Hosted by the Truckee Downtown Merchant’s Association, this free event welcomes everyone to browse and shop among the original work of artists and crafters from across the western United States showcasing their handcrafted creations including original photography, jewelry, sculptures, ceramics and much more.

Taking place in downtown Truckee’s walkable historic mountain setting, on the closed street of Bridge Street between Donner Pass Road and Church Street, the unique event locale offers something for everyone, whether you want to visit the town’s first jail, meet and patronize artists and craftspeople, stroll along the river, shop among the many independent boutique stores or eat at any one of over a dozen restaurants.

For more information about the Historic Downtown Truckee Arts & Crafts Festival, contact the Truckee Downtown Merchant’s Association at (530) 587-3161.

Here’s your chance to develop strong drumming skills, explore West African rhythms and build new friendships and community with Liz in Truckee on Thursday nights, September 2nd through 30th.

Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or just love drumming, these classes are for you.  Don’t own a drum – yet? No worries, Liz will have some for rent.

West African Djembe Drumming Class with Liz Broscoe

Truckee Pilates 11890 Donner Pass Road, Suite 3

Thursdays:  September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Beginning Class 6:00 – 7:20 pm (up to one year experience)

Intermediate class 7:30 – 9:00 pm

Cost: $100 (all five classes paid upfront)

Drums available for rent if needed

Sign up via e-mail: lizbroscoe@aol.com or call 530.318.2330. Through her company, Drumchik Productions, Liz offers a variety of adult classes and workshops, children’s educational programs, performances and inspirational presentations. Her show “DURGA (Drums Unite Race & Gender Alike)” is appearing in theaters and art centers in California and Nevada.

Emphasizing history, cultural awareness, community, and the importance of music curriculum in schools, “DURGA” and her drum and dance troupe “Java Djembe” have reached thousands in the Reno/Carson/ Truckee/Tahoe area. Liz has been grant funded by Tahoe Arts Project, Nevada Arts council, Lake Tahoe Educational Foundation and El Dorado Community Foundation. For additional information regarding classes, workshops and performances or to purchase her book, please visit www.drumchik.com

Back by popular demand, the free concerts on Commons Beach in the heart of Tahoe City take place Sunday afternoons all summer long.

Don’t miss the final show with Sons of Champlin on September 5 starting at 3pm.

These fun, community gatherings feature both local acts and touring artists and are a big part of Tahoe Arts and Mountain Culture.  Everyone is welcome and picnics are encouraged. Low-back chairs only, please.  Sorry, no pets allowed.

The Sons of Champlin started in 1965 in Marin County, California. “Six” members, Bill Champlin and Tim Cain, added Terry Haggerty and the first of a series of drummers and bass players, and the new band was named for the “front” man, Bill Champlin.  In 1967 the Sons of Champlin became a seven piece band, adding a trumpet, and more importantly, Geoff Palmer on keyboards, alto sax, and vibraphone. By this time, the San Francisco scene included the Fillmore and Avalon ballrooms and as the Sons joined that rock circuit, they earned a reputation as a group of R&B and jazz musicians far above the caliber of the electrified folk-rockers who formed the core of the scene.

Not only did the Sons boast a horn section, their arrangements were far ahead of any in rock music, and set the Sons apart from the guitar-dominated bands playing the San Francisco ballrooms.

Let’s see how they sound today at Tahoe City on September 5. Here’s a little taste:

2010 Commons Beach Concerts:

• June 20th- Locals Day – 2pm Early Start -
  The Blues Monsters, Dead Winter Carpenters, Drop Theory and the Casual Dogs
• June 27th-4:30pm “Blues Guitar Master” Chris Cain
• July 4th-4:30pm SubjectoChange
• July 11th-4:30pm Mumbo Gumbo
• July 18th-4:30pm Hot Buttered Rum
• July 25th-4:30pm Janiva Magness
• Aug. 1st-4:30pm TBA
• Aug. 8th-4:30pm Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Cha’s
• Aug. 15th-4:30pm The Trey Stone Band
• Aug. 21st- 4:30pm Vinyl
• Aug. 29th-4:30pm Monte Montgomery Band

“Raising Monet” kicks off Friday, September 3, with an opening reception from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the North Tahoe Art Center in Tahoe City.

Raising Monet has been the major fund raising event for North Tahoe Arts for the last six years. Artists and community members donate all types of art for this sale. All proceeds benefit North Tahoe Arts, which relies on fundraisers and contributions to operate its art center.

Visit the art center to support this valuable community asset and pick up some interesting pieces. For the 2010 fundraiser, Andy Skaff, a well known local plein air artist has donated one of his last two French pieces especially for Raising Monet.  Moret-sur-Loing, featured above, is an 8 x 10 painting with a 3 1/2 inch frame.

North Tahoe Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation supporting opportunities to view and participate in art and culture activities. It fosters interactions with artists and educational classes.  Started by Madeline Bohannon more than twenty years ago, she gathered artists together in a local restaurant to talk about art and give feedback and support to each other. Artists from Truckee, Tahoe City, West Shore, Incline Village and points in between shared their artistic challenges. Eventually they had art shows, and with help of community donors and the Tahoe City PUD, the art center was born.

North Tahoe Arts operates the art center at 380 North Lake Blvd. in Tahoe City, just above Commons Beach. The programs of this non profit include monthly exhibits in the two galleries, local children’s exhibits, artisan shop (which helps to raise funds for the organization), kids art camp, Art in Public Places, North Tahoe Plein Air, Tahoe ARTour, A Gathering of Art, art classes, kids art Saturdays, book signing, poetry reading, and other kids art events like Paint the Bear during Snowfest. Many of these are offered free of charge to the community or for a small donation.

Raising Monet for the Arts opens begins Friday, September 3 with an opening reception from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Additional donations will be accepted after September 3rd, so please visit the art center often to review the artwork for sale through September 26th or until it is sold out.

Gallery hours are Wednesday through Monday from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm. The art center is closed Tuesdays. For more information, please call the North Tahoe Art Center at 530-581-2787 or info@northtahoearts.com

Image credited: Andy Skaff “Moret-sur-Loing” local artist and member of NTAC.

How about finding art by local artists?

Don’t miss the final Tahoe Art League Outdoor Art Show over Labor Day weekend, September 3-6, at the “Y” in South Lake Tahoe.

Throughout the summer, the Tahoe Art League holds various art shows featuring contemporary and fine art for sale at locations throughout South Lake Tahoe.

The Tahoe Art League artists like to share their interpretation of Lake Tahoe through their paintings, photography, pottery, mixed media, sculptures and other works. You might even see some artists in action too.

The final show takes place over Labor Day Weekend, September 3-6, 2010 at the “Y” in South Lake Tahoe, on the corner of Highway 50 and Emerald Bay Road.

2010 TAL Outdoor Art Shows:

• Mav 28-31 Memorial Weekend at the “Y” in South Shore, corner of Hwy 50/Emerald Bay Rd
• June 10-13 American Legion at Hwy 50/Blue Lake Ave.
• June 17-20 American Legion at Hwy 50/Blue Lake Ave.
• June 24-27 Middle School between Lyons Ave. and Al Tahoe Blvd. on Hwy. 50
• Julv 02-05 Julv Fourth Weekend at the “Y” in South Shore, corner of Hwy 50/Emerald Bay Rd
• Julv 15-18 American Legion at Hwy 50/Blue Lake Ave.
• Julv 22-25 Middle School between Lyons Ave. and Al Tahoe Blvd. on Hwy. 50
• Aug 05-08 American Legion at Hwy 50/Blue Lake Ave.
• Aug 12-15 at the “Y” in South Shore, corner of Hwy 50/Emerald Bay Rd
• Aug 19-22 Middle School between Lyons Ave. and Al Tahoe Blvd. on Hwy. 50
• Labor Day Weekend at the “Y” in South Shore, corner of Hwy 50/Emerald Bay Rd

Featured TAL artist: Kit Night

The Tahoe Art League is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting fine art and art education on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe since 1964. TAL provides free monthly art demonstrations for the public, art workshops, classes, summer outdoor shows, fine art exhibits, college scholarships and many other activities. To learn more about TAL or become a member, visit www.talart.org

Jim’s emotive photographs of bears and other wildlife has earned him international recognition in the field of nature photography.

Recognized as a prominent wildlife photographer, Jim Stamates has been creating photographic images for more than 35 years. Many locals refer to Jim as the “Bear Photographer”, as he has captured so many great shots of bears here and in Alaska although his work covers a vast inventory of subjects and locations earning him international acclaim.

For Jim, respect for wildlife takes precedence over “getting the shot”. His philosophy is rewarded by a unique intimacy with his subjects. Jim has been published world-wide, and developed “low impact field techniques” for nature photographers. In addition to his photography, he has also developed In The Rhythm Tours and Workshops™ that he oversees and hosts in Costa Rica and other exotic locations.

To learn more about Jim Stamates, visit www.stamates.com.

Jim’s appearance at the Twin Cabins is part of the Valhalla Arts, Music & Theatre Festival. For a full schedule of events, click here.

The Valhalla Twin Cabins is located at the Tallac Historic Site located 2 miles north of the Y in South Lake Tahoe on Hwy 89. The 74-acre historic site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places that was a favorite getaway in the late 1800’s for Northern California’s elite members of society.

Parking is available from 11am -3pm daily, limited to two hours. But, don’t drive. Ride your Bike or take the Nifty Fifty Trolley.

Wine aficionados will sip fine vintages to help raise money for Can Do MS, formerly The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis, on Sunday, September 5, during the 22nd Annual Alpen Wine Festival hosted by The Village at Squaw and Uncorked Wine Bar.

For a $40 donation to Can Do Multiple Sclerosis, guests will sample wines served in a crystal souvenir wine glass from 2 to 5 p.m. Event attendees can enjoy a variety of flavors from more than 40 wineries such as Napa Valley winemaking pioneers Venge Vineyards, Canihan Family Cellars, known for their award-winning Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc crafted on their certified organic estate vineyards in the heart of the Sonoma Valley, and Flowers, which grows and produces cool-climate wines that authentically express the unique character of the coolest areas of the rugged Sonoma Coast.

The Alpen Wine Festival also will feature wines from Hall, Three Families, Vinum Cellars, Pine Ridge, Dierberg, Twisted Rivers, Merriam Winery, Praxis Cellars and many more. Tickets will be available starting at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday in The Village. The majority of wines served at the event also can be purchased at Uncorked.

While savoring the wine, guests can appreciate live entertainment by the After Eights and acoustic guitarist Ian Ethan Case throughout the day.

The Alpen Wine Festival also will feature a silent auction room and raffle, which will help provide additional support for Can Do Multiple Sclerosis, formerly known as The Heuga Center. Festival attendees can bid on more than 50 items, including artwork, dinners at restaurants, magnums signed by winemakers, mixed cases of wine and more.

Can Do MS, formerly The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis, is an innovative provider of lifestyle empowerment programs for people with MS and their support partners. A national nonprofit organization, they empower people to move beyond their MS by giving them the knowledge, skills, tools and confidence to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors, actively co-manage their disease and live their best lives. For more information, visit www.Squaw.com or call 530-584-6266.

About Jimmie Heuga (www.heuga.org)

Jimmie Heuga grew up near Lake Tahoe and started skiing at the age of two. He began competing when he was five years old and, at 15, he was the youngest man ever named to the U.S. Ski Team.

In 1964 Heuga stunned the international skiing community when he took the bronze medal in slalom at the Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria. Billy Kidd finished second, just a heartbeat ahead of Heuga and together they became the first American men to earn Olympic medals for Alpine skiing. In 1967, Heuga finished third in point standings in the World Cup giant slalom and was the first American to win the prestigious Arlberg-Kandahar race in Garmisch, Germany.

Heuga began noticing symptoms of what would later be diagnosed as multiple sclerosis (MS) in the spring of 1967, experiencing vision problems and numbness in his extremities. After competing in the 1968 Olympics, he joined the professional racing circuit, still hindered by mysterious symptoms. In 1970, he finally received an official diagnosis of MS. He was only 26 and at the peak of his skiing career.

The conventional medical wisdom of the time advised people with MS to avoid any physical or emotional stress. This was difficult for an athlete of Heuga’s caliber and after six years and declining physical and emotional health, he rebelled. Developing his own program of exercise, nutrition and mental motivation, Heuga found not only his physical health, but also his outlook on life greatly improved. His approach revolutionized the management of MS.

Inspired by his success, Heuga founded The Heuga Center, in 1984, to share his philosophy with others and to help them focus on what they “can do”. For his inspiration and leadership in the field of MS, Heuga has received numerous honors from organizations including the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Texaco Star Award, the President’s Council on Physical Fitness, and the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame.

On Monday, Feb. 8, 2010 Heuga passed away peacefully. His spirit and compassion will live on through his family and foundation.

Bison is a five-piece bluegrass band that mixes original folk and American roots music with new takes on traditional bluegrass tunes and covers from all genres for some serious foot-stomping fun.

You be the judge.

Bison Bluegrass Band

Wednesday, September 1, at 7:30pm

Valhalla Boathouse Theatre
Tallac Historic Site

Tickets: $10 adults, $5 children

Click here to purchase your tickets online and to see the entire summer schedule, or call 530-541-4975 to order tickets by phone or buy tickets at the door.

The Valhalla Arts, Music & Theatre Festival takes place at the Tallac Historic Site located 2 miles north of the Y in South Lake Tahoe on Hwy 89.

Cook up a storm during Kitchen Kids and meet Mrs. Pope in September.

Rich in history ranging from generations of Washoe Indian who spent their summers here to the three socialite families from San Francisco in the 1890s, this huge estate has been so well preserved you feel like you are stepping back in time.  During its heyday, the resort included two large hotels, a casino, and numerous annexes and out-buildings. Exhibits about the Baldwin family, the former proprietors of the Tallac Hotel, and the Washoe Indian Tribe can be seen at the Baldwin Museum.

Today, many of these historic buildings are open to the public for viewing, managed by the Tahoe Heritage Foundation. Between June and September you can join a Tallac interpreter for heritage programs, guided walks, building tours, demonstrations, behind the scenes peeks, and more. A changing schedule of activities with times, places, and a detailed description is available in the Visitors Center and the Baldwin Museum.  Here are a few of the highlights:

Kitchen Kids: Wednesday & Friday, September 1 and 3
1:00 pm to 2:15 pm

Cook up a storm in the Pope Estate kitchen and experience the way “it used to be” using old fashioned recipes. Children Ages 6 – 12.  $10 per child, suggested donation.

Vintage Vatican:  September 3
4:00 pm

Get an insider’s look into life at Tallac and tour the Pope House with Mrs. Pope while you sip bubbly and sample appetizers.  $12.50, suggested donation.

Pope House Tours:  Sept 12-26, Daily (except Tuesdays)
11 am , 1 pm, 2:30 pm ($5 adults, children under 6 Free) -

Tallac Site Tour: August 31 at 11:30 am ($3 suggested donation)
Join a historian for a walk through the historic Tallac Site.

Lucky’s Legacy – Cell Phone Tour
Grab a guide booklet for $2 and get the phone number to dial up the story of Lucky Baldwin while you tour the remains of the Tallac Resort and Casino, the first casino built  in Lake Tahoe.

Garden Party: August 29 at 1:00 pm

Learn about the etiquette and manners of children in the 1920s while crafting a stylish hat, then head to the gazebo in the Pope Arboretum for lemonade and cookies.  Children ages 5 – 11.

All suggested donations help the Tahoe Heritage Found develop and maintain the historic programs and materials provided for this historic treasure.

The Tallac Historic Site is located 3.5 miles from the junction of Highways 50 and 89 on Hwy 89 between Camp Richardson’s Resort and the Forest Service’s Taylor Creek Visitor Center. $7.50 per child, suggested donation.

Top photo provided by the Tahoe Heritage Foundation.

Join star guide and poet Tony Berendsen, the President of the Nevada Science Coalition and Tahoe Star Tours, for an evening of science, poetry, star gazing and music at Northstar August 1 – September 11, 2010.

Every tour is as different as the starry skies above however each will include a poem reading, a fun space quiz with prizes, a laser tour of the stars and constellations and a telescopic viewing. Plus, all guests will receive a commemorative flashlight. So bring a child’s curiosity and plenty of questions for an evening of wonder and awe.

Due to the group size please refrain from bringing your own telescopes. We’ll have two telescopes, binoculars and a Celestron Sky Scout for participants to use in order to get a great view of the night sky!

Guests will ride the Highlands Gondola to the top where they’ll meet up with Tony at the Ritz-Carlton Destination Club at 8:30 p.m. From there he will lead you on a short hike to the Lodge at Big Springs Deck with a mountainous viewing site. Following the tour, the group will walk back to the Highlands Gondola for your decent back down to the Village at Northstar around 10:30 p.m.

Tahoe Star Tours Dates*

• Sunday 8/1/2010 Dark Sky Wonders
• Friday 8/6/2010 Dance of the Milky Way (A Celebration of Dance, Poetry, and Science)
• Sunday 8/8/2010 The Suns Lost Siblings
• Friday 8/13/2010 The Milky Way and Persied Meteors +  Accent Nevada string quartet
• Saturday 8/14/2010 The Milky Way
• Friday 9/3/2010 Jupiter
• Saturday 9/4/2010 Jupiter
• Friday 9/10/2010 Tribute to Carl Sagan
• Saturday 9/11/2010 Tribute To Carl Sagan This is a summer concert Tour +  Accent Nevada string quartet

*Subject to cancellation due to weather.

Star Tours tickets are $30 per adult and $15 for children ages 12 and under. For tickets and information call 1.800.GO.NORTH.

Tony Berendsen is an award winning amateur astronomer residing in Reno, Nevada. He is a past President of the Astronomical Society of Nevada, President of the Northern Nevada Science Coalition, and has been showing the skies above northern Nevada and California for the past 15 years, including five years at the Fleischmann Planetarium observatory in Reno. He writes astronomy articles for local publications, and specializes in astronomy outreach by conducting star gazing sessions of the Sierra sky.

Tahoe Star Tours with Accent Nevada

Tahoe Star Tours will offer an evening of science, poetry, star gazing and music with Accent Nevada, a Reno based string quartet. Accent Nevada will keep your ears delighted while Tony takes you on a tour of the skies. There will be hot chocolate and coffee to sip on while enjoying the entertainment and all attendees will have a chance to win a pair of binoculars.

August: 13 – The Milky Way & Perseid Meteor Shower

September: 11 – Tribute to Carl Sagan