For the Love of Fire: A Fundraiser for The Shiva Vista Project

In preparation for Artown 2007 and The Burning Man Project, Controlled Burn and the Reno Fire Conclave present "For the Love of Fire," a fundraiser for the Shiva Vista Project. Hosted at the Zephyr Lounge (located at 1074 South Virginia Street, Reno) the public is invited to participate on Saturday, Feb. 3 beginning at 8 p.m. Admission is $10.00 per person. Burning Man attire is encouraged. Controlled Burn is slated to perform while DJs Osh and Rhino will thump the house with music to inspire.

Raffle tickets will be sold for various donated products and services.

All proceeds will benefit The Shiva Vista project.

Recreated from the ashes of the Rock Opera performance stage at Burning Man 2006, Ryan Ostler and Dave King engineered and designed The Shiva Vista to increase visibility for audiences by raising the platform six feet off the ground. The main platform measures 20 feet by 20 feet square with four ramps eight feet wide and 20 feet long.

Designer Ryan Ostler (aka Ryano) explains, "The ramps can be raised individually or together to alter the space and change the look and feel of the area. This will be completed in Phase One. Phase Two incorporates four fire towers 12 feet tall to blast 25 foot flames at each corner of The Shiva Vista. And finally, next year we intend to build a steel structure 16 feet above the platform to include a sound system, a DJ booth, an aerials rig, and lighting and additional flame cannons! This has never been done before and I'm thrilled to see it come to life this summer."

The Shiva Vista project is estimated to cost close to $40,000 from start to finish and take two years to complete. Pacific West Builders has already committed a portion of the funds based upon a matching commitment from Controlled Burn, hence, the fundraiser at the Zephyr Lounge. Ostler is planning on several fundraisers in the next six months and estimates Phase One to be complete by the end of May.

Controlled Burn is currently in negotiations to perform during Artown's Opening Night on July 1, 2007 on the Mapes Plaza downtown Reno. Dave King, founder of Controlled Burn, can't wait to showcase The Shiva Vista Project.

"Controlled Burn is homegrown just like Artown. This is a huge opportunity for us as we mature in the Reno art's community. And being voted the number one local dance company by the Reno News & Review last year affirms our place and our contribution to our city."

King attributes that to Controlled Burn's welcoming values.

"Every month we have new people joining us who have never performed before, not even karaoke. After several months of training and lessons, they find themselves in front of a crowd. It's the Reno community that is Controlled Burn. The Shiva Vista is another piece of that."

Getting the community involved is what will bring The Shiva Vista to life.

"We are looking for material donations as well as construction labor with skills and tools." shares Ostler. "We have CAD drawings and plans ready to go. Construction for the sculptures has started and building of the main performance area is set to begin at the end of February."

Businesses or individuals who would like to get more information on how to get involved should visit Controlled Burn's Web site: www.controlledburnreno.com or call Ryan Ostler at 775-815-1406. Controlled Burn is a pending 501c3 non-profit performance company founded in Reno, Nevada.

Group wants to put local community talent on the airwaves

For the first time in more than 14 years, the Federal Communications Commission is offering organizations with educational missions an opportunity to apply for a full-power FM station.

Travis Rice, a member of the nonprofit group Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, said it is time Reno had a community radio station that can reflect its culture. He said PLAN is working to take advantage of the opportunity to apply for a new, noncommercial radio frequency in Reno.

Organizer Ireri Rivas said PLAN is hoping to bring new music, news, art and culture over the airwaves.

"I feel that there's a need for people to feel like they own their media and what they're being fed," Rivas said. "To say that the local media isn't doing that is to go too far, but I think there's a need for a more hands-on approach."

PLAN must raise $5,000. The group's first fundraiser was held on Friday at the Green Room, where there was cover charge to see performances by Laura Gibson, Divine Cacophony, MC Fernie Fresh and others.

"What is happening at the Green Room is changing Reno," Rice said.

Armando Laguna, 30, of Reno said he looks forward to hearing quality local music every weekend at the Green Room.

Jared Hirshland, 25, of Reno said he's tired of hearing the same popular hits on the radio and said he hopes to hear greater diversity on a new radio station.

"It's either Lynyrd Skynyrd or My Chemical Romance on the radio," Hirshland said. "It's kind of sad. If you listen to the same stuff over and over again, you get left behind."

Rivas said PLAN is taking the lead on the application process but is open to collaboration, so more local voices can be heard.

"PLAN will not be the only one running the show, so we're looking to get more community groups and individuals to help," Rivas said.

Rice said PLAN sought involvement by Rainshadow Community Charter High School, which teaches multimedia production, civic involvement and current events. The radio station would be able to broadcast stories and music the students produce.

Patrick "Mojo" Rogers, 41, of Reno said it is important to support local bands that create music that is relevant to Reno by playing them on the airwaves and in live venues. He said much radio music reflects what record labels want to promote.

"We want culture in this town, and this is where it starts," Rogers said.

Musicians also look for inspiration in new music. The top

40 songs in any genre don't cut it for many performers who are looking to discover a new sound.

Ernie Upton, also known by his stage name MC Fernie Fresh, said in his hometown of Sacramento it has four community radio stations which broadcast a wide variety of music ranging from polka to gangster rap.

"It's stuff you couldn't find on your own, which is why I like it," Upton said.

Upton, in turn, inspired other musicians. Chris Hunziker of Switzerland, who raps freestyle in his home country, said he came to the venue to study and enjoy MC Fernie Fresh's style.

"I have to learn from these guys," Hunziker said.

Rice said the nonprofit status of the radio station will make it easier to keep overhead low, which can keep advertising costs low and make it possible to promote community events that would not be heard on commercial stations.

"It's a great way to organize a community and bring people together," Rice said.

To get in touch with PLAN and help with their radio effort call (775) 348-7557.

Dancin' machine

If you've always admired those who knew the steps to the salsa or the merengue, here's your chance to finally learn. William "Billy Bob" Flanders of Mountain Salsa Dance is trying to start regular salsa dances in Reno and held a beginners dance Friday night at Dancin! Performing Arts on Skyline Boulevard in conjunction with Reno Connections.

Men, take note, the women far outnumbered the men at Friday's event and were standing in line to get a chance to practice their moves with someone of the opposite sex. Me? I was dancing with my friend Gwynne for much of the night, and admiring Billy Bob as he spun his partner Rebekah Friedline at a dizzying pace. The two have recently started compete in dance
competitions together, but already look like they've been cha-chaing with each other for years:













The night started out with a few instructions from Billy Bob and his student assistant, Devika Ghimire, with the men lined up on one side of the mirrored dance studio, and the women on the other. They walked us through some basic salsa steps very efficiently, then came the awkward mixing of the two groups as we practiced to the music. Salsa isn't that difficult (finding a partner is much more so). It was exciting to realize it was something I could actually do. After about a half hour, Billy Bob stopped the music and taught us the merengue and then let us loose again.
Here's a picture of Devika getting spun around by one of the class members:

















Billy Bob hopes to get the downtown Reno casinos interested in hosting this event on a regular basis. His next big dance is on Feb. 10 in the Truckee Elementary School Gym, 11911 Donner Pass Road and includes daytime workshops with champeen dancers and LaTiDo, a Bay-area salsa orchestra performing at 8 p.m. There is an intro to salsa at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 if purchased by Feb. 9 and $25 at the door. You can get tickets at Truckee Elementary School, Different People in Historic Truckee, Dancin! Arts Center and from Billy Bob 530-927-9451 or info@mountainsalsadance.com.

Former wallflowers venture onto the dance floor for a spin

For 59 years, Warren Pierson didn't know he could dance. Now, at age 60, he's an advanced swing dancer. Pierson, an admitted former wallflower, said the trick is in the training. To ward off the boredom of retirement, he decided to try a class at Let's Dance Studio on Rock Boulevard in Sparks, signing up a month at a time.

"They taught me how to pay attention to rhythm in the music," Pierson said. "Now, I can actually keep step."

He's not alone. Dawn Wilson, 59, who never danced as child said she had no intention of ever dancing. She would come to the studio just to drop off her 14-year-old granddaughter. But owner Fred Suhr convinced her to venture onto the floor. Now after four years she's an avid dancer of East Coast Swing and Swango -- a mixture of Swing and Tango.

"It's a great feeling to realize you can dance when you thought you had two left feet," Wilson said.

Wilson said the relaxed and sociable atmosphere is what allowed her to take her first dance step.

"It's a great social thing because they treat you like you're family," Wilson said.

Fred Suhr said he and his wife, Beth Suhr, have enjoyed retiring to a dance studio. They don't consider teaching dance to be work, he said.

They teach Argentine Tango, West and East Cost Swing, the Charleston, Salsa, Cha-cha, Merengue, ballroom dances and Swango.

Their beginning Swing class intrigued me. I always watched with envy the energetic jumps, jives and spins of those who mastered Swing.

So, with no small degree of apprehension, I ventured into Let's Dance Studio alone on Saturday night for the beginning Swing class at 5:30 p.m.

I've always moved with relative ease around the dance floor with my own improvised moves, but when instructed to dance in a pattern I found myself struggling to count to four.

I was marching nervously in place, as stiff as a tin soldier. Tap, tap, right, left.

Then it was time to attempt to coordinate the steps with a partner. After a few minutes, the pairs would switch. This could easily be the most daunting aspect of any dance class. I began to hope my dance partners were wearing steel-toed shoes and would be forgiving of my uncoordinated lumbering.

But to my grateful surprise, many offered helpful tips and missteps were greeted with mutual laughs. When Fred and Beth Suhr taught us a new dance moves it became a team effort to learn the right method.

By the end of the night, I was dancing and spinning to a three-step rhythm.

About 20 people arrived at 6:30 p.m. for the intermediate-advanced swing class and monthly potluck. That sense of community is what Marie-Elena VanTreeck found seven years ago when she attended the New Year's celebration of Let's Dance Studio.

She had recently moved from Washington, D.C., and decided to force her husband onto the dance floor. Initially her husband was grinding his teeth while dancing, he was putting so much effort and muscle into getting the steps right, she said. But VanTreeck said everyone was so sociable and relaxed that he loosened up and felt comfortable learning. Now, he beckons her out to the dance floor.

While there's a wide range of ages who attend classes, Myra Godfrey, 27, who teaches Tango at the studio, said most of the dance floor hoofers are 30 to 60 years old. She said a large percentage of their clientele are married couples.

Let's Dance Studio is also reaching out to the community in another way.

They started Nevada Tango Society Inc., which teaches Argentine Tango at least once a week for free at elementary schools including Van Gorder, Desert Heights, Drake, Juniper and Anderson.

Godfrey said it teaches kids how to respectfully come in contact with another person, proper etiquette and moving gracefully.

For many of the schools it's an afterschool program. Godfrey said she regularly teaches 20 kids twice a week at Lena Juniper elementary.

Fred Suhr said more schools have expressed an interest in the program, but they don't have enough teachers to expand the program. But he said he's glad to see dance gaining in popularity.

"Everyone who attends is looking to make a positive change in their life so the people who arrive are all positive," Fred Suhr said.

Visit Let's Dance Studio on the Web: http://www.letsdancereno.homestead.com/letsdance1.html

What's going on this Weekend?!?

Friday, Jan. 19

Frank Sinatra, Jr.: Sinatra sings Sinatra at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19-20 at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Cost: Tickets are $45 on Jan. 19, $55 on Jan. 20. Details: 800-427-7247.

Joan Rivers: The entertainer and QVC product hawker performs at 8 p.m. Jan. 19-20 in the Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave., Sparks. Cost: $50, available at the Nugget, Tickets.com or 800-648-1177. Details: 356-3300 or janugget.com.

Brew HaHa: This benefit for Sierra Arts features guitarist Johnny A and unlimited tastings of more the 25 microbrewery selections from 7:30-11:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave., Sparks. Cost: $40 and $50. Details: Sierra Arts at 329-2787 or the Nugget at 356-3300.

Monster Jam: The monster-truck rally is at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19-20 and 2 p.m. Jan. 20-21 at the Reno Livestock Events Center. Cost: Tickets are $18 general, $5 for children 12 and younger, available at Ticketmaster outlets and www.ticketmaster.com. Details: 787-8497.

Tea Leaf Green, New Monsoon: The jam bands swap headlining slots in a two-night stand at 9 p.m. Jan. 19-20 at the Crystal Bay Club Casino, 14 Nevada 28, Crystal Bay. Cost: $15 in advance, $17 day of show. Details: 833-6333.

“Bugsy Malone, Jr.”: BAC Stage Kids present a slapstick musical that is a tribute to the 1920s gangster movies at 7 p.m. Jan. 19, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Jan. 20-21, 7 p.m. Jan. 26, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Jan. 27-28 at the Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King St., Carson City. Cost: $8, $5 BAC members, seniors, students and children. Details: 883-1976 or www.breweryarts.org.

Boxing: Register by Jan. 19 for this class that helps reduce stress along with weight through the art of boxing from noon to 2 p.m. on Fridays Jan. 26 through April 13 at Truckee Meadows Community College, 7000 Dandini Blvd. Cost: $89. Details: 829-9010 or wdce.tmcc.edu.

Open Mic: Todd South hosts an open mic specializing in original music from 7-10 p.m. each Friday at Walden’s Coffeehouse, 3940 Mayberry Drive. Those who would like to perform need to sign up at 6 p.m. On Saturdays local and touring musical acts perform from 7-10 p.m. Free. Details: 787-3307.

Friday Storytimes: Storytime takes place at 3:30 p.m. each Friday at Duncan-Traner Community Library, 1650 Carville Drive, Reno. All ages welcome. Free. Details: 333-5134.

Senior Dance Club: The senior dance club hosts dances with a live band performing music of the ’40s and ’50s from 8-10:45 p.m. each Friday at the Senior Citizens Center, Ninth and Sutro streets. Refreshments, prizes and a raffle provided. Open to those 55 and older, $10 annual memberships available. Cost: $5 members, $7 all others. Details: Alma at 786-2301 or Merle at 747-1972.

Saturday, Jan. 20

Reno Chamber Orchestra: Guest cellist Alexander Ivashkin performs Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 2 with the orchestra at 8 p.m. Jan. 20 and 2 p.m. Jan. 21 in Nightingale Concert Hall at the University of Nevada, Reno. Also featuring music by Legrenzi and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8. Cost: $44, $41 seniors, $15 students. Details: 348-9413 or www.RenoChamberOrchestra.org.

Paula West: This jazz singer brings her sultry sound to the stage at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Pioneer Center’s Magic Underground, 100 S. virgnia St.Part of the Cabaret Concert Series. Cost: $30. Details: 851-1638 or www.pioneercenter.com.

Jason Mraz: The pop singer-songwriter plays at 8 p.m. Jan. 20 at Montbleu. Cost: Tickets are $49.50, available through Ticketmaster outlets and Montbleu. Details: 800-648-3353.

DJ Donald Glaude: The house music DJ performs at 8 p.m. Jan. 20 in the Opal Lounge at MontBleu. Cost: Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at door, available through Ticketmaster outlets and MontBleu. Details: 800-648-3353.

Stories and Songs of the West: This performance features a blend of live music and slide images at 7 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Western Heritage Interpretive Center, 6000 Bartley Ranch Road. Free. Details: 828-6612.

“Cinderella, Or How Pipsqueak the Mouse Became a Stallion”: TheatreWorks of Northern Nevada presents this youth company spoof of the Cinderella story at 7 p.m. Jan. 20, 2 p.m. Jan. 21 and 7 p.m. Jan. 26-27 at Laxalt Auditorium, 401 W. Second St. Cost: $5, $3 students and seniors. Details: 685-2687.

Movies in the Morning: See the animated Disney-Pixar film “Cars” from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Spanish Springs Library, 7100A Pyramid Lake Highway, Sparks. Free. Details: 424-1800.

Come in from the Cold Family Programs: Shows start at 7 p.m. Jan. 20 and 27 at the Western Heritage Interpretive Center, 6000 Bartley Ranch Road. See the photography work of Mark Vollmer and listen to guitarist Jim Eaglesmith on Jan. 20. Squeek Steele plays the piano and sings on Jan. 27. Free. Details: 828-6612 or www.washoecountyparks.com.

Wine Walk: The Riverwalk Merchants Association of the arts district in downtown Reno hosts this event at 2 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month along the riverwalk near Arlington Avenue. A raffle takes place at 5:15 p.m. Cost: $15 for a map, wine glass and samples. Details: 337-1717.

Acrobatic Dancers: Brothers Cy and Boone Platt perform a high energy montage of dances from ballet to jazz and even some hip-hop at several county libraries Jan. 20 to Feb. 27. Also featuring comedy improve and singing at 11 a.m. Jan. 20 at the South Valleys Library, 15650A Wedge Parkway. At 4 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Incline Village Library, 845 Alder Ave., Building A, Incline Village. At 10:30 a.m. Feb. 24 at the Verdi Community Library, 270 Bridge St., Verdi and at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at the North Valleys Library, 1075 N. Hills Blvd., No. 340. Free. Details: 353-5989, 787-4100, 851-5190 or 832-4130.

Starting Vegetable Seeds: Get some gardening tips at 10 a.m. Jan. 20 at Moana Nursery, 1100 W. Moana Lane. Advanced signup is recommended. Cost: $5 donation goes to the Arboretum. Details: 825-0600.
Children’s Ski Program: Children ages 7-12 can take a skiing or snowboard lesson then have a pizza party with entertainment from 2-6:30 p.m. Jan. 20, Feb. 3 and March 31 at Diamond Peak Base Lodge, 1210 Ski Way Incline Village. Cost: $55. Details: 832-1177 or diamondpeak.com.

Reno Area Avian Enthusiasts: RAAVE is a club for anyone who owns or is interested in pet birds. The club meets at noon on the third Saturday of each month at Sparks Library, 1125 12th St. Free. Details: Sandy at 358-7222.

Swing Classes: Beginning swing classes are from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and intermediate to advanced classes from 6:30-7:30 p.m. each Saturday at Let’s Dance Studio, 1151 N. Rock Blvd., Sparks. Partner not needed. Cost: $35 four-week class, $10 drop-in. Details: 351-1400 or www.letsdancereno.com.
Handgun Safety for Women: A handgun safety and handling class for women is from 8-11 a.m. each Saturday. Session counts for three hours of the CCW permit requirement. Call for location. Free. Details: 677-2715.

Sunday, Jan. 21

Divorce Story: Learn about the divorce era of Reno in the 1930s in a presentation at 3 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Wilbur D. May Museum, 1595 N. Sierra St. Includes the video “Going to Reno: Divorce Story.” Free. Details: 785-4512.

Get your Burner tickets while they're hot!

That's right. Your ticket to Burning Man, the week long festival in the middle of the Gerlach salt flats, is on sale.

They are being gobbled up faster than free flap-jacks in the desert.

Online tickets went on sale at 10 a.m. Wednesday with 10,000 sold for $195 in the first hour and a half, spokeswoman Andie Grace said.

Would-be-burners need to take action fast because the cheap tickets sell out first.

The second set of 10,000 tickets are being sold online at $225 while supplies last and the third set of 10,000 tickets will be $250.

Once 30,000 tickets are sold, the rest will be available for $280 apiece.

See you in the Black Rock Desert!

Get down and derby!

Our resident femme fatals - the Battle Born Derby Demons are throwing a "Winter Meltdown" this Sat. at 8 p.m. at the XOXO Bar on South Wells Avenue. That means alcohol (drink specials), aggression, arm wrestling, raffle prizes and DJs. The roller girls will be there - in "uniform" -- so come ready to have a great time. All for a measly $5 cover charge.

If you're not familiar with the group see some of them in action in this video -

Click here to watch video
or read about a recent bout: 'Talk derby to me - NorCal Roller Girls love the sport'

Visit their myspace page: http://myspace.com/renorumblers

And let's get ready to rumble!

Go Skating!!

Winter chills didn't stop the huge crowd from ice skating on the Rink on the River on Sunday Afternoon in downtown Reno. The rink was packed with families, friends, and couples skating and spinning around the ice.

Peter Warburton is the supervisor and also a skating instructor at the Rink on the River.

“This year has had a very good turnout,” said Warburton, “We came out ahead of our budget this year.”

Warburton has worked at the Rink on the River since 1996 when he first began as a volunteer. Each winter he hires part time employees which are usually students. “I have kids now so I’m usually here only on the weekends,” said Warburton. “Most of our employees work 3-4 times a week.”

Last year’s harsh winter devastated ticket sales and created a lower turnout, but things have looked a lot brighter this year. Warburton says the crowds keep coming despite this season’s fluctuating weather.

The rink was crowded on Sunday but Warburton estimated only around 80 skaters. “Saturdays are the most popular days by far,” said Warburton. “There are usually about 150 people on the rink.”

Warburton and his employees spend the day selling tickets, renting ice skates, giving lessons and sharpening the skates.

“It’s hard work sharpening these skates” said Warburton as he wiped the dirt from his hands. “We have to constantly sharpen them, especially for the kids because they’ll be out on the ice for hours at a time.”

It wasn’t too cold this Sunday afternoon; the sun was out keeping the skaters a bit warmer than usual. Many arrived at the rink all wrapped up in winter attire but found themselves stripping off layers due to the unexpected sunshine.

According to Warburton, the rink was a very popular place to be on Christmas day, a nice touch for the holiday. Many kids have also held their birthday parties at the rink this year. Music plays over the loud speakers keeping skaters entertained and the Cal Neva has even provided a snack bar full of fresh food and hot chocolate.

One family in particular took the opportunity to spend their Sunday afternoon at the Rink on the River. Randy and Tammy Stephenson brought their daughter Drew, 8, along with their friends Ron Spector and his daughter Hannah, 8, to the rink.

The daddies and their daughter spun around in circles on the ice as Tammy sat sipping hot chocolate. They had been there since 10:30 am having private lessons from an employee. This was there second weekend at the rink. “It’s a great family activity,” said Tammy Stephenson. “Perfect for the winter.” The Rink on the River is located at City Plaza, at the corner of First and Virginia Streets in Downtown Reno near the Truckee River.

Whatca doing this weekend??

I know its freezing but that doesn't mean the weekend is cancelled! Get your butt out there fools!
Don't forget to check our main page for events, can you believe Morris Day is coming!!!?!?!

Friday, Jan. 12

Unwritten Law: The pop-punk band behind such songs as “Geronimo” plays an all-ages show at 8 p.m. Jan. 12 at the New Oasis, 2100 Victorian Ave., Sparks. Cost: Tickets are $12 in advance, available at Recycled Records, Mad About Music Tahoe locations and www.ticketweb.com. Details: 826-4119.

Aaron Lewis: The Staind singer comes to town for another solo set at 9 p.m. Jan. 12 in the Silver Legacy’s Grande Exposition Hall. Cost: Tickets are $40 and $60, available through Ticketmaster outlets and the Silver Legacy, www.silverlegacy.com. Details: 325-7401 or 800-687-8733.

Claynichols: An opening reception for the paintings of Patricia Wallis takes place from 5-7 p.m. Jan. 12 for a showing that runs through Feb. 24. The gallery features fused glass, iron work mirrors, jewelry, purses, baskets and turned wood at 106 California Ave. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Details: 324-0505.

Bridge and More Games: Adults can play bridge, cribbage and other board games from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Spanish Springs Library, 7100A Pyramid Lake Highway, Sparks. Open to beginning and intermediate players. Cost: Free. Details: 424-1800.

Kid’s Night Out at Bartley Ranch Park: This monthly children’s program takes place at 7 p.m. in the Huffaker Schoolhouse at Bartley Ranch Park, 6000 Bartley Ranch Road. “The Mysterious and Elusive Snowman” Jan. 12; “What is Snow?” Feb. 9; “Winters of the Past” March 9; “Rain and Rainbows” April 13 and “Help Your Feathered Friends” on May 11. Cost: Free. Details: 828-6612.

Open Mic: Todd South hosts an open mic specializing in original music from 7-10 p.m. each Friday at Walden’s Coffeehouse, 3940 Mayberry Drive. Those who would like to perform need to sign up at 6 p.m. On Saturdays local and touring musical acts perform from 7-10 p.m. Cost: Free. Details: 787-3307.

4-H Guinea Pig Club: The new 4-H club meets from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on the second Friday of each month at the Douglas County Coorperative Extension office, 1329 Waterloo in Gardnerville. The club is open to youth of all ages. You do not need to own an animal to join. Details: 784-4848.

Senior Dance Club: The senior dance club hosts dances with a live band performing music of the ’40s and ’50s from 8-10:45 p.m. each Friday at the Senior Citizens Center, Ninth and Sutro streets. Refreshments, prizes and a raffle provided. Open to those 55 and older, $10 annual memberships available. Cost: $5 members, $7 all others. Details: Alma at 786-2301 or Merle at 747-1972.

Friday Storytimes: Storytime takes place at 3:30 p.m. each Friday at Duncan-Traner Community Library, 1650 Carville Drive, Reno. All ages welcome. Cost: Free. Details: 333-5134.

Saturday, Jan. 13

Art Garfunkel: The singer and songwriter, solo since 1970, performs at 8 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Grand Sierra Resort Theater, 2500 E. Second St. Cost: $49.50, $60.50. Details: 789-2000.

Morris Day and the Time: Prince’s rival band from way back, the ones behind the songs “Jungle Love” and “The Bird,” performs at 8 p.m. Jan. 13 in the Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget. Cost: Tickets are $50, available at the Nugget, Tickets.com outlets or 800-648-1177. Details: 356-3300 or www.janugget.com.

Sierra Nevada Balalaika Folk Ensemble: This group performs Russian folk music including “Let Me Hear Your Balalaikas Ring Out” at 7 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Western Heritage Interpretive Center, 6000 Bartley Ranch Road. Cost: Free. Details: 828-6612.

Heartbreaker: The Led Zeppelin tribute band plays at 9 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Crystal Bay Club Casino in Crystal Bay. Cost: Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 day of show. Details: 833-6333.

Lindsey Buckingham: The singer-songwriter and Fleetwood Mac member stops behind his new album, “Under the Skin,” at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13-14 at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Cost: $55. Details: 800-427-7247.

Pointer Sisters: The R&B group behind such songs as “Fire” and “He’s So Shy” plays at 8 p.m. Jan. 13 at Montbleu. Cost: Tickets are $45, available through Ticketmaster outlets and Montbleu. Details: 800-648-3353.

Wild Winter: See cheetahs, wolves, a lynx, foxes, a cougar and bobcats in winter coats from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 13-14 at the Animal Ark, 1265 Deerlodge Road. Cost: $8, $6 children. Details: 1-775-970-3111, must dial area code or www.animalark.org.

Unnamed Writers Group: This group meets to learn about and discuss topics on writing at 10 a.m. Jan. 13 and on the second Saturday of each month at the TMCC Meadowood Campus, 5270 Neil Road. This month’s topic is “Anyone Can Be Published, if You Can Afford It.”. Cost: Free. Details: Jane at 673-0998 or www.unnamedwriters.org.

Planting Green Seeds in Mainstream Media: Eco-Talk host Betsy Rosenberg discusses environmental concerns and sharing information with the public at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Coyote Moon Golf Course, 10685 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, Calif. Presented by the Squaw Valley Institute. Cost: $10, free for children 12 and younger, and students with ID. Details: 530-581-4138 or www.squawvalleyinstitute.org.

Gatekeeper’s and Marion Steinbach Indian Basket Museum: Author Mark McLaughlin signs copies of “The Donner Party: Weathering the Storm” at 11 a.m. Jan. 13. The exhibit “Woven Legacy: A Collection of Dat-so-la-lee Works, 1900-1921” is currently on display through April at 130 W. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Cost: $3, $2 seniors, $1 children, free for ages 5 or younger and members. Details: 530-583-1762 or www.northtahoemuseums.org.

Genoa Antiques Show and Sale: Featuring antique furniture, textiles and jewelry on display from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 13 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Genoa Town Hall, 2300 Main St., Genoa. Cost: $1.50 admission, $5 appraisal per item. Details: 782-4951 or www.genoaevents.com.

Echo Lake Cross Country Ski: Trek to the glaciated basin of Echo Lakes with the Sierra Club on Jan. 13. Easy to moderate ski over the hill and across the lake. Learn about the geologic history of the area. The trip is about 6-8 miles. Free. Details: Ridge at 853-8055 or edc@unr.edu.

Come in from the Cold Family Programs: Shows start at 7 p.m. Jan. 13, 20 and 27 at the Western Heritage Interpretive Center, 6000 Bartley Ranch Road. The programs include a performance by the Sierra Nevada Balalaika Folk Ensemble on Jan. 13. See the photography work of Mark Vollmer and listen to guitarist Jim Eaglesmith on Jan. 20. Squeek Steele plays the piano and sings on Jan. 27. Cost: Free. Details: 828-6612 or www.washoecountyparks.com.

Nevada Stamp Study Society: This group meets every second and fourth Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Sparks Heritage Museum, 820 Victorian Ave. Enter through rear door. Members collect all things philatelic including stamps, covers and post cards. Free coffee and snacks. Cost: Free. Details: Terri at 246-4769 or John at 575-1337.
Swing Classes: Beginning swing classes are from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and intermediate to advanced classes from 6:30-7:30 p.m. each Saturday at Let’s Dance Studio, 1151 N. Rock Blvd., Sparks. Partner not needed. Cost: $35 four-week class, $10 drop-in. Details: 351-1400 or www.letsdancereno.com.

Biggest Little Swing Dance Club: The club hosts swing dancing from 8-11 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month at Sports West Athletic Club, 1575 S. Virginia St. A free beginner’s lesson is from 7-8 p.m. No partner necessary. Cost: $10. Details: 851-3373 or www.blsdc.org.

Handgun Safety for Women: A handgun safety and handling class for women is from 8-11 a.m. each Saturday. Session counts for three hours of the CCW permit requirement. Call for location. Cost: Free. Details: 677-2715.

Sunday, Jan. 14

MasterClassics 4: The performance by the Reno Philharmonic includes the Scherzo from the Afro-American Symphony by William Grant Still and a piano concerto by Edvard Grieg that features Rachel Kudo at 4 p.m. Jan. 14 and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St. Cost: $24 to $58. Details: 686-6600 or 323-6393 or www.renophil.com.

Junior Brown: The alt-country guitarist performs at 9 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Crystal Bay Club Casino in Crystal Bay. Cost: Tickets are $20 in advance, $23 day of show. Details: 833-6333.

Sons and Daughters of Erin Benefit: This fund-raiser for the club’s scholarship fund features Irish entertainer Seamus Kennedy at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Great Basin Brewing Company, 846 Victorian Ave., Sparks. Cost: $15 donation. Details: Great Basin at 355-7711 or Sheri at 787-0144.

Western Ridge of Peavine Mountain: Snowshoe or off-trail hike 5-miles depending on conditions with the Sierra Club on Jan. 14. Climb the western-most slopes of Peavine Mountain up to the ridgeline. Gary at 146-0771.

Snowshoe Chickadee Ridge: On Jan. 14 the Sierra Club takes a trip from the Tahoe Meadows to Chickadee Ridge. Learn about the birds on this 6-mile trek with a 1,000-foot gain. Not for beginners. Free. Details: Holly at 331-7488 or Stacie at 853-8605.

BMX national competition in Reno

This weekend Olympic hopefuls competed in the same national competition as five-year old-girls and men over 50.

The American Bicycle Association's Silver Dollar National BMX (bicycle motocross) races held this weekend at the Reno-Livestock Events Center attracted 1,561 competitors from all over the world on Saturday.

Clayton John, American Bicycle Association president said the free event gave everyone the chance to meet the “top pros in the world.”

Bubba Harris, the three-time winner of the National AA-Pro title, pedaled over the same dirt track of bumps, jumps created from 4,500 yards of soil that created the challenging terrain. He’s at the top of the list for athletes expected to compete in 2008 Olympic Games. This will be the first time the sport has been included.

Another hallmark of BMX’s growing popularity is that Harris recently signed a sponsorship deal with Visa and Nike. He said he expects the Olympics to bring more sponsors to the sport and hopes to see it gain primetime TV billing.

“BMX is one of those sports that’s kind of like a step-child to the other sports,” Harris said. “People outside of the BMX world don’t know what BMX is, and once they come they get hooked right away.”

He said BMX is one of the few sports an entire family can participate in, which adds to the sport’s increasing popularity.

“It’s really a sport that once you start doing it the whole family starts doing it, and it’s fun for everybody - from dad, to junior, to little sister,” Harris said.
All it takes to join in an American Bicycle Association competition is a bike with twenty-inch wheels, a helmet, a long-sleeve shirt, pants and a $45 membership fee.

Robbie Stanford, 43, and his 12- and 8-year-old sons drove from Merced Calif. to compete in this weekend’s races. He said it’s good for the whole family to compete and stay in shape. He races locally against kids that are 20 years younger than he is and enjoys it.

“I’m able to keep up with them, so I keep them pretty honest,” Stanford said. “They have a lot of respect for this old man.”

Keith Coben, of Elk Grove, Calif. brought his 6-year-old son Jack to compete in the race. The Coben family arrived with their team, Factory Team 2 Racing.

“The way kids get good at bicycle motocross is at the grassroots level and that’s at the local racetrack,” Coben said. “Once or twice a week they’re out there racing with their friends. It’s very informal. Nothing like this.”

The Silver Dollar National BMX races were held in rapid succession with nearly a mechanized efficiency.

Cyclists lined up like cattle herded into a fenced stall. Then with a clang, a gate dropped and cyclists pedaled forward over well-groomed dirt mounds and banked curves. As the pack neared the finish line, the gate drops again sending another group of racers in to the course.

The next national BMX competition is scheduled at the Reno Livestock and Events Center from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2.

Photo by David B. Parker/RGJ

Above All Things-This Saturday

Ready to bang your head this Weekend?

Reno Metal/Rock band Above All Things, Portland, Oregon's Prize Country, and Carson City's Swamp Donkey will be playing at Satellite Lounge on Saturday, Janurary 6th.

The show will start at 9 p.m. and will have a $5 cover charge.

Above All Things features singer Julian Peach, bassist Mark Moots, and drummer Jason Thomas, all who were previously in one of Reno's most well known Metal bands, December. Mark Mayhall plays bass in Above All Things and Mark Moots is also 'Swamp Donkey'.

On their website, Prize Country defines their influences as "Loud amps, loud drums, rock and roll attitude". The band just began their first full length album in December.

I'm really excited for this show, I missed rock.

Read an article by Sarah Cook of the Reno News and Review here.

Ministers dedicate Sunday service to 'The Godfather of Soul'

The Rev. Terry McCray-Hill raised her arms high in praise during Sunday morning's service at the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Sparks to celebrate the life of "The Godfather of Soul", James Brown. Northern Nevada residents both black and white gathered hand in hand to remember the powerful messages that the legend who died early Christmas morning at the age 73 delivered in so many of his famous songs. James Brown left a mighty impact on the history of funk music and American history.

Brown is famous for his incredible showmanship and super bad dance moves but the messages that he created during the turbulent times of the 1960s proved a light of hope. Reverends Emma Love, George Mayes and Terry McCray-Hill dedicated their service to the man, his music and his message. Rev. Mayes celebrated one of Brown's most notable songs, "Say It Loud-I'm Black and I'm Proud", the anthem of the Black Power movement of the 1960s.
Mayes explained the importance of that slogan and the message Brown gave for African Americans to be proud of who they are and of the skin and body that God gave them, a powerful significance in which the congregation responded with applause. Rev. McCray-Hill then praised another of Brown's important songs, "I Don't Want Nobody To Give Me Nothing (Open Up the Door, I'll Get It Myself)".
McCray-Hill said that at the time of its release in 1969, the song created an enormous impact on the black community.
The song's message reflects on African Americans rejecting sorrow and pity from the rest of the nation and their strong fight for equality and opportunity. That particular song influenced the churches in the black

"If all of us had just one thing it was enough to be shared with everybody", Rev. McCray-Hill said.
Although Brown was one the most influential performers of all time, Rev. McCray-Hill reminded to remember him for more than just his fancy suits and the glitz and glimmer of show business, but for his contribution as a spiritual and political figure in the black community and African American history.