Valley Vibrations

What's become apparent to me since the beginning of this column a couple months ago is that there is a lot going on here in Carson Valley that wasn't getting much publicity before. At least, not that I knew of.

This weekend, in the aftermath of St. Patty's Day, is no less exciting, especially for teenagers who are looking forward to listening to at least a dozen bands, probably most of them consisting of their friends.

From Christian music, to country-western, to jazz and some acoustic rock, Valley music lovers should be able to find something to get their toes tappin' this weekend.

Until next week, keep on playin'!

There are still some venues we haven't heard from. Is nothing happening there? I sincerely doubt it.

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":

Hoi in concert

Inspiring singer and song writer Hoi from San Francisco will be performing 6:30 p.m. tonight at the Holy Grounds Coffee House and at the Valley Christian Fellowship 6:30 p.m. Saturday, 1267 Highway 395 Gardnerville (right next to Holy Grounds). For more information visit: hoimusic.com or call Ellen Webster at 376-6237.

Music challenge

Battle of the Bands will be presented by Douglas County Parks & Recreation 4-10 p.m. Saturday. At least a dozen bands will participate at the Douglas County Fairgrounds on Pinenut Road in south Gardnerville. The cost is $5. For information call 782-9828.

All Hat & No Cattle at Buckaroos

-- Gaming is available as of 4 p.m. today.

-- Today, 8 p.m. to midnight, All Hat & No Cattle, a local country-western duo, consisting of Mike Maloney and Krista Jenkins, will perform at Buckaroos Saloon.

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

-- Sunday, open mic from 1-5 p.m. will be hosted by the Coppertunes.

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

Jazz music at Villa san Marcel

Jazz entertainer David Jobe will appear Saturday night at Villa san Marcel. Live jazz music will be performed during dinner. Dinners are served starting at 5 p.m. and entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m. Happy hour is at 4 p.m. The restaurant features Italian cuisine. Villa san Marcel is located at 1799 Ironwood Drive, between Danny's Ironwood Grill and the Mandarin Gourmet. For more information call 783-4987.

Top 40 at the Inn

Melissa Dru continues in the Carson Valley Inn's Cabaret Lounge through Sunday, The Kid and Nic Show returns Tuesday through April 1, Maxxt Outt appears April 3Ð8 and various duos entertain on Monday nights. Cabaret Lounge live entertainment is presented with no cover and no minimum in 45-minute shows starting at 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 p.m.

Melissa Dru and her band entertain with top 40, classic rock and pop music. The quartet consists of Melissa Dru on vocals, rhythm guitar and percussion, Mick Hampson on vocals and guitar, Jim Haase on keyboards and vocals and Nathan Rodney on drums and vocals.

The Kid and Nic Show is timeless music designed to please music lovers of every generation. Jazz, blues, swing, Latin and pop are all represented in this diverse musical review.

Maxxt Outt seamlessly blend a mix of 1970s, 80s and 90s music with current hits crossing every generation. Lead vocalist Lisa Sesma fronts the group consisting of Marc Pierucci (keyboards, lead and background vocals), Rico James (guitar and vocals) and leader Kevin Strawn (drums and vocals).

Various duos entertain on Monday nights and sports action is always plentiful with four plasma screens and a giant pull down screen in the Cabaret Lounge plus additional TVs in the casino.

The Carson Valley Inn is located on Highway 395 in Minden. For information visit www.cvinn.com or call 782-9711.

Events at Backroads

Backroads Bar & Grill, 2244 Meridian Blvd., off Airport Road, will feature several events in the coming month.

-- April 7 - 8 p.m. Dealer's Choice, a country-rock band, will perform.

-- April 11 - 5 p.m. there will be an authentic New England clam bake, including lobster, clams, scallops, mussels, corn on the cob, salad. Tahoe Ridge wines are available, plus Tahoe Creamery gourmet cranberry ice cream.

-- April 13 - Schizoid Johnny, a one-man band, singer-songwriter-performance artist all rolled into one, will perform with an eclectic mix of music styles from cover rock, country and originals.

On stage he plays an assortment of instruments including electric, acoustic, resonator, slide talkbox, bass guitars, harmonica, keyboards, trombone, trumpet and drums.

-- April 28 - Wild Card, a country-western-country rock five-piece band from Reno will be the featured band

-- Every Tuesday night is "T-Bone Tuesday," with T-bones for $13.95, happy hour is 3-6 p.m. everyday, not open Sundays and video poker is available now.

For more information, call Backroads at 782-3966.

Rockin' the Ranchos

Boodler's Bar and Grubshack, formerly The Stone Pony, has music planned every weekend. Monday is karaoke night beginning at 8 p.m., Wednesday open mic is at 8 p.m. and on Saturday live music by Rad-Ral the "human juke box" also starts at 8 p.m.

Boodler's Bar and Grubshack is located at 1302 Langley Drive in the Gardnerville Ranchos. For information, call owners Keith Endlich or Jeffery Shackleton at 265-8841.

Carson Valley Pops

The Carson Valley Pops Orchestra "Swing into Spring!" concert will be April 14 at the CVIC Hall in Minden.

The event also includes a raffle and refreshments. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., and the concert starts at 7 p.m. Concerts are free of charge with donations appreciated.

Concert information can be found at carsonvalleypops.org or by calling 267-9363.

-- Jo Rafferty is the People editor at The Record-Courier.