Next Question, Local Teenagers Going for that High Desert Emo Vibe

“Next Question!” Jack Lucian said in an attempt to move on to another topic, to which Malcolm Critchley enthusiastically replied, “that’s really good!” and thus an unexpected phrase turned into a newly formed band's name. 

“I personally kind of wanted to get the naming of the band part out of the way. It kind of sounds fun, but picking a band name is like a monster,” Jack says. No pun intended, because the band initially wanted to name themselves after a character in the mobile game, My Singing Monsters. There’s a fuzzy white humanoid monster with no neck in the game called a Mammott. Jack debated the name, The Mammotts, but Malcolm had other plans. 

Next Question was initially formed in June of 2023 after four friends finally reunited at Jack’s birthday party: Tenzin Shae, (bassist and vocalist), Jack Lucian, (guitarist and vocalist), Sam Wilhelm, (drummer), and Malcolm Critchley, (guitarist), initially met in elementary school, and were good friends before going in separate directions.

During their time apart, each member discovered their love for music. Teaching themselves how to play at least one instrument in their spare time. It was mere luck and coincidence when Jack and Tenzin reunited around sixth grade and later re-friended Sam and Malcolm. 

Eager to catch up with one another, they discovered that each of them had wanted to take their musical passions further and finally Jack asked, “why haven't we formed a band already?”

One week after the birthday party, they had a rehearsal and a cohesive sound ebbed and flowed out of each instrument, a sound which Tenzin describes as High Desert Emo music. His mother initially came up with the genre name and since then Tenzin has convinced the band to use it as a descriptor when it comes to their music. 

Since their formation nearly a year ago, the band has written five original songs. The first one they wrote together was called Astigmatism, a song they wrote in only 72 hours. After the creation of the song, the band decided that they needed more originals under their belt. Jack had created his own song the summer prior called, Along The Dotted Line, which had been a solo project turned band favorite. 

Then came the song, Cut, which the band credits as Tenzin’s idea. Jack also pitched some song ideas, experimenting with bass and guitar, to which he created the song Lighter Nights. Their newest song is called, Do You, which takes on a more emo approach, influenced by Tenzin’s favorite music genre.

“With our newest song, we’re leaning into the High Desert Emo genre in an irreparable way” Jack says before turning to Tenzin and jokingly saying, “...now it’s too late to not be emo because you made us play that song!” Jack says with a laugh. 

They debuted this song at Fort Ralston on April 13th and the audience loved it. While they are married to the original they just created they aren’t married to their genre name. Tenzin shares their viewpoint on labels, saying that genres are pretty fluid. For instance, their music leans into many musical genres including shoegaze, punk, rock, and emo. 

That’s the beauty of it. Their wide range of sound allows the listener to decide on a label for the music without being confined to a box. For example, Along The Dotted Line is inspired by early emo, late 90’s, slow core music, Jack explains. Which would typically fall under the emo category. However, some people may hear the song and perceive it in a completely different way. 

“The best part about genres is the fact that if we don't fit under an umbrella, we can create one. The reason there's so many sub genres of music is because everyone just makes up their own,” says Sam. 

At the end of the day the band says that the genre label doesn’t really matter. It’s more so about marketing and building a brand. “Ten years ago we had modern baseball, now we have Next Question!” Tenzin says with a laugh. 

They are hoping to demo their songs soon and release them on streaming platforms but until then, you can catch their originals at any of their shows. Or listen to Along The Dotted Line on Spotify. 

The four members express their gratitude to the fellow bands they’ve had the pleasure of playing with so far at different local venues and thank them for their advice. All of them besides Malcolm, who is 17, are just 16 years old.

“I think about 70% of our listeners assume we’re a couple years older. I know from actual interactions,” Jack says with a laugh.

Despite their young age, the four have found the older music artists in the scene to be very accepting and encouraging. For Sam, he greatly appreciates the feedback local drummers have given him at their shows. “Every drummer I’ve met in the local scene has been cool. They’re always like, ‘hey man nice set!’ or ‘you play good patterns!’ Everyone is just really kind,” Sam says with a smile. 

However it’s not just older artists in the scene that have made an impression of the four teens. They express how they have been the youngest in their music pursuits the last couple of years but now, “...we’re finally at the age where there's a batch of musicians, music lovers, and makers that are a little bit younger than us,” Jack says; expressing how cool it is to feel a bigger sense of community in their age group. 

Younger musicians are not only providing a greater sense of community but also looking up to the four teens in search of advice. Tenzin describes how people barely younger than him, have approached him asking advice on how to keep a band stable. “That’s such an interesting feeling. As someone so young, to have somebody barely younger than you be like, how do you do it?” Tenzin says.

That's been one of the more heartwarming accomplishments for the band amongst other things. “Collectively, a really big milestone for us is that people enjoy us enough that they want to have us back again,” Tenzin says with a smile. The young band could not be more thrilled by all the love and support they have received from the community since their start.

Tenzin also shares that this interview was another big milestone for them, “this right now, is a really really big deal to me.” Sam also expresses the same, saying that it felt nice to feel like someone cared.

Sam also shares that conflict resolution is another crucial part to maintaining a stable band. An analogy Sam uses compares a band to a relationship. Meaning, you need to talk out your problems before they fester and allow yourselves to become stronger because of them. “It’s about keeping up a healthy dynamic,” Tenzin says.

The band also acknowledges how important it is to be friendly towards others in the music scene. Everyone is bound to run into people or bands that they don't jive with and that’s completely okay. Next Question says to keep your distance, be kind, and never be-little others for making their art. “Motivation for your music should not be made with the goal of being antagonistic towards other music makers,” Jack says. 

Sam agrees by saying, “If you’ve been wronged by music makers, don't become a music maker that then wrongs other musicians.”

Support can be a driving factor in success and Next Question credits a huge amount of their support to Tenzin’s parents. They frequently supply the band with a practice space, food, and encouragement. “The fact that I have two parents that are able to support me and never put me down. I know there’s a lot of people who are in less fortunate situations,” Tenzin says.

As the band pursues their musical journey, anticipation fills the air as they eagerly await the opportunity to share their sound with the world through streaming platforms and locally at upcoming shows.

As they forge ahead, their love for what they do shines through, promising exciting developments and memorable tunes for audiences to enjoy.

Our Town Reno reporting by Lauren Juillerat

Taking a Tour of Art by Kristina in the Basement

“Always be sure to do what is in your heart, because then the art you make will be you. It will be the most important thing you do,” says Kristina Simkins, a local watercolor painter, pyrographic artist and business owner. 

Simkins has been running her shop located in The Basement in downtown Reno for the past nine months, after having sales locations at Old Town Mall and Meadowood Mall.

Her latest space is an eclectic mix of painted gourds, nature inspired watercolors, air plants and moss balls. There is even a corner for her to continuously create art and work on new projects throughout the day, while she waits for customers to walk in and peruse. 

Simkins sources her painted gourds from her own garden. She in fact has a barn full of the dried vegetables waiting to be decorated with stunning watercolors and a layer of hand-painted sealant. 

“Painting gourds became natural after painting flat for so long.” Simkins reflected, “You get tired of painting flat, so about 20 years ago I decided to start painting on what I grew in my garden.” 

She has been making art since the third grade, when she had her first and only art class. The natural world has always been a main inspiration in her art, and she remembers being brought out to draw studies of birds and plants by her science teacher when she was nine. 

In addition to creating art of plants, Simkins is well versed in the care and keeping of botanicals. She operated a plant nursery for years with her mother, and has a wealth of knowledge to offer customers on how to keep their plants thriving. 

Plants and art are what Simkins loves, and she chooses to go into work every day because of this. 

“I will never stop working,” she said. “It’s the kind of job I get to play all my life.” 

This isn’t a simple walk into work either. Simkins lives out in Yerrington, and has to drive two hours into work each day. On the weekends she stays overnight in casinos to cut the drive shorter and give herself time for paperwork. 

Do what you have a passion for, so that every day feels like play. That is Simkins motto, and what she hopes to inspire people young and old to do as well. 

Her shop is not only full of wondrous art but also a fountain a wisdom.

Reporting and photos by Em Tomeo for Our Town Reno

Station 9 Fears the End of its Historical, Musical Gathering Spot in Sparks

Station 9 Nevada is facing the loss of their storied location, the historic building at 599 Nugget Ave. in Sparks just south of I-80.

It seems the building will be taken over for storage of shipping containers, and then possibly demolished for parking, despite community efforts to keep the space going as a cultural gathering place. 

“We are Station 9, a community center here in Reno/Sparks that strive for the betterment of our community, offering a safe space for all individuals to come and express themselves through their art,” they wrote to us this week, while sharing photos of some of the great events which have recently taken place there.

“We are based out of one of the most historical buildings in the Reno/Sparks area and are being threatened to leave our space nearing the end of this month by the railroad. We are looking to reach as many people in hopes to share our story and save our community we have built.”

A new TV series called “Shadow Unit” has also been filming in the building, with the film crew hoping their own work could build up more awareness and support to save the building.

“We here at Station 9 have used this building to build community amongst local young musicians and artists. This building is perfect for art and music, and can function as a premier venue for Sparks area,” Station Nine wrote Our Town Reno.

The former Machine Shop built about 120 years ago with three million bricks was once used to repair trains and is key to Sparks history, as its most significant railroad building.  Many Sparks residents made their livelihood working there. 

“This is history. This is living and breathing history. The City of Sparks was founded on the railroad,” Sparks City Councilman, Donald Abbott said about the building. 

Previously owned by Southern Pacific and then Union Pacific, the building was then sold to Robert Hardy, with U.P keeping the land.

Union Pacific has indicated Hart broke his lease on the land by subletting the building. The company has also indicated they need more space in Sparks to operate.  

“Our growing operations require additional space in Sparks to help meet local and regional economic demand,” a U.P. spokesman indicated. 

U.P. has given Hart until May 31, 2024 to get everything out of the building.  Besides Station 9, elected officials including Mayor Ed Lawson, historians, activists and officials from the nearby Sparks Heritage Museum had also been trying to save the building.   There was even a city resolution to save the old building from demolition as appears will happen now. 

An employee with the museum told Our Town Reno that their efforts had been rejected, even though there had been an initiative to take statements in favor of the building continuing as a community space.  

Our Town Reno reporting May 2024

Faded Shawties: Redefining Reno’s Music Scene with “Swagcore”

Formed nearly two years ago by Nico Villalobos, Daniel Davis, and Eduardo Alonzo, Faded Shawties emerged from a previous musical endeavor. The trio's journey began in the halls of Hug High, where they first crossed paths as members of the school's jazz band. Despite occasional reprimands for not paying attention in class, their shared love for music forged a lasting bond.

Initially, Daniel and Nico embarked on their musical journey when they formed their band, Post War Era. However, after the band disbanded, Eddie and Daniel regrouped, inviting Nico to join them once more. Thus, Faded Shawties was born, a name that would eventually become known in the Reno music scene. 

Balancing school commitments with their musical aspirations was not easy, especially for Daniel, who was still a high school senior when the band took shape. Their shared passion kept them motivated, and the trio persevered, supported by the guidance of a familiar face – their former jazz band teacher who attended one of their recent shows.

Faded Shawties has built up an impressive fan base within the last couple years by performing a dozen times at a variety of local venues. “It was crazy cause we were not really supposed to get a show in the first place, but it kinda just happened,” says Eddie the guitarist of the group.

Apparently when they initially brainstormed band names, Eddie had pitched the idea Homies Inc to which Daniel responded, “EWWW WHAT?” Daniel explained that it didn’t sound like their name or music would be serious, so he pitched the comical name Faded Shawties, which Eddie surprisingly liked. “When Eddie told me about the band, my first reaction was, EWWW cause that was the nastiest, most vile name I’d ever heard” says bassist Nico. 

In the beginning, they didn’t think that their band would turn into anything serious. They jammed and experimented with different sounds but didn’t intend on performing anywhere. However, as time went on, they realized that they did want to pursue a local venue gig. When they reached out to venues, they were met with no response or disinterest. It seemed no one really liked the name Faded Shawties. Despite this, the band's name, initially met with raised eyebrows and skepticism, became a defining aspect of their identity.

In the face of ridicule and skepticism, Faded Shawties remained undeterred, viewing their name as a conversation starter rather than a hindrance. Their band name has been the subject of ridicule at times. Venues, music lovers, and even other bands have declined to take them seriously. They’re too hung up on the fun name to give their music a listen or even converse with the members. This doesn't discourage Faded Shawties though. “It’s…its own marketing thing, you know? One of the first things we thought about with the name existing was that, people are going to hear it and be like, oh. What the hell do you guys even sound like?” says Eddie. 

They call their genre of music “swagcore” or as Daniel says, alt rock with a little bit of rap influence. They currently have three songs on their EP, “Daniel’s Mixtape", which was produced by BenderWorld’s drummer, Jack Barrington also known as MatreeBeats. They also have a song called “GTFO” which can be found with the rest of their music on SoundCloud and YouTube. However they’re hoping to move it to Spotify in the future. “You know when they pass that law, to get a cent per each play, we can get gumballs and everything” Daniel says through a laugh. 

You can hear their music at local venues, West Street Market, Fort Ralston, and The Bluebird. Their favorite gig to date, Silly Fest, stands out as a highlight—a packed out event featuring local acts Evangeline, BenderWorld, and Meat Blanket. Inspired by its success, Faded Shawties aims to host more free shows in the future, fostering a sense of community within Reno's music scene.

Every Faded Shawties show is different. From the silly outfits the members decide to wear, to the new lyrics Eddie freestyles quite frequently, and guest appearances from Willow, their shows are a must see. 

Central to their band brand is collaboration and inclusivity, exemplified by their partnership with Willow on their song, "Sunset Divide.”  Willow wrote the lyrics for the fan favorite and often comes on stage to sing it at live performances. They met her through Instagram and local jam sessions which eventually led to more serious songwriting. Willow has since formed her own band called Votary.

Besides Willow (pictured below at West Street Market) singing “Sunset Divide”, Eddie usually sings or raps on the rest of their songs. Each member brings their unique perspective to the creative process, resulting in a dynamic fusion of styles and sounds.

 For example Nico wrote the baseline in their song “Showoff”, Eddie came up with the song “Swag”, and Daniel used daw software for the first time to add drums and bass to his guitar in “Sunset Divide.” 

While there is some community in the Reno scene, with local artists collaborating and supporting one another, there is also a lot of toxicity within it. For Daniel, Eddie, and Nico, the toxicity within the band scene is a persistent issue. Drawing from their collective experiences, they shed light on the underlying tensions and challenges that plague the community. Whether it's baseless animosity or disputes fueled by money and hearsay, the trio recognizes the urgent need for change.

“I feel…the scene can be very welcoming at times. But there's also this dark side of the scene with people who are just in this weird clique. You can sort of see that with the straight edge scene a little bit” Daniel says.

Some bands contribute to the damage in the scene by destroying local venues in an attempt to elevate their stage presence. “I think it’s insanely ridiculous and disrespectful to vandalize a local venue. Like that’s lame. That’s just straight up, that’s lame” says Daniel. While some venues, like Fort Ralston, embrace bands by allowing them to leave their mark, others fall victim to vandalism, damaging both their equipment and reputation in the process.

Amidst all the recent toxicity within the band scene, Faded Shawties says that they started their band with two main goals. One of those being to foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment within the scene. Eddie and Daniel, in particular, were driven by a desire to dismantle the exclusive cliques and unfounded rumors that often hinder collaboration and stifle creativity.

“That’s one goal we had mainly, when me and Daniel were Faded Shawaties, was to have the scene become more welcoming. To anybody. Because going to a show by yourself is scary already. If you don't know what you're doing, or if you don't know anybody” says Eddie. 

Eddie said that their other goal is, “to get all the people that live in our area to go to stuff.” They’ve noticed that the majority of venues or band shows are in nicer parts of Reno. They want to expand that and open it up more so everyone can have an opportunity to play and get their music out there. “There needs to be more community in Reno,” Daniel says.

If you’ve been nervous about entering the band scene, consider going to a Faded Shawties show. Their music provides the perfect atmosphere for a fun night of inclusion, community, and creativity. 

It’s rare to find a truly welcoming band in Reno but Faded Shawties is one of them. The community comes together to aid them in their pursuits. Their merch is even hand drawn and made by Dakota or _.str4wb3ri._ on Instagram. They hope to give back and make a change to the ever expanding Reno scene.

Reporting by Lauren Juillerat for Our Town Reno with photos by Daniel Garzon

Noah Dane, Keeping a Musical Family Tradition Thriving, Releases Dookie Dog

While Noah Dane, 31, has been making music for nearly twenty years, his journey into the world of music began long before he could even grasp drumsticks firmly in his hands.

Growing up in a household filled with creativity, Dane was surrounded with music. His father, a drummer himself, instilled in him a love for beats, while his three older brothers, all musicians in their own right, surrounded him with melodies and harmonies. It was an environment filled with inspiration, where Dane's passion for music took root and flourished.

When he was eight years old his dad bought him his first drum kit. As Dane became older, he found a platform for his newfound talent within his childhood church. 

It was there, amidst the hallowed halls resonating with prayer and praise, that he first showcased his musical talent.

Dane shares his gratitude for everyone who supported him in the start of his career. “I couldn't do any of it without the help from so many people,” Dane says.  He crowdfunded $12,000 to make his first album Favorite Son.

While Dane says that he specializes in playing the drums, he also enjoys playing other instruments. “My line that I usually give people when they ask me what I play is that I really play drums, but I can fake it on a bunch of stuff,” Dane says. 

 Dane looks forward to releasing his upcoming album, Favorite Son, a collection of songs that he has been working on for a while. He got the opportunity to play the guitar and drums and a plethora of other instruments on the songs and shares his enthusiasm with how it turned out. 

“I made this record a while ago but it’s about a lot of things; such as growing up and losing my brother, and then being diagnosed with my autoimmune disease,” Dane says. He has gone through a lot of life altering events the last decade and turns to his music to speak about it all. 

He initially released his first single, There Goes, in 2019 as a way to help promote his full length album.

Dane went on an unexpected five year break after the release of his single, There Goes, dealing with an autoimmune disease that severely impacted his health. “I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that my health has gotten in the way a lot the last five years. I’ve struggled but I’ve been doing a lot better recently. Even if I got sick, you know, if I flared up tomorrow, I think I just realized how relieved I would be to put this record out,” Dane shares with excitement. 

Dane is releasing his third single May 10th; a song that highlights how we lash out at the people we love the most when we’re afraid. It was created with someone dear to his heart, Forrest Dunn, a trombonist who brought beautiful melancholy magic to the track. 

Dane in his spare time is an audio engineer. He got the opportunity to intern for Stephen Price, who Dane refers to as his “sound dad.” Price and him made the record together. However Dane had more than one close friend aid in the creation of his album. His friend Tori, from the band Victoria Victoria is also featured on a few tracks.

Some of the songs varied as far as where they were recorded. From Dane’s cramped apartment to Price’s beautiful studio in High Point, North Carolina, the record varies in atmospheric sound. “When I first made the record, I was kind of self conscious about the ones that I produced myself,” Dane says.

However with age and time, Dane now looks back on those songs that he made on his own with fondness. “I kind of love them. They’re like colors and textures and I just feel my expression through music,” Dane says. 

Dane says his music falls under the genre of Indie Rock / Alternative, or more specifically, Neo Folk. Growing up in North Carolina, he frequently attended bluegrass jams in barns as a little boy, developing his love for acoustic guitars. More recently, he has developed a love for synthesizers and drum machines which are present in his upcoming single as well as his full-length album. 

Dane decided to leave North Carolina and move to Reno, Nevada six years ago when his then girlfriend, now wife, got a job offer she couldn’t refuse. Excited for a new adventure, they embraced the Biggest Little City with open arms and fell in love with the high desert country. “Reno is a wonderfully odd place,” Dane shares with a laugh.

Here Dane got to follow another one of his passions, acting. He shares one of his proudest moments, saying he acted in the film Get Away, a campy horror film available on Amazon Prime. 

Another notable accomplishment was with his close friend Manuel Crosby, who had a film show at Sundance a few years ago that Dane, Crosby and their friend Kevin Kentera made a music score for during COVID.

On Sundance’s website, Dane recalls reading a list of names, crediting composers for the films.

“And then I read my name. I read the names of some people that I would just poop my pants to meet in real life that I respect so much. Like Questlove and the Dessner brothers from the band National. Just a lot of my favorite producers and artists,” Dane shares, saying that seeing his name only a few commas away from Questlove was surreal.

“I’m very grateful for anybody that takes the time to listen to my music,” Dane says, expressing gratitude to those that connect with his sound. He looks forward to the release of his upcoming single, Dookie Dog, May 10th.

Our Town Reno reporting by Lauren Juillerat

Dog Days with the Reno Aces (Includes Audio Feature)

With dog days becoming increasingly popular at the Greater Nevada Field, the Reno Aces will now hold six of them this season, with the next one April 28th starting at 1 p.m.

As fans entered with their canine companions earlier this month for the first dog day of this season, Craig Etem, came in with two of them.

“I had dogs when I was a kid but then I didn't have them for a long time or when our girls were young, but after having dogs, I can't imagine living without them. They’re just so in-tune, it's just awesome. And coming to the games, it's our favorite day at the ballpark. We have season tickets. We come to games all the time, but our favorite is dog day afternoon,” he said.

Fans gathered with their dogs before the start of the game in the grassy part of the stadium behind the right field wall, where water bowls and treat stations were set up along the outskirts of the field.

Enjoying the sun and meeting furry friends, Reno Aces General Manager Chris Phillips explained why adding Dog Day to the early part of the season is so important.

“You get to bring your best friend out to the ballpark and we've added the number of dog days that we had from last year, it was such a hit,” he said. “It's part of our goal to transform this whole outfield area, it's a perfect spot to be able to have your dogs out here and have a great day.”

For Aaron Mead, it was a last minute decision he didn’t regret. 

“I like the fact that we get to gather with the dogs, it's just fun, it makes you smile,” he said. “I actually got the tickets last night, just because I was like it’d be interesting to hang out here and everyone’s super friendly. It’s just so fun, dogs are just entertaining and always happy and to be around a lot of dogs is just phenomenal.”

The team won the first Dog Day game 6-4, leaving all home fans in attendance extra happy with the experience, and believing their dog might have been the good luck charm the team needed.

Reporting, photos and audio feature by Daisy Gomez

Springtime at the Andelin Family Farm (Includes Video Feature)

Around fifteen years ago, the Andelin Family Farm opened up to the public, creating fun events for community members in the Reno/ Sparks area. Stephanie Navarro Rocha reports on their current Spring Festival, which opened on April 3rd and will run until May 4th.

At the Andelin Family Farm Baby Animal and Tulip Festival, guests can interact with baby goats, lambs, and calves and receive access to tulip fields and petting zoo areas. 

There are also other games and activities, such as giant slides, a jump pad, and more.

On a recent Spring day, a mom and her children laughed as they rode down mini zip lines. 

Maya, who is five, enjoyed looking at all the animals and feeding the baby cows. 

Current farm owner and operator Cameron Andelin, 47, grew up on this farm, bought by his family in 1981.

The farm began doing public events about 15 years ago when his wife, Natalie, thought it would be fun to make a pumpkin patch for their five kids. 

It was something the community could participate in. It started small but as Cameron Andelin explains it grew as the years went on, with appeal to many in northern Nevada. 

“Seeing people enjoy and be out here.. like it’s, it’s fun. Just today I was talking to a guest that said I was.. he said I was..I grew up on a farm, we raised hogs and it's been so long since I’ve been out on this,” Andean said. “But It was just very nostalgic to him, so it's just wonderful whether it’s little kids who have never been near a farm animal before or its adults who are nostalgic about their upbringing.”

Depending on the season, Cameron Andelin’s days look different. Recently, with all the baby animals they feed bottles to three times a day, he has begun working at 6 a.m. and ends around 10 p.m. 

Taking care of the animals and the farm, while also making it presentable to the public, is constant work. 

Moreover, the weather has been adding to this workload as there has been some recent periods of light snow and rain, making everything muddy. 

A 33-year-old guest ,Jessica Ginsburg from Long Island, New York, currently living in Reno, Nevada, loved visiting for a second time.

“So far feeding the goats has been fun. I saw a highland cow that I'm excited to go meet, and I saw that there were other baby goats that I'm excited to go see as well,” she said.  

During her first visit this past fall, she said she had a great time participating in the pumpkin picking and was able to take pictures with her baby. 

Fall is the farm's busiest season as they hold the pumpkin patch, corn maze, haunted attraction, and zombie paintball. 

For now, it's spring time here and parents and their kids recently commented on all the animals they were looking at. 

As for upcoming events, the Andelin family farms plans on holding goat yoga sessions, painting classes, private tours, a sunflower festival, and then later in the year, its big fall festival. 

Report and Video by Stephanie Navarro Rocha

Stepping into Local Music with Steven Alberti

Reno local Steven Alberti, a 39-year-old music teacher, performer, producer and enthusiast, focusses in early childhood education at local Reno schools and through his own business at 7693 S Virginia St called Step Into Music with drop in sessions, group and private classes.

“Music is a part of my everyday life,” he says, from singing songs to babies to teaching private instrument lessons, to still competing and producing scores for others. He also works at St. Albert the Great Catholic School teaching k-5 general music. 

Alberti recently won the First Runner-Up Grand Prize in the 16th annual Reno Pops Orchestra Concerto Festival in mid March, playing the bassoon.

“Being on stage is a special place for me, and getting to play for an audience always makes me happy,” he says.

His own musical journey began when he was in first grade, learning how to play the piano. He then decided he wanted to try other instruments, including starting with the bassoon in seventh grade.

“I feel it’s one of the hardest instruments to play,” Alberti says if the bassoon. “I also play piano and guitar…once you learn how to read music, learning a new instrument is significantly easier.” 

He says that the bassoon from the woodwind family is currently his main instrument and even with years of experience, he says it’s one of the most difficult overall.

In terms of production, he has recorded music for the online game World of Warcraft, the kids television show The Wiggles, and the cereal brand Frosted Flakes.

Locally, he started performing with the Reno Pops Orchestra three years ago. It is currently composed of over 65 musicians in ages ranging from 11 to 90 years old. The orchestra is open to all different kinds of experienced individuals such as professional musicians, semi-professional musicians, as well as students and working and retired individuals.

For anyone interested in pursuing musical competitions or music in general, Alberti recommends giving it your all.

“Just go for it. It’s easy to be self-conscious or think you're not as good as the musician next to you, but at the end of the day it's who puts on the best show,” he concluded.

Our Town Reno reporting by Lauren Juillerat

Hard Heads: Bringing Hard Dance to Reno for All Ages

Phoenix Rife, 9 years old, ran the lights and turntables at Hard Heads’ Kids-Only Deck Night on a recent Saturday night. Photo by Quay Skankey

At the all ages Holland Project on Vesta Street, on a Saturday night, the sound of intense, hard-hitting music flowed into the alleyways nearby, coming from a source whose age has not yet reached double digits.

Phoenix Rife, a 9-year-old who goes by the DJ name Alexander the Great, was the young talent showcased as part of an event put on by Hard Heads, a local group of DJs who love intense EDM.

“My first show was at my birthday,” Rife says, “...this is my second time playing in public.”

His father, also a DJ and founding member of Hard Heads, helped him learn how to perform, as did other members of the collective.

“One of them [the DJs]... helps me with beats and stuff but then kinda says ‘do it on your own,’” Rife said.

Hard Heads aims to bring hard dance music, an umbrella term for electronic dance music characterized by fast tempos and hard kick drums, to the younger people of Reno.

“I’m hoping,” said “Cricket,” another member of Hard Heads.  “Eventually we’ll be able to bring Hard Dance music to the general area with bigger headliners, bigger shows, booking out bigger clubs and bigger venues, but we’re kind of fighting an uphill battle.”

“It is fast paced 4-by-4 high-energetic music,“ Anthony Lopez, also with Hard Heads, said when asked to define hard dance music himself.

Hard Heads’ screen during Rife’s performance at Kids-Only Deck Night. Photo by Chase Dulude

“It is very intense and very in-your-face. It can go in many directions. Hard dance is a genre of music that is not exactly very popular among people in Reno, but it’s something that we wanted to bring awareness to.”

“One of the things we’ve noticed is that there's a lot of the younger demographic that is becoming more aware of it, so we wanted to open it up,” Lopez said of organizing a youth DJ night. “We thought it [The Holland Project] was a perfect place where people that are older and [have] aged out of the scene…can bring their kids to a place a little bit similar to when they used to go to shows.”

“To me, it [hard dance] is not just music, it’s a lifestyle,” Richard, another Hard Heads member concluded. “Like there’s big festivals where their whole thing is like ‘we are one’, like a collective ideology.”

Reporting By Chase Dulude and Quay Skankey for Our Town Reno

A New Psychedelic Church Begins Its Services in Reno

What about rather than wine at a church service for religious metaphors, it was a microdose of psilocybin mushrooms being offered for mental health reasons?

Setas Seminary, which calls itself Nevada’s first psychedelic church, will launch March 23rd with a Spring Equinox Celebration at the Ranch House near the arboretum at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park.

There will be two sessions: 1-3 p.m. and 3-5 p.m., with each including not mushrooms initially but a series of experiential “tasters,” from meditation, to stretching, breath work, sleep hygiene and massages.

“We embrace naturopathic and Indigenous practices proven to optimize and integrate body, mind, soul, and the universal spirit – the birthright of every living being,” Pam Conboy (pictured above with partner Leah Linder, who also works in the natural health solutions sector) wrote to us in an email. “Ultimately, we seek to catalyze the conscious integration of physical and psychological wellness by facilitating unification with the universal spiritual intelligence, aided by natural healing sacraments.”

Even though mushrooms will not be on offer at the Rancho event, Conboy wrote to us “guests will be able to request membership at that time which allows access to our ‘sacraments.’ We do have to screen membership requests though as we will do a basic check on them and ensure they are adults.”

The psilo they eventually want to provide will be rigorously tested. “We actually strongly prefer naturally (outdoor) grown, but do get all our mushrooms tested at a third party analytical laboratory to test for potency and toxins (heavy metals, etc),” wrote Conboy, whose LinkedIn bio describes herself as a Strategy Architect | Creative Collaborator | Storyteller.

Conboy and Linder hope to offer therapeutic doses based on the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. As long as they follow the rules of a formally established church they believe their practitioners will be protected from prosecution under the Controlled Substances Act—which still lists psilocybin mushrooms under Schedule I, meaning according to the DEA “that it has a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.”

In the last legislative session, Senate Bill 242 initially seeking to decriminalize the use, cultivation and possession of small amounts of psilocybin mushrooms, was watered down to instead of legalization form a working group to study medicinal use in Nevada. 

For the March 23rd introductory sessions at Rancho, the two founders ask that guests arrive 30 minutes or so ahead of their preferred session to check in and get acquainted.

They also recommend those interested “wear comfy layered clothing and slip on shoes as that will maximize your enjoyment of the experiences.”

Their website indicates their doctrine “borrows from traditional spirituality and natural healing modalities from Indigenous, Shamanistic, Ayurvedic, and Curanderismo practices.”

“We will be offering sacramental "pairings" dependent on the goal of the members (e.g., addressing mood, enhancing focus/productivity, deeper introspection),” Conboy wrote in our exchanges as to their future plans in offering mushrooms. “Sacrament is then paired with a non-psilo botanical formulation to help support the journey. This approach, along with the nutritional and lifestyle recommendations we offer (meditation, movement, massage, breath work, sleep), as well as an open and welcoming community, provide a sturdy foundation for supporting whole wellness and ultimately, spiritual integration.”

Our Town Reno reporting, March 2024

Feeling the Generational Love of Skateboarding

On a recent sunny but brisk day, the skate park at Idlewild was full of friendship, family lessons and intergenerational respect, while local skaters of different ages plied one of the world’s most difficult hobbies. 

One of them Mick taught his now 23-year-old daughter how to skate, and he is now focusing on taking advantage of his younger son's new interest in skating to get out of the house more often. 

Mick refers to his long-time skating habit as an “addiction” and a “love-hate relationship.” 

Not looking to learn many more new tricks he says he enjoys talking more than skating these days. 

He spends time watching his son grow more confident when skating and loves to observe him work through his difficulties, while giving tips when needed.

Mick is also happy to see the newer generation be more welcoming to new skaters and not turn them away like when he was younger. 

Dillon, Alan, and Izzy, a group of friends in their late teens and early twenties, were skating nearby. 

They agree the skating culture has become much friendlier in the Biggest Little City. 

“A couple of years back it used to be a lot different where they’d push you out and try to reject you a lot of times,” said Dillon, the oldest of the group. “But now it’s very open and very accepting.”

Dillion has been skating for a little over six years now. He started off on a scooter, worked his way up to roller blades and even though he still might find himself in a pair of roller blades, skateboarding is his favorite. 

Alan and Dillon became better friends through skating and often find themselves at the Idlewild skatepark together. 

Just like Mick and Dillon, Alan feels that the skating community is becoming more welcoming. “A lot of the older scene is starting to get more accepted because a lot of us are becoming the older scene,” Alan added. 

Despite the hard falls and injuries they might face, their love for skating keeps them getting back on the board. Those same hard falls are the fond memories they hold on to and look back at and laugh at, better or wiser every day that goes by at the skatepark.  

Reporting and photos by Aimee Arellano and Trey Kroll 

Moshe Prepares for Live Reno Debut with Help from Other Local Musicians

Moises (in black tee shirt in photo) began making music during COVID. He fully embraced his new found passion in January 2021 and has since been experimenting and creating psychedelic indie music.

Now three years later, 21-year-old Moises, also known by his artist name Moshe, is diving into the live Reno music scene.

“I’ve only ever played live once. It was at a festival my older brother threw in the middle of the desert an hour and a half from Vegas. So I’m really looking forward to playing at Holland,” he said.

Moises never made his music with the intention of having a band play it. In fact he could’ve chosen to play this show with a backing track but he decided otherwise. “I was really inspired from watching local Reno bands, people my age playing music” and that is what inspired him to begin tailoring his music to live sound.

With this being his first live show in Reno, Moises knew he needed to reach out to people he could trust. James Hart is one of his closest friends. He wanted him to handle the effects side of things, and seeing as they’ve collaborated on music in the past, he knew he could count on James to handle all of the small details. 

He later met Luis at the University of Nevada, Reno. They had been in a music class together and they discussed Luis’s prior involvement with music. Knowing he had experience playing live with others, Moises knew he’d do well with a band. “I really wanted someone who was very experienced and he really fit well with that criteria,” he explained. 

Lastly, Jack was invited to play drums for the show. When Moises first moved from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Reno in 2020, Jack was one of the first artists he met. He was confident that Jack had the experience and knowledge to perform live. 

Four incredibly talented artists are coming together to collaborate and bring Moises's music to life. This is their first time performing together and this will be a show to remember. 

21 year old James Hart is a music producer from Las Vegas, Nevada who moved up to Reno in 2021. He got into music around the same time as his friend Moises. However, he only began pursuing music production more seriously the last year and a half. “I’m really into making dance music, house songs, and EDM.” Kaskade is one his biggest music inspirations and he channels the ideas he has into creating atmospheric/reverb tracks. 

KeyJ is James' producer name and he and Moises have been collaborating since he began creating music. In fact they have a track out on all music platforms called Stick Around. Moises helped him with the production of it and it ultimately became his favorite track he’s ever made. “I really like collaborating and bouncing ideas off of each other,'' James says. This show will also be his first time performing at The Holland Project as well as his first time performing live in general. KeyJ will be live mixing the show March 9th as well as DJing Moises music. 

Local music artist, 23 year old Luis Gonzalez will also be on the playbill. Luis has many musical talents.“I’ve been playing music for a really long time. Since early childhood I'd say.” His dad taught him how to play the guitar at a young age and from there he continued to learn instruments and pursue music. He started playing the cello in middle school and continued his music knowledge in college. 

Up until this point, Luis has been a solo artist but he says he is open to collaborating with new people. “Shoutout to Moises for inviting me into this because it’s a really cool experience.” He says that he’s happy to lend his musical expertise and experience to other people who have creative ideas. “It’s cool to collaborate with people who are in different realms than me. Being able to branch into different genres, and different musical ideas is such an awesome concept.”

Luis currently has not published anything as a solo artist but he has a handful of unreleased tracks. He prefers to create more “chill” tracks or low temp, slower paced songs. One of which he worked on with a full live arrangement. He had an electric drum kit, a guitar, and a bass he also played and overdubbed on his keyboard. “Just because that project had such a live feel and so much energy, I would have to say it’s my favorite thing I’ve created.”

He has only ever performed in classical settings such as Nightingale Concert Hall at UNR, and Disney Hall with fellow YSO members in Disneyland so he is looking forward to playing his guitar at The Holland project for the first time. 

Lastly, 21-year-old Jack Barrington will be joining Moises on March 9th, playing the drums. Jack has been playing the drums since he was nine years old and then later he began producing his own beats at age 16 under the producer name MatreeBeats. With such a deep love for music, he decided to attend college at UNR to learn more about music production. 

He really enjoys collaborating with other artists and has been since high school. He mixes and masters beats for rappers all over the world as well as creates a little indie/rock music for his local band, BenderWorld. Jack will be performing twice on March 9th. A lot of work to learn two setlists, but Jack is excited to do so. This is not his first show at The Holland Project. He has performed there many times with his band. He has also volunteered, and mixed live sound for Holland a few years prior. “Collaboration is cool, and it’s very important to grow as a musician by playing with different mindsets, and expanding from the usual people you jam with,” he says. 

With four extremely talented musicians coming together to support each other and to bring Moises music to life at The Holland Project March 9th, this is one show you won’t want to miss. In fact, Moises will be playing a brand new song he made called, Remember Me that has not been released yet. Its debut will be at the Holland show and he says it is his favorite song he has written thus far. 

Moises, or Moshe (Moe-sh), hopes to continue performing live. He feels that his music translates better when he can express it personally with others. And, for anyone considering entering the music scene, Moshe encourages artists to be authentic. “One thing I really struggled with was thinking about how that audience was going to react to my music,” Moises says. He recently started to detach from that mindset and encourages other artists to do the same and pursue what makes them happy rather than the people around them; to be authentic and have a good time. 

Our Town Reporting and Photos by Lauren Juillerat

The Shakespearean Book of Will Debuts at Bruka Theatre, Bringing Theater into Theater

With captivating acting, Bruka Theatre’s newest show The Book of Will is an immersive play bound to be enjoyable, a must see for Shakespeare nerds and a delight for those who enjoy being transported in time. 

Here, actors play actors who engage in a battle to save the legacy of William Shakespeare, the playwright and poet who was also an actor for the King’s Men theatre company, under English royal patronage in the 17th century. 

After his death in 1616 at the age of 52 in his hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon, his fellow actors are determined to preserve the words he so eloquently wrote.

Pieces of Shakespearean plays are woven through their interactions making The Book of Will a bit of an inside joke for any theater aficionado.

Even for those less knowledgeable of the legendary writer, the production is a captivating history lesson on the royal theatre company’s efforts to compile a published catalog of Shakespeare’s plays. 

The many ups and downs of their theater quest leave the audience in suspense.

Put together with a small cast of actors, the quick costume changes are hard to notice at first. This speaks to the talent of Bruka Theatre’s actors and production.

At times there were only seconds between a character exiting and a completely new character entering, both played by the same actor or actress. 

Not only does the content of the play and the wild comedy of actors playing actors on stage draw the audience into the world of the early 1600s but the costumes and design of the set do as well. 

Set director Lew Zeumeyer worked on the design for eight weeks, a fast turnaround in the theater business.

Backdropped by the side tavern of the Elizabethan Globe Theatre, first built in 1599 for Shakespeare’s plays, the handcrafted set we now have here in Reno pulls the audience straight in.

“This is my baby!” Stacey Spain, director of the Bruka Theatre’s production of The Book of Will explained, as the play was previewed for members of the local media including Our Town Reno.

It’s alive now and being shown at Bruka Theatre throughout March, with a debut tonight.

Review and photo by Em Tomeo

Mt. Rose: Where the Local Skiers and Snowboarders Are At

On a cloudy Friday afternoon, skiers and snowboarders enjoy the fresh snow from recent storms and a quiet crowd.

Between the short lines, expert terrain, and light Bay Area tourist traffic, this mountain holds a special place in the hearts of many locals. 

Mt. Rose, a ski resort established in 1964, has been a favorite of Reno Tahoe locals for many years. The loyalty created by those who enjoy Mt. Rose has created a unique subculture in itself of Mt. Rose devotees.

The Pettengill and Holmberg ski crew enjoyed the fresh snow on a recent cloudy afternoon. Photo by Malia Ascuaga.

Local Jamie Pettengill has been skiing at Rose for 25 years. Pettengill says he enjoys the easiness of the commute as well as the friendly ski culture up here.

“This place is more low-key than the other places. More family oriented. A lot of kids and families up here. It’s just got a good vibe to it. Everyone is really nice up here,” Pettengill explained.

Unlike some of the larger resorts in the area, it takes only a matter of minutes to get from the parking lot to a chair lift. From Rose’s upper parking lot, you can ski in-and-out from the slopes to your car. 

At Mt. Rose, it takes just a couple minutes to get from your car to the base of the mountain. Photo by Malia Ascuaga.

Eric Holmberg, dating Pettengill’s daughter, is impressed by the overall variety in runs Rose has to offer while on a family ski day.

“Really nice terrain and variety out here. A lot of good greens. A lot of good blues. And a lot of good blacks. It’s a good all-around mountain,” Holmberg said.

For experts like Michael Hataway who has been coming up to Rose since 2006, Mount Rose is all about “the Chutes and the people. It’s a local’s hangout,” he said.

“There’s rarely ever a lift line,” Hataway says. “You run into all of your friends here in the Chutes and in the bar. Even if it is a holiday, the tourists don’t go in the Chutes.” 

“8260’, where the snow is.” Photo by Malia Ascuaga.

Hataway’s friends who have been skiing at Rose for 10 years similarly enjoy the expert terrain, good vibes, and quality snow. 

With consistent snowfalls in recent days and weeks, Mt. Rose is as usual one of the few resorts with a snow pack that covers the entirety of the mountain, and as in other winters, many locals are finding their spots of when to go, as it’s one of the main reasons they stay in northern Nevada. 

Reporting and photos by Malia Ascuaga

Lobos de Plata at UNR reenergizing mariachi for the community

On a Friday evening, Lobos de Plata, a mariachi band and club at the University of Nevada, Reno, gathers for a rehearsal at the Church of Fine Arts building, with members welcoming each other with a smile, while taking out their instruments, from violins to the large bass guitar known as the guitarrón.

“To me, it’s part of my culture, and it’s also part of what makes me a Mexican,” Pedro Alberto Vázquez Ramírez, a 21-year-old from Durango, Mexico, and currently treasurer of the club, said about mariachi.

“I feel very identified with my music. Overall, it’s more than just music to me. It’s pride in what you do and where you’re from… and passion too,” he said.

Vázquez has been playing music for 11 years and has played mariachi for almost nine years. He was introduced to mariachi through a middle school program. Vázquez plays many instruments, some of which are the guitar, vihuela, and guitarrón.

Twenty-one-year-old Melanie Castillo is the president of the club and runs the rehearsals. She has played the violin for 11 years and has been in mariachi for almost six years. Castillo said that mariachi is a good way to get in touch with your roots as well as find a community and lifelong friendships. Since she started, she has felt more connected to her culture and family.

“My grandma loves mariachi music, so that has always been a plus that I could connect with her in that way too,” she said.

Anthony Del Angel, also 21 years old and the vice president, began playing mariachi when he came to college. In the band, Del Angel plays trumpet which he has played since fifth grade. He thinks it’s important for mariachi to be incorporated in schools and the community.

“Unfortunately, a lot of schools have been cutting the programs,” he said. “We heard about a lot of middle schools and some other high schools that did have programs, but they were cut or don’t have teachers.”

Lobos de Plata are seen in their uniforms, what they refer to as trajes, and with their instruments. They have performed at quinceañeras, community events on campus, Hispanic events, and more. Photo provided by Mariachi Lobos de Plata.

However, Del Angel also said that culture and the people are why mariachi remains popular to this day.

Furthermore, Vázquez mentioned that many artists still make songs with mariachi, such as Pedro Fernández, Alejandro Fernández, and more. There are also a lot of mariachis around that continue to release music, like Mariachi América and Mariachi Vargas.

Mariachi is very versatile, and because of that, it can reach so many different people and convey many emotions, according to Castillo.

“I feel like music is something that’s very universal. It can be understood by a lot of people and… that’s always a good way to connect with them,” she said.

Vázquez also said that you can feel many emotions through mariachi.

“You can be sad, you can be happy, thoughtful, or even mad sometimes,” he said.

Lobos de Plata has played at quinceañeras, other birthday parties, community events on campus, Hispanic events, and more.

They have both public and private shows. Their private performances are charged by the hour. The money they make through these performances and their fundraising goes directly towards things such as their uniforms, what they refer to as trajes. Castillo said that one traje costs an average of $315 to $345. The shipping can be an additional $300 to $700.

If you’re interested in joining, Castillo said that people are welcome to come and sit in during their first rehearsal if they don’t want to play or sing so they can see what the club is all about.

“If you’re just thinking about doing it, it never hurts to try,” she said. “Never miss an opportunity. Take every chance.”

Lobos de Plata holds rehearsals every Wednesday and Friday from 5–6:30 p.m. in the Church Fine Arts building, room 112. The club will also be having a concert later this Spring semester.

Reporting by Stephanie Navarro Rocha

DUBS: New Locally Owned Sports Lounge Set to Open This Spring in Downtown Reno

Where do you like to watch sports in Reno? Any go to options for the Super Bowl or Golden Knights games?

If you feel options are limited, two Reno locals Derek Sornson and Tristen Houston are behind a new spot for sport aficionados set to open at 95 N Sierra Street in the Spring called DUBS Sports Lounge.

That location previously was the Stick Sports Lounge which closed after eight years in business last year.

The two owners both in their late 20s who met at UNR already have a track record by opening the popular orange colored Vistro on 1st street and now felt ready to expand into a sports venture.

DUBS plans to have over 25 TVs with game-day viewing events, 90s and early 2000s sports memorabilia on the walls, classic food and specialty craft shots.

“DUBS is not just another business venture; it's a heartfelt invitation to our Reno community to come together and create new memories in the heart of the city. We've created a space where sports come to life, friendships are celebrated, and every visit feels like a win,” Sornson said in a press release today.

“Not only can you expect sports on the screens, but we will also host larger scale viewing parties for events such as UFC and March Madness, along with table-top games, weekend entertainment, and craft shots inspired by our travels in Spain to catch a Real Madrid game,” Houston said.

They’ve been helped with artistic components, including for the concept drawing, by local artist Terrance Howard.

Keep Reno Rad reporting, February 2024

​​Mandala Massage Supply & Apothecary - A business closing but not disappearing

After 13 years as a brick and mortar store, Reno holistic health staple Mandala Massage Supply & Apothecary is closing its doors to focus solely on its thriving online business, occasional pop up events and supplying other entities.

A closing sale is taking place at its location at 314 Vassar St on massage supplies, incense candles, custom aromas and other items. It's closed Mondays but will be open tomorrow as it wraps up its final sales.

The storefront near Wells Avenue is the third location the shop has been in in its local history, which will continue but no longer with a constant physical public space.

Owner Lisa Rojas began the company as a second career after being a massage therapist.

After years as a source for local residents, further expanding through internet sales is the best decision for her company, she says, even if bittersweet.

“We have a strong community here in Reno,” Rojas said. “It’s showing even more now as we are closing. It breaks our hearts.”

Customers appreciate that the products she sells are well sourced with pure ingredients and not out of reach in terms of their pricing.

Her affiliated online site, Temple of Life Oils & Perfumes, has been up and running for seven years now, and will continue as a supplier of quality apothecary and massage products.

Mandala is known for their live aromatherapy bars, something that will sorely be missed from their brick and mortar location. Still, they plan to have a presence in Reno through pop ups and special market events.

“We’re not disappearing, we’ll still have a presence in Reno,” Rojas said.

Look for their shop online at templeoflifeoils.com and on Instagram at @temple_of_life

Reporting and photos by Em Tomeo shared with Our Town Reno

Gloria's Cafe, a Glorious Place for Brunch and Breakfast

Right by Oxbow Nature Study Ave, at 2365 Dickerson Road, Gloria’s Cafe is known for its savory breakfast and brunch options.

David Moreno, the owner, opened the restaurant four years ago, with an inviting atmosphere, featuring both indoor and outdoor seating. 

Josuee Ortiz, featured in photos, is David's nephew. He enjoys all aspects of keeping the cafe running, from cooking to plate decoration.

While you wait for your order, 75 cents might win you a mini Rubik's Cube or slinky from the claw machine.  The ham and cheese omelette with the pancake option provided a savory and sweet combination of flavors. Two sand dollar sized pancakes coated with fresh powdered sugar stood out and there were a variety of hot sauces for the omelette. 

On Yelp, a reviewer wrote recently: “Food was beyond amazing! Our new favorite place to eat breakfast every one was so happy and friendly service was on point! The place was clean and welcoming,” accompanied by mouth watering photos of a plate of chilaquiles, and another of crab cake eggs and a Monte Cristo sandwich.

Reporting and Photos by Dani DeRosa shared with Our Town Reno

Mary Bennett "Pours Endless Emotion" in Every Brilliant Thing at Brüka Theatre

On Virginia Street, just a block north of the Truckee river, lives Brüka Theatre. Sunken down a few steps from the sidewalk, neon lights shine from the windows, coloring the path for patrons and pedestrians alike. 

The theatre sprung to life in 1992, according to their website, and has produced over 2,100 shows since then. On this cold Thursday evening in January, I was ushered down the stairs to sub-Brüka— a cozy basement room that undoubtedly holds the ability to transform into anywhere imaginable.

Mary Bennett, the Producing Artistic Director and an actor at Brüka, greeted me with a smile and a piece of paper. “When I say this number, can you say this?” Bennett asked me. The pink note card read: ‘525924. Track 7 on every great record.’

“Sure,” I replied, taking the note. Feeling special, and confused. 

 Every Brilliant Thing was originally written by English playwright Duncan Macmillan, and performed by stand-up comedian Johnny Donahoe. At the outset, it appears to be a one-man show— but that is not the case at all.
In his first performances, Donahoe would call on various unwitting audience members to take on the roles of supporting characters. Submerging folks fully into the story this way, audience participation became an integral piece of performing Macmillan’s play. 
In the Brüka Theatre, I watched Bennett greet every guest that came in after me with a similar smile, note card, and request. My feelings of being special were replaced by something even better— excitement. 

A spectator is asked to play the vet.

Eventually the lights brightened over the set and the audience grew silent. Bennett started with a small, smooth voice: “The list began after her first attempt. A list of everything brilliant in the world. Everything worth living for.” 

“Number one,” says Bennet, lifting an eyebrow, looking up. Someone behind me in the audience enthusiastically shouts, “ice cream!” 

Every Brilliant Thing is the hilarious and heartbreaking account of a person who grows up with a chronically depressed mother. Feeling guilty about their mother’s sadness, the narrator hurls “brilliant things” at her, in hopes of landing on something brilliant enough to beat out the bad thoughts. 

The more their mother resists seeing and hearing of all her child’s brilliant things, the more desperate the child becomes— etching gratitudes inside cereal boxes, carving them into bread loaves. Anything that might give their mother a reason to live. 

As the narrator grows older, goes to college, and falls in love, they’re introduced to their own depressive tendencies. The narrator ponders the undeniable link between their mother and their own self, and the list begins to serve a new purpose.

Bennett poured endless emotion into this performance, drawing many laughs and gasps (and at least one tear) from the audience. Not only were we invited to witness this story, we also had the opportunity to help create the story. The person sitting next to me, in fact, had a turn in the spotlight. They played the veterinarian who euthanized the narrator’s childhood dog, Sherlock Bones. And they crushed it. 

\Every Brilliant Thing is wonderfully written, and Bennett was breath-taking. But the true magic of it came from the audience. As Bennett ran through sub-Brüka, breathing heavily with passion and high-fiving us all, there was a sense of connection in the little theatre. 

There was no fourth wall break, because the fourth wall was never built. We experienced fiction, a performance— but it was real, too. It was life. We were all in it together, the connection was palpable. The lines were blurred and beautiful. And that feeling was one (of many) brilliant things. 

Keep Reno Rad reporting and photos by Ray Grosser

Reno Magick, where Norse culture comes alive

On a calm and chilly Tuesday evening just before 7:00 p.m., a few people wait outside Reno Magick on S. Wells, making casual chit chat before tonight’s host Devon opens the door and ushers them into the temple, adjacent to the shop. 

Devon is dressed in all black with long black hair, a friendly disposition and a big book of ancient stories from the Norse tradition. 

Old Norse culture encompasses both Viking and the medieval cultures of Iceland and Norway, as well as lesser known North Atlantic islands and parts of England, Ireland and Scotland.

“I've just been kind of doing one or two stories each time for these and I kind of at the end of each story, just want to hear what other people think, what they kind of took from that,” Devon says. “Honestly, each time I read these stories, something new pops up.”  

Devon is the leader of the Norse temple, and aside from hosting the Storyweaving hour here he holds a Blót (which is an exchange in which you sacrifice to the gods in order to get something back in return) every other Wednesday in the space, minus the human sacrifice of the ancient tradition.

Following Devon’s lead, each person shared their name and a short introduction about themselves. One woman explained that she brought her son to expose him to new religions, traditions and ideas about spirituality. 

“So I'm the owner of both the store and the temple and one of the things we promote here is not so much about religion, so spirituality, because all humans are spirits, period,” Misty Reiknights explained. “So for us it's about training yourself to listen to your own spirits, because we all came with a posse, whether it be. Ancestors, whether it be deity, whether it be our guides.”

Devon’s animated readings of ancient tales of gods, warriors, and ice giants is certainly entertaining, but the thoughtful group discussion after each one makes the evening personal.

Each of the epic and sometimes risqué parables of the Norse tradition contain lessons which can mean something different to everyone. 

The Norse Storyweaving Hour offers both a quiet moment for introspection and a nice way to connect with new people in a relaxed and welcoming environment, filled with beautiful works that comprise a wall of altars, honoring traditions that span the globe and human history. 

Reporting by Andrew Zuker shared with Our Town Reno