Tastings with the Winemakers at Uncorked Kirk Venge, owner and winemaker of the Venge label and Matt Mac Macauley, owner and winemaker of the Macauley label will be onhand to pour and discuss their wines at Uncorked in the Village at Squaw Valley from 4-7 p.m. Both represent two of the finest boutique labels in the Napa Valley region. Venge, who is also a consultant for some of the top labels in Napa, is renowned for his Old World flair in wine making. Each flight of three wines will be $10.

Oregon Shadow Theatre Puppet ShowOregon Shadow Theatre presents an exquisite, colorful and intricate performance with shadow puppets combined with live music, voices, and sound effects creating lively good humor and delightful entertainment. Cmeon, when was the last time you went to a puppet show? This award-winning play has toured across the country and beyond, with stops at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., The Puppeteers of America National Puppet Festivals and more. Friday, Jan. 23 the show makes a stop in at the Truckee High School Theater, 11725 Donner Pass Rd. in Truckee. There will be two performances, the first at 4 p.m. and the second at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. Ticket price goes up $2 at the door. Tickets and Season Pass also available for purchase on-line at artsfortheschools.org. Call (530) 582-8278 for details.

George Souza plays free show at CottonwoodRough and Ready resident George Souza will bring his eclectic mix of guitar genius to the Fireplace Room for two nights beginning at 7 p.m. A master of jazz, flamenco, folk, rock, and blues guitar, George might even throw in a trumpet solo. He will be promoting his wonderful CD, Another Night. Cottonwood is located off Old Brockway Road in Truckee. For dinner reservations, call (530) 587-5711.

---

---

Baxters hosts Terrence Brewer Quintet Terrence Brewer, winner of the 2007 San Francisco Weekly Music Award for Best Jazz Artist, brings his talent to two free shows at the new Baxters Bistro and Lounge in The Village at Northstar on Friday, Jan. 23 and Saturday, Jan. 24 at 8 p.m.

Drop Theory plays the Pastime Club New local band Drop Theory will return to the Pastime Club this Friday to play another night of funky danceable tunes. This foursome plays a mix of choice covers and dynamic originals featuring tight arrangements, body-shakin grooves, and high-energy solos. Whether theyre covering groups ranging from old-school Randamp;B acts to modern rock bands, 70s fusion artists to 90s acid jazz ensembles, these Tahoe locals make sure to put a bit of funk in it all. Drop Theory members J Pinard (Sax), Sean McIntire (Guitar), Isaac Freed (Bass) and Alex Dobbs (Drums) each contribute to vocals and make sure that the party keeps going. So come get down with some hot funk and cold beer this Friday and get ready to drop it like its theory. Its high-energy music for high-altitude living.

---

---

Sol Jibe plays Bar of America Founded in Reno, Nev., in 2002, SolJibe is independently gaining national exposure and winning over fans wherever they play their intoxicating, effervescent world rock for the Gypsy soul. See what fans young and old are calling Dave Matthews meets the Afro-Cuban All Stars, driving by the expressive vocals and violin of Tim Snider. Tim, who began playing classical violin at the age of three, longed to immerse himself in the music of other cultures. After graduating from high school he trekked to southern Spain to study music with the Gypsies, honing his skills and enriching his style. He returned home and started a band in 2002 with a distinct sound that can only be described as SolJibe. The group has toured relentlessly ever since, staging upwards of 200 concerts and clinics annually. However, SolJibes growing reputation for musical innovation also reflects the talents of a half-dozen other diverse, extraordinary musicians: bassist Fernando El Nando Flores, pianist Joel J Cowell, drummer Caleb Escandalo Dolister, multi-instrumentalist Justin JK Kruger, and saxophonist James Hoover.Catch SolJibe for around a $5 cover Friday, Jan. 23 at Downtown Truckees Bar of America before they hit the road to perform at the Brew HaHa 2009 at The Nugget Rose Ballroom in Sparks Saturday, Jan. 24 and then continue heading east for Idaho.

David Maldonado Group brings high energy Flamenco to the Red RoomDavid Maldonado is set to take the crowd on a musical journey with an introspection into the soul. Life is a journey. It can be confusing, inspiring, depressing and passionate all in a short period of time. The value of David Maldonados music is that it will serve as the inspiration to get you refocused as to where you have to go and what you get to accomplish. And, we must mention, that hes not a bad guitar player either. This free show starts at 10 p.m. 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 Tastings with the Winemakers at Uncorked Kirk Venge, owner and winemaker of the Venge label and Matt Mac Macauley, owner and winemaker of the Macauley label will be onhand to pour and discuss their wines at Uncorked in the Village at Squaw Valley from 4-7 p.m. Both represent two of the finest boutique labels in the Napa Valley region. Venge, who is also a consultant for some of the top labels in Napa, is renowned for his Old World flair in wine making. Each flight of three wines will be $10. 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 George Souza plays free show at CottonwoodRough and Ready resident George Souza will bring his eclectic mix of guitar genius to the Fireplace Room for two nights beginning at 7 p.m. A master of jazz, flamenco, folk, rock, and blues guitar, George might even throw in a trumpet solo. He will be promoting his wonderful CD, Another Night. Cottonwood is located off Old Brockway Road in Truckee. For dinner reservations, call (530) 587-5711. 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24Baxters hosts Terrence Brewer Quintet Terrence Brewer, winner of the 2007 San Francisco Weekly Music Award for Best Jazz Artist, brings his talent to two free shows at the new Baxters Bistro and Lounge in The Village at Northstar on Friday, Jan. 23 and Saturday, Jan. 24 at 8 p.m. 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 Livitz Livitz brings the party to Pastime Club When was the last time you did some beer bongs and backflips? Running with that very description Renos own Livitz Livitz released its racey first album in 2004 called, Beer Bongs and Backflips, which, of course was to be expected. What defies expectation is the scale of the party that this self-described reggae, rock band lays down on a nightly basis. Boasting a big guitar sound, Livitz Livitz consists of four players – Ryan Puliz on guitar and vocals, Jim Kress on guitar, Dan Warrell on bass and Paul Emnas playing the pots and pans. Expect all original tunes, with a cover thrown in here or there, and a twing of punk. After all, they were lucky enough, as frontman Puliz said in a recent phone interview, to record their second album Footlong with Ryan Greene, who did some work with punk powerhouse NoFX. When asked to describe his sound, Puliz hesitated to categorize the genre, saying simply: Our show is a straight party, its good times. Dont miss out. Cover charge ($5) may apply.

Eclipse plays free Red Room show Eclipse is a group of multi-talented musicians who bring to the stage the sights and sounds of Pink Floyd. The band performs a powerful tribute to the music of Pink Floyd and has a reputation for recreating a true concert experience. Eclipse captivates audiences with laser lighting and computer visuals. Eclips continues to build a loyal fan base with each performance, join the crowd for a free show at the Red Room inside the Crystal Bay Casino Saturday, Jan. 24 at 10 p.m.

Tahoe Rim XC Tour and Race Test your toughness with a 30K or 21K race on the Tahoe Rim Trail. Skate and classic cross country ski course is 30K, snowshoe race is 21K. Race starts at 8 a.m. At the North Tahoe High School and will finish at Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort. Registration is $45 in advance and $60 on the day of the event, juniors register for $10 in advance and $15 on the day of. For more information, visit http://www.farwestnordic.org.

Locals ski for $25 at NorthstarIn appreciation of local residents, all North Lake Tahoe, Incline Village and Truckee residents are eligible for a $25 lift ticket commencing at 12 p.m. every Sunday, excluding blackout dates. This offer is limited to one ticket per person, per day. If your little ones arent yet ready to head up the mountain wiht you, Northstar-at-Tahoe offers free Minors Camp Childcare for all North Lake Tahoe, Incline Village, and Truckee residents as well. Minors Camp Child Care is free at Northstar Resort with the purchase of a full-priced adult all-day lift ticket. Visit http://www.northstarattahoe.com for details.

Celebrating Diversity Around the WorldThe Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation AmeriCorps Program will host Celebrating Diversity Around the World event for 3rd through 5th graders from 1-5 p.m. The event will include several fun and informative activities, which promote understanding and awareness of other cultures around the world. There will be several activities where the participants will be introduced to multi-cultural food, music, clothing, games, traditions, languages, and have the opportunity to meet people from around the world. The event will be held in the Trepp Meeting Room of the DW Reynolds Community Center at 948 Incline Way, Incline Village. For more information and to RSVP, call Kolleen Davis at (775) 298-0119, or email kolleend@parasol.org.