Inside the Head of Thunderbird #1, Progressive Jackpots Waiting to Hit, Blood Drive, Football, More

We Are Pretty Progressive Around Here…

At least as it relates to progressive slot jackpots! Our Penny Progressive is now over $36,000 and it can be won for a 90-coin bet (less than a buck!) here at the Carson Valley Inn, at Bodines Casino or at Sharkey’s Casino. In addition to a slew of “system” progressives (industry lingo for progressives that build, and can be won, at multiple casinos in the state), we also have some growing progressives that can only be “hit” here at the CVI. As of Tuesday, the Mega Jackpot on our Super Sky Wheel was over $6,700, the Grand Jackpot on our Cash Locomotive videos was over $14,600, the Lightning Link Grand Jackpot was over $15,300 and the Behemoth Buffalo Stampede Major Jackpot had topped $20,000. 

Aviation Roundup: USAF Thunderbirds Right Here in Minden!

Lt. Colonel Jason Heard will be leading the US Air Force Thunderbirds during their appearance at the Aviation Roundup in Minden on October 7 & 8. Watch this CNN video featuring Lt. Col. Heard as he talks about what it’s like to fly F-16's inches from each other and what it takes to be on the elite Thunderbird team. This year's appearance by the Thunderbirds  will have a major difference from the 2015 show: the entire team will actually deploy from the Minden Tahoe Airport which means their ground pre-departure show is part of what you’ll be able to enjoy. Get your tickets itself  at this link and plan on joining us for what promises to be a top notch show also including the U.S. Army Golden Knights, the US Navy F-18 Tac Demo Team, the Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Demonstration Team and an all-star lineup of civilian performers.

Blood Drive Friday

The United Blood Services Heroes Remembered Blood Drive is this Friday, September 1 from 10 AM to 6 PM in the west lot near our big electronic sign. Schedule your appointment by calling 800-696-4484 and use sponsor code N1HRH or simply go to this link. This is one of the last chances to qualify before the September 5 deadline for an entry into the 2017 Summer Ride to Save Lives sponsored by Chester’s Reno Harley-Davidson® and United Blood Services.  The grand prize is a 2017 Harley-Davidson® Iron 883™! UPDATE: United Blood Services is part of the national Blood Systems. As such, they are preparing to help in the Houston area as many, many blood drives in that area had to be cancelled. You'll be helping far past the local needs by donating Thursday.

Our "Internal" Football Pick Contest 2017

We're set for some friendly competition between three of our CVI folks as they vie for the “I can pick football better than you can” award for the 2017 season. Stepping up to participate are Mike and Alan from the sports book and Greg from the sales department. Each will pick two games every week, college or pro, over/under or the winner against the spread. For this first week, Greg picked West Virginia (+4½) over Virginia Tech and UTEP (+44) over Oklahoma State. Mike went with Oklahoma State (-18) over Tulsa and Texas A & M (+4) over UCLA. Alan likes LSU (-16½) to top BYU and Michigan State  (-17½) over Bowling Green. The stakes? You'll have to ask the guys!

Help Fight Cancer

• The 2017 Hope Motorcycle Rally will be at the CVI on Saturday, September 30 with proceeds benefiting cancer research and awareness for 3 great organizations: Prostate Cancer Foundation, The National Cervical Cancer Coalition and The Teal Foundation. We invite you to read more about this fundraiser put on by Indian Motorcycle and many of the enthusiasts who enjoy riding this iconic brand.
• The annual Bunko for Breast Cancer to benefit the Carson Tahoe Cancer Resource Center is also coming up on Saturday, October 14 at the CVI and you can sign up or get more information on this webpage or this Facebook Page – or click here to send an email with any questions.  

Our Usual “This and That” . . .

• Thursday is Diatomaceous Earth Day. We mention this for one superfluous reason and one very important reason: from the "why did you even say that" perspective, Diatomaceous is a 12 letter word and we are usually banned from using words that long in this blog. From the "oh, now I get it" point of view, Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is used in the filtering of beer, a liquid refreshment that becomes so prevalent during the fall football season.
• Friday is College Colors Day which, best we can determine, recognizes the extreme pride and zealous enthusiasm (and sometimes outright lunacy) exhibited by so many who attended college when the football season kicks off.
• Saturday is National Tailgating Day and we invite you to read about how this “day” got started. Shows you just about anybody can start a "National Day" for just about any reason. Also, and more directly, how appropriate for the first Saturday with a full slate of college football games!
• Tuesday is Be Late for Something Day and also Cheese Pizza Day. Our suggestion is to combine them both by spending an extra hour or two at Bodines Casino and enjoying a cheese pizza fresh out of Bodines brick pizza oven . . . with your favorite beer, of course! And, if you are then late for something, it's not your fault - you were justifiably celebrating a national day!

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge  

Cliff and Dave tonight, the California Cowboys Thursday through Sunday and Jonathon “JB” Barton Monday through Wednesday. Cliff and Dave provide an evening of sultry R&B, funk and swinging rock ’n’ roll. R. W. Smith and the California Cowboys have appeared on concert billings with such country favorites as Alabama, Big & Rich, Dwight Yoakam, Merle Haggard, Clint Black, George Jones, Joe Diffe, Willie Nelson, Toby Keith, The Bellamy Brothers, Restless Heart, Travis Tritt, Doug Stone, Alan Jackson, George Strait, and many other country stars.   Jonathon “JB” Barton performs favorites from Van Morrison, CCR, Hank Williams, Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, Eagles and many more. Once the NFL season starts we’ll be going to live entertainment Tuesday through Saturday and featuring Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football in The Cabaret Lounge.

In the Casino

• Ladies’ Night Tonight: Join us 5:30 to 8:30 PM with a free Chocolate Football "Pop" and Makeup Bag for the first 150 ladies and Chocolate Shoppe Football Themed Baskets as hot seat prizes. Also on the docket: games, drink specials, FREE Bingo and the last week to earn entries for tonight’s drawings for a Free iPad.
• VIP Gifts Thursday: free VIP Gift Giveaways at 2, 4, 6 and 8 PM every Thursday through September!
• 4X Points Friday: That’s quadruple the benefits for your play all day every Friday through September!
• Friday Cash and Free Play Giveaways: Drawings at 6, 8 & 10 PM for Cash & Free Play. Eight winners each drawing and one guaranteed $1,000 winner Friday night!
• Saturday All Cash Giveaways: Drawings at 6, 8 & 10 PM for cash on the spot. Eight winners each drawing and one guaranteed $1,000 winner Saturday night!
• Ladies-Only Poker Tournament Monday:: Our monthly tournament just for the ladies with brush up lessons starting at 3 PM and cards flying at 4 PM. 
• 5X Points Monday: 5X Points all day for Labor Day!
• Here’s a Handy Page with all our Current Casino Promotions!
• Sports and Race Book: We are taking action on Major League Baseball, Horse Racing, the last week of Preseason NFL Football a full slate of NCAA Football games and the NASCAR Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway this Sunday. Futures on the board include winners for the World Series, 2018 Super Bowl, 2018 NCAA Football Championship and the 2018 NBA Championship.    

In Our Restaurants

• Wednesday is Italian Day in Katie’s – three specials for $6.99 each served from 11 AM to 10 PM!
• Our Friday special in CV Steak is Roasted Rack of Venison with cherry brandy demi seasoned with fresh herbs for $32. Saturday night’s special is Garlic Studded Prime Rib for $26 Sunday's special is one pound of King Crab Legs for $32. Sunday's special is one pound of King Crab Legs for $32. These specials are served with fresh vegetable, choice of rice or potato – au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked – tableside tossed salad and warm demi-loaf of bread.
• Click the restaurant name for more info, specials and links to menus for Katie’s, CV Steak and Jobs Perk at the CVI . . . or our nearby sister property restaurants, the Jackpot Café at Sharkey's Casino and the Bodines Restaurant at Bodines Casino. 

Planning a Stay at the CVI? You will always get the best rate by booking directly with the Carson Valley Inn either online or by calling our Reservation Department directly at 775-783-6629 or 800-321-6983. 

Comments? Have questions or comments about the CVI? Use the comments section below, shoot us an email or 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!

Ronnie Milsap Saturday, Streaking Jets Just 45 Days Away, More

 Country Music Legend Ronnie Milsap Concert to benefit The Children's Cabinet.

• Ronnie Milsap . . . Ray Charles personally inspired him to get started, he collaborated with Elvis - at Elvis' request, he has a method for keeping his voice in shape and he has recorded with Leon Russell, Willie Nelson, Little Big Town, Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan. It’s all captured in this Q&A piece Tim Parsons of Tahoe Onstage put together after a lengthy interview with the country artist just a few days ago. Milsap will be performing his classic songs like "Smoky Mountain Rain," "I Wouldn't Have Missed it for the World," "No Getting Over Me," "Any Day Now," and many more this Saturday in TJ’s Corral.  
• The Children’s Cabinet: If you don’t remember anything else about The Children’s Cabinet, just remember this: their mission is to keep children safe and families together. We invite you to read more about their mission, philosophy and values. The Children’s Cabinet provides a wide range of crisis intervention services, including Safe Place, a service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for youth experiencing violence, abuse or exploitation. Programs also include runaway and homeless youth services, substance abuse and gang intervention programming, work experience training, and independent living for former foster care youth. So, when you purchase a ticket for this Saturday’s  Ronnie Milsap concert, you’re not only “signing up” for an evening of nostalgic country entertainment, you may be potentially helping someone, somewhere in northern Nevada, sidestep or mitigate a family crisis.
• The box office and “Will Call” open at 4 PM, the doors open at 7:15 PM, the concert starts at 8 PM and you may purchase your tickets at this link and help benefit The Children's Cabinet! Oh, and the obligatory stuff: please leave the lawn chairs, pets and outside beverages at home and if you must smoke during the show, please do so only in the designated area near the DCSO fence. 

CVI is a Proud Sponsor of the Aviation Roundup

As the host hotel for the performers, we’ve been working behind the scenes for many months with the Aviation Roundup staff and have watched with our jaws open as they have upped the game from the 2015 show substantially. Sure the US Air Force Thunderbirds and the The US Navy Tac Demo Team will be back . . . but they’ll be joined at the October 7 & 8 show by the U.S. Army Golden Knights the Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Demonstration Team and an impressive “A List” of civilian performers for an air show that will rival what you’d see in a major metropolitan area - all right here at the Minden-Tahoe Airport. Catch the video above as Minden-Tahoe Airport Ops Supervisor Chris Johnson tells the story of what the event will bring.

Our Usual “This and That” . . .

Katie's Super Waffle - Want One?

• What is it About the Third Wednesday in August? Not at all relevant to the CVI, but we find it somewhat ironic that, for two years in a row, the Minden-Tahoe Airport must close to aircraft operations for a few hours on the last Wednesday of August for a presidential visit. For you aviation geeks, the info is here.
• Thursday is Peach Pie Day and of course we sell whole peach pies at the Katie’s bakery counter or by the slice in Katie’s restaurant.
• Thursday is also National Waffle Day: The Katie’s Super Waffle is served from 5 AM until noon daily and includes a fresh-made waffle with two eggs any style and choice of three strips of bacon or three sausage links all for $7.99. And for a nontraditional way to celebrate National Waffle Day, dig into a pile of Waffle Fries in the Jackpot Café at Sharkey’s Casino!
• Friday is National Whiskey Sour Day: we asked Erin at the Cabaret Bar to do one of her videos on how she makes a whiskey sour. She just gave us “the look” and, in a friendly manner, said “it’s just sour mix and whiskey. Even with all my talents I can’t make that sounds exciting!”
• Without Them We Are Sunk! We’re talking about our incredible IT Staff that keeps things together at the Carson Valley Inn, Bodines Casino and Sharkeys Casino. We figure they must have a highly efficient lobbyist to get all four of these special “Days” lumped into one week. So, as a salute to them we recognize Internaut Day on Thursday, Webmistress Day Saturday and both Race Your Mouse Around the Icons Day and Crackers Over The Keyboard Day Monday.

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge  

Roem Baur tonight and Thursday, the John Dawson Band Friday and Saturday, Paul Covarelli, Sunday and Monday and Cliff and Dave Tuesday and Wednesday. Roem Baur is a classically trained opera singer who ultimately answered the call of rock n' roll. The John Dawson Band is a Reno based group who entertain with a variety of modern country and classic rock. Paul Covarelli displays exceptional versatility on hits from artists like The Beatles, Merle Haggard and Jimmy Buffet plus the sounds of jazz, blues and Latin. Cliff and Dave provide an evening of sultry R&B, funk and swinging rock ’n’ roll. Once the NFL season starts we’ll be going to live entertainment Tuesday through Saturday and featuring Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football in The Cabaret Lounge.

Live Entertainment Goes to Tuesday - Saturday When NFL Football Starts
Above is our upcoming Weekend Entertainment

In the Casino

This Trio Pack for the
First 150 Ladies Tonight!

• Ladies’ Night Tonight: Join us 5:30 to 8:30 PM with a free Logo'd Iced Pear Lotion, Hand Sanitizer & Lip Balm Set for the first 150 ladies and Shelly Camp Gift Baskets as hot seat prizes. Also on the docket: games, drink specials, FREE Bingo and chances to earn entries for the August 30 drawings for a Free iPad.
• VIP Gifts Thursday: free VIP Gift Giveaways at 2, 4, 6 and 8 PM every Thursday through August!
• 4X Points Friday: That’s quadruple the benefits for your play all day every Friday in August!
• Friday Cash and Free Play Giveaways: Drawings at 6, 8 & 10 PM for Cash & Free Play. Eight winners each drawing and one guaranteed $1,000 winner Friday night!
• Saturday All Cash Giveaways: Drawings at 6, 8 & 10 PM for cash on the spot. Eight winners each drawing and one guaranteed $1,000 winner Saturday night!
• Here’s a Handy Page with all our Current Casino Promotions!
• Sports and Race Book: We are taking action on Major League Baseball, Horse Racing, Preseason NFL Football and NCAA Football (yes, four games this weekend!!!). NASCAR has the week off. Futures on the board include winners for the World Series, 2018 Super Bowl, 2018 NCAA Football Championship and the 2018 NBA Championship.

In Our Restaurants

• Wednesday is Italian Day in Katie’s – three specials for $6.99 each served from 11 AM to 10 PM!
• Our Friday special in CV Steak is Game Tips - elk tenderloin tips sautéed with mushrooms and Cabernet Demi, served over peppered Pappardelle pasta for $28. Sunday's special is one pound of King Crab Legs for $32. These specials are served with fresh vegetable, choice of rice or potato – au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked – tableside tossed salad and warm demi-loaf of bread.
• Click the restaurant name for more info, specials and links to menus for Katie’s, CV Steak and Jobs Perk at the CVI . . . or our nearby sister property restaurants, the Jackpot Café at Sharkey's Casino and the Bodines Restaurant at Bodines Casino. 

Planning a Stay at the CVI? You will always get the best rate by booking directly with the Carson Valley Inn either online or by calling our Reservation Department directly at 775-783-6629 or 800-321-6983. 

Comments? Have questions or comments about the CVI? Use the comments section below, shoot us an email or 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!

Michael McDonald Friday, Christmas Parties, Another Cocktail Creation from Erin, More

As of the time we are publishing this blog,there are still tickets available for the Michael McDonald Concert this Friday night starting at 8 PM in TJ's Corral. Join us for an amazing night of hits like "Takin' It to the Streets," "Minute by Minute," "What a Fool Believes," "I Keep Forgettin'," "Yah Mo B There" and many more.  From his start with Steely Dan, through his stint as lead singer of the Doobie Brothers and into a stellar solo career, Michael McDonald offers something for everyone!

And next Saturday, August 26 we invite you to join us for An Evening With Country Music Legend Ronnie Milsap to benefit The Children's Cabinet. He'll be performing his classic songs like "Smoky Mountain Rain," "I Wouldn't Have Missed it for the World," "No Getting Over Me," "Any Day Now," and so many more of his classic country hits. If you were or still are a fan, you'll reminisce to the video above. If you fall into the "don't think I remember him" category, you'll certainly react with "oh, he sang that song" more than once as you watch the video which highlights Ronnie's hits, awards and other career milestones. Purchase your tickets (starting at $39) and help benefit The Children's Cabinet!

Christmas Party??

Hey, we know what you’re thinking, “school starts four weeks earlier than when we were kids, the stores have been pushing Halloween stuff since the end of July . . .  and you’re bringing up Christmas parties!?” Okay, we get all that. However,  we just have to remind our readers that now is the time to be thinking about booking your Christmas party at the Carson Valley Inn. Since we know you’ve got a short attention span on this one right now, we’ll simply plant the seed to make your plans by calling Carrie at 775-783-6673. Now, back to more current stuff!

Follow Along With Us . . .

A Selection oi Pinot Noirs in CV Steak

• Today is Rum Day. We cornered Erin in the Cabaret Bar and she gave us a quick cocktail creation demonstration (above) on making her special kind of Rum Punch!
• Thursday is Vanilla Custard Day. We asked our bakers what we serve with vanilla custard and it turns out they use vanilla custard to make banana cream pie but then add banana flavoring. So, just order the banana cream pie Thursday and claim that you semi-officially celebrated Vanilla Custard Day!
• Friday is Pinot Noir Day.  We asked Jean-Michel in CV Steak about Pinot Noir and he indicated that “flavors and aromas include roses, fruits, black cherry, berry and currant. Other Pinot Noir characteristics include high acidity and low tannins. Pinot Noir's flavor depends heavily on where it is grown and how the wine maker treats it, so a good winery can produce exceptional wines. In CV Steak we carry a few wonderful Pinot Noirs that will complement your meal perfectly: Great value with Meiomi from California or wonderful lighter style with Buena Vista or Greg Norman. My favorites are the Belle Glos and we do carry their Clark and Telephone as well as Alturas.”
• Saturday is Aviation Day. And we can think of no better way to mark the day than by buying your tickets to the Aviation Roundup on October 7 and 8 at the Minden Tahoe Airport. Check this Performer’s Lineup for information on U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights, U.S. Navy Tac Demo Team and all the other performers Carson Valley Inn is proud to be a major sponsor and we look forward to seeing you on the tarmac!
• Saturday is Potato Day. We tried to get a picture of one of the giant baked potatoes we serve in CV steak and we didn’t have a camera lens that would capture the full width!
• Tuesday is Eat a Peach Day.  Go ahead and eat one if you would like. Or, you can wait a couple of days as we will have a better suggestion for peach consumption in next week’s blog!

We Know You Have At Least One Off-The-Wall T-Shirt!

So get it out, make sure it’s clean (both meanings!) and wear it this Thursday at Sharkey’s Casino. You’ll fit right in when the August Third-Thursday Wine Walkers are strolling around between 4:30 and 7:30 PM for what the Main Street Gardnerville folks are exhaustively labeling the Thirsty Third Thursday Wine Walk-Fun T’s Night & Wine Down Desserts! Whatever you decide to call it, and whatever you decide to wear, just be sure to jump in the middle of the fun in and around Sharkey's as it promises to be an interesting evening!

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge:  

Patrick Major tonight, the Buddy Emmer Band makes their Cabaret Lounge debut Thursday thru Saturday, Jamie Rollins Sunday and Monday and Roem Baur Tuesday and Wednesday. Patrick Major performs his own mix of original guitar and vocals combined with rock classics from the last four decades.  A longtime favorite on the West Coast and Northern Nevada circuit the Buddy Emmer Band’s versatile style includes everything from blues to jazz, rock to reggae and top 40. Whatever your taste in tunes they will be sure to please! An upbeat and experienced entertainer, Jamie Rollins performs a variety of music from country to rock, to classic oldies and R&B – plus a few his own songs. Roem Baur is a classically trained opera singer who ultimately answered the call of rock n' roll.

In the Casino

Free to First 150 Ladies Tonight!

• Ladies’ Night Tonight: Join us 5:30 to 8:30 PM with a free Logo'd Hand Sanitizer & Lip Balm on a Carabiner (the big clasp in the picture) for the first 150 ladies and Wine and Country Gift Baskets as hot seat prizes. Also on the docket: games, drink specials, FREE Bingo and chances to earn entries for the August 30 drawings for $500 Cash.
• VIP Gifts Thursday: free VIP Gift Giveaways at 2, 4, 6 and 8 PM every Thursday through August!
• 4X Points Friday: That’s quadruple the benefits for your play all day every Friday in August!
• Friday Cash and Free Play Giveaways: Drawings at 6, 8 & 10 PM for Cash & Free Play. Eight winners each drawing and one guaranteed $1,000 winner Friday night!
• Saturday All Cash Giveaways: Drawings at 6, 8 & 10 PM for cash on the spot. Eight winners each drawing and one guaranteed $1,000 winner Saturday night!
• Here’s a Handy Page with all of our Current Casino Promotions!
• Sports and Race Book: We are taking action on Major League Baseball, Horse Racing, Preseason NFL Football, WNBA and the NASCAR BASS Pro Shops NRA Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday. Futures on the board include winners for the World Series, 2018 Super Bowl, 2018 NCAA Football Championship and the 2018 NBA Championship.  

In Our Restaurants

• Wednesday is Italian Day in Katie’s – three specials for $6.99 each served from 11 AM to 10 PM!
• Our Friday special in CV Steak is Roasted Stuffed Quail with Prosciutto, Wild Rice Pilaf and Plum Port glaze for $28. Sunday's special is one pound of King Crab Legs for $32. These specials are served with fresh vegetable, choice of rice or potato – au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked – tableside tossed salad and warm demi-loaf of bread.
• Click the restaurant name for more info, specials and links to menus for Katie’s, CV Steak and Jobs Perk at the CVI . . . or our nearby sister property restaurants, the Jackpot Café at Sharkey's Casino and the Bodines Restaurant at Bodines Casino. 

Planning a Stay at the CVI? You will always get the best rate by booking directly with the Carson Valley Inn either online or by calling our Reservation Department directly at 775-783-6629 or 800-321-6983. 

Comments? Have questions or comments about the CVI? Use the comments section below, shoot us an email or 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!

Free Country Concert Saturday, A Video Invite from Michael McDonald, More

A Message from Michael McDonald

Some entertainers become a little jaded or reclusive after many years in the entertainment business – especially when some of those years included one or more stints “at the top.” We found out earlier this year that Kenny Loggins was definitely not one of those types. And now we are convinced that Michael McDonald isn't either. It started when we read this brief comment Mimi M. made on one of our Facebook postings about the upcoming Michael McDonald Concert on Friday, August 18: “Mike is one of THE nicest people. His show is incredible from musicians to interaction with the audience. To be able to see him in this venue will be a treat for all! ♡” Mimi's comment about Michael being such a nice guy got us thinking – suppose he, like sometimes happens with some of the younger country artists, would send a short “selfie” type video invitation for his Northern Nevada fans? We sent the polite and obligatory request to his booking agency – usually an armor shield around some of the bigger name entertainers. No immediate response. A few days later, the above video arrived. They made no requests for further information, no "we’ll have to get a couple of approvals" sidesteps,  no “blah, blah, blah” red tape . . . just this warm video. How nice a guy is Michael? Why not come see for yourself by latching on to some of the remaining tickets for his concert and joining us to take an incredible walk down memory lane!

Justin Lee Presents a Free Country Concert this Saturday in TJ's Corral

She Got Pulled on Stage at a Music Video Shoot and Became Famous . . .

. . . But we'll get back to that further below. What started as a concept to shoot a music video by Justin Lee has turned into a full-fledged country concert this Saturday night in TJ's Corral and it's all free courtesy of Justin Lee! The beat starts at 7 PM when Colt Ainsworth, the same DJ featured at Night in the Country starts spinning tunes. At 7:45 PM, The Whiskey Heroes - who have also appeared twice at Night in the Country - jump on stage for a 30 minute set of their most energetic tunes. After a 10 minute equipment change, Justin Lee and his band crank up a full set of his most popular songs. The director and crew then take over to segue into shooting the concert scenes for the video for Justin's new song "Like I've Fallen" which debuts on iTunes this Friday.  The additional scenes will be shot in Smith Valley over the coming weeks and they revolve around a character played by Ashley Espin, Miss Reno Rodeo 2014 and Miss Rodeo Nevada 2015.  Now, back to the barely twenty-something girl who got pulled on stage in the shooting of Bruce Springsteen's Dancing in the Dark video back in 1984: It was Courteney Cox and this video scene launched her on a career that never looked back. We're not saying this will happen to you on Saturday night . . . But, who knows!

And don’t forget - the Ronnie Milsap Concert is coming up on Saturday, August 26 - another trip down memory lane as Ronnie performs his many, many top-10 Country hits from the 70s and 80s. This fundraiser for The Children's Cabinet wraps up our “official” concert year so please join us!

The CVI is a Middle Child

Follow Along With Us . . .

• Are you a middle child? Well so is the Carson Valley Inn! Let's band together and celebrate Middle Child Day this Saturday! The three area casinos owned by Mike Pegram and his partners are Bodines Casino in Carson City, the Carson Valley Inn, and Sharkey's Casino. If you take them in the order they were built: Sharkey's opened in 1971 in the location of the previous Golden Bubble, the Carson Valley Inn opened in 1984 and Bodines opened in 2008. Mike's involvement started with Bodines in 2008, the purchase of the CVI in early 2010, and the opening of the totally remodeled Sharkey's in 2015. Either way, the CVI is the “middle child!” We’re not sure how all this plays out when a fourth “child” comes on the scene later in 2017 - guess we’ll all see!
• On a simpler note, Saturday is also Filet Mignon Day. We offer a 9-oz cut in CV Steak with or without Béarnaise sauce or demi-glace and with your choice of toppings such as Marsala Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions, Roasted Garlic or Blue Cheese.
• Tuesday is Lemon Meringue Pie Day. We make ‘em nearly daily in our bakery and you can enjoy a slice for dessert or as an afternoon treat in Katie’s or grab a whole one (not so fast, that’ll be $12) at Katie’s Bakery Counter!

Alastair Greene (l) and Dave Clark (r)
in TJ's Corral Last Saturday

Shocking Turn of Events at Carson Valley Inn

Our friend Tim Parsons at Tahoe Onstage wrote that headline for the story he posted the morning after our Blues, Brews and BBQ’s 33 Birthday event last Saturday night. In our opinion, those words perfectly connect the look on Alastair Greene’s face in the photo above with the “electricity” provided by Mother Nature. We offer our sincere appreciation to the many hundreds of you who took shelter when the storm came upon us and then returned in seemingly more numbers when the weather danger cleared.  What a night!

A Few Tidbits:

• $1,500 in prize money was paid out in our monthly blackjack tournament last night. Don't miss next month's tournament on Tuesday, September 12,
• The Hot August Nights Poker Run stops in Minden Park this Thursday with the bulk of the fun peaking around lunch time. Plenty of classic cars, food, music and fun!

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge  

Tyler Stafford tonight, Greg Austin and his band make their CVI Cabaret Lounge debut Thursday thru Saturday, John Palmore Sunday and Monday and Patrick Major Tuesday and Wednesday. Tyler Stafford has quickly become a staple in the Northern Nevada music scene.  Greg Austin is a down home, straightforward and to-the-point-of-the-heart singer, songwriter and musician.  His first CD of original songs, aptly titled “Greg Austin,” features 10 of his best originals to date. Greg entered his song “On Her Mind Again” in the TouchTunes Breakout Band 2014 Contest.  His song was chosen along with almost 500 others to be included on 60,000 TouchTunes jukeboxes Nationwide.  Greg is preparing to enter the studio in Nashville to start work on his 2nd CD project, entitled “Southern Breeze” which he plans to release later this year.  With a commanding stage presence, a great country voice and top-notch songwriting to back it up, Greg Austin is sure to have a winning formula for success in the Country Music Industry. Musical director for the late "Louis Armstrong," John Palmore is an accomplished singer and keyboardist who has worked with Jackie Wilson, Mary Wells, ZZ Hill, Wilson Pickett, Joe Simon, Percy Sledge, The Platters and other "name" artists. Patrick Major performs his own mix of original guitar and vocals combined with rock classics from the last four decades.

In the Casino

CVI Marketing's Charlotte Wilson
 Shows Two of the Hot August Night Themed
Ladies' Night Prizes for Tonight

• Ladies’ Night Tonight: Join us 5:30 to 8:30 PM with a free Chocolate Swirl Fudge from the Chocolate Shoppe for the first 150 ladies and Chocolate Shoppe Hot August Nights Theme Gift Baskets as hot seat prizes. Also on the docket: games, drink specials, FREE Bingo and chances to earn entries for the August 30 drawings for $500 Cash.
• VIP Gifts Thursday: free VIP Gift Giveaways at 2, 4, 6 and 8 PM every Thursday through August!
• 4X Points Friday: That’s quadruple the benefits for your play all day every Friday in August!
• Friday Cash and Free Play Giveaways: Drawings at 6, 8 & 10 PM for Cash & Free Play. Eight winners each drawing and one guaranteed $1,000 winner Friday night!
• Saturday All Cash Giveaways: Drawings at 6, 8 & 10 PM for cash on the spot. Eight winners each drawing and one guaranteed $1,000 winner Saturday night!
• Here’s a Handy Page with all our Current Casino Promotions!
• Sports and Race Book: We are taking action on the Major League Baseball, Horse Racing, Preseason NFL Football, the PGA Championships,  WNBA and the NASCAR Pure Michigan 400 at The Michigan International Speedway on Sunday. Futures on the board include winners for the World Series, 2018 Super Bowl, 2018 NCAA Football Championship and the 2018 NBA Championship.  

In Our Restaurants

• Wednesday is Italian Day in Katie’s – three specials for $6.99 each served from 11 AM to 10 PM!
• Our Friday special in CV Steak is Grilled Elk Medallions: two 3 oz. elk tenderloin medallions grilled and finished with the demi and sundried cherries for $30.  Sunday's special is one pound of King Crab Legs for $32. These specials are served with fresh vegetable, choice of rice or potato – au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked – tableside tossed salad and warm demi-loaf of bread.
• Click the restaurant name for more info, specials and links to menus for Katie’s, CV Steak and Jobs Perk at the CVI . . . or our nearby sister property restaurants, the Jackpot Café at Sharkey's Casino and the Bodines Restaurant at Bodines Casino. 

Planning a Stay at the CVI? You will always get the best rate by booking directly with the Carson Valley Inn either online or by calling our Reservation Department directly at 775-783-6629 or 800-321-6983. 

Comments? Have questions or comments about the CVI? Use the comments section below, shoot us an email or 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!

Blues, Brews & BBQs Saturday; Beer and Chocolate Chip Cookies, More

Alastair Green Cranking Up for Saturday's Free Blues Concert
in TJ's Corral. Photo Credit: Roy Gilbert

Our 33^rd Birthday Celebration: Blues, Brews & BBQ’s this Saturday, August 5:

• Blues: The evening’s Free entertainment has been assembled by Buddy Emmer who has been producing a Blues Night at the Center Stage Lounge in Harrah’s Tahoe for the last few years and also co-hosting “What It’s Like to Wake up a Blues Musician Before Noon” on KRLT 93.9 The Lake radio for over three years. The leader of The Buddy Emmer Blues Band, Buddy is calling on his many years of west coast blues experience and contacts to bring in Alastair Greene and Maxx Cabello, Jr.  Greene is fresh off a seven-year run with the Alan Parsons Project and he is featured in this article on the Tahoe Onstage website. Maxx Cabello, Jr. has built a solid reputation in the bay area blues community and he is profiled in another article on the Tahoe Onstage website.
• Brews: $2 Beer and $3 Wine.
• BBQs: $1 Hot Dogs, $2 Pulled Pork Sandwiches with slaw,
• Free For the Kids: Ice Cream, Velcro Wall, Bounce House and Critter Riders.
• What Time: The food, drink and kids fun starts at 5:30 PM ('til about 8) and the free Blues rumble in at 6 PM.

And don’t forget these two upcoming concerts:

• Michael McDonald Concert on Friday, August 18:  Think Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan and an artist with one incredible solo career that is continuing with a 2017 sold-out national tour!
• Ronnie Milsap Concert on Saturday, August 26:   Think "Smoky Mountain Rain", "I Wouldn't Have Missed It for the World","(There's) No Gettin' Over Me" and over 40 other top-10 Country hits from the 70s and 80s. This one is a fundraiser for The Children's Cabinet.

Love This Picture Taken By
Brad Comen of The Record Courier

We don’t usually look back, but … today we do for these few items:

• Last Saturday’s sold-out Marshall Tucker Band concert provided some spectacular views. Sure, the sunset over the Sierra range was  exceptional, but this picture taken by Brad Coman of The Record Courier was truly a classic when posted as the cover photo on The Record Courier’s Facebook page with the caption “The sky exploded as The Marshall Tucker band entertained the crowd at the CVI.
• We’ve mentioned the Mike Tice Invitational Golf Tournament in this blog before.  Even though the event was in June, the amount raised this year was announced, ironically, about the same time NFL training camps started last week.  The total was just over $300,000 and you can read about how this impacts the Boys and Girls Club of Western Nevada Carson Valley Branch in this article. 
• Yesterday, August 1, Sharkey Begovich would have celebrated his 91^st birthday. Good cause to tip our hats to this Carson Valley legend and namesake of Sharkey’s Casino. Also, yesterday would have been Stew Stewart’s birthday. Thank you again, Stew, for all you did to put entertainment “on the map” at the Carson Valley Inn!

Popular New Cash Locomotive Progressive Added

Chugging Along the Casino Wall

Every once in a while our blog office phone rings and the “Big Boss’” extension shows as the calling number. Happened again a few days ago and he again “reminded” us to walk through the casino once in a while to see what’s new so we can mention it in the blog. Sure enough, we crawled out of our hole, went upstairs, and this bank of new Cash Locomotive Slots was being installed.  Turns out it’s a $10,000 Progressive and it is already quite popular. Only problem: darn near impossible to get a decent picture with the black frames, black chairs, mirror in the background and bright lights on the machines themselves! 

Tracy Miller and a Tray
of Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Let’s Talk Beer and Cookies

• Thursday is India Pale Ale (IPA) Day. We will leave the meaning of the name IPA to a dreary winter day for discussion. For now, we’ve got you very well covered with a full spectrum of IPA offerings as we serve a different selection at each of our three locations:  CVI, Sharkey’s Casino and Bodines Casino.
• Friday is International Beer Day. If you survive Thursday’s IPA Day, come back on Friday and start on the many different draft and bottled beers we serve at our three locations. Hint: for the widest selection of draft beers, belly up to the Silver Dollar Bar at Sharkey’s and start trying all the different beers on tap. Better bring a driver because you’ll probably find the inlaid silver dollars too fuzzy to count by the time you get to the last offering.
• Friday is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. We bake them daily and offer them for sale in both Job’s Perk and at the Katie’s Bakery Counter. We got our Chief Baker Tracy Miller to actually smile for this picture . . . Something she doesn’t always have   time to do while churning out well over 3500 large cookies each month – plus many more thousands of cakes, pies, desserts, pastries and more.

We’ve Moved Reno 10 Minutes Closer to the CVI!

Work with us on this one ‘cause we’re kinda exaggerating but this is great news: We really didn’t physically move Reno closer to the CVI per se . . . but it can now be as much as 10 minute shorter of a commute depending on the time of the day thanks to today’s opening of the last 3 miles of the I580 Carson City bypass. We’re not advocating you leave 10 minutes later to get here - just suggesting it will be a little less frustrating and more leisurely drive.

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge:  

Bill Wharton tonight, the Voodoo Cowboys Thursday thru Saturday, Steve Lord Sunday and Monday and Tyler Stafford Tuesday and Wednesday. Bill Wharton’s smooth, melodic tone comes out in his vast repertoire from old classic country thru modern country, pop to classic rock, blues and jazz. Voodoo Cowboys are the life of the party with their dance-inducing, hard drivin' style whether playing country music (and not the cryin' in your beer stuff) or an impressive selection of classic rock ‘n’ roll. Steve Lord presents an evening of oldies, country, pop, blues, jazz, soul and rock 'n' roll. Tyler Stafford has quickly become a staple in the Northern Nevada music scene.

In the Casino

• Ladies’ Night Tonight: Join us 5:30 to 8:30 PM with a free Chocolate Shoppe Goodie for the first 150 ladies, Wine and Country Gift Baskets as hot seat prizes, games, drink specials, FREE Bingo and chances to earn entries for the August 30 drawings for $500 Cash.
• VIP Gifts Thursday: free VIP Gift Giveaways at 2, 4, 6 and 8 PM every Thursday through August!
• 4X Points Friday: That’s quadruple the benefits for your play all day every Friday in August!
• Friday Cash and Free Play Giveaways: Drawings at 6, 8 & 10 PM for Cash & Free Play, up to $500!
• Saturday All Cash Giveaways: Drawings at 6, 8 & 10 PM for cash on the spot.
• Sunday Ladies-Only Poker Tournament:  Our Monthly Ladies-Only Poker Tournament starts at 4 PM with refresher lessons open to all the ladies at 3 PM..
• Monday Blackjack Tournament:  Sign-ups (just $25) start at 5 PM for our Monthly Blackjack Tournament with all the buy-in and re-buy money going out as prizes (often over $1,000 total. The cards start flying at 6 PM and play continues ‘til we have the top three finishers figured out!
• Here’s a Handy Page with all our Current Casino Promotions!
• Sports and Race Book: 
• NFL Preseason Football starts this Thursday with the Cowboys vs. Cardinals in the NFL Hall of Fame Game. Start getting ready for Fantasy Football and parlay cards at our sports book!
• This week we're also taking action on Major League Baseball, Horse Racing, Canadian Football, WNBA and the NASCAR I Love New York 355 at The Glen on Sunday. 
• Futures on the board include winners for the World Series, NASCAR Championship, 2018 Super Bowl, 2018 NCAA Football Championship and the 2018 NBA Championship. 

In Our Restaurants

• Wednesday is Italian Day in Katie’s – three specials for $6.99 each served from 11 AM to 10 PM!
• Our Friday special in CV Steak is Grilled Duck Breast – a Maple Leaf Farms duck breast marinated with fresh herbs, grilled to medium rare-medium doneness with natural duck jus, and served with mushroom risotto and vegetable for $28. Saturday night’s special is Garlic Studded Prime Rib for $26 Sunday's special is one pound of King Crab Legs for $32. These specials are served with fresh vegetable, choice of rice or potato – au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked – tableside tossed salad and warm demi-loaf of bread.
• Click the restaurant name for more info, specials and links to menus for Katie’s, CV Steak and Jobs Perk at the CVI . . . or our nearby sister property restaurants, the Jackpot Café at Sharkey's Casino and the Bodines Restaurant at Bodines Casino. 

Planning a Stay at the CVI? You will always get the best rate by booking directly with the Carson Valley Inn either online or by calling our Reservation Department directly at 775-783-6629 or 800-321-6983. 

Comments? Have questions or comments about the CVI? Use the comments section below, shoot us an email or 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!