Michael Powers returns to Comma

Tonight, smooth jazz guitarist Michael Powers returns to Comma Coffee for a Latin-flavored, Cinco de Mayo evening of jazz and standards. It's 05/05/05, and to celebrate the convergence of the 5s and 0s, ages 50 and older get in for $5 off.

Powers is a joyous performer who has shared stages with Ray Charles, Gladys Knight, Herbie Hancock and a host of other jazz giants. Doors open at 6 p.m., music starts at 7. Tickets are $15; ages 50 and older get in for $10. Call 220-0995.

CDs ARE SPINNING

A CD spun onto the desk the other day from Tom Aufrance of Carson City. He's half of the Garin Celtic Band. The other half is Mary Kay Aufrance, who plays the accordion and sings. Tom plays the 12-string guitar and Irish bouzouki. It's happy music and well done. The duo has been playing around town. Included on the CD is "Down by the Salley Gardens," lyrics by William Butler Yeats. Just the couple to invite to your next patio party.

MUSEUM MAKE BELIEVE

The name may not strike a chord, but his pictures will. Maxfield Parrish was an American artist who died in 1966, after creating images that are part of America's art treasures. No abstract artist, his paintings are glowingly figurative, romantic to the core. They served advertisers and art lovers alike, and some 80 of his works are on display at the Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St., Reno. It remains until June 26, but don't put it off. This is a show worth the drive.

Included in the show are a series of murals painted for Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, one stretching 191Ú2 feet titled "North Wall." They don't commission them like that anymore, and if you want to see romantic fantasy in sumptuous color, this is a show for you. If you're into hard-line art or abstract realism, you still might enjoy seeing how the other half lives. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students with IDs, $1 for children 6-12 and free for those 5 and under.

MUSIC IN THE AIR

The Carson City Symphony Association is tossing a bash that sounds like fun for a good cause. It's May 14 at the Brewery's Performance Hall with food, wine and music from outstanding local performers. An unlisted bonus is the chance to see the new seating at the Performance Hall, lofty risers that give audiences a fine view of performers. And they've even put a penny in the slot for new lighting so audiences can actually see the show. Some of the old murals have been removed as well, giving the hall a more secular feeling.

Peter Fletcher plays at the Carson City Public Library at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Good classical stuff.

Corrections and a concert

In last week's column, the computer bug got active. Composer Matthew Tran-Adams' name was spelled Tan-Adams. Chareier should have been Chabrier. And Elsa was going to the cathedral, not coming from it. Happily, the symphony was spelled correctly.

The next symphony concert is the 21st annual Pops Party Concert at the Governor's Mansion on June 19 at 2:30 p.m. Special guest artist is harmonica virtuoso Tom Stryker.