Merle Haggard to Kickoff TJ's Corral Concert Season at the Carson Valley Inn

Country Legend Merle Haggard to Kick Off TJ's Corral Concert Season:  In addition to 40 #1 hits, Merle Haggard charted scores of Top Ten songs and won just about every music award imaginable, both as a performer and as a songwriter. In 1994 he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. His body of work easily places him beside Hank Williams as one of the most influential artists in country music. Among his many hits are Moma Tried, Okie From Muskogee and many, many more. Merle will appear live in concert in TJ's Corral on Friday, May 1 and ticket prices and availability will be announced soon in our weekly blog and posted on this page!

Beatles, Country and Bluegrass All in a 4-Day Stretch!

A free four-night musical whirlwind in our Cabaret Lounge starts this Thursday with Beatles Flashback, a special one-night tribute to The Beatles with hits from She Loves You and I Want to Hold Your Hand, to Ticket to Ride and Day Tripper, and then all the way to Here Comes the Sun and Hey Jude. The John Dawson Band turns the weekend to Country/Rock Friday and Saturday - a Reno based group of five fun-lovin' guys who just like to play music and entertain with a variety of modern country and classic rock. The Henhouse Prowlers then pick things apart in a special one night show on Sunday as they center their sound on that of the early, formative years of bluegrass, while keeping their pulse on today by covering contemporary topics in a largely original repertoire . . . all adding up to bluegrass with an edge!

Gimme Da Lute Produced the Loot! Mike's horse Gimme Da Lute (descendant of Midnight Lute – thus the name) won again on Saturday in the ninth race at Santa Anita producing a modest return of $3.40, $2.80 and $2.40. Wasn't all roses as Air Pocket finished out of the money on Sunday.

Casino Hoopla This Saturday: The grand prize giveaways in our February Free Jackets and Cash promotion are this Saturday with drawings at 6 and 8 PM. Then, stick around for more value as Inn Club members earn 3X points 8 PM to midnight on Saturday.

Poker Room Activity:

• Lots of Movement on Ladder for Free Roll Poker Tournament: We continue to update the rankings on the Top 40 Ladder to show who is currently in the queue for the $2,000 Free Roll Tournament on April 11. Dean Doyle points to the Ladder . . . and behind him is the prize wheel that, with the right spin, gains you even more points to help climb the ladder. How's it all work? Check out all the Poker Room's special games and promotions. 
• Ladies-Only Poker Tournament:  Our Poker room crew is kicking off a monthly ladies-only poker tournament this Sunday, March 1. It's a no-limit Texas Hold 'em bounty tourney with play starting at 4 PM. There's a $40 buy-in with no rebuys and players receive a $5 bounty for every player they knock out of the event!  Ladies' if you feel like warming up on Sunday you'll earn one extra $500 tournament chip by playing at least one hour of live play before the start of the tournament.

It’s Happening at the CVI in March! Here are just some of the events happening in our Valley Ballroom in March . . . when you hold your event at the CVI we always try to help get the word out in this blog, our Carson & Valley Voice newspaper mailer and through our Social Media – all at no extra charge!

• Sierra Lutheran High School Gifts of Grace Dinner Auction: Sat., Mar. 7. Call Kathy Hone at 775-315-3698.
• Carson Valley Arts Council Murder Mystery: Fri., Mar. 13. Call Susan Rose at 775-782-8207.
• Minden Rotary Beast Feast: Sat., Mar.14. Call Brent Holderman at 775-783-3725.
• Douglas County Democrats Keep Nevada Blue Dinner: Sat., Mar. 28. Call Katherine Winans at 775-267-0539.

As Always, Interesting, Helpful and Even Useful Tidbits and News

• Reading This While You're Between Jobs? Might as well read it to the end since you already started! Then, you might try clicking on this link. It takes you to the various positions we are currently looking to fill here at the Carson Valley Inn. And if you stop by our HR Office we'll tell you more about these jobs and also let you know what is open at Bodines Casino and how you can get in the queue for consideration for jobs at Sharkey's when we get a closer to opening.
• Break Out the Good Stuff! This Saturday is Open That Bottle Night dedicated to making sure that those bottles of fine wine put away for a special occasion are used and enjoyed. And if you bring that special bottle to accompany your dinner in CV Steak Saturday night, let Jean-Michel or Mike know that you read this blog and they'll waive the corkage fee!
• Your Goose is Cooked Friday in CV Steak:  Our Friday Game Special this week is Smoked Goose with blackberry port glaze, apple and herb dressing and Kailua mashed sweet potatoes. Served with tableside-tossed salad and vegetable all for $29.00.
• Wednesday Ladies' Night 5:30 to 8:30 PM: The first 150 ladies to sign up tonight receive the first in a series four March Bakeware products. Also enjoy hot seat drawings for Bath & Bodyworks gift baskets, ladies-only drink specials, a ladies-only slot tournament and more.
• Take the Bus! Just a reminder that the Carson Valley Airporter provides scheduled shuttle service between the Carson Valley Inn and both the Reno airport and downtown Reno. 

Comments? Have questions or comments about the CVI? Use the comments section below, shoot us an email or just pick up the phone and call us @ 775-782-9711. Hit "0" when the automated voice comes on and you'll go right to the hotel operator who can get you to the correct person or department.  We have a lot more coming up at the Carson Valley Inn so check our Blog posting every Wednesday morning!

Thunderbirds, Rock & Roll, Genoa Cowboy Festival, More

What Kenny Loggins Song Does This Bring To Your Mind?  The big news in the Carson Valley last Friday was the official announcement by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds that they will be performing at the Aviation Roundup air show at the Minden-Tahoe Airport on Saturday and Sunday, August 22 and 23. You can bet we'll have plenty more in our blog on this show as the dates draw closer, but, for now, back to that Kenny Loggins song: Turn the volume up, wait thru the 15-second commercial and get ready to rock!

It's Only Rock & Roll this Thursday – Saturday! It's Only Rock & Roll presents an intimate glimpse at the lives of rock stars and the rock & roll lifestyle, from back stage to front & center first row seats, through songs that share the theme of rock stardom and "Super Stardom."  From Pink Floyd’s sarcastic look at the record industry’s "machinery" in Have A Cigar to parties "after the show" in We’re An American Band by Grand Funk, or from David Bowie’s look at Fame (with a little vocal support from John Lennon), to The Byrds’ "instruction manual" on how to "make it" in So You Want To Be A Rock & Roll Star, It's Only Rock & Roll brings the thrill of live rock music to the stage by focusing on defining the glare of the spot lights which has been the topic of so many great rock tunes.  Bob Seger laments life on the road in Turn the Page, while Dr. Hook told us of his band’s desire to make it to The Cover of the Rolling Stone. John Lennon offered us a view of too much celebrity popularity in The Ballad of John & Yoko. These songs and many more of like nature make up the repertoire of It's Only Rock & Roll. You can catch it all free in our Cabaret Lounge on Thursday, February 19 from 8 PM to midnight and on Friday and Saturday, February 20 and 21 from 8 PM to 1 AM.

The above video from the Carson Valley Visitors Authority features the Carson Valley Rider, this time at the 2014 Genoa Cowboy Festival.  Good reason to remind you that we have just a few Genoa Cowboy Festival Weekend Special Packages to sell at $279 plus tax for May 1 & 2. Each includes a room for two people for Friday and Saturday nights, two front section tickets for the Friday night concert, two front section tickets for the Saturday night concert and a $50 food credit.

Filet Mignon? Voting closes this Thursday on the Beef Wars poll sponsored by carsonvalleytimes.com. As we mentioned last week, the CV Steak 9-ounce Filet is one of the four finalists. To cast your vote, go to this page, scroll down a little, and you'll see the four finalists listed. They are all good, but – and we admit we are biased – we definitely lean heavily towards the entry from CV Steak!

Sharkey's Opening & TJ's Corral Concerts – the most common questions we hear!

• Sharkey's Opening: Despite what you might've heard around town, we do not know exactly when Sharkey's is going to reopen. As soon as we have a projected date, you can be assured it will be mentioned in this blog.  Also, despite some of the ramblings in various Facebook posts, we've not started hiring for Sharkey's. Applications for Carson Valley Inn openings  are being accepted in our HR office. When someone applies, we will ask at which of our properties the applicant wants to be considered for employment. When there is a more definitive schedule for the opening date of Sharkey's, and that date draws closer, hiring will begin for Sharkey's.
• TJ's Corral 2015 Concerts:  We've received many inquiries regarding the artists and schedule for the 2015 concerts. We can share that we are getting very close to announcing the first couple of concerts and we hope to have this information in next Wednesday's blog. 

As Always, Interesting, Helpful and Even Useful Tidbits and News

• Free Entertainment in the Cabaret: Greg Austin is on stage tonight, It's Only Rock & Roll entertains Thursday – Saturday nights and George Pickard is here Sunday through Wednesday nights. Beatles fans take note: We'll have a full night of The Beatles on Thursday, February 26 when Beatles Flashback is here for a special one night show.
• Wednesday Ladies' Night 5:30 to 8:30 PM: The first 150 ladies to sign up tonight receive the 3^rd in the series of four February Skin-Care products. Also enjoy hot seat drawings for Mrs. Fields gift baskets, ladies-only drink specials, a ladies-only slot tournament and more.
• Ladies-Only Poker Tournament – March 1: Our Poker Room crew is starting a Ladies-Only no limit Texas hold 'em bounty tournament and the first one is 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 1. Watch for more on this next week.
• Not That It's Been Cool Enough to Need One: But just in case, we are still giving away a lot of CVI Logo Jackets this month: one with every slot jackpot of $1,200 or more any day in February . . . and one by earning 200 points on Monday, February 23 – plus you keep the points!
• We Purposely Didn't Mention This Last Week:  And it's most likely too late now, so you are safe from doing anything foolish . . . Today is (was?) Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day! Seriously - who comes up with this stuff?!
• Grilled Duck Breast Friday in CV Steak: Maple Leaf Farms 9 oz. duck breast marinated with fresh herbs, grilled to medium rare-medium doneness with natural duck jus. Served with tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of potato - au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked potato . . . all for $28.00.

Comments? Have questions or comments about the CVI? Use the comments section below, shoot us an email or just pick up the phone and call us @ 775-782-9711. Hit "0" when the automated voice comes on and you'll go right to the hotel operator who can get you to the correct person or department.  We have a lot more coming up at the Carson Valley Inn so check our Blog posting every Wednesday morning!

It's Only Rock & Roll - and Golf, Too!

It’s Only Rock & Roll  . . . but if you like it, you'll hear plenty of it on Thursday through Saturday nights, February 19-21 when It’s Only Rock & Roll takes the stage in our Cabaret Lounge with a song list of over three dozen rock 'n roll classics. We're talking the big ones like So You Want To Be A Rock & Roll Star (The Byrds and later Tom Petty), I Love Rock & Roll (Joan Jett), Heart Of Rock & Roll (Huey Lewis), Old Time Rock & Roll (Bob Seger), It’s Still Rock & Roll To Me (Billy Joel), Rock & Roll All Night (Kiss), Rock & Roll Never Forgets (Bob Seger), It’s Only Rock & Roll (Rolling Stones) and many more.  This group presents a great tribute to the many bands and artists who shaped the roots and explosion of rock 'n roll. You can catch it all free in our Cabaret Lounge on Thursday, February 19 from 8 PM to midnight and on Friday and Saturday, February 20 and 21 from 8 PM to 1 AM.

Thank You!  Last Friday was definitely a challenge for many in the Carson Valley due to the incredible windstorm and ensuing damage and power outages. We were fortunate to have about half of our electrical service working plus two generators. While not at full electrical power, we were able to operate both CV Steak and Katie's. Over 5,000 local households were without power from early afternoon until after 9 PM and so very many of you came to the Carson Valley Inn for dinner, warmth, or just to get out of the house. Our normal winter weekend staffing levels, coupled with many hundred more people than we expected, produced large crowds and long waits. Our staff (many at work while knowing they had sustained damage at their homes ) did a great job, our hotel and local guests were so very understanding, courteous and patient . . . and somehow we all got through it. To the locals, visitors, and passers by who joined us either Friday night or early Saturday morning when some were still without power, we offer our sincere thanks!

Time to Tee It Up for Our Spring Stag Golf Outing: The Carson Valley's unofficial kickoff to the group golf season, our Annual Spring Stag Invitational Golf Outing, is just over two months away on the weekend of April 23 – 25. We are excited to again be featuring the revitalized Lakes and Ranch Courses at Genoa Lakes. The new owners told us this time last year that they would make improvements, and they definitely exceeded our expectations with many positive changes at both courses during 2014 and more to come during 2015!  

     Our Annual Spring Stag starts with a Thursday optional Practice Round at Genoa Lakes followed by a Welcoming Reception on Thursday evening with cocktails, plenty of hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, and a tee prize package for each participant. Golf is on Friday and Saturday at the two Genoa Lakes courses. The Saturday-Night Banquet includes cocktails, dinner, an abundance of raffle prizes and more. This all adds up to a great Guys Weekend of fun both on and off the course!

     Ladies, tell your golfing husbands, boyfriends, fathers and sons. Guys, plan to attend and invite the office crew, men's club and your golfing friends. 

Beef Wars! The CV Steak 9-ounce Filet Mignon made the cut in the Beef Wars polling by carsonvalleytimes.com. This favorite features a Certified Angus Beef filet grilled to order and served with tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of potato – au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked potato . . . it's quite the filling repast all for $30.00. Sound good? Give it your thumbs up at this link when the polls for the finals open on Monday.

Horse Sense:

• Friday Started Good: Midnight Hawk won the $60,000 allowance feature at Santa Anita Park. "Hawk" is owned by the CVI's Mike Pegram, Chicago Blackhawks Coach Joel Quenneville, Blackhawks assistant coach Mike Kitchen, Oakland Raiders new Offensive Line Coach Mike Tice (more on Coach Tice in the Tidbits section below) and John Sikura's Hill 'n' Dale Equine Holdings.
• Saturday Tapered Off: Two local favorites, Steve Colburn's California Chrome and Mike Pegram's Hoppertunity finished 2^nd and 3^rd in the $500,000 San Antonio Stakes at Santa Anita Park.

It's About the Money!

• Two of the three winners from our Super Bowl Sunday Pro PK'EM Progressive Parlay Card have claimed their winnings. One more person picked 13 out of 15 "prop bets" and has $1,667 in cash waiting for them. Have the ticket? Stop by the sportsbook at CVI or Bodines Casino.
• $1,675.00 in cash was won at our Monthly Blackjack Tournament last night. The top three finishers were Jack J. ($838), Juan S ($502) and Butch M. ($335). Mark your calendar for the next tournament on March 10. Just a $25 buy-in!

Status of Some Upcoming Events at the CVI:

• Valentine's Day: Last reminder - it's this Saturday, February 14. Please join us for dinner  . . . CV Steak and Katie's each have Two Specials plus the regular menu.
• Ducks Unlimited Dinner this Saturday: Still a few tickets left – call Scott Shattock at 760-221-3431.
• Republican Lincoln/Reagan Dinner this Sunday: Newly elected Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt will be the keynote speaker - for tickets call Linda Ruisi at 775-392-1038.
• Clay Shooting Weekend: Last call for sign-ups for our 2015 Clay Shooting Weekend February 19 – 21. Call Jacki at 775-783-6665.
• Eagles & Agriculture: Still openings for the popular anchor event, the Ranch Tour, on both Saturday and Sunday, February 21 & 22. Get all the information by clicking here or call the Chamber at 775-782-8144.

> As Always, Interesting, Helpful and Even Useful Tidbits and News

• Free Entertainment in the Cabaret: Paul Covarelli is on stage tonight, Jo Mama with Special Guest Stew Stewart anchors the weekend Thursday – Saturday nights, Greg Austin entertains Sunday through Wednesday nights and don't miss It's Only Rock & Roll starting Thursday, February 19.
• Football Doldrums: We know that football fans are suffering personal angst dealing with the
  
  off-season.  OTA trivia, free agency speculations and draft sports talk ad nauseam just doesn't fill the cavernous void. There is a light at the end of the tunnel: With Mike Tice now on the Raiders coaching staff we are sure to see more "local" flair when the Mike Tice Invitational Golf Tournament returns to the CVI and Genoa Lakes this June . . . all for the benefit of the Boys and Girls Club of Carson Valley.
• Megabucks Jackpot tops Ten Million: The Megabucks Jackpot is over Ten Million Dollars again . . . here's a link to check out the current amount.
• Roasted Stuffed Quail Friday in CV Steak: With prosciutto, wild rice and plum port glaze. Served with tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of potato - au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked potato . . . all for $$28.00.
• Wednesday Ladies' Night 5:30 to 8:30 PM: Get the 2^nd in the series of four February Skin-Care products tonight and also enjoy hot seat drawings, ladies-only drink specials, a ladies-only slot tournament and more.
• Triple Play: Three notable "days" in a cluster – with links to more information on each: Saturday is Valentine's Day, Monday is President's Day and Tuesday is Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras.
• Want Longer Days? Here's a thought . . .  Daylight Savings Time starts in just a few weeks!

Comments? Have questions or comments about the CVI? Use the comments section below, shoot us an email or just pick up the phone and call us @ 775-782-9711. Hit "0" when the automated voice comes on and you'll go right to the hotel operator who can get you to the correct person or department.  We have a lot more coming up at the Carson Valley Inn so check our Blog posting every Wednesday morning!

Horses, Cowboy Festival, Job Openings, More

Super Bowl Weekend Wind Down:

• $5000 Guaranteed Payout Deflated: Well, not really . . . But we just had to use the term deflated in here somewhere! Truth is that no one person will collect the $5,000 we guaranteed because three people got 13 out of the 15 proposition bets correct and they each wind up with $1,667! Only one of the three has come forward at this point. So, if you played one of the $5 Pro PK'EM Progressive Parlay Cards for the Super Bowl game and you think you might have gotten 13 out of 15, stop by the Sports Book at CVI or Bodines Casino and let us check your card as some cash could be coming your way!
• Super Bowl Conspiracy Theory Debunked: We've heard the conspiracy theories that either
  
  the NFL or NBC conspired to create that incredible fourth-quarter reception by the Seahawks followed by the almost-not-possibly-true interception two plays later by the Patriots. We decided to do our own research and found that, as has been the case for many years with many mysteries,the Butler did it in both cases! 

Horse Racing News:

• Hoppertunity and California Chrome Face Off Saturday: It was supposed to happen last year in the Kentucky Derby. Here we are nine months later and it's supposed to happen again Saturday: Two local favorites, Mike Pegram's Hoppertunity and Steve Colburn's California Chrome are both scheduled to run in the $500,000 San Antonio Stakes at Santa Anita Park this Saturday. We are rooting for a 1- 2 finish for these two great thoroughbreds with Carson Valley ties. 
• Speaking of Mike's Horses, he had two close seconds at Santa Anita last weekend with both Secret Circle and Gimme Da Lute paying the "place" amount.

A Horse of a Different Color

About a year ago the Carson Valley Visitors Authority released the first in a series of Carson Valley Rider videos - this one depicting the Carson Valley Rider visiting the Carson Valley Inn and meeting up with Elvis. Initially, this video just had a music background, now it sports a narrative telling more about the Carson Valley Inn.

Katie's New 24/7 Special is a $5.99 Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs plate. The Chicken Fried Steak is hearty, your two eggs can be any style, and we also include a biscuit and gravy – it's a generous plateful and an incredible value at just $5.99. Katie's Offers a number of specials and all the details are here.

Following up on Two "More Next Week" Mentions in Last Week's Blog:

• $1,000 Guaranteed Winner Every Friday & Saturday Night: We mentioned last week that our Friday and Saturday night drawings have taken a new twist for February. Here it is: our drawings are at 5 PM, 7 PM, and 9 PM every Friday and Saturday - that's eight nights during February and we guarantee there will be a $1000 winner each of these nights! Earn drawing tickets all month by using your Inn Club card when playing in the casino. Click here for more on all of our February Promotions.
• Poker Room $2,000 Free Roll Tournament: we mentioned some of the new February poker room promotions last week. . . We also mentioned that there is a $2000 free roll tournament coming up. Here's how it works: we'll be keeping track of all the Inn Club points that players earn in the poker room during February and March. As the month gets going, we'll start posting a leaderboard each week – we call it the Ladder – so everyone will have a chance to see where they rank as the next two months move along. The top 40 people on the "Ladder" as of March 31 will qualify for a free spot in the $2,000 Free Roll Tournament on April 11!  Be sure to check out all the Poker Room's special games and promotions.

Some Holidays and Special Events:

• Valentine's Day: Whatever we said in last week's blog must have worked – there are very few spots open in CV Steak for Valentine's Day dinner on February 14. So, if you're still thinking about it, call today at 775-783-6650. For a refresher on the specials in both CV Steak and Katie's, Click Here.
• Genoa Cowboy Festival Weekend Package:  Here we go again with another "this thing is sure to sell out so be sure to act fast" claim . . . But it is well justified. We have just one dozen Genoa Cowboy Festival Weekend Special Packages to sell at $279 plus tax for May 1 & 2. Each includes a room for two people for Friday and Saturday nights, two front-section tickets for the Friday night concert, two front-section tickets for the Saturday night concert and a $50 food credit.

Need a Job? If so, you have come to the right place! We have almost a dozen different positions open right now and the Carson Valley Inn is a pretty darn good place to work!  We offer paid time off (PTO), a free meal each shift, holiday premium pay, and . . . . well, a bunch more. If you are interested in employment at the Carson Valley, or have a friend or relative who might be, click here for more on what we offer and details for the positions that are currently open.

As Always, Interesting, Helpful and Even Useful Tidbits and News 

• Free Entertainment in the Cabaret: Steve Lord is on stage tonight, Decades returns by popular demand Thursday – Saturday nights and Paul Covarelli entertains Sunday through Wednesday nights. Our web site has our schedule of upcoming entertainment.
• $12,000 Winner Last Friday: It came down to five finalists who participated in a poker hand type showdown. The winner of the $12,000 was a very nice local lady who requested that her name not be released and that we not use her picture - we always honor these requests.  If you were here, you know who it was!
• Grilled Elk Medallions Friday in CV Steak:  Two 3 oz. elk tenderloin medallions grilled and finished with the demi and sundried cherries. Chef does not recommend cooking temps over medium. Served with tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of potato - au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked potato . . . all for $$29.00.
• Wednesday Ladies' Night 5:30 to 8:30 PM: Get first of four weekly skin care products tonight and also enjoy hot seat drawings and a ladies-only drink special. Earn just 50 points between 4 and 8:00 p.m. today and you qualify for our Wednesday ladies-only slot tournament!

Comments? Have questions or comments about the CVI? Use the comments section below, shoot us an email or just pick up the phone and call us @ 775-782-9711. Hit "0" when the automated voice comes on and you'll go right to the hotel operator who can get you to the correct person or department.  We have a lot more coming up at the Carson Valley Inn so check our Blog posting every Wednesday morning!