ValleyVibrations

Well, I did it. I packed up my electric basses. Yes, basses. I was indulged with the purchase of three of them in my first two years of playing - a Fender standard jazz bass, a Fender active precision bass and a violin bass, knock-off brand. We were going to go further, but I thought I should have to earn the privilege.

I guess you could say I am a Fender girl - I have always been a traditionalist, so I carried it over to music.

My favorite bass is, of course, the agave blue jazz bass. It's just too cool.

I really hope once I'm on the Oregon coast I will be inspired to pick them up again.

Until next week, keep on playin!'

Remember, to keep this going, I have to hear from you. Just a little e-mail (jrafferty@recordcourier.com) or a phone call (782-5121, ext. 210) or even a fax (782-6152) is all I need to put your musical entertainment information in this column at no charge to you. If you send it, I'll even try to get a photo in to go with it. Details are needed by noon on Wednesday.

So, with a "One, two - one, two, three, four":

Dinner-dance has Acoustic Solution

Acoustic Solution, a multi-instrumental trio, will be playing at the Gardnerville Ranchos Fire/Rescue Dinner & Dance, which begins 4 p.m. Saturday. Performing together since 2003, they use six- and 12-string guitars, lap-steel, fiddle, mandolins, banjo, bass, congas, hand drums, traditional drums and percussion. Acoustic Solution plays a variety of original songs as well as standards from Crosby, Stills & Nash, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, Neil Young and traditional fiddle tunes and celtic instrumentals. Music by Acoustic Solution begins at 5 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the event for raffle items with the grand prize of a barbecue.

Dinner tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children younger than 10. Tickets are available at the door, from any Ranchos volunteer, by calling Bob Spellberg at 690-7519 or the Ranchos district office at 265-2048.

The Ranchos Fire/Rescue Dinner & Dance is at East Fork Station No. 7, 940 Mitch Drive.

Topaz Lodge reopens

Topaz Lodge and Casino is reopening after a three-month closure due to an April 3 fire. Weekend entertainment has been scheduled for the month of July in the newly renovated lounge.

Swing to country classics as Buffalo Country will start the monthly lineup from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. today and Saturday; Alan Moore & Company will entertain 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. July 13-14; the Motif's will make a return engagement with their combination of dance tunes and sentimental favorites from the '50s through the '90s from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. July 20-21; and the last weekend of the month will close with Dealer's Choice, a country music, country rock band that also does the oldies which will entertain from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. July 27-28.

Walley's presents

Every Wednesday and Thursday night music can be listened to while dining at David Walley's Resort, Hot Springs and Spa:

-- The Big Tsunami plays every Wednesday, 6-9 p.m. at Walley's. The Big Tsunami performs island, contemporary and traditional music, as well as local standards.

-- On Thursdays from 5:30-9 p.m. the Red Davidson Trio performs "easy to listen to mainstream jazz" on bass, drums and piano.

David Walley's is located at 2001 Foothill Road, Genoa.

Information, 782-8155.

Mountain music in Markleeville

Jazz guitarist George Hanepen will entertain dinner guests on Sunday at Villa Gigli, located at 145 Hot Springs Road in Markleeville. Hanepen will strum his guitar from 5:30-7:30 p.m., and the Italian trattoria and art gallery accepts walk-ins from 5-8 p.m. "Pasta-from-scratch" is chef Ruggero Gigli's motif, while Hanepen's is "please-the-customers." Pizza is served on Saturday and Pasta on Sunday evenings. Information, (530) 694-2253.

Who's at The Bank?

The Bank Parlor & Pub in Minden now has open mic on Thursday nights, hosted by Dean Brownell. Brownell plays a variety of instruments including rhythm and lead guitar, keyboards, bass guitar and congas and is both a lead and a backup singer. Come play solo or accompanied by others. Bring your instruments.

Call for start date on a new Wednesday night karaoke, and for list of weekend entertainment.

The Bank Parlor & Pub is located at 1596 Esmeralda Ave. Call 783-4770 for information.

Longshott plays at Buckaroos

Today, 8 p.m. to midnight, Longshott, formerly Docie Doe, will play country-country rock, with pedal steel guitar and fiddle, at Buckaroos Saloon.

Saturday from 8 p.m. to midnight Ted Nagel will host karaoke.

Sunday, open mic 1-5 p.m. with Don and Nadine.

Wednesday from 8-11 p.m. Dale Jantzen will host karaoke.

Buckaroos is located at 1435 Highway 395 in Gardnerville. Information, call general manager Steve Orlando, 782-9693.

Villa After Dark

Today, beginning at 8 p.m., Villa After Dark will be presented at Villa san Marcel. Starting at 5 p.m. dinner is "rustic" Italian cuisine, followed by a piano bar.

Live music is featured on Saturday night.

Villa san Marcel is located at 1799 Ironwood Drive, between Danny's Ironwood Grill and the Mandarin Gourmet. For more information call 783-4987.

Carson Valley Inn entertains

Sidro's Armada continues through Sunday, Major Link returns Tuesday through July 15 and various duos entertain on Monday nights. Cabaret Lounge live entertainment is presented with no cover and no minimum. The 45-minute shows start at 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 p.m.

Sidro Garcia and his Armada bring a unique variety act featuring six lead vocalists, musical virtuosity, comedy and choreography. Sidro's Armada performs classic and contemporary rock, country, rhythm and blues, Latin tunes, ballads, time-proven standards and instrumentals - all with lots of brass, talented vocalists and professional cohesiveness.

Major Link is the duo, Terry Saunders and Mary Owens. They cover a full range of today's popular music, with hits from Traci, Tina, Cher, Ricki and more.

This week's scheduled Monday night group is Naked City.

The Carson Valley Inn is located on Highway 395 in Minden. Information, 782-9711 or www.cvinn.com.

Ukulele lessons for young musicians

This summer free ukulele lessons will be offered at the Eddy Street Book Exchange by local musician David Smith. Musicians 8 to 14 are welcome. The lessons will start in June and will be held on Sunday afternoon. There will be a $20 charge for a ukulele and music materials. The lessons will be free. Information, 782-5484.