Holland Benefit Show

This Saturday night at XOXO bar is the Holland Benefit show featuring a few of Reno's most prominent bands.

The show starts at 10pm with a $5 cover charge.

The Holland Project is "A space run by young people--artists, musicians, activists, students--for young people. Where one can see or play music, create or view art, lead or partake in a workshop or class, learn to sew, learn to break dance, host a gathering, discuss an event, a cause, a movement--a place for you created by you and your peers."

Performing at the show will be:
the stops
this calander year
alldaydrive
back harlow road
and mouse trap will be spinning beats in between sets.

There will be an art show and raffel for the art by Ahren and Eric Burke.

All proceeds from the raffle and door go to benefit the holland project.
-go to their blog.

Video: Derby girls roll through Reno

Hear the rules and strategy behind roller derby. See footage of Saturday's game. View the carnage.

Click here to watch video of Saturday's bout.

For those who are curious, the game's final score was Crazed Anatomy -129, Pirate's Booty - 117. For the full story read my blog: 'Talk derby to me - NorCal Roller Girls love the sport'

See the NorCal Roller Girls' Web site.

P.S. When I get time I'll type up more from my interview with Jessica Smith a.k.a. "Flica Flame" from CBS's "Survivor." I'm off tomorrow so it won't be appearing before Tuesday. I'll answer the question of did she intentionally release the chickens?

Talk derby to me - NorCal Roller Girls love the sport

Roller derby is a rough contact sport, and that's the way the all-girl teams like it.

"I love the feeling the next day when it hurts so bad it feels like you've been in a car accident," said Gini "Lunachick" Lehrman, who works in a California county psychiatric ward.

She came to Reno for Saturday's roller derby skating at Roller Kingdom between two traveling teams made up of mostly the NorCal Roller Girls league from Chico, Calif., and Redding, Calif.

Special teams Pirate's Booty and Crazed Anatomy were formed for the event.

Players were selected from Vendetta Dawls, Angry Beavers, Anti-Sorority Sisters, Messy Betty's, Rough Riders and Nevada's Battle Born Derby Demons.

Messy Betty's team captain, and team captain for Pirate's Booty, Ronda "Kutt Throat Kandie" Reid broke her tailbone, sprained two thumbs and pulled a leg ligament in previous falls.

Since the team was formed in February, her other Messy Betty's teammates have suffered forearm compound fractures, broken knees, bruised lungs and knocked out teeth.

This is no game for fragile fairy-princesses, but that doesn’t stop players from flaunting their feminine flair. Many wore dark eye shadow, short skirts and fishnet stockings. “Lunachick” Lehrman zipped around the rink in a puffy tulle skirt and stylish bobbed brown hair tucked under her helmet.

Strategy and agility are vital for the roller derby.

Each team has four blockers and one jammer on the track during a bout.

A jammer must first pass all their opponents be eligible to score points.

Then, they must clear the pack of blockers again to score. Each round or "jam" typically lasts about two minutes.

While blockers try to stand solidly together on wheels, the often faster and more nimble jammers will try to break through or skate around the pack.

Reid, a disk jockey for a two radio stations in Chico, Calif., said there are limits to the violence on the rink.

Pushing is not allowed and hitting with forearms and elbows is against the rules.

Reid said 98 percent of injuries are caused by falling incorrectly.

Players must have insurance from USA Roller Sports to play. An ambulance was parked in front of the rink on Saturday.

"We have too much fun," said Lois "Rosie Rampage" Peitz, who played on Pirate's Booty. "I'm surprised we're allowed to have this much fun."

Humor and on-rink personalities are a large part of the sport as well.

One of the most well-known Chico derby girls, Jessica "Flica Flame" Smith, stared in CBS's most recent season of "Survivor."

Smith, a team captain to last year's undefeated team the Voodoo Dolls, came to Reno to support her former teammates.

She said she's enjoying the fame that eight weeks as a "Survivor" cast member has brought her and the sport she loves.

"People come to see the action," Smith said. "I think people have an image of roller derby girls, but I'm very laid-back. What happens on the rink stays on the rink, and then, we party afterwards."

Reid said new derby groups are spring up all the time, and there's 600 to 700 groups nationwide.

Players said they hope to watch Northern Nevada grow into its own league.

While many girls won't come back after their first try, Reid said it helps others stand up for themselves and builds confidence.

"I watched it when I was 4 years old, and it's the reason I put on skates," Reid said. "For most of these girls it's a way to get away from their day-to-day stress, their issues, their life. It's a great release of stress. Everything else doesn't seem to matter now that I do roller derby."

What's happen'n tonight and tomorrow - Sol Jibe and comedy

The Club: The Green Room, 144 West St., 324-1224.
The Green Room in downtown Reno is hosting local band Sol Jibe at 10 p.m. tonight. The band has a wonderful international flavor with jam band qualities. For the girls who like eye candy, there will be plenty to catch your attention on stage.
Cover: $5
Read more about the group: "Sol Jibe mixes different beats for wordly sound"
Their Web site: http://www.soljibe.com/

On Stage: Comedy

Charles Marshall Comedy: The Georgia comedian performs clean comedy ideal for the entire family at 7 p.m. Dec. 8-9 at Sparks Nazarene Church, 2200 El Rancho Drive. Reservations required. Free. Details: 358-4066.

Catch a Rising Star: Scott Fontecchio & Lee Levine appear Nov. 24-26, Bill Tucker & Chris Curtis appear Nov. 28 to Dec. 3,Barry Friedman & Patrick DeGuire appearDec. 5 to Dec. 10, Ron Shock & Dave Ashley appear Dec. 12 to Dec. 17. Showroom Dark Dec. 18 to Dec. 25. Tim O’Rourke appearing Dec. 26 to Dec. 31. Cost: $14.95 Sun-Fri,$16.95 Sat. Details: 325-7401.

Improv comedy: Kivi Rodgers headlines Nov. 24-26 with opener Scott Henry and host Howie Nave. Pablo Francisco, Improv founder Budd Friedman and John DiResta appear Nov. 28 through Dec. 3 for grand re-opening. Shows start at 8 p.m. Nightly. Dark Mondays. Cost: $25 Sunday, Tuesday-Friday and $30 Saturday. Details: 588-2411.

Funny Bone comedy: Matt Sadler headlines nightly through Nov. 26. Danny Bevins headlines Nov. 29 to Dec. 3, followed by Tom Rhodes Dec. 6 to Dec. 10. Future headliners include Jay. Medicine Hat Dec. 13 to Dec. 18, Steve Hirst Dec. 20 to Dec. 24 and Cowboy Bill Martin Dec. 27 to Dec. 31.Wed 8pm - Thu 8pm - Fri 8pm & 10:30pm - Sat 8pm & 10:30pm - Sun 8pm. Cost: $12 general admission, $16 VIP seating. Details: 348-2200.

Music

Tanya Tucker: The country artist behind such songs as “Delta Dawn” and “Strong Enough to Bend” performs at 7 p.m. Nov. 24-25 at the Atlantis Grand Ballroom. Cost: Tickets are $38 in advance, $42 day of show. Details: 824-4467.

Killswitch Engage: The melodic Boston metal band plays an all-ages show with opening acts Shadows Fall, Bury Your Dead and 2 Cents at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 24 at the New Oasis, 2100 Victorian Ave., Sparks. Cost: Tickets are $20 in advance available at Recycled Records, Out of Bounds, Mad About Music Tahoe locations and www.ticketweb.com. Details: 826-4119.

Holiday Jazz Festival: Smooth jazz artists Chris Botti, David Benoit, Jonathan Butler and Kirk Whalum perform a holiday-themed show at 8 p.m. Nov. 24-25 at the Hyatt Regency, 111 Country Club Drive, Incline Village. Cost: $64-$96, available at the Hyatt or www.omegaevents.com. Details: 800-553-3288.

Tower of Power: The funk-soul band plays at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 24-25 at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Cost: $35. Details: (800) 427-7247.

Upcoming Misc.

Meet the Authors: On hand are Kristie Leigh Maguire to sign “Desert Heat” and “Cabin Fever” along with Catherine MacDonald to sign “Road Queens” and “Coming Home” from 2-5 p.m. Nov. 26 at Barnes & Noble, 5555 S. Virginia St. Free. Details: 826-8882.

East Fork Gallery: The annual Christmas reception takes place from noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 26. The gallery features paintings, porcelain, pottery, photography, graphics and seasonal gifts. Located at 1503 U.S. 395 North, Suite K in Gardnerville. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Details: 782-7629.

“L’Ete Meurtrier”: Great Basin Film Society screens Jean Becker’s 1983 film in French with English subtitles that features Isabelle Adjani at 7 p.m. Nov. 27 in the Green Room, 144 West St. Cost: $6, $4 for GBFS members. Details: 337-9111 or www.gbfs.org.

University Orchestra Fall Concert: The orchestra performs several masterworks during this Spirit of Artown concert at 8 p.m. Nov. 28 in Nightingale Concert Hall at the University of Nevada, Reno. Free. Details: 784-4278 or www.unr.edu/arts.

Foreign Cinema: The department of foreign languages and literatures presents movies every Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Getchell Library’s basement at the University of Nevada, Reno. “Jungle Fever” is featured on Nov. 28 and R-rated. The French film the “Butterfly” plays on Nov. 30. “The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada” shows on Dec. 5 and is R-rated. “Some Times in April” is a movie from Rwanda on Dec. 7. The Japanese film “Shall We Dance” screens Dec. 12. Free. Details: 784-6055 or www.unr.edu/cla/fll.

A Ceremony of Carols: The Sierra Nevada College Concert Choir perform holiday favorites at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29 and Dec. 1 at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, 341 Village Blvd., Incline Village. Cost: $12.50 advance, $15 at the door, $10 seniors, students and children. Details: 831-2611.

Mac Davis: The country singer-songwriter plays at 8 p.m. Dec. 1-2 in the Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget. Cost: Tickets are $47, available at the Nugget, Tickets.com outlets or (800) 648-1177. Details: 356-3300 or www.janugget.com.

Poetry, Peace and Music: Happens from 7-10 p.m. on the first and third Fridays of each month at Dreamer’s Coffee Shop, 17 S. Virginia St. Free. Details: Chris at 843-8026.

Trans Siberian Orchestra: The artsy holiday rock-opera band plays at 8 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Reno Events Center. Cost: Tickets are $49.50 and $29.50, available at Ticketmaster outlets or ticketmaster.com and fee-free at Circus Circus, Silver Legacy and Eldorado. Details: 787-8497.

Bella Voce: This group sings carols and lullabies in concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Brewery Arts Center, 511 W. King St., Carson City. Also at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Trinity Episcopal Church, Rainbow Street and Island Avenue. A final performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 1070 W. Plumb Lane. Cost: $15, $12 BAC members, seniors and students. Details: 323-6090.

“The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus”: Carson Performing Arts presents a fund-raiser for the Brewery Arts Center with a Christmas tale for children based on the book by L. Frank Baum that follows Santa’s childhood at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 and 8, 2 p.m. Dec. 2-3 and 9-10 at the Brewery Arts Center Donald W. Reynolds Theatre, 449 W. King St., Carson City. Cost: $8, $7 students, seniors and BAC members, $5 children and students with ID, $25 family of four. Details: 883-1976.

Mixmaster Mike: The DJ and part-time Beastie Boy plays an all-ages show with opener One Block Radius at 8 p.m. Dec. 2 at the MontBleu. Cost: Tickets are $20 in advance, available through Ticketweb.com and Montbleu. Details: 800-648-3353.
New Riders of the Purple Sage: The kindred spirits of the Grateful Dead perform at 9 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Crystal Bay Club Casino in Crystal Bay. Cost: Tickets are $17 in advance, $20 day of show. Details: 833-6333.

“Peanutcracker, The Story in a Nutshell”: Sierra Nevada Ballet perform this shorter narrated version of “The Nutcracker” at 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St., Carson City. Cost: $10, $5 seniors, students and BAC members. Details: 775-783-3223.

“Murder in the Cathedral” Auditions: Open auditions take place from 3-7 p.m. Dec. 2-3 in the Parish Hall building behind Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 Island Ave. Both male and female roles are needed. Bring head shot or resume and reading material. Play will be performed in March 2007 and all proceeds from the production will go to Hurricane Katrina victims. Details: Greg at 787-6346.

Oneself performs to hungry Green Room crowd ready for some fresh new hip-hop

The Green Room is one of Reno’s most popular bars. It’s incredibly hip with a diverse group of locals, incredible spins from the freshest DJs in town, and some of the best shows I’ve ever seen.

The Green Room was definitely the place to be on Saturday night with the return of the International Hip Hop trio One Self. One Self is a culturally diverse group from New York featuring DJ Vadim from Russia, Blurum 13 from Long Island, New York and Brazilian/Chilean Swedish born Yarah Bravo.

This worldly hip-hop group delivers a cool, earthy vibe delivering passionate and vibrant lyrics and beats from three poetic minds. They have taken hip-hop to different parts of the world, mixing it with the sounds of India, Africa, Japan, and Spain. The trio have played to sold out shows in New York, London, St. Petersburg, and the Czech Republic and made their first Reno appearance last summer with L.A. Rapper Abstract Rude for the Keep the Feel tour.

Their big return on Saturday night packed The Green Room with tons of fans and a bunch of others lucky enough to see this phenomenal group. Unfortunately the show was set to begin at 10pm but if you’ve been to many shows you know their pension for tardiness. DJ Caswell entertained the crowd with unbelievable sounds of classic funk and hip-hop from his albums, ‘Sounds of the City”.

It must have been a strategy to really rile up the crowd because folks were bouncing with anticipation by the time One Self finally hit the stage at around 1:30 a.m. It might have been late but the crowd was hyped when One Self finally struck the stage with their mighty presence. Blurum 13 and Yarah Bravo have perfect synergy; the combination of Blurum’s sharp rhymes and Bravo’s sultry sound bring together amazing showmanship.

Bravo, with her adorable red hat and tie, might be the cutest MC around, skipping and hoping around the stage with her brilliant smile. Her tiny stature is apparent but with her personality and amazing talent, Bravo’s charisma is massive.

The first time One Self was in Reno the crowd was in awe, but didn’t know any songs to sing along to. This time around, the crowd was quick to repeat the poetic lyrics from One Self’s hit album “Children of Possibility”. The group also performed a few from their latest LP, “Organically Grown”.

The room was filled with clouds of smoke and steam from the waves of dancing locals getting’ down to the spins of DJ Vadim. Once again, One Self ruled the stage giving Reno a taste of a fresh new sound from these thunderous hip-hop performers.






Photos by Alexis Gray
Yarah Bravo and Blurum 13, unfortunatly I couldn't get a picture of DJ Vadim because my camera died :(

One Self at the Greenroom

One Self is a culturally diverse hip hop trio featuring DJ Vadim from Russia, Long Island’s Blue Rum 13, and Chilean/Brazilian/Swedish born Yarah Bravo. This worldly hip hop group delivers a cool, earthy vibe delivering passionate and vibrant lyrics and beats from three poetic minds. They have taken hip hop to different parts of the world, mixing it with the sounds of India, Africa, Japan, and Spain. There is no bling-bling or bottles of bub in da club with this group; they don’t care for commercial hip hop. Their passion is music and the experience they present is a must see. The group has played to sold out shows in New York, London, St. Petersburg, and the Czech Republic. They made their first Reno debut in July with Abstract Rude and DJ Drez for the Keep The Feel Summer Tour.

I've saw them perform with for th Keep the Feel show in July it was hands down the best hip hop show I've ever seen!

One Self will be performing at 10pm on Saturday November 18th at The Green Room with a cover charge of $5.

Veterans Day honored in many different ways

(CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO)

Frigid bouts of rain weren’t enough to keep crowds from lining Arlington Avenue to watch the Veterans Day parade. Approximately 70 groups, including marching bands, JROTC students and veterans’ associations, marched on Saturday from Fifth to Court Street, while crowds huddled under umbrellas and zipped up their jackets.
The parade route changed from previous years because of construction on Virginia Street.
Brian O’Connell, who served with the 1st Calvary Division and is a member of Carson City’s Vietnam Veterans Chapter 388, said he was glad to see a swell of patriotism in Northern Nevada’s youth visible in the large numbers of JROTC students participating in Saturday’s parade. Others agreed.
“There are so many students who are willing to get involved (in JROTC) – it was an enthusiastic gathering,” said Jacque Dockery, a preschool teacher from Sun Valley. “It gives hope for future generations.”
Cadet Sgt. Maj. Jeff Steele of the Galena Grizzlies Battalion led an elite color guard made of JROTC members from 11 Northern Nevada high schools. He said they walked Arlington Avenue with pride to be alongside veterans.
“Veterans Day is a great day to let people see what the JROTC program is all about, and see how we’re motivating our kids to become better citizens.” Steele said. “We pay lots of respect to our veterans.”
Vietnam veteran Chuck Fulkerson, who served with the 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Division, said he honored Veterans Day by calling for improvements. He marched with the group Veterans for Change.
“We’re trying to save lives by getting more support in Iraq to get the job done, and more support for veterans after they get back,” Fulkerson said. “The VA is only serving 8 million veterans out of a veteran population of 25 million.”
Miguel "Mike" Arrendondo, Jr. (cq) annually meets some of his 173 Airborne Brigade brothers to march in Reno’s Veteran’s Day Parade, even though none of the 10 who arrived this year live in Reno. Some commuted from New Mexico and Las Vegas to receive a heroes’ welcome that many Vietnam veterans were denied when they first came home.
“I thought it was really nice, especially now that Americans are starting to recognize the Vietnam Veterans,” Arrendondo of Manteca, Calif. said. “We have been called ‘the forgotten warriors,’ so it’s really nice that America is developing a conscience.”
“Reno is a great place for us to come,” fellow 173 Airborne Brigade member Robert E. Linscott, Jr. said. “It’s really veteran friendly. I look at all the ROTC kids and go ‘wow.’”
The 173 Airborne Brigade, the only unit to conduct a combat parachute jump in Vietnam (cq), recently experienced another source of rejuvenation.
Linscott said they had called themselves the “Last Man’s Club” because their unit had been disbanded. Those who served in Vietnam were to be the last associated with the unit’s traditions. But 173 Airborne Brigade was reactivated in 2000 and approximately 1,000 new members created new history for the unit when they parachuted into northern Iraq on March 26, 2003 (cq).
“It’s great to see (the unit carry on), Linscott said. “We love it.”
The Last Man’s Club changed into an organization to support the new 173rd members.
“We saw them and we said to ourselves ‘Were we ever that young?’” Linscott said. “We certainly weren’t that handsome.”

We Be The Echo!

We Be The Echo, a San Francisco Instrumental band who are sure to blow your mind will be playing at XOXO on Saturday Novemeber 11 at 10pm. Also playing will be Reno's own Back Harlow Road and Saucer will also be there. I suggest you take time off from your busy week, grab some friends, and head down to the show. If you've seen these bands before you know how utterly amazing they can be, if not-are you in for a head exploding show!

-Flyer by Scrapbookmedia booking-Ryan Goldhammer

What to do this weekend...?

Friday, Nov. 17
Robert Cray Band: The blues-rocker plays at 8 p.m. Nov. 17-18 in the Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget. Cost: Tickets are $49, available at the Nugget, Tickets.com outlets or (800) 648-1177. Details: 356-3300 or ww.janugget.com.

Pete Yorn: The Jersey singer-songwriter behind such songs as “Life on a Chain” and “Just Another” performs at 9 p.m. Nov. 17 at the New Oasis, 2100 Victorian Ave., Sparks. Cost: Tickets for the all-ages show are $20 in advance available at Recycled Records, Out of Bounds, Mad About Music Tahoe locations and www.ticketweb.com. Details: 826-4119.

The Buttcracker: This parody of the holiday favorite shows at 8 p.m. Nov. 17-18, 24-25, 30, Dec. 1-2, 7-9, 14-16, 2 p.m. Dec. 17, 8 p.m. Dec. 21-23 at Bruka Theatre, 99 N. Virginia St. Cost: $16 in advance, $20 at the door. Details: 323-3221 or www.bruka.org.

Arenacross: High performance off-road motorcycles circle the track and leap into the air during the races starting at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17-18 and noon Nov. 19 at the Reno Livestock Events Center, 1350 N. Wells Ave. Cost: In advance $21 for Friday or Saturday, $8 children ages 12 and younger. On Sunday $13, $7 children. $2 more on day of event. $6 for parking per vehicle. Details: 688-5751.

Brigadoon: The Western Nevada Theatre Company present this romantic musical set in a Scottish village at 7:30 p.m. 17-18 and 2 p.m. Nov. 18-19 at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St., Carson City. Cost: $18, $16 students and seniors, $14 ages 17 and younger. Details: 445-4249 or 887-2290.

A Doll’s House: Reno Little Theater presents this play of a woman’s struggle against Victorian society at 8 p.m. Nov. 17-18 and 2 p.m. Nov. 19 at Hug High School, 2880 N. Sutro St. Cost: $12, $10 senior, $8 student with ID and online $2 less per ticket at www.renolittletheater.org. Details: 329-0661.

Blood Brothers: Proscenium Players present the musical story of English twins separated at first by birth and then by class later reuniting in this play at 8 p.m. Nov. 17-18 at the Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King St., Carson City. Cost: $12, $10 seniors, students, PPI and BAC members. Details: 883-1976.

Real Magic: Kalin and Jinger perform illusions at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays at the Magic Underground at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St. Cost: Friday and Saturday $25.95, $20.95 seniors and students, $15.95 children 12 and younger. Sunday $19.95, $14.95 seniors and students, and $9.95 children. Details: 324-6007 or renomagic.com.

The Threepenny Opera: Nevada Repertory Company presents the story of Mack the Knife, Polly Peachum and a motley crew of comically corrupt characters at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17-18 and 1:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Redfield Proscenium Theatre, University of Nevada, Reno. Cost: $16-$20. Details: 784-4278.

The Good Woman of Sichuan: The Virginia City Theater Muckers perform this play at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17-18 at Piper’s Opera House, 12 N. B St., Virginia City. Cost: $10, students $7. Details: 847-0433.

Fall Dance Festival: The Kahurangi Maori Dance Theatre of New Zealand performs cultural dances and chants at 8 p.m. Nov. 17 in the Nightingale Concert Hall at the University of Nevada, Reno. Part of the Spirit of Artown. Cost: $20, $15 students. Details: 784-4278 or www.unr.edu/arts.

Abbacadabra: The Abba tribute show is at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17-18 at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Cost: $25. Details: (800) 427-7247.

Fiddler on the Roof: Western Nevada Community College Fallon presents this musical about a Jewish family living in Russian society at 7 p.m. Nov. 17-18 at the Churchill County High School Theatre, 1222 S. Taylor St., Fallon. Cost: $12, $10 seniors, $8 children ages 12 and younger. Details: 423-7565.

Holiday Art Mart: VSA arts of Nevada hosts a festive art show and sale from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 17-18 at the Lake Mansion, 250 Court St. Visitors can have a warm drink while touring the mansion decorated for the holidays and shop art gifts. Get family and pet photos with Santa on Saturday. Part of the Sprite of Artown celebration. Free. Details: 826-6100 or vsanevada.org.

Saturday, Nov. 18
Java Djembe: This troupe performs African drum music with dancers at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall, 511 W. King St., Carson City. Cost: $10, $3 discount for BAC members, students and seniors. Details: 883-1976 or www.breweryarts.org.

Nevada Opera Youth Chorus: This group sings at 4 p.m. Nov. 18 for the city of Reno tree lighting ceremony at the City Plaza, North Virginia and Fourth streets. Free. Details: 786-4046.

Christmas Craft and Gift Faire: The fair features more than 70 booths of holiday items, door prizes, a large book sale, food and silent auction from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 18-19 at the Dayton High School, 335 Old Dayton Valley Road, Dayton. Free. Details: Lynne at 246-3870.

Fund-raising Party and Trade Show: A wine, cheese and chocolate pairing party goes from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 18 in the Baron A Ballroom at the Silver Legacy, 407 N. Virginia St. The cost is $150 per couple or $100 for a single ticket. Must purchase in advance at Bobo’s Mogul Mouse Ski & Patio, 475 E. Moana Lane Reno. Proceeds benefit the Make A Wish Foundation of Northern Nevada. The ski and snowboard trade show begins at 6 p.m. Nov. 18 followed by the movie premiere for “Off the Grid” at 8 p.m. both at the Reno Events Center, 400 N. Center St. The cost for this is $17, children ages 11 and younger are $7 per ticket. Details: 826-9096.

Baker Family Benefit: The family hosts a benefit event for Dylan C. Baker, a victim of child abuse at the hands of a babysitter, from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 18 at Pure Country, 1955 Oddie Blvd in Sparks. Cost: $10 adults, $5 children. Donations can also be made at Bank of America branches. Details: 240-4024.

Craft and Bake Sale: This fund-raiser for the church takes place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 18-19 in Righini Hall at St. Thomas Aquinas Cathedral, Second Street and Arlington Avenue. Free. Details: Vi at 972-8081.

Sparks Heritage Museum: A special kick-off day features holiday story readings and book give-aways from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 18. The museum features Christmas displays and trees, Victorian ornaments and nutcrackers. Also featuring Sparks history, a Great Basin American Indian display and local memorabilia. Located at 820 Victorian Ave., Sparks. Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday. Cost: $5, $1 children ages 12 and younger. Details: 355-1144.

Borders Book Signing: Authors J. Lee Taylor and Chris Platt sign copies of the young adult books “Cinderella and the Vampire,” “Cinderella and the Wolf” and “Moon Shadow” from 1-3 p.m. Nov. 18 at Borders Express in the Meadowood Mall, 5178 Meadowood Mall Circle. Free. Details: 826-5690.

Damonte Ranch Ride: The Procrastinating Pedalers go on a 30-mile tour on Nov. 18 through southwest Reno, Damonte Ranch and Double Diamond. Ride Starts at Roy Gomm School. Free. Details: Christine at 972-7824 or www.pedalers.org.

Sparks Ride: Bike with the Procrastinating Pedalers on a leisurely 20-25 mile ride around Sparks on Nov. 18. Meet near the A & W in the shopping center across from Reed High School on Baring Boulevard, Sparks. Suitable for strong beginners. Free. Details: Karen at 741-0890 or Gary at 741-1279 or www.pedalers.org.

Sunday, Nov. 19
MasterClassics 3: The Reno Philharmonic performs Antonio Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Cellos featuring Peter and John Lenz at 4 p.m. Nov. 19 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St. Cost: $24-$58. Details: 323-6393 or www.renophil.com.

Trace Adkins: The country artist performs with opening acts Billy Currington and Jason Aldean at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Reno Events Center. Cost: Tickets are $37, available at Ticketmaster outlets or ticketmaster.com and fee-free at Circus Circus, Silver Legacy and Eldorado. Details: 787-8497.

Holly’s Choice Dayhike: Hike in a scenic area located close to the Truckee Meadows with the Sierra Club on Nov. 19. Learn about flora, fauna or history of the area. Moderate 6-8 miles with a 1,000-foot elevation gain. Free. Details: Holly at 331-7488 or Cathy at 323-6316.

Burners bring death match to local bar

The club: Stoney's Bar, 71 S. Wells Ave., 828-4107

What you'll find there: Electronic Music, Robots, Burners, and Interactive Art -- It's a multiple-camp collaboration, featuring efforts from Club Verboten, Kamp Apokiliptika, Robotronia and assorted special guests. It's happening Saturday, Nov. 11 at 9 p.m. The event is open to those 18 and older. Cost: $8.

The music: Trance and techno, by Alcheme, Omar Suarez, GT, d6, BoilerPlate and Archibald.

The theme: Playa fashion encouraged.

The deathmatch: There can only be one dominate land-puppet that emerges. From last year's competition the predatory Mantis Puppet ruled supreme. Now, there is to be a Mantis vs. 'Bot3k death match.

Wild Rock sounds at XOXO

Saturday night's explosive performance of Reno bands Mister Vague, Think in French and Retribution Gospel Choir from Duluth, Minnesota helped prove that the XOXO bar is Reno's new up and coming hot spot.

Located on Wells and Vassar, XOXO bar has become hugely popular in the Reno nightlife after being open for less than year. Owner Joshua Boyden keeps his modesty about the bar. “It's getting better and better,” he said with a hopeful smile.

Boyden has used the help of Scrapbook media creator Ryan Goldhammer for booking the amazing shows held at XOXO. They both stood proud on Saturday night after the huge turnout of Reno locals who anticipated the show. Goldhammer is responsible for booking some of the most popular shows in Reno's alternative nightlife.

Mister Vague, consisting of singer/songwriter Mark Earnest and bassist Neal Kramer, opened the show with cool guitar riffs and sweet slow melodies to warm up the crowd from the cold outside.

As the bar became more and more crowded, 'Think in French' blew up the stage with a flashy light show and their popular revolutionary sound. Lead singer Clinton Neuerburg's ferocious screams echoed off the walls of the bar pounding the crowd into submission. Rapid fans wailed in excitement and tossed their hair frantically during Think in French's wild performance, an effect the band usually has on the crowd.

After the heat settled from the performance, everyone grabbed a drink at the friendly bar. This bar has almost anything you want, especially their famous mojitos. Mojitos are usually not the easiest drink to make but it doesn't matter to Boyden and his bartenders who make it fresh before your eyes.

After a few cocktails, the crowd was ready for more music and Retribution Gospel Choir was prepared to deliver only the best. These three fantastic musicians have come all the way from Duluth, Minnesota to give Reno a taste of the incredible sound for their west coast tour. The crowd was definitely feeling their vibe in a kaleidescope of flashy colors, infectious drum beats and wild guitar solos. The hypnotic mood of electric guitar sent a euphoric aura around the crowd that kept them raving long after the show had ended. Retribution Gospel Choir features drummer Eric Pollard and guitarists Matt Livingston and Alan Sparhawk who are also members of Low, a highly popular Indie alternative band also from Duluth.

The show ended with wild success and proved that a little bar in Reno can create a huge impact on music lovers all over town.

I saw Cat Power!

That's right, I was lucky enough to see one of my favorite bands of all time, Cat Power, at the Second annual Vegoose Music Festival in Las Vegas. Of course there were many other bands that I love who performed but it was Chan Marshall who blew me away the most.

I first discovered Chan (pronounced Shawn) after the release of her sixth album 'You Are Free' which I fell in love with quite quickly. When her latest album, 'The Greatest' hit stores in January, I was first in line to grab it. If you've have no idea what I'm talking about then I suggest you get your lazy butt to a music store and pick up her albums. She's like nothing you've ever heard, her haunting voice will stay in your mind forever.

My best friend Vivian and I ventured to Vegas in my little red truck all the way down to Vegas in an exhaustingg 10 hour trip (we went through Bishop and ended up in the middle of nowhere losing 45 minutes with nothing around but a flock of massive crows).

The festival was packed with folks in costume all bouncy and giddy for the exciting two day festival. Cat Power and The Memphis Rhythm Band played to a packed crowd around 1:30 pm on Saturday the 28th. Although her music consists of soft piano and slow jazzy guitar rifts with sometimes gloomy lyrics, her performance was cheerful and carefree.

Her performance on Saturday was completely different from some of her performances early on in her career.

At first Marshall was pretty timid and quiet, losing concentration pretty easily with horrible stage fright.

At Vegoose and many of her recent performances she's thrown away her fear and embraced her new joyful attitude. She hopped around stage, pantomiming her lyrics and waving at members of the crowd. Even during her most heartbreaking tunes she danced around jokingly. I swear she pointed at my hat and smiled, she has good taste!

She performed most of the songs from 'The Greatest' but also treated the audience with two songs from her 'Covers Record', her own unique twist on a group of popular songs. She played her gorgeous rendition of Jerry Miller's "Naked, If I Want To" and sent the crowd into a dancing frenzy with her sexy funk version of The Rolling Stones' '“Satisfaction'.

Although most of the bands that I saw at Vegoose gave heart stopping performances (Fiona Apple, The Raconteurs, Damien Marley, The Mars VoltaTom Petty, The Roots, Built to Spill and more!), Cat Power had me captivated her entire performance.

So go out and buy her albums, go see a show, do something and beware of falling in love.

The second and thrid photos are mine

2nd-Vivian Matta and Alexis Gray with Chan Marshall in the background

3rd-Chan Marshall of Cat Power at Vegoose

What to do this weekend!

TODAY

Nick Lachey: The pop singer, former member of 98 Degrees and ex-husband of Jessica Simpson plays with opening act Joanna and Dirtie Blonde at 8 p.m. today at the Grand Sierra Theater. Cost: Tickets are $41.80 and $52.80 at the Grand and Ticketmaster outlets. Details: 789-2000.

Johnny Winter: The blues-rocker plays with opening act Shane Dwight at 9 p.m. today at the Crystal Bay Club Casino in Crystal Bay. Cost: $27 day of show. Details: 833-6333.

Lisa Marie Presley: The pop-rocker performs at 8 p.m. today and Saturday in the Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga's Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave., Sparks. Cost: $45. Details: 356-3300.

Foreigner: The rockers behind such songs as "Urgent" and "Hot Blooded" (featuring Mick Jones as the sole original member) plays at 7:30 p.m. today at Harrah's Lake Tahoe, Stateline. Cost: $55. Details: 800-427-7247.

"Her Music, Her Style, Her Way": The brassy diva Sharon McNight sings selections from Broadway to standards and even a little bit country at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday in the Magic Underground Theatre at the Pioneer Center, 100 S. Virginia St. Cost: $25. Details: 851-1638.

Holiday House Fair: The house is filled with creative crafts and hand-painted furniture open from noon to 6 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at 1400 Celese Lane. Free. Details: Ellen at 851-1970.

Fantasies in Chocolate: This black-tie affair features chocolate and pastry samples, wine tasting, a live orchestra, dancing and a silent auction from 7 to 10:30 p.m. today at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S. Virginia St. General admission is at 7:30 p.m. Cost: $75 at the door. Details: 788-6434 or www.rgj.com/fantasiesinchocolate.

Texas Hold'em Tournament: This fundraiser for Sky Nevada Vaulters benefits middle and high school pole vaulters beginning at 6:30 p.m. today at the 19th Hole Restaurant, Lakeridge Golf Club, 1218 Golf Club Drive. There also will be games of bingo. Cost: $100 buy-in, $25 for spectators and bingo. Details: 747-3133.

"A Doll's House": Reno Little Theater presents this play of a woman's struggle against Victorian society at 8 p.m. today and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, 8 p.m. Nov. 10-11, 2 p.m. Nov. 12, 8 p.m. Nov. 17-18 and 2 p.m. Nov. 19 at Hug High School, 2880 N. Sutro St. Cost: $12, $10 senior, $8 student with ID and online $2 less per ticket at www.renolittletheater.org. Details: 329-0661.

Poetry Reading: Sierra Nevada College presents poets Ingrid Wendt and Ralph Salisbury from 6 to 8 p.m. today in the Prim Library on the campus at 999 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village. Free. Details: 831-1314.

Poetry, Peace and Music: From 7 to 10 p.m. today at Dreamer's Coffee Shop, 17 S. Virginia St. Free. Details: Chris at 843-8026.

Be a Superhero: Children can listen to stories about superheroes at 3:30 p.m. today at the Duncan-Traner Community Library, 1650 Carville Drive. Free. Details: 333-5134.

Mountain Magic Swing Dance Convention: Social dancing, classes for beginners, workshops for experienced dancers and competitions in West Coast swing and the two-step from 3 to 11:30 p.m. today, 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Horizon Casino Resort, U.S. 50, Stateline. Cost: Full event tickets $120 and $60 ages 17 years and younger. Single day events are $25, $50 $60. Spectator passes are $15 per day. Details: 287-2579 or 415-585-6282 www.michelledance.com.

Sierra Arts Gallery: A reception takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. today for Lara Alberti's exhibit "An Iconography of Time and Space" in the Riverside Artist Lofts, 17 S. Virginia St. Free. Details: 329-2787.

TOMORROW

Retribution Gospel Choir: This Duluth, Minnesota band debuts in Reno at the XOXO Bar, 1220 S. Wells Ave. near Vassar St., on Saturday. Opening acts are the Reno duo Mister Vague and Think In French. Show starts at 9 p.m. Cost: $5. Details: www.mistervaguemusic.com

Foam Fest: Sample from more than 30 microbrews and dance to the music of Sol Jibe at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Tahoe Biltmore in Crystal Bay. The event benefits Disabled Sports USA. Cost: $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Details: 530-581-4161.

Day of the Dead: This event includes craft projects for the family, exhibits, a lecture and activities for children from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Nevada State Museum, 600 N. Carson St., Carson City. Cost: $5, $3 seniors and free for ages 17 and younger. Details: 687-4810.

COMING UP

Father-Daughter Ball: Register by Sunday for this dance to be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at Truckee Meadows Community College, 7000 Dandini Blvd. Cost: $30 per couple and $15 for an additional daughter. Details: 829-9010 or wdce.tmcc.edu.