Wine Tasting In Nevada County!

Yesterday, my youngest daughter Heather and I went to an open house, FREE wine tasting event at a local winery called Coufos Cellers. It was a wonderful event, there was wine, food and live music. They provided a tour of the winery, it was very interesting! Located in the historic town of Rough & Ready on a former 20 acre dairy, the farm is now dotted with hillside vineyards and the old dairy buildings are being converted into new wine making facilities. Specializing in Rhone style wines, Coufos Cellars features wine varietals and blends crafted from estate grown and locally grown grapes. The wines are made in small lots and are carefully blended to produce memorable experiences. The vineyards are farmed using organic practices. Owners Henry Coufos and Janet Wheeling were welcoming and very friendly. When visiting our beautiful area in the foothills of Nevada County stop by and say,"Hello", you won't be disappointed!! They are open for Tasting: Saturday & Sunday, 12-5pm.

Bay Area Jazz pianist Debbie Poryes performs at the Center for the Arts'

The Center for the Arts' newly acquired Steinway grand piano will get another chance to shine on Sunday when Bay Area jazz pianist Debbie Poryes performs with her quartet. Nevada County jazz luminary Bill Douglass is a member of the group. “Debbie Poryes is one of my favorites,” Douglass said. “Great touch, beautiful lines, swings with a passion, and chord voicings to make you weep!”Poryes has been a faculty member of the Berkeley Jazzschool since 2000, teaching jazz piano and functional harmony. She also maintains a large private teaching studio with more than 30 students. Poryes is a member of the Music Teachers' Association of California and the Jazz Education Network. She continues to refine her piano technique with classical teacher John Bloomfield, and regularly performs throughout the Bay Area. Her recent solo and ensemble performances include appearances at Yoshi's Jazzclub, the Oakland Museum, the Jazzschool, the Berkeley Piano Club, the 2009 Healdsburg Jazz Festival, and many other venues.Poryes has recorded a new quartet CD, “Catch Your Breath,” which will be released on Origin Records (voted 2009 Jazz Label of the Year at the JazzWeek awards in New York) in March. The new recording features four new original compositions in addition to Debbie's imaginative arrangements of standards. She lives in Orinda with her husband and daughter.Introduction to Jazz Piano for Adults and TeensJazz pianist Debbie Poryes will present an overview of some of the skills necessary to develop the ability to play jazz piano. The three main seventh chords will be presented and some jazz voicings given.Debbie will give some practical suggestions as to how to develop a “swing” feel. Various ideas will be given on how to improvise and all this will be applied to a tune or two. Debbie will have an outline and handouts so you will have something to take notes on and to take home.Feel free to record the workshop as well. This is a “gather around the piano cozy workshop” and attendees will be encouraged to try out some of these ideas while all together.The workshop will be 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday $15 per participant or $30 with the show.


Article found in The Union Newspaper

Nevada Union High Snowboard Team Event!

The Nevada Union Snowboard Team is proud to host “OPEN SPACE”, Mike Basich’s inspirational movie of how his love for snowboarding helped him overcome epilepsy, ride to the top of the pro snowboard world and then establish roots in a simpler life in Nevada County. Mike will be on hand to sign memorabilia at intermission. The Burton B movie will follow. SEE BOTH MOVIES FOR ONLY $5.00! GREAT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!! Showtimes at 4:30pm and 6:45pm on Saturday, February 20th at the Don Baggett Theater, Nevada Union High School, 11761 Ridge Rd, Grass Valley. Tickets available at the door or at the NU Student Store.

What a beautiful day in Nevada County!!

The sun was shining and the birds were singing on a very beautiful day here inNevada County. I actually spent the day with my Mom and her friends, they all live in Grass Valley. We got on a bus and left Grass Valley and drove down the hill to Roseville, California. We went to the Thunder Valley Casino and enjoyed country music along the way. We gambled and the ate lunch. Then we gambled some more, my Mom even won a little. She came out ahead, and was so thrilled!! After that we went to Trader Joe's and bought some wonderful foods. Then, we were on our way back to the Grass Valley and the beautiful Nevada County area. We all had such a great time, I am looking forward to our next trip!!

Mardis Gras Parade a BIG hit!

Sunday February 14Th was Valentines and also the Mardis Gras Parade in Nevada City. Once again, I attended the parade, which has been held annually for the last eight years. There were so many people this year, very nice to see! The weather was perfect, the parade was cancelled 2 years ago because of snow! The Parade started 8 years ago with a group of local women, many of my friends, that decided to get dressed up as Joe Cain's 12 widows, and walk down the middle of Broad Street. Joe Cain is the man who was largely credited for the rebirth of the Mardis Gras in 1866 in Mobile, Alabama. As the story goes, when he died, 12 widows showed up at his funeral. They were eventually called "The Merry Widows" Well, our local Mardis Gras Parade only grew from 12 women walking down the street to be the celebration it is today. It always helps to know people, therefore my husband, my girlfriend and I were able to watch the parade from a balcony above a business on the main parade route of Nevada City. What a great vantage point to see all of the smiling faces! There were so many beads and candy flying through the air, it was a sight to see. I love that parade and all of the colorful people. It is good for our community and I look forward to next Year. A good time was had by all!!!

Valentine's Event in Oz!

Friday February 12, 2010

The Center for the Arts and PAG presents The Valentine’s Weekend In OZ. The Emerald Ball

From 7:00 to 10:00PM

$20 Adults, $8 Children 12 and under. Wear a and recieve $2 off!

This event is a fundraiser for the Center and PAG!!

The Performing Arts Guild (PAG) and The Center for the Arts are very excited to announce it's first joint Fundraising Event, The Emerald Ball. Escape to a fabulous party in Oz for families and people of any age to enjoy!

Come in an OZ costume and you'll receive a $2 coupon for refreshments at the Concession's Booth. The land of OZ is a magical place and this is a magical event with plenty of activities to entertain every member of the family: Dancing to the famous DJ services of Jamal Walker of My Way Productions, Bingo with prizes, Costume Contest with prizes, Live Entertainment, and a Silent Auction. Lots of Prizes-Lots of Fun!

Chamber names king, queen and duke, duchess for NC Mardi Gras

Longtime Nevada City Chamber of Commerce boosters Gerry and Denise Anderson have been named as King and Queen of the 2010 Nevada City Mardi Gras Celebration, and Ray and Linda Pullizi of Nevada City have been named as Duke and Duchess for this year’s event.



Longtime Nevada City Chamber of Commerce boosters Gerry and Denise Anderson have been named as King and Queen of the 2010 Nevada City Mardi Gras Celebration.

Ray and Linda Pullizi of Nevada City have been named as Duke and Duchess for this year’s event. The selections were announced by the Nevada City Mardi Gras Committee.

The honorees will join Parade Grand Marshal Bob Breck of KNCO Radio as featured guests in the 2010 Nevada City Mardi Gras Parade on Sunday, Feb. 14. The parade rolls down Broad Street beginning at 2 p.m.

For nearly 20 years, the Andersons have been among the chamber's most active and enthusiastic volunteers, said Executive Manager Cathy Whittlesey.

“They're always there when you need them,” said Whittlesey. “They're the kind of people who roll up their sleeves and get the job done. They always have smiles on their faces. Their hearts are truly in Nevada City.”

Denise Anderson, who pursued a career in banking, served for 17 years as the Nevada City Chamber’s treasurer. Gerry Anderson, a self-employed contractor, helps with special event organization and has lent his construction skills at the chamber office.

The Pulizzis have been very active volunteer supporters of Mardi Gras in recent years. They and fellow members of the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club are among the event’s most avid supporters.

Mardi Gras weekend kicks off Feb. 13 with the annual Masquerade Ball at Miners Foundry, featuring the Holcomb Brothers Band.

Tickets are $10 in advance and (if available) $15 at the door. Contact the sponsoring Nevada City Chamber of Commerce at 265-2692 or www.nevadacitychamber.com.

This article found in the Nevada City Advocate, a great way to find out about current Nevada City News!!

Mardis Gras In Nevada City This Weekend!

A downtown parade and masquerade ball are featured Feb. 13-14, 2010 as this colorful Sierra foothills town again celebrates Mardi Gras in Nevada City.
Weekend activities open Saturday night with a Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball in historic Miners Foundry at 325 Spring Street. Cajun food will be available for purchase throughout the evening. Prices will be announced. Advance tickets are recommended and may be obtained through the Chamber of Commerce office at 132 Main Street in Nevada City. Call (530) 265-2692 or (800) 655-NJOY.
The Mardi Gras Parade begins at 2 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 14, 2010) and moves down Broad Street through the center of town. It is a rain or shine event. Merry spectators of all ages line the parade route while gaily masked societies parade through the historic district handing out beads, toys, trinkets, bangles and more. Everyone is encouraged to attend in festive Mardi Gras attire.

A time for celebration!

The Grass Valley/Nevada County Chamber is celebrating it's Centennial February 4, 2010!

This gala event will be held at the Holiday Express located at 121 Bank Street, Grass Valley, California. 6:00 pm Cocktails, 7:00 pm Dinner and the "Off Broad Street" Production.

There will be a special commemorative presentation by "Off Broad Street" Players celebrating the Chamber and 100 year's history of the community. John Driscoll and Jann Kopp of the "Off Broad Street" Players have written and produced a new play just for this exciting event.

So don't miss out! For reservations call the Chamber at 530-273-4667

Crab Feed held by the Grass Valley Sportsmans!

My husband Kurt and I went to the Grass Valley Sportsman's annual Crab feed last Saturday night. A good time was had by all! It's always so much fun! This is probably my 15th year to attend. It starts out just as a meet and greet with many long time residents. I always see people that I have not seen in a very long time, sometimes it's only at the crab feed that we get to say "Hello". Nice to see them again!! The food is always fabulous, we improvise and bring our own tabletop heat sources and have melted butter with garlic, YUM, YUM!! Thanks to Mike Rohm and his wife Carla, they always save us a table for ourselves and all of our friends. Fourteen friends this year. They serve salad , clam chowder, garlic bread and as much CRAB that you can manage to eat!! After dinner is filled with dancing and social fun. This years band was Dyin' Breed, they were great, a little bit o' country and a little bit Rock N Roll!! There was a silent raffle and we actually won a wine tasting at a local winery for eight people. The night winded down finally, I have to say there were so many more people this year that stayed and had a great time! Thank You Grass Valley Sportsman's...Once Again!!!!