Weekend Warrior (Aug 1-4)

Make your way down to the cozy Reno Tahoe Comedy, theater also known as Pioneer Underground, or pop over to LEX Nightclub at the Grand Sierra Resort for one of four hilarious shows by JR De Guzman.  JR is a Philippines-born, California-raised comedian who found his start in the business while teaching music to teenagers, specifically Taylor Swift songs.  He has traveled the world, entertaining audiences with his unique combination of music and comedy, serenading the crowd into laughter with songs, jokes, and stories of traveling the world, life after college, and family.  Take a moment to see DeGuzman in this video from the Burbank Comedy Festival 2015. Visit RenoTahoeComedy.com to learn more about JR DeGuzman and purchase tickets to see him live in Reno!

Rock to the music of Hot Rod Rebellion, explore the exhibits at Nevada Museum of Art, and engage in the lively gathering that locals and Reno visitors have enjoyed for years!  First Thursday is open to the public from 5-7 pm every first Thursday of the month.  Thanks to the generous support of Great Basin Brewing Company, Whispering Vine Wine Company and KTHX Radio, the event is only $10 to the public and free to members of the museum.  For more information about the exhibits on display and this fun monthly event, please visit NevadaArt.org.

Thursday, Aug 1 (7:05 pm)  “College Night” invites all college student to enjoy Standing Room tickets for only $5.00.  “Thirsty Thursday” offers $2.00 Coors Light drafts and $4.00 premium beers.  “Chicago Night” celebrates the Windy City with Chicago-inspired concessions and quotes from your favorite TV shows and movies on the video board.
Friday, Aug 2 (7:05 pm)  St. Mary’s lights up the sky at “Fireworks Friday” and “Kids Run the Bases” after the game.
Saturday, Aug 3 (7:05 pm)  “Military Appreciation Night” honors all active and retired service men and women with a pre-game ceremony, food specials, and more!  1,000 mini American flags will be given away, fireworks illuminate downtown after the game, and “Kids Run the Bases.”
Sunday, Aug 4 (1:05 pm)  “Bark in the Park” allows you to bring your favorite pooch, along with his/her vaccination paperwork, to enjoy the game together. “Family Sunday” features menu items for only $1.00 each. Play “Baseball Bingo” for added excitement, and let your kiddos rip the bases after the game.
Monday, Aug 5 (7:05 pm)  “Military Monday” treats active and retired military service men and women to 2-for-1 tickets

One of Northern Nevada’s most beloved annual events kicks-off this weekend in historic Virginia City.  Hot August Nights is a massive celebration of the vehicles that shaped automotive evolution.  Back in the day, the makers of these fine classics creatively rolled out unique designs, each one different from the next. We’re so blessed to have Hot August Nights here in Northern Nevada every year, an opportunity to honor these exceptional beauties at each of the Hot August Night venues.  This weekend’s Virginia City gathering features cruising events, live entertainment, a fun poker walk and more.  Free shuttle buses to Virginia City are available. For all the great details, please visitHotAugustNights.net.

We’re a little more than half way through Food Truck Friday season!  Reno Street Foodhas lined the lane of Idlewild Park every Friday evening since mid-May, and will continue through Sept 27!  Have you not taken advantage of the super selection of gourmet food from the best local vendors around?  What are you waiting for?  Bring along your beach chairs and blankets, and make a picnic out of it on the shady grass with your favorite peeps.  With as many delicious food, drink and dessert options available, everyone in your group is sure to find something to devour and love!  Live local entertaining fills the park each week too!  For more info and a list of the vendors on-site, please visit Reno Street Food’s Facebook Page.

Do you appreciate the art of classical and jazz music!  Then Classical Tahoe is likely the event for you!  Returning for its 8th season in North Lake Tahoe, and under the direction of Conductor and Artistic Director Joel Revzen, the Classical Tahoe Orchestra brings together musicians from the Metropolitan Opera, Los Angeles and New York Philharmonics, Philadelphia Orchestra, the symphonies of San Francisco, Seattle, Dallas, Toronto, Vancouver, and other exceptional organizations.  Take in the fresh mountain air and the beauty of each performance at the intimate pavilion on the campus of Sierra Nevada College in Incline Village, Nevada.  For all the fabulous details, please visitClassicalTahoe.org.

One of most recognizable names in country music makes his way to Reno/Sparks for a night of country-rock-blues fun at the Nugget Event Center. You’re invited to enjoy one hell of a night of entertainment, with Williams’ high-energy hits that include “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight,” “Born To Boogie,” and “Ain’t Misbehavin.'”  In addition to the awesome night of music, the Nugget Event Center hosts a mega block party, with food and beverages offered.  The block party begins at 4 pm and the party continues during and after the concert, with more live entertainment rocking downtown Sparks!  For more information about Hank Williams, Jr., the concert and the block party, please visitNuggetCasinoResort.com.

Transport yourself back to the mid 80’s when hair was big and the soundtracks from iconic movies like Pretty In Pink and Some Kind of Wonderful  were graced by the music of The Psychedelic Furs.  Songs like “Love My Way,” “Pretty In Pink,” and “Ghost In You” instantly take me back to that nostalgic place and time with their combination of “poetic lyrics, innovative rhythms, and melodies driven by an aggressive, punk desperation.”  The Psychedelic Furs are touring with British alternative music/indie-pop band James who brings its own sound and energy in songs like “Sit Down” and “Laid.”  For more info about the two bands and for advanced ticket sales, visitGrandSierraResort.com.

Enjoy your favorite show-stopping hits performed by vocalists straight from the Broadway stage and accompanied by a brilliant symphony orchestra at Classical Broadway!  Renown vocalists Ben Davis and Melissa Errico join conductor Jason Altieri and the Reno Philharmonic for an evening of some of Broadway’s greatest hits, performed live by the talented ensemble.  Enjoy selections from Mamma Mia, Guys and Dolls, Evita and more!  Tickets may be purchased online at PioneerCenter.com, by calling the Box Office (1-866-553-6605) or at the Box Office M-F 11 am-6 pm or 2 hours before the show.

At a time when bands like NSYNC and The Backstreet Boys were making it big on songs written by others, 98 Degrees set themselves apart by writing much of their own material.  Their music reflected their own R&B influences and inspiration, namely groups like Boyz II Men.  Also, unlike most of the “boy bands” of the 90’s this group formed independently before signing with a record label, rather than being assembled by the record label or a producer.  They have sold over 20 million albums worldwide, and have achieved 8 Top 40 singles in the US.  Among those hits are “I Do (Cherish You)” “Because of You,” “The Hardest Thing” and “My Everything.”  Don’t miss 98 Degrees in Reno this Saturday.  Tickets may be purchased at SilverLegacyReno.com.

Sierra Nevada Ballet presents William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night- A Ballet Noirshowing Sunday afternoon at The Pioneer Center.  It’s the same comedy classic you love, but with a Film Noir twist!  You’ll follow the lovely Viola from harrowing shipwreck, to strange new land fraught with comedic hijinks, danger, gender swapping, mistaken identity, and a hilarious love-triangle!  Ananda Bena-Weber returns to direct her second full-length production that stars the SNB company and guest artists from around the world. Twelfth Night-A Ballet Noir is a “dressed to impress” experience. For advanced ticket sales, visit PioneerCenter.com, call 1-866-553-6605, or pop in at the Box Office M-F, 11 am-6 pm Sunday, August 4, 2-4 pm.

Still down-to-Earth and one hell of singer, American Idol’s Season 10 (2011) WinnerScotty McCreery makes his way back to Reno for a special performance Sunday night.  Since his debut and big win on one of America’s top TV singing competitions at the tender age of 16, he has been busy producing 4 albums that include 2 #1 hits, “Five More Minutes” and “This Is It,” a heartfelt song/video that captures Scott’s wedding memories.  Yes, he’s also been busy marrying his high school sweetheart, Gabi Dugal.  Other McCreery hits include “I Love You This Big” and “See You Tonight.”  Get your tickets to see him live at The Plaza at Caesars.com.

Just in case you didn’t get enough concert action this weekend, the Concerts at Commons Beach Summer Series continues with Hot Buttered Rum taking the stage.  The group is described as “a souped-up, left-coast string band… the brainchild of five uniquely gifted musicians who weave their love of bluegrass, folk, jazz and soul into a riveting strain of Americana.  String bass and five-alarm fiddle merge with guitar, banjo, mandolin and drums to frame the voices of its two contrasting writers, fueling a dance party with roots in Appalachia and its branches in California.”  It’s a sound that is “as tough to describe as it is easy to love.”  To me, it sounds like a dance party!  Bring your own dinner picnic or partake from the food and beverage vendors on site.  Just make it to the concert, and enjoy!  It’s free!  For more information, visitConcertsAtCommonsBeach.com.