," Aug. 4 and "Mary Lou Williams: On My Mind," Aug. 25, 8-10 p.m. both evenings.

"These are great documentaries about these wonderful women who were also great musicians," Bugli said.

Two interpretive programs, appropriate for all ages, are offered as part of the Discover Music series.

"These are suited for (children) and are interpretive," Bugli said.

Harpist Beverly Colgan and Joe Venuto on vibrophone, perform Aug. 16.

Discover Brass with the Reno Philharmonic playing a variety of music from ragtime to some jazz takes place Aug. 23. Both events take place 7-8:30 p.m. and include talks about the various instruments and hands-on time with audience members.

Each Sunday, Aug. 7, 14 and 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. music by Capital Amphitheater in Legislative Park fills the heart of the Capital City. Slow Djinn Fez, Statusphere and Reno Jazz Orchestra with Cami Thompson play respective dates. Visitors are encouraged to take a picnic and enjoy fantastic music in a beautiful setting.

"We are so lucky to have such talented musicians, some who are local, some national and some are international and who love to come here and play for us," Bugli said. "On the website, there are links to all the artists' sites as well as a calendar with new items being added daily."

In order to keep Jazz!! Carson City free, organizers rely on sponsorship support and a cadre of volunteers, lead by Tom Stryker on the steering committee and David Bugli.

"We always welcome more sponsors and more volunteers," she said. "The more the better!"

To sponsor Jazz!! Carson City or to volunteer, call Elinor Bugli at 775-883-4154. For the latest scheduling information or to purchase tickets for the Jazz Garden Party at Bliss Mansion, visit the Web at jazzcarsoncity.com.