Keaton Simons and Tony Lucca headline Arts Foundation showcase.
While in Northern Nevada on tour with Brett Young, performers Keaton Simons and Tony Lucca are making a stop in Gardnerville for a free concert in support of The Cultural Arts Foundation May 4 at the Sunridge Golf and Recreation.
The concert is part of the Art Show & Sale sponsored by Millennium Medical & Spa Suites, Tile Outlet in Carson City, and Palmer Consulting, featuring work from local painters, crafters, and jewelry makers.
The Art Show & Sale is 2-4:45 p.m. with the concert starting at 5 p.m. in the Sunridge Pavilion.
Francie Palmer of Palmer Consulting said the event is free, but donations are welcome to support the Cultural Arts Foundation, and food and beverages will be available for purchase, along with some of the artists’ work for sale.
“The Cultural Arts Foundation does so much in this community,” said Palmer. “It’s nice to do something to support them and the local artists.”
The Cultural Arts Foundation was founded in 2021, initially creating the Artist Mixers, which allowed the foundation to meet, promote and introduce many of the Douglas County’s musicians and artist. Today, it is a 501c3 continuing to support, empower, and promote local talent.
Through events including Wine Down Wednesdays, The Coffin Races and Fall Fest, the Hot Air For Hope Balloon & Cultural Arts Festival, and the Backcountry Music Festival, The Cultural Arts Foundation strives to connect and collaborate with members of the community, other nonprofits, and businesses to enhance the arts, culture, and commerce of Douglas County.
Palmer said she met Lucca while working in California and they have kept in touch ever since. Lucca said he enjoys working with Palmer and is always willing to support a local event.
“I thought she was fearless,” said Lucca of Palmer. “She has some great ideas and is great at connecting and bringing people together and wanting to do cool stuff, and I am always down for that.”
In support of the event on May 4, Lucca said it is a great way for the arts to come together.
“Community is important,” he said, “and that’s what is cool about this event it helps the arts in general through networking, finding people you can trust and the people who can speak your language. Those are the ones who are going to be honest with you and have your best interest at heart and support your work.”
When it comes to advice for pursuing your dreams, Lucca said to “just stay with it.”
“We (he and Simons) have been doing this a very long time and it’s been a lot of just staying with it and enjoying the ride in the name of music or whatever it is you want to do,” he said.
Palmer thanks the support she has had from the team of sponsors and the Sunridge Golf and Recreation Manager Ken Scott.
“Pam Horton from Millenium Medical Spa Suites, Nathan Fischmann from Tile Outlet and his family, and Ken have been wonderful supporters in making sure this event is brought to the community,” she said. “The Carson Valley has such a strong passion for the arts and spreading the joy of the arts for all to enjoy.”