Entertainment

Cinco de Mayo Brings Music, Dancing and Fun to Sinclair

Publisher — Sat, 09 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Cinco de Mayo Brings Music, Dancing and Fun to Sinclair

Publisher Sat, 05/09/2026 - 07:00

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The Sinclair Rec Hall was filled with music, laughter and dancing on May 2 as the Town of Sinclair, the Rawlins Music Academy and Su Casa Cafe hosted another lively Cinco de Mayo celebration.

With doors opening at 6:30 p.m., people of all ages gathered early, ready for a night of fun. By the time Steve Narvais y Grupo Imagan took the stage at 7 p.m., the dance floor quickly came alive.

The Cheyenne-based band kept the crowd moving with a mix of Latino dance music and familiar favorites including “La Bamba,” “Black Magic Woman,” “Folsom Prison Blues” and “Hotel California.” Lead singer Steve Narvais proved to be more than just a talented vocalist. Between songs he entertained the audience with playful dance moves, including “walking like an Egyptian,” dabbing and joking with the crowd throughout the night.

Narvais also showed off his musical versatility. In addition to playing the accordion, he stepped behind the drum kit for a song when the drummer was delayed returning from break. The rest of the band matched his energy, helping turn the rec hall into a packed dance floor for much of the evening.

Outside of the music, visitors were treated to plenty of food and refreshments. The La Gladiadora food truck served popular Mexican dishes while Michael’s Big City staff handled soft drinks and adult beverages.

Community Events Director Monte Thayer once again helped organize the celebration, continuing his reputation for bringing memorable events to Sinclair. Attendance was slightly smaller than last year, likely because prom, a quinceañera and a track meet were all taking place the same weekend.

Still, Thayer focused on the people who came out to enjoy the evening rather than those who could not attend.

That attitude matched the atmosphere inside the rec hall. Families, couples and friends spent the night dancing, laughing and enjoying themselves together. For anyone who skipped the celebration, they missed one of the more entertaining nights around Carbon County this spring.

Between one of the best live bands in Wyoming, great food and a welcoming crowd, Sinclair’s Cinco de Mayo celebration once again proved that small towns know how to throw a big party.

UW Symphony Orchestra Performs Concertmaster Fund Recital April 9

Publisher — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000

UW Symphony Orchestra Performs Concertmaster Fund Recital April 9

Publisher Sat, 03/28/2026 - 06:00

Press Release

University of Wyoming

The University of Wyoming Symphony Orchestra (UWSO) and the Symphony Association will present their annual Concertmaster Fund Recital Thursday, April 9, at 7 p.m. in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts recital hall.

The UWSO’s new concertmaster is Amelia Pharis, a UW graduate violinist. She will be joined by Jiwon Han, UW visiting assistant professor of piano, to perform the music of Dvorak, Vaughan Williams and Amy Beach.

Tickets for the fundraising event are $40. Tickets are available at www.tix.com/ticket-sales/uwyo/6984, in person, or at (307) 766-6666 at the Performing Arts box office, Monday through Friday, noon-6 p.m. and one hour before performances.

Seating is limited; audience members are encouraged to purchase tickets early.

The UWSO’s Concertmaster Fund Recital is designed to strengthen the endowment that funds the Charles Moore, M.D., Concertmaster Fellowship.

A reception will follow the performance.

For more information about this event, email symph@uwyo.edu.

Bingo Theatre Delivers Laughs, Chaos and a Killer Twist

Publisher — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Bingo Theatre Delivers Laughs, Chaos and a Killer Twist

Publisher Sat, 03/28/2026 - 06:00

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The Platte Valley Drama Club put a lively twist on traditional dinner theatre March 20 and 21, presenting Holy Mother of Bingo Murder Mystery 2026 at the Platte Valley Community Center.

And if the packed tables were any indication, bingo theatre might just be the next big thing.

Both nights drew full crowds, with audience members traveling from across Carbon County and beyond, including Cheyenne, to take part in the interactive production. Guests enjoyed a hearty buffet featuring prime rib, fried chicken, a baked potato bar, mac and cheese, mixed greens salad, yeast rolls and a variety of desserts before diving into the evening’s main event.

Unlike a traditional stage play, Holy Mother of Bingo by Patrick Walsh brought the audience directly into the action. Attendees played five real rounds of bingo throughout the performance, with winners invited onstage to claim donated prizes ranging from gift baskets to a television.

The story begins as a simple parish fundraiser at Mother of Mercy Church, but quickly spirals into comedic chaos. Parishioners bicker, secrets surface and suspicions grow as characters begin mysteriously dropping dead. Everyone becomes a suspect; from a disgruntled choir director to a magician-turned-youth minister, an ex-convict seeking redemption and even a troop of cookie-selling Cadets.

Adding to the fun, the immersive staging placed the audience right inside the parish hall. Round tables were set with bingo cards and Skittles candies replaced daubers, while actors mingled in character before the show, greeting guests. Once the action began, the room came alive with rapid-fire dialogue, improvisation and audience participation.

Scenes unfolded with escalating hilarity—a double-booked hall brought in a swarm of Cookie Cadets selling sweets, parish disputes boiled over and a mysterious janitor dragged a suspicious bag through the room. The turning point came when Monsignor Aldo Stoffregen was called forward, only to collapse, launching the murder mystery into full swing and sending accusations flying.

Marie Christen, drama club organizer and director, emphasized both the fun and the importance of the event.

“Last weekend’s Murder Mystery Dinner Theater was such a fun and meaningful event for our students and our community,” Christen said. “It’s also incredibly important, because fundraisers like this are the only funding our program receives. Every ticket purchased directly supports costumes, scripts, set design, and opportunities for our students.”

Christen noted the club’s continued growth has allowed for expanded opportunities.

“In addition to the fundraiser, we also produce an end-of-the-year performance. Because our program has grown so much, we now put on two large productions each year. That allows more students to take on leading roles and really experience what it’s like to be at the center of a production, which is something we feel strongly about,” she said.

She added that theater can open real doors for students.

“There are real opportunities available to students who pursue the performing arts. Many colleges in our region offer 100% free tuition to students who are accepted into theater or music programs. Those opportunities start right here, by giving students the confidence to step on stage, take risks, and discover what they’re capable of,” Christen said.

The production required a unique skill set from performers, who remained visible throughout much of the show and interacted directly with the audience. Improvisation, character work and quick thinking were key as actors balanced storytelling with live bingo gameplay.

The drama club’s impact continues to grow. The Platte Valley Drama Club has been nominated as the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce 2025 Organization of the Year and now includes 75 students, reflecting strong participation and enthusiasm for the performing arts in the community.

Christen said the club is grateful for the strong turnout and continued community support.

“We’re incredibly proud of the growth of the Platte Valley Drama Club and grateful for the continued support from our community,” she said.

Cast of characters

The production featured a large ensemble cast bringing the zany parish to life:

Addley Gardner as Nancy; Archer Burau as Sister Helen; Averie Sanchez as Regina Blitzman; Bayla Berger as Karen; Briggs Gardner as Rob Walters; Bryndal Berger as Father Ron Culpepper; Coltan Ledgerwood as Mack O’Malley; Daisi Wallace as Erika; Danika Hanson as Violet; David Dibdon as Monsignor Aldo Stoffregen; Declan Ralston as Brother Dearlove; Ellie LaBorde as Ophelia; Jaxon Owen as Ted Blitzman; Madeline James as Beatrice Bolden; Maggie Vannett as Reed Yackley; Mary Mendez as Marabelle Manson; Matt Grubb as Zippy Rudolph; Maylen Keel as Grace Walters; Mia Parrish as Detective Quinn; Scarlett Elliott as Tina; Shainne Reid as Ursula; Sonja Speakman as Cameraperson; Wesley Roundtree as Lumpy Landers; and Wyatt Mendez as Percy Poole.

The Magic Club

Publisher — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

The Magic Club

Publisher Sat, 03/21/2026 - 07:00

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

At Rawlins Middle School, there is some magic going on in a club. It is actually called the Magic Club.

Don’t expect rabbits to pop out of a hat or anything to disappear with a sleight of hand.

“It is a club where you can have a lot of fun,” Seventh grader Charles Armstrong said. “It is a place where you can go and make friends and use your imagination to its limits.”

The club usually has 20 students attending, although it can go up to 30.

Lucien Pace said his brother founded the club about five years ago.

It is named the Magic club, because one of the games that are played is Magic: The Gathering.

“Everyone comes into their different spots or areas, where some play Dungeons and Dragons (D and D), some play Magic and some might play Pokémon,” Seventh grader Macray Williams said. “You can also grab board games off the shelves. It is a fun thing to do with your friends.”

Kayden Bingham said he was introduced to the club by his friends.

This is a key point of the Magic Club.

It allows friends to have about an hour to enjoy themselves in games that use the mind and their imagination.

Magic: The Gathering, for which the club is named, started out as a card game in 1993. The cards are traded and scenarios between players begin. Players in a game of Magic represent dueling wizards called Planeswalkers.

Armstrong, Bingham, Pace, and Williams said the club has a majority of 7th graders playing and that it has boys and girls.

“Magic is a club that really lets friends use their imagination together,” Bingham said. “There are challenges in playing these games.”

For instance, in Magic, each card a player draws from their deck represents a magical spell that can be used to their advantage in battle. It can get a bit complicated trying to understand the game for new players. Instant and Sorcery cards represent magical spells a player may cast for a one-time effect, while other cards, such as the Creature, Artifact, Enchantment, Planeswalker, and Battle cards, remain on the Battlefield to provide long-term advantage. Making the game more challenging, players must include Land cards representing the amount of mana that is available to cast their spells. A player wins by reducing their opponent’s life totals to zero, which is done by combat damage from attacking with creatures. Many other sources of damage exist in the game, in addition to alternative win-conditions.

Although the original concept of the game drew strongly from fantasy role-playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons, it is not like the tabletop role-playing games, and has way more cards and more complex rules than many other imagination-fantasy card games.

Magic can be played by two or more players, either in person with paper cards or on computers. It can be played in various rule formats, which fall into two categories: constructed and limited. Limited formats involve players creating a deck spontaneously out of a pool of random cards, typically with a minimum deck size of 40 cards. In constructed formats, players create decks from cards they own, usually with a minimum of 60 cards per deck.

As popular as the game Magic is, Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) is the game a lot of club members gravitate to.

Bingham said he first got involved because of Pace.

“I was in 6th grade and there were a lot of clubs to choose from,” Bingham said. “I asked Lucien about Magic and he said it was a lot of fun.”

Pace said he learned of it from his brother and knows it has grown over the years. Williams’ story on joining is a little different.

“I was going to the library on Friday for sort of a DnD night with friends, one being Lucien, which was fun, but then I heard about Magic Club and I realized it could be fun,” Williams said, “So I said sure.”

Armstrong said his father does DnD with his friends every Sunday and this gave him exposure to how interesting the game can be. He knew he liked it and at Rawlins Middle School, the more clubs and activities students get involved in, the more points they are given, which can lead to getting a horseshoe. If a student gets a horseshoe because of all that they have been involved in, they will get a prize.

There is real motivation for students to be involved in the different clubs offered by the school.

“It is a club where you meet your friends and other students and get to share interests,” Bingham said. “You also have fun experiences.”

The boys said that Magic is easy to learn, but difficult to master, while DnD is difficult to learn but easy to master. DnD is table-top game that can last for years to players who meet consistently.

DnD has been around since 1974 and has only grown in popularity since its inception. DnD is commonly recognized as the beginning of modern role-playing games and the role-playing game industry, which later influenced video games, especially those that involve role-playing. It is in its 5th edition.

“Dungeons and Dragons is role-playing and you have up to seven dice,” Bingham explained. “You have to have character sheets and there are different playbooks that identify characters and classes, which can be a human or a wizard, barbarian and you pick their names and roll dice for stats.”

Stats are the attributes a character possesses. You can get additions and subtractions on the rolls a player gets.

It usually takes two meetings to get your character sorted. The game is presided over by a dungeon master who often dictates the game. The playbooks are important guides. The average group of players in a game is six or seven. There can be 20 players but the boys all say that it is chaotic.

“You use your imagination with kids, whether they are friends or strangers, and you are interacting with them,” Bingham said. “It creates social interaction, which is good in a school environment.”

“I think the reason there are more players of DnD is that players can be more assertive,” Pace said. “It is more active.”

“The benefits of the Magic club is that you can make a lot of new friends and you get smarter by using your imagination and brains,” Armstrong said. “And you have fun.”

“I think the benefits is the freedom you get to express yourself, and you get to apply math because there is a lot of math involved,” Williams said. “You are learning and having fun doing it.”

“We get to go to a gaming convention in Cheyenne and you have to attend a certain amount of meetings and do sessions,” Bingham said. “I go there to meet friends and get exposure to new things.”

“One of the biggest benefits of the club is being able to be yourself,” Pace said. “There is nothing that holds you back, except yourself. There are a few restrictions and to be able to socialize by being this way is very valuable.”

The Magic Club really is magic for students at Rawlins Middle School.

Joe Pickett in The Crossroads

Publisher — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Joe Pickett in The Crossroads

Publisher Sat, 03/07/2026 - 13:00

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Author C. J. Box was at the Carbon County Museum on March 3 to sign copies of his latest novel in the Joe Pickett series to almost 100 attendees.

“The Crossroads is the 26th Joe Pickett novel and it came out last Tuesday and I have been on a national book tour and just got back last night and this is the first place I am signing in Carbon County,” Box said. “We will know tomorrow where the novel will debut on the New York Times list. I am hoping for number one again because the last few have and I did find out it did place number one on Apple Books for the week.”

The Crossroads debuted as the number one book in combined print and e-book sales and number one in hardcover sales.

Box said the story starts out with the legendary Joe Pickett found in his pick up truck shot in the head.

“His daughters investigate who might have done it out of three bad ranch families,” Box said. “It has gotten really good reviews and it is my three daughters’ favorite book so far.”

Box said the Carbon County Museum was the only museum he had done a signing at so far.

“This museum is the only one that keeps stock of all the backlists that are signed,” Box said. “So anyone who wants a signed paperback copy can get it here. No place else has them. There have been several times when somebody, like for a gift, will buy all the books for someone. This works out great, because I can direct people here if people want a signed paperback.”

Box joked he had brought the snow that hit the County when he came back the night before.

His tour started in Denver on February 25.

“There were 550 people that came to that,” Box said. “Then I went to Scottsdale and then Phoenix the next day. Then I went to Houston that afternoon. The next day I went to Dallas and to Charlotte, St. Louis and then back to Cedar Rapids and I got back here last night.”

Box admitted if he is not wearing his cowboy hat, he is not recognized at airports or being out in the public.

“If I am wearing my hat then I am sometimes recognized,” Box said. “They walk up and ask if I am C.J. Box.”

Box is heading to Casper on March 4 and then Cheyenne.

“Then I will have a couple days off and I will go to the Tucson Book Festival,” Box said. “And then will be done. This is sort of a long tour, because it is so packed. It is a lot of traveling and a lot of hotel rooms. It can be exhausting.”

The traveling might be tiring, but it is obvious Box is never tired of interacting with his fans.

The time he spends talking to them and the genuine attention he gives each one, shows he really cares about those who enjoy the Joe Pickett series.

For that alone, he deserves to debut on the New York Times Bestseller list as number one, not to mention he spins a tale readers love.

Carbon County is for Lovers on Valentine's Day and Beyond

Publisher — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Carbon County is for Lovers on Valentine's Day and Beyond

Publisher Sat, 02/14/2026 - 07:00

Make a Splash Carbon County

Publisher — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Make a Splash Carbon County

Publisher Sat, 01/31/2026 - 07:00

Whiskey and Wisdom Warms Up Winter in Rawlins

Publisher — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 02:08:43 +0000

Whiskey and Wisdom Warms Up Winter in Rawlins

Publisher Sun, 01/18/2026 - 03:08

Snow, Art and Fun Await at Sierra Madre Winter Carnival

Publisher — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 21:00:00 +0000

Snow, Art and Fun Await at Sierra Madre Winter Carnival

Publisher Sat, 01/10/2026 - 22:00

Encampment Community Choir Hosts Annual Sing-Along

Publisher — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Encampment Community Choir Hosts Annual Sing-Along

Publisher Sat, 12/27/2025 - 20:00

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Local voices filled the holiday spirit as the Encampment/Riverside Community Choir invited the public to their annual sing-along, “Here We Come A-Caroling,” on December 15 at the Grand Encampment Opera House.

The event, which kicked off at 6 p.m., featured performances by the Encampment Community Choir alongside students from Encampment Elementary School, who joined the chorus in spreading holiday cheer through classic carols.

Audience members were encouraged to sing along, making the evening a community-wide celebration of music and the season. Organizers said the annual concert is a highlight of the town’s holiday events and a chance for residents of all ages to come together.

“This is one of our favorite events of the year,” said an attendee. “It’s wonderful to see the community come together and share in the joy of singing.”

The sing-along included traditional Christmas favorites and was free to attend, reflecting the choir’s mission to make holiday music accessible to all in Encampment and the surrounding Riverside area.