June 2024

EDITOR'S NOTE

Less informed in the information age

I dropped into Ceol one recent Saturday to have a pint and listen to Gabe Plank and Doyle Stewart play some Irish tunes. I’d only known they were playing because my husband happened across the event on Facebook that afternoon.

When he mentioned it, my first thought was that, 10 years ago, it would have been close to impossible for someone who pays as much attention to local culture as I do to not know who was playing at a popular bar on a Saturday night.

The internet as we know it has been around for 30 years, since the early 1990s. Back then, tech boosters were bursting with pronouncements about how we would all thrive in the digital “public square” and be better connected with the world.

In some ways, that has happened. A lot of voices are being heard that were not being heard pre-internet. On the other hand, now that the tech industry has converted our attention and our personal data into valuable commodities, my email inboxes are flooded with spam; my social media feeds are cluttered with algorithm-generated noise; and I sometimes miss the information that I actually do want to access—like which fiddle/guitar duo is appearing at which local pub.

The art, music and other cultural output that our region produces isn’t just fluff. It amplifies people’s voices, opinions and insights and does a lot to contribute to healthy discourse. That’s why I care about trying to help people cut through the digital noise and stay informed about it.

This month, there are two things that can help you reconnect with the real world.

One: It’s finally summertime—the easiest time to connect with the local culture scene IRL. Just choose your nearest walkable neighborhood, or pick your favorite festival.

Two: In this issue, you’ll find our Summer Guide, with lots of advice on where to go and what to do.

Hope to see you out and about this summer!

—KRIS VAGNER krisv@renonr.com

LETTERS

Another call to support the Rhyolite Ridge lithium mine

As a combat veteran and retired adjunct professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, who taught U.S. energy policy and U.S. foreign policy for more than 18 years, I understand the critical need to secure our lithium supply chain, which is now dominated by China.

We use lithium batteries in electric cars, solar-field energy-storage batteries, vehicles and weapons systems. We have new mines located in Thacker Pass north of Winnemucca, and the Rhyolite Ridge mine near Dyer. The economic benefits to Nevada of lithium mining will be immense. Esmeralda County, where the Ioneer Rhyolite Ridge mine will be located, will get up to $26 million in tax benefits over the next 26 years.

Both mines have been going through a decade-long process to get started. Ioneer’s Rhyolite Ridge mine near Dyer is on the last step, an environmental review by the Environmental Protection Agency, and I urge our congressmen, senators, Nevada officials and citizens to go to their website and support the Rhyolite Ridge project.

Nevadans also need to be aware of the good news in the tech area related to

Northern Nevada. The Reno/Carson region has been designated as one of 31 tech hubs by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). This relates to lithium batteries and other materials. We already have many companies in this space, including Tesla; Redwood Materials in Carson City, which recycles lithium; and Dragonfly Energy in Reno, which makes Battle Born Lithium Batteries that are used in RVs, vans, boats and off-grid applications. There are currently more than 7,000 people employed by the existing lithium-related industries I just mentioned.

The good news is that UNR’s Center for Economic Development has applied for a $75 million grant to facilitate the lithium tech hub in Northern Nevada. We need to expedite the mining, processing and utilization of Lithium. Nevada will benefit immensely, and our energy independence will be greatly enhanced.

John A. Scire Reno

In defense of burlesque

In response to “Dancing in the moonlight” (RN&R, May 2024): Burlesque was described as having “often-negative, amateurish and crass connotations” and further inferred as distasteful, overtly sexual, unskilled and lacking in artistry.

The origin of burlesque is rooted in satire and was used to criticize the privileged, elite, ruling

classes in society. Contemporary burlesque as an artform is synonymous with striptease, and employs elements of live music, dance, singing, comedy, illusion, theater, clowning, aerials, shibari and other forms of entertainment, expression and artistic exploration. It can encompass empowerment, vulnerability, expression of self, body positivity, sensuality, sexuality, social justice, subverting social norms and more.

Many performers in burlesque have marginalized identities. It is a revolutionary act to express sensuality and sexuality in bodies that have been historically policed, oppressed and disempowered. I am forever grateful to have this artform, this community of performers, and audience members to celebrate the absurdity of the human experience together. With that sense of community, I believe it is our duty to lift others as we rise.

I understand wanting to set yourself apart and create an image and brand. That process, however, does not need to include demeaning others, morality policing, or publicly degrading an entire community.

Comments in the article not only diminish the brilliance of performers who frequent the burlesque stage, but also pass judgement on audience members who come along for the ride. There is enough room on the stage for all of us.

Nicolina Ilya Colette Reno

Mailing address: 31855 Date Palm Drive, No. 3-263, Cathedral City, CA 92234 • 775-324-4440 • RenoNR.com

Publisher/Executive Editor

Jimmy Boegle

Managing Editor

Kris Vagner

Editor at Large

Frank X. Mullen

Photo Editor

David Robert

Cover and Feature Design

Dennis Wodzisz

Distribution Lead

Rick Beckwith

Contributors

Alicia Barber, Matt Bieker, Maude Ballinger, Lucy Birmingham, Owen Bryant, Loryn Elizares, Bob Grimm, Michael Grimm, Helena Guglielmino, Matt Jones, Matt King, Kelley Lang, Chris Lanier, Steven Mahaffey, Michael Moberly, Steve Noel, Dan Perkins, Carol Purroy, David Rodriguez, Jessica Santina, Max Stone, Delaney Uronen, Robert Victor, Matt Westfield, Leah Wigren, Susan Winters

The Reno News & Review print edition is published monthly. All content is ©2024 and may not be published or reprinted in any form without the written permission of the publisher. The RN&R is available free of charge throughout Northern Nevada, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies may be purchased for $5 by calling 775-324-4440. The RN&R may be distributed only authorized distributors. The RN&R is a proud member of the Association of Alternative Newsmedia, the Nevada Press Association, and the Local Independent Online News Publishers. Coachella Valley Independent, LLC, is a certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (LGBTBE) through the NGLCC Supplier Diversity Initiative.

GUEST COMMENT

Overregulation

is compromising internet access for Native communities

The digital divide is alive and well in our state, where both rural communities and tribal-nation citizens of Nevada continue to be denied quality, affordable broadband internet.

Our elected representatives—from Sens. Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto to President Joe Biden—are doing their part. Congress passed more than $60 billion in funding to improve broadband access across the country, more than $400 million of which is set to come here to Nevada. Unfortunately, Washington regulators are imposing strict new rules that could put that expansion at risk, leaving Native communities waiting once again.

Access to broadband connectiv ity is not just about convenience, but equity and justice. As part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Democrats in Congress and the White House made broadband expansion a top priority. For Indigenous communities, reliable internet access is essential for preserving our cultures, accessing education, health care and economic opportunities, and participating in the digital age. Yet despite the pressing need for broadband access and expansion in our communities, we continue to be left behind, solidifying a two-tiered society: the internet haves and have-nots.

landscape.

BY TAYLOR PATTERSON

STREETALK

What taste or smell do you most associate with summer?

BY DAVID ROBERT

One example of these stringent new regulations can be seen at the FCC. While our elected representatives fight to expand access to the open internet, the FCC is working to consolidate their power over the internet via “Title II reclassification.” Sometimes called “net neutrality,” Title II reclassification would give the federal government vast power to regulate the internet—effectively letting the FCC set the rules for how the internet is used, by whom, for what, and at what price.

This federal government overreach could have a lasting impact that goes beyond potential invasions of privacy. Concentrating power over broadband services in the hands of Washington regulators could lead to dramatic reductions in broadband quality, innovation and access. Internet service providers will be disincentivized from investing in broadband, freezing innovation across the technology sector and jeopardizing American digital and technology leadership. These challenges will trickle down to the local level, giving our communities fewer choices and less access to innovative new technologies.

Asked at Ridgeview Plaza, 5150 Mae Anne Ave., Reno

Skyler Burns Sales manager

I most associate summer with the smell and taste of lemons and oranges—citrusy smells. Lemonade, it reminds me of the ocean. I grew up near the beach, and it was hot and sunny. We went to the water and swam every day, and to cool off, we drank lots of lemonade.

To expand internet access, it is critical to strike a careful balance between encouraging innovation and ensuring equitable access across all communities. Over the last few years, we’ve seen bureaucrats at the Department of Commerce, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the Federal Communications Commission take an aggressive approach to broadband regulation. Well-intentioned though they may be, these heavy-handed restrictions risk exacerbating existing imbalances rather than encouraging diversity and progress in closing the digital divide.

Recent guidelines from the FCC, the NTIA and the Department of Commerce calling for more rules and price caps threaten to exacerbate already significant disparities in internet accessibility. These proposed regulations may stifle the expansion of broadband infrastructure in rural areas by imposing unnecessary constraints on internet providers and discouraging investment, exacerbating our communities’ digital isolation and impeding our ability to thrive in today’s

Equally troublingly, a government takeover of the internet risks preventing broadband expansion to areas that still lack access—solidifying the current two-tiered society of internet haves and have-nots. With government controlling the prices ISPs can set for their services and the technologies that they can choose to deploy, ISPs may struggle with expensive buildouts in less-populated, remote or economically disadvantaged areas. Native communities will continue to wait for access. And the longer it takes us to get access to quality broadband, the more we will feel the impact of related disparities in health care, education and economic opportunity.

As the executive director of the Native Voters Alliance, I urge our regulators to prioritize an approach that takes into account the unique needs of our Native communities. We cannot afford to let overregulation stand in the way of ensuring equitable access to broadband for all Americans, including Indigenous communities. It’s time for decision-makers to support policies that promote collaboration, innovation and community-led solutions to bridge the digital divide.

Taylor Patterson is a Bishop Paiute Tribe member and executive director of the Native Voters Alliance Nevada.

Jacob Riordan Automotive tech

The smell of burning oil and burnt tires is what I most associate with summer. Hot asphalt. I’m out and about in the summertime racing cars. Also, the smell of race gas. It smells like you just poured vodka into your tank. The taste that I most associate summer with is cheesecake. To me, summer and cheesecake go hand in hand.

Adrienne Walera Manicurist

The smell of the smoke, and the taste of the barbecue. It’s all-American. I love all types of barbecue. We had a lot of summer barbecues when I was growing up. When I was little, my dad gave me his leftover ribs for me to gnaw on. Also, the smell of sunscreen reminds me of the beach in summer. And, of course, the smell of swimming-pool chlorine.

Elena Thormählen Solar sales

The smell of irises and lilacs, and the taste of pineapple is what I most associate with summer. Growing up, we played in my grandmother’s backyard, and she had all these plants growing, and we would stop and sniff them. We would run around there eating wedges of pineapple. Also, horse manure—I had grandparents in Montana, and they had a ranch, and that smell reminds me of summers there.

Millie Mecseji Game sales

Lavender. Summer is the best time when they bloom. We used to go to the park a lot in the summertime when I was little, and I loved the smell of the lavender. The taste that I most associate with summer is watermelon. My friends had a pool and put out watermelon for us to eat, to keep us cool and hydrated.

A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

|

BY JIMMY BOEGLE

Awards announcement shows the fragility of the newspaper world

On May 17, the Association of Alternative Newsmedia (AAN) announced the finalists in the 2024 AAN Awards, recognizing the best work done in 2023.

The results show the amazing journalism being done by publications like the Reno News & Review all across the country—and I’m proud to announce the RN&R is a finalist in three categories:

• Explanatory journalism, for “Museums and federal agencies stockpiled the remains of Indigenous people as their descendants protested. That’s slowly changing,” by Lucy Birmingham and Frank X. Mullen.

• Music writing, for Matt Bieker’s cov-

erage.

• Print special section, for the Best of Northern Nevada 2023.

Additionally, RN&R contributor Matt King is also a finalist in the music writing category, for his work in our sister publication, the Coachella Valley Independent—setting up an in-family battle of the Matts, of sorts. We’ll see who takes the top spot when the winners and other placements are announced in July.

While the AAN Awards finalists list shows off a lot of amazing journalism, a deeper look offers a warning about what is being lost in these troubled times for newspapers.

The Riverfront Times, the weekly newspaper

that served St. Louis since 1977, is a finalist in two categories: feature story and cover design. Five days after the awards announcement, the newspaper was sold to an as-yet-undisclosed new owner—and the entire staff was laid off. Staff writer Kallie Cox wrote on X/Twitter: The Riverfront Times “is officially dead. … I can say this is the best paper I’ve ever had the pleasure of working at.”

Oregon’s Eugene Weekly is a finalist in three categories: explanatory journalism, health care reporting and solutions journalism. All of this work was done before the newspaper shut down suddenly last December, when shocked employees discovered the bookkeeper had allegedly embezzled more than $100,000 from the company, and left more than $200,000 in bills unpaid. Fortunately, the newspaper returned a couple of months later, thanks to nationwide attention and a successful crowdsourcing campaign.

Other finalists are publishing only after reinventing themselves as nonprofit news organizations. The Mississippi Free Press, a finalist in four categories, is a nonprofit born out of the closure of the for-profit Jackson Free Press Isthmus, in Madison, Wis., is a finalist in four categories. The newspaper, which launched in

1976, closed in March 2020 when the pandemic hit, re-emerging more than a year later as a nonprofit; it’s now published online with a monthly print edition. (Sound familiar?)

Here in Reno, we’re continuing our efforts to follow in the footsteps of the Mississippi Free Press and Isthmus by becoming a nonprofit news organization. On May 13, we held our second in a series of community meetings, where Kris Vagner and I answered questions about the status of the RN&R and our plans for the future. We also gathered information from readers interested in serving on either our board of directors or our community advisory committee. We’ll likely have one more community meeting this summer, with the goal of forming our board and our advisory committee—and starting the paperwork—in the fall.

Meanwhile, this June issue—our annual Summer Guide—kicks off our third year back in print as a monthly after our pandemic hiatus. You, dear reader, can rest assured that we’re taking steps to make sure that the RN&R does not go the way of the Riverfront Times, and that there are many more years of excellent, award-winning journalism to come—but we’re going to need your help to make that happen.

ON NEVADA BUSINESS

A phone that does less

As young users develop an appetite for ‘dumbphones,’ a Reno startup designs an operating system to power them

There is a current movement by Gen Z and millennials to detach themselves from the hyper-social-media bombardment and unrelenting information overload. Much of the deluge is self-inflicted for many of us. It is also keeping us from doing the things we truly love, stoking the fire with no offramp.

This trend seems to be getting more profound, as the purpose of the social-media platforms is to keep everyone online, as it leads to more data and, most importantly, the ads and the money that fuel the platforms. According to hiring site Zippia.com, the average user checks their smartphone 96 times per day average. Chew on that for a while.

The shift, called the “dumbphone movement,” has been taking shape for a while now. The intriguing part is that it’s being driven by younger generations who’ve grown up wired and indoctrinated to instant gratification. This is really curious to me. Don’t get me wrong—I’m a dad to 11-year-old twins who are already getting hooked on the tech, and we keep them limited to an hour, and it’s on our phones, not theirs; we haven’t given in to “all the other kids have them” yet. This new trend is intriguing to me—and critically needed.

To call the smartphone a “phone” is a misnomer. They are computers, now woven into the fiber of our being all across the world. On the positive side, they have arguably created generational connections and convenience, and leveled the social interplay among populations.

A new startup in Reno is addressing this dumbphone trend with an early-adopter mentality that embraces the idea of “all that’s necessary and nothing that isn’t” when it comes to smartphones, engagement and productivity. The new movement embraces what we older (pre-smartphone) generations have observed and been concerned with for a decade or more.

Two University of Nevada, Reno, graduates—Austin Boer and Brennan Jordan—are the founders of SLEKE., a company that makes a smartphone operating system built for productivity, convenience and taking back our active lives.

The dumbphone movement has been gaining followers since the pandemic and has begot evangelists seeking to shed the madness of constant bombardment and instant mental gratification. The recognized “Godfather” of dumbphones is an influencer named Jose Briones. He beckons Reddit followers to “join the revolution and enjoy the simple life.” Now Briones is beta-testing the SLEKE. phone, and providing usable

feedback to prepare for the next version, which is now available for pre-order. Perhaps I’m overthinking this (I’m not known for overthinking anything!), but I find it ironic that an online influencer is beckoning followers to detach, and be de-influenced.

SLEKE. eliminates the temptations of social-media platforms that consume, on average, more than seven hours a day for more than 50 percent of teenagers, according to a survey done with more than 40,000 participants on Real Research, an online survey app. That’s not good. Brennan referred to the “zombification” of two generations of young people. In my many years of non-scientific, public observation in my travels all around the world, it’s been the same: From Senegal to Azerbaijan to China to Poland to Iceland, I’ve seen it firsthand. The addiction is real, and it’s worldwide.

The SLEKE. operating system comes installed on a Google Pixel 5 phone—usable, yet minimalistic, so users can stay focused on what is important and productive, not what stimulates the endorphins in the brain like cocaine. The team has researched, surveyed and interviewed many people in the dumbphone network to determine the tools that constitute focus and productivity, not distraction and stimulus.

“We aren’t saying that the smartphone is bad,” said Brennan. “We are just saying that the way we have come to interact with them has eased life’s frictions, yes, but it has also pulled us away from that very same life. At the end of the day, we think that life is beautiful and that it’s meant to be lived … doing things we like doing with the people we like doing them with. What our phone is meant to do is give us tools to make us feel equipped to interact in our high-tech world while giving us room to live presently in the real world.” He hopes people will participate in the beta test “so they can help shape the tool.”

An article on the EuroNews website reports that the dumbphone movement has some nostalgic names coming back into the light like HMD Global, the maker of Nokia-branded smartphones, a company many thought was nearly out of business years ago, pushed aside by Apple, Google and Samsung, which now dominate the smartphone tech market and keep raising the bar on apps and engagement.

“We see that the market for flip phones is up 5%,” said Lars Silberbauer, chief marketing officer of Nokia Phones and HMD Global, to EuroNews. HMD Global claims to be selling tens of thousands of the dumbphones each month.

SLEKE. has been busy since September of last year building out the specs, the business model and the momentum. Its founders have

interviewed hundreds of potential customers, have more than 100 on the waitlist, and are honing in on a few crucial apps including Spotify, and a modified WhatsApp. For the primary market, Gen Z, the phone includes a third-party finance app, navigation, music and messaging. For young professionals, add some productivity apps, and that’s it. No frills, no games, no

distractions, no bullshit.

This is all harkening back to a simpler era, with a happier demeanor and more detachment from our wired lives. I recall those early, semi-wired days with a bit of fondness, and if you’re old enough, you likely do, too. Check out SLEKE.io, and assist a local team of people helping us take back an important thing—our lives.

Local entrepreneurs Brennan Jordan and Austin Boer hope people in Reno will sign up to beta test their dumbphone operating system. Photo/David Robert

The sun sets on Sundance Books

The owner and patrons are sad to say goodbye, but celebrate 39 years of good times

In 1989, Leslie Burke brought her eldest son, then in the second grade, to Sundance Books & Music to redeem a gift certificate he won in school.

“Sundance became a fixture in our lives for the next 35 years,” said Burke, a retired Washoe County librarian. “… Visiting Sundance was a treat, an indulgence I would often add to my to-do list.”

The store, she said, has always been a great resource for buying books new, old or obscure, and for hosting local and nationally known authors and speakers, who often addressed audiences from the front porch of the store in the historic Levy Mansion at 121 California Ave. Sundance was a place of exploration and discovery—and a peaceful respite from the pressures of everyday life, she noted.

“Thank you, Sundance, for providing memories of visiting your bookstore, of winding through the maze of rooms with books or ephemera in every nook, of the

creaky steps going upstairs to look at paperbacks and used books,” Burke said. “This is a frenetic, changing world, and quiet, calm places like bookstores eventually succumb. … Your presence will be sorely missed.”

Christine Kelly, who owned Sundance for 36 of its 39 years in existence, announced the closure on May 1. Kelly and her team spent the following weeks hearing testimonials from customers like Burke as the shop prepared to close its doors for good on May 31. Running both the store and its book-publishing arm, Baobab Press, was a seven-day-a-week job, she explained, and it’s time for her to start a new chapter in her life and spend more time with family. Baobab Press will continue publishing.

“Closing has been a long and difficult decision for me to make,” Kelly said. “I know how vested and invested our community has been in this store for all of these years. The whole thing is heavy for everybody. It is certainly something that I have great empathy for. … I

feel very heartfelt about it. It isn’t just a matter of enduring it; it’s a matter of embracing it and recognizing everybody has their feelings. I want them to know they’re heard.”

As the news spread on social media, some Renoites speculated that the closure may be linked to the current expansion of Sundance’s neighbor and landlord, the Nevada Museum of Art, which owns the Levy Mansion. The nearby Sinai Mansion was razed last year to make way for the museum’s new wing, and critics feared the Levy property also might face a wrecking ball.

David B. Walker, chief executive officer of the Nevada Museum of Art, said the museum has no plans for the building other than preserving it in place. “The best outcome for us and the neighborhood would be to move Sundance, as is, into the future,” he said. “We’d like to see a second life for Sundance. … We never talked about selling the Levy Mansion or tearing it down. It has great value to the neighborhood and the city.”

| BY FRANK X. MULLEN

Christine Kelly in front of the Levy Mansion, home of Sundance Books and Music, on May 9. Photo/David Robert

During the last four decades, Sundance has forged relationships with scores of local organizations to bring programs and speakers to the shop. Those groups included Nevada Humanities, the Northern Nevada Literacy Council, Washoe County Libraries, the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, local schools, the Eddy House, the Domestic Violence Resource Center and others. Sundance, since its inception, was a center of both commerce and community.

Bookshops remain viable

“It’s always been a magical place,” said Joss Freeman, a Reno restaurant worker who said she prefers buying books in person rather than online. “I usually don’t know exactly what I’m looking for when I walk in the door, but I always find books that grab me. … I like wandering around, seeing what’s new and talking to the staff and other customers. You never know what you’ll find.”

Freeman is among the 20 percent of American readers who prefer buying print books from brick-and-mortar stores rather than from sellers on the internet. That percentage has been shrinking since the 1990s, according to the American Booksellers Association, but recent surveys indicate that book shops aren’t an endangered species. The association has 2,433 members, including 200 stores that joined last year. About 190 more shops are expected to open in the next two years, according to the association.

According to Statista, a research and data analysis company, the number of independent bookstores in the U.S. has grown from 1,971 shops in 2013 to 2,599 stores in 2023. That increase came even after the COVID-19 pandemic hammered retailers in 2020, when bookstore sales fell more than 28%, as reported in Publishers Weekly. Although the industry has been decimated by decades of innovations, including the proliferation of big-box stores, the popularity of Amazon and other online retailers, and competition from eBooks and audio books, sales by independent book shops topped $9 billion in 2022, according to Statista.

It’s never been an easy business, Kelly noted. Managing inventory, building a wide selection of titles, anticipating readers’ tastes, dealing with publishers and distributors, scheduling author and speaker events, and finding ways to create unique experiences for customers are all parts of the job. A love for books is a start, but a store’s success depends on relentless labor.

So if Kelly were starting a career today, would she open a bookstore?

“Absolutely, hands down,” Kelly said. “Because it’s an incredible mix of art, ideas and people—and also the solving the Rubik’s Cube of small business, which in and of itself is a fascinating thing to do. It affords you opportunities. You can be light on your feet, and you can be very engaged in your community—as much engagement as you like. I think it’s a really great challenge to make something like this work with the components that you’re dealing with.”

The trick, she said, is to take the passion for storytelling and reading and “make it its own economic force, modest as it may be. We’ve been in business 39 years and employed many people, and we’ve been able to bring something to the community that has been sustainable all these years. And that’s a very interesting and dynamic and challenging fun place to work in.”

Barnes & Noble, at 5555 S. Virginia St., is the largest general-interest bookstore in Reno. Grassroots Books, at 660 E. Grove St., in Reno, has a large and ever-renewed stock of used and new books. The Radical Cat, at 1717 S. Wells Ave., specializes in books by people and on topics that have been historically marginalized, including volumes about feminism, LGBTQIA+ issues, social justice, anti-racism issues and policing issues. Radical Cat also carries tomes aimed at living a more sustainable, radical life, with sections on technology and labor, trauma and healing, farming and gardening, community organizing and more. A bonus: The shop also hosts adoptable cats. Still, many local readers and authors mourn the loss of Sundance.

Reno writer Mark Maynard, who launched his short-story collection, Grind, at Sundance Books in 2012, said the store’s closure feels as though “my family home is being torn down.” But, he said, “As I slide through the stages of grief thinking about what a loss this will be for our community, I’m grateful to Christine and (employees) Dan Earl, Melissa Falk and all of the amazing people who kept it open as a gathering place, for all of the sacrifice and work Christine put in for so long to make sure necessary stories and voices were heard.

“So, where will we gather now?” Maynard asked. “And how do we make sure there is still a space for literature in a time and place that need it more than ever?”

As of the RN&R’s press deadline, no plans to buy the business had been announced, and the shop’s shelves were emptying by the day. Walker and Kelly said they hope the mansion will continue to host an independent bookstore.

“If there was something that worked for the museum, or if there’s something that I can do in a transition period of time that would facilitate the maintenance in of an independent bookstore in this space, I would do what I could to make that happen,” Kelly said.

A rocket on Fourth Street

The latest crop of sculptures has been placed on Jacobs Entertainment properties on the Neon Line, on the north side of West Fourth Street, in a two-block stretch between Ralston and Vine streets.

“Odyssey” is a shiny, stainless-steel rocket by Australian artist Clayton Blake, who has made sculptures for cities and festivals worldwide. This one appeared at Burning Man in 2023.

—Kris Vagner

| BY KRIS VAGNER

Wanna be newsy?

The RN&R is looking for new freelance writers—especially talented writers/reporters who have a nose for news.

Interested in making a difference in the community—and getting paid to do so? Email a resume and clips/writing samples to krisv@renonr.com!

The last one showering shouldn’t be left in the cold! GO

What HOPES is hoping

The nonprofit health group’s CEO talks about why and how a new clinic came about

Northern Nevada HOPES unveiled its new 43,000-square-foot clinic, the Jerry Smith Community Wellness Center, at 1905 E. Fourth St. on Tuesday, May 21.

The staff of the community-health nonprofit expects to serve 12,000 new patients at this location, in addition to the 14,000 it already serves at its Stacie Mathewson Community Wellness Center at 580 W. Fifth Street. About 37% of the patients who visit HOPES live at or below the poverty level, and around 10% are people experiencing homelessness.

HOPES CEO Sharon Chamberlain spoke with the RN&R about the pressing need for a new facility, how access works, and why philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the third-wealthiest woman in the U.S., decided to make a $6 million contribution.

I understand the new clinic will allow you to expand primary medical care, behavioral care and substance treatment. Could you talk about some of the specific things that you most needed, that you now have?

The reason that we decided to open this new clinic is because at the Fifth Street clinic, we were turning away about 40 to 60 individuals every day who were trying to establish primary care with us. So we knew that it was very important for us to expand and begin. We were at capacity at Fifth Street … so we knew we needed to expand. This is allowing us to expand our medication-assisted treatment program and our intensive outpatient

program and behavioral health, and then expand our primary-care services for adults.

Is the new Fourth Street clinic similar to the existing Fifth Street facility? Or is it something altogether different?

The facility is very similar to the West Fifth Street facility as far as layout and our model of having very integrated care on the clinic floor. The one thing that’s different at East Fourth Street is we have a walk-in clinic on the first floor. That’s available for all patients—existing patients, and new patients if they can’t get an appointment—who are in an acute situation, as well as folks experiencing homelessness, etc. That’s been a big shift for us, being able to have that available for patients.

What is the process of walking into the clinic and seeking care compared to, say, walking into a private urgent-care center?

Literally any person can just walk into the clinic on East Fourth Street between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and see a provider. They might have to wait for a few minutes, just like at an urgent care, while you wait for a provider to be available. I think that it’s going to be very well-utilized. It’s all about reducing the barriers to accessing care, particularly for people experiencing homelessness.

What are costs like, specifically for someone who’s uninsured?

Our sliding-fee scale is based on somebody’s income. Somebody who’s uninsured, if they need

help enrolling in Medicaid, if they qualify for that, or into one of the (Affordable Care Act) plans, we have people there to help them. But if they don’t qualify for any coverage whatsoever, then it slides based on their income. A primary-care appointment slides all the way down to $10, and a behavioral-health appointment slides all the way down to $3. If somebody doesn’t have that $10 with them, and is unable to pay at the time, we’ll work out a payment plan for that individual.

How are you able to offer services so affordably?

As a federally qualified health center, our mission is to ensure that services are provided regardless of someone’s ability to pay. That’s what we fundraise for. We rely on the community and people who have insurance who come and help to support those folks who don’t have any coverage. … We have grants from foundations and governmental grants, etc., that help cover some of the costs of the uninsured.

I understand that HOPES received an unsolicited $6 million donation from MacKenzie Scott. How does an unsolicited gift from such a high-profile philanthropist work? How did she find you, and how did she decide that you are a group she wanted to fund?

So crazy, right? It was so exciting. I got an email, and I thought that it was spam. … I almost deleted it. … I followed up, and it turns out that MacKenzie Scott has staff who research organizations across the country … and then they look at everything—you know, financials, nonprofit status, all of those pieces that are important for a philanthropist like MacKenzie Scott to say, “Yes, this is a well-run organization and something that I want to support.” … We had no idea that was happening. Once she had gotten all the information that she needed and desired, then she made the decision to give us the $6 million gift, which was just amazing. I mean, you don’t get unsolicited gifts like that very often.

What’s happening in terms of staffing? Have you been able to hire more people?

Fortunately, we’ve been able to hire a lot of individuals to work at East Fourth Street. We are still hiring. We have lots of open positions and are excited to recruit here.

Do those tend to be positions across the board, for physicians, assistants, administrators—everyone?

Everyone. We are looking for so many people right now, so please visit our website (www.nnhopes.org/about/careers), and take a gander at it.

Northern Nevada HOPES CEO Sharon Chamberlain spoke at the unveiling ceremony for the new Jerry Smith Community Wellness Center on May 21. Photo/David Robert

Cascarano

NEWS

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BY KRIS VAGNER

Improved access

Medication abortions accounted for 63% of all abortions in the U.S. in 2023. They are legal in Nevada, where one more virtual provider just entered the market.

Another virtual abortion provider has expanded into Nevada

A company called Hey Jane, which calls itself the leading virtual abortion provider in the United States and claims 55,000-plus clients, expanded into Nevada in mid-April.

A virtual abortion (or telemedicine abortion) is a medication-induced abortion prescribed by a health-care provider. After a consultation, which may take place via text, chat, phone or video call, patients receive two medications by mail—mifepristone, which blocks the hormone needed to continue a pregnancy, and misoprostol, which causes the uterus to contract. Various services assure delivery of the pills by mail within one to six days.

Medication abortions are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use up to 10 weeks into a pregnancy. A 2024 study by the research and policy organization Guttmacher found that in the United States in 2023, 63% of abortions were medication abortions. A 2024 study by the Society of Family Planning found that 19% of abortions in the U.S. are prescribed by telehealth providers.

Hey Jane has a national staff of 18 doctors, nurses and care advocates, and a 24/7 emergency line.

In addition to Hey Jane, there are a handful of other virtual abortion providers in the U.S. Among them is Carafem, which lists Nevada among the 16 states (and the District of Columbia) it serves. Planned Parenthood also offers telehealth abortions locally.

Hey Jane’s CEO, Kiki Freedman, declined to quote exact rates for Hey Jane’s services, but she said in an email that the cost of care depends on a several factors: “Hey Jane offers sliding-scale pricing based on each patient’s financial circumstances. … Care can cost as little as $0—and is always

less than the average in-clinic cost.”

At Planned Parenthood, the cost also varies, averaging $580 and going up to $800. Several online resources also cite $800 as a likely price ceiling. Groups such as the National Federation for Abortion offer financial assistance.

Dr. Chelsea Travers, a physician who works at Northen Nevada HOPES, responded to Hey Jane’s arrival in Nevada in a phone interview.

“I’ve actually had two patients use this service,” she said. “I’ve heard from their perspective how easy it was. I think it’s all really reassuring, actually. I think what it does is open up access to the people who may not even feel comfortable going to a clinic.”

She listed, in particular, teens, people who are undocumented, and anyone who may have a fear of the medical system.

“It just opens up that pathway to making sure people are parenting when they’re ready without that fear of stigma,” she said.

On May 24, Louisiana became the first state in the nation to legally classify abortion pills as controlled substances, a category typically used for drugs considered risks for abuse or addiction. What might this eventually mean for access to medication abortions in Nevada?

Denise Lopez, director of the Nevada Campaign for Reproductive Freedom for All—a group that aims to get abortion access enshrined in Nevada’s Constitution—responded to the Louisiana news in a phone interview.

“Nevada does not have a legislative session this year, but we are worried about what other states are doing,” she said. “We know that they have a track record of copying legislation that prevents abortion. We’re seeing how that has happened with abortion bans and restrictions, including in states like Texas, Arizona, Utah and Idaho.”

Keeping your dog safe on the trail

A look inside rattlesnake-avoidance training

John Potash is the owner of Get Rattled, a company that offers rattlesnake-avoidance training for dog owners in Nevada and a few other Western states. He knows that humans hike past rattlesnakes without noticing—“probably a thousand of them”—but a “dog definitely picks up on (a snake’s scent), goes and investigates, and gets into trouble.” Investigating a scent can lead to a bite, which can be fatal and/or include an expensive trip to an emergency vet. A representative from Animal Emergency and Specialty Center in Reno said the cost of an emergency snake-bite treatment depends on a number of factors, including the severity, the time since the bite and the location of the bite. Veterinarians often hesitate to quote exact rates, but according to a blog post by CareCredit (a bank that provides a payment plan that many vets accept), “Snake Bites in Dogs: What to Do and How to Prevent Them,” treatment is “often more than $2,500.”

There is a vaccine intended to protect dogs against snake bites, but not all veterinarians recommend it, and a 2022 American

Animal Hospital Association study found no published data to support its efficacy.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife recommends a few strategies: Keep dogs on a six-foot leash; never allow them to interact with wildlife; don’t let them stick their heads in holes or in places you can’t clearly see; and look into snake-avoidance training.

I was skeptical of rattlesnake-avoidance training for my dog, because I mistakenly believed I would be able to see a snake in order to keep my pup away from it, and because we only hike in shaded areas at higher elevations, like Galena Creek Regional Park and Lake Tahoe’s east shore, in the evening.

None of this, however, provides protection for dogs. Potash explained over the phone that not only is Galena a “hot spot” for rattlesnake activity, but that rattlesnakes have been sighted “in the high 7,000-foot (elevation) range.”

Construction and climate change push snakes to expand their habitat. “I always tell people, ‘Always expect that there could be one somewhere … and if the temperature is comfortable for you, it’s comfortable for the snakes, too,’” said Potash.

I signed up for a rattlesnake-avoidance class as soon as we hung up the phone, which is how Lady (my 9-year-old Lab/border collie mix) and I found ourselves at Rye Patch State Recreation Area in Lovelock on a stormy Saturday afternoon with a group of excited dogs and their owners, eagerly looking to Potash and his crew of two trainers for some peace of mind. Rattlesnake-avoidance training might look a bit different from company to company, but each version shares the goal of familiarizing dogs with the sight and scent of a rattlesnake, and creating enough of a negative association to avoid both in the future.

At Get Rattled trainings, dogs are fitted with an e-collar and taken through three stations. The first station has a live rattlesnake—devenomised, but very much reactive. The second is a box covered in camouflage, housing a live snake and a shed skin. It aims to replicate a snake hiding in bushes. The third, made from a PVC tube stuffed with a snakeskin, aims to replicate a snake hole into which a dog might stick its nose. When the dog shows interest in the bait at these stations, it will be buzzed with the e-collar, which delivers an electric shock. Dogs are first

| BY HELENA GUGLIELMINO

At a recent training at Rye Patch State Recreation Area, a Western diamondback—bred in captivity and not prevalent in Northern Nevada—is used as a stand-in for our local Great Basin rattlesnake. That’s because the diamondbacks are more defensive “and will give us the visual coiling and rattling,” said snake-avoidance trainer John Potash.

Photo/Helena Guglielmino

administered the lowest setting for their size to gauge their reaction. Trainers then work their way up to a level that creates a significant impact on their behavior.

The dogs go through each station before returning to the live snake for a final test. The trainer walks them around the snake to gauge their reaction, and then has the dog’s owner stand on the opposite side of the snake, calling for the dog to come. If the dog heeds the command while still keeping awareness of and avoiding the snake, the dog passes the class and is awarded a certificate.

We watched the first couple of dogs complete the training; each was through in less than 10 minutes. Potash is adamant that this brief timeline is effective; he said dogs that return for their refresher course refuse to go anywhere near the snake. Sure enough, as Lady and I waited our turn, a mutt with long, shaggy hair sniffed near the bait at the first station—though keeping a much safer distance than the first-time dogs— and received a buzz from the e-collar. After that, he sat at least 20 feet from the live snake, resisting the tugs on his leash to get closer.

Potash mentioned that every dog reacts differently to the training. Some dogs catch on quickly. “There are always those outliers that need more constant reminding for some reason,” Potash said, adding with a chuckle: “It’s always Labs.” Older dogs seem to take a bit longer to learn, too.

After Lady completed the course, the trainer handed me her certificate of completion and a pamphlet of best practices. The usual trail etiquette applies: Stay on the trail; step on rocks, not over; give snakes a safe distance of at least five feet; remain calm. In addition, don’t point snakes out to dogs or attempt to approach, kill or play with a snake. These behaviors override the avoidance training, showing the dog that it is OK to be interested in the snake.

I thanked Potash and expressed how cool it was to see a rattlesnake.

“You might see more, now that you know what to look for,” he said.

Get Rattled’s rattlesnake-avoidance training is $150 for new dogs and $100 for a brush-up session, recommended one year after the initial training. For dates and details, visit www. facebook.com/GetRattled/events.

Planets and Bright Stars in Evening Mid-Twilight

For June, 2024

This sky chart is drawn for latitude 40 degrees north, but may be used in continental U.S. and southern Canada.

June’s evening sky chart.

Illustration/Robert D. Miller

In dark, moonless skies two to three hours before sunrise from June 3-16, get fine views of the Milky Way, with its Cygnus Star Cloud— made up of stars of our own spiral arm ahead of us in our revolution around the galactic center—overhead inside the summer triangle of Vega, Altair and Deneb. By June 21, the moon, nearing full, returns to the morning sky, setting in the southwest during twilight. An impressive lineup of the moon, Saturn, Mars and Jupiter spans 162° that morning, nearly from horizon to the opposite horizon. For the rest of June and into July, Jupiter is immersed in a beautiful star field in Taurus, below the Pleiades and above Aldebaran and the Hyades. Mars will pass through the same field, overtaking Jupiter by midAugust.

“In dark, moonless skies two to three hours before sunrise from June 3-16, get fine views of the Milky Way, with its Cygnus Star Cloud—made up of stars of our own spiral arm ahead of us.”

June skies

The month brings bright planets, nice views of the Milky Way and the summer solstice

June mornings feature a striking lineup of solar system bodies.

On June 1, a 30 percent crescent moon sits midway between two first-magnitude planets, Saturn in the southeast, to the moon’s upper right, and Mars in the east, to the moon’s lower left. The best view is 1 to 1 1/2 hours before sunrise, before the brightening dawn interferes. The waning moon passes close to four planets in a span of six days: Saturn on May 31, Mars on June 2, and a close Mercury-Jupiter pair on June 5. But to see Mercury or Jupiter in early June, you’ll need binoculars and an unobstructed view toward the east-northeast horizon during bright twilight, closer to sunrise.

On the morning of June 3, the 12 percent crescent moon will appear 9° to the lower left of Mars; on June 4, the 5 percent moon

will be 22° to Mars’ lower left. On the latter morning, wait a bit, and aim your binoculars very low in bright twilight, 14° to the moon’s lower left, and try for emerging Jupiter, with departing Mercury just one-sixth of a degree to its lower left. You’ll need perfect skies! Jupiter gets higher each morning, and will become easy to see with the unaided eye later this month. Mercury is heading toward superior conjunction beyond the sun on June 14, and will emerge into the evening sky in June’s final week.

On June 5, again using binoculars in twilight, look 36° to the lower left of Mars for the rising of a very thin, old 1 percent moon, only about 24 hours before new. If you spot this crescent, describe it and note the times you first and last observe it for future reference. (The new moon occurs the next day at 5:38 a.m.) Also on June 5, can you spot Jupiter and Mercury, rising nearly 2° apart, 4° to the moon’s lower right?

On the morning of June 27, the moon will appear closely west of Saturn, occulting the planet in the daytime, after sunrise. In late June, as viewed through a telescope, Saturn’s rings appear only 2° from edge-on, an unusual aspect. On July 1-3, a waning crescent moon sweeps past Mars, the Pleiades, Jupiter, Aldebaran and the Hyades. Jupiter appeared in solar conjunction on the far side of the sun on May 18. As a consequence of Earth’s faster orbital motion around the sun, Jupiter is emerging into the morning sky. Both inner planets pass superior conjunction on the far side of the sun this month—Venus on June 4, and Mercury on June 14. Since they orbit faster than Earth, they’ll emerge into the evening sky. At this conjunction, Mercury also happens to be at the perihelion of its orbit, so it will be very bright and will move very swiftly into visibility. With binoculars, very clear skies, and an unobstructed view of the west-northwest horizon, it’ll be possible to start seeing Mercury within a week after its conjunction, and with unaided eye before the month’s end. Venus is more leisurely, moving only 7° out from the sun by June 30, while setting only 30 minutes after sunset. The decreasing angle of the ecliptic (planetary pathway) relative to the horizon at dusk as summer progresses will slow Venus’ climb out of the bright twilight glow. But the improving geometry and Venus’ larger orbit, extending up to 47° from the sun, will make the cloud-covered planet a spectacular “evening star” later this year and into March 2025. The summer solstice on June 20 gives us the highest midday sun and the northernmost sunrise and sunset of the year. Combined with

| BY ROBERT VICTOR

the moon’s orbit near its maximum inclination to Earth’s equator in 2024-25, a thin crescent moon at dusk on June 7 sets unusually far north. (A hyper-thin crescent moon, only about 15 hours after new, and within 8.5° of the sun, might be caught with binoculars in early twilight on the evening of June 6.) The full moon at dusk on June 21 rises unusually far south, several degrees more so than the sun’s annual extremes. Between those dates, watch the moon pass these bright zodiacal stars in the evening sky: Pollux in Gemini on June 8; Regulus in Leo on June 11; Spica in Virgo on June 15 and 16; and Antares in Scorpius on June 19. Note Pollux and Castor, 4.5° apart, mark the top of the “spring arch,” still entirely visible in the west to northwest in early June. From left to right, its stars are Procyon, Pollux, Castor and Capella. Other bright stars at dusk are Arcturus, crossing high in the south, and the Summer Triangle of Vega, Deneb and Altair, rising in the northeast to east.

In June’s final week, watch the changing configuration of the “Twin” stars Pollux and Castor with Mercury. On June 23, Mercury is 10° below the twins, forming an isosceles triangle. On June 28, Mercury passes 4.7° (the minimum distance) south, to the lower left, of Pollux. On June 30, Mercury is 6.3° to the left of Pollux, in a straight line with twins.

Throughout the summer of 2024, the three bright outer planets put on a nice show in the predawn sky. Folks averse to waking up early to planet-gaze, take heart! Earth will overtake Saturn in September, Jupiter in December, and Mars in January 2025. Those dates mark when those planets will be at their closest and brightest—and thereafter, we’ll look back into the wake of Spaceship Earth to see them in the evening sky, joining Venus.

The Abrams Planetarium Sky Calendar is available by subscription from www. abramsplanetarium.org/skycalendar. For $12 per year, subscribers receive quarterly mailings, each containing three monthly issues.

Robert Victor originated the Abrams Planetarium monthly Sky Calendar in October 1968 and still helps produce an occasional issue. He enjoys being outdoors sharing the beauty of the night sky and other wonders of nature. Robert Miller, who provided the evening and morning twilight charts, did graduate work in planetarium science, and later astronomy and computer science at Michigan State University, and remains active in research and public outreach in astronomy.

Stereographic Projection Map by Robert D. Miller

Evening mid-twilight

Welcome to the RN&R’s 2024 Summer Guide!

If you’re new in town, and you just endured your first Reno spring, I feel ya. Remember that glorious 68-degree day in early April, followed three days later by a 28-degree night with a 21-degree windchill factor?

Sorry to break it to you, but that was no anomaly. Spring in Northern Nevada is fickle to the core. (Pro tip, new residents: The maxim we live by around here is—if you want to avoid the sting of regret, don’t plant your tomatoes outside until after Memorial Day.)

But for every erratic, tedious, endless-feeling spring, there is a payoff like no other: Reno’s summer, one of my favorite things in this world.

Maybe I love it because, while I can’t get enough of our region’s outdoor adventures in any season, summer is when you can take your pick of swimming holes; large lakes in every direction; an endless list of secret creeks, waterfalls and natural pools scattered throughout the Sierra and the Great Basin; and our crown jewel—the swimmable, floatable, fishable Truckee River.

Or maybe it’s the buzzy, fun community vibe at all of those free concerts Artown puts on for us in Wingfield Park, not to mention the dozens of festivals all over the region, when we gather in our streets and parks to celebrate the things we like—smoked meats, Shakespeare, classic cars, just about any kind of music, food, drink—anything you can think of, you name it.

This month, RN&R writers share details about a long list of events, including lots of family-friendly ones. There’s also advice on where to catch a cold beer on a patio, and news about some of the new facilities and programs at Reno and Sparks parks. Of course, it wouldn’t be our Summer Guide without Bob Grimm’s look at the blockbuster-movie season.

I hope all of this info helps you find a great summer groove.

—Kris Vagner

Photo/David Robert

It’s summer, and it’s time for those big-budgeted, blessedly brain-dead blockbusters! LET’S ALL GO TO THE MOVIES! WHO’S WITH ME?

Wait, what? You’re not excited? You honestly couldn’t care less? You’d rather go bowling, or play some golf, or drive your face through your living room’s picture window?

The season started a few weeks ago, and blasé box-office returns for The Fall Guy, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and John Krasinski’s IF seem to indicate that people have better things to do. Like taking rockkazoo lessons, or fishing, or driving your car through the living-room picture window, because you tried to drive to the hospital after putting your face through that same window, and you had too much blood in your eyes to see clearly, so now you are going to be dipping into three kinds of insurance, because you’d rather inflict bodily harm upon yourself than go to a nice, old-fashioned movie theater.

It’s fair to say that Hollywood still hasn’t recovered from the whole COVID thing, and those writer and actor strikes wound up delaying and/or postponing some films for months or even years. The result: As I research the next few months of movies, the cinematic landscape looks boring. Boring, boring, boring.

A few titles might garner a bit of excitement, but something tells me people are going to be saying, “Eh, let’s wait ’til that one is

streaming”—so much so that their respective parakeets will pick up the term and learn how to say it, along with, “Breakfast is ready,”

“Come on kids; you are late for school!” and, “Fuck you! I hate you! You never really loved me!” Those parakeets can be interesting little echo boxes.

For better or for worse, here’s a look at upcoming movies, both theatrical and streaming. Don’t get too excited, now. Keep your shit under control.

(BTW … as I was putting the finishing touches on this article, I noticed that The Fall Guy, after just two weeks in theaters, is already available for purchase and rental on streaming platforms. The state of things in the cinemaviewing landscape is forever changed and kind of bizarre.)

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (May 24): The critics and moviegoers went nuts for Mad Max: Fury Road, so why didn’t we get another Tom Hardy Mad Max movie? Hardy was signed for three films, and his follow-up has been a long time coming, with no date set for filming. I think it’s because he was a third-class douche on set during the filming of Fury Road. In the meantime, we get Anya Taylor-Joy playing the role made famous by Charlize Theron in Fury Road with this Mad Max prequel/origin story. Mad Max stalwart George Miller is directing, so all systems are go for something worthwhile. It just won’t have Hardy in it. Prediction: lots of dirt. (See the full review on Page 30.)

The Garfield Movie (May 24): From the land of Who Gives a Rat’s Ass comes yet another attempt at the lasagna-eating cat getting a successful cinematic franchise. Does anybody, especially the young target audience, even know what Garfield is anymore?

Bad Boys: Ride or Die (June 7): Will Smith is back, and so is Martin Lawrence, in a bid for both of them to become relevant again. Sadly, this is one of the bright spots on the schedule. Something tells me it’ll be kind of fun.

Hit Man (June 7 on Netflix): Hollywood is trying hard to make Glen Powell happen. He’s got a couple of films this summer. This one has him as the title character, and you can take a wild guess at what he does. Hit Man is billed as a comedy. He most assuredly did not make me laugh in that Sydney Sweeney movie.

The Watchers (June 7): There are a lot of horror films on the horizon. This one stars Dakota Fanning and is directed and co-written by Ishana Shyamalan, daughter of M. Night Shama-lama-ding-dong.

Inside Out 2 (June 14): Pixar movies used to be events. Now … well, I guess technically they are still events. When you get down to it, almost anything can qualify as an event, really. I just walked some sliced cantaloupe back to the refrigerator. That was an event. It was boring and sad (the cantaloupe isn’t very good; I probably should’ve walked it to the trash), but it was still an event. Remember when Pixar was like Will Ferrell when he wouldn’t do sequels? Well, Ferrell started doing sequels, and now it feels like all Pixar movies are sequels.

Deadpool & Wolverine

continued from Page 13

The Bikeriders (June 21): This is an interesting-enough-looking movie with Austin Butler and Tom “I Am Such a Douche That They Never Made My Mad Max Sequel” Hardy riding around on motorcycles. It’s directed by Jeff Nichols, who directed Take Shelter, so I’m curious.

Kinds of Kindness (June 21): Oh, hey, look, a movie I am actually excited about! Emma Stone re-teams with her Poor Things director Yorgos Lanthimos for a comedy-drama that will most assuredly be a million strains of weirdness. Yay!

A Quiet Place: Day One (June 21): John Krasinski’s original blind-alien premise gets stretched into a third film. This one wasn’t directed by Krasinski, because he was busy making the Ryan Reynolds imaginary friend movie IF that nobody cared about.

A Family Affair (June 28 on Netflix): Hey, look, it’s a rom-com starring Zac Efron and Nicole Kidman. There aren’t a lot of rom-coms on this list. They seem to be a dying breed, which doesn’t make me unhappy.

Horizon Chapter 1 (June 28) and Chapter 2 (Aug. 16): Kevin Costner gets back to the director’s chair for what will be a two-movie event that totals up to a billion zillion hours and gives him a chance to wear a cowboy hat and ride horses again. Kevin Costner … he wears cowboy hats and rides horses, and sometimes you can see him throwing a baseball. He’s always expanding his horizons, that crazy Kevin Costner.

Despicable Me 4: Who Gives a Shit? (July 3): Seriously, I’m working through these movie titles, and I am getting depressed. I think I stopped with the Despicable Me films after the first one. And the Minions can go to hell.

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (July 3 on Netflix): We live in a world where a new Beverly Hills Cop movie starring Eddie Murphy goes straight to streaming. The world has changed

since his last (awful) appearance as the character 30 years ago. I just saw the trailer, and this looks like it could more than make up for that third one. Love you, Eddie!

MaXXXine (July 5): This is part three of a horror trilogy directed by Ti West and starring Mia Goth. The first two were a sick blast. I’ll say this for the summer movie schedule: Horror seems like the prevailing, and perhaps most interesting, genre.

Fly Me to the Moon (July 12): Here’s a fictional take on the moon landing in which the U.S. films a fake landing as a backup. It is also a love story. Sort of sounds like Capricorn One minus O.J. Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum star.

Longlegs (July 12): Nicolas Cage as a serial killer? I’m in.

Twisters (July 19): As I said before, Hollywood is trying to make Glen Powell happen. They are also trying to turn the original Bill Paxton Twister into a franchise. If there’s a cow in a tornado in this one, I will stand up and applaud. Powell just signed on for a Heaven Can Wait “reimagining.” So, first he will screw with Bill Paxton’s legacy, and then he will move on to Warren Beatty’s. I just sort of don’t like him.

Deadpool & Wolverine (July 26): And here it is, folks—the one movie on the list that really says, “Hey, I’m a summer movie!” and might have a chance at making a few billion dollars. Hugh Jackman returns to the role that made him Hugh Jackman, and Ryan Reynolds gets to crack wise and cuss a lot while wielding various swords. Mark your calendars, kids. Tailgate parties in the parking lot! Tailgate parties in the parking lot!

Cuckoo (Aug. 2): This is a weird-looking horror film that is already getting some positive buzz among critics and comes to us from NEON. Not enough is said about NEON films. A24 gets all the indie buzz, but NEON is usually a safe bet that it is going to be good.

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F

Harold and the Purple Crayon (Aug. 2): When I first saw this children’s book was being made into a movie, I had zero recollection of the book. Then I looked it up, recalled it, and remembered it was kind of badass, so maybe this will be fun. Zach Levi stars.

The Instigators (Aug. 2 in select theaters; Aug. 9 on Apple TV+): Matt Damon and Casey Affleck star as thieves on the run in a film directed by Doug Liman. Affleck is still trying to make a comeback after getting cancelled. Liman, who threw a hissy fit when his Road House remake went straight to streaming, follows up with another straightto-streaming release. OK, it has a one-week release in a few theaters before going to Apple TV+, but it’s basically his second streamer in a row. Let’s see if he gets all pissy during the press tour!

Trap (Aug. 9): M. Night Shama-lama-dingdong returns with an interesting-looking horror thriller that has a preview trailer that reveals way too much about the plot. Josh Hartnett, who has made a rather solid return to acting, stars. I used to hate Hartnett. I like him now. Who knew?

Borderlands (Aug. 9): Guardians of the Galaxy rip-off alert! Guardians of the Galaxy rip-off alert!

Alien: Romulus (Aug. 16): Originally set for a Hulu release like Prey, the surprisingly good Predator prequel, this new Alien movie is set after the events of Alien and before Aliens, and I have every reason in the world to be excited for it. So, there you go, that’s one more movie I’m sort of excited for this summer. I think that gets the count up to three or four.

The Crow (Aug. 23): You know the summer movie season is officially going tits up when you are sitting in a theater watching a remake of the movie that killed Brandon Lee, this time starring Pennywise.

Blink Twice (Aug. 23): Zoe Kravitz makes her directorial debut with this comedy/crime drama starring Channing Tatum, Kyle MacLachlan and Christian Slater (fresh off his role as a milkman in Jerry Seinfeld’s odd Pop-Tart movie). I am actually quite interested in seeing what Kravitz can do in the director’s chair.

Reagan (Aug. 30): Yep, a movie with Dennis Quaid as Ronald Reagan is considered a major summer release. The apocalypse is nigh. There’s also a movie called The Apprentice with Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump that just premiered at Cannes but doesn’t have an official release date yet. Release it as a doublefeature with this one!

No, wait! Don’t do that! That would probably incite a massive MAGA/ultra-conservative wank-o-rama at local theaters, and the poor kids working there already have enough to mop up after audiences exit. Seriously, folks, you’ll want to wear a raincoat to any screenings of that hypothetical double feature. There’s going to be a lot of conservative masturbatory collateral sailing over your head toward the screen. Cover that popcorn!

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (Sept. 6): A lot of folks might consider this a fall release, but technically, Sept. 6 is still during the summer, so I’m including it. Let’s end on a nice, optimistic note, shall we? The trailer for this came out while I was doing my final edit on this preview, and wow, this looks like worlds of fun—a major return to form for the oncegreat Tim Burton. Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara and, of course, Michael Keaton return, with new folks like Jenna Ortega, Willem Dafoe and Justin Theroux (his scream in the preview cracks me up) joining the afterlife shenanigans. This is the movie I am looking forward to the most in this article.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

This summer’s theater highlights include an array of musicals and an assortment of LGBTQ+-flavored stories and songs.

BYE BYE BIRDIE: This lively, all-ages musical from the always-on-its-toes Sierra School of Performing Arts tells the story of Conrad Birdie, a rock star who gets drafted into the Army and, as a publicity stunt, offers one last kiss to a fan on The Ed Sullivan Show. The show runs from Aug. 9-24 at the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch, 6000 Bartley Ranch Road, in Reno. Visit www. sierraschoolofperformingarts.org.

DONNA, MIA, AND SHANIA’S TOY CHEST ADVENTURE: Three drag queens—Donna, Mia and Shania—embark on a magical journey as they fall into a spectacular world within a toy chest and have to race against the clock to avoid becoming toys forever. This campy comedy, with plenty of music, dance and adventure, is rated PG. It takes place at 10 p.m., Friday, July 12, at TheatreWorks of Northern Nevada, 315 Spokane St., in Reno. Tickets are $5 for kids, $10 for seniors and $15 for adults. Visit artown.org.

GENDER BLENDER HIT SONG MANIA: A CABARET

REVIEW: Some of the male members of the Nevada Gay Men’s Chorus have been longing to belt out The Pointer Sisters’ “I’m So Excited” and Madonna’s “Material Girl,” and female soloists are into the idea of singing something more like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” The group has an entire evening of “gender-blender hit songs” planned at 7:30 p.m., Friday, June 14, at Reno Little Theater, 147 E. Pueblo St., in Reno. Tickets are $25-$45. Visit nevadagmc.org.

LGBTQIA+LATINX: A BILINGUAL PLAY: “Is Victor heterophobic?” “What does LGBTQIA+ mean?” Learn the answers to these questions and more in LGBTQIA+LatinX: a bilingual play, presented by Latino Arte and Culture, written by Mario DelaRosa and directed by Annamaria Cavallone, at 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8, at Reno Little Theater, 147 E. Pueblo St., in Reno. Tickets are $15-$25. Visit www. renolittletheater.org.

OUT OF STERNO: This coming-of-age comedy takes place in an Alice in Wonderland world, where it explores triumph, heartbreak and growing up while shouldering the contradictory pressures that society places on women. Out of Sterno is onstage at Restless Artists’ Theatre (now in its seventh year; three cheers for indy theater startups!), at 295 20th St., in Sparks, from July 12-22. Tickets are $10-$25. Visit rattheatre.com.

SHREK’D: It’s a musical parody of Shrek that comes complete with the mean fairytale lord and the chatty, lovable donkey you know. Shrek’d is onstage July 13-27 at TheatreWorks of Northen Nevada, 315 Spokane St., in Reno. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $13 for kids 12 and under. Visit twnn.org

SIDE SHOW: This musical is based on Daisy and Violet Hilton, real-life conjoined twins and popular performers, and their search for acceptance amid the spectacle of fame. (Vintage movie fans may remember them from Tod Browning’s twisted, horror-twinged 1932 Freaks.) Side Show originally opened on Broadway in 1997 and was revived on Broadway in 2014. It’s onstage from June 11-July 20 at Brüka Theatre, 99 N. Virginia St., in Reno. Tickets are $35, with discounts. Visit www.bruka.org.

SOMETHING ROTTEN!: Shakespeare comes to Midtown Reno this season—well, kind of. In this musical comedy set in 1590s London, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom eagerly try to write a hit play, but they’re stuck in the shadow of, you know, that darned medieval wunderkind playwright whose stuff we’re still watching in 2024. Are you guessing that scandal and hilarity might ensue? Indeed, they do. Something Rotten! is onstage June 28-July 27 at Good Luck Macbeth Theatre, 124 W. Taylor St., in Reno. Tickets are $28, with discounts. Visit www.goodluckmacbeth.org.

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL: SpongeBob SquarePants, the animated television megahit that’s still in production after 25 years, now has a stage-show spinoff, The Spongebob Musical. When Spongebob, Patrick and Sandy the squirrel try to save their undersea home, Bikini Bottom, from an impending volcano eruption, laughs are practically guaranteed. The soundtrack features music from Sara Bareilles, David Bowie, Panic! At the Disco, Cyndi Lauper, Steven Tyler and John Legend. The show runs from July 12-Aug. 11 at Reno Little Theater, 147 E. Pueblo St., in Reno. Tickets are $30, with discounts for students and seniors. Visit www. renolittletheater.org

VORTEX, THE BALLET THAT ROCKS: Every summer, A.V.A. Ballet Theatre presents a different version of its popular ballet-rock fusion show. This year, you can expect some alternative music and exciting props in the mix along with artistic director Alexander Van Alstyne’s choreography. The show takes place at the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch, 6000 Bartley Ranch Road, in Reno. Admission is free. Gates open at 7 p.m. so you can grab a picnic spot before the shows starts at 8:30 p.m., on Friday and Saturday, July 19 and 20. Visit www.avaballet.com

Donna, Mia, and Shania’s Toy Chest Adventure, featuring three drag queens who embark on a magical journey within a toy chest, will be performed Friday, July 12, at TheatreWorks of Northern Nevada.

As the summer months arrive, our community comes alive with children playing, dogs being walked, flying discs in the air and the aroma of barbecue. Our local parks and open spaces offer opportunities for all of these activities, along with walking, bike riding, swimming and picnicking.

But this is all not only for the sake of fun and games. Research from the National Recreation and Park Association finds that parks promote health by serving as an ideal venue for physical activity, helping to reduce obesity and the risk of numerous diseases. Additionally, parks can bolster social connections, improving mental health—and they help protect residents from the growing threat of climate change via their greenways.

Local parks offer a range of affordable and convenient ways to be outside, enjoy fresh air and improve your health, all while creating fun memories.

Here’s what’s new and notable in our region’s parks this summer.

Dive into new amenities in Reno

According to Danny Gleich, recreation manager for the city of Reno’s 87 parks and recreational facilities, the most noteworthy news in city parks is the planned August opening of the Moana Springs Community Aquatics and Fitness Center, at Moana and Baker lanes. This state-of-the-art, $52 million, 52,000-square-foot facility will feature three pools, a lazy river and a dedicated fitness center, adding much-needed capacity for swimming lessons, high school and club sports, and special programming for seniors and youth.

In another effort to promote physical activity in Reno, Brodhead Park and Damonte Ranch

Park each have a new fitness court for people 14 and older, of all abilities.

Many parks also have sports facilities like tennis courts, basketball courts and playing fields where you can get in a game. Youthfocused activities will also get a boost this year via a new $3 million playground at Teglia’s Paradise Park. This new area includes two play structures—one for children ages 2-5, and another for ages 5-12—along with an inclusive merry-go-round, zip lines and a ninja-style fitness course. The park also has new picnic tables, sidewalks and restroom facilities.

In an effort to improve access and utilization, the city has also created the Rolling Recreation Center, a trailer slated to visit each ward twice per month, offering yard games, basketball, football, table tennis, cornhole, glow-in-the-dark night games, telescopes, Nerf guns, Jenga, dodgeball, video games and other activities. It also offers a kids’ summer meal program in partnership with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. Gleich said that the intention is to engage community members who are underserved and/or without adequate transportation.

Learn more about the city of Reno Parks and Recreation Department’s facilities and offerings at www.reno.gov/government/ departments/parks-recreation-communityservices.

Try adaptive sports in Sparks

According to Emily Pate, of the Sparks Parks and Recreation Department, the 60-plus parks and recreation facilities in the city will include a full slate of activities, including sports leagues, camps, aquatics, arts and community classes. There’s a particular focus on seniors, kids and disabled or at-risk visitors.

Sparks in hosting the 19th annual Mark Wellman Adventure Day and Abilities Expo at the Sparks Marina Park on Sunday, June

The Sparks Marina Park, a perennial favorite gathering place for the community, also boasts repaired and refreshed pathways and play equipment.

Learn more at www.cityofsparks.us/ rec_home.

Recreate, listen or learn at a Washoe County park

The Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space department is also getting in on the summer fun. With more than 10,000 acres of open space, 49 parks, an arboretum, a trail network, athletic fields, golf courses and campgrounds, the county offers almost limitless opportunities to get active.

New amenities and programs for 2024 include fitness courts at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park and South Valleys Regional Park, and a Junior Ranger program hosted at several locations for youth in grades K-8.

2. This free event encourages people with disabilities, as well as their friends and families, to try hand-cycling, kayaking and rock-climbing using adaptive equipment. The event’s namesake, Mark Wellman, a two-time Paralympian and disability advocate, will be on hand to discuss his passion for the outdoors and assist participants with scaling a portable climbing wall.

Katie Koerner, recreation coordinator for the county, said there are other ways to engage besides physical activity. These include music programs at the Lazy 5 Regional Park and the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheatre, and Programs on the Porch talks on topics such as wild horses and historical figures at Bowers Mansion.

For more information, visit www. washoecounty.gov/parks.

Drake Dosch, 13, and Reenee Callaham, 10, test out the new playground equipment at Teglia's Paradise Park. Photo/David Robert

The snow atop the Sierra vanishes like the foam atop an idle beer. Paddleboards replace skis in cars racks, and outdoor furniture is stripped of its covers. With the sun comes a thirst for adventure and a thirst for beer.

Fortunately, it is still light out at 8 p.m., which leaves plenty of time for both.

Many great outdoor drinking spots exist in areas just outside of Reno (Blairsden and Truckee, Calif. and Victorian Avenue in Sparks come to mind), but due to limited space, we’ll focus on four favorites within Reno city limits.

A nearby oasis

Brewer’s Cabinet Production Facility

8565 White Fir St., Reno Thebrewerscabinet.com/brewery

The Brewer’s Cabinet Production Facility— close to Mayberry Park, a West Reno launching pad for river floats and hikes on the Tom Cooke Trail—produces beer to be distributed and enjoyed at its downtown pub and taproom, along with other establishments.

On a recent visit, six beers were on draft at this family-friendly facility—four flagship beers and two seasonals. (Visit thebrewerscabinet.com/beer for tap updates.) On colder days, I am a fan of the malty Dirty Wookie Imperial Brown Ale. On warmer days, I prefer the hoppy, floral Dragon Punch IPA. Bartenders pour drafts inside, but much of the action on a nice day is outside the garage door, where wooden tables sit under misters strung like vines along shipping containers. The smell of sunscreen combines with the smell of quesabirria tacos from a food truck onsite. The jangle from a railroad crossing echoes distantly as the horn from a train fades in between abrupt thuds from a cornhole bean bag. When the noise dies down, there’s peace, solitude and a full beer.

For some, the facility is merely a pit stop before heading back to wherever on their bicycles. For others, it’s a destination—one that provides a mental break on the outskirts of town.

A warm, Irish welcome near downtown Ceol Irish Pub

410 California Ave., Reno Ceolirishpub.com

Ceol, the eminently welcoming Irish bar, has two patios where you can sip an adult beverage—this one in front, and another in the back. Photo/David Robert

Drinking outdoors at an Irish pub might seem questionable, considering what the interior can provide—sanctuary, song and sarcasm—but surely even the Guinness toucan likes to be outside every now and again.

The staff can transform the parking lot and alleyway into a massive party on St. Patrick’s Day, but during the rest of the year, the establishment operates as a neighborhood pub. The front and back garage doors are open on warmer days, making the patio spaces feel like natural extensions of the bar. Three circular tables occupy the front patio, and there are four out back. Music, sometimes live, drifts outside. In the back, string lights hang on metal bars shoved in casks; in the front, Kelly green lights frame the entrance. Sit in the back for solitude, or sit in the front to risk or welcome conversation.

Twelve beers are on tap: Five traditional Irish beers, with the rest a variety of the American stuff. My tendency is to start with what owner Ron McCarty calls “The Shifter,” a beer that is mostly Smithwick’s Red Ale topped with a rotating, local IPA. The service is dedicated; the server places the beer atop a coaster, makes eye contact and nods or smiles upon departure. He or she also dictates the pace as books are read and beer is sipped. I suspect that no one has ever left Ceol feeling like an outsider.

A container bar where it’s always game day

The Eddy 16 S. Sierra St., Reno Theeddyreno.com

In the film Hot Tub Time Machine, John Cusack and his friends see younger versions

Sometimes I find myself on the outskirts like a dad at a beer tent at Coachella, and the distance offers a detached perspective. I notice college students, blue-collar workers and professionals intermingling in an alternative, outdoor drinking space—a good place to call in sick to work or school.

A ballpark brew selection that hits all the bases

Greater Nevada Field

250 Evans Ave., Reno Milb.com/reno/team/club-information

A friend of mine living in Chicago once told me, “You don’t go to Sox games for the baseball—you go for the beer.” Well, fortunately, we can enjoy both at Greater Nevada Field.

of themselves in the mirror. Even when they can, and should, leave, they do not. That is the feeling I get when I am at The Eddy. Three shipping containers fortify this beer garden. Inside each one is a bar that serves eight distinct draft beers and myriad canned beer. The space is a concrete sandbox, and like any functioning sandbox, it contains toys aplenty. People play cornhole and outdoor bocce ball near the entrance while a giant Connect 4 game stands next to a life-sized 3-D pin-art toy. Shaded booths with metal fans and hanging hammock chairs exist along the eastern wall. On a warm May afternoon, out among the high tops and tables, the skin of a man built like a lineman turned the color of pinot noir, and a dog cooled its belly on the fake grass.

Consider the ticket fee to be like a cover at a club, but instead of doing a lap around the bar, spectators can do a lap around the field. Sure, “tall boys” can be purchased more expeditiously from the vendors along the first and third base lines, but head farther to right field, and microbrews await. Lighter, refreshing beer and citrusy IPAs are abundant. Sadly, local breweries are largely absent from the menu, but keep your fingers crossed for potential tap takeovers in the future.

With a beer in tow, the grass berm above the bullpens in the outfields offers ample, relaxed seating for an inning or two. Bartenders pour $2 draft beers on Thursday nights. On other nights, for a few bucks more, they sling ’em all the same. The walkway under the scoreboard linking center field to left is bereft of bars—a quiet place to heckle an outfielder or meditate on the fact that in 2028, if everything goes according to plan, the Las Vegas A’s will be playing baseball indoors.

Cheers to baseball—and drinking beer outdoors in Reno.

While we often get a few false starts, summer eventually makes its grand entrance in Northern Nevada. And when the season starts heating up, the Reno-Tahoe region offers plenty of special events, festivals and outdoor gatherings to make the most of this brief period when the days are sweltering, but the nights are blissfully balmy.

Pack a hat, a water bottle and sunblock, and get out of your air-conditioned abode this summer. Here’s a roundup of upcoming events to help you plan the next three months.

AROUND

THE WORLD IN A DAY

MUSIC

FESTIVAL: Take a tour across the globe through music, art, dance and more. The festival starts at 3 p.m., Saturday, June 15, at The Bird, 555 E. Fourth St. Tickets are $10$20. Visit www.thebirdreno.com.

ARTOWN: The citywide arts festival features concerts, theatrical performances, art shows, children’s arts programs and many other free and ticketed events throughout the month of July. Artown’s opening day festivities start at 5:30 p.m., Monday, July 1, with its Discover the Arts program featuring performances by the Little Swan Dancers, Bollywood dance troupe White Light Productions, Reno Taiko Tsurunokai and an original song by foster youth and a special guest. The entertainment continues at 7:30 p.m. with the folk rock/ Americana ensemble Scythian. The kickoff event takes place at Wingfield Park, 2 S. Arlington Ave. Indie folk pop band Y La Bamba closes the festival with a concert at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 31, at Wingfield Park. Admission is free. Call 775-322-1538, or visit artown.org.

AMERICAN CENTURY CELEBRITY

GOLF TOURNAMENT: More than 80 sports stars and Hollywood entertainers will participate in the 35th annual celebrity golf tournament. The event, which also raises funds for local and national charities, distributes a purse of $600,000—with $125,000 going to the winner. The tourney gets under way with practice rounds on Wednesday and Thursday, July 10 and 11, followed by competitive play on Friday-Sunday, July 12-14, at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, 180 Lake Parkway, in Stateline. Tickets for Wednesday’s practice round and Thursday’s Celebrity-Amateur are $40 each day, with tournament rounds on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at $50 daily. A pass for all five days is $150. Kids age 10 and younger get in free with a paying adult. Visit americancenturychampionship.com.

BASS CAMP FESTIVAL: The electronic dance music festival returns to downtown Reno with more than 70 acts on three stages,

including headliners Gigantic Nightmare on Saturday, July 27, and Zeds Dead on Sunday, July 28. Other performers scheduled to appear are Bear Grillz, Herobust, Joyryde, Kill Safari, San Holo, Wax Motif and What So Not. The all-day/all-ages dance party opens at 2 p.m. at Wingfield Park, 2 S. Arlington Ave. Tickets are $129-$399. Visit basscampfest.com.

BBQ, BREWS & BLUES: The 27th annual barbecue and beer festival features a variety of mouth-watering fare, including St. Louis-style

barbecue ribs, smoked beef brisket and pulled pork and all the fixin’s, as well as a wide selection of brews and beverages from more than 50 microbreweries. There will also be arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, and rock and blues acts performing throughout the day. The street party is open 3-11 p.m., Friday, June 14; and noon to 10 p.m., Saturday, June 15, outside the ROW properties on North Virginia Street in downtown Reno. Admission is free. Ticket price for the Tap Tent, which includes an all-you-can-eat buffet and unlimited beer or beverages, is $145. Beer tasting packages are $35.50-$40.50. Visit www.caesars.com/therow-reno/events/bbqbrews-and-blues-festival.

BEST IN THE WEST

NUGGET RIB COOKOFF: More than 20 barbecue cooks compete for cash prizes and bragging rights to have the “Best Ribs in the West.” Visitors can sample a wide variety of ribs and other barbecued delights for sale, and browse through arts and crafts vendor tents, play in the kids’ area and enjoy live music and entertainment on two stages, including main stage headliners Ying Yang Twins, Thompson Square, Uncle Cracker, Foghat, Eddie Montgomery and The Legendary Wailers. The end-ofsummer bash kicks off on Wednesday, Aug. 28, and runs through Labor Day weekend at Victorian Square, along Victorian Avenue between 14th Street

and Pyramid Way, in Sparks. Festival hours are 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, Aug. 28-Sept. 1; and 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Sept. 2, when the winners will be announced. Festival admission is free. Visit nuggetribcookoff.com.

BIGGEST LITTLE WING FEST: Cooks will prepare more than 20,000 pounds of chicken wings to be devoured and judged as they compete for cash prizes and first-place honors during the 10th annual cook-off. The weekend festival features free concerts, a craft fair and family-friendly activities. The festival takes place in downtown Reno from 1-10 p.m., Friday, July 26; and from noon to 10 p.m., Saturday, July 27, along North Virginia Street between Second and Sixth streets. Festival admission is free. Visit www.caesars.com/ the-row-reno/events/wing-fest.

BOWERS BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL: The Northern Nevada Bluegrass Association present its 38th annual gathering in Washoe Valley. The three-day festival includes camping, kids’ activities, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, a country supper on Friday night and a contra dance on Saturday night. Entertainment includes performances by headliners The Appalachian Roadshow and A.J. Lee & Blue Summit, along with Broken Compass Bluegrass, SLO County Stumblers, The High Water Line and Salty Sally and other bluegrass, Western swing, folk and old-time music acts. The festival hours are 4-8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 23; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 25, at Bowers Mansion Regional Park, 4005 Bowers Mansion Road, in New Washoe City. Early bird passes are $100-$140. Visit www. nnba.org/bowersbluegrassfstival.

BREWS, JAZZ & FUNK FEST: Enjoy a variety of beers for sale from local and regional breweries, including FiftyFifty Brewing Co., Alibi Ale Works and Truckee Brewing Co. Funk bands Galactic and Object Heavy will perform on the main stage in the Events Plaza. Mescalito will play on the Brews Stage. Proceeds from the event benefit the

Luz Elena Mendoza Ramos is the lead vocalist and producer of Y La Bamba, the eclectic, indie group from Portland, Ore., that will close Artown with a Wednesday, July 31, performance in Wingfield Park.

Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe. Festival hours are 3-10 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 17, at The Village at Palisades Tahoe, 1750 Village East Road, Olympic Valley, Calif. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 day of show. Admission is free for kids age 12 and younger. Visit www. palisadestahoe.com.

BRICK FEST LIVE: The LEGO-themed attraction features life-size models made from tens of thousands of bricks. Participants can build their own derby car out of bricks and race in 35-foot tracks, make fun creations out of glow-in-the-dark bricks that shine under black light, assemble mosaic art and more. The family-friendly event takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, July 27; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, July 28, at the RenoSparks Convention Center, 4590 S. Virginia St. Tickets are $19.99-$39.99. Visit www. brickfestlive.com.

BURNING MAN: The temporary city dedicated to “community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance” returns to the Black Rock Desert. This year’s theme is “Curiouser and Curiouser,” which “celebrates puzzles without answers, embraces the irrational and the absurd and invites the unknown over for tea.” The end-of-summer gathering starts on Sunday, Aug. 25, and runs through Monday, Sept. 2. Tickets are $575. Visit burningman.org.

CAPITAL CITY BREWFEST: The annual beer festival and fundraiser for Rotary Club of Carson City features more than two dozen brewers and food trucks along Curry Street, as well as live music on the Bob McFadden Plaza stage. The event starts at 3 p.m., Saturday, June 22, at Curry Street and Bob McFadden Plaza in downtown Carson City. Beer tasting tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Visit capitalcitybrewfest.com.

CELTIC NIGHT: Nevada Society of Scottish Clans and the Sons & Daughters of Erin will gather for the second annual celebration of Celtic culture and heritage as part of this year’s Artown festival. Attendees can enjoy an evening of music, dance and more, including performances by Sierra Highland Pipers, Plastic Paddy, Sierra Silverstrings, Battleborn Highland Dancers, Karrie O’Neill and Kat MacMartin, followed by headliner One Eyed Reilly. The party starts at 5 p.m., Wednesday, July 24, at the Reno Public Market, 299 E. Plumb Lane. Admission is free. Call 775-9933220, or visit www.renopublicmarket.com.

CLASSICAL TAHOE: The music festival features four weeks of outdoor orchestra, jazz, chamber music and family concerts in Incline Village. The Brubeck Jazz Summit kicks off the event from July 7-12, followed by performances by the Classical Tahoe Festival Orchestra from July 19-Aug. 3, and the Chamber Music at Classical Tahoe series from July 21-Aug. 4. The festival also offers the Family Concert and Music Maker Faire on Sunday, July 28, and the Classical Tahoe Summer Gala on Thursday, Aug. 15. Most of the concerts take place at the Classical Tahoe Ricardi Pavilion on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno, at Lake Tahoe, 291 Country Club Drive, in Incline Village. Tickets are $5-$200. Call 775-298-0245, or visit classicaltahoe.org.

DANCING IN THE STREETS: Various outdoor venues in Midtown will feature backto-back live-music performances including funk fusion, Latino, folk rock, country, EDM/ dance, pop and Motown. There will be street performers, flash mobs, dance lessons, food trucks and more. The free street party starts at 4 p.m., Saturday, July 13, in Midtown. Visit www.renomidtown.com/dancinginthestreets.

Bass Camp, the electronic dance music festival, returns to Wingfield Park Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 27 and 28, with more than 70 acts on three stages.

FALLON CANTALOUPE FESTIVAL & COUNTRY FAIR: The annual festival celebrates Fallon’s agricultural past and present, showcases local talent and promotes Nevada businesses, as well as agricultural education. Attendees can enjoy fair exhibits, carnival rides, contests, rodeo, farmers’ market, kids’ activities, vendors, live music and more. The fair is open from 1 p.m. to midnight, Friday, Aug. 23; 9 a.m. to midnight, Saturday, Aug. 24; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 25, at the Churchill County Fairgrounds, 325 Sheckler Road, Fallon. Tickets prices are to be announced. Call 775-866-8474, or visit www. falloncantaloupefestival.com.

FATHER’S DAY POWWOW: Learn about Northern Nevada’s Native American tribes and the stories of those who attended the Stewart Indian School at the annual Father’s Day Weekend Powwow, which features arts and crafts, food vendors and hundreds of costumed dancers accompanied by traditional drummers. Grand entry performances start at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 14; 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 15; and noon on Sunday, June 16, at 5500 Snyder Ave., Carson City. The Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum, 1 Jacobsen Way, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Call 775687-7608, or visit stewartindianschool.com.

FEED THE CAMEL: Enjoy an after-work meal under the canopy of shady trees during the summertime food truck event. The midweek gathering takes place from 5-8:30 p.m., Wednesdays, June 5-Sept. 4, outside of the McKinley Arts & Culture Center, 925 Riverside Drive. Visit www.facebook.com/ feedthecamel.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS: Celebrate the start of the weekend with dinner and music in the park during the annual food truck event series, which features more than 50 rotating food, dessert and drink vendors. Bring a blanket or chair, and relax on the grass while enjoying live music. Kids can also burn off some energy in the playground or take a ride on the train around the park. Hours are 4-9 p.m., Fridays, June 7-Aug. 30, at Idlewild Park, 1900 Idlewild Drive. Call 775-825-2665, or visit www.facebook.com/RenoStreetFood.

GAMBLER’S RUN FESTIVAL: Enjoy three days of music, gambling, arts and crafts, local vendors and more. Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and The Motet kick off the festival on Friday, July 26, followed by Jackie Greene with special guest Karl Denson, The Main Squeeze, The Mother Hips, Assembly of Dust and Blü Egyptian on Saturday, July 27. The Wood Brothers, Donavon Frankenreiter, Rayland Baxter, Clay Street Unit and Coburn Station close out the event on Sunday, July 28. Gates open at 10 a.m. at the Crystal Bay Casino, 14

Highway 28, in Crystal Bay. Single-day passes are $45-$64; a three-day pass is $145. Visit www.crystalbaycasino.com/gamblers-runmusic-festival.

HIGH DESERT REGGAE FESTIVAL:

The inaugural music festival features performances by Iration, Common King, Iam Tongi, The Expendables and Artikal Sound System. Gates open at 4 p.m., Saturday, June 8, at the Nugget Event Center, 1040 Victorian Ave., in downtown Sparks. General admission pass is $100; VIP pass is $170. Visit www. highdesertreggaefest.com.

HIGH SIERRA MUSIC FESTIVAL:

The 32nd annual festival features a mix of national and international acts across multiple genres, including bluegrass, roots rock, folk, jazz, country and blues. This year’s lineup features Primus, Ziggy Marley, Greensky Bluegrass with special guest Holly Bowling, Remain in Light featuring Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew from the Talking Heads, The Allman Betts Band, Larkin Poe, The California Honeydrops, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives and many others. Attendees can camp; participate in playshops, yoga sessions or kids’ activities; and shop a variety of arts and crafts and food vendors during the event. The festival runs Thursday, July 4, through Sunday, July 7, at Plumas Sierra County Fairgrounds, 204 Fairground Road, in Quincy, Calif. Festival passes are $30-$365.50, with separate vehicle and RV passes ranging from $45-$175.50. Late night shows are $29.50. Visit www.highsierramusic.com.

HOT AUGUST NIGHTS: The 37th annual celebration of classic cars and rock ’n’ roll starts off in Virginia City with the official kick-off event on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 2 and 3. The weekend party features free live music, cruises and a show ’n’ shine along C Street. The festivities continue Aug. 4-11 with classic car displays, nightly cruises, drag races, show ’n’ shine competitions, a swap meet, the MAG Auctions car auction, live music and more at various locations in Reno and Sparks. Admission is free to most events. Call 775-356-1956, or visit hotaugustnights.net.

LAKE TAHOE CONCOURS

D’ELEGANCE: The showcase features some the world’s most well-preserved and restored wooden boats, and celebrates Lake Tahoe’s connection to the vintage watercraft. This year’s theme is “50 Years of Excellence,” featuring past overall best-inshow winners. Tickets are $45 for a one-day pass; $60 for a two-day pass; and $60-$250 for upgrades. Admission is free for kids age 12 and younger. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 9; and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10, at Obexer's Boat Company, 5300 W. Lake Blvd., in Homewood. Visit laketahoeconcours.com.

LAKE TAHOE IS FOR LOVERS

FESTIVAL: Emo/alternative rock band Hawthorne Heights brings its “Is For Lovers Festival” to Lake Tahoe with a lineup featuring The All-American Rejects, Movements, The Starting Line, Finch, Armor for Sleep, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and Free Throw. Gates open at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, June 22, at the Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino, 18 Highway 50, in Stateline. General admission tickets are $69.50. Visit www. isforloversfestival.com/lake-tahoe-2024.

LAKE TAHOE REGGAE FESTIVAL: The seventh annual festival kicks off Saturday, Aug. 3, with performances by Shaggy, Atmosphere, Collie Buddz, Protoje, Jesse Royal, Eli-Mac and Arden Park Roots. The music continues on Sunday, Aug. 4, when Rebelution, Cypress Hill, Tribal Seeds, Mike Love, Aurorawave and Lizano hit the stage. Gates open at 11:30 a.m. at The Village at Palisades Tahoe, 1750 Village East Road, in Olympic Valley. General admission passes are $113-$244; passes for kids age 4-10 are $93$179. Visit www.palisadestahoe.com/eventsand-activities/events-calendar/reggae-fest

LAKE TAHOE SHAKESPEARE

FESTIVAL: The festival returns for its 52nd season with mainstage productions of William Shakespeare’s comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor and Ted Swindley’s musical celebration of a country legend Always … Patsy Cline. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. on alternating days Tuesday through Sunday, June 28-Aug. 25. Tickets are $17-$75 for gallery seating and $105-$460 for premium seats or table seating. The Showcase Series, featuring classical, jazz and rock concerts, as well as a ballet performance, starts at 7:30 p.m. on most Mondays and select Tuesdays, July 1-Aug. 26. Tickets range from $32-$190. A Nevada State Parks Entrance Pass ($10-$15) is required to gain access to and park at Sand Harbor. All performances take place on the William Edward Trepp Stage, Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe NV State Park, 2005 Highway 28, in Incline Village. Call 800-747-4697, or visit laketahoeshakespeare.com.

MOVIES IN THE PARK:

The Cordillera International Film Festival, in partnership with Bill Pearce Motors, presents the 29th annual film series as part of Artown. The Friday-night event kicks off with showings of Die Hard on July 5, followed by Ghostbusters on July

Hot August Nights, the 37th annual celebration of classic cars and rock ’n’ roll, returns to Virginia City, Sparks and Reno from Friday, Aug. 2, through Sunday, Aug. 11.

The annual Father’s Day Weekend Powwow takes place at the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center and Museum in Carson City Friday-Sunday, June 14-16.

12, and A Goofy Movie with special guest Bill Farmer on July 19. The series closes on July 27 with Summer Shorts, featuring a collection of short films from around the world, as well as a Q&A session with the filmmakers. Film showings start at 9 p.m. at Wingfield Park, 2 N. Arlington Ave. Admission is free. Call 775-476-2793, or visit www.ciffnv.org/moviesin-the-park.

THE MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS:

Experience the magic of some of cinema’s most-celebrated film scores as the Reno Philharmonic presents this musical tribute to composer John Williams. Performances are at 1 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St. Tickets are $42-$152. Call 775323-6393, or visit renophil.com.

NEVADA STATE FAIR: Dating back to 1874, Nevada’s state fair features thrill rides and games, food vendors and plenty of carnival fare, including cotton candy, funnel cakes and other treats, contests, activities, live music and other entertainment. The events kick off on Thursday, June 13, and runs through Sunday, June 16, at Mills Park, 1111 E. William St., Carson City. Fair hours are 2-10 p.m. on June 13, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on June 14-16. Fair admission is free. There is free parking at Mills Park and Carson High School, 1111 N. Saliman Road. Call 775-400-1102, or visit nevadastatefair.org.

NIGHT IN THE COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL: The 23rd annual festival features camping, contests and tournaments, and three days and nights of live performances by national, regional and local country music artists. Headlining acts include Randy Houser and Neal McCoy on Thursday, July 25; Riley Green, Chase Rice, Travis Denning and Erin Kinsey on Friday, July 26; Bailey Zimmerman, Corey Kent, Ned LeDoux and Ella Langley on Saturday, July 27. The event takes place at The Grange, 100 Highway 95A, in Yerington. Oneday festival passes are $100-$125; a three-day pass is $200. Visit nightinthecountrynv.org.

NORTHERN NEVADA INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL: There will be dragon boat teams racing across the marina, as well as vendors and exhibitors in the Health and Wellness Village, a food truck bazaar and more. The event takes place on Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Sparks Marina, 300 Howard St., in Sparks. Festival admission is free. Visit mldb. gwnevents.com/nevada.

OFF THE RAILS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: OffBeat Music Festival, in collaboration with The Holland Project and the city of Reno, presents its concert series taking place on the third Thursday of the

month through September. The series kicks off with the ’70s AM radio-style rock sounds of Subtle Lovers on June 20, followed by worldfolk fusion duo Tim Snider and Wolfgang Timber on July 18, folk rock/Americana band Jeff Crosby Band on Aug. 15, and the psychedelic cumbia punk group Tropa Magica on Sept. 19. The free shows start at 5:30 p.m. at Locomotion Plaza/Downtown Reno ReTrac Plaza, 300 N. Virginia St. Visit www. offbeatreno.com.

PALM TREE FESTIVAL: The electronic dance-music festival brings its tropical vibes to the shores of Lake Tahoe. The lineup includes GRYFFIN, Disco Lines, DRAMA and Vandelux. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., Friday, July 12, at the Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino, 18 Highway 50, in Stateline. General admission tickets are $89.50. Visit www. palmtreemusicfestival.com/festival/laketahoe.

PUNK ROCK PRIDE: Reno Punk Rock Flea Market presents this all-ages event showcasing queer artists, musicians, performers and vendors. There will be a drag performance; music by Heterophobia, Slutzville, Middle Aged Queers, Woundlicker, Pilot Technonomicon and FLCOY; tarot readings; a possum pile clothing exchange; mutual aid groups, and more. The festivities last from 2-8 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, at The Potentialist Workshop, 836 E. Second St. General admission tickets are $10 in advance and $15 day of show. Visit www.rprfm.org or www. facebook.com/rprfm.

RAGECON: Play your favorite board games, card games, dice games, miniature games and role-playing games during the threeday tabletop gaming convention. The expo is open to all ages and features exhibitors, tournaments, special guests and more. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 11:45 p.m., Friday, June 28; 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m., Saturday,

June 29; and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday, June 30, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S. Virginia St. After Dark gaming starts at midnight on Friday and Saturday in the Atlantis Casino Resort’s Treasure Ballrooms, 3800 S. Virginia St. Admission badges are $40$160. Visit www.ragecon.com.

RAINBOW RUN, ROCK & ROLL: Part of Truckee’s first pride week, the inaugural festival includes a 5K fun run/walk, a shortened course for those on wheels, live musical performances, local art vendors, community booths, food trucks and more. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, June 9, at Truckee River Regional Park, 10050 Brockway Road, in Truckee. Festival admission is free; $15-$30 to participate in the run. Visit www.tahoeexpeditionacademy.org/ rrrr/race-registration.

RENO BASQUE FESTIVAL: The annual celebration of Basque culture and heritage features traditional music, improvisational poetry in the Basque language Euskera, folk dances, weightlifting and wood-chopping exhibitions, a weight-carrying competition and a children’s bota-drinking event. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Admission is free. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, July 20, at McKinley Arts & Culture Center, 925 Riverside Drive. Call 775-762-3577, or visit renobasqueclub.org.

RENO DANCE FESTIVAL: Sierra Arts Foundation presents the third annual event offering dance workshops; a live performance featuring work by local choreographers and showcasing more than 50 dancers; and an after party with DJs and dancing. The event runs from noon to midnight on Saturday, June 1, at J Resort’s Glow Plaza, 670 W. Fourth St. $15 per workshop, $10-$30 for performance and after party. Call 775-329-2787, or visit sierraarts.org.

RENO RIVER FESTIVAL: The 20th annual celebration of outdoor adventure and fun on the Truckee River features 24 live musical acts on two stages including headliners The Ataris and Canaan Smith, food and drink, local craft beer, a vendor village, Yoga in the Park, the Reno River Roll, the RRF Cornhole Championship and the Great Reno River Rally. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, June 7, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, June 8; and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, June 9, at Wingfield Park, 2 S. Arlington Ave. A three-day festival pass is $10; admission is free for kids age 17 and younger. Entry fees range $15-$70 for rally, tours and other festival events. Call 775851-4444, or visit renoriverfestival.com.

RENO RODEO: Dubbed the “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West,” the 105th annual event includes a cattle drive, competitions, kids’ rodeo, carnival rides and more from Thursday, June 20, through Saturday, June 29. Tickets range from $12 to $29. Russell Dickerson will headline the K-Bull 98.1 Reno Rodeo Kickoff Concert on Wednesday, June 19. Tickets are $55 in advance and $65 on the day of the show. The rodeo takes place at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, 1350 N. Wells Ave. Call 775-329-3877, or visit renorodeo.com.

RENO TAHOE ODYSSEY: The RenoTahoe Odyssey Relay Run Adventure (RTO) is a relay from Reno to Lake Tahoe and back to Reno, making a 178-mile loop around the Reno-Tahoe region. The relay starts on Friday, May 31, at Wingfield Park along the Truckee River in downtown Reno, and passes through Truckee, Tahoe City, South Lake Tahoe, Genoa, Carson City and Virginia City before returning to Reno and finishing at Idlewild Park on Saturday, June 1. The course is divided into 36 legs or segments, with each leg averaging about 5 miles. Visit renotahoeodyssey.com.

RENO WATER LANTERN FESTIVAL: Create a peaceful, memorable experience through the act of releasing lanterns. The event starts at 5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Sparks Marina, 300 Howard St., in Sparks. Tickets are $14-$32. Admission is free for kids ages 7 and younger. Visit www. waterlanternfestival.com/reno.php.

ROLLIN’ RENO: Enjoy roller skating, food, drinks, dessert and music. The event starts at 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 4, at Locomotion Plaza/Downtown Reno ReTrac Plaza, 300 N. Virginia St. Entry is $5 (cash only) for skate rental and free if you bring your own skates. Visit downtownreno.org/event/ rollin-reno-locomotion-plaza.

The Merry Wives of Windsor is among the mainstage productions at the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, taking place June 28-Aug. 25.

SIERRA NEVADA LAVENDER AND HONEY FESTIVAL: The seventh annual event celebrates all things lavender and honey. There will be demonstrations and educational exhibits by lavender growers and beekeepers, arts and crafts booths, food made with lavender and honey, live music and more from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, July 14, at Idlewild Park, 1900 Idlewild Drive. Admission is free. No pets, except service dogs, will be allowed on the festival grounds. Call 775-250-1339, or visit www.lavenderandhoneyfest.com.

SILVER AGE COMIC CON: The popculture and comic convention is a familyfriendly event that celebrates comic books, movies, fantasy and sci-fai, superheroes, collectibles and more. Special guests scheduled to appear include Brian O’Halloran, Marilyn Ghigliotti, Paul T. Taylor, Gigi Edgley, Bob Carter, Christina Kelly and Luis Rivera, among other actors, authors and artists. The event is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, July 13 and 14, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S. Virginia St. Tickets are $10-$15 and $25 for a two-day pass. Visit www.silveragecomiccon.com.

SPARKS FOLK FESTIVAL: 39 North Downtown presents its inaugural cultural festival featuring live entertainment on several stages, art, crafts, specialty food, train rides and more. The festivities take place 4-9 p.m., Friday, July 12; and 1-9 p.m., Saturday, July 13, along Victorian Square in downtown Sparks. Admission is free. Visit www. facebook.com/39NorthDowntown or contact angela@39northdowntown.com.

Lake Tahoe for its 28th anniversary celebration. Experience an Elizabethanera faire where visitors can interact with 800 costumed actors. Enjoy action-packed shows, music, dancing, jesters, Shakespearean vignettes, choreographed battles and more. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 25, at Tahoe Valley Campground, 1175 Melba Drive, in South Lake Tahoe. Tickets are $20 for adults; $17 for seniors and military; and $12 for kids age 6-12. Admission is free for kids age 5 and younger. Visit www.valhallafaire. com or www.facebook.com/ valhallafaire.

June 28, 29 @ 7:30pm July 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 @ 7:30pm July 7, 14, 21 @ 2pm

“Fuego”: Salsa and Latin Jazz Featuring Edgardo Cambon and Friends

July 20, 2024 at 7:30 PM Wingfield Park Downtown Reno

July 22, 2024 at 7:30 PM Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe State Park

Tickets at renojazzorchestra.org

Camille Thurman On Stage with the Reno Jazz Orchestra

August 25, 2024 at 4:00 PM Nightingale Concert Hall University of Nevada, Reno

August 26, 2024 at 7:30PM Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe State Park

Tickets at renojazzorchestra.org

The Reno Rodeo, now in its 105th year, will take place at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center June 20-29.

by John O’Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick Music by Karey Kirkpatrick and Wayne Kirkpatrick Directed by Bill Ware, Musical Direction by Branden McKinnen, Vocal Direction by Brenda Johns

TWO SHOWS!

TWO SHOWS!

Body language

Across mediums and decades, Candace Garlock holds a mirror to the symbolism of the human body

Candace Garlock’s studio in Sparks is full to the brim with artwork executed in a wide variety of styles—ceramic birds standing on doll legs; prints on irregularly cut paper that dangle and curl from the ceiling like sheafs of seaweed; larger-than-life photographs of male nudes.

“I guess I like taboos,” she said of the third category. She’s not the sort of person who enjoys rubbing people’s noses in things just to get a reaction. Rather, when her interests and experiences steer her toward taboo areas, she pushes forward, undeterred.

That said, “taboo-busting” won’t likely be the first phrase that comes to mind regarding her recent show at Sierra Arts, Bird Chatter: The Rise of the Fashionistas, which was slated to close June 1. This is where some of the ceramic birds with doll legs are roosting. The birds are rendered with cartoonish extravagance, gog-

gle-eyed and bright-plumaged, often spackled with dots or ceramic details, as if they were magnetized to attract simpatico bric-a-brac.

The bird sculptures are displayed alongside linoleum-cut prints that integrate them into landscapes. Garlock hops from one medium to the next. The habit partly stems from her background as an art professor at Truckee Meadows Community College, where she has to cover a lot of bases, running classes in printmaking, ceramics, digital photography and painting.

Moving through media is also a way of modulating her art practice through the constraints of multiple sclerosis, which she was diagnosed with in 2011. Painting and drawing became more cumbersome for her—a matter of translating signals from the eye, through the brain, to the hand—a chain that is interrupted by the MS lesions in the brain and spinal cord. Those

modes of artmaking became extremely fatiguing for her, and working in clay provided something of a reprieve.

Charged territory

On the heels of the Fashionistas, Garlock is also preparing another exhibition, Grid-Body-Place, which will take place at the Lilley Museum at the University of Nevada, Reno, this summer, opening on June 25. This one will veer more frontally into taboo subjects, directly addressing the human body, with all its complications of desire and function.

Her photos of male nudes will appear in this show, forcefully organized onto a grid. The grid concept came from Garlock’s mentor, the late Jim McCormick, who taught at UNR when she was an undergraduate art student in the early ’90s. McCormick used grids to

BY CHRIS LANIER

Ceramic and print works in progress inside Garlock’s studio in Sparks.

Photo/Chris Lanier

reference cartography, map-making and the human impulse to understand and control the environment.

Garlock decided to apply this process to the human figure—“mapping” out the body, with all its analogies of analysis and jurisdiction. For her subject back then, she used her first husband.

“He was always naked,” Garlock explained. “He didn’t care. There was no modesty. I grew up in a household that was very strict. We did not show our body. I was just playing, and I said, ‘Well, I’m going to do this assignment with his body,’ because he was just laying there, laying down.” So she opened up her tripod and got to work.

It is fairly rare for women photographers to train their lenses on the male nude. Garlock realized this could be a fertile, novel avenue of exploration and embarked on a series of largescale photo works.

She began working with fellow graduate students at Boise State University, and then was able to complete her degree remotely in Reno, where she worked with local models, setting up in whatever spaces were available—her home, her bedroom, wherever they could set up lights. It became evident she was moving in very charged territory. She had a show of the work at Whitman College in Washington, and after her artist talk, she learned that there had been complaints: She had said the word “penis” too many times. She was at a loss. “That’s the correct word, right?”

Adapting to MS

Her explorations in photographing the male nude were cut short by the escalation of her MS, which gave her debilitating attacks. She gravitated toward work that was explicitly recuperative.

One of the features of MS is that it erodes memory. Garlock’s neurologist, Melissa Bloch, suggested she keep an art journal. Her practice of keeping sketchbooks evolved into something more expressive and diaristic—colorful pages full of collage, drawing and painting. (Some will be on display at the Lilley.) She began a practice that became a body of work called “Daily Nodes,” also to be included at the Lilley—sketches, often of her unfinished sculptures, accompanied by notes on what she was doing or thinking about. Partly this was a way to retrain herself in drawing, through the cognitive fog of multiple sclerosis; partly it was a way of fixing memories that the brain lesions would otherwise steal. Many of the drawings show connection points and forms branching— as though Garlock were documenting a process

that was being eroded, at the microscopic level, in her own body.

Artfully mixed metaphors

Garlock is also creating new material for the Lilley show. In a body of work she’s calling “Grilles” (calling up the grid as a protective barrier, like the grille of a car), pale ceramic forms evoke a figure, or internal organs, or flowers past the peak of their bloom. They stand in pools of red resin—some of them could be giving birth, going through a menstrual cycle, or bleeding out from injuries or internal disasters— leaking their life onto circular wooden bases that are scored with tight grid lines.

The sculpted ceramic forms are unruly, unpredictable and messy. The grid suggests that perhaps they could be understood—or at least studied, and organized into a system.

“I was looking toward artists who record the body, the way that the body really is—the monster beauty,” Garlock said. “It’s grotesque in a way. As we get older, our bodies get lumpy, wrinkly. But there’s such beauty.”

Garlock laughed. “You get it out of the little kids. I have the privilege of being a grandma, and little kids have no filters whatsoever. They have names for things like this.” She held out her arm, dangling the bit of flab hanging from the underside. “This part is a ‘chicken-leg-arm.’

But they like it. They love the flab, and they say it’s a really nice pillow. At the same time they’re saying something mean about my body, they love it.”

In the midst of a discussion about how MS changed her art—and also her perception of her own body—Garlock said, “Do I feel beautiful? No. But do I feel OK and content? Yes. I wouldn’t want to go do plastic surgery or anything like that.”

It’s possible to find contentment through pain, ambiguity and outright disaster—but it is a necessarily complicated contentment. Garlock’s work bracingly traverses that intricate, convoluted terrain, in all its modalities of grace, humor—and abject, lucid acceptance.

Grid-Body-Place will be on display at the Lilley Museum of Art, at the University Foundation Arts Building at UNR, from Tuesday, June 25, through Saturday, Aug. 3. Garlock’s 2024 exhibition calendar continues with shows at the Oats Park Art Center in Fallon in August and September, a booth at the Reno Tahoe Art International Show Sept. 12-15, and a show at Savage Mystic Gallery in Reno in December. Learn more at candacenicolgarlock.com.

This article was produced by Double Scoop, Nevada’s source for visual arts news.

Inspired by an assignment by the late art professor Jim McCormick, who often imposed a grid format onto landscapes, Garlock began imposing grids onto mixed-media male nudes in the mid-2000s. Photo courtesy of Candace Garlock.

“Nodes, Day 1” (cropped) is part of a series of prints that originated after Garlock began keeping sketchbooks to help preserve her memory, which can be hindered by multiple sclerosis. Photo courtesy of Candace Garlock

ART OF THE STATE

Something funny is going on

Local improv classes and shows are gaining steam

As adults, we rarely get the opportunity to play—to be silly, make things up as we go along and, most of all, let go of the fear that you’ll look foolish. In a world that prizes productivity, play can feel pointless. But if you’re like me, when life feels overwhelming, I long for the release and the lack of self-consciousness I had as a kid at play.

Maybe I’m not alone. Improvisational theater, which involves actors who perform, with no planning and no scripts, in response to spontaneous suggestions and cues from fellow actors, is the epitome of a lack of self-consciousness. And it appears to be on the rise in the Reno area, with local theater

companies not only hosting improv shows, but also teaching newbies how to harness their imaginations and play along.

“The core of its appeal is the opportunity to see the start of the creative act, the birth of a new idea,” said a recent article in The New York Times about the form’s increased popularity.

“There’s an irreplaceable excitement in that. It’s why, I suspect, there’s so much activity now.”

Improv’s appeal

Ian Sorensen has the words, “Yes, and” tattooed on his arm. The two words are a guiding star for any improvisational theater actor worth their salt—a reminder to not only accept any idea

Libby Bakke, Ian Sorensen and Amanda Fannin practice improv at Reno Little Theater. Photo/David Robert

proposed by an onstage partner, but also to build upon it. In his 15 years of experience in the craft, Sorensen has found it a helpful reminder to be present and open to whatever comes his way.

“I’d been in college a couple years and didn’t really even have a major,” he said. “I was kind of listless, directionless, didn’t really know what to do creatively, and then a friend from high school was like, ‘Hey, I’m doing an improv and sketch show, and we just had a guy drop out. Would you want to come do it as a one-off? If you like it, you can stick around.’”

Turns out he did like it. A lot. He loved the high he got from acting by the seat of his pants and making people laugh along the way. That troupe, with Sorensen as one of its regulars, went on to become The Utility Players, which performed in venues around town for nearly a decade. Though its members branched off into other ventures, many of them have remained passionate about improv—including Sorensen, who can now be seen at Reno Little Theater’s Midtown Improv Jam every month.

It’s one of several improv-related events that has cropped up recently in our area. For example, Good Luck Macbeth just hosted its recurring production Sex Ed: A Sexprov, Reno, an improv show with a sex-education theme. Other one-time events can occasionally be found on local stages.

While Sorensen isn’t sure what’s caused the rise in improv’s popularity, he has theories.

“After the COVID lockdowns, we needed that human connection. Improv provides instant connection. And maybe people came out of the pandemic like, ‘I want to try something new, because who knows what tomorrow holds?’” he says.

It also provides high returns for low investment. After a couple of years of cancelled performances due to COVID, resulting in wasted time and production costs, improv is increasingly appealing: It only needs a few actors, a performance space and a willing audience—no sets, costumes or months of preparation.

Studies in silliness

Down at Brewery Arts Center in Carson City, Wednesday nights starting on June 12 will be dedicated to improv classes hosted by Proscenium Players, Inc., culminating in monthly public performances. And Reno Improv in Midtown offers a range of classes, workshops and monthly Improv Olimpix performances.

Jason Sarna, a Second City-trained sketch-comedy writer and instructor with Reno Improv, explained that the facility offers classes in three improv levels: intro to short form, which is primarily game-based, similar to what you’d see on the TV show Whose Line Is It

| BY JESSICA SANTINA

Anyway?; intro to long form, which involves a more fully developed scene with characters; and the montage, in which multiple actors take part in multiple scenes within a larger setting. Also offered is The Playground, a workshop for beginners to quickly learn the basics of improv.

I met Sarna during session seven of an eightweek, long-form class. His students are mostly amateurs, folks with day jobs entirely unrelated to the stage.

“We get people of all ages, from different backgrounds,” he said. “Maybe they’re doing public speaking, or they’re just looking to try something new—a creative outlet.”

When I asked the students why they were there, a man named Josh said, “It’s just fun. You’re always laughing and having a good time. But also, social skills, listening, being a good conversationalist, not being as nervous at parties.”

Another student, Jeff, added, “Anxiety cuts you off from other people, right? So to me, improvising is about spontaneity and creativity. It’s not necessarily about humor (though it’s often humorous). If I’m anxious, it’s hard to be spontaneous and creative, so if I get better at those things, my anxiety goes down, and I can be more available to others.”

But isn’t improv inherently anxiety-provoking? After all, without a script or a safety net, the chances of failure and humiliation go up, right?

Failure, both Sarna and Sorensen argue, is often where the funny lies. But improv is about letting go of that worry. You can’t try to be funny. Ironically, when you’re trying to be funny, you rarely are. Improv is de-risked when you attain psychological safety within a group of people who will always say, “Yes, and …” to any idea you propose. When that’s achieved, there’s empathy and instinct—a respect for what’s being created—and everyone acts for the best of the group, like all winning teams do.

Sarna said that one of the best things about improv is that it gives everyone a chance. “I think everyone has potential. Everyone has a sense of humor,” he said. “Sometimes it’s buried deep inside, but I think people like getting onstage and showing it. I also think it’s permission to kind of act inappropriately. You get to go onstage and enter into, like, a whole different personality or relationship and play that out. It’s essentially just play—like being a kid.”

Check out Midtown Improv Jam at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 15, at Reno Little Theater, 147 E. Pueblo St., in Reno, with special guest Christopher Daniels. In July, catch two performances, on Tuesday, July 16 and 23, in honor of Artown.

For a schedule of classes and performances at Reno Improv, visit renoimprov.org.

For details about Wednesday night improv classes and performances at Brewery Arts Center, follow Proscenium Players, Inc. at www.prosceniumplayersinc.com.

Bryce Keil, Ryan Costello,

WESTERN LIT

A cozy fit

Jared Stanley’s new poetry book started in the stillness and sweetness of quarantining with his family

Jared Stanley’s latest book of poetry, So Tough, is really into shirts.

“I don’t know; I love shirts,” he said. “Shirts are poems, you know? It’s about how it feels inside and how it looks outside.”

Actually, what So Tough (Saturnalia Books, $18) is really interested in is detail. Shirts are just one way Stanley uses the specificity of something concrete and easy to grasp on to, like a shirt, to describe much larger things that are difficult to perceive or conceptualize, like climate change: “Is there a deliberate way to wear an earthbound look, warm / but not too warm, to put on this woozy disaster like a shirt?”

Stanley and I met in fall of 2018 at the University of Nevada, Reno—his first semester at UNR as a professor, and my second as an undergraduate transfer student. We worked together every semester I was at UNR after that, and he was my thesis adviser for my master’s degree in poetry. Now that I’ve graduated, we’re friends and colleagues rather than professor and student.

So Tough was born beneath the lingering haze of wildfire smoke and ash, in the confines of his house in 2021. With the “dear

Jared Stanley is a creative writing instructor at the University of Nevada, Reno, and the author of four books of poems. His latest, So Tough, is, in part, an effort to reconcile the threats of contentious politics and climate change with the comforting world of home.

Photo/David Robert

of the week. “It’s Sunday: time to feel free in a house,” and, “Thursday, heh, it’s very Thursday / Everyone’s drunk and nobody’s thirsty.” But these Sundays and Thursdays could be any Sunday or Thursday. Stanley didn’t want to mark specific dates to capture the looseness of that time. Except one date is called out specifically—Jan. 6. “To me, there was enough specificity about that,” he said.

The various catastrophes of 2021—Jan. 6, and also the wildfires that left Reno choking in smoke during much of the summer and early fall—prompted a lot of anxiety in Stanley over his child’s future in such a world. “The poems kind of vacillate between thinking about the future and staying really close to the present moment,” he said.

each layer of time. “Black widow time,” or private time, “I find another hour, swab and tweez with classical patience,” and unimaginable future time, “Tuesdays in 2061.” You can trace each layer of experience from an “undersea, aboveground feeling,” to microscopic detail, “fool’s gold and pollen shimmer in the wave,” to the cosmic and metaphysical: “Let’s split the roof of heaven to the very star,” and sensory details like “a bit of lipstick on your tooth,” “a whiff of body spray” and “rose in a burn scar.”

“I want to lead with my senses all of the time,” Stanley said. “Specific things that one observes are related to the sense of the collective and the planet. Some of the circumstances we are dealing with right now, like climate change, seem so far outside of our purview and ability to do anything about it, but what we often forget is the intimacy of the largeness of these scales. Things like wildfire and microplastics come to us in really small scales that we can perceive; they happen to us in particles.”

voices” of his partner and daughter filling the rooms beyond the wall, Stanley started writing eight lines of poetry on his typewriter each day. This practice was his way of returning to and re-learning poetry after what he said was a failed attempt at writing a novel.

Once Stanley had accumulated a considerable stack of pages, he began to shape the series of eight-line stanzas into the book-length poem that would eventually become So Tough

The title, So Tough, “is like a fake way of talking about being tough,” Stanley said. “The way that we use that phrase idiomatically like, ‘Oh, you think you’re so tough?’ or, ‘Wow, that must be so tough,’ has this sort of artificiality to it that covers a bit of fragility, which seemed to speak to the book.”

Stanley said “time didn’t seem to be moving” when he was composing the book. “At least not in the same way that we structure our lives under the conditions that capitalism demands, so I had to find a way to describe that temporality.”

So Tough articulates the profound strangeness of that time during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when the individuality of our days fell away— each the same as the last, yet time kept passing. Time is marked throughout the book by days

In airy, mellifluous lines, Stanley captures the pendulum of daily experience: how we swing between personal joy and collective grief, between horror induced by the swirling threats of global catastrophes and moments of breathtaking beauty in the tiny details of our home sphere and the landscape around us. The poems’ decadence and poignancy are tempered by bits of self-deprecation and dashes of whatcan-we-do-but-laugh humor that characterizes the tragic comedy of our time: “What happened here? The trees laugh. Nothing! they say, we’re just screaming!”

The experience of reading one of Stanley’s eight-line stanzas is a bit like looking at a canyon wall: You can see each layer of sediment,

This book is interested in the future, but it’s not utopian, nor does it fall into hopeless despair over impending apocalypse. It is actually quite tender. It marks a more personal—and pivotal—turn in Stanley’s work. My favorite line in the book is: “I wanna be your shirt, I wanna fit you,” because it’s just so sweet and romantic in such a Stanley-esque way.

“The status of love and care in the book is more embodied,” he said. “I mean, it was daily and constant. During that period of 2021, my family gained a way more intense intimacy.”

That intimacy made Stanley want to write something less intellectual than his previous work, because he realized, “You can just be in love with people. So, it was kind of a breakthrough book in that way.”

So Tough, then, is Stanley’s “attempt to reconcile the sense that everything’s going to be OK—and everything’s going to be a mess.”

FILM & TV

Compelling prequel

‘Furiosa’ is

good, but Anya Taylor-Joy

is fantastic; Zendaya shines onscreen and on the tennis court in ‘Challengers’

when Furiosa was unleashed. It basically tied with Garfield. The movie-theater apocalypse may be approaching.

The film has its flaws. There’s a “been there, done that” vibe during some of the film’s more tedious stretches. Some moments rise to the level of Fury Road, but most of the film does not. You have to hand it to Miller for even attempting to match Fury Road, and accomplishing it intermittently.

Furiosa is its own story, and a pretty good one at that. Upon rewatching Fury Road, it becomes clear that Furiosa was the true heart of that film and warranted her own story. Miller has delivered a good, but not great, movie to honor Theron and his creation.

Obviously, the further adventures of Max would be interesting, but they remain in a state of limbo. Will this be the last movie for Miller and his dirty, revving franchise? He’s almost 80! I personally think he has at least one more film in him—provided somebody is willing to pony up the cash.

| BY BOB GRIMM

comfortable swinging a racket.) Is it a love triangle? Is it really about Art and Patrick? You watch it, and you decide. The ending is an ingenious one that allowed me to draw my conclusion; see the film, and figure out where you land.

After three episodes of Dark Matter, a brain-twisting new series starring Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly, I was totally hooked. This is a challenging and entertaining show, and it grabbed me within its first 15 minutes.

4

Edgerton stars as Jason, a humble science professor enjoying an easy life with wife Daniela (Connelly) and son Charlie (Oakes Fegley) when he is abducted by a mysterious stranger. It turns out that a scientific creation of his enables a person to travel into other versions of their own lives—a dark and disturbing take on the multiverse.

Jason finds himself in a race against time, and many other things, to get control of his creation—and to get his life in order. There are forces that don’t want him to succeed. That’s about as much as I want to give away; watch the show before people spoil the surprises, and don’t watch the damn trailer.

3

Director George Miller tends to take some long breaks—or, more accurately, endure interruptions due to studio nonsense—with his Mad Max franchise. He didn’t make any Mad Max movies after Beyond Thunderdome for 30 years until Mad Max: Fury Road triumphantly hit screens in 2015.

Now comes a prequel, a full nine years later. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga tells the backstory of Charlize Theron’s memorable, one-armed character from Fury Theron is out due to age. Tom Hardy’s Mad Max is out due to his character not being related to the story and, possibly, Miller needing a long break from Hardy’s allegedly bad set behavior.

In steps Anya Taylor-Joy, who admirably takes over the title role. She doesn’t show up for the film’s first hour, as the Furiosa story goes way back to her origins in the happy Green Place before getting kidnapped by the evil Dr. Dementus (Chris Hemsworth, doing career best work).

The first stage of Furiosa’s life has Alyla Browne, in a very strong performance, occupying the role. One might think that she has an uncanny resemblance to Taylor-Joy; that’s because, thanks to digital wizardry, Browne and Taylor-Joy’s faces

are morphed together, leaning more toward Taylor-Joy’s face as Furiosa ages. Eventually, Taylor-Joy takes over entirely.

Taylor-Joy proves she has all of the makings of a superior action hero—and, man, do those eyes just pierce the screen through all the dirt and muck. It’s a shame they didn’t have the wherewithal to go three hours with this film. It would’ve been fun to see Taylor-Joy hand it back off to Theron by the film’s end.

The story covers the period from Furiosa’s childhood right up to the moment when Furiosa is loading Immortan Joe’s brides into a tanker for the big chase that dominates Fury Road. In that timespan, there are many significant and groundbreaking car chases, some of them as impressive as anything in Fury Road One particular sequence involving paragliders comes to mind.

This film also has the franchise’s best villain in Dementus. Hemsworth fully embraces his chance to do something completely different, and he doesn’t disappoint. The ugly, terrifying and often just-plain-stupid Dementus is a reckless, unpredictable villain who constantly keeps the audience guessing and in a state of unease. He’s also very funny.

Taylor-Joy, from the moment she wowed in The Witch, has continued to be one of the more exciting actresses working today. She always commands the screen, and I can’t think of a better successor for the Furiosa role. Unfortunately, it looks like this will be her sole dance as the shaven-headed one. The box office was not set ablaze over Memorial Day weekend,

Zendaya stars for director Luca Guadagnino (Bones and All, Call Me by Your Name) in Challengers, a movie about tennis that works well as both a fascinating study of the sport and a complicated love story. Make that a very complicated love story.

4

Tashi (Zendaya) is a college student and tennis prodigy who, shortly after a romantic encounter with two men she meets at a tournament (Mike Faist as Art and Josh O’Connor as Patrick), injures herself and turns to a life of coaching. After a brief affair with Patrick, she moves on to Art. Art’s tennis career takes off while Patrick’s founders.

Guadagnino and his editor deftly use flashbacks and flashforwards to show the events leading up to a final, unplanned tennis match between Art and Patrick—one that has more than their tennis futures on the line.

Zendaya shines in the role. Zendaya always shines in her roles, and this film gives her a terrific opportunity to branch out, play some intensely dramatic scenes, and even show her humorous side. Tashi isn’t always likable, but Zendaya’s dramatic powers make it so understandable why two guys would turn their lives upside down for her.

As with all of Guadagnino films, the movie is shot beautifully and, as mentioned before, masterfully edited.

Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross do another score for Guadagnino after their collaboration on Bones and All, and they make some very surprising and bold choices.

Is it a tennis movie? (All of the main performers, especially Zendaya, look mighty

Edgerton, a great actor, gets a truly deserving vehicle to strut his stuff, as does Connelly. They both get many opportunities to put forth multifaceted work, and they are more than up to the challenge. The supporting cast includes Jimmi Simpson, Alice Braga and Dayo Okeniyi, and they are all excellent.

I’m looking forward to seeing how much weirder this show gets. It’s pretty damn strange so far, and I have a feeling it’s not going to disappoint. It’s a promising start, and the premise can easily fuel seasons to hopefully come.

Dark Matter is now streaming on Apple TV+.

Anya Taylor-Joy in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.

Mike Faist, Zendaya and Josh O’Connor in Challengers.

CLIFF YOUNG

CITY COUNCIL WARD 3

PRIMARY ELECTION ON JUNE 11TH

An attorney in Reno for over 40 years

Former Assistant Reno City Attorney

McGeorge School of Law JD, UNR Business Degree

30+ YEARS ON APPOINTED BOARDS

• Washoe County Open Space and Regional Park Commission, 20032013, Elected Chairman 9 times

• Regional Transportation Commission, 2030 and 2040 Masterplan Steering Committees

• RTC Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee for 8 years

• Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful, 23 years adopted various roadways

• First person to receive the ActivistSupporter Award from the NDOT Nevada Bicycle Advisory Board

BEST 3 THINGS

Salad days

Greek, taco and orzo—chilled and irresistible!

For me, there are few things more soul-reviving than sitting outside on a glorious sunny day and enjoying a good salad. What makes a good salad, you might ask? In my opinion, it’s all about the “goodies to greens” ratio: There should be enough greens to make it count as a salad, yet enough goodies to make it interesting. These three salads hit that ratio on the head, and happen to be a few of my favorites.

What: Greek salad

Where: Perenn Bakery Rancharrah, 7700 Rancharrah Parkway, Suite 110, Reno

Contact: www.perennbakery.com; 775-842-1508

Price: $20.75

French philosopher Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin once said, “Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.” If you told him you were eating the Greek salad from Perenn, he would likely tell you that you’re elite.

What makes this salad extra special is the attention to texture and ingredient quality. The bed of tender greens mixed with hearty kale is topped with razor-thin red onion, fresh feta, crispy chickpeas, meaty kalamata olives, juicy halved cherry tomatoes, and a bright, briny dressing that brings everything together. This salad makes for

the perfect afternoon pause of sitting out on the patio and indulging in something so delicious, you forget how healthy it actually is. I would also recommend getting some Perenn sourdough on the side to scarpetta your way through the remaining dressed bits at the inevitable bottom of the bowl.

What: Taco salad

Where: Miguel’s Restaurant, 1415 S. Virginia St., Reno

Contact: www.miguelsmexicanrestaurantreno. com; 775-322-2722

Price: $10.95

The taco salad from Miguel’s is my Proustian

| BY MAUDE BALLINGER

Perenn’s Greek salad brings a couple of twists to the traditional—kale and crispy chickpeas. Photo/Maude Ballinger

madeleine. It evokes memories of being a young teen, no longer ordering from the kids’ menu, asserting my maturity as I ordered while mirroring the women at my table. I carefully zig-zagged my dressing atop the greens and devised a strategy for how to break the taco shell efficiently, neatly fanning out the pieces to create a sort of flat taco vessel. Of all things, the taco salad from Miguel’s reminds me of home. While this salad may not be the epitome of nutrient density, it most certainly is my epitome of comfort. The shredded iceberg lettuce, flaky fried taco shell bowl, and avocado ranch are the features that set this taco salad apart from others in town. I always order it with refried beans and add rice—because there are few things more comforting to me than carbs on carbs.

What: Orzo salad

Where: The Cheese Board, 15435 Wedge Parkway, Suite 100, Reno

Contact: cheeseboardcatering.com; 775-3233115

Price: $10.95

A charming aspect of American food culture is the nebulous definition of a salad, which can range from a bed of greens dressed with a simple vinaigrette, to fruit, nuts and Cool Whip suspended in Jell-O. Somewhere in between the two is one of my favorites—pasta salad. I am a pasta fiend, and if eating it cold makes it a salad, that works for me.

The orzo salad from The Cheese Board strikes the right balance of nutritious and satisfying: It’s a bed of fresh spinach topped with orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, pepitas and herbs. Drizzled with a thick and perfectly sweet balsamic dressing, it’s a great way to get your greens in without feeling like you’ve just eaten a salad. Pro tip: Chopping this salad up with a knife and fork before diving in will make it much easier to get all the best goodies in one bite.

Bruce Van Dyke Radio

6-10am daily: BVD in Xville His full morning shows on KTHX-FM circa 1993-96

10a-6a: BVD's 4000 handpicked-for-Jive tunes from Shpongle to James Brown with vintage Bruce voice breaks from Xville at the top of every hour.

TASTE OF THE TOWN

Happenings

The fifth annual Reno Food & Drink Week, a yearly celebration of the Reno area’s eclectic food and drink scene, takes place June 3-14. Participating food and beverage establishments will offer special off-menu items throughout the 12-day span, encouraging the community to get out and try something new while supporting local businesses. For more information, head to hungryinreno.com/2024rfdw.

Hot Havana Nights, a fundraiser for Safe Embrace, a nonprofit working to provide resources and support to victims of domestic and sexual violence, will take place at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, June 8, at the National Automobile Museum. The Cuban-inspired event will feature Latin music and dance performances, libations and Cuban treats from the Renaissance Reno catering team, and hand-rolled cigars from Ruiz Cigars. “Hot Havana Nights is an opportunity to leverage a lighter, more enjoyable celebration as we work to fight some of the dark realities Northern Nevadans face,” said Afshan West, executive director of Safe Embrace. For tickets, which start at $100, or more information, visit e.givesmart.com/events/CAl.

Food Truck Fridays kicks off the summer season on June 7 in Idlewild Park, in Reno. With 50-plus food, beverage and dessert vendors, this event is one of the largest weekly food truck gatherings in the nation—and you can visit it every Friday from 4 to 9 p.m. through August. Learn more at www.facebook.com/ RenoStreetFood.

The Reno River Festival takes place Friday through Sunday, June 7-9, in Wingfield Park, in Reno. Featuring dozens of food and drink vendors, 24 music acts on two stages, 100-plus vendor shops, and the Reno Tahoe Adventure Park, the Reno River Festival is a family-friendly happening. A portion of pre-purchased tickets will benefit Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful and the Kiwanis Bike Program. A pass for all three days is $10, with free admission for kids 17 and younger. For more information and to pre-purchase tickets, head to renoriverfestival.com.

The 27th annual BBQ Blues and Brews Festival returns to The ROW Friday and Saturday, June 14 and 15, in Reno. The festival food includes a variety of barbecue favorites, including St. Louis-style barbecue ribs, smoked beef brisket and pulled pork, alongside 50-plus breweries and a Beer Olympics. For VIP tickets and more information, visit www.caesars. com/the-row-reno/events/bbq-brewsand-blues-festival.

continued on next page

LIQUID CONVERSATIONS

Ten years of lagers

Pigeon Head Brewery celebrates a milestone with a new beer garden

These days, the bar business is rough. People have less money to spend on going out, and there has never been more competition for the drinking crowd’s dollars. But now and again, there is a reason to celebrate—and Pigeon Head Brewery has hit a rare milestone in this industry: 10 years open and thriving.

I sat with co-owner and head brewer Bryan Holloway to discuss beer, Fourth Street and the next 10 years.

Nestled under the Wells Avenue overpass off of Fourth Street, in the former home of the SPCA, Pigeon Head Brewery has spent its first decade making some of the most chuggable beers in Northern Nevada.

“We are the original brewery down here,” Holloway said. “The craft-beer boom started when we started.”

Pigeon Head has seen the beer-market trends change significantly in its lifetime— from dark, heavy beers dominating the market, to big, hoppy IPAs being the flavor of the day—but they have remained steadfast in making the lighter beer they love.

“Lighter beers, in general, are the beers we like to drink, so they are the beers we like to make,” Holloway said.

The team at Pigeon Head focuses the bulk of their energy on making accessible beers known as lagers, but most people do not understand that the more seemingly subtle a beer is, the harder it is to make.

“Lagers and pilsners have been around for hundreds of years—it’s one of the reasons we built our business around it,” Holloway said. Pigeon Head’s flagship beer is their pilsner, a crisp, crushable porch-pounder perfect for that beach day or barbecue, but pilsners take much longer to make than other beers, because they are a lager. Lager beers require yeast strains that must be cold during fermentation; therefore, it takes four to eight weeks for the yeast to turn sugar into alcohol, almost double the time of other styles. Also, styles like pilsners have fewer robust flavors, so filtering and other clarification techniques are much more critical.

While the pilsner style may be harder to make, it remains a classic and in high demand. The brewery distributes 80 to 90% of its beer to bars, restaurants and retail stores throughout Nevada and into Sacramento.

The new world of beer is challenging, and according to the Brewers Association, in 2023, craft beer sales dipped 2%, decreasing for the first time (excluding the pandemic). With the declining craft beer industry, it is hard to find a path forward. “The industry is not heading toward expansion,” Holloway told me. “It’s now more about hunkering down and bringing people back into your tap rooms.”

Smaller breweries are succeeding in bringing back that neighborhood taproom vibe and steering away from the giant production-brewery model. “It’s about refocusing people to come in and enjoy the beer here instead of distributing to

| BY MICHAEL MOBERLY

Bryan Holloway, co-owner and head brewer, raises a glass at Pigeon Head Brewery’s 10 anniversary celebration on May 11. On the same day, the brewery debuted its new beer garden under the Wells Avenue bridge.

Photo/David Robert

30 new states,” Holloway said.

Pigeon Head plans to move forward into another 10 years with the addition of its new beer garden.

“The space was used basically as a campsite or a trash can,” said Holloway. “I am out here daily cleaning up trash.”

He decided to make the best of the situation. Pigeon Head Brewery was one of the first 10 recipients of the city of Reno’s ReStore Facade and Tenant Improvement Program. This program aims to improve the overall livability of Reno’s commercial spaces by providing funds for improvements, inside and out. While these funds have helped Pigeon Head cross the finish line, building this beer garden started more than two years ago.

“I hand-drew our plans and dreamed up what this space could be, but then we had to go through the process of permits and contractors,” Holloway said.

While constructing a beer garden on a partially city-owned property was challenging, the juice is worth the squeeze. Because they started their process years ago for this construction, Pigeon Head will be one of the city’s first working examples of the grants in action. “It worked out for all of us, that’s for sure,” he said.

The new beer garden’s location under the Wells Avenue bridge provides all-day shade, perfect for hot summer days. The well-lit space will feature outdoor games with plenty of space for parties and events.

“People tend to find and seek out breweries. … We want to bring more people out to see what we are doing and what we are up to in the taproom,” Holloway said, boasting about the rotating tap list that features beers only available at the brewery.

“The whole reason we started on Fourth Street was because we saw potential here,” Holloway said.

The future of Pigeon Head Brewing is filled with exciting prospects. New neighbors are coming, including a restaurant that will deliver food to the brewery, which is set to open this fall. The brewery will continue to host a variety of events, from beer-pairing dinners to trivia nights and even Grateful Dead nights—all designed to keep the community engaged and the pints flowing.

Pigeon Head Brewery is located at 840 E. Fifth St. For more information, call 775-276-6766, or visit pigeonheadbrewery.com.

Wine accolades

What to know about the medals and scores you see on bottles and shelves

For the average consumer, purchasing an unfamiliar wine can be confusing. There are so many regions, so many wine types, and so many wine awards—including medals and scores.

Each of these involves its own processes and implications. Which of these accolades can actually help you pick a nice wine? To help you understand the difference, first let’s define what we mean by wine scores and wine medals.

Wine scores are typically given by individual critics or publications using a numerical scale, most commonly the 100-point system. This system applies specific criteria such as appearance, aroma, flavor and finish. Scores provide a granular assessment of a wine’s quality. A score of 90 or above generally indicates exceptional quality. Some of the wine scores you may see come from critics Robert Parker, James Suckling and Jancis Robinson. You will find these scores on wine shelf tags at the store, on stickers on bottles, and in publications such as The Wine Advocate, Vinous, Wine Spectator. These critics are renowned for their expertise and the impact of their reviews on the wine industry. Consumers, collectors and investors alike refer to their scores and tasting notes as essential resources.

Wine medals are typically awarded at competitions like the San Francisco Chron-

icle Wine Competition. Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded based on the judges’ consensus on wines categorized by varietal, region and style. If a wine is listed as a double gold, it means all the judges on the panel scored the wine a gold-medal winner. The judges typically taste wines blind to ensure impartiality, and the panels include a cross-section of wine experts such as sommeliers, oenologists (wine-science experts), winemakers and importers.

While both wine medals and scores can help consumers select quality wines, they do so through different mechanisms and with varying degrees of detail and subjectivity. Medals offer a broad endorsement from a panel, whereas scores provide a more nuanced evaluation from individual critics.

We are lucky to have a renowned wine judge living right here in Reno.

John Compisi grew up in western New York, became a commissioned officer in the United States Army, and spent nearly 30 years on various military bases around the world until his retirement in 2000. Compisi and his wife, who was also in the Army, developed their love of wine when they were stationed at the Presidio in San Francisco in the late 1980s.

“Because my wife worked rotating shifts and nights at the Army Medical Center as a nurse, we frequently had days off in the middle of the week while our daughter was in school, so we used that free time to explore Napa first, and

| BY STEVE NOEL

Wine judge John Compisi tastes a wine at Whispering Vine Wine Co. Photo/ David Robert

then we started exploring Sonoma and Apple Hill,” said Compisi.

Twenty-six years after their initial excursions into wine country, they built a home near Cloverdale, close to three notable wine-producing regions—Mendocino, the Russian River Valley and Alexander Valley. In 2012, Compisi started writing.

“I started freelancing and posting my writing—mostly wine, food and travel—on various websites,” he said. “That lasted for a couple of years, then in 2019, we started our own website. Not only did I start writing, but I also started putting myself out there to the organizers for the San Francisco wine competition.”

Compisi spent many years volunteering at that competition, unboxing and organizing bottles, pouring the blind samples for the judges, keeping score and managing the judging process, before he became a judge himself. He also judges at the Foothill Wine Fest Competition held in Folsom in November.

In 2020, Compisi and his wife sold their house in Cloverdale and moved to Truckee, then to Reno’s Somersett neighborhood in 2021. It only took a few months for them to become well-connected in the local wine community, largely via Whispering Vine Wine Co. and the wine buyer there. “And by January of 2022, we started our own wine club here in Somerset,” he said.

I asked Compisi what the value of wine competitions is to the average wine drinker. “We, as judges on the panel, consider the consumer first,” he said. “Often, on the panels I am on, the judges will decide not to give any medal to a wine (in a certain category), because we feel it would do a disservice to the consumer if they saw a wine out there in the marketplace that has an award next to it—that might encourage them to buy it— if we wouldn’t drink it.”

Compisi’s judging standard for each level of medal: “If I would drink it, it is a bronze. If I would buy it, it is a silver, and if I would recommend it, it is a gold.”

This is a great reference to think about when making a wine purchase. Remember, not all wineries enter competitions, so the lack of a medal does not indicate that a wine is undrinkable. However, a wine that does earn a medal is a wine that several experts think is worthy of your attention.

As a wine expert, I enjoy seeing the detailed scoring of a wine critic, and it can help me understand the nuances between high-end wines. Medals are more helpful when I’m purchasing from an unfamiliar-to-me winery. Buy a unanimously endorsed double gold if you can afford it. Cheers!

TASTE OF THE TOWN TASTE OF THE TOWN

continued from Page 34

Openings

Two new tenants have signed leases in the Food Hall at Reno Public Market, at 299 E. Plumb Lane, in Reno: Cuzco, which will serve Peruvian cuisine, and Chick-aBoom, a chicken-focused concept from the team that operates current RPM restaurants Mediterranean Bae and Pasta La Vista. Both establishments are expected to open later this summer.

Coffeebar has revamped and relocated its Truckee bakery location; it’s now at 12047 Donner Pass Road. Located next door to its previous home, the new space features more seating and a larger kitchen space, allowing the bakery to expand and include a selection of daily breads, Roman-style pizzas and fresh doughnuts on the weekends. “We’ve always dreamed of having access to the kind of kitchen and bakery space that we created in this new location,” said Cass Rodriguez, head baker for Coffeebar (pictured). “I’m most excited about being able to experiment with doughnuts on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays!” Sparks has a couple of new pizza spots. Pizzava recently opened its third location—its first in Sparks—at 670 E. Prater Way, featuring the familiar menu along with ample dining-room space. Learn more at www.pizzava.com.

Mountain Mike’s Pizza has also landed in Sparks, at 1201 Baring Blvd.—the third area location of the West Coast chain that originated in Palo Alto, Calif., and is known for its “crispy curly pepperoni.” Find out more at www.mountainmikespizza.com.

Have local food, drink or restaurant news? Email foodnews@renonr.com. —Maude Ballinger

MUSICBEAT Making tracks

Friends since high school, Charity Kiss is now eight years in—and climbing the ladder

Per their Spotify biography, Reno’s Charity Kiss promises “scrappy desert rock with just an iddy biddy bit of twang.” Given the genre-defying state of modern music, it’s about as apt of a description as anyone could come up with.

On their latest EP, Victor Riley’s a Coward, listeners will find the young musicians maturing in their sonic aspirations. With a new lineup, a more intentional songwriting process, and a few big shows under their belts, the members of the Reno rock group have set their eyes on bigger and better things—while continuing to celebrate their roots.

Friends since high school, the bandmates have spent years developing a sound born of complementary musical tastes, and a brotherhood forged by days and nights spent in a cramped tour van chasing a shared dream. They got their start, however, navigating a scene that felt unfamiliar and, at times, unsupportive.

“When we started the band in high school, we had no idea about anything with music—we didn’t really know how to play our instruments,” said vocalist and rhythm guitarist Patrick Hansen. “We got our first

show at, like, a dive bar in Sparks, and it was terrifying. There was nobody there. I was 16 or 17, and some dudes were doing cocaine in the bathroom.”

At the time, most of the members of Charity Kiss were performing as another band called Color T.V., which included Hansen, the aptly named Nate Drum on drums, and lead guitarist Cole Hendriks. Like many young musicians in the Reno scene, though, Charity Kiss eventually found a venue and a like-minded community in the Holland Project—as well as a future band member in Cooper Conway.

“They called me, and I couldn’t refuse the offer,” Conway said.

Victor Riley’s a Coward, released in October 2023, is Charity Kiss’ first recorded offering with Cooper as part of the group. The members agree that the new EP is emblematic of their growth as musicians over the eight years they’ve played together.

“You can really feel the flavor that each individual person is bringing,” said Hendriks. “I think we all had a bit more of a taste for our instruments and what we wanted to do individually. And I think that’s why we’re so happy with the songs as opposed to others.”

The EP came together in a marathon recording session between tour dates in the spring of 2023—a testament to the band’s chemistry, the members said.

“I’m very surprised (at) the matter of time that we did that—three days. (In) the other bands that I’ve been in, it’s taken like a week to do five songs, if not more,” Conway said. “We went in there, and just one after the next one, after the next one, after the next—14-hour sessions—and to walk out with that product, it’s pretty sweet.”

The result is a punchy, well-produced sonic adventure that mixes elements of surf-rock, frenetic punk energy, indie country twang and whatever else the boys felt like throwing in during those three days sleeping on the studio floor.

“Destination Double Bridge” is a raucous, stripped-down groove that feels like riding along in the tour van with the band screaming “la la laaaa” out of the open windows. It’s impossible to listen to without smiling, and it’s a standout against moodier, more contemplative tracks that follow.

“Mind of a Criminal” and “Roll Over Ben Stiller” traverse a more sober soundscape, artfully blending the shimmer and twang of

|

BY MATT BIEKER

The latest EP by Charity Kiss came together in a marathon three-day recording session between tour dates. The band members are Patrick Hansen, Nate Drum, Cooper Conway and Cole Hendriks.

Photo/David Robert

indie rock with the complex, noodling riffs indicative of the Midwest emo sound.

The metaphorical joyride takes the listener to even stranger country on the instrumental “Can I Just Put You on Hold Really Quick?” with its experimental riffs and guitar themes. Finally, “Cellars”—the last track on the EP— arrives at a country-adjacent ballad, prominently featuring Hansen’s acoustic guitar and a delightfully melancholic vibe. It feels like, at last, the engine has given out somewhere on the side of a desert highway, but at least we had some good times while it lasted.

And who is Victor Riley, anyway?

“We were messing around with names, and we liked the ring of ‘blank is a coward,’” Drum said. “It was like this idea of calling out a celebrity just randomly, this little band from Reno being like, ‘Hey, you’re a douche.’ The idea of them waking up and maybe they’d see it, it’d be funny.”

They initially thought of Jack White, and then decided to invent a name. Later, the band learned that their made-up celebrity name also belonged to an ex-NFL player who was charged with ramming his car into another containing his wife and infant daughter in 2001.

“We had no idea,” Conway said. “I (told) the band, and we were like, ‘Well, I guess it kind of works.’”

In the months since Victor Riley’s release, the band has been busy. In their own words, they got back from a “brutal” tour and decided to take a break from their extensive performance schedule while they work on new music—but not before playing at Boise’s wellknown Treefort Music Festival last March.

Charity Kiss has always prioritized touring, but only recently have they started to find actual fans at some of their stops. It’s a surreal feeling, they said, but with more than 3,000 followers on Instagram and thousands of monthly listeners on Spotify, the digital metrics, at least, point to the band becoming a well-known representative of the Reno scene.

“Right now, the cool thing to do is, like, shit on Reno, but I have a lot of pride in Reno and where we came from,” Hansen said. “We’re scrappy, you know; we try to incorporate that into our music and our ethos. I think the DIY spirit in Reno is actually really surprisingly strong and efficient— and so there’s a lot to be proud of.”

Charity Kiss hopes to record their new album sometime soon. Meanwhile, listeners can find Victor Riley Is a Coward on the band’s Spotify.

MUSICBEAT

A place to hang out

The monthly Vinyl Pick-Nic event embraces the power of music through records and community

Music holds deep importance within the lives of humans. While the energy of songs and compositions do a lot for our individual mental health and energy, music also brings people together. For many, myself included, one of the first questions asked when meeting a new person is: “What kind of music do you listen to?”

Local DJ Will Houk is well aware of the moving influence of music. Every Wednesday at 7 p.m. and Thursday at 2 p.m. on KNVC 95.1 FM in Carson City, Houk hosts the radio show Roots, Rednecks and Radicals, where he explores folk and Americana music. He also is a musician himself, and has been viewing the social power of songs firsthand through his monthly Vinyl Pick-Nic events. Every fourth Sunday of the month, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Brewery Arts Center, Houk brings vinyl to spin—while also inviting the public to bring their own records to share. The event is free, and the next one will take place on Sunday, June 23.

“I just had an idea,” Houk said during a recent phone interview. “I’ve been doing some reading about ‘third spaces’ online. The idea behind the third space is that in our modern context, we’ve lost a lot of spaces where people can go and hang out for free, and just kind

Will Houk is the host of the monthly Vinyl Pick-Nic listening party. Jim Bowers, also a DJ with KNVC, is the owner of a new Carson City record shop, Tiger Rose Vintage and Vinyl. Photo/Kris Vagner

thing set up, and it was just very casual, businesses having their stuff out on the road. Every so often, there was a different DJ spinning different types of music, and a lot of them … had actual turntables. There’s one person playing reggae-type music, and there’s another one doing more indie rock, and another one doing hip hop, and it just felt so cool and casual and fun having someone there spinning records.”

One of the most enticing aspects of the Vinyl Pick-Nic is the ability to experience new music. New gems on your playlists can be discovered from Houk’s wide selection, or from a record somebody brings in.

“I like the idea of inviting people to bring their own music so that we can put it on for them,” said Houk. “They’ll just tell us, ‘Hey, I want to listen to track three on this record,’ and I’ll put it on. That seemed like a fun thing to do.”

According to Statista.com, vinyl made up more than 40% of non-streaming album sales last year.

‘Oh, yeah,’ and then they start sharing the story of some time they saw that person live back in the day, and things like that. It’s been cool to hear people chat and share stories.”

As long as there are songs to be shared, Houk intends to keep the Vinyl Pick-Nic vibes going.

“I don’t really have any long-term goals other than just—as long as people are enjoying it—to keep it going,” he said. “I guess the long-term goal is to bring people together, and bring them together around music, and just give an opportunity for people to connect with one another.”

Houk said there’s no danger that he’ll get sick of experiencing new music any time soon.

“My wife would vouch for this: I just never get bored with it,” Houk said. “I’m always, always listening to the music, and she actually encourages me to do this kind of stuff, because she’s like, ‘That’s a good outlet for you so I don’t have to hear about it all the time.’ I go through phases for a few days where I don’t want to listen to anything new, but it’s just some sort of addiction for me—just always wanting to hear new stuff and new old stuff. It’s always fascinating to me.”

of be around other people. … It used to be maybe people would go to church on Sunday; that’d be a place where people would meet up, and it would just be a community-building kind of thing, but we lack a lot of that now. I was thinking about different things that interest me that might interest other people as well, and doing something like that. The idea kind of popped in my head of doing something around music. The idea came from wanting to come up with a space where people can have some community, hanging out with each other, but they don’t have to spend a lot of money.”

Houk has always enjoyed the vinyl format, whether he’s using it on his radio show or enjoying live DJs in public.

“I mostly do digital files, but we have record players at the radio station, and it’s fun to bring in vinyl sometimes,” Houk said. “It feels kind of old school, and it’s different, and it mixes things up. So I enjoy it from that perspective—and music in general is really important to me. I’ve been going to shows since my teenage years and played a number of different instruments and have played in different bands over the years and stuff. … What really kind of gave me the idea was being in San Francisco with my wife on a little vacation. We were down on Haight Street, and there was a farmers’ market type of

“I was pleasantly surprised to see people bring their own collection,” Houk said. “I’ve heard from so many people, when I tell them about this event, they’re like, ‘Oh, man, I got rid of my records years ago; I wish I never would have.’ But there are a number of people who have held on to them. It’s kind of a hassle to have a turntable set up in your house; especially nowadays, you have to dedicate a space to it, and so a lot of people haven’t listened to their records in years. They’re like, ‘I just got these out of the closet and dusted them off and brought him down here.’”

While Houk is pretty knowledgeable about music, he said he’s always learning more.

“Music is like an onion that just never ends,” he said. “You peel back a layer, and there’s another, and you just keep going. My friend Jim Bowers, who also does a show for KNVC, he is an aficionado when it comes to vinyl. He’s the type of guy where you ask him anything about any band, and he’s got an encyclopedia of knowledge ready for you. He’s brought a bunch of stuff and put it on, everything from early ’80s synth rock to folk/Americana type stuff. He’s all over the map on his interests, and his record collection is absolutely amazing.”

Vinyl Pick-Nic, while exposing many people to new artists and songs, has also caused many smiles and unlocked memories hidden deep within the groove.

“I’ve overheard a number of conversations with people talking about artists that they’ve forgotten about or something,” Houk said. “Somebody brought a record, and they’re like,

Vinyl Pick-Nic will take place from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, June 23, at the Brewery Arts Center Exhibition Hall, 449 W. King St., in Carson City. The event is free. For more information, visit breweryarts.org.

Carson City music fan Lora Templeton, who started buying vinyl records as a teen in the early 1980s, shows off the filing system that came with her portable record box. She used it to bring a selection of 45s to the May edition of Vinyl Pick-Nic. Host Will Houk spins a track in the background. Photo/Kris Vagner

| BY MATT JONES JONESIN'

CROSSWORD

“Gather Round, Everyone”—a special event. By Matt Jones

Across 1. Mil. officers 6. Razor guy 11. Really quiet, on sheet music 14. Photoshop creator 15. Damages 16. Before, poetically 17. Friends character with a namesake hairstyle

19. Actor Pace

20. Pompousness

21. Co-founder of the Pittsburgh Penguins (with state senator Jack McGregor)

23. “___ Kleine Nachtmusik”

25. Burpee unit?

26. ___ Field (Mets ballpark)

27. 1976 best-seller that opens in The Gambia

29. “Straight, No Chaser” jazz pianist Thelonious

31. English actor who played Tywin Lannister on “Game of

Thrones”

38. High points

41. 1984 superstate

42. Mess of a room

43. Nephrologist played by Hugh Laurie

46. Honeycomb locale

47. Mystik Dan, for one

51. Grocery store area

53. Discover rival

57. Critical hosp. department

58. Saturday Night Live alum (20002001) who was also on Mr. Show and Arrested Development

60. Course estimate

61. Prefix with raptor

62. Description of the five theme answers?

65. Flying fox, actually

66. Nebraska’s largest city

67. Actor Rami

68. Shady

69. Clearance events

70. Detroit soul singer Payne

THE LUCKY 13

Greg Johnson

Music director of the Reno Jazz Orchestra

Meet the new music director of the Reno Jazz Orchestra, Greg Johnson. He’s an accomplished performer and composer with seasoned jazz-saxophone skills, and has taught jazz studies at universities like California State University, Sacramento, and the University of Southern California. Learn more at www.renojazzorchestra.org.

What was the first concert you attended?

Down

1. Professional path

2. Barber’s “___ for Strings”

3. ___ Mountains (Appalachian range)

4. “Frankly,” in texts

5. Look at 6. “Golly!”

7. A la ___

8. Rocky character Apollo

9. NAFTA part, briefly 10. Ari Melber’s network

11. Some exercise bikes

12. Area in a crime drama

13. Cheat at cards, in a way

18. Stacks of wax

22. L as in “NATO”?

24. “... and so forth”

28. “Get outta here!”

30. It may have a fob

32. Crossworder’s dir.

33. Wrestler ___ Mysterio

34. “Well ___-di-frickin’-dah!”

35. Music for Airports musician Brian

36. Char ___ (Cantonese-style barbe-

cued pork)

37. Morse code symbol

38. “It’s so annoying!”

39. Like the earliest life forms

40. What storm levels may indicate

44. Machinery part

45. Many, many millennia

48. Small wave

49. Climbed

50. Cry of epiphany

52. Misbakes like this one

53. Like some videos

54. Nip it ___ bud

55. Tofu beans

56. Surrealist sculptor Jean

58. Apple co-founder Steve

59. One of the Berenstain Bears

63. “Unbelievable” group of 1991

64. Rower’s paddle

© 2024 Matt Jones

Find the answers in the “About” section at RenoNR.com!

I remember the first professional concert that I attended in middle school. The Bob Mintzer Big Band came through my home town, and my saxophone teacher took me backstage to meet him. I didn’t know that I’d work for Bob and play in that band 10 years later!

What was the first album you owned?

I bought two albums with birthday money: The Best of David Sanborn and The Essential Duke Ellington. Two very pivotal albums for me, in retrospect!

What bands are you listening to right now?

I listen to a lot of bands from Europe right now … big bands out of Germany and Bob Brookmeyer’s New Art Orchestra.

What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?

I support people loving any kind of music. Music is supposed to bring you joy, sadness, rage … any emotion that you crave. With that said, I will never understand the appeal of the song “Mr. Brightside,” especially at weddings.

What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?

I wish I could have been around in the 1960s when Miles Davis was starting to revolutionize jazz music. Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams and Ron Carter in the same band! The recordings are very raw, and I would really love to see what Miles was like in front of an audience.

| BY MATT KING

What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?

“Mr. Brightside.” Just kidding! I don’t think that there needs to be guilt associated with music.

What’s your favorite music venue?

I could never narrow it down to one, but maybe three. SFJAZZ Center has the best sound and acoustics of any jazz club in the world. It is so comfortable to play there, and the shows are always creative and pristine. WDR Funkhaus Wallrafplatz in Cologne, Germany, is much the same and one of the best venues for larger ensembles. I have fond memories at the Sound Room in Oakland, Calif. It is owned by an amazing couple and has a really engaged audience of concertgoers.

What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?

Mel Tormé sings a song called “Lulu’s Back In Town” where he talks about all of the things he needs to get done before Lulu comes back. All of the references are extremely dated, and I laugh every time I hear them. “Gotta get my old tuxedo pressed. Gotta sew a button on my vest. … Gotta find half a buck somewhere.”

What band or artist changed your life? How? David Sanborn. Hearing him and his sound at a young age set me on a trajectory that was vastly different from my peers who only listened to traditional jazz music.

You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking? I’d ask Kenny Loggins how he maintained his creativity and output for 50 years.

What song would you like played at your funeral? I hope that my song “Sea Shell” from my 2014 album City People is played. When I wrote it, I wanted to capture the feeling of hope and the feeling that everything is going to be OK.

Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?

I can’t narrow it down to one, but I’ll give you 10 in alphabetical order: Count Basie, Plays Benny Carter; Claus Ogerman/Michael Brecker, Cityscape; David Sanborn, Upfront; Ella and Louis; Frank Sinatra, Sinatra at the Sands; John Coltrane, A Love Supreme; Kenny Loggins, Leap of Faith; Michael Jackson, Off the Wall; Vince Mendoza, Nights on Earth; Wayne Shorter, Alegria

What song should everyone listen to right now? It’s a beautiful day right now. I’m going to hop in my car and listen to Gerry Mulligan’s “Ain’t it the Truth.”

Shaun Griffin is the new Nevada state poet laureate. In 2014, he was inducted into the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame. He hosts the radio show A Writer’s World, on KWNK 97.7 FM at 5 p.m. on the first and third Sundays of the month.

What initially brought you to poetry? When I was in high school, I was smitten with a girl who didn’t even know I existed—and I wrote my first poem to her. I had no idea it was a poem. It just burst out of me. Years later, in graduate school, we were robbed, and they stole my jewelry box, and the poem was torn in half, which is all I have left. But I was given a lifetime of joy when I discovered the art form.

I understand you plan to bring art to those who might not have access to it. For years—decades, really—I have been teaching poetry in prison. I would love it if we could offer a poetry-writing workshop in all of the state’s facilities. We (the Nevada Prison Education Project) are making some headway on that front. This spring and summer, we have the first creative-writing workshop being offered at Florence McClure, the women’s prison down south (in North Las Vegas). The reason for doing this is really quite simple: It saves lives. It gives the men and women their dignity back. When they get the opportunity to express themselves, to really address who they are, what they have buried for so long, something powerful emerges. They experience

| BY DAVID ROBERT

agency in a place where there is so very little of it—and that is the threshold of understanding how to move on from this place into a life of responsibility. Without doing so, taking a hard look at oneself, very little changes on a yard with a 60% recidivism rate.

What other plans do you have?

I hope to encourage poetry reading and writing wherever it might flourish and generally help remove the sometimes “off-putting” mystique that surrounds the art form. I have worked in schools and libraries across the state. I think people want a way to express themselves, but too often, poetry gets crowded out by the instant flicker of the cell phone, the laptop, the demand for one’s attention. Just taking a few minutes to read a poem is an act of intention, something that requires effort because of this constant stimulus. And yet, when you do, there are entire worlds to be absorbed, and almost always, a poet has spoken what it is you are most concerned with. It is not important to have a scholar’s attention; it is important to have a curious mind, an open mind to enjoy a line from Dickinson or any poet.

What have you learned from teaching in the prison?

I’ve watched grown men cry at having written or read a line of poetry that spoke their personal truth. Nothing I could say was more profound than listening to them describe how a line from a poem brought them to their knees. And then listening to them teach the other men this almost magical process—how to write or read a poem so that they, too, could begin to be “artists.” Art is mostly seen as a private club—you need special keys to enter. It is only private if you have never touched its mind-altering quality.

Where should people keep an eye out for poetry with Sundance Books closing? Libraries. Any place where people and books gather, but I would start with libraries. Many libraries have reading series. There are many local reading scenes, coffee houses, open-mic nights, jazz and poetry nights. Almost every college has a poetry writing group, and there are many at high schools. Ask an English teacher where people are gathering. Both Reno and Las Vegas have poet laureates. They are hosting many events. Reach out to them. The scariest step is the first one. Take it.

Shaun Griffin

Nevada state poet laureate