As a board-certified plastic surgeon-led med spa in Reno, M Spa is fully equipped to achieve your goals with convenient, in-office treatments. Dr. Tiffany McCormack and Dr. Nichole Joslyn — our on-site Medical Directors — are honored to have been voted “Best Plastic Surgeon” for two years in a row at the Reno-Gazette Journal’s Best of Reno Awards, as well as “Best Plastic Surgeon” in Northern Nevada by Reno News & Review. Our core team of providers offers cutting-edge aesthetic services, including:
• CoolSculpting® Elite and CoolTone®
• Laser Hair Removal
• VISIA® Skin Analysis
• Injectables and fillers including Dysport®, Restylane®, BOTOX® Cosmetic, JUVÉDERM®, RHA®, and Sculptra®
• Genius™ Radiofrequency Microneedling
• PRF therapy
• Medical-grade facials and peels
• Aveli® cellulite reduction
• Ultherapy® and Renuvion®
• FemTouch™ intimate rejuvenation
• Laser Skin Resurfacing
We’re passionate about providing high-quality cosmetic surgery procedures for patients seeking long-term results. For non-surgical rejuvenation without downtime, consider treatment at our first-rate med spa unprecedented in quality, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology. M Spa is known for:
UNMATCHED EXPERTISE:
Led by our talented board-certified plastic surgeons — Dr. McCormack and Dr. Joslyn — and expert nurse injectors and aestheticians, we offer the very best care to achieve patients’ goals.
MODERN AESTHETIC FACILITY:
We understand our patients deserve to achieve their goals in a relaxing environment of the highest caliber. Our top-notch facility houses fully equipped treatment rooms and an on-site QUAD A-certified surgical center to highlight our ongoing dedication to a seamless patient experience.
PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE:
From start to finish, we provide an experience completely tailored to your comfort. We deliver personalized care to enhance your visit at every turn.
FIRST-RATE TECHNIQUES & TECHNOLOGY:
Our team utilizes advanced technology — including VISIA® skin analysis, CoolSculpting® Elite, Renuvion®, and more — to maximize results, accelerate downtime, increase the precision of treatment, and optimize patient safety.
We’d be happy to discuss your concerns during a private consultation with one of our expert providers. Call our office at (775) 415-8995 or visit us online at www.mspareno.com
Thanks, Dad
As many of you who regularly read this column know by now, I often use this space for reflection. A few paragraphs filled with personal thoughts, and a place to connect with our reader community. It’s been a great space to break free of my inner introvert.
Last June, I used this column to talk about the joys of being a dad. How I admired the way my kids had become amazing, unique individuals of their own, and how proud I was to have played a part in their development. Being a parent has been an amazing gift, but being a son? Wow, I really hadn’t given it much thought. So, this year, I want to honor my dad.
June 2025
PUBLISHER
Mike McCarthy | mike.mccarthy@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Nora Tarte | nora.tarte@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Alicia Gant | alicia.gant@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Liza Belka, Erin Hanna-Butros Meyering, Angela Rudolph, Nora Heston Tarte
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Willis Bretz, Marc J Franklin, Eric Marks, Matthew Murphy, Melody Ricketts
My dad is a great guy, full of love and happiness, and my biggest fan. He’s imbued with boundless curiosity and never fails to take a glass-half-full outlook on life even when many of us wouldn’t. A highly successful manager at work, he took many of the same communication principles he used with his teams and applied them to family situations.
Like most relationships that have stood the test of time, my dad and I have had to put in some work. We’ve needed a willingness to engage in honest conversations, listen, maintain an ability to look at situations through each other’s eyes, and channel a foundation of trust that has allowed us to go down uncomfortable paths without being scared of losing something sacred. While these moments aren’t always fun, they were critical to our growth and are in large part why he and I are in such a good place today.
The funny thing is, I never looked at the way we communicated as a lesson; it was simply business as usual. It’s only now, well into adulthood, that I realize how valuable those “hidden” lessons really were. While many of us run from uncomfortable moments, my dad embraced them and turned them into catalysts for positive change. It may be the greatest gift anyone has ever given me.
My dad has blessed me with a life full of examples that have shaped the man, dad, and son that I am today. He might be one of the happiest people I know, and I couldn’t be happier to be his son.
I love you, Dad. Happy Father's Day. Thank you for all of it.
MIKE MCCARTHY, PUBLISHER @CITYLIFESTYLERENO
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inside the issue
Dennyse
Aging
JUNE 2025
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Families participated in an Easter egg hunt at the Club at Rancharrah's Easter Egg-Stravaganza. 2: April 10, community organizations planted a blue pinwheel garden for National Child Abuse Prevention Month. 3: Dolan Auto Group sponsored the Unified Mayhem Basketball Tournament at Swift Sportsdome April 16-17. 4: The Great Greek hosted a grand opening event with Mayor Hillary Schieve March 27. 5: The Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce hosted Coffee and Commerce April 17. 6: Circle of Life Hospice held a Dignity Dinner April 11 at the Nugget Casino. 7: MidTown hosted an April clean-up event with Sweet Thorn Florist April 12.
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BROADWAY IS BACK
DENNYSE SEWELL TALKS THE 2025-2026 PIONEER CENTER SEASON SCHEDULE
ARTICLE BY NORA HESTON TARTE
By
The Pioneer Center has released its 2025-2026 schedule for the Broadway Comes to Reno Series, celebrating its 31st year. The lineup begins with a high-energy and modern take on “Romeo and Juliet” called “&Juliet” and ends with a revival of “The Sound of Music” before it hits the New York stage.
All of the shows are national first runs meaning these productions are in their first touring season.
Photo
Matthew Murphy
“The 31st season is actually a huge testament to all of the people behind the scenes that make this possible,” says Dennyse Sewell, executive director of the Pioneer Center. “Reno kind of punches above its weight in terms of Broadway.”
The internal team at Pioneer Center works alongside one of the leaders in the theater industry to help craft the most exciting season possible. This season, six shows are coming to the Pioneer Center stage jumping off with “&Juliet” in October and continuing with “Stereophonic,” “The Notebook,” “Shucked,” “Hell’s Kitchen,” and “The Sounds of Music.”
Sewell has admittedly seen five of the six shows and is perhaps most excited to rewatch “Stereophonic,” the most Tonynominated show of all time. This is the series’ only non-musical—although it does still boast a killer soundtrack. The difference is the straight stage play doesn’t use music to tell the story, but because it’s based on a 1970s band finding its success, live music is part of the performance.
“You just want to dive into the world. You want to live on the set. It’s just so beautifully 70s rock and roll,” Sewell says.
“Shucked,” however, is her predicted sleeper hit and the show she recommends to anyone who may not think they are theater fans. The Tony-award winning musical comedy follows a female protagonist as she ventures out to save the dying corn crop in her hometown. “It is absolutely hilarious,” Sewell promises. “Your face will hurt after you see that show.”
“Reno kind of punches above its weight in terms of Broadway.”
— DENNYSE SEWELL
Looking for a date night option? See “The Notebook.” A fan of Alicia Keys? “Hell’s Kitchen” is inspired by both her music and her life growing up in New York City with a rhythmic 1990s flair. “Even if you’ve never been to New York, it is irresistible,” Sewell says. “You fall in love with the city, the characters.” Season tickets go on sale in June at www.pioneercenter.com
Photo By Marc J Franklin
Veterans Guest House Veterans Guest House
Veterans Guest House began when it was discovered that veteran families would sleep in their cars when traveling to Reno for medical care. Today, veterans receive overnight stays, transportation, meals, and personal care assistance completely free of charge.
Building on 30 years of trusted service in medical hospitality, Veterans Guest House's newest expansion will provide a private home where veterans will be surrounded by comfort, care, and camaraderie in their final days. This special home will offer:
Access to hospice care and choice of provider
Caregiving support 24/7
All comforts of home at absolutely no cost
Veterans Guest House has discovered an urgent crisis: veterans lack access to hospice care in their final days, weeks, or months of life. You can change that.
Make a Difference Today
Veterans Guest House is brought to life through community support and a shared commitment to those who have served our country. Whether it’s preparing a meal, visiting with a veteran, donating needed items, or simply spreading the word, your involvement makes a lasting difference.
Volunteer
Host a food drive
Donate
Learn more
Contact Patrice Klaich, Director of Development, at patrice@veteransguesthouse.org to learn more.
"Thanks to each and every one of you, my husband had the support he needed without question. I can only hope that those donating know they are making a huge difference." -Maria, Army Wife
AGE LIKE A MAN
ARTICLE BY DAN ECKLES
AGING GRACEFULLY ISN'T JUST FOR WOMEN, AND IT'S ABOUT MORE THAN HOW YOU LOOK
The mirror is a little less forgiving and birthdays continue to tick by. That’s no different from years gone by but in 2025 it is leaving more and more men confronting middle age with a new kind of urgency — not necessarily to outrun it, but to meet it with intention. Healthy diets and embracing a regular fitness routine are important but so are scheduling long-overdue checkups. Some subtle plastic surgery may even be an option.
No longer content to fade quietly into their fifties and beyond, the 2020s see a growing number of men leaning into a lifestyle that values health, self-respect, and just the right touch of vanity — proving that aging gracefully doesn’t mean aging passively.
Dr. Sara Trigero is a Northern Nevada native and Reno High graduate. Following medical school at VCU and a residency in Denver, she returned to Reno to run her practice. She says feeling younger and better about yourself definitely requires self-care and making healthy choices, but it’s also easier with a little help.
“Sometimes men have the desire to ‘be strong’ and to try and work through things. That means they don’t seek out care, especially if they’re feeling well,” Trigero says. “They may not want to know about a kink in the armor. We’re all human beings and we are all supposed to help each other. There’s something confident and great about somebody who looks out for themselves by making good choices and by getting the care they need from others."
Trigero adds that all of the factors that go into building a healthy lifestyle have a synergy. The more healthy choices you make, those build on each other for a greater impact.
“Sometimes, we may have certain habits that we’re able to get away with when we’re younger - better metabolism for one,” she says. “But whatever it is, if you’re starting to see some of the effects of less healthy habits, it is good to reassess…
CONTINUED >
The investment in working out, eating healthy meals, there’s so much interplay. Getting good sleep is huge. That can really affect your mood, appetite, and even the sensation of pain in your body."
Camie Cragg opened her gym, Camie Cragg Fitness, in 2011. She’s seen a growing number of middle-aged men make time for the gym in recent years and she thinks it’s about more than just leaving their 20s and 30s.
“I’ve seen an influx in men and noticed it since covid,” Cragg says. “There are multiple reasons for that. Gyms were told ‘no’ to being essential. These men were blocked out and I think depression became present. Their gym was forced into a garage and their community was taken away. The comeback of men to the gym was strong and we realized for their mental health it was better too.”
So how should a guy reaching his mid-40s approach getting into better physical shape? Weight training is an option. Cardiovascular exercises are important too. Cragg says while most men can use some guidance about how to get in better shape, almost all come to the gym knowing they’re not looking to show out at ‘muscle beach.’
“These are just dorky guidelines I’ve come up with by myself,” Cragg says. “But for men in their 20s, it’s about vanity. In their 30s, it’s about vanity and hustle - and in their 40s, 50s and 60s - the bottom of the barrel is vanity and at the top it’s about the hustle. By that point, there’s a sense of peace and harmony. It’s not about lifting 200-300 pounds. It’s about feeling better and leaner.”
“Guys love to hunt, golf, and ski. I love to help guys training for life. As you age, the narrative changes from vanity to how can I age gracefully.”
For men who want to continue to enjoy those activities that require some degree of physical activity, it’s important for them to prioritize continued movement. DeeDee Desiderio is the general manager of Sports West Athletic Club and Spa. She too has seen a growing number of middle-aged men getting to the gym with a goal of enjoying a high quality of life for a longer period.
“We do see a growing number of men in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s becoming actively involved in exercise,” she says. “It is important for anyone getting back into the gym to start easy and stay consistent. Listen to your body. If it hurts don’t do it. Consistency is what drives results.”
And there are different ways to get results. While improving physical fitness to change your body can be a big factor, there may be times when that doesn’t achieve all the desired results. Dr. Nichole Josyln is a board-certified plastic surgeon at Reno-Tahoe Plastic Surgery.
Joslyn talks about many less evasive options like skin rejuvenation and laser resurfacing. She also cites injectables like neurotoxins and dermal fillers. Additionally, Joslyn says many clients are taking advantage of hormone therapy and weight-loss programs that include GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide.
And of course, there are surgical options as well.
“We see men get upper eyelid surgery. Their eyelids may make them look angry or tired,” Joslyn says. “They can even be awake. We remove that excess skin, excess fat. The stitches come out in a week. That can be a huge transformative procedure for men. They say they don’t look fatigued or grumpy anymore.”
Dr. Dean assists patient,
Photo By Kari Henrichsen
Dolce Vita Wellness Spa boasts a medical spa in Rancharrah, Photo By Eric Marks
“My biggest question for patients in general is, ‘what bothers you?’ As a plastic surgeon, I can ask. But what I want is to hear what the patients come up with that bothers them. If they come in with underlying concerns, then we can address them individually.”
Joslyn stresses her job is not just about identifying an issue and fixing it with a procedure.
“I ask, ‘what are you doing for activity?’” Joslyn says. “Living a healthy lifestyle and approaching life with a good, healthy mental frame of mind, that leads to better long-term results for patients.”
Addressing mental health may be the biggest key to aging gracefully. People who are happy certainly enjoy a higher quality of life. Just about any health expert will say happy people try more new things. They’ll feel younger and that often translates into looking younger.
That leads to them smiling more and smiles are an area of expertise for Reno dentist Dr. Chelsea Dean.
“There are lots of studies that say smiling increases dopamine release,” Dean says. “People who smile more tend to be happier. Feeling confident in your smile is important. The more confident you feel about it, the better. Going for routine dental care on a bi-annual basis - two cleanings a year - increases the likelihood of being healthy and smiling more, being happier and healthier.”
Dean stresses that oral hygiene is about a lot more than avoiding cavities and keeping your teeth white.
“Everybody is trying to find the fountain of youth,” she says. “Elevated levels of bacteria in the mouth are associated with Alzheimer’s, dementia, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. To maintain an overall healthy lifestyle, it’s important to incorporate the dentist into your health maintenance.”
“A lot of men tend to put off addressing their own health from the standpoint of getting routine checkups with their primary health physician and regular checkups with the dentist. I’d recommend they be consistent and make that part of their routine.”
There are certainly plenty of tools at the disposal of men hitting their 40s and beyond while starting to be more aware of aging. From clean eating to clean jawlines maybe today’s man doesn’t need to fight age so much. He can outsmart it, one smart choice at a time.
“I REALLY THINK HAVING A FULL HOLISTIC APPROACH FOR MEN IN GENERAL IS HUGE,” - DR. NICHOLE JOSLYN
Photo By Eric Marks
ALL THE right notes
Reno's music scene is a mix of big names, touring artists, and local bands
ARTICLE BY ANGELA RUDOLPH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLIS BRETZ, ERIC MARKS
ARTIST’S PALETTE
Rigorous Proof, By Eric Marks
Votary poses for a portrait before playing a show at Lo-Bar Social, By Willis Bretz
Reno is known for entertainment, and live music in particular sparks joy. Whether watching a major headliner at one of the casinos in town or opting for a more intimate experience at a local bar or venue, multiple live music shows can be found nightly, yearround in the Biggest Little City.
The selection is as eclectic as the people enjoying it. From country and punk to jazz, classical, and alternative shows, the most challenging part might be picking which to attend. Originally more known for punk and rock genres with bands like 7Seconds coming out of the city, Reno is transforming into an notable home base for bands, singers, and entertainers of all genres.
A combination of dedicated venues, nonprofits supporting members of the entertainment industry, an engaged community attending shows, and the closeknit relationships fostered here has contributed to the slow but steady success of Reno’s music scene.
BOOKING HEADLINERS –A RECENT SHIFT
While Reno has venues capable of hosting major headliners, two challenges prevail – the city’s location and the town’s reputation for low presale tickets. Bob Conrad, publisher, editor, and co-founder of This Is Reno, is a performing artist who has been gigging as part of several ensembles since the early 1990s, most recently with his band Zoinks!.
"So I think that the big issue I see in Reno is we're geographically in a very difficult place," Conrad says. "Larger bands will often skip over Reno because they could go to Sacramento, the Bay Area, southern California, the Pacific Northwest – and whatnot."
Reno’s location and lower population, (two things many locals love about the area), can be tricky for major headliners. Additionally, with abundant nightly entertainment opportunities, locals have gotten used to deciding what to do last-minute. Ticket presales, often a requirement for booking larger names, are slow or low, a problem for entertainers who must make sure booking a show in Reno will be worth their time.
Despite those challenges, as Reno becomes more widely known, larger entertainers are coming, and many of the more intimate venues are noticing the change.
Moondog Matinee, Western Lights Illuminated Festival, Fresh Bakin' Productions, By Eric Marks
Machine Gun Vendetta, By Eric Marks
Joshua Callen, owner of Lo-Bar Social and the Hideout Lounge, has a lot of experience booking bands for his venues in Reno. “It was very difficult to get the right bands to want to play Reno in the beginning,” he said. “It took a lot of hustling to convince these touring bands that Reno wants them here. Luckily, we're on the other side of that now. We have an overwhelming number of bands contacting us who want to play Lo-Bar and Reno now.”
WHERE TO VIBE – LOCAL VENUES WITH POWERFUL PERFORMANCES
In addition to celebrated entertainment at major casinos, Reno has a wide variety of venues offering nightly draws. Some local favorites include the Virginia Street Brewhouse, EP Listening Lounge, Cypress, Lo-Bar Social, Lake Tahoe AleWorX Reno, Reno Public Market, and The Holland Project, among many others.
Luca Genasci, owner of Lake Tahoe AleWorX Reno, knows how important it is to Reno to have experience-centered gathering spaces. “Live music will always be a staple of our brand,” he says of all three locations of Lake Tahoe AleWorX. Attached to the Reno location is The Alpine, which hosts a larger stage for bigger performances and a 500-person capacity.
“I believe the future is bright for Reno's music scene... We as a community need to support and appreciate it! Cultivating a music scene and an art culture is the town’s responsibility. Towns without music or art scenes just aren’t as appealing. We have an opportunity to really make our town blossom here in Reno." - Joshua Callen
Votary prepares for a live performance on April 19, By Willis Bretz
Rigorous Proof, By Eric Marks
Photo: Eric Marks shot a practice session with Rigorous Proof, Photo By Eric Marks
"One of the most surprising things for people who visit or who are new to Reno is how good both the live music and the food is here!"
- Jaime Chapman
“We love being able to offer a robust experience to customers combining live entertainment in an appealing space with delicious food and beverages. It’s exciting to create experiences that people enjoy and provide a fun gathering place for the community,” Genasci says.
Venues often feature Renobased bands but have a healthy mix of non-local performers as well. One of the challenges for a Reno-based band is not performing too often in the same place. “We love playing Reno — the crowd knows us. But scarcity creates value. If you don’t see a band often, you’re more likely to go when they do play,” comments Scott Bartolomeo, the drummer from Machine Gun Vendetta.
FOSTERING AND CELEBRATING RENO’S TALENT
The Holland Project is a non-profit organization that nurtures artistic talent through art and music access, skill-building opportunities, and community engagement. Its all-ages music venue hosts performances from every genre of music. Holland recently celebrated its 18th year in the community.
“We host 150 shows a year, making us one of the region’s most active venues. It’s where a lot of people do their first shows,” Alana Bergulnd, associate director of Holland, says. “We have a lot of national and internationally touring artists come through. Ninety percent of the time we also have locals on the show.”
“Holland is part of a lineage as a sustaining venue for art and music. Beyond music, there is a visual art gallery and space, a place for intergenerational mentorship, skill sharing, and workshops. It’s unique – not just a venue –it’s a space that has a sincere and intentional curatorial vision,” Bergulnd explains.
CONTINUED >
Atla, a progressive metal band based in Reno, poses for a portrait before their performance at Reno's Lo-Bar Social, By Willis Bretz
Johnny Bailey, singer and guitarist in Rigorous Proof, says one of his first experiences playing was at Holland. “It’s a safe space. A gathering place without alcohol or other influences that distract… it’s all about the music,” he says. Rigorous Proof plays all over but Bailey’s favorite place to play in Reno is the Cypress.
“Reno is a great home base because it’s eight hours to get anywhere important,” Bailey says. “There’s been a rejuvenation of the Reno scene and band-driven music. There are a ton of up-and-coming bands and a good appetite for watching shows. The challenge now is choosing where to go.”
As locals know, summer in Reno means Artown. Live music is featured almost nightly as part of July’s Artown schedule, and a signature event is Dancing in the Streets. An entire mile of Virginia Street, from Liberty Street to Plumb Street, is roped off and turned into a live music paradise.
Jaime Chapman, executive director of Midtown Reno, is the organizer of the event. “Midtown Reno focused on making the Midtown District an artistic hub around 2008,” she says. “The association brought in live music and artists. It’s really thriving now! There is a magical effect that live music has on people. It’s an instant mood booster and helps people connect.”
This year, Dancing in the Streets is on July 12. Eight stages will be featured, each with a different performance and genre. In addition to the main stages, the event invites buskers, and street musicians.
FEELIN’ IT AND SUPPORTING THE ARTS
With vibrant music venues, talented artists, and nonprofits in place to support education and experience, all that is left is to be the best community of supporters. And musicians and business owners agree, they’re seeing a boost.
Johnny Bailey of Rigorous Proof says, “There is a ripple happening in Reno. Now more than ever, Reno momentum is happening!”
Rigorous Proof, By Eric Marks
Moondog Matinee, Western Lights Illuminated Festival, Fresh Bakin' Productions, By Eric Marks
Strike a Pose!
Support and strengthen your spine and core with five at-home Pilates exercises
Pilates uses mindful, structured movements to improve strength, mobility, and flexibility through conditioning. Whether you’re using equipment or just a mat, Pilates supports lifelong fitness and balance, allowing you to enjoy the activities you love with more ease.
Gretchen LaWall, founder of Your Body Pilates®, a boutique Pilates studio located in the Plumgate Shopping Center, shares some of her staff's favorite movements to do at home, between studio sessions. The studio works with a variety of clients through in-person and virtual private, duet, and group Pilates lessons. During instruction, expert trainers are always focused on supporting the specific bodies within the room and help guide safe and effective movement throughout class.
The movements shared here by the Your Body Pilates instructors can be done at home and combine movement and mindfulness for a centering workout experience. As always, consult with a doctor before starting a new workout regimen.
MOVE ONE: PELVIC PRESS. DEMONSTRATED BY GRETCHEN LAWALL.
Laying on your back with arms at a T, and feet hip width apart, curl the pelvis and slowly roll the spine up in two full breaths and then back down in three full breaths, one vertebrate at a time. This creates intersegmental motion of the spine in flexion while strengthening your legs.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA RUDOLPH PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELODY RICKETTS
Move Two: Scissors.
“Every body is a Pilates body. Pilates changes the way we feel on the inside almost more than on the outside – it truly builds confidence. Pilates should support you in doing what you’re passionate about.”
– Gretchen LaWall
Laying on your back, find an upper contraction with legs to the ceiling holding onto the ankles, take a full breath to lower one leg to hover over the floor, then switch legs and repeat the pattern. This pose challenges unilateral organization in the body and works the abdominals.
Demonstrated by Prattana Kennedy.
Pelvic Press
Move Three: Side Kicks.
Move Four: Swimming. Move Five: Swan Dive.
Demonstrated by Aleks Schillmoeller. Demonstrated by Emily Lannert. Demonstrated by Jonathan Dummar.
Lie on one side with the elbow under your shoulder, top hand behind the head and legs stacked. Take a full breath to lift the top leg to hip height. Inhale kick the leg forward with a flexed foot, then exhale swing it back with a pointed toe. Repeat on both sides. This builds strength and improves hip articulation
On the belly in a narrow X, take a full breath to hover arms, legs, head, and neck off the floor, keeping the abdominals engaged to support the spine. Quickly lift/alternate the opposite arm and leg higher up, switching back and forth using a double breath. This strengthens the back, working on posterior chain engagement while challenging contralateral coordination.
Lie on your belly with arms in a W shape. Take two slow breaths to extend your spine off the floor, keeping hands down. Inhale, suspend higher, and exhale as you gently rock forward and lift your legs. Repeat. You can simplify by removing the rocking or you can advance by keeping your arms overhead (photographed above). This dynamic move works on bone-by-bone articulation of the spine in extension and strengthens the entire backline.
CONNECT INFORM ADVOCATE 2025
The Reno+Sparks Chamber of Commerce exists to advocate, inform, and connect.
As the largest business organization in Northern Nevada, we give a voice to our members -- every sector, every size, every day.
We advocate for pro-business policies with federal, state, and local elected bodies.
We inform our members of news, resources, and tools to help them succeed and sustain commerce.
We connect our members to educational opportunities with subject matter experts, and to one another through signature networking and business events
The Reno Rodeo embraces local artists and the Western connection
WILD WESTERN ART
ARTICLE BY NORA HESTON TARTE
“One aspect of the mural I worked hard on was to be inclusive and show the huge influence of African and Native Americans on rodeo culture." - Erik Burke
Cathy Trachok remembers the old rodeo posters hanging in the Nevada Art Supply store from her childhood. In fact, seeing those prints on visits to pick out supplies with her mother is part of what inspired her to become an artist. “I believe art is a simple form of communication, and combining the visuals of the rodeo—cowboys, cowgirls, animals, all doing really cool stuff together—is an art form in itself,” Trachok says.
For more than 40 years Trachok has been an artist, and over those four decades of working in illustration, commercial art, children’s books, and now mostly fine arts, she has designed four Reno Rodeo posters, annual collectible art pieces that are a collaboration between the sitting Rodeo President and an artist of their choosing.
For the 2025 commemorative poster, Trachok traveled to Winnemucca Ranch where the first night of the cattle drive takes place. The assignment was to create a poster based on the event and President Jim Neil’s theme for the year, “A Cowboy State Of Mind.”
Trachok reveled in the atmosphere of the unofficial rodeo kickoff that includes a feast of BBQ delicacies, songs, and camaraderie. It’s a somewhat private celebration before the festivities come to Reno and the greater public. “I had never been before so it was quite exciting for me,” Trachok says.
After attending, Trachok narrowed down her ideas to three small color sketches for Jim to choose from. Together they adjusted until the poster felt just right. And now there are 250 limited run prints for sale to anyone who wants to own a piece of Reno Rodeo history, alongside posters dating back to 1982, although prints do sell out from time to time.
“The rodeo is so much more than just bucking broncos, it is a way of life that showcases all the western ideals that I grew up with—hard work, care of the land and animals, and most importantly, respect for the people who work with their hands,” Trachok shares. “I feel very honored to be chosen to illustrate Jim’s ideas.”
One of the more robust collections of Reno Rodeo art posters is on display at the District Attorney’s Office. Dick Gammick, former district attorney and board member of the Reno Rodeo Foundation, started the collection during his tenure. It has since grown to nine prints.
District Attorney Chris Hicks appreciates the collection that now dons the halls leading to his office. “More recently, we placed informational placards next to the posters that highlight the Reno Rodeo President, poster artist, and history behind the poster for each year,” he shares.
As a fifth-generation Nevadan, Hicks is no stranger to the Reno Rodeo. “Born and raised in Reno, the Reno Rodeo has been a staple in my life as far back as I can remember,” Hicks says. “Some of my fondest memories as a kid are going to the Reno Rodeo Parade with my dad—an event that kicked off the festivities back then— followed by attending multiple nights over the course of the week.”
While walking up to the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center on rodeo nights evokes a very esoteric feeling, seeing the artwork outside of his office each day gives him a sliver of the same excitement. His favorite piece is the 1990 poster featuring legendary bull fighter Leon Coffee, the “Boogie Man,” narrowly dodging a wild bull. “When I was a young kid, my friends and I couldn’t
Top: The Winnemucca Ranch cattle drive provided inspiration for the 2025 poster.
Middle: The 2025 poster designed by Cathy Trachok
Bottom: The 2011 poster designed by Cathy Trachok
wait for Leon Coffee to compete in the bull fighter events. We always knew something exciting was going to happen.”
Posters aren’t the only way art is celebrated within the Reno Rodeo.
In 2019, Erik Burke was commissioned to create a mural celebrating the 100th anniversary on the rear of the event center the length of Sutro Street from South 10th to Wells Avenue. “It took three months, is 1800-feet long and roughly 15,000 total square-feet,” Burke explains, adding he hired two assistants to finish the job on time. Burke was given the assignment by Clint Wells, the 100 Year Committee Chair based on personal referrals and more than 10 years of experience painting murals in Reno.
Like everything the Reno Rodeo does, an extensive collaborative effort and deep dive into Reno Rodeo history and culture was needed. “From that initial meeting they brought iconic photos, supplemental reading, and stories,” Burke
recalls. “I went to a few rodeos as a kid but getting to work on the mural was my first deep dive into rodeo culture.”
The 100th anniversary mural covers the history of the Reno Rodeo chronologically, starting in 1919 and finishing with 2019. “That progression from past to present would also be echoed by a color palette from faint memories in grey, to black and white, then hints of color, followed by pure saturation influenced by the colors of the decades,” he explains. He used belt buckles to create division between each decade with details very specific to the Reno Rodeo. “Each section also has mini-tributes to individuals important to that period of time from rodeo clowns to long-time announcers and bronc riders to pageant winners.”
Strolling through the Livestock Events Center there is more art integration. A metal horseshoe sculpture that made its way from Burning Man is a prominent piece, as is “Strokes of Energy,” a vibrant new mural plastered inside of the indoor
The Sutro Street
Mural by Erik Burke
Desert Sage Bead Art, Photo
By Kathleen Brannon
“Like so many Washoe County residents, Reno Rodeo nostalgia runs deep with me, and I love taking my kids and reliving the experience through their eyes." - Chris Hicks
arena featuring cowboys, a horse, and a bull and created by Spain-based muralist Jabi Corte. In the background of the Jack Daniels tent, the Harold’s Club Mural hangs, a restored piece of artwork that once hung above Reno’s main drag before it was relocated in 2007 to the Livestock Events Center.
The Reno Rodeo continues to place an emphasis on meaningful western artwork by inviting vendors to the event
Kathleen Brannon of Desert Sage Bead Art has been participating in the Reno Rodeo for 18 years, selling beadwork that represents her western heritage, an art form that began on reservations, and using ancient symbolism from a myriad of cultures to motivate her patterns. “I handcraft each piece and I personally design each piece—cuffs to belts to headstalls,” she explains. “Some of the most prolific artist[s] live and create in the Western world. From metal sculpture to oil to leather... all are relatable to the Western Lifestyle. The subject matter run from horses, tribal, cowboys, landscapes. Reno Rodeo shows many of these artisans that display the Western lifestyle. Indeed, art is a major part of that relates to the Rodeo world.”
Cathy Trachok and Jim Neil at the poster unveiling for 2025
Unveiling The Virgil
Colin and MaryBeth Smith are redoing The Virgil without undoing its legacy
For over a century, a brick building at the heart of Reno’s Wells Avenue neighborhood has had a quiet but long-time presence. Once a military chapel, later the Little Flower Church, and over the decades a restaurant, a bank, and even a bar — today, it’s known as The Virgil. But the Virgil has always been more than just walls and a roof. It’s been growing and evolving alongside our city while maintaining its place in the community.
Now, under new ownership, Colin and MaryBeth Smith of Roundabout Catering and Franco Bread, The Virgil is entering a new era, while respecting its colorful past and elevating its future.
But the Smiths aren’t newcomers to The Virgil. Having catered countless events at the property over the years, they understood its appeal long before any idea of ownership was on the table.
“It’s an incredible space, and we’ve always seen its potential,” says MaryBeth. “We wanted to create a venue that could host a variety of events while staying true to what makes The Virgil special.”
For them, that meant a careful balance between preservation and progress. The building’s historical charm remains intact,
ARTICLE BY LIZA BELKA
including striking brickwork, natural lighting, and the inviting warmth of a space that has held so many moments over the years. However, the Smiths also have a bigger vision for the space. Enhancements to the kitchen and bar operations are already in the works, ensuring a smoother experience for guests. Beyond that, they’re expanding The Virgil’s role in the community, offering business meeting spaces, corporate event rentals, and resources for small businesses that might not have the means to rent larger commercial spaces.
“We want The Virgil to be more than just a venue,” MaryBeth explains. “It should be a gathering place — a spot where people connect, whether that’s through a wedding, a community event, or a business meeting.”
Reno’s arts and cultural scene is also a major consideration for the duo. The Virgil’s versatility makes it an ideal space for smaller, more intimate concerts, art showcases, and creative collaborations. As Reno continues to grow, the Smiths see The Virgil playing a role in shaping the city’s event scene, offering a high-quality, thoughtfully curated space that feels both elevated and approachable.
The Smiths also report an overwhelmingly positive response from the community. Longtime patrons appreciate the Smiths’ commitment to maintaining the venue’s character. At the same time, new and potential clients are drawn to the “preserved architectural integrity and old-world charm” Roundabout Catering brings with this space.
At its core, the Smiths share that The Virgil’s next chapter is about honoring its past while taking steps into the future. It’s a place designed for meaningful experiences whether that’s a wedding toast, a business launch, or simply a moment of connection over good food and conversation.
“As the city grows and diversifies, The Virgil can serve as a creative hub for musicians, artists, and event organizers looking for a welcoming venue in a convenient location,” MaryBeth adds. “When people walk into The Virgil, we want them to feel like they belong. Like they’ve stepped into a space where something special is about to happen.”
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SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JUNE 3RD - 8TH
Mamma Mia!
Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts
As part of the Broadway Come to Reno program, Mamma Mia! will take the stage at the Pioneer Center, featuring classic ABBA tunes and a live cast.
JUNE 5TH - 8TH
Nevada State Fair
Mills Park in Carson City
Visit our neighbors in Carson City for the annual Nevada State Fair. For four days, the free-to-attend event includes carnival rides, local food, and vendor shopping.
JUNE 7TH
Reno/Sparks Walk for ALS
Sparks Marina | 10:30 AM
Walk for a cause! ALS of Nevada is hosting a walking event to raise awareness and funds around ALS. Those interested can register as a individual or walk as part of a team.
JUNE 19TH - 28TH
Reno Rodeo
Reno-Sparks Livestock Event Center
Grab your tickets to the Reno Rodeo, kicking off June 19. Through June 28, guests can enjoy everything from bull riding competitions to carnival games. Keep your eyes on special events including Kid’s Day and the kickoff concert.
JUNE 20TH
Big Bopper Bash
Chester Airport | 5:00 PM
Get out of town and travel back in time. The town of Chester, in Plumas County, is hosting a dine and dance event at the Chester Airport featuring music from the 1950s. Tickets cost $75 per person.
JUNE 27TH - 29TH
Gem Faire 2025
Reno-Sparks Convention Center
Whether you’re looking for gemstones to create with or want finished jewelry made from precious stones, semi-precious stones, beads, crystals, gold, silver, and pearls, this is your one-stop shop for browsing.
