I'm pleasantly surprised with Paul Simon's concert, album

Paul Simon’s new album, “Surprise,” hardly comes as a shocker to longtime fans. More than 40 years after the release of his first album, he’s created another artfully woven musical experience.

Simon is a rare brand of musician that can fit a philosophy encompassing love and politics into an album. Usually, the two aren’t good bedfellows, but Simon blends the two seamlessly. With beautiful guitar work, “Wartime Prayers” explores the effects of national struggles on private supplications. As he’s been doing since the 60’s, Simon uses snapshots of private life to comment on society.

To help launch his first new album in 6 years, Simon performed his last concert of the tour Sunday, July 30 at Harvey’s Outdoor Amphitheater. As he shifted back and forth between his classic crowd pleasers and his latest songs, it was clear he’s captured the latest chapter in his life in the same lyrical structure as his hit 1986 album “Graceland.”

There are differences in subject matter and sound. “Surprise” lacks “Graceland’s” global flavor, lent from the album’s African collaborations. “Surprise” is purely homegrown. And rather than tell a song’s story from the eyes of a divorcee with a child, as in the album’s title track, “Surprise” visits the theme of being a new father, anxiously watching the clock run down on his remaining time.

While I still believe “Graceland” is the best album on the topic of midlife crises, I’m looking forward to savoring Simon’s signature word puzzles in his latest album to get the full meaning. Simon’s work is best digested slowly.

But by mainstream audiences, Simon may be pigeonholed by his own success. For many, the first chapter of Simon’s musical career with Art Garfunkel contains his best work, such as “The Boxer,” “The Sound of Silence,” and “Mrs. Robinson.” Some say Simon is nothing without Art.

A woman sitting next to me at the concert told me after the fourth song, the older crowd would stand up and cheer as soon as he started playing his older music. To which I said, “But “The Boy in the Bubble” (1987) is a classic.” She looked at me sternly and said, “Not old enough.” In spite of enthusiastic whoops and hollers, most of the crowd remained seated for more than half of the show.

But Simon knew his audience. To keep all groups happy, he jumped back and forth in his repertoire, hopping through what might loosely be categorized as the three eras of Simon – teenage angst, midlife crisis and the new music. By the end, everyone was standing.

Even at 64, his voice is still sweet and sincere enough to give his words full impact. Simon and his band had impressive energy and impeccable timing. Simon himself is so expressive, it was amazing to see the emotion I’ve heard in his songs for years, embodied in the man.

It’s still a question of whether his latest album will reach the lofty description of being a “classic” that some of his other albums have reached. Then again, the audience called Simon back onto the stage for three encores, and would have cheered for more had the stadium lights not come on.

I have a feeling his new album will may be a surprise hit.

Master Craft Pro Wakeboard Tour event times

The wakeboarding competion continues today. Here's the line up of events:

9 a.m.: Junior Men Wakeboard finals

10 a.m.: Pro Men Wakeboard round 2

11:50 a.m.: Junior Men Wakeboard awards ceremony

Noon: Freestyle Motocross exhibition

12:30 p.m.: Pro Women Wakeboard finals

1 p.m.: Pro Wakeskate head-to-head finals

1:15 p.m.: Pro Men Wakeboard round 3

2:15 p.m.: Freestyle Motocross exhibition

2:45 p.m.: Pro Men Wakeboard semifinals and finals

3:30-4 p.m.: Freestyle Motocross exhibition

ALO - your second chance to see them

For those of you not fortunate enough to catch the band ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra) at their free performance on Friday at Great Basin Brewing Company, you have another chance to hear them tonight at 9 p.m. at the Crystal Bay Club in Crystal Bay for $15.

To my knowledge they don’t release any animals, except a savage spirit of enjoyment found in their audiences. Outside of Great Basin a crowd of more than 100 swayed, boogied or just contently drank their beer in the pleasant surroundings of downtown Sparks. On the scale of audience adoration all agreed that the band fell somewhere between epic and good.

“I’m really glad Reno is getting really good bands,” Hector Urtabia said. “They were opening with Dave Matthews Band, and next week they’re going to Amsterdam. So, I’m really excited they’re here.”

Another fan, Benny Meguffy, drove down from Tahoe to see the band and he said he plans on buying tickets to see them tonight at the Crystal Bay Club. He said he loved the rapport ALO established with the crowd both through their music and banter in between songs.

Zach Gill, who plays the keyboard, accordion, ukulele and sings, hollered to the “All the Ewoks in the house say yea-yeah!”

Judging by the audience’s response, there are more Star Wars fans in Sparks than I might have guessed.

Megan Tuttle, Amanda Anizmendi and Alicia Kelly whirled and agitated with such passion they opened a space in an otherwise densely packed crowd. From what they said they were definitely feeling the music. With unusual sincerity, Amanda Anizmendi said, “Wonder is the art of dance. Music moves you spiritually.”
Megan Tuttle said, “Live long, dance on!” and Alicia Kelly proclaimed, “Live music makes you feel free.”

ALO is easily classified as a jam band, with interesting improvisational tendencies. They seamlessly worked into one song the melody of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” without making anyone want to go to sleep.

Sean Garecht’s praise for the group was limited to calling them a “good festival band” because he heard them at the High Sierra Music Festival in Quincy, Calif.

Even though ALO hangs around such big names as Jack Johnson and DMB, Garecht said ALO hasn’t achieved a unique enough sound to differentiate them from the crowd. Garecht said he’d recommend local bands like Cosmic Freeway and Paisley Brain Cells over ALO.

So what are your thoughts? Where does ALO rate in comparison to your favorite bands?

What’s up with wakeskating?

“Oh my God, his feet just came off the board,” one shocked onlooker exclaimed. “They’re not attached.”

That’s pretty similar to my reaction when I found out that it was physically possible to glide across the water at more than 20 miles-per-hour with an unattached board at your feet. This is not a sight often seen in land-locked Nevada. But some of the best athletes in the sport of wakeskating are performing today at 10:30 a.m. at the Sparks Marina – for free.

One of those athletes is 17-year-old Stuart Shinn of Brighton, Florida. Shinn took 17th place out of 39 wakeskaters at the Portland, Ore. Master Craft Pro Wakeboard Tour stop held on July 17, 2006. But the next weekend he placed 3rd in the Pro Men Wakeskate Finals for the 2006 Malibu USA Wakeboard Nationals.

Shinn’s mother Jody Shinn said he had been wakeboarding for four years, but after he recovered from knee surgery he found the sport put too much pressure on his knee. Wakeskating was easier on his leg and that became his sport of choice.

A Washoe zephyr made it more difficult for wakeskaters on Friday afternoon.

“When there’s a lot of wind it’s really hard on the wakeskaters because it blows around the board and they can’t do as many flips with the board,” Jody Shinn said.

Jody Shinn said the sport is more accessible for many, since wakeskaters can be pulled behind Jet Skis or by a winch on a truck driving alongside a body of water. Unlike wakeboarders, wakeskaters don’t need the larger wakes produced by boats to pull off their stunts.

I was looking through the list of stunts and I don’t think they get as much launch as wakeboarders since I didn’t see any back flips or equivalent stunts. How comparable to skateboarding is it? If anyone knows, please blog in and tell me, what are the limitations of wakeskating? Eye witness reports from today will do. Check back later to read more about some professional wakeboarders.

P.S. Thanks to Jody Shinn for sending in this photo of her son wakeskating in a Florida bayou.

Wakeboarder Lingo 101

If you walk up to a wakeboarder and ask them questions about their craft, they’ll begin talking in code about their stunts. You’ll hear phases like, “I landed a 7-20,” “I pulled off a whirly bird," and "I did a roll to blind.” To the uninitiated, this may sound like a new language, but it is actually English. With a few pointers, these statements will make sense. Pro wakeboarders Alex Brown and Justin Savich of Orlando, Florida helped me crack the code.
For starters, wakeboarders often think of turns in the amount of degrees they rotate. For instance, a “7-20” actually means a wakeboarder has rotated 720 degrees (two complete circles) in mid-air while traveling at approximately 20 miles per hour behind a boat.
Next, you may hear about tricks like the “Toe 540.” When a wakeboarder is preparing to do a stunt they will go into it either toe-side or heel side. Just like a snowboarder, their feet are strapped to a board and they move forward sideways. So, if they lean forward and put pressure on their toes, it’s called a “toe-side” trick. If they lean backwards and put pressure on their heels, it’s called a heel-side” trick.
If a wakeboarder “rolls to blind” they have pulled off a back roll (read how to) and launched themselves toward their blind side.
A toe-side Whirleybird is a back roll with a 360 degree turn while holding the handle over the performer’s head. If you want to learn more here's a site that should supply you with a more comprehensive list. These kinds of trick need to be seen to be believed. You can see them for free on Saturday (8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Sunday (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at the Master Craft Pro Wakeboard tour. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a beverage and possibly your swimsuit. It’s hot out there.
Next, I’ll be blogging about wakeskating and the stories of some of the pros.

What a weekend!

Be on the look out for my two upcoming blogs on the Taiko drumming show at Miguel Ribera park at Neil Road and the funky fresh sounds of the Keyser Soze show at the Green Room on Friday night. I got a busy weekend with friends coming into town and my birthday and such but I will not fail you dear readers. I hope you all have a great weekend! Be safe!
-Alexis

Wakeboard and wakeskate semifinals - when & who

Hello everybody,
Do you know the difference between wakeboarding and wakeskating? If you read my upcoming blog, I’ll give you the answer along with pointers from the athletes. I’ll post the blog before the competition starts tomorrow morning. You’ll have a better idea of what challenges face these men (and women) who aren’t afraid to walk on water. For now, here’s some news you can use:

SATURDAY, JULY 29
8:30 am Jr. Men Semifinals
9:45 am Pro Women Semifinals
10:30 am FMX Exhibition
11:00 am Pro WakeskateSemifinals
12:00 pm FMX Exhibition
12:30 pm Pro Men Round #1 Bracket A
2:15 pm FMX Exhibition
2:45 pm- 4:30 pm Pro Men Round #1 Bracket B

Riding order for finalists and semifinalist
8:30 a.m. – Junior Men Semi Finals(14-18)
(2 people advance from each heat)
Heat #1
Bradey Price
Danney Thollander
Rhett Whatley
Ryan Anderson

Heat #2
Alex Scagliotti
Nick Jones
Bryan Hutton
Jimmy LaRiche

Heat #3
Eddie Valdez
Alex Hemrick
Brett Lee
Adam Errington

9:45 a.m. – Women’s Professional Semi Finals
(2 people advance from each heat)
Heat #1
Sunni Anne Ball
Emily Copeland Durham
Shelby Kantar
Laura Lohrmann

Heat #2
Andrea Fountain
Lauren Loe
Amber Wing
Dallas Friday

10:30 a.m. – FMX Exhibition
11:00 a.m. – Professional Wakeskate semifinals
(1 person advances from each heat)

Heat #1
David Hanson
E. Buonanotte
Ben Kaiser
Brandon Thomas

Heat #2
Stuart Shinn
Drew McGuckin
Ryan Doyle
Brian Grubb

12:00 p.m. FMX Exhibition
12:30 p.m. Pro Men Round #1 – Bracket A
(Pairs compete against each other)

Danny Harf (currently ranked 1st place in this bracket)
Rick Gonzales (16th)

Gabe Lucas (8th)
Scotty Broome (9th)

Jeff Weatherall (5th)
Shawn Watson (12th)

Tino Santori (4th)
Jimmy Wolf (13th)

Shaun Murray (6th)
Aaron Rathy (11th)

Daniel Watkins (3rd)
Brian Francis (14th)

Corey Bradley (7th)
Philip Combs (10th)

JD Webb (2nd)
Jack Blodgett (15th)

2:15 p.m. – FMX Exhibition

2:45 p.m. – Pro Men Round #1 Bracket B
(Pairs compete against each other)

Andrew Adkison (currently ranked 1st place in this bracket)
Josh Sanders (16th)

Derek Grasman (8th)
Tim Keepers (9th)

Chad Sharpe (5th)
Kyle Rattray (12th)

Philip Soven (4th)
Jeff House (13th)

Trevor Hansen (6th)
Keith Lidberg (11th)

Brett Eisenhauer (3rd)
Rob Jacques (14th)

Nick Heaney (7th)
Adam Wensink (10th)

Rusty Malinoski (2nd)
Alex Brown (15th)

What’s on the menu for today

Bring on the FREE events! I’ve got two excellent ones happening today. The first of which is the Pro Wakeboard Tour, where top male and female wakeboarders compete at the season-ending championships from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 28, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 29 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 30 at the Sparks Marina, 300 Howard Drive, Sparks. The best in this field will be making waves with athletic stunts done at high-speeds. Can you beat free, in front of your face, acrobatics? I doubt it. I’ll be there with my camera and note pad. It you spot me come up and chat.

Next Up!

The ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra), called by their press packet “the golden child of the West Coast's buzzing underground scene,” will be playing at 8 p.m. July 28 at the Great Basin Brewing Company in Sparks. The brewery’s staff said to be there by 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. to reserve a table. The concert is (did I already say it?) FREE!

I haven’t heard the band’s music but their impressive list of collaborations, including Jack Johnson, Matt Costa and band the String Cheese Incident, lead me to believe they’re going to put on an excellent show. Describing themselves, they used the words “soulful melodies,” “swirling improvisation” with “precision funk grooves.” I don’t know about you, but I’ve got goosebumps. I’ll see you there.

Hot August Nights theme at Farmer's Market

Be-bop on down to Victorian Ave. in Sparks tonight from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. for a Hot August Nights themed Hometown Farmer's Market. Details: 353-2291, or click here for more info.

Don't forget, there is no market next week (Aug. 3).

Boats and Buoys

This blog was written by Eydie Scher. She sent me this story of how she spent her weekend. Thanks Eydie.

The wind kicks up. How do we tie a 26 ft. boat up to a buoy while bouncing around on the Lake? It is our first time out and we are anxious to get the boating season on. Buoys do not come with an instruction manual though they do come with exorbitant price tags. Accessories are not cheap either, such as a buoy line and of course, a dinghy. I'll get to the dinghy later.

There is no choice. All winter and spring we take pictures of the boat buried in snow. The blue winter cover is dotted with huge holes. It can't last much longer. The snow melts and gradually the boat becomes visible. We clean it and ready it lake worthy. It is June before boat meets lake.

Getting back to bouncing around. There is no way we are going to hook up this boat. We hope the evening brings calm seas. Chambers Landing is our port in the “storm”. We dock there and walk to our house. We hunker down and wait. Finally, yes, it's a done deal. Our boat is hooked up to the buoy. Now what do we do? Swimming to the dock is not an option. The only way from boat to shore is in our inflatable raft.

Carefully, very carefully, we both climb from boat to dinghy. Oars are ready. “Paddle harder, paddle faster”, the captain yells. I follow orders. The distance from buoy to land is much further than it looks. The raft is folding. It needs air. We hit the beach. I fall in. It will get better. It does.

Okay, we have a powerboat, not a “blow” boat. Therefore we need power and that of course requires big bucks. At $4.11 a gallon, Obexner's promises the lowest fuel price on the Lake. First we have to find it. The place we pass hundreds of times by car does not look the same from the back. There it is! Our credit card is depleted and the boat is _ full of gas.

The very next day, we are ready. Company is invited. It takes my husband and I a pretty long time to paddle out, climb on the boat, uncover it, unhook the boat and hook up the dinghy. Well, you get the idea. Our friends patiently wait on the dock. They know the ropes. Quickly opened and poured is a bottle of chilled wine, and snacks. Now this is a good beginning.

It's an idyllic afternoon. The view on the Lake is akin to Switzerland though minus the cheese and chocolate. Pictures are snapped with the turquoise wake, blue water and snow caps.

It's a short hop from our buoy at Hurricane Bay to Sunnyside. A dock is open. My husband struts his stuff and deftly slides our boat alongside the dock. Can it get better than this? The bar menu suits us perfectly. Sunnyside has always been one of our favorites. The food is good, the prices reasonable, and the ambiance perfect.

Our water chariot awaits. The ride back to our buoy is flawless. Our passengers leave from the dock. Tying up to our buoy is easier. Dusk is setting in. It's back in the raft. We've got it down pat. The shore reaches up to greet us. I fall in again but at least it's after dinner.

Our next trip is back to Chambers. This time, it's to hang out in the early evening and sip those famous Chamber's punches. My husband chats it up with everyone and anyone. We are the regulars. It's a lovely place to dock but beware. The weekends during the summer are crowded and dock space gets scarce.

People are talking. Rave reviews are in. It's about the new West Shore Café. On the way to the boat, we stop. Behind ordinary doors is a feast for the eyes. The outdoor area is gorgeous. Tables adorn the deck and dock area. If you want to go by boat, you tie up to a buoy, (we know how to do that) and they pick you up and bring you in and back out. On a beautiful summer afternoon, close your eyes and reopen them in Hawaii, except for the snow caps. We didn't stay for lunch this time. The food is supposed to be good but pricey.

It was a shorter trip than anticipated. Sugar Pine Park has also been one of our favorites to bike to or drive to. Since it's a weekday, the dock is empty. Picnic benches and shade are minutes away. Old building now house historic treasures such as a 1925 wooden boat. No, we are not now or ever, getting a wooden boat. The beaches, though thinned out by the overflowing Lake, are inviting, especially for kids. Speaking of kids, how come they can stay in the Lake for hours and don't feel the cold of the water like we do? Concrete steps alongside the dock lead to a sandy bottom beach. My camera, I forgot my camera but we will go back with the grandkids.

The ride back to the buoy is breathtaking. I named our boat “Poetry in Motion” because I do write poetry. Yes, it's all worth it. “Poetry in Motion” lives up to its name on Tahoe. Being on a boat on Lake Tahoe is poetry.

There are other places to go on the Lake. Our next trip will be to Emerald Bay. That, in, itself will be a story.

It's back to shore. The dinghy is still losing air. This time, I jump in.

Kristin's excellent adventure on the Truckee

We were drifting somewhere around the McCarran Bridge when the margaritas began to take hold.

The roar of the water filled my ears as the bridge passed over my head. Suddenly I received a spine-shaking smack across my backside that left me breathing like I was in a Lamaze class. I reminded myself, I must lift my butt in rocky areas when riding in an inner-tube down the Truckee River.

My friend Laura Hurley and I had a rare synchronized day off, free of responsibility, and decided there was no better escape than an inner-tubing adventure on the Truckee River. We bought two inner-tubes from Les Schwab for $33 each and two bottles of Jose Cuervo Golden Margarita which fit perfectly into our 32 ounce water bottles. The nearly three-digit temperatures couldn’t have felt better. I was regularly refreshed with chilly splashes of Northern Nevada water as we went hurling down the rapids.

The river is gloriously unpredictable as each bend alternates between moments of pool-lounging sun worship, and wide-eyed, white water excitement.

After my earlier run-in with the rock I tried to keep an eye out for where I was going. Not that it did much good. When seated inside my giant tube, I felt like my feet and hands had as much leverage as a turtle spinning on its back.

As Laura and I drifted, I saw a couple of clever tubers had brought a paddle to help them navigate the treacherous waters. Others floated along in pool lounge chairs with built in cup-holders.

No matter what shoes you’re wearing, “good traction in the water” is an oxymoron. I was flipped out of my tube five times due to various collisions with rock or strange currents. For long distances my tube dragged me down the stream and I would be hanging on to my tube like a water skier trying to regain my seat. When I put my feet down to try to stop I felt like I was trying to stop a car with my feet, Fred Flintstone style. The rocks have a thin covering of moss which makes it slipperier than an oil spill on ice.

Some people have an excellent sense of balance and others don’t. Most of the time I feel like I have banana-peel slippers on, so just watching me trying to walk in a stream of moss-covered rocks is a comedy of errors that might rival Charlie Chaplin. My friend Laura, on the other hand, never lost her seat. Whether it was luck or an iron grip on tube, I don’t know. I’m just glad inner-tube jousting isn’t a sport.

By the time I scrambled out of the river I looked like I was in an abusive relationship, with ferocious scrapes down my back and skinned knees and hands. But riding down the river is rewarding punishment. As Sierra Adventure river guide Tim Kegermann said, “There are hazards everywhere, but that’s what makes it fun. I like rocks in my river.”

For details on how to plan your own tubing adventure read my other blog, "Tips for surviving tubing the Truckee."

Thank you Stoneys

After much anticipation and worrying that the show was a scam, I finally got to see Talib Kweli…here in Reno! When I found out he was coming I was screaming my head off and I knew that I had to go see the show.

Talib is huge in the underground scene but also huge in the mainstream scene. He works with the likes of Mos Def with their unbelievable group Black Star, Erykah Badu, and Kanye West. He was even a headline act in the brilliant film Dave Chappelle’s Block Party.

I bought tickets but I was still worried because I had heard nothing about it. Even on Talib’s website under his tour dates it never said Reno. Still, why would they sell tickets? Saturday night was totally worth the wait, the price, and the worrying. Talib was there and he proved that he can heat up any crowd, even at two in the morning.

Stoney’s was hot and sticky that night, too many bodies for comfort. It was an 18 and older show so the young ones had to stay in the theater while the legal folks could get their drink on. Maybe the reason people were drinking so much was to conquer their thirsts but of course it only makes you hotter. There were four bands performing that night but what was very professional about it was they didn’t drag along. They knew it was hot as hell and getting late so the pace was perfect.

Blackfoot from Oakland performed first and gave a pumped up performance. Unfortunately I couldn’t find any information on them but it seems they are an up and coming band; I’ll keep looking and update it. Second was Reno’s own Element, an unbelievable hip hop group that’s been around for thirteen years. They were full of energy dancing around and getting the crowd riled up. The DJ who spun for them was ridiculous; DJ Phoreal busted some beats with a phat bass that shook the crowd silly.

Around this time the sweat from all the huddled bodies and smoke created by a “familiar” substance formed together into a huge cloud hovering near the stage. The smell of funk was everywhere and folks were getting a little bit antsy. I was standing in the back with my boyfriend ready to push my way to the front of the stage to see Strong Arm Steady when I noticed a dude wearing a white t-shirt with “Brooklyn” smeared on the front. We made eye contact and I wondered for a moment, “Hmm, a Brooklyn shirt in Reno? That was Talib!” Then again why would such a big name be walking around the crowd like that.

Strong Arm Steady arrived just time to get the crowd screaming again. The Ferocious Krondon, Phil the Agony, and Mitchy Slick swarmed the stage with their hard looks and tough rhymes. Strong Arm Steady is an emerging hip hop group from the West Coast. They are part of the latest movement known as the “New West Coast” sound. Xzibit is also part of Strong Arm Steady, his creation by taking superior solo artists and forming them into a super group. Xzitbit wasn’t there though, maybe he was pimpin’ someone’s ride.

Krondon ordered the crowd with his thunderous voice to raise their fists in the air, sending a shutter down everyone’s back. His powerful presence beamed through the crowd riling them up for the final surprise. “Ya’ll ready for Talib?” Krondon boomed. The crowd replied with frantic screams, even though I know for a fact that I was the loudest.

Talib leaped onto the stage with a grand entrance, Brooklyn shirt an all. Girls pushed their way to the front to hail his presence. I screamed my head off while frantically taking pictures, I mean come on its Talib Kweli! He only performed a few songs because it was really late but it was enough to leave the crowd satisfied. He performed his enormous hit, “Just to get by”, “Get em’ high” a song he collaborated with Kanye West and my favorite, “The Blast”. Just hearing “The Blast” satisfied me enough.

The show was dying down and so was the crowd, two in the morning creped quicker that I thought. As I met back with my boyfriend who was waiting in the back he looked down at me and said, “I could hear only who from back here.” I figured because it looked like Talib was giving me the, “Ok I hear you” look while I was screeching his name. The show was a major success and if you missed it you missed out. I was drenched with sweat by the end, my own thank goodness, my make up had run and I smelt pretty funky but I gotta say it was well worth it. I love you Talib!

Skateboarding paradise

With the scorching heat of the summer melting us down more everyday, it’s pretty hard for skateboarders to ride around without dying. Gabe and Erin Weed came up with a great idea last year and their dream has finally come true.

The grand opening of the Opening Ground indoor skate park proved a huge success and a helpful way to skate without the stress of the sun. A year ago they planned this and it finally came true on Saturday. Their giant ramps, skate store, welcoming enviorment and awesome graffiti art brought in dozens of Reno youths to the opening on 2450 Valley Road.

Sadly the opening was supposed to have Reno/Sacramento Hip Hop group Who Cares perform but the show was cancelled at the last minute. Ernie Upton, rapper from Who Cares, was pretty bummed about it but it didn’t stop him from coming in and checking it out. He plans to return on Tuesday to add his own unique graffiti style to the walls of the skate park.

Although the show was anticipated, the crowds stayed to watch skate group City Team Riders and the Open Ground riders try out the ramps. Terell Robinson, Jeremy Reeves, and Jeff Hubbard were a few of a bunch of buys trying out the ramps. Seven year old Joshua Douglas was the youngest to ride the ramps on Saturday.
Douglas may be young but don’t let his youth fool you. He’s been skating for four years, riding almost better than the other skaters who are more than ten years older than him, and he doesn’t plan on quitting anytime soon.

“We’re really happy and impressed by the turnout.” said Erin Weed. “It took over a year to build but once we found a place it went along quickly.”

What sucked was my camera was freaking out so it was hard to take a lot of great pictures (if you couldn't tell already) but you should check out the place yourself. It’s a great scene with some great skaters and beautiful works of art that are nicely done legally.

Don’t be sad because of the cancellation of Who Cares, they always put on a show so go to their myspace page. All the art doen for their posters and their little sad bear is art done by Ernie.

You gotta check them out!

Dancing their little heads off

If you haven't noticed already, it’s really hot outside. It’s so hot that nobody wants to be outside. I can’t even ride my bike anymore without the constant fear that I’ll burst into flames.

The problem here is that kids should stay active throughout the summer so they don’t turn into mush at home on the couch. Summer day camps are a perfect idea for kids to stay active and interact with one another for the summer. Artown has put together weekly events to get kids learning in a fun way. They’ve created Discover the Arts for kids.

On Friday at Miguel Ribera Park inside the big gym dozens of adorable kids of all shapes, sizes, ages, and colors were brought together to learn to hip hop dance moves by 724, a dance group from the Reno Performing Arts center. This event was so cute I was dying. As I watched all the happy smiles and playful banter of the kids it made me want kids of my own so bad right now…almost. I have plenty of time for that, but until then I’ll adore other people’s kids.

724 is a group of 12-15 year olds that have been dancing together for two years and even won Sparks Idol this past July 4^th. This first hour the kids performed a few dance numbers that they choreographed themselves. The groups of kids watched in awe and burst into applause and chatted about what parts they liked the best. It may have been pretty difficult to teach an enormous group of rowdy and hyper kids some complicated dance moves but the outcome was pretty surprising.

The kids of 724, Dani DellaVella, Garrett Biselli, Ciera Biselli, Daniel Ward, Mikey DellaVella, Chris Henderson, Alyssa Ballard Reisch, and Aly Raymer all patiently split up into twos and took the kids into separate groups. Some were very eager to learn, including Justice Lawton, 8, who paid closed attention to the directions given by Daniel Ward and Chris Henderson.

Fiona McNeil, a busy mom of four, has come to 12 of the events put on by Discover the Atrts. “Last year the events were at Wingfield Park and it was so hot,” said McNeil. “This year it’s much better because of the air conditioning.”

After a few minutes of teaching the kids in separate groups the dance routine, it was time to perform it all together. This of course was a little more difficult when Cow-a-bunga the cow from Northern Nevada Dairyman arrived, but never the less the kids remembered a lot of the routine. Then it was time for freestyle. The kids totally had fun with this one dancing their little heads off. Seeing my camera made a few little girls want a picture, how could I say no to these faces? After it was all over Northern Nevada Dairyman provided each of the kids with some ice cream. What a sweet reward for getting their groove on with their bad selves.

Tips for surviving tubing the Truckee

What you need:

1. Get a tube that fits your size. If you’re small make sure you won’t easily slip out of the tube, but can still reach over the sides of the tube. Be able to sit comfortably in the tube. It also needs to be strong enough to withstand running into river rocks.You can buy tire inner-tubes from Les Schwab for $33 plus tax or from Sierra Adventures near Wingfield Park for $24.99 plus tax. Sierra Adventures also rents them for $8 per hour or $25 for the day.
2. Wear sandals that fasten securely, have textured souls and drain water easily. You will need something to protect your feet from rocks and broken bottles in the water. Shoes that don’t drain quickly can be a hazard because they can bog down the wearer, making it more difficult to swim.
3. To be as safe as possible, wear a helmet and lifejacket.
4. Get a butt pad. Some use a plastic-covered foam knelling pad and put it into the inner-tube hole beneath their butt. It may not take out all of the sting when a rock hits your fanny, but it may prevent a collision from creating a bruising, blinding moment of pain.
5. Get plastic bags for anything that may not survive being wet. A durable backpack may hold all these items for you.
6. If you’re bringing a beverage, make sure the container seals shut, unless you like the taste of river water.
7. Wear waterproof sunblock.

Plan your trip:

8. Plan how you’re going to get home. Either sign up for a shuttle that will pick you up and drop you off with all your gear, or have two vehicles. First drive to where you expect to end your river voyage. Park one car there, and take everything you’re going to need with you into the other car. Drive to where you want to start your river ride. Hop in. Float down the end. Then use the car at the end to take you back to the other car upriver.
9. Make you have the keys to both cars with you. If you have an electronic door-opener, put it in a sealable plastic bag and keep it in a pocket that will be secure as you travel down the stream.

Now that you’re on the river:

10. Travel in a group. If someone hits their head on a rock and is knocked unconscious a helping hand may save someone’s life.
11. Try not to drift too far apart from your group. You can’t help each other if you’re a mile apart. If someone is drifting too far ahead, they should try to pull off to the side and wait for the others.
12. Some people tie their tubes together for stability and to socialize.
13. Turn the inner-tube’s inflation spout downward so it’s not stabbing you in the back. Trust me, you’ll end up with bloody scrape marks up and down your back if you ignore where you place a tire inner-tube air spout.
14. Be careful of broken bottles, concrete shards, and shafts of rebar. All these are scattered throughout the river and are hazards to people and inner-tubes.
15. You can also become entangled in tree branches and brush and be held underwater. So be careful.

Truckee specific hazards

16. According to Sierra Adventure river guide Tim Kegermann there are hazards the whole length of the river, but there are two in particular that you should watch out for. Luckily, there are signs with each hazard. He said the Chalk Bluff rapids are announced by the sign, “Danger, exit river now.” He said you can either exit the river or ride it on the left. Hang onto your tube and lift your butt!
17. The other hazard is the Chalk Bluff dam. The sign reading “Drowning hazard, exit river now” is on top of the hazard, so it seems like too little too late. Watch for suddenly smooth water being drained into a strainer on the left side of the river. Once again, either get out or glide cautiously along the grate on the left. Stay all the way to the left!
18. I don’t recommend tubing this river for small children. The Truckee River Whitewater Park at Wingfield Park has been cleaned of hazards such a rebar so people can play in relative safety. With supervision that’s probably a better place to swim.

My last tip is to enjoy yourself and the wild nature of the river. Do you have any ideas to add? I’ll be posting a blog about my crazy adventure on the river later. Feel free to share yours.

Prepare for the parody that is Ween

Prepare for the parody that is Ween. With every album they try to slaughter several sacred cows, and – in spite of their intended offensiveness – they’ve landed quite an following. Their catchy, yet disturbing single "Push th' Little Daisies" became a Top Ten hit in Australia and the album “Quebec” broke into the top 100 according to VH1. Like the annoying little brother that mimics everything, this band mocks just about every major music genre but they have the talent to back it up. The lyrics can be hard to understand as both singers have soft voices but considering their lack of subtly, maybe it’s better we don’t hear everything. Their song “Spinal Meningitis (Got Me Down)" mixes in a child’s voice complaining about the symptoms from the debilitating disease. A twisted sense of humor is a necessity to enjoy their music. Nothing should be taken seriously. Online Encyclopedia Wikipedia said the rumor that the album “The Pod” was written under the influence of Scotchgard was initially encouraged by band members Gene and Dean Ween because it was the "the most slime-bag thing we could think of."

They’ll be here tomorrow
The demented rock duo plays at 8 p.m. July 23 in the Reno Hilton Theater. Cost: Tickets are $27.50, on sale June 4 at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster or fee-free at the Hilton. Details: 787-8497. I’ll be there and give you an after show review. See you there.

Who Cares...You should!

Hey guys, Reno/Sacramento Hip Hop group Who Cares is playing today a1 5:00 p.m at the Grand Opening of Open Ground skate park at 2450 Valley Road, Unit A, Reno NV.
The best part is it's free! Who Cares never fails!
see ya there
-Alexis

Sands' pool parties and free music

Tonight, Pushbox is playing a free concert at a Sands Regency pool party. From listening to their clips on their Web site, Pushbox reminds me of the early hits of Gwen Stefani before she got into dance mixes. The lead singer seems to have the same hyperactive, frustrating sensuality. The songs have a good rhythm and lead singer Georgia alternates between fast paced teasing and feminine roaring.

Best of all, at tonight’s event there’s no cover. Food and alcohol are served. Three nights a week Sands hosts a different musical genre whether it’s Blues Wednesdays, Rockin’ Fridays or Jazz Sundays. The festivities will continue until the last week of August. (full concert listing)

The philosophy behind the pool parties is simple. As Johnny Buzzell, one of the event’s enthusiasts, said, “Enjoy life, go to a pool party.”

Blues start playing on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m. Usually, local blues musicians are highlighted. The Sunday Jazz concerts are generally more mellow than the other two events and is an Artown event. Fridays are the rowdiest with an average of 300 people attending.

Sands spokeswoman Stephanie Short said it’s easy to explain the popularity of Rockin’ Fridays.
“It’s a venue that’s really conducive to unwinding on a Friday,” Short said. “We strive to get bands that appeal to everyone. We got top notch bands that you would have to pay a cover for any where else.”

Last Friday, Jay Karle said he couldn’t agree more with the excellence of the music. Karle said the band, Saddle Tramps, pulled off an amazing Misfits cover and had several stellar songs of their own.

“I came here for the music.” He said raising a beer in their direction.

The Saddle Tramps are best classified as a comedic, rockabilly band that doesn’t mind making fun of western culture. To put it simply, one of their song titles is “White Trash Chicks on Speed.”

Friday nights draw and eclectic group of people not limited to any age group above 21.
The music is only one of the draws on a Friday night. Short said during the swimsuit contest the crowds often peaks to 400 people. With the first place female winner taking home $500, it becomes quite a contest. This is NOT family entertainment. The Sand’s advertising slogan of “No strings attached” may best allude to what you might see.

Men do compete as well. Last week Roger Vind was awarded third place and he wasn’t happy about it.

“I got robbed,” he said.

Talib Kewli this weekend

If you listen to hip hop and you don't know who Talib Kweli is, what's wrong with you?
That's right happy readers, West Coast emerging hip hop group Strong Arm Steady and Talib Kweli will be at Stoney's Bar on Saturday night. You best believe that I'll be there covering the show!'
So I'll see you there fools!
-Lex

Stoney's Bar at 71 South Wells Ave. 775.828.4107
Tickets are $20 pre-sale and $25 at the door
18+ event Doors open at 9pm

Sol Jibe to perform tonight at the Sparks Farmers' Market

Sol Jibe, based in Sparks, is a local musical treasure. With their fusion of acoustic rock, jazz, flamenco and afro-Cuban sounds group you won’t be able to resist dancing to their music. They’re scheduled to playing a free concert tonight at 7 p.m. in front of Great Basin Brewery during the Sparks Hometowne Farmer’s Market. To find out more about the band read Zamna Avila’s report on the group. It should be a merry scene on Victorian Avenue.

Coffee with the Chautauquans

Hey history buffs, tomorrow morning you have the opportunity to enjoy the insight and knowledge of a Chautauquan during a free Q&A session. Visit Sundance Bookstore from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. to hear the perspective of Booker T. Washington and Malcom X as portrayed by Charles Pace. Every year Sundance Bookstore invites the Chautauquans to answer audience questions the morning after their Great Basin Chautauqua performance so mark it on your calendar for next year. This week Sundance has hosted such distinguished guests as President Thomas Jefferson (Clay Jenkinson), Chief Justice John Marshall (Judge Brent Adams), Journalist Edward R. Murrow (Frank Mullen), Senator Joseph McCarthy (Paul Vickery), Donner Party Survivor Margaret Breen (Doris Dwyer), and California Pioneer John Sutter (David Fenimore). Sundance Bookstore is located at 1155 W. 4th Street in Keystone Square Shopping Center. For more information about the event call (775)786-1188. To see a part of Frank X. Mullen's Great Basin Chautauqua performance as pioneer broadcaster Edward R. Murrow click here if you're on a PC (or here if you're on a Mac).For more on Chautauquans read Guy Clifton’s column about young Chautauquans, Susan Skorupa’s article about the adult group. Skorupa’s article also has links to a variety of performances. To If you wanted to share a Chautauqua experience or had a comment, post it bellow.

Keep the Feel Forever part 2

If you haven't read Keep The Feel part 1 then you will have no idea what's going on, so read that before this one, Go Go Go!

Deep Rooted hit the stage with an explosion of energy, excitement and classic funk. Brea, JoHaz, Mr. Brandy, Cessi, Mr. Brady, Sha Dula, BOOSEY, and DJ Artistic mesmerized the crowd with their original San Diego underground hip hop funky sound.
By this time my camera died, so I changed the batteries. It died again so I changed them again. I guessed that my batteries weren’t going to work so I rushed to the store on the corner with my sweet and loyal boyfriend stumbling behind me. When I returned the batteries failed to work again. Before I began to pull my hair out I ran and changed them again, still nothing. I was upset to miss the rest of Deep Rooted but I had to catch Ab Rude. So I leaped into my truck and bolted to the RGJ. I grabbed a better camera and flew back to the Green Room. I sadly missed the rest of Deep Rooted but thank goodness that Ab Rude hadn’t gone on yet. At this point I said my hellos to him. I’m not normally I shy person but he keeps me star struck every time I see him even though he is so modest and always remembers me.
We talked for a bit about the ongoing hip hop problem and stereotypes on the radio. The hip hop we hear on the radio or see on MTV isn’t always good. You have to give it up for Kanye West, Common, Talib Kewli, Mos Def, The Roots, Erykah Badu and a bunch others for being amazing but a lot of those rappers you see on TV talking about all their money and bad mouthing women aren’t exactly what hip hop is about. There are so many good underground groups that people are missing and many of those “bling” and “crunk” groups are setting bad examples for those who have true passions for the music. That’s another story.
Abstract finally hit the stage a little after midnight and I pushed my way to the front to snap more pictures. His charisma and charm can woo any lady, and always does. After a bunch of songs, the heat must have got to the camera because it killed it once again. A bit frustrated I was still satisfied by the outcome of pictures I had taken. I could see my boyfriends eyes get heavier and heavier so I figured it was time to go. I waved goodbye to Ab and managed to squeeze out the front door. The cloud of smoke and body heat that had formed above the crowd had gotten to us. I wasn’t too upset to leave half way through Ab Rude’s performance because he and Aceyalone will be back September 1^st and 2^nd for an A-Team spectacular.

So that was my weekend, filled with great music and wild and crazy people. Check out the web for more amazing underground hip hop bands.

Important announcement: Talib Kweli comes to Stoney’s on Saturday. This should be beyond amazing. Maybe, just maybe I’ll see you there.

Go to reader photos to check out more photos!

Keep The Feel Forever

After waiting for a few months for his return, Abstract Rude came back to Reno with his entourage for the Keep the Feel tour featuring Abstract Rude & Tribe Unique, DJ Drez, Deep Rooted, DJ Brandi and Stereotype.

What a line up it was! I’ve been to the last few Ab Rude concerts held here in Reno. In February while I was writing for the Nevada Sagebrush, UNR’s newspaper, I got my first glimpse of Ab Rude as he performed at the Record Street Café with fellow Project Blowed L.A. underground hip hop rapper Acyealone. Now if you love hip hop and never heard of these guys you seriously need to get your butt out their and pick up some of their CDs. They are unbelievable and put on an incredible show. Together they are the A-Team and have been around since the early 90s.
Saturday night’s show may have been the third or fourth time Ab Rude has been to Reno since February. I can’t think how many times he has come but I know for sure that I’ve been to everyone of them.
The Green Room is a comforting and cool atmosphere; they are known to have a great variety of music like Hip Hop, punk, blues, jazz, rock, bluegrass and more. The crowd is always multicultural and welcoming of all types of different people. I've met a lot of people there that I have kept as friends including Jammal Tarkington from Reno SKA band Keyzer Soze, acoustic duo Verbal Kint, and Reno/Sacramento underground hip hop group Who Cares. I also met Grace Gatsby from the recently departed band The Grace Gatsby’s. She used to be a waitress their and Jammal was a bartender and doorman. They are both some of the sweetest people I have ever met and the proof of at home atmosphere that the Green Room offers. My buddy Markes was also their, he bartends at Tonic and is usually at most shows I go to dancing his head off. He is one of those guys you always see when you go out and always keeps me laughing.
Stereotype was the opening act and although the place wasn’t filled up quite yet the put on an awesome show full of energy. They were also really nice guys and had a lot to say when I talked to them. They’re passion for hip hop was relevant and they hope to get their sound out to more places.
Record Street café owner Shawn O’Hair was there; he's a really sweet guy who I chat with a lot when I go to Reocrd Street. He also promoted the show and most of Ab Rude’s shows when he comes to town. Brandi Schlossberg who works in advertising here at RGJ is also DJ Brandi. She was so original playing some classic R&B, soul and funk hits. How surprised was I when she busted out Cymande’s Bra. Many may not now this 70s funk band but if you get a change check them out. DJ Drez was next. Drez has been spinning for Ab Rude since 1998 and is huge in the L.A. underground hip hop scene. He’s basically a world renounced DJ with original and exotic beats. He is also part of Project Blowed.

To be continues...

All night party at Vino Italian restaurant and lounge

As I said before, my girlfriends Rebecca Flynn, Vivian Matta and I have our weekly ‘girl’s night’ on Friday nights by going to Vino Italian restaurant and lounge for some an all night 80s partying. We love the 80s and what better way to celebrate this eccentric decade by dancing to new wave at Vino.

Vino is quite the elegant club, bright lights flashing on the dance floor that is surrounded by giant columns. Their giant bar has friendly bartenders that never have you waiting for too long. Doug Whorton is the usual bartender we have, he fixes our drinks almost immediately while simultaneously flinging and flipping bottles all over the place like a juggler. He later told me that he has competed in competitions and that’s why he’s so good at what he does, and believe you me, it took more than just one snapshot to capture his juggling act, more like 20 times.

It was pretty empty when we arrived but that didn’t stop us from dancing. We usually get the party started when we arrive at almost 11 p.m and it seems that once people realize that some are dancing its ok for them to join it.
I went around talking to as many people as I could like Alan and Charlie Sicular, the happy couple who’s been together for 20 years that came to Vino to enjoy the club scene. Brad Jackson and Brandon Calloway were two very nice guys who let me take their picture. They had just moved out here from Alabama and trying to adjust to the city life. "It's definitely a city like no other." said Calloway in awe of our ever fascinating city.
A friend I run into often at Vino was Lonnie Prince. If you go to UNR chances are you most likely have seen Lonnie, he’s sort of that guy that everyone knows. With a smile and a toast, he enjoyed his Merlot in the casino outside of Vino chatting with the bouncers, Rick Grow and Mike Emmel.
Three guys I ran into, James Pryor, Mike Hawk, and Gunter Schmit, were pulling my leg the entire time I was trying to get their information. Sure they didn’t mind a picture, but they kept giving me these crazy names rather then their real names. Gunter originally told me his name was Shooting Star and that his parents were hippies and James said his name was Richard Pryor and that his parents adored the comedian so much they named their child after him. I wasn’t that stupid, I know how fools can get after some drinks. Lucky for me Mike Hawk told me their real names, thanks Mike.
One of the most compelling spectacles I witnessed at Vino was Angie Wiggins and her friend Javier, hands down the cutest couple in the whole club. She allegedly met Javier moments before when someone off the street just handed him to her. Don’t worry folks he didn’t have much below the belt, similar to the tragedy of Barbie’s boyfriend Ken.
Just before we left the club went crazy dancing to Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s biggest hit, “Relax”. Always around midnight the club is always bouncing. If you like to go to bed pretty early, you might have a hard time trying to find a busy club, so try BuBinga Lounge on Thursday nights.

However, Vino is the best 80s club in Reno, open Thursday through Saturday night playing New wave, late 80s and early 90s pop. So give Vino a try, have a delicious Italian dinner in the evening and work it off with the excitement dance party afterwards.

Hey! Go to the reader photos and see the rest of the Vino pictures I took on Friday night.

Insect defeats man

We now have documented evidence. When a 12-foot-tall praying mantis battles a man of the same size, the mantis will prevail and eat the head of her victim. During a fight to the death between two 12-foot-tall mutant land puppets on Wednesday July 12th in the Green Room parking lot the puppet called Mantis decisively defeated MiniMan. The event was part of Artown and was performed by the artists at http://www.mutantvehicle.com/. You can view a video of round two of the battle, but the tape stops before you can see the exciting conclusion. Diarmaid Horkan controled MiniMan while Damian Janssen piloted the Mantis. To get the full story on the Mantis and her creators visit my previous blogs. (Giant bug invades Artown, More of the Mantis, Fire dancers and Mantis music videos) Enjoy.

Apologies for the delay

Welcome back readers, I apologize for the delay but my weekend was full of insanity.

Not only did I go out to Vino and The Green Room for my events, but my parents were also in town. It was great to see them but hard to spend time with everything else I had to take care of. I still need to unpack my stuff in my new house. One of the bedrooms got flooded after a rain storm last week.

My old roommates are trying to skip out on paying me for the electric bill and to top it off I ran into my side window of my car and got this gigantic bruise on my arm. Now I got people here in the office coming up to me all serious and asking, “Tell me the truth, does your boyfriend beat you?”

Needless to say I had a busy weekend, but besides all the crap I had two awesome events to go to.

Stay tuned for the summaries on them

Basque Sports - bring your boulder

How many people do you know who keep a 220 pound granite boulder in the back of their truck? Tom Davidson of Sparks uses his for weightlifting. He jokingly calls it “Fred Flintstone’s Bowflex.” This isn’t a new trend in weightlifting. Actually, it’s a centuries old Basque sport.

Davidson demonstrated the tradition for the Reno Zazpiak Bat Basque Festival held Saturday in Wingfield Park. He put the stone down and heaved it back up to his shoulders five times. Strength, endurance and hard work are Basque values.

Even though Davidson isn’t Basque, the local community has welcomed him with open arms. People have asked Davidson why the boulder means so much to him.

“I think many of the traditions have lasted so long because they work so well,” Davidson said. “I’ve been going to the (Basque) parties for a long time and the men don’t feel the need to have friction. If you want to be a tough guy, have an outlet. Go pack the weight.”

The toting of the texianga is another test of athleticism. The men carry 208 pounds as far as they can, while the women carry 150 pounds. Steve Bennett said most who have never done the event assume it’s a test of upper body strength, but it’s also a test of endurance. He said legs will give out before the arms do.

But finger grip can also be a weakness. Joe Grissino carried the texianga for 393 feet before his fingers couldn’t hold the weight. He took second place.

“That’s harder than I thought,” Grissino said, “My fingers, that’s what gave out, but you feel it in every part of your body.”

But perhaps the most foolhardy sport is Basque wood chopping. The would-be woodsman stands on top of the log and swings the axe between his feet to hack the lumber in half.

Christophe Alfaro from San Francisco, Juan Brana of Reno and his daughter Stephanie chiseled their way through a series of logs on stage. Stephanie had the announcer plug gender equity while her axe soared through the air.

At the end of the competition, several small children ran on stage to collect the wood chips strewn about the stage including 11-year-old Izabella Deguero. She asked her Basque grandmother, “Do we have an axe at home? Most girls can’t do that. I want to practice.”

More than 200 people came from all over Nevada and California to attend the event. Reno Zazpiak Bat Basque Club Member Andie Swanson attributes the attendance to the good nature of the Basque.

“You’ll always have a friend when you come here,” Swanson said. “I always have a good time.”

Being Basque

John Ysura said, “Come join the party” is the unspoken Basque motto. He said a Basque gathering always has the feel of friends and family, and when outsiders join it adds to the excitement. Ysura traveled from San Diego, Calf. and will continue to drive to Buffalo, Wyoming to attend every Basque festival along the way. He stopped in Reno this Saturday to emcee the Reno Zazpiak Bat Basque Festival. He will spend three-days-time on the road to scratch his itch for traditional Basque celebration.

“By day, I’m a college professor; by night, I’m Basque,” he said with a roguish smile.

Ashley Moore, who attended the celebration, shared his sentiment.

“I wish I was Basque,” Moore said. She said the Basque tend to “enjoy life in a relaxed, stress-free way.”

She said when her aunt married a Basque man, he so charmed the family that they’ve all been to ‘Basque country’ in Spain. The Basque celebrations in Spain were so marvelous that she tries to come to the local festival every year to recapture the easy-going merriment found in Spain’s celebrations.

The Basque are originally sheep-herders from seven regions in Spain and France. It’s from these seven regions that Reno Zazpiak Bat Basque Club gets its name. Zazpiak means seven, representing the seven regions, and Bat means one, symbolizing the regions’ unification in the club.

Ysura said the Basque have one foot in the past and one in the future. This can be seen most noticeably in their music. He recommended www.musikazblai.com for the latest on Basque rap.

Saturday’s festivities showed off a variety of Basque sports including wood chopping, weight lifting and texiangas toting. I have much more to say about these events but at 3:32 in the morning I’m loosing my train of thought. I’ll add more tomorrow. So check back to hear more about feats of brawn and bravery and an upcoming blog about the Sands' pool parties.

Join traditional Basque dancing

Today the Reno Zazpiak Bat Basque Club celebrated their 40 anniversary with a festival in Wingfield Park that began at 10 a.m. and ended at 5 p.m. (I’ll be blogging more about that later.) But don’t think the party stops there. It reconvenes around dinner time at Louis' Basque Corner on 4th Street. They make a mean pecan punch – a traditional Basque drink with a bite. John Yusura, who manned the microphone at today’s event, said the dancing starts at 9 p.m. According to him the dancing is the real draw because in most traditional Basque dances you can talk to your partner while enjoying the music.

Wine, the ultimate weekend accessory

The Wine Walk, jokingly called the “Wine Stumble,” is happening Saturday, July 15. For $15 you receive a wine glass and a map. Every location marked on the map is a local business in downtown Reno. They will happily supply you with a glass of wine, stamp your map and send you on your way careening to the next location. This is a great way to explore the city and browse shops. The journey has the unmistakable appeal of a treasure hunt. You may end up visiting theaters, antique clothing stores, and shops selling locally-produced art work. Women can shop and their husbands won’t mind. At the end of the event, Wine Walk organizers hold a raffle with prizes from the different business sponsors.

Everyone I know has attested it’s a long list of locations. Even people with the highest alcohol tolerance will generally admit defeat and quit filling their glass before they reach the last location. My friends and I avoided wasting wine (or ourselves) by taking turns having our glasses filled. Many of the participants’ faces become as rosy as their rosé, but they don’t become drunk. The vast majority stop far short of blotto. In the late afternoons, the lines become longer. This is a blessing in disguise because it gracefully slows down consumption. This event is held the third Saturday of every month.

Wine Walk tips:
1. Each taste may be small but they can add up. Don’t try to finish the map.
2. Enjoy yourself. It’s an unusual way to see the city and it will bring you into shops you wouldn’t have visited otherwise. Explore.
3. This is a great chance to socialize. Chat as you meander.
4. Lines are shorter the earlier you go.
5. Hold onto your wine map because that’s how you enter the drawing at the end.
6. Stay sober enough to make it to the drawing at the end.
7. Wine snobs will be disappointed. Few locations offer great wine, but the quantity will make up for it, eventually.

More wine please

Here are all the other wine tastings I could find in the area. If you know of more, please post them below.

The Cheese Board and Wine Seller Offers free tastings of wine and cheeses to customers waiting in line to order during Splash Saturdays Details: 323-3115 Cost: Free
Vino 100 Offers daily complimentary wine tastings. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Vino is at 748 South Meadows Parkway. Details: 851-8466 Cost: Free

Enoteca Located in the basement of the Siena and offers wine tasting with appetizers from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Live jazz begins at 6 p.m. Details: 327-4362 Cost: $14

Jungle Vino Offering wine tasting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at 248 W. First St. Details: 329-4484 Cost: $15 and includes four wines and appetizers

Tour of Italy Andreotti Italian Restaurant presents a weekly wine tasting from 5-7 p.m. on Fridays inside Harrah's Reno, 219 N. Center St. Includes appetizers paired with a flight of four regional wines. Details: 788-2908 or www.harrahsreno.com Cost: $20

Wine Tasting at Murphy's Murphy's of Reno offers wine tasting from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 3127 S. Virginia St. Details: 827-4111 Cost: $19.95, $14.95 for Wine Club members

Wine Tasting at Orozko's Restaurante Orozko at John Ascuaga's Nugget offers wine tastings from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays. Includes flight of four wines and appetizer. Details: 356-3300 Cost: $18

Fire dancers and Mantis music videos

For your viewing enjoyment, I have two music video clips of local artists and performers shot and mixed by Diarmaid Horkan. (See more of his projects.) This first video shows off the extreme pyro-prowess of local group Reno Controlled Burn. It’s definitely worth watching. The group is a welcoming bunch that heavily stresses safety. My friend, who is an aspiring fire-dancer, said they invited her to hang out and practice her fire poi. According to their Web site they offer classes Wednesday nights from 6:00 to 7:00, $10.00 per person at 7777 White Fir Street in Reno.

See it for yourself

For those who would are daring enough to see the performance in person, every Sunday the group will perform at the Mapes Plaza starting at 9 p.m.

Mantis star power

Those watching the video closely may have noticed the cameo of the giant mantis. This gargantuan creepy-crawly has its own music video. How could she not? She’s irresistible. To get the full story on the Mantis and her creators visit my previous blogs. (1, 2) Enjoy.

Love the 80s? You'll love Vino

Italian food can be incredibly delicious yet incredibly filling. Although I've never been to Vino Italian Restaurant and Lounge for dinner I've heard nothing but good things.
What I do know is that the restaurant turns into an amazing night club featuring the best new wave music of the 80s. It was voted the second best dance club by readers on the Reno News and Review. What a better way to dance off all that Italian food with some classic Madonna?
My girlfriends and I get together for our 'girl's night' on Fridays and head over for some all night dancing. It's a nice touch to get a way from the boyfriends for awhile and dance to our favorite bands like Depeche Mode, David Bowie, and The Cure.
My good friend Vivian even lets me drag her to the dance floor when they play Eddy Grant's 'Electric Avenue'. She hates it but knows I love it, what a friend. We've seen some sights there, some not too flattering scenes presented by some locals.
Last time we where there we saw an older lady whose skirt was flying basically over her face. She must have seen the horrified look on Vivian’s face because when we got onto the dance floor she came hurling towards us and literally ran into Vivian. Note: You can’t talk about people when they’re right in front of you, especially when they’re drunk. Hey it's the weekend, it's ok to act like you wouldn’t normally, just be safe and hope you don’t regret it.
All these crazy people are what make the weekend exciting! Might as well have fun before you have to go back to work!
So I'll be heading to Vino on Friday to get some pictures, chat a while and dance all night.

Better see you there!

More of the Mantis

A 12-foot-tall praying mantis has been spotted in downtown Reno. Rumor has it that she’s preparing for a battle Wednesday night at the Green Room. No, this isn’t a premise for a cheap sci-fi movie. Damian Janssen and Rex Norman received a Burning Man grant to create a giant glowing puppet constructed of light-weight plastics and electroluminescent neon wire mounted on a metal backpack frame. For all the details see the earlier blog entry titled: “Giant bug invades Artown.”

The Mantis will fight to the death against MiniMan, Janssen’s earlier Artown creation, at the Green Room on Wednesday, July 12 at 10:00.

“For those who are betting, the Mantis is the favorite since she has a penchant for eating her lover’s head,” Janssen said.

When he was asked if the fight at the Green Room would be a mating ritual or simply a battle, he replied, “Like so many relationships it is both loving and fighting.”

Hank the Revelator – Typer and Talker

Hank Sosnowski, a Truckee Meadows Community College English teacher, had always been disgruntled that the written word was not represented at Artown, so he decided to change that. He became “Hank the Revelator – Typer and Talker.” He’s slept and performed for eight days on three-sided stage on the corner of First and West Streets in downtown Reno, typing stories that appear on a screen behind him or reciting his poetry. To Sosnowski’s knowledge he’s the first to produce art while living performance art. He said he’s preaching the gospel of the word, the written word that is.

When designing his stage he kept P.T. Barnum’s self-professed key to success in mind, “You have to get them in the door.” So he and an artist friend, Tom Lauderbaugh, designed signs pitching Sosnowski’s ability to “Write before your eyes.” But those familiar with the tricks of carnivals know that a large build up often reveals little that is remarkable inside the tent. Sosnowski laughed as he said he felt like in some ways his audience was being duped in a similar manner.

“The thing I try to get my students to see is that we’re all writers,” Sosnowski said. “ Regardless of what the writers of the world have tried to tell you, it’s not some mystical thing dropped by angels out of the sky. You’re telling stories too, you’re just doing it with your mouth.”

As he recited poetry Friday, he lurched between interesting ideas and self-depreciating humor. Just like the signs on either side of his stage read, it’s obvious at some times he see himself as a talker and typist. Other times he sees himself as a scribbler and squawker.

Yet perhaps his shows aren’t quite the Barnum and Bailey scam he portrays. On several occasions crowds had gathered around the stage waiting for him to begin reciting poetry. Another time, after he had completed a recitation he sat down to write and was astounded to look up 10 minutes later and see that not a soul had budged.

Sosnowski also marveled at the fact that people will sit and watch him do such mundane tasks as eat a bowl of cereal like it’s an unedited, super high-definition reality show. Sosnowski said he’s wanted to tell these people, “Star in your own reality show. Do something cool today.”

While he said it’s been an incredible and enjoyable experience interacting with crowds, spending an entire week exposed to the elements and stares of audiences hasn’t been all without strife. On Wednesday night, Sosnowski had hung a sheet up in front of his bed to block the light of a street lamp, when someone set fire to the sheet. Police are looking for the individual responsible for the fire.

“I’m the first poet to be criticized by fire,” he exclaimed.

But he joked that be being a flaming poet wouldn’t set him apart in areas such as San Francisco.

The trauma of nearly being burned alive hasn’t compared to the kindness and fascinating stories he has received from people during every step of the process, he said. This entire project would not be possible without the help of numerous friends and organizations and people have brought him chili, blankets and muffins throughout the week. Some even acted as guards while he slept.

“This is one bad apple in a slew of heart warming stories,” Sosnowski said. “One psycho is not indicative of Reno. Reno is great place to raise children. I know my wife and I have done it.”

Sosnowski has been writing a book about his experiences from this week. The book will be published with funds provided by the Sierra Arts Foundation, he said.

To hear Sosnowski prefrom his poetry to jazz music show up tonight from 5 to 7 pm. He's holding a celebration for the finaly of the project.

STAY TUNED

Although I mentioned earlier this week that I would be going to the Green Room this last Saturday, it was almost impossible to get there! Everyone on the streets must have still been trashed from the BBQ, brews and blues festival earlier that day because folks were definitely acting the fool. There was no place to park, people were driving like maniacs and running into traffic like crackheads.
So basically I couldn't get to the Green Room, but have no fear because the Green Room is going to be insane on Saturday with the return of Keep the feel show staring Abstract Rude, Tribe Unique with DJ Drez and a billion more! If you love good music you have to be there!
Stay tuned folks and I'll see you next weekend!

The Best BBQ of the summer

With the arrival of the blistering summer sun comes the season for outdoor festivals. While Kristin covered Artown on Friday, I dragged my loyal boyfriend Matt once again to venture the streets of Reno. This weekend, we went to the 11th annual Great Eldorado BBQ, brews, and blues festival and had a really great time.
Since I live right next to UNR, Matt and I decided to walk but of course we were soaked with sweat by the time we arrived. Panting and perpetrating are lives away, we figured that it was the best opportunity to grab a drink.
After inhaling some pineapple and rums and a fat tire, we took to the streets. The streets were filled with crowds of dancing fools and beer guzzling individuals as they gathered for a drunken festival of great American BBQ and some good ol' rock and blues.
Par for the course of Reno, I met many interesting people. Some were too shy to talk with me but others with their grandchild, like Carmen Lucero with her grandbaby Stevie and David Hill with his grandson Junior were happy to pose for a picture.
Although one of the main themes of the festival was beer, specifically from the variety of microbrews, many families attended for the mouth watering BBQ. Matt and I leaped into the line for beef brisket sandwiches. They also served grilled chicken and BBQ ribs-oh yeah.
As we ventured deeper into the festival, we were surprised to see the big name bands that performed. Classic 60s rock band Canned Heat performed their Woodstock hit, "Going to the country". A guy poked his body out of a window above a market on 4th street and started bouncing around to the music.
The biggest surprise was Lowrider, that consisted of original member of 70s funk band War. Everybody got down when Lowrider blasted one of War's biggest hits, 'Lowrider'. What a fantastic treat it was to great music lovers everywhere. Growing up with my dad, a huge War fan, I was extremely excited to see them live practically in front of my face.
I chatted with so many more people, those who you can see pictures of in our giant photo gallery under 'your photos'. My favorite and most interesting person I met was Donald Brown, an ex rodeo rider from Phoenix.
This man was dressed to empress with his bright yellow shirt, large cowboy hat, and massive metal rodeo belt. He had to retire because he was getting old but is still passionate about the rodeo. "One word…fabulous." said Brown after I asked him what he thought about the festival.
The heat cooled down after a while when the sun hid behind the clouds and tiny raindrops kissed the different colors of skin of the people passing by. It was a great coloration of folks coming together for barbeque, beer, and blues. What a great American pastime just perfect for the summer.

A new rolling religion

Hey America, need help kicking that addiction to oil? The earth-friendly movement has new legs in downtown Reno, or should I say wheels. On Friday night by Wingfield Park I was suddenly surrounded by a swarm of cyclists – bicyclists that is. A group of 26 nonchalant cruisers were zipping along sidewalks and pedaling circles in roundabouts. I observed a two-seated bike and asked them what was the meaning behind their motion. On the first Friday of every month, cyclists around the world band together and ride city streets to promote bicycle consciousness in urban areas, said Larry Payne. The informal, leaderless group is called “Critical Mass.” Payne said his daughter in San Francisco belongs to the group and she pedals with thousands on the chosen Friday.

Kevin Smith, who rode on the second seat, joked that “Critical Mass” sounds like a religion, a “bicy-cult.”

“It’s a rolling church,” Payne said with a smile.

Don’t get the wrong impression about these holy rollers. They’re not an exclusive or elitist group. The local group welcomes all with one wheel or more. Their ages range from 6 to 60. They’ve had tricycles and unicycles. They ride together as a group to keep things safe and carefully orchestrate traveling through congested traffic areas.

“Under the guise of disorganization we’re actually organized,” Payne said.

Watch out gas-guzzlers. They’re on the move.