Rtt april 2014 digital issue final

April 2014

BUILDING COMMUNITY IN THE RIVERWALK

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6 100 Word Bias7 Text Thee Reverend Rory Dowd

A Probability of Words8 Trust.

11 America Matters Media11 Local Notables Return to the Airwaves

13 Business Reno Yelp

16 Community News and Notes

20 Cover Story Building Community in the RiverWalk

28 Event Candy Coutour

31 Essay The Courage to Customize

32 Fashion Fashion 4 Ways

56 Feature34 Art Dogs 42 Hello Darling48 Jub Jubs Thirst Parlor 56 Newton Learning

60 Food Tournant Pop-up Restaurants

65 Humor

67 Lit Parallel to Paradise

68 Local Business Cindy's Mobile Spray Tanning

70 Market Watch 7 Tips for Spring Yard Clean-up

76 Photo Essay72 Ghost Town Bodie California 80 Moondog Matinee

91 8 Radio Find a Job Friday's

Review95 Failure Machine EP97 Sinicle

100 Tantra

103 Theater Foolish Mortals

30 2827

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All content, layout and design is the property of Reno Tahoe Tonight Magazine. Duplication or reproduction is prohibited without the expressed written consent of Reno Tahoe Tonight Magazine. Copyright 2012. Reno Tahoe Tonight is produced on 10% recycled American paper and is printed with all soy and vegetable inks.

Editor/PublisherOliver X

Art DirectorCourtney Meredith

Business Development Shelly Brown

Design AssociatesChris Meredith Mike Robertson Kristine PalmerPaula Campbell Copy EditorElisika Arango

Contributing WritersTina MokuauJenny SpencerThomas Lloyd Qualls Cody Doyle Rory DowdSean SavoyGertie OKIsha Casagrande Tony ContiniDiane Underwood

Contributing PhotographersChris HollomanShannon BalazsTony Contini Clayton BeckDana NollschAnicia BeckwithDigiman StudioKyle Volland Kiley Sauer

IllustratorLucidoJerry StinsonPAN Pantoja

Sales775-412-3767 Legal Counsel MATTHEW P. DIGESTI, ESQ. |THE DIGESTI LAW FIRM LLP

[email protected]

Websiterenotahoetonightmagazine.com

Snapshot 1864 Tavern

Calvin Hobson Photography www.calvinhobsonphotography.com

About the Cover“As the photographer for the April cover, I was presented with the framework of the tribal handshake.The story it represented took shape and then the concept behind the image was to be brought to life.Anonymity of those whose efforts are revitalizing our downtown community… Strength embracing weakness…Unity…Yin and Yang…Opposing forces combining to create balance. These are the elements that, I felt, came to life within this photo.” – Photographer Chris HollomanKatipo Creative

6 Reno Tahoe Tonight

Men's Club???

CRVSH – 3D

In the third album by the Reno trio, strong songwriting and fantastic three-part harmonies are still in full effect. However, like any final installment in a trilogy, it’s good but not great.

It’s hard to capture the high energy of their live shows. The whole album is a (relative) slow jam. “Makin’ Paper” is traditional boy band fare, mixed with trendy EDM; my favorite track is a remix of “Happy”; and “We’re Gonna Make It” is laden with hip-hop tropes and clichés. I just don’t get the same “Fuck yeah!” energy on this album as I have in the past.

www.crvshmusic.com

The Kanes – Black Magic

A strong follow up to their first full length release, Black Magic sets a high water mark for Reno music. This is an album that I couldn’t help but keep on repeat in my

car for a week. It’s hard to find anything wrong with this album. Vocals shift from impassioned crooning to brutal screaming. Fantastic, intricate drumming compliments the wailing guitar riffs and melodic bass lines. Despite the predominant indie rock chaos on most tracks, there are fun surprises like the whimsical, lazy Sunday afternoon story of “3 People”. It’s a gear-shifting rollercoaster of raw emotion and insightful lyrics.

Visit www.thekanesmusic.com for upcoming performances and band info. Editor’s Note: This is our second review of this standout record. Black Magic was recently recognized by the RGJ as the top local album of the past year. Congrats to the guys in The Kanes for this acknowledgment of their artistry.

Ian James Yount – Teen Creature

After years of hanging in the shadows and playing with records, Yount offers up an album of his very own. Five tracks of distorted vocals and catchy, grinding hooks.

Goth-a-billy? Noise wave? Whatever you want to call it, this basement-recorded DIY solo project melds a certain post-punk ethos with haunting melodies. It’s heavy and brooding, but highly structured. I really wish it came with lyrics in the liner notes; my ears are constantly straining to put meaning to the almost-heard words and phased phrases. I really have no idea of what he’s saying most of the time. But I like it.

Listen in at www.teencreature.bandcamp.com

Scarlet Presence – Sing the Body Electric

Scarlet Presence – Sing the Body ElectricThis album brings a big sound from an exciting little duo. Powerful vocals, reminiscent of Janis Joplin

or Grace Slick, accompany fat 70’s style guitar riffs and catchy keyboard melodies. Clean, solid percussion backs it all up like a cadre of exclamation points marching relentlessly into your bones. From the aggressive hooks of “Bad Starter” to the sexy groove of “Mama Mama” to the final epic notes of “Oh! Don’t Go,” this album is straight up rock and fucking roll. I hope you like long songs with instrumental jams, because most of these tracks clock in over the four-minute mark.

Sing the Body Electric releases May 3. Check www.scarletpresnce.com for more details.

100 Word Bias Thee Reverend Rory Dowd

Reno Tahoe Tonight 7

Text Thomas Lloyd QuallsPhoto Kelly Peyton

A Probability of Words

That's right, all of you.

We have a tendency to hold back. On almost everything. We’re hesitant to let people see the whole of us, to give anything our best, just, you know, in case. We’re afraid of really putting ourselves out there only to pull a Jennifer Lawrence and expose the fact that we’re capable of, well, falling. As if we were each living entirely amongst aliens and did not want to give away our humanness. Forget about all that.

Let it out so you can let it in.

We all get overwhelmed. And when this happens, we withdraw. We close down and try to protect against, well, another Jennifer Lawrence. The funny thing being, almost everyone on the planet who knows her name actually loves Jennifer Lawrence. Mostly because she’s not afraid to be Jennifer Lawrence. She’s not afraid to pour herself out for the rest of us, over and over. Sometimes it means giving us Oscar-winning performances. Other times it means tripping on the red carpet or talking about crapping her pants. The J-Law segue aside, one reason we get overwhelmed with the stuff coming at us in life is because we haven’t learned to empty ourselves. When we empty ourselves, we have a much greater capacity to handle what’s coming at us. We have reserves to process the challenges and we also have room for more joy. Empty yourself, so you will know the joy of being filled. And then keep doing it. Over and over and over.

Let it in, too.

I’m not talking about depleting yourself. I’m not talking about some kind of perpetual self-sacrifice where you only give and never receive. But if you never give, or never give enough, there will never be enough room to receive. You’ll walk around full or mostly full of something, but it probably won’t be the something you’ll want. It’ll be the type of something that wakes you up at night, or causes you to lose it in traffic, or in any of a host of other inappropriate places. You’ve heard it a million times by now, so why not just listen: Let it go. Let it go so you can let the other stuff in. The stuff you really want to let in but never quite make room for.

Hold still, or it'll spill.

You know what I mean. I’m talking about living each moment. No matter what that moment is. If you are always chasing after the next moment, or the one that just slipped by, you’ve got no time for the moment the Universe is trying to give you. If the Universe opens a great bottle of wine and hands you a glass, but you can’t sit still because you are too busy darting backwards and forwards, that wine’s gonna end up on your pants.

Pour out the bad and the good.

Life demands not only that you give it your best, by pouring yourself out with reckless abandon, but also that you purge everything that isn’t the best of yourself. Let’s get clear. You are not

I know what you’re doing. I see you out there, metering out just how much of yourself you want to show. I see you measuring and weighing the risks and the benefits. But trust me when I say that in all this caution, you’re missing it. So go ahead.


Thomas Lloyd Qualls

Superwoman. And neither am I. (Although there was that one time, at Burning Man.) You can’t continually take on the challenges of wearing flesh if you don’t get rid of the toxicity that comes with the territory. If you find yourself resting, then rest completely. Rest with everything you have. Pour out all your worries. Set down that planet from your shoulders. And let all that junk pour from your veins like you were a disgraced Mafia Don.

Open yourself.

Before you can pour yourself out or let yourself back in, you have to open up. That is the universal prerequisite. You can’t give out the Halloween candy through a closed door. Too early in the year for that reference? Ok then, unless you aerate your lawn, the rain won’t matter. Your grass can’t drink what runs off the surface of your yard and into the street.

Drink.

Now that you are open, you are free to give. And if you are giving, then give completely. But like I’ve said, giving is only half the moon. Since you are open, you also need to receive. Open yourself wide and drink in your share of recharge without hesitation. Without a thought in your brain about whether you deserve it. Like a college kid on Spring Break. Big, open throat gulps. Without any hint of anything that looks like timidity.

Drench us.

Now that you are opened up, and relaxed, go ahead. Pour. Rain down on us with all the fierce beauty you can imagine in a million birthday wishes. Soak us to the bone with your brilliant you. And don't let up until you know you are through. Until you have emptied yourself and are ready for a refill.

Thomas Lloyd Qualls is a writer, novelist, essayist, videographer, painter, bike rider, foot massager, sometimes salvager of troubled lives, and a regular contributor to Reno Tahoe Tonight Magazine and to the borderless virtual tribe known as RebelleSociety.com. The second edition of his debut novel, Waking Up at Rembrandt’s, is now available in print (think of vinyl, only for books) and on multiple e-version platforms. (If you want to stop what you're doing and buy it right now, go ahead. We'll wait for you.)

And hot off the electronic press: a new book of poetry entitled love jaywalks, available all over the damn place in ebook format. Still to come: new paintings and a second novel, Painted Oxen, due out in 2014. In the meantime, feel free to stop by his website whenever you like. Subscribe to his online journal, alchemy of words, while you’re there. www.tlqonline.com



live streaming

Text Chip Evans America Matters Media

Local Notables Return to the AirwavesTwo new Friday morning shows you’re sure to enjoy!The America Matters Media (AMM) family is so very pleased to provide the vehicle for two very special people to return to the airwaves in two new Friday programs.

Lise Mousel: “Lise of Life”, Live Fridays at 9:30AM

Lise is probably best-known for her sixteen years in local television, from intern to news reporter on several stations to long-time news anchor on KRNV TV. Others know her for her seven years of tireless work developing the provider network for the non-profit Access to Healthcare Network.

I’ve only known Lise for a brief time, but I am amazed at people’s responses to hearing of her new show. “I love her!” “She is so nice!” “You can see how she really cares about people.” “Oh, she’s one of my favorite people.”

“I believe broadcast media has both the opportunity and obligation to connect people and create community,” says Lise. “I am so happy to be creating this show with America Matters Media. How often does somebody offer you a half-hour show to do what you want? This one comes from my heart."

Lise goes on to explain her show: “It’s a string of positive moments that people can take away and use to connect with an idea, another person, or a feeling that may help them cope, gives them hope and reminds us that we’re all in this together. I’ll be inviting guests who inspire us, provoke us to think, who open our eyes and empower us.”

Lise has a great perspective on our community and on life, and her new show will bring that to life.

Bobby Joe Holman: “Chillin’ with Bobby Joe”, Live Fridays at 9:00AM

Bobby Joe may not be familiar to you unless you’re into the harmonica or the blues. If you did know about him, you’d know he is arguably the pre-eminent teacher of the harmonica on the planet. He has published instructional texts and videos with six different publishers. Now he’s a resident of Fernley and a weekly show host on AMM. Bobby Joe took up the harmonica when just out of high school. He upped his skills while in the Navy aboard a nuclear submarine. While in Bremerton Washington he wandered into “The Vault”, a teen club, and was invited to jam with an experienced guitarist and he was hooked! After the service he found himself near Bourbon Street in New Orleans where he listened to truly great harmonica players playing on corners for pennies. Bobby Joe told me, “You can say I’ve played on Bourbon Street but I never made a dime!”

A move to southern California led to gigs with Three Dog Night and creation of an instructional video for the huge music publisher, the Hal Leonard Company. In this, his twenty-second year with the company, it is his shows’ first sponsor!

Bobby Joe co-hosts the “Wall to Wall Blues” radio show with Les Young that airs in Penistone England and now hosts his own show on AMM. You’re invited!

Both Lise and Bobby Joe are great people, so consider coming down to our Reno Town Mall studio on Friday mornings to say hi! Or listen in and be inspired!

AMM broadcasts live on KRNG 101.3FM and online at www.americamatters.us from our studio at the Reno Town Mall. Many shows are rebroadcast on KRNG on weekends and on 99.1FM Fox Talk Radio. Send in questions and comments to www.facebook.com/americamattersmediaand to our LinkedIn and Twitter accounts. Call ins welcome at 775.827.8900 or toll free at 855.790.8255. Send text messages to 775.557.5120 or email questions and comments to [email protected]. Shows also heard on the TuneIn Radio app for smartphones.

Lise Mousel


Oliver X: What is Yelp?

Michael Tragash: Yelp is a website and mobile application that connects people with great local businesses - anything from restaurants and bars to dog groomers and mechanics. A lot of people think Yelp is just for using when they travel, but locals right here in Reno can also use it to discover and share their opinions about the local businesses that exist right in their backyard!

Oliver X: Who are the Yelpers?

Michael Tragash: The Yelp community is made up of engaged locals who connect online and off to share their opinions about local businesses. Reno Yelpers seek out those experiences that are funky, unique, and oh-so-Reno! They’re our local-loving, early-adopting, “Biggest Little City” dream team, out sharing all of our city’s amazing stories with the rest of the world. Whether you’re looking for a tasty taco, a clever craft cocktail, or the best spot for viewing our beautiful sunsets, Reno Yelpers know just the place!

Oliver X: What’s your role in all of this?

Michael Tragash: Well to start, I’m a member of this community, personally and professionally. I eat, sleep and play here, and I truly love this place. I joined the Yelp team in September and it’s my job to grow and nurture the Yelp community here in Reno, online and off. I wear a lot of hats - and sometimes some crazy costumes! There’s no such thing as a typical day, which keeps it

really fun and interesting. My day-to-day activities could include writing newsletters, connecting with users, speaking with local business owners to help them maximize their presence on Yelp, planning our outrageous and famous Yelp Elite events, or attending community events to spread the good word about Yelp.

What I really love about this job, what motivates me every day, is that we are building a community of passionate people who want to actively share their experiences with local businesses in our great city. I think that’s something truly special.

Oliver X: How can people get involved?

Michael Tragash: Joining the community is easy! Download the mobile app or visit http://yelp.com, create a profile and send me a friend request! Then, start telling stories of your favorite businesses by posting reviews and photos for everyone to fawn over. You can also check out http://yelp.com/events to see all of the great community events going on (including the awesome Yelp events I’m planning), and maybe even post one yourself. If you want to know more about the site, have questions about Yelp for your business, or want to host an event, email me at [email protected]!

Text Oliver XBusinessReno Yelp

Community Manager Michael Tragash

Wading through the often-times murky waters of retail, hospitality and service-based consumerism can be frustrating. Michael Tragash knows your pain and is here to help. He’s Reno’s Yelp Community Manager, but you can think of him as a kind of small business and consumer concierge, tasked to guide you through the process of fully engaging in all of the resources the mighty Yelp community has to offer.

We thought it would be a great idea if we connected with Michael to have him help you learn everything you ever wanted to know about maximizing your Yelp experience. We couldn’t be more excited to share his insights with all of you in our pages.

In this first installment of his monthly column, I asked Michael to give us a brief overview of what Yelp is, what he does, and how Yelp works in our community.



H o m e o f t h e T a t - T i l - U - T a p T u e s d a y ! ! ! C o m e d o w n t o s e e o u r n e w l o c a t i o n i n

M i n d e n , N V a n d l e t ' s s e e h o w l o n g y o u c a n l a s t ! I t g o e s

f r o m 11 a m - 7 p m o r u n t i l y o u TT A P O U T f o r o n l y $ 4 0 0 ! !

C h a l l e n g e y o u r s e l f a n d y o u r f r i e n d s o r j u s t b e r e a d y t o

g e t s o m e s e r i o u s w o r k d o n e ! Y o u c a n d o i t ! !

G i v e u s a c a l l a t 916 - 3 3 7 - 3 8 6 9 , o r j u s t c o m e i n

a n d s e e u s . T h e s h o p i s a n d s e e u s . T h e s h o p i s l o c a t e d w h e r e

M i n d e n m e e t s G a r d n e r v i l l e !C h e c k u s o u t a t

w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m / P a y n e . t a t t o o s

F l a s h J a m i s a f u n g a t h e r i n g o f m u s i c i a n s a n d f o l k s

w h o l i k e l i v e j a m m u s i c . S p o n t a n e o u s , i n s p i r i n g a n d

u n - r e h e a r s e d , t h i s w h i r l w i n d o f a c o u s t i c e n t e r t a i n m e n t h a s

b e c o m e a l o c a l b e c o m e a l o c a l f a v o r i t e . J a m m e r s a n d c o m p a n y p a t r o n i z e

d i f f e r e n t C a r s o n V a l l e y e s t a b l i s h m e n t s w e e k l y

( T u e s d a y n i g h t s , 7 p m - 10 p m ) …s p r e a d i n g t h e l o v e …o n e s o n g a t a t i m e !

F l a s h J a m i s n oF l a s h J a m i s n o r m a l l y a n o u t d o o r e v e n t . W e a t h e r p e r m i t t i n g .

P a r t i c i p a t i o n i s e n c o u r a g e d

a n d f a m i l i e s & k i d s a r e w e l c o m e . B r i n g y o u r

i n s t r u m e n t s a n d v o i c e s a n d c o m e J a m a n d c o m e J a m W i t h U s !

T h e D o u g l a s C o u n t y C o m m u n i t y S e r v i c e s F o u n d a t i o n

i s c o m m i t t e d t o o u t f i t t i n g t h e D o u g l a s C o u n t y C o m m u n i t y & S e n i o r C e n t e r w i t h a l l t h e

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t h e c o m m u n i t y ' s y o u t h , a d u l t s a n d s e n i o r s w i t h f u n , h e a l t h y

e x o r c i s e a n d c o m m u n i t y s p o r t s c l u b s f o r y e a r s t o c o m e .

d c c s . f o u n d a t i o n @ g m a i l . c o mC o m m u n i t y S e r v i c e s F o u n d a t i o n

PP. O . B o x 8 3 8M i n d e n , N V 8 9 4 2 3

( 7 7 5 ) 7 8 2 - 9 8 2 8 — L i z B a u m g a r t n e r ( 7 7 5 ) 7 8 2 - 9 8 4 4 — F a x

“ B R ING ING BUS INESS BACK TO THE COMMUN I TY.”

* N E X T E V E N T / / A p r i l 1 9 t h 1 0 a m - 3 : 3 0 p m H e r i t a g e P a r k G a r d n e r v i l l e , N V

F E A T U R E S O F T H E M O N T H

B U S I N E S S A R T I S T C H A R I T Y

Dirk Arthur’s Wild Magic at Harrah’s Reno through April 28

Magician Dirk Arthur brings his brand of magic to the legendary Sammy’s Showroom at Harrah’s Reno. Dedicated to thrilling audiences with spectacular illusions and increasing awareness for preserving wildlife and the environment, Dirk Arthur presents “Wild Magic.” The acclaimed magician has been featured on NBC’s World’s Greatest Magic, David Lettermen, and his own documentary, “Big Cat Magic” on Animal Planet. In this fast paced and exciting show, breathtaking big cat magic is interwoven with comedy, beautiful dancers, and large scale illusions. His natural affinity for animals immediately came into effect as he worked with rabbits, doves, large birds such as emus and ostriches and eventually large exotic cats. His family of big cats currently holds no equal in the performing world and includes rare white,

orange and snow white tigers; a panther, African and Snow leopards; a bobcat and even an African lion.

During his show, audiences can instantly see his love for his animals as they are treated with the utmost respect and gentleness. Arthur is a leading advocate of preserving endangered species and for the humane and proper care of all animals of the world. When Arthur was a child, he got his first magic trick from a cereal box and magic quickly became an obsession. While growing up in Los Angeles, Dirk Arthur was able, through Hollywood’s famed Magic Castle Club and Academy, to learn from and be mentored by the world’s top professionals and has devoted his life to perfecting his craft. His original illusions include a mid-air vanish white Tiger, a hilarious appearance of a flapping white duck and he is recognized as the first magician in history to make a helicopter appear! This helicopter illusion has since been widely copied and become a staple of many other magicians, although none can duplicate it quite as well as the originator. Tickets are $37.20 for general admission and $47.20 for VIP tickets. Special pricing is available for children for $17.20. All tickets can be purchased by calling 775-788-2900, or online by visiting www.harrahsreno.com, or in person at the Sammy’s Showroom box office on performance evenings.

Guaranteed to hit the spot. [RATED R]

The Utility Playersat The Pioneer Underground April 25

Every second Thursday of the month, 7 incredibly talented improvisational comedians, with an undeniable chemistry, come together at the Pioneer Underground to play in front of a live audience. Now, by request, The Utility Players are also taking the stage on Friday April 25th at 9:30pm. Could a recurring Friday night show be in the near future? Is it acceptable to ask a rhetorical question in a press release?

Created and hosted by Jessica The-Jester-Levity, The Utility Players have been playing together for over 5 years; every improv show is a unique co-creation between The Utility Players and their crowd (only 175 tickets available each show). Tickets for their regular season shows are available at the Pioneer Center Box Office, or online at www.renotahoecomedy.com. This show features 90 minutes of hard-hitting, side-splitting, classic short-form improv comedy in the style of 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?' that will keep audiences entertained all night. Impress your girlfriend, boyfriend, significant other, boss, parent, friend, random person you met on the street, and take them to the best live and unscripted show in Reno. See it once, or see it every month, the humor is always fresh and

Community News and Notes


April 11 at Jub Jubs Thirst ParlorReno, We Have A Problem, Alarms, Number Station, Pushing back & Part of the Problem$5 Cover/ 21+/ 8:00

April 24 at Knitting Factory RenoA Night of Music Appreciation with American Goodfellas, PostWar, The Third Wheelers, Small Drawings & Zero GravityTickets are FREE from the Bands or $8 at the Door/ All Ages Welcome/ Drink Specials for 21+ with ID/ 6:30

Editor’s Picks

Thursday, April 10th Queens of the Stone AgeGrand Sierra Resort

Friday April 25th Gavin DeGrawThe Knitting Factory Reno

Top Local Shows

April 26 at Bodega LiveRunway Fashion Show$20 Cover/ 21+/ 6:30

April 27 at Jub Jubs Thirst ParlorAmigo the Devil, Actors Killed Lincoln, Lonely River Drifters & Josiah Knight$5 Cover/ 21+/ Doors at 7:30pm


CeeLo Green at The Silver Legacy May 9

As an entertainer and businessman with many layers, CeeLo Green cannot be summed up in just one title. He is

a five-time Grammy Award Winning singer-songwriter-producer, television personality, actor, entrepreneur, pop culture & fashion icon. CeeLo Green is appearing in Silver Legacy’s Grande Exposition Hall on Friday, May 9 at 8 p.m.

In 2001, CeeLo received five Grammy nominations for his worldwide hit “Forget You,” winning the category for “Best Urban/Alternative Performance.” The single is certified Gold in the United States and Denmark and achieved platinum status in Canada, New Zealand, and the UK; and multi-platinum status in Australia. Currently, CeeLo is finishing his forthcoming, new solo album entitled “Girl Power,” which will be released in summer 2014. He reunited with his original rap group Goodie Mob, after a 15 year hiatus, to release a new album entitled “Age Against the Machine” in August 2013. Additionally, in October 2012, CeeLo released a Christmas album “CeeLo’s Magic Moment,” which featured the single “All I Need is Love” featuring The Muppets, nominated for a 2014 Grammy. He’s made memorable appearances on Saturday Night Live, Oprah, presented at the Billboard Music Awards, ESPYs, and Kids’ Choice Awards as well as making remarkable performances at the 2012 Super Bowl with Madonna, The Grammy Awards with the Muppets, Brit Awards in 2011, Billboard Music Awards in 2011 and 2012, Soul Train Awards in 2011, BET Awards in 2011 and hit such mainstream status that even Gwyneth Paltrow covered “Forget You” on Glee. CeeLo has also landed the cover of Fast Company’s 2012 “Most Creative People in Business” issue, Rolling Stone magazine, Delta Sky, as well as Jet magazine.

In addition to his success as a recording artist, CeeLo Green has completed four seasons as a coach on NBC’s hit show The Voice alongside Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton and took a short break for the fourth season to focus on music, but returned to the hit show for the fifth season. He has also made guest-appearances on NBC’s popular show Parenthood, FOX’s American Dad, Nickelodeon’s How to Rock, and Anger Management and also hosted his own talk show “CeeLo Green Talking to Strangers” on FUSE TV. On top of his television work, CeeLo Green is also transitioning his career into acting and has made an impact on the film industry starring in Sparkle, which was Whitney Houston’s last film. Additionally, he is the voice of “Murray the Mummy” in the Sony animated film Hotel Transylvania along with Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez and Andy Samberg. CeeLo will also star in the John Carney film Can a Song Save Your Life? along with Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo and Catherine Keener, which is slated for a 2014 release.

Don’t miss CeeLo Green in Silver Legacy’s Grande Exposition Hall on Friday, May 9 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available now for $65 with premium seating for $85. To reserve seats visit www.silverlegacyreno.com or www.ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-MUST-SEE (687-8733) or 775-325-7401. You can find more information and the latest updates on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and the Silver Legacy iPhone, iPad and Android Apps.

Community News and Notes


FeatureText Oliver XCover and feature photos Chris Holloman - Katipo Creative


Building Community in the RiverWalk

I’m not talking about MidTown; Outer MidTown, MidTown Annex or MidTown Too. I am talking about downtown. Yes, downtown Reno! That much maligned seldom discussed and even less appreciated creative nerve center that plays host to a thriving dining district; Startup Row; a ballpark; and the largest events the city can throw. That place that is, in fact, the soul of this city. That region of Reno that inspires poetry when the moon is full on a clear night and the necklace of lights that dot the RiverWalk make the serpentine Truckee look like the Danube. That place downtown where post card photos can be taken of lovers holding hands, walking along Riverside Drive, content with the knowledge that the quality of life that they lead is their biggest little secret. That place where you go to have fun; see a movie; catch a concert; grab a slice; get a cut and color; walk your dog; dance; fine dine; shoot hoops; go inner-tubing; wine walking; kayaking, running and Beer, Santa and Zombie Crawling. That place where you go to lie in the sun. We call it the RiverWalk District and you can too. Try it now. I’ll wait…

Waiting is not something serial entrepreneurs Trevor Leppek and Ryan Goldhammer are very good at. The two thirty-somethings who own the award-winning Noble Pie Parlor on Second Street on the bottom floor of the El Cortez Hotel are fully ensconced in the development and enhancement of the RiverWalk District. They are active in RAD and sit on the Board of Directors of the RiverWalk’s de facto steering committee, the RiverWalk Merchant Association (RWMA).

Leppek and Goldhammer are not old Reno money; they’re bootstrappers. Hustlers who work with their hands and minds. No sugar daddy backers. They’re not trustafarians. They begged, borrowed, lamented, ideated, hoped and scrambled before they hit on the growing successes that now populate the RiverWalk District as testimonies to their perseverance and small business acumen. To date, their RiverWalk assets include the

aforementioned Noble Pie Parlor, The Ampersand (formerly Whisky Bar) and the upcoming Pignic Pub & Patio on Flint Street across from the Great Basin Food Co-op, an ambitious and novel bring- your-own-barbeque communal dining concept and period-inspired drinking establishment. The pair also own a minority stake as consulting partners in the newly renovated Singer Social Club on Second Street, where once the long dilapidated club Babylon stood.

Generally publicity averse, but not necessarily press shy, I spoke to the talented entrepreneurs about the RiverWalk District and their involvement in helping to redefine it.

Oliver X: Did you have a plan to capitalize on expansion opportunities after establishing Noble Pie Parlor?

Ryan Goldhammer: I keep a list of all sorts of business ideas--some practical, some bold, and some downright kooky. This is something that I have done since I was 20 years-old and the time during the build out process of Noble Pie Parlor was no exception.

Some opportunities simply present themselves, i.e.: &/Ampersand and Singer Social Club. Others require dedication and persistence. We had been thinking about and looking for the perfect location for Pignic Pub & Patio for quite some time.

The concept for Pignic Pub & Patio came following a trip to NYC with Trevor only about 8 months after opening the pizza shop. We aimed to combine the relaxed environment of the neighborhood pub with a chained up barrel bbq out back, partnered with the elements of a more service driven "cook your own meat" steakhouse--like The Turf Club in San Diego. This unique space allows us to combine byobbq, pre fixe chef's dinners, wine tastings, cask openings, wedding receptions, corporate events, and any other creative use into one neighborhood hub.

This story is about the human parts that make our community as a whole greater; about everyday working people and visionary entrepreneurs—some of them still in their twenties—who are taking risks and taking responsibility for the quality of their neighborhoods; uplifting lives and boldly creating opportunity.


Pignic will offer the ultimate DIY experience for food and drink adventurers alike to encourage trial, adoption, and sharing of Pignic’s product offerings.

And Noble Pie Parlor? Don't get me started. We feel we have a revolutionary expansion plan for this concept that is going to change the game. But you will have to wait and see.

All in all, opportunities are what you make of them. The ability to see the world around you through a special filter of sorts. This is what makes entrepreneurs different from others. We see the RiverWalk District, The Powning District, and the blossoming neighborhood near Flint Street as the sustainable future for Reno.

We see historic buildings, room for retail, grocers, more residents, thriving offices, wine walks, art walks, beer crawls, Artown, The Leer Theater, more coffee shops, more urban farms, redeveloping buildings, and we see strength. We are growing strong together and this is what excites us.

Oliver X: How aggressively are you watching retail and commercial inventory to plan your next venture after Pignic starts to pop?

Ryan and Trevor: Here is the way we see the RiverWalk District and the other emerging neighborhoods in the area. Restaurants? Check. Unique bars and nightclubs? Check. Parks and recreation? Check. Special events? Check. Residential growth? Check. Use of available office space? Check, and so much more…

We are very much interested in the development of more retail to our area, and the best part is we have room for it! There are a number of perfect locations in the RiverWalk District for retail to expand and there are a few unused parking lots as well that could come into play. Also, I believe that the Parking Gallery is rated for an additional 3 floors of parking as well.

I have always said, ‘The RiverWalk is just one grocery store and one Verizon Store away from becoming a fully functioning neighborhood. Ha!’

On another note, it has always been our plan to create an off-shoot bottling and packaging business for our wing sauce, ranch, and sweet basil vinaigrette, as well as the barbeque sauce and rubs used at Pignic.

Oliver X: How do you each see the RiverWalk evolving as a district over the next five years?

Ryan and Trevor: Expanded retail. Get a grocery store. Keep the quality of food choices high. Keep the entertainment, arts and events growing. Continue to keep the streets clean and properties well lit. The newly adopted Good Neighbor Agreement that Trevor and I created with the help of RAD Safe and Clean Committee should help with that.

Why is the RiverWalk the place to be? This may sound like an obvious answer, but I think it is often overlooked. What makes the RiverWalk District unique is, quite frankly, the river. In fact, it is one of the key distinctions that Reno has that trumps other cities of similar size and demographics. How many cities, let alone districts, have a year round river in the heart of their urban core, with flows ideal for sport and recreation? The answer is very few and for that reason the Truckee River and the RiverWalk District should be highlighted as one of Reno’s greatest assets. The RiverWalk Merchant Association has been working very hard this year to strengthen the message and the appeal of the River Walk District; we have expanded our boundaries to the East to include the Freight House District; to the West to support the organic growth of businesses along Riverside drive like The Hub, Beaujolais Bistro, Dorinda’s Chocolates and Hello Darling, and to the South to include the California Avenue merchants. We are hosting our first Biggest Little 5K on May 17th showcasing the beauty of our district and we are partnering with TMCC to create the Biggest Little Street Faire, which will be held during the summer at the West Street Market during Reno’s most popular Wine Walk. We have had brilliant success with our Dine in the District event and are now in our second year as this event is well on its way to becoming a staple in the community.

– Scott Dunseath President of the RiverWalk Merchants Association and owner of Reno eNVy.


We also see the benefits and role that the RiverWalk Merchants Association (RWMA) plays into helping the naturally occurring neighborhoods under its wing to continue to build strength and grow community. We see the RWMA providing backbone and guidance to not only RiverWalk District, but also the Freighthouse District, Powning District, Cal Ave, and the continuously developing Flint neighborhoods alike.

We hope to work with our amazing neighbors around Pignic Pub & Patio (Great Basin Food Coop, Lost City Farms, SoDo, Granite St, Red Rock, Reno Fly Shop, professional offices, etc) as well as the residential side west of Arlington to build a new neighborhood. We are goofing around with ideas such as Arlington Ridge or Chestnutt Hill (Arlington was once called Chestnutt).

We see the strength, community, and pride that a neighborhood brings to an area and we feel that these natural neighborhoods that have existed or can be reborn directly fit into the missions and goals of a strong merchants association like the RWMA.

Trevor Leppek: The Good Neighbor Agreement is really as simple as being a good and thoughtful neighbor to those that surround you. Whether that be other business owners, property owners, residents or all of the above. It was hatched as a project with guidance of the RAD Organization (Regional Alliance for Downtown) under the Safe and Clean committee when it struck us all that if we wanted to see change that we needed to band together and be the drivers of that change. In a nutshell, the agreement aims to achieve a few different things: creating unity and awareness among neighbors, empowering one another with knowledge of our experiences, rights, laws/codes that are present to help create a safer and cleaner environment for patrons, residents, and visitors alike. Also to provide a platform for resolution and solutions to problems rather than just pointing the finger and taking the issue to the next level. We feel that the more it looks like the people residing or doing business within a neighborhood care about its appearance then the less apt they are to vandalize or trash that neighborhood. We love our city and are privileged to be living and doing business here and want others to be able to experience this same feeling. This year we both have been nominated and elected by our peers from the Riverwalk Merchants Association to be on the board of directors. Sitting on the board there are many different ways for us to help plan and execute great community events through the RWMA. We also support some local non-profits in fundraising efforts for their different causes and will continue to help push the burgeoning art and music scenes in our area with live entertainment and artist receptions.

“I feel fortunate to call myself a business owner in the Riverwalk District. Moving Outsiders downtown (from my former MidTown location) was easily the best decision I could have made. The business owners in the Riverwalk exude positivity, continually working towards a common goal of progression. There is every aspect of culture here: art, music, fashion, food and spirits. It's a great feeling being a part of what I consider to be a friendly neighborhood and not just another business district. I value the level of my success through the support of my community to be much more important than any monetary gain.”

– Nellie Davis 25, Owner Outsiders Hair Studio




EventArt & Fashion Show Fundraiser Candy Couture Saturday May 3, 2014 5PM to 8PM at A an Art GallerySpecial to Reno Tahoe Tonight

As a local business, Eye Candy Salon wanted to find a creative way to give back and bring our community together moving into 2014. We decided to put together our Inaugural Art & Fashion Show Fundraiser Candy Couture on Saturday May 3, 2014 5PM to 8PM at A an Art Gallery, located at 40 East Fourth Street in downtown Reno. As a local business, Eye Candy Salon wanted to find a creative way to give back and bring our community together moving into 2014. We decided to put together our Inaugural Art & Fashion Show Fundraiser Candy Couture on Saturday May 3, 2014 5PM to 8PM at A an Art Gallery, located at 40 East Fourth Street in downtown Reno.

The event is set up to be family friendly, and to display great local talent, designers, and artists. More importantly, 100% of the proceeds will support Kids First Family Services (KFFS), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the development of strong healthy families by providing outpatient therapeutic services, and social service assistance while addressing the physical, emotional and behavioral needs of children and families impacted by violence or interpersonal trauma.

Candy Couture will feature four local designers Wrath Clothiers, Edward Coleman Designs, Chez Vous and Noir Blanc; local MUA Micaela Bond; top notch photography by Daily Blessings, Luke Lord, David Crockett; Reno’s very own RAW Photographer of the Year Rebecca Ewart, and of course the stylists of Eye Candy Salon: Jessica Abbott, Melissa Lazzarini, Morgan Pintar and Jessica Whyms.

Along with the Fashion Show we will be exhibiting art by Luke Lord owner/operator of A an Art Gallery, a raffle consisting of gift certificates for dining, entertainment, and beauty items, as well as a silent auction.

With your $20 donation you will enjoy an entertaining night of food, fun and fashion. The sounds of DJ’s Luciano and Trexs, the tastes of Grimaldi’s, Thai Corner Café and Dan of Gourmet to Go, libations provided by Morrey Distributing and Dr. Pepper, The sultry moves of Reno World Dance Collective…and many more. Also admission to the after party meet and greet is included.

To donate please go to http://www.eventbrite.com/e/candy-couture-tickets-9847403850 there are a limited number of tickets available so get yours now. If you would like to be a sponsor/donor for this event we would love to hear from you. Please contact Jessica Abbott @ 336-0285 or [email protected].

The event is set up to be family friendly, and to display great local talent, designers, and artists. More importantly, 100% of the proceeds will support Kids First Family Services (KFFS), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the development of strong healthy families by providing outpatient therapeutic services, and social service assistance while addressing the physical, emotional and behavioral needs of children and families impacted by violence or interpersonal trauma.

Candy Couture will feature four local designers Wrath Clothiers, Edward Coleman Designs, Chez Vous and Noir Blanc; local MUA Micaela Bond; top notch photography by Daily Blessings, Luke Lord, David Crockett; Reno’s very own RAW Photographer of the Year Rebecca Ewart, and of course the stylists of Eye Candy Salon: Jessica Abbott, Melissa Lazzarini, Morgan Pintar and Jessica Whyms.

Along with the Fashion Show we will be exhibiting art by Luke Lord owner/operator of A an Art Gallery, a raffle consisting of gift certificates for dining, entertainment, and beauty items, as well as a silent auction.

With your $20 donation you will enjoy an entertaining night of food, fun and fashion. The sounds of DJ’s Luciano and Trexs, the tastes of Grimaldi’s, Thai Corner Café and Dan of Gourmet to Go, libations provided by Morrey Distributing and Dr. Pepper, The sultry moves of Reno World Dance Collective…and many more. Also admission to the after party meet and greet is included.

To donate please go to http://www.eventbrite.com/e/candy-couture-tickets-9847403850 there are a limited number of tickets available so get yours now. If you would like to be a sponsor/donor for this event we would love to hear from you. Please contact Jessica Abbott @ 336-0285 or [email protected].


Lipstick Fashion Lounge is a petite boutique that is brimming with the latest apparel and accessories for your stylish life. It’s like walking into your best friends closet with a glass of bubbly to play a little dress up. We are fashionably affordable with

items ranging from $5-$60. We get new clothing, accessories and girly gifts daily so it is a great stop to satisfy your inner shopaholic on a regular basis.

Tuesday-Saturday 11am-5pm Private Shopping Appointments

333 South Arlington Avenue - Reno - NV 89501 - 775.348.2675 w w w . l i p s t i c k l l c . c o m

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FashionLounge

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The Courage to Customize

W e are fortunate to have so many resources these days - guides, Google, apps, Siri, etc. In fact, pretty much

anything you ever wanted to know (or didn't) is right there at your fingertips, 24/7. Before this global hyper-connectivity, we had to learn the hard way or come up with our own way. Now we can simply adopt a popular method and save ourselves all that time and trouble. What a… relief?

Though it might seem convenient to jump on the bandwagon with the latest diet hype or trendy workout, finding what is right for your unique needs is ultimately most important. I'm not suggesting that you reinvent the wheel. I am suggesting that sometimes it might be better to take the time to adapt a wheel that is best suited to your individual needs. The ability to utilize these tools and decipher all of this information is an essential part of finding your own path. Finding the courage to trust that only you know what is best for you takes some practice and reassurance. The exercise plan that worked for you ten years ago may not be what your body needs today. Try keeping a journal of your physical activity and food intake. Rate on a scale of 1-10 how it made you feel the next day and how well you slept that night. You might have to rethink the way that you see yourself, and reframe old patterns in order to embrace new ones.

Lifestyle and health choices are easily generalized and homogenized - whether it be an exercise routine, diet, cleanse belief or relationship standard. Maybe it's worth the time and energy to custom create your very own formula. Sure, listen to the teachers and wise ones who have paved the way and dedicated their lives to finding solutions. Tried-and-true methods and coping mechanisms can be useful and should be integrated. But take these all as mere suggestions and not hard rules. Try new things, then listen to your inner voice to see what truly resonates with you as a unique individual. Parse through the onslaught of advice. Mix and match, experiment, trust your intuition, and listen to the feedback that your body and spirit provides you. Only you have the ability to sense what truly serves you. From there, it just takes the wisdom and determination to honor it.

Rachelle Lanning is the owner of The Studio, the award-winning MidTown yoga studio. 1085 South Virginia Street Reno, NV 89502. Tel. 775-284-5545. www.thestudioreno.com/rawcafe/And stop downstairs and grab a delicious vegan meal at Lanning’s juice bar The Seed right next door to The Spy Shop.

Essay Text Rachelle Lanning Photo Tony Contini


Fashion 4 Ways

Bloom into Spring32 Reno Tahoe Tonight

Styling Isha Casagrande, LipstickLLC.comPhotography Clayton BeckModel Emma White

Bloom into Spring

Flowers are blooming in risqué ways this season. No other time of year makes it more acceptable

to layer sheer materials and pile on the accessories. Whether it is a little peek of lace or a bouquet of bling, we are all ready to spring into style.

(Opposite Page)

Poolside PoshGiani Bini bikini from Dillards. Turquoise necklaces from

Labels Consignment Boutique. Vince Camuto shoes from Macys. Floral cover up from Lipstick Fashion Lounge.

Luminous LaceBra from Victoria’s Secret. Lace top and necklace from

Savvy Boutique.

Delicately DaintyTo the Max by BCBG dress and BCBG belt from Dillards

Fashion FlashbackJessica Simpson denim jacket from Dillards. Vintage broaches from Labels Consignment Boutique. Pearl necklace from Lipstick Fashion Lounge.

Isha Casagrande is a fashion stylist who has a passion for fashion and a love for shopping. Isha’s attitude is that fashion is about confidence and confidence is about style. Welcome to her fashionable world where labels do not matter but your self-worth does. Visit LipstickLLC.com to learn of all of her fashion endeavors.


FeatureText Oliver XPhotos Chris Holloman Katipo Creative


Art Dogs & Grace reminds me of the legendary head shop called Annapurna on Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley. Art Dogs’ apparel, accessories, textiles and odd objets d’art are funky and hip. With the largest selection of American made glass pipes in northern Nevada, the team at Art Dogs pride themselves on being a resource for information about the exploding world of artisan glass.

I caught up with store manager Ted Choley to chat about the industry and their popular upcoming 420 sale this month on um, 4/20.

Oliver X: What direction is the store going these days? Talk about the current economic climate and how that is impacting your business.

Ted Choley: I’m starting to see the economy turn around in Reno. It’s an upward trend that’s long overdue for us here in Nevada. Locally the economy is rebounding; we’re seeing the MidTown district flourish. It’s exciting because I see people I know expanding their small businesses and more and more businesses are opening up in this MidTown area.

There’s a transitioning demographic happening where mid-century Baby Boomers are retiring and we’re seeing more open-mindedness, as society evolves to accept things like gay marriage. Opinions are actually starting to change and those social mores have economic repercussions that ripple throughout all sectors.

Oliver X: How do you keep track of design trends and consumer preferences that seem to be changing in this industry so rapidly?

Ted Choley: This market changes really fast and new technology is pushed through almost as fast as in the high-tech industry. Suddenly a product

becomes obsolete. There’s something new every six months. We get new products a bit later here in northern Nevada, much like Japan and parts of Europe get new tech toys before anyone else does. So we go to trade shows and to other cities (we went to Denver in November, Vegas and the other smoke shop trade shows) to stay close to whose innovating within the culture. The industry is just really accelerating at this point.

Oliver X: In what key areas are you seeing this acceleration?

Ted Choley: More art appreciation from the youth all the way up to middle-aged people.

Oliver X: Does that include an appreciation for collector glass?

Ted Choley: Oh for sure. Whereas in years past we might hear a customer say ‘Your prices are absurd,’ now they are a little more educated and know the time and talent it takes to create a high-quality, one-of-a-kind piece created by a fast-rising artist. There’s more awareness that, yes, our prices are in fact pretty rock solid for the kind of pieces we sell. Customers know they’re getting authentic custom glass and not some counterfeit stuff—which is pervasive in nearly every industry these days.

Oliver X: What adjustments have you made to your inventory?

Ted Choley: We’re trying to stay on the cutting edge and trying to transition into new outlets. We did the world imports thing, but we stopped doing business with Indonesia because it’s just too difficult to pack containers and not see what’s in them. We can’t spend $20,000 on stuff and not know what we’re getting.

I would like to see us get back more into the art. Our name is Art Dogs. I would like to see more artists coming in here with their work; the Joe C Rock kind of guys. We want to transition more into the local art scene. We’re starting to see some decent local glass blowers emerge from this art scene and that’s being reflected in our inventory.

Art Dogs & Grace


Oliver X: Who are some of the top local glassblowers?

Ted Choley: Destruc Glass is one of our buddies. One of our homies connected with the rapper Action Bronson and gave him a mini tube from Destruc for free, and Action Bronson was on MTV shouting him out like, ‘Yo, this is the new mini tube from Destruc Glass.’ Destruc is an artiste and it’s hard to get his stuff. We have a pipe up there that he did that he triple collaborated on with two other artists from the Bay Area, and it’s going for like 2G’s. Destruc is very advanced and is getting very good. He’s really proactive. He travels and he takes art classes and keeps his skills sharp. And we gotta give props to our boys Jason Lennon, Chris Tormino and Jack Kidd. Those are like the upcoming local dudes who have been blowing glass for a while and are tops in their craft here.

Oliver X: Why is it two grand?

Ted Choley: Their name; the techniques involved. It took three people a combination of three to four days to finish it, and they’re all established glassblowers with sold art pieces. The more notoriety an artist has the more expensive their piece will be. People are starting to think like, ‘Hey, I’m buying this pipe now, but it will be worth x amount in the future.

Oliver X: Pipes can appreciate? So this is getting into the collector market at that level.

Ted Choley: Yes appreciation--absolutely! Some of these artists who make these pipes also make display marbles. The marbles they make are selling for $4,000-$10,000 wholesale! For example, it takes a Japanese master glassblower up to a week to make one of these. I have to also say that a lot of people have watched the film on Netflix called Degenerate Art. That has really opened people’s minds up so that instead of looking at this as another fucking item, they look at it as part of their lifestyle. It’s a representation of themselves and a personal statement. Whereas five years ago people wouldn’t drop $500-$600 on a pipe, now they want a $1,000 or $1,500 pipe so they can have bragging rights.

Ted and longtime Art Dogs employee John blow my mind when they whip out an exquisite mixed media electroform pipe, with a collector’s edition 1980’s Star Wars action figure on it that is totally sick!

Ted Choley: Electroforming is using low voltage electricity to draw brass, copper or metal over the glass to coat the glass. We are seeing guys doing more mixed media. Cutting and grinding on glass; faceting; etching on it and sandblasting glass. So now there are truly mixed media artists. These guys’ pieces are presold on their Instagram accounts before the piece is even finished being blown. That’s how big the demand is for custom glass from name artists with a following.

Oliver X: Do you feel that you’re at the forefront of educating folks about quality glass?

Ted Choley: In Reno yes we are able to educate people, absolutely. I can wholeheartedly say without sounding cocky or arrogant, that I have been doing this longer than any shop manager. We’ve bought more glass and sold more glass than any store in this city. We get people in here and we actually like to explain shit to people. We want people to appreciate this culture and recognize these products as forms of art, not just something to smoke out of in their dorm room.

Oliver X: You sell a variety of products on the cutting edge of the new trends. What are some of your best sellers?

Ted Choley: Pax, G-Pen products. The demand for these products has steadily grown over the past three years.

Oliver X: Talk about your 420 sale.Ted Choley: We started doing a sale about five or six years ago that was customer driven. Customers asked us to offer a 420 discount. So we said screw it and we gave them a sale: 20% off on just about every item in the store. We did it purely as a customer appreciation gesture. We do it not to make a huge profit, but to say thank you to our customers who have supported us, and to get good glass in people’s hands for a great price. People then show their buddies and they try the product and they come in and buy stuff. So we might sell five distinct items to new customers from that one referral who might not have come to the store otherwise. We are happy to give back to our customers who keep us in business.

Art Dogs & Grace is located at 218 Vassar Street near Holcomb in MidTown. Open 7 days a week. 775-324-2787.




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New Business Text Oliver X Photos by Eliot Drake

“We want our customer visits to be an experience and not an appointment.” – Jessica Hodges Hello Darling


Hello Darling looks like it was plucked right off of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. With interior architectural elements like

copper, leather, stone, glass and concrete, Hello Darling is like no other salon I’ve seen in Reno. An exquisitely immaculate style-forward salon design that focuses on fun and function, with a comfortable unpretentious feel, Hello Darling is poised to become your favorite styling destination. The perfect addition to the upscale Powning District enclave that boasts The Hub, Dorinda’s and La Beaujolais’ new location, Hello Darling is the brainchild of lifelong besties Jessica Hodges and Heidi Marie Miles. Born and raised in Sparks, Nevada their vivacious personalities (they finish each other’s sentences!) and megawatt smiles light up the space and fill the posh environment with energy. They see themselves as artists working with living canvasses and their clients are their inspiration.

The two entrepreneurs wear short cropped hair styles and are as smart as they are stunning. Heidi has the exotic good looks of supermodel Christy Turlington and Jessica resembles a more glamorous version of Melrose Place star Josie Bissett. Heidi has been doing hair for 13 years. She has received master training from world renowned Wella Professionals, Bumble and Bumble, and Oribe, in addition to multiple cutting courses at Vidal Sassoon. She is a master in Great Length Extensions. Heidi's creativity takes her down any avenue from pixie cuts, luscious extensions, and naturally sun-kissed color.

Jessica loves to make people feel their most beautiful. She studied art at the University of Nevada, Reno and launched her makeup career in 2006. She has worked for Laura Mercier Cosmetics in the past and for MAC Cosmetics for the last 8 years. She received a number of specialty certifications from this prestigious brand. Jessica specializes in wedding and photography makeup applications. She loves to create the "no makeup" makeup look.

Oliver X: Explain your salon concept.

Heidi: Our whole concept is that she does makeup and I do hair and we wanted to put those two crafts under one roof. We’re able to accommodate six hairdressers or six makeup artists.

Jessica: So we wanted to keep [the floor plan] really open. We didn’t want to say that these specific stations are just for hair or just for makeup. Some days you’ll get a wedding party that needs six hair or makeups going on at once. We wanted the look to be open and we didn’t want it to look like your typical salon. That’s why the finishing bar right along the front near the windows was so important.

Oliver X: How much did you participate in the buildout planning?

Heidi and Jessica in unison: 100%! We mapped it out with Lego’s on graph paper. We’re artists and so if someone hands us numbers we’re like… (Jessica holds up her hands in a stop gesture). So we literally got Lego’s and were like, ‘Here’s station one, station two, station three…’

Heidi: Originally we were only going for half of the space. It was originally going to only be 400 square feet.

Jessica: And then we got in there and were like, ‘We need more space or else we’re never going to be able to grow.’

Heidi: Then we took 600 square feet. [Laughter] We inched up! And then we realized that 600 square feet wouldn’t give us a back room at all. And for makeup you need a mirror and a table or counter. Unfortunately on my end there’s stuff you need to use all day long. I need two shampoo bowls and that takes up real estate. So it was a learning process for us initially.

Jessica: As we started to figure out what was necessary, we began to inch out to our current square footage.

Jessica: We based our buildout around our chairs, because that’s where the magic happens. Once we decided on those that kind of anchored our process.

Heidi: We knew that we wanted to be the color in our space, because what we do is solely based on color. We felt we didn’t need a lot of artwork, or bright colors. We wanted it to be neutral and earthy, but refined. We wanted our work to be the art and let what we do bring the color forward.

Oliver X: Was the salon a shared dream for you both?

Hello Darling


New Business Hello DarlingText Oliver XPhotos by

Heidi: Jess and I grew up together. We met when we were little girls. In the last few years, with her doing makeup and me doing hair we’d collaborated on a lot of weddings. So we would always joke about, ‘Hey wouldn’t it be great to have a home for us.’

Jessica: We would pack up all of our stuff and we would drive off to Tahoe or go to The Siena. And we thought it would be great to have people come to us and have a home for what we do. It was al-ways on our minds. And then this opportunity and this location came about. Heidi gave me a call one day and said, ‘Listen, we need to talk about this. We have an opportunity and we need to jump on it now or never.’ That was last April.

Oliver X: What was the waiting period like? You had to look at finishes and develop an interior aesthetic.

Jessica: It was crazy!

Heidi: It’s hard because we’re both such masters of our crafts. We’ve become so opinionated about what we don’t want. Sometimes you don’t neces-sarily know what you do want. The font alone took forever. [Laughter].

Oliver X: How’d you come up with the name?Jessica: We kind of went back and forth on that. We wanted something feminine, but not girly. And we didn’t necessary want it to be a salon and didn’t need that in our title. It seemed like every time we came up with a name it was taken already. There are hundreds of salons with pretty much the same names.

Heidi: Then we came up with names that might encompass the face and hair. We were constantly thinking about a name and when you’re in the

New Business Hello DarlingText Oliver XPhotos by Eliot Drake


middle of a process like this, you can’t turn it off. Jessica: She texted me one morning and was like, ‘Hello Darling.’ And I texted back, ‘Hello, what are we doing today?’ And then she said, ‘No, no that’s it. That’s our name!’ And that was it; it was magic!

Oliver X: Do you feel like you two innovate or follow the trends?

Jessica: I feel like we’re constantly trying to evolve and we’re always growing as professionals. I’m really big on capturing that “imperfect perfect” look and individualizing a certain look for each client. Every canvas is different for us.

Heidi: I agree. I think what we’re both really good at is personalizing looks for our clients.

Oliver X: What about products?

Jessica: We’re on a major hunt for that perfect makeup for the salon and we haven’t fallen in love with any name products yet. But we have been blessed to find the perfect hair products!

Heidi: We’re Oribe exclusive. He’s an amazing editorial stylist out of Miami. He’s a hair genius. I was lucky enough to use his products a couple of years ago and after I left that salon, I couldn’t break up with Oribe. He’s come up with a high end, no bullshit product line. Everything in his product has a purpose. A lot of products for hair are made by a design team who are not hair dressers; they’re chemists. Oribe knows, as a stylist, that he might need something for volume; he knows that he might need something for texture, or he might need some-thing for sleek; he needs something that’s gonna last. Our clients have fallen in love with Oribe. With this line there’s something in it for every need. The price point can be intimidating, but the difference is


New Business Hello DarlingText Oliver XPhotos by Eliot Drake


in the quality. His products are super concentrated, parabin free naturally derived ingredients. Oribe products will not strip your color.

Oliver X: How is Hello Darling different from other salons?

Heidi: We wanted our salon to be more than just hair and makeup. We wanted great customer service; we wanted it to feel like a creative, warm environment. We want it to feel like a family here.

Jessica: We want our customer visits to be an experience and not an appointment. We want them to come in, take their coat off and relax and just hang out. I think our customers get to feel like they’re part of something bigger. We want them to have that deep connection with us. It’s not just about client artist relationship, it’s very personal. We like to bring out inner beauty from each indi-vidual. To have our clients say they’ve never felt more beautiful is what it’s all about for us.

Heidi: When we started this venture I got Jess and I two Giving Keys. We didn’t know which one of us would get what key. One was “Fly” and one was “Free.” And that was big for us. We needed to have the courage to fly free. We want everyone to experience that feeling of flying free.

Jessica: Every time we have felt unsure or chal-lenged, we would remind each other to fly free. We want to pass that feeling and passion along to our clients. We want you to be you and to be in love with you. If we can tap into that and help you get there, that’s all we want.

Hello Darling is located at 18 Riverside Drive Suite B Reno, NV 89503. 775-329-2363. www.hellodarlingreno.com


Feature Text Oliver XPhotos Kyle Volland


Jub Jubs Thirst Parlor“Jub Jubs Showroom is a fantastic addition to all ages venues within Reno. I am pleased to bring shows to the DIY, community supported Showroom. I’m honored to be a part of the venue and see a bright future of shows continuing to come through.” - Promoter Heather Meyer

Effortlessly cool without being repulsively hip, Jub Jubs Thirst Parlor is one of the creative epicenters of northern Nevada. But have you been there lately? A ton of work has been put into Jub Jubs to fulfill a mission to serve the community with a convertible, multi-use space that exhibits the vibrancy of the creative community of artists and iconoclasts that call the venerable establishment home. On the exterior, Jub Jubs is alive with huge handmade murals by local artists. On the venue side, two of the area’s most respected promoters are booking the expanded big room (formerly Stoney’s) and all of the irreverent DIY spirit of the Playa oozes out of every crack and crevice of the place. They even have a way for the public to rent out a partitioned portion of the DIY Showroom for private use for insanely affordable rates—and get this—you can even make money in the deal!

I spoke with owners Faith Zaumeyer, Joshua Smith and Brian Sutherland about t he build out process and what folks can find at the new Jub Jubs Thirst Parlor.


Feature Jub Jubs Thirst ParlorText Oliver XPhotos Kyle Volland


Oliver X: You have been some of the most active club owners in town with respect to alternative music programming and venue expansion. With the acquisition of the huge adjacent space, how close are you now to fulfilling your vision for the venue?

Jub Jubs: We are extremely close to our real grand opening, estimating our occupancy at 700 in this room alone. This niche occupancy is ideal for medium sized bands and events and really doesn’t exist in our area. Having two separate stages and rooms is really exciting. It’s so much fun to have two totally different shows going at the same time. We have extremely talented promoters pulling both national and local talent through our doors. Our sound system has been painstakingly setup with local sound genius Tom Gordon and it’s been strategically decorated by several local artists. Having come at it through a communal vibe is everything, we literally asked hundreds of local talent what they wanted to have, what would make their events better, and we listened to them. We proudly support the efforts of our incredible local and national musicians, artists and performers and really look forward to working with all of them over the years to come.

We're setting our sites on a July Grand Opening for the showroom as this would coincide with our 4 yr anniversary. However, the space is fully operational now. The main thing we are working on now is fine tuning the sound of the room, with such a large space, it's been a challenge to dampen the echoes and reverbs and we have invested a lot of time and money into ensuring the room sounds awesome during shows. It's been a huge project to undertake and honestly we can't imagine the day where we say ‘Ok, that's it, we don't need anything else in here.’ Hopefully, our vision evolves and continues to grow with the community’s needs.


Oliver X: The space continues to be a resource for local promoters and the creative community alike. Talk about the special relationship the venue has with Reno's counter-culture. Jub Jubs: The venue itself has always held a special place in the minds of the Reno counter-culture. Totally off the beaten path, but still close to downtown. People are constantly telling us about great bands they've seen over the years, when it was Stoney's and beyond. We ideally wanted to take it a few steps further. I think our fantastic murals, both inside and out really show the eclectic nature of our effort. We support all types of events and genres of music. Jub Jubs has been an integral part of the community and Burning Man for over 15 years, so we really are entrenched in local music and art, theatre and convention needs.

We really saw this through our production of the indie film Nowhere Nevada. Jub Jub’s was our own ground zero--so to speak--and it was ideal. Our goal is to provide a communal multi-purpose event space and provide a cost-effective and flexible venue home to these artists. We pride ourselves in the fact we’ve lived here for decades; we are not at all corporate, and we truly appreciate the talent that walks through our doors--literally on a daily basis.

The Jub Jub's team has been involved in the Reno community in so many ways and for so many years that we are incredibly lucky to have developed an amazing network of friends. These friends became our family and our family continues to be the only way we could succeed in this adventure. Many of our venue features were donated, either through time, materials or both. The bar was constructed from wood from the old Ritz Carlton donated by Brad Moore and constructed by Pat Smith. The stage was designed by Lewis Zaumeyer. Many of the awesome details were built by Lewis, Brian Smith and Scott Dundas. The sound system was purchased by Josh Lease and previously used for the Van’s Warped Tour. Our sound technicians, Melvin Wood, Josh Lease and Matt Bailey, have brought their expertise to improve the sound and, more often than not, donated their time.

Our promoters Heather Meyer and Josh Lease also bring a lot to the table. Their love for music, the local scene and the relationships they have formed with musicians and fans, it's a passion that is evident and creates a forward momentum for all of us. Heather Meyer holds monthly meetings for bands and promoters and all genres are encouraged to participate. People in attendance include bands, independent artists, promoters, booking agents,



venues, photographers, merchandise distributors--anyone interested in boosting the local music scene in a positive way. It is an open discussion about the scene, booking, shows, marketing, venues, concerns, ideas, questions, tours and whatever else pops up. It's open to anyone who wants to help boost the local music scene. As Heather said "Reno is filled with heaps of talent and we'd like to see it thrive. Let's all get together to help the Reno Music Community reach its maximum potential."

Oliver X: What improvements have you made to the big room?

Jub Jubs: What hasn't we done in there? Beyond a really fantastic sound system, we've built a custom, four foot high, multi-purpose stage located in the middle of the room; a beautiful thirty seat bar; a raised VIP platform and an ongoing showcase of the

work of local artists. The showroom features a sound booth, and raised stage, full bar and large backstage area. We also have plans to build a sliding wall to section off the bar area for smaller events as well.

Our strategy was to build a communal venue for much more than music, including a green room and office. To date, we've had many exciting events beyond concerts, including a fully ramped Ska8jam produced by Colin Web Glover; a theatrical run of a Jill Marlene play, a supplemental cast and crew showing of the movie Nowhere Nevada, an all-male dance review, a communal feed the hungry event and so much more. Currently we are working on sound dampening and increased lighting for our upcoming grand opening. We’ve also just scheduled our first comedy show which should be a lot of fun.

Jub Jubs Thirst Parlor 71 South Wells Avenue in Reno. 775-384-1652



Upcoming Shows & Events at Jub Jubs DIY Showroom

• 4/15 – Borndead Productions Presents: Kataklysm, Aborted, Conducting From The Grave, Purification By Fire and Soma Ras.

• 5/9 – Heather Meyer Presents: Thick As Blood, Betrayal, The Jet Stole Home, A Sight For Sore Eyes, Refuse To Exist and Smoke Filled Skies

• 5/18-19 – Borndead Productions Presents: Spring Meltdown

• 5/24 – Heather Meyer Presents: Black Flag

• 6/1 – Heather Meyer Presents: SNFU in their 1st U.S appearance since 2001! w/ Nihilist Cunt, Machine Gun Vendetta, Heartless Folk and the Official Ninja Slaughterhouse

• 6/7 – Heather Meyer Presents: The Cold Hard Cash Johnny Cash Tribute, Silverwing, Lizzie Cates and Wade Lumsden.

Jub Jubs Bar Room Shows• 4/27 – Amigo The Devil, Actors Killed Lincoln, Lonely River Drifters and Josiah Knight

• 5/2 – Whitebulbs, Buckle Rash, Dusty Miles and the Cryin’ Shame


For any family impacted by autism, the toll can be overwhelming, and providing the safest and most advanced professional learning environment for a child on the spectrum is critical. So when my friend Eric Stangland, the award-winning guitar instructor whose son Xander is autistic, reached out to me to help him coordinate a fundraiser for a little-known educational facility in Sparks that is literally changing the lives of dozens of children with their ground-breaking curriculum, I jumped at the opportunity to support and trumpet the innovative work being done there.

The Newton Learning Center’s Rebecca Larrieu was gracious enough to allow me to pose a series of questions below addressing the facility’s programmatic mission, their core curriculum and the unique learning and social experience students and parents have at the center. The Newton Learning Center’s April 26, 2014 gala fundraiser at The Eldorado Hotel and Casino will be a great way for the public to assist this independently funded school in serving the needs of their students and the families who are dedicated to their social and educational advancement.

Background and Foundation of The Newton Learning CenterThe Newton Learning Center began in 2003 in San Jose, California, as a resource for local school districts that were desperately attempting to keep up with the tremendous increase in children being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Vice Principal of the San Jose Newton Program, Rebecca “RJ” Larrieu, was experiencing frustrations as her younger brother, who is also diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, was not receiving adequate services from his educational placement in Northern Nevada. Not long after, a group of frustrated parents from the Reno area heard about the San Jose program, and after observing the overwhelming success, lobbied for an expansion of the internationally recognized

program to their area. Their wishes came true when in 2008, RJ brought her knowledge and experience of working with children on the Autism Spectrum to the Reno area. That fall, they opened their doors in the Plumas Gym with one student. Since then, RJ and her amazing staff have provided services and had a positive impact on over 150 students in Northern Nevada and the surrounding area.

Program Design and DevelopmentIt should be clear to most people by now, that the “one-size-fits-all” approach to educating children, does not work. This happens to be especially true for children on the Autism Spectrum. Our students provide unique challenges and opportunities for our educators. The curriculum is developed and modified to the changing needs of each individual student. Our approach includes both what we teach and how we teach it. Our curriculum is an ongoing process to ensure individualization and maximum educational benefit. We believe that information gathered from various perspectives and disciplines is essential in understanding and addressing students’ needs effectively.

Programmatic Mission and Unique Experiences for Parents and StudentsThe experiences associated with navigating the social realm often create anxiety for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Many of our students have been bullied and teased for their differences at other schools in the past. Since Autism is so much of an “invisible disorder”, it becomes all too easy for other kids to target these students and just label them as “weird.” The depression and anxiety that these experiences cause can cripple children with Autism and before you know it, a parent’s need to protect them becomes a struggle each day to survive. As a parent, you wonder what went wrong and what you can do to fix it.At Newton, we teach Social Thinking as part of our daily school curriculum. Social Thinking was

Feature Text Oliver X

Imagine yourself being in a foreign country and not being able to communicate to those around you. Your simple need to ask for water becomes so overwhelming you are paralyzed in fear. This describes every moment of the life of a child with autism. Now imagine being the parent of a child with autism. Every moment you walk on egg shells waiting for the unexpected to happen, and yet wanting to protect your child from the unknown. Depression and anxiety can cripple these children and before you know it your need to protect them becomes a struggle each day to survive. Those feelings of nervousness, anxiety, and despair are feelings described by those on the Autism Spectrum on a daily basis. – The Newton Learning Center.

The Newton Learning Center


created by Michelle Garcia Winner, specifically for children with high functioning Autism. The tools obtained in Social Thinking are used both in and outside of the school setting. This program teaches students to become a “thinking of others” person, instead of a “thinking of me” person. It also helps our students to understand and be aware of the hidden rules in society so that they can reach their full potential.

Students come to us at various levels and often have large gaps in their academic skill set. The Newton Learning Center is a place where students can be given the time to build their social skills, social thinking and awareness, which help them to thrive academically. Mainstream schools rarely have the opportunity to do this. Not because the schools don’t care, but because the nature of large organizational systems is task or object driven.

A Regular Day in Public vs. NewtonIt is hard to compare the experiences of public vs. private placements as every student faces their own individual challenges and every story is as unique as the student themselves. Therefore, there is no such thing as a so-called “regular day” as no two days ever seem to look the same.At the Newton Learning Center we work tirelessly to provide structure and routine throughout the school day. We firmly believe that students can and will succeed when provided with a supportive, structured, and exciting learning environment. With teachers and staff that know and understand the individual needs of students on the Autism Spectrum, these children can blossom both socially and academically. The Newton Learning Center sees itself as a unique learning environment where teachers and parents see and believe in miracles.

Receiving Services and Newton’s role in Changing thisThere are many great resources in our area for those on the Autism Spectrum. Unfortunately, not all programs work for every child. Children diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum have a right to have an equal education as any a child without a disorder. It is costing millions of dollars for public school systems every single year and these costs continue to increase. As school budgets are reduced, so too are the funds to help educate students with Autism. Health insurance is not covering these costs and families are left to fend for themselves. The Newton Learning Center sees itself as a resource to the local school district, as partners in giving these students the social and academic capabilities needed to return to a

mainstream school with all the tools needed to go on and have a successful academic future.

Annual Gala and New ComponentsEvery year, we hold a gala to raise funds for our non-profit school. As a non-profit organization, we do not receive federal or state funding. We rely solely on student tuition and donations. In the past, we have kept the event pretty intimate; usually only our students, staff, and their families attend. We are very much like a family here, so stepping outside of that frame of mind has been exciting. Although we love the family atmosphere from past galas, we have come to realize the importance of Autism awareness within the community. So many people are still ignorant to the disability and are quick to blame families for “bad parenting”. So this year, with the overwhelming support from our students’ parents, we are opening up our event to the general public. We would like to become more visible in the community and maintain our financial ability to continue providing our students with the social and educational services they so greatly need.

Along with dinner, raffles, and dancing that we offer every year, we are thrilled to add various local live bands including TKO, Bluff Caller as well as The Bonfire set, a photo booth, and live auction. To entertain the kids, Game Stop is coming to set up a gaming area. The live auction is especially exciting because we’ve had some amazing items donated this year. For example, we have a weekend stay in Las Vegas, including show tickets to the popular V-The Ultimate Variety Show at Planet Hollywood. We also have a one-week stay in the beautiful and tranquil area of Park City, Utah. Finally, we have a one-week stay in St. Thomas, in the US Virgin Islands! We have numerous raffle baskets filled with items, gift certificates, tickets, and many other awesome things generously donated by local businesses. We will also be raffling off a 50” flat screen LCD TV.

This is a public event and we encourage every one of all ages to come check it out! Tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under. Tickets include dinner, select drinks, and a free raffle ticket. We also have opportunities for businesses to purchase ad space in our event program, sponsor a table, or reserve for a VIP experience. All additional information can be found at www.newtongala.com.

Interested individuals can also call the school at (775)358-0808.



BH-RTT-fullpgad-3.14-OL.indd 1 3/24/14 9:35 AM

ReviewText Oliver XPhotos Bryon Evans

Dine in the Dark Tournant Pop-up Restaurant Series Part Two: Elements of TasteChefs Ben Deinken and Adam Bronson continue to create a buzz with their wildly creative monthly Tournant Pop-up Restaurant Series. This time Deinken and Bronson enlisted the help of Executive Chef Joe Bell of the River Room and Wild River Grille, one of the RiverWalk’s most popular dining destinations. Deinken and Bronson pitched the concept to owner Chuck Shapiro just a few weeks before the event date and Shapiro didn’t hesitate to say, ‘Let’s do it.’

While the idea of dining in the dark is not exactly a novel one, having been executed at a high level at fine dining establishments in major urban hubs from Miami to Los Angeles for years, avoiding kitsch and cliché while keeping it an exhilarating undertaking is no easy task. But judging by the reaction of the sixteen individuals who were served eighteen distinct dishes over six courses inspired by the theme “Elements of Taste,” the dinner was a resounding success.

The chefs employed local culinary students to assist in prep, plating and service. Both chefs did their due diligence, including enlisting the assistance and support of the Northern Nevada National Federation of the Blind, and recruiting the participation of charismatic blind professor, Stephen Alexander Hamilton, whose backstory was as inspiring as it was painfully tragic.

Attendees, several of whom had experienced Tournant’s kick-off event this past New Year’s Eve at Jungle Vino, were seated at the huge banquet table in the stately environs of The River Room’s elegant City Room, with its gorgeous wall-sized Jeff Dow photo of the Reno skyline, and deep mahogany hardwood furnishings. Guests received masks on their dinner plates, and were given instructions on how to source their silverware for the challenging trick of finding their faces and mouths without slathering food on themselves. A red menu plotted out the range of tastes


diners could expect for the evening which included spice, bitter, salty, umami, and two sweet finishing courses—one made in the tradition of the French aperitif.

The first course was spice, where all the chefs basically took a potato and did something marvelous with it. Chef Deinken did a French fry with spicy ketchup, Chef Bronson did the Jamaican jerk sweet potatoes and Chef Bell did the roasted fingerling potatoes with Thai basil and turmeric. Early on it was clear it was going to be tough to find one’s pie hole in an acceptably decorous manner. Guests who didn’t cheat by looking under their masks immediately noted how prominently a role texture played in the experience, once their sight was removed.

The second course offerings were bitter. Chef Bell opened with an endive cup filled with a watercress puree and fried Swiss chard on top. Chef Deinken did a dandelion wrapped in zucchini with dehydrated grapefruit and bitter melon vinaigrette and roasted cauliflower on top. Chef Bronson did a country pork pâté with three bitter elements: Prosecco, cocoa and turnip ash. Chef Deinken’s dish here was the most accessible for me.

At the previous Pop-up event, the Tournant team fretted that their guests might not have had adequate portions to satisfy everyone’s expectations, so they really went the other direction for the blind dinner. By the end of the third course, which featured salty dishes, my immediate table mates were really full, as was I. Taking away the sense of sight allowed for more methodical care in the most basic process of physically handling the food and bringing it cleanly to the mouth, where again, texture and smell were


ReviewText Oliver XPhotos Bryon Evans

the initial means used the diners to really try to identify the flavor profiles and elements of each dish.

Considering that their intended audience was to be a group of blind diners, the chefs still made sure that the plating was artful and quite clean—and at times exceptional. Yes, I looked. “We never wanted to diminish that element,” Chef Deinken emphasizes. The saying that “first we eat with our eyes” is really true. Having the visual element taken away made the guests appreciate the luxury of sight and heightened the tactile and olfactory sensations immensely—sometimes if only in our minds. I was made aware of how rapidly I eat. Not seeing the plate, the fork, the dish, the jar, the spoon made me

slow down and really enjoy the food more deeply. My chewing slowed and I savored the mastication and really tasted the dishes in what felt like a more personal way.

From pickling jars and spoons to small plates and stellar wine pairings, the presentation fit the ease and unpretentiousness of the evening, while wowing us with the course diversity and the sheer volume of offerings experienced.

The blind dinner was by far my most satisfying and challenging dining experience to date with the Tournant chefs. The standout dish for me on the evening was the Buffalo two ways, short ribs and meat ball, walnut paste with celery leaf with smoke


Their next adventure is April 11, 2014 titled RABBITS, CHICKENS and EGGS...OH MY!! A Spring Fling with a Wizard of Oz Twist held at a secret private location. www.facebook.com/tournantpopup.

Read the full review in the April 2014 digital edition of RTT www.renotahoetonightmagazine.com

in a jar. Constance and Bob, who sat directly across from me, were astounded by the dish and the entire evening rated extremely high on my all-time list of fine dining experiences. It was a

remarkably sensual evening and one that will be hard to top for the Tournant chefs. But they are up for the challenge.


> Keep your mutt on a leash. For chrissakes, at least WATCH it. If it gets near my dogs (who ARE tied to the trailer) or my kid, I'm gonna throw rocks at it. I'm willing to bet lots of trips to the vet or the emergency room begin with the words "Oh, don't worry he's harmless". Looking at the empty beer bottles lying around your Dale Earnhardt Jr. blanket and the tribal armband tattoo, I'm not willing to trust your judgment about your dog. I'm sure too that its incessant yelping doesn't bother you while you're out on your boat, but if I wanted to hear that, I'd still be dating my last girlfriend. And how do YOU afford a boat? Are marijuana sales not affected by the economy?

> It's a safe bet that everyone within 200 yards doesn't enjoy Lynard Skynard or Disturbed as much as you. Please turn it down. Or off.

> It's none of my business if you want to yell things like "Fuckin' shit ass motherfucker" in front of your kids, but I don't really wanna hear it and I don't want my kid hearing it either. She spends enough time in the car with me to know more curse words than most marines, and I don't need her to hear it from you.

>Don't lollygag at the boat launch. Be ready when it's your turn. Don't back your trailer down there and then stop to change into your bitchin swim trunks with the skull and flames. Don't make us wait while you chit chat with your pals

about the "fuckin' shit ass motherfucker who told you to tie up your dog and turn down your music". Just put the boat in the water and MOVE.

I know this seems bitter and judgemental, but after spending my Saturday next to what amounted to a travelling carnival without the benefit of funnel cake, I'm pissed. Cigarette butts flicked into the water and washing up in front of my spot. Potato chip bags being blown all over the beach. And the double negatives? Don't get me started.

Just try to have some common courtesy and think about your surroundings. We're all in this together whether I like it or not.

And I can't get a tan playing Call of Duty.

Editor’s Note: I told Dave if his writing didn’t suck he could have a column. He sent me this; so he got a column. It won’t be called ‘Humor’ of course. So, Like our Reno Tahoe Tonight Facebook page and help name Dave’s column. Dave will chose from his favorite posts on the Reno Tahoe Tonight Facebook page and the winning entry will get a pair of tickets to his next comedy performance, assuming his career doesn’t end suddenly--but spectacularly--in a ball of flames the nest time he bombs on stage! https://www.facebook.com/RenoTahoeTonight

I spent the weekend out among strangers, and after being exposed to them for more than 10 minutes or so, I'm beginning to

understand why on-line gaming is so popu-lar. If you're playing Warcraft or Call of Duty and the white trashiness begins to bubble to the surface, you can escape with the flick of a switch. Not so in the real world. So I beg of you, if you know anyone who is guilty of the offenses I'm about to discuss - slap them. Hard. Then tell them to read this (or as will be necessary in many cases, read it to them). Thanks!

HumorText by Dave Mencarelli



SHANNON BALAZSP H O T O G R A P H Y

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT & ARTIST PHOTOGRAPHY

WWW.SHANNONBALAZS.COM

Was it worth a few days in traction? Oh yes. In Parallel to Paradise, Reno writer Laura Newman has the quirky observational comedic wit of Irma Bombeck on coke. I’ve not read a more satisfyingly enjoyable collection of short stories since Vonnegut’s Welcome to the Monkey House. Like a fat kid with a pillowslip full of Halloween candy, Parallel’s cup runneth over with goodness, in stories that are startlingly candid, enthralling and thoroughly entertaining. I wasn’t quite sure whether Newman’s earnest insights were gleaned from an overactive analytical engagement with the brooding hordes of disturbia, or from a stint in solitary confinement. But no matter, and to our good fortune, Newman gleefully excels in referencing the random scatological minutiae that we

spontaneously recollect, and mills this grist into the fabric of her narratives, sentence by glorious

Review

Addiction and other love stories by Laura Newman – LeRue Press

Cover Art by Travis SzudajskiText Oliver X

sentence. Kinda like a Dennis Miller monologue in print, attributes we typically assign to the neurotic, work marvelously here for Newman: the wordsmith as lifesmith smelting literary gold from irony’s ore. Throughout, Newman’s syntax is the star, as she knowingly celebrates her love of speech, of language, and has the courage to turn over metaphorical stones to see what scurries forth to indulge her vice. Pick up a copy of Parallel to Paradise, one of the best titles from fast-rising local publisher LeRue Press, upstairs on the fiction table at Sundance Books. And um, watch your damn step!

I wanna start by admitting that I fell down a flight of stairs to acquire a hard copy of this book to write my review. Knit-wittingly oblivious to the

danger lurking beneath my feet, I was so absorbed with delight over finding the title at Sundance Books in Reno’s Cal Arts district, I lost my footing during the process of patting myself on the back while saying these exact words, “Yeah, I could have gone on Amazon.com to buy this, but I wanted to support local…” bump, bump, bump, thump, splatter! Struck down for uttering such heresy by the literary Gods, I sprang up unharmed in body, but rubbing my bruised ego. Finally the book was in my hands bwah, ha, ha, ha, ha! I heard Vincent Price in my head.

Parallel to Paradise:


SHANNON BALAZSP H O T O G R A P H Y

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT & ARTIST PHOTOGRAPHY

WWW.SHANNONBALAZS.COM

Text Oliver XPhoto Frank Haxton Digiman StudioModel Molly Beth

Local Business

For health conscious folks in the know, the days of the horrid Texas orange tan of Mad TV’s Dixie Wetsworth are long gone. Or are they? With skin cancer from traditional sun tanning and tanning beds on the rise, it’s more important than ever to source a safe and aesthetically

pleasing means of enhancing one’s pigmentation. But who wants orange hands, uneven application, streaking and missed spots? Better to call on a professional. That’s where Cindy Juliano comes in.

Juliano’s Cindy’s Mobile Spray Tan allows her customers to get an exceptional, all-over tan safely and with no mess. "Cindy is very professional and always timely. My tan lasted me almost two weeks and was evenly spread with the right color and made me feel so much more confident," said Jessica Peterson. "Women don't realize being spray tanned makes you look ten pounds skinnier! Plus Cindy always calls the next day to make sure the tan is what you wanted. You just don't find service like that anymore these days."

Cindy’s Mobile Spray Tan


Oliver X: Explain how you got into spray tanning as a profession. Cindy Juliano: I usually go spray tanning in the summer so I can get a healthy glow and not worry about sitting in the sun or tanning beds. I live in Carson City and the place I would usually go to for my fix of color went out of business. So I went home and immediately went online and searched for another spray tanning place in Carson; it was slim pickings as all the ones that had come up had also gone out of business. I was able to find one place out of all my searching. So I made an appointment and went in, paid good money and left disappointed. They did a terrible job! As a result I looked into buying the product just for myself, but thought if I was having such a hard time finding a place other women must be too. A need was going unmet and I could make something happen, so I did! Oliver X: Sun tanning is still a popular regular ritual in the lives of many men and women. What are some of the well-known cumulative health dangers of traditional sun tanning? Cindy Juliano: A tan, whether you get it on the beach, in a bed, or through incidental exposure, is bad news, any way you acquire it. Trust me I know, I've been a sun baby all my life. Tans are caused by harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning lamps, and if you have one, you've sustained skin cell damage. No matter what you may hear at tanning salons, the cumulative damage caused by UV radiation can lead to premature skin aging (wrinkles, lax skin, brown spots, and more), as well as skin cancer. In fact, indoor ultraviolet (UV) tanners are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma than those who have never tanned indoors. Oliver X: How is your service different from other tanning services? What kinds of products are used to make the pigmentation? Cindy Juliano: Besides the obvious of being mobile--where I can come to your home or office where it is private and more comfortable with a personal experience--it's a lot more convenient to

not leave the comfort of your home to travel to a salon; take your clothes off; repeat and then still be in the process of the spray tan drying on the way home as it's sticking to your clothes. At your house you can relax and let the product fully dry and then go on with your day. I use all natural and organic products, with Aloe Vera and sun block included in them like Million Dollar Tan. The product is not harmful to the skin. The color is instant and doesn't clog pores, and has a refreshing coconut scent. I can handle all types of pigmentation. As soon as you spray within five minutes you can see how the color will look to everyone’s unique skin tone. Oliver X: Being mobile gives customers many options. How does the service work once a customer calls you? How long does the process take and how long will a spray tan last? Cindy Juliano: Once a customer calls, I set an appointment with them, we choose a location usually in the comfort of their own home, and I head over. I can travel anywhere from Carson, to Tahoe to Reno and Sparks. It takes me about ten minutes to set up, and fifteen minutes to spray including drying time with my fan. The spray tan usually lasts about 5-12 days depending on how often you moisturize (to keep the tan longer) or exfoliate (to fade the tan). If for some reason you wanted the tan to only last a day or two there are tricks to getting it off as well that I can help with. Either way, I always leave the customer with a natural tan and glow (NO orange!), which is what most people are afraid of. But when you use the right product and have a spraying technique mastered like I do, it never happens. I also guarantee my product, so if you don't like it, one hundred percent of your money is given back, but I haven't had any complaints! Cindy’s Mobile Spray Tan will have their big blow out event at My Wedding Library at the Summit Mall on May 3rd at 11 am. There will be spray tanning on site, a hairstylist and a massage therapist with light refreshments. To contact Cindy’s Mobile Spray Tan, call 775-671-2187.

"Cindy is very professional and always timely."


Market WatchText Shirley Larkins


7 Tips for Spring Yard Clean-upSpring is when we all start spending more time outdoors enjoying evenings in our back yards, planning BBQ’s and getting excited about warmer weather. It’s also the time for homeowner’s to start thinking about scheduling time for yard work to ensure that their garden looks good. A nice yard adds to a home’s curb appeal--which is especially important if you are thinking of selling. It is amazing how a little weed pulling and sweeping can improve a home’s appearance! The first impression of a house begins with the outside. Here are a few tips on how to maximizing your yard’s appeal.

1.Mow the lawn! This is a no brainer right? If you have a lawn, then keeping it cropped makes it look tidy and inviting. Overgrown grass gives the impression that you may not take care of anything else around your home.

2. Prune the bushes. If your yard has bushes that are either decorative or for privacy, you need to keep them pruned. Pruning bushes into shapes can really dress up a garden.

3. Pull the weeds! If you start early, and keep up with it, you may contain the spread of weeds throughout your yard.

4. Water your yard. In the winter months we do not worry about watering; the snow usually takes care of that for us. This year though, the lack of snow has put serious stress on yards in the Reno area. Make sure you water deeply early in the season to give grass and plant roots a chance to develop deep roots--that will help them thrive once the temperatures start to heat up. Make sure you are giving your yard full water coverage.

5. Cut back your trees. Trim the trees in your yard too--especially branches close to the house or hanging over the driveway. The same goes for branches that block light to garden areas

6. Plant a vegetable garden. This is an awesome way to get fresh veggies all summer long, plus it appeals to buyers. If it’s your first time, keep it simple. Think about what you like to eat, what is easy to grow, and how much time you want to spend tending it. Tomatoes and herbs pretty much take care of themselves. Beans need a place to “run” so will require more work.

7. Sweep and clean up regularly. This will ensure that your yard always looks tidy and uncluttered. Find a place to stash your gardening tools that is out of sight or create a fun way to display your tools. Piles of rakes and shovels, garbage and other distractions just keep your eyes away from the positives of any yard.

A homeowner who is willing to spend a little time doing these things will not only love their space more, they will reap the benefits if they are going to sell. Working in your yard or garden also can be an amazing way to unwind, connect with children or other family members, and spend some time getting vitamin D. So get out there and enjoy your yard!

Shirley Larkins, Realtor®Advanced Short Sale & Loss Mitigation CertifiedCertified Broker Pricing SpecialistHome Retention ConsultantChase International985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy #110Reno, Nevada 89521Direct: 775.379.9617Fax: 775-850-5901www.larkinsrenorealestate.com

Photo Essay

Ghost Town Bodie California

Photos and text by Bryon Evans

“As primarily a video producer and filmmaker, I shoot a lot of different pieces of a puzzle to tell a story. When it comes to photography I enjoy the challenge of trying to tell a story in a single frame. I tend to lean more towards a wider angle lens with photography, shooting landscapes and packing the frame with detail. It isn't often that I can turn the camera sideways when shooting video so photography allows me to play with composition in a new way. “On a trip to Mono Lake Shannon Balazs and I stopped at Bodie for an afternoon photography session. The best thing about Bodie is how untouched everything feels. The home's still have material possessions left behind that have been preserved. It's an amazing glimpse into what life may have been like during the California Gold Rush era. The structures are decaying beautifully in the middle of rolling hills. Bodie is a pleasure to photograph with plenty of opportunities to tell a story of the past.”


Photo EssayGhost Town Bodie CaliforniaPhotos and text by Bryon Evans


Photo Essay

The Photography of Erik Stabile featuring Moondog Matinee


Recently, I documented the up-and-coming rock ’n’ roll band, Moondog Matinee, while on tour in the Pacific Northwest. During this time we traveled to San Francisco, Bend, Seattle, and Portland on a school bus they call Rosie. I hoped to capture the contrast between life on stage and life on the road. The life of a touring American musician in the Pacific Northwest during the dead of winter is both exhausting and liberating.

I would like to thank Moondog Matinee for allowing me to document their experience.

Moondog Matinee: Pete Barnato – lead vocals; Adam Carpenter – bass, vocals; Steve Widmer – guitar vocals; Ben Ingle – drums; Drea Ballard – guitar vocals. www.moondogmatinee.comwww.erikstabile.com


Photo EssayThe Photography of Erik Stabile featuring Moondog Matinee



Launch PartySautrday, May 3, 2014from 11am to 2pm atMy Wedding Library, Summit Mall

Cindy’sMobile Spray Tan

A mobile spray tan service that makes it easy for you to get a tan

Whether it’s a prom, a wedding, or you're going on a vacation, get a quick tan in a hurry without the worry

of harmful UV Rays.

Keep that natural looking tan all year round!

775-671-2187

Our state’s unemployment rate of 8.8% at year end was second worst in the nation. It excludes the discouraged no longer actively looking for work and the underemployed. Finding a job is still very hard.

Employers with jobs openings are not making it easy for job seekers. Computer screening of resumes, drug tests, psychological tests and behavioral interviews have vastly complicated the path to employment, especially for those who haven’t looked for work in a while. The skills needed to secure a good job these days are far different than those from even a few years ago.

What better time than now to share the knowledge and expertise of career coaches Laynette Evans and Renie Bonar, the hosts of “Find A Job Fridays” on America Matters Media.

The radio show is an extension of their work in JOIN’s career center where they conduct assessments, teach job search strategies and interviewing skills, and provide advice and help with resumes and career transition strategies. They’ve also implemented an advanced behaviorally-based “job club” program.

“The show has allowed us to share what we know and help people in this tough job market”, says Laynette. Renie adds, “We’ve been pleased with the response to the show and how much people appreciate the insights we share.”

Show topics have included the five best and worst ways to look for a job, what employers look for, advice for older job seekers, how the job seeking process is like dating and four steps for answering a behavioral interview question. Often discussed are overcoming barriers in the job search, ways of finding jobs before they’re posted, keeping job skills up to date and overcoming the stigma of long-term unemployment.

Susan Fix of Applied Staffing –- a current show

sponsor -– was a recent guest to explain how to effectively include staffing agencies in the job search process. Jeremy Peterson from Country Financial came on to talk about careers in his insurance and financial services company and what he looks for in selecting employees. A number of current and previous JOIN clients have come to the studio or called in to talk about the essential lessons and methods they learned from Laynette and Renie and how they got a job.

Perhaps the most poignant aspect of the on-air coaching has been addressing the emotional preparation for being an effective job applicant. The loss of a job is often emotionally damaging. The resulting anger and shame is often expressed in self-defeating ways in employment interviews and become barriers to a good employment process.

There have been tears as well as great joy during the show. Laynette and Renie help lift up their unemployed, underemployed and ready-for-a-new-job guests and listeners every Friday live from 1-2PM PST on KRNG 101.3FM. Listen Live at americamatters.us or on your smartphone using the TuneIn Radio app.

Chip Evans is General Manager of America Matters Media [email protected]. 855.790. TALK, 775.827.8900 www.americamatters.us

Radio

Find A Job FridaysText Chip Evans

Career Coaches Laynette Evans and Renie Bonar Help Get People Back to Work

Key to being “The Home of Community Radio” is understanding the community and providing programming that truly reflects its needs. And, as founder Eddie Floyd often says on air, “Our greatest need in Nevada is that four-letter word, J-O-B-S.”

Renie Bonar & Laynette Evans


Every band wants to be successful; Failure Machine wants to play. Aside from all the social media campaigns, benefit concerts and viral videos, there's still something to be said about a band with conviction and charisma on stage.

Failure Machine is a soul rock duo from Reno ready to blow the roof off of any space that'll have them. Their live shows are intimate and fun, wild and grungy. Spencer Kilpatrick and Clint Philbin are experts on too many instruments to mention. They produce a large and pounding sound, similar to Ohio's blues rock duo The Black Keys.

"We purposely wrote live songs," Kilpatrick said. "I was listening to Otis Redding and Stax Records shit exclusively at the time, and I loved how all the lyrics left everything on the surface."

Their most recent release, EP, is self-produced and contains four originals and a Temptations cover. It's a hybrid of garage rock recordings and full-bodied, horn section-blaring soul arrangements.Kilpatrick, frontman and vocalist, can shred like Stevie Ray Vaughan, or wail like Teddy Pendergrass whenever he chooses. There are dashes of blues, gospel and a whole family of rock subgenres spotting his music.

EP, begins with a building crescendo of vocals, drums, guitar and horns during "Bottomless Pit." After the builds, there's a funky guitar breakdown reminiscent of Cake--shouts included. All that was missing was the infamous vibraslap.

Failure Machine clearly interlaces all the music they love. They are a red-eyed, grungy bar band with the tenacity and skill set to create and successfully produce explorative multi-genre jams.

"Beautiful Scene" teases its hook, and baits spectators to a heavy main riff and bluesy verses. Kilpatrick's guitar takes the third verse and commands all attention. The hook is part soul, part pop. It hits hard with the horn line later in the song.Kilpatrick has a voice that makes people raise their hands to bear witness in church. "I Wish It Would Rain" is raw and stirring. Guitar chords calmly encase his vocal testimony. Kilpatrick credits the 2005 film, "Four Brothers," for introducing him to the song.

"The Temps remind me of my dad and high school. But there are so many great tunes in that flick. That movie is to me what "O Brother, Where Art Thou" is to Mumford & Sons."

The Temptations cover turns the album to a calm and rich second half of the EP.

"I Found You" incorporates sweeter horns soloing the first chorus and swaying soft rock that builds to a dominant and warm second chorus.

"I have regrets, I know that you do too/That can't be all that we hold on to."

It breaks to a melodic build-up and ends like any soul production should, definitively and shrouded in soulful ranting.

From uplifting riffs, blues standards and soulful statements to garage jams, funky interludes and guitar gifts, Failure Machine has got you covered. Check EP out on their Bandcamp page and pay whatever you feel it's worth for it.

Failuremachine.bandcamp.com

Review Text and photo Tony Contini

Failure Machine EP


Sinicle Still In Mind


Sinicle has a deep desire to rock you the right way: with energy, style and a commitment to mastering their stage and sound craft. Some of the hardest working, coolest guys on the indie scene, Sinicle, now transplants to SoCal, came through town March 22, 2014 and brought their hard core loyalists with them.

I was scheduled to attend their Jub Jubs Thirst Parlor show that night, which included Sac/Bay Area band Deadbolt and Reno’s She Has A Fashion Vice, but I had magazine duties that prevented me from attending. Promoter Heather Meyer had this to say about their live set at the venue: “Sinicle was awesome; they did a great job! They are true professionals when it comes to their music. They really revved the crowd up. ! They’re so easy to work with. They promote their shows and have a great street team. Sinicle has this insane following out here that are really die-hards. They bounced around the entire time. Lots of crowd interaction. This show had lots of family support and some of their fans were these cute little kids as young as four years-old!” Somewhere between Heavy Metal and Rock n' Roll there is a gray area where Sinicle can be found. Recently listed in Music Connection Magazine's Top 100 Unsigned Bands, their latest EP Still In Mind released on 3/10/14 is their best work to date.

As the story goes, Sinicle, made up of guitarist/vocalist Drew Zaragoza, bassist/vocalist Justin Miller, and drummer/vocalist James Gepner, formed in a sweaty Reno basement, when the three music-hungry musicians were just teens. The trio rapidly grew their fan base by throwing basement shows and releasing low-fi, DIY cd’s. The group then relocated to The Big Sleazy—Hollywood, Califas--to further develop their following, ping-ponging between California and Nevada, playing venues large and small. Sinicle later earned a coveted residency at the Sunset Strip’s historic party mecca the Rainbow Bar. Two Sinicle band mates hold Associate of Arts degrees in Performance and Audio Engineering certificates from the prestigious Musicians Institute.

Still In Mind captures the frenetic energy that the band is known for delivering during their live sets. This cd is a must-have for local music fans. The trio turns in solid performances throughout showing off wicked musical chops on well-crafted, party pleasing bangers. The standout track for me on the six-song EP was “Battleborn.” Lead man Drew Zaragoza’s strident, growling vocals and the band’s hard-driving DIY metal, led by rhythm section Miller and Gepner, reminded me at times of Johnny Rotten and Motorhead. Sinicle is definitely a band to keep an eye on in the coming years.sinicleband.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csRF8Z9Hbq4

Sinicle Still In MindReviewText Oliver XPhoto courtesy of Sinicle


Text Lisa A. Rizzoli Photos John Litz

“Falling in love was simple; one had only to yield. Digesting another person, however, and sustaining love, was bloody work, and not a soft job.” - Hanif Kureishi, Midnight All Day

T eaching Hoop Dance (Hula –Hooping) has shown me a perspective on relationships. When a person first begins hooping the main goal is to

keep the hoop moving around the waist. For some, this is very challenging. What I have noticed is that when someone gets the momentum going and has that “I’ve got it” feeling, they quit moving, lose the rhythm and the hoop falls. The student learns from the hoop dropping that it is important to maintain the rhythm of the movement and they learn techniques to bring the hoop back up: pumping faster, scooping up or spinning with the hoop.

As the hooper progresses, new skills (tricks) are developed to keep the hoop in motion, to keep the exercise interesting and to challenge, expand and explore their creativity. They learn to hoop around different parts of their body, to use the hoop off the body, to dance with the hoop and to find the flow that works best for the individual.

In relationships, the beginning is exciting. We are exploring one another and learning what works, keeping the hoop spinning around our waists. In a sexual relationship, the hormones: serotonin, adrenaline, dopamine, oxytocin and vasopressin are releasing giving us that euphoric, in-love feeling. As time continues, we become comfortable with one another, the hormones balance out and we have that “I’ve got this”

Explore, Expand and Enhance the Dance of LOVE


Tantra

attitude. The relationship is stable, but the excitement and thrill has faded. The hoop is going around the waist with minimal effort, and minimal stimulation.

“Let today be the day that you become committed in being, in doing, in getting, achieving, in experiencing. Let today be the day that you are committed to being the change you wish to see and living the life you wish to live.” - Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience

As in hooping, to keep the relationship fresh and exciting we can learn new tricks and techniques to enhance the dance. It begins with a commitment to the relationship, to co-create and to continue to find ways to expand and explore modalities that appeal to both partners. Each one of us has a unique notion of what is romantic, adoring, adventurous, and where our boundaries lie. As we learn more about our partners and ourselves we are able to go deeper into discovering what works and what does not work for the relationship. We can explore spontaneously when we have trust and confidence in the relationship and know we are loved and accepted

I would like to offer a sweet Tantra technique of bonding and connecting. Sitting astride in Yab-Yum or across from one another (whichever way is most comfortable for you), gently gaze into one another’s eyes. Allow yourself to deeply connect, open yourself and allow your partner to really see into you as you gaze into them. Begin to notice your breath, together as one breathe in; together as one breathe out. Allow your bodies to synchronize in breath, in heartbeat, in energy. As you continue to gaze into each other’s eyes, go even deeper. Notice the appreciation that you have for the person before you. Notice the appreciation you have for yourself for allowing yourself to be openhearted in this relationship. Ask yourself what is it that I love about this person? Gently smile into one another and continue the harmonizing breath as you admire, accept, and acknowledge the LOVE that you have for one another and the LOVE that you have for yourself.

Inhaling deeply together, squeeze on the pubococcygeus muscle (aka Kegels). Bring the energy up from the earth through the body and out the crown (top of your head). As you exhale, allow the energy to float down around you both creating a bubble of beautiful,

sparkly, glittery energy that encircles you and holds you in a safe, sacred space. In your bubble, offer one another a sweet seductive smile and the rest is up to you…

Relationships are like hula- hooping, once you get the motion you must continue to move to keep the momentum going. If you stop or change the rhythm of the movement the hoop will respond by wavering or falling. In a relationship, it is important to maintain momentum and to change things up so they stay interesting.

In hooping, we continue to expand our dance to explore boundaries and horizons to keep the flow interesting.

Be creative in the dance. Be creative in the relationship. Remembering what is truly important—the LOVE. Keep the hoop up and keep the love alive!


RESERVATIONS are available through our box office at (775) 323-3221. Individual tickets are $20 for general $18 for students, seniors and military. All tickets are $25 at the door. Reservations are also available at the Melting Pot World Emporium at their new location: 1047 S. Virginia Street, Reno. We validate convenient parking at the Parking Gallery on First and Sierra Streets. Tickets available online at: www.brownpapertickets.com.

ABOUT BRÜKA THEATRE In its 21st season in downtown Reno, Brüka has been named “Best Theatre Company” by The News and Review seventeen years running. Brüka Theatre is a leader in the region, recognized for its productions, artists and theatre for children series since its founding in 1992. Central to Brüka is the commitment to the reinvestigation of contemporary and classic plays and developing new plays within Brüka’s Artistic Collective, which include winners of the Nevada Arts Council and Sierra Arts Foundation artist grants and 9 local best actor honors.

Brüka is a non-equity and not-for-profit theater company that has produced over 80 shows in our downtown Reno location. Sign up for our email newsletter by going to our website at www.bruka.org. ABOUT THE DIRECTOR – HOLLY NATWORAHOLLY NATWORA – received her MFA from Columbia University in NYC and has performed in over 50 plays including two summers at Joseph Papp’s New York Shakespeare Festival with Leiv Schreiber and Michael C Hall. Holly has also appeared in television and film, most notably in Law & Order and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Since moving to Reno in 2005, Holly has performed or directed at the Brüka Theatre, Reno Little Theater, Good Luck Macbeth, and TheatreWorks of Northern Nevada. Previously, Holly taught a successful auditioning class at UNR in which she incorporated Suzuki and Viewpoint techniques, something she learned firsthand while studying with Anne Bogart and her SITI Company members at Columbia. Holly will direct Dangerous Liaisons for Brüka this season and is the box office manager and an ensemble artist with Bruka Theatre.

Late spring 2014 at Brüka Theatre, Holly Natwora directs Les LiaisonsDangereuses adapted by Christopher Hampton from

the 18th Century French novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses about lust, seduction, betrayal, and revenge. These are the games played in Les Liaisons Dangereuses, a masterpiece of war between the sexes. Set in an era rich in decadence and deprived of morals, Les Liaisons Dangereuses is a love story whose players risk everything to obtain the object of their desire and ultimately lose what is most important to them in their quest to win. Featuring esteemed local actors Mary Bennett as the incomparable Madame De Merteuil and Bradford Ka’ai’ai as her provocative rival Valmont. Natwora, who is also featured as our “Artist In The House” will be leading a four hour Viewpoints Workshop On April 22, 2014.

TheaterBRÜKA THEATRE 21st CENTURY THEATRE ARTLes Liaisons Dangereuses Love Is A Battlefield

April 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 May 1, 2, 3, *7A, 8, 9, 10 2014 at 8 PM Sunday Matinee: May 4, 2014 at 2 PM*Wednesday Artist Night. $10 for Artists & TeachersWritten by Christopher Hampton Directed by Holly Natwora


Rtt april 2014 digital issue final

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