April Reno Passport by Reno Passport LLC

www.renopassport.com / myspace.com/renopassport

Jim Litchfield Designer of the Sparks Whitewater Park >> pg 16

Local Artist Profile >> pg 32 Calendar of Events >> pg 34 Fitness >> pg 30

Jim Litchfield Designer of Sparks Whitewater Park Photo by Dana Nollsch

Steve White

Publisher/Editor

steve@renopassport.com 775.223.0436 Baldo Bobadilla

Director of Marketing & Sales

baldo@renopassport.com 775.762.1875 Hernán Sosa Art Director

hernan@renopassport.com 303.386.6191 Tommy Inglis

Online Manager/Sales

tommy@renopassport.com 775.354.5711 Jana Jin

Sales/Events

janajin@renopassport.com 775.287.1045

bEATS

Spring Forward.........................................pg 10 Pushbox...................................................pg 12 Coop da Loop...........................................pg 14

cover story

Whitewater Parks.....................................pg 16

shops

Rockabye.................................................pg 18

eco events

Earth Consciousness................................pg 20

community

Free-For-All..............................................pg 22 Spring Snow.............................................pg 22 Skills of Ascencion.................................pg 228

fitness

Is your Fitness Bringing Sexy Back..................................pg 30

arts

Local Artist Profile....................................pg 32

resources

Calendar of Events....................................pg 34 Map.................................................... pg 36-37

Sales:

Derek Kirkland

775.771.0066

F R O M THE PUBLISHER:

775.224.3262

The cover for the April issue of Reno Passport features Jim Litchfield at the new Sparks Whitewater Park at Rock Park. In our eats section this month we feature Big Apple Pizza in Sparks and Naan and Kabab, a new Mediterranean restaurant. Look for our special arts section article showcasing the work of Rossi Todorova. In our beats section we profile local band Pushbox and Reno DJ Coop Da Loop. Don’t forget to ride your bike to Earth Day on April 19, 2009 at Idlewild Park. Enjoy the April Issue and thank you for your support Reno.

Dana Nollsch Contributors: Lisa Caldwell, Melanie Flores (KRZQ), Scott Godine, Leslie Gredvig, Dana Kudelka, Lori Ann P. Kruse, Barbara Mills, Katie Reil, Danny Riggs, David Robert, Chad Sorg and Morgan Tiar. Graphic Design: Jeremy Rex Photography: Dana Nollsch (www.photozen.us), and David Robert. Contents and design ©2009 Reno Passport, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this magazine without written permission from Reno Passport LLC is strictly prohibited.

APRIL

reno map >> Pgs. 24-25

on the Cover:

drinks

Black Horse Spirits.....................................pg 6 Bartender Profile........................................pg 8 RP Happy Hour...........................................pg 9

shops >> Pg. 20

april 09

content

EATS

Big Apple Pizza............................................pg2 Naan & Kabab.............................................pg4

fitness >> Pg. 28

Photo by Dana Nollsch, Photozen Photography

local pizza joint big apple pizza 720 Baring Blvd. 775.359.9000 Big Apple Pizza on Baring Blvd., in Sparks brings the true pizza scene to our community. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a spotlessly clean hole in the wall decorated with black and white pictures of New York. Everyone should try Big Appleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scrumptious pizza and chat with Todd Morgan; he is a classic. Everything is made from scratch. The biga, the dough, the mozzarella, the smoked mozzarella, the sauce, the sausage and the cannoli. Stop it! With the world in uproar and things disappearing regularly, it is my duty to educate people about what they are eating. Know first that I am trained in artisan bread baking, milking goats and cows for fresh goat cheese and mozzarella, and know that the finest tomato in the world is a Strianese, San Maranzano. Having very low acid, low sugar, minimal pulp, and is D.O.C. certified. When treated with love and respect this tomato makes a killer tomato sauce. Now to the pizza. Do you know what a biga is? Biga is a preferment used in making bread dough, and a preferment changes everything. It is a two-day process that makes bread tangy, crisp and immensely complex in flavor. Aside from Big Apple www.renopassport.com

I am not aware of anyone in Reno/Sparks making pizza dough with a biga. Some uneducated reviewers have complained about the price of a medium pie, but using superior ingredients is not inexpensive. When I crave an artisan pizza made with love, from a pizza champion you will find me at Big Apple Pizza. Oh, did I mention the Rice Balls? Get outta here! Text By Barbara Mills

Barbara is owner and lead chef at Back of the House Cooking (800 West 2nd Street, 775.284.1080)

NAAN AND KABAB BUSINESS INFO: 2740 S. Virginia St. 775.825.3113 naanandkabab @yahoo.com www.naanandkabab.com Dress: Casual Catering: Yes / Take out: Yes Business hours: Open every day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

New Restaurant Naan and Kabab “Do you mind if I eat while we’re doing this?” said Maurice Afraimi, an owner of Naan and Kabab. Afraimi sat across from me at a small table in the dining area of the restaurant with an oblong plate full of food in front of him. He dug vigorously into the neat piles of meat, basmati rice and charbroiled vegetables while he listened to my questions. In between sentences, customers smiled at him and called out goodbye as they headed to the door. Afraimi is an energetic man eager to talk about the new restaurant that he opened with his business partners, Michael Eghbali and Nick Nazmjo. On February 10, Naan and Kabab held their first grand opening on South Virginia Street across from the Peppermill, realizing Head Chef Eghbali’s dream of opening a Mediterranean restaurant. Eghbali convinced his long-time friend Afraimi to come out of retirement and open a restaurant together. Armed with 49 years of combined experience in the food and hospitality industry, Afraimi joined Eghbali in trying to open Naan and Kabab in Belmont, California, but plans fell through.

All photos in this story by Dana Nollsch, Photozen Photography www.renopassport.com

Though Afraimi resided in the Bay Area at the time, he had kept a weekend home in Reno for 10 years. So, Afraimi turned to Reno and did not perform any formal market analysis, but simply found a niche that wasn’t being sufficiently filled by local businesses and excitedly moved in. They designed the interior themselves to create an inviting ambience and planned a healthful menu utilizing Eghbali’s expertise in Mediterranean cuisine. Their menu is full of dishes prevalent in the Eastern region of the Mediterranean, more Persian than Spanish or Italian. They feature a Greek salad, taboulli (made with bulgur, onions, tomatoes and fresh parsley and mint) and all sorts of kababs. They buy all the food from local sources, except the naan, a chewy flatbread that is grilled immediately before serving. It’s shipped from a bakery in New Jersey and arrives frozen at the restaurant. “We wanted to make it here, but it would have taken too much space,” Afraimi said. Despite the uncertain economy, the owners say they are confident Naan and Kabab will stick around. They spent money conservatively in setting up the restaurant, looking for value in the décor, avoiding snobby expensive furniture and focusing their funds on the food, Afraimi said. He looks straight at me and says, “It’s not brain surgery or rocket science to know that people want healthy, flavorful food, affordable prices, a comfortable atmosphere and welcoming customer service.”

“Nothing half-way about it!” Home Made Ravioli Meatballs & Spaghetti Same location for over 70 years between Reno & Sparks 775-323-3979 2501 East 4th Street Reno, NV

By Lori Ann Kruse www.renopassport.com

Photo by Geoff Ross

New Bar Profile Black Horse Spirits 180 W.Peckham, Ste.1070 775.825.1400 (Queue Mack the Knife, please!) The ultimate bachelor pad meets old Reno at the new bar in town. Black Horse Spirits comes to us from an established town favorite, Polo Lounge owner Frank Perez. Filled with signature zebra-print carpet, a Remington bronze horse sculpture on the bar, and signed and framed head shots from Frank’s favorite celebs, Black Horse Spirits will definitely get you through the night. “What can I get you ladies?” Shawn, the Black Horse Spirit manager and bartender for the evening, asked us. After a long day at the marketing grind, two writers and a graphic artist bellied up for some happy hour delights. Happy hour, indeed. I must admit – the majority of what I learned about being fabulous was gathered between the years of 1999 and 2004. My four favorite fictional females, Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda, taught me everything I needed to know about being a big girl. So I charged a few pair of $500 handmade Italian shoes and drank hundreds of cosmopolitans. But my SATC obsession soon passed, my Neiman Marcus card’s belt busted, and my love for cosmopolitans withered away into a bigger www.renopassport.com

love for good whiskey. Long (and possibly painful) story short – I hate sweet drinks. “I have a drink for you,” Shawn said – the kickoff statement of many wild nights in my life. “I made it up after someone asked for something not too sweet. It’s called a Ruby Sunset, and it has grapefruit vodka, triple sec…” The list went on. You had me at unsweetened vodka, Shawn. The drink was great and if it weren’t a Thursday, I could have had 10. That Thursday also happened to be Black Horse Spirits’ soft opening. Accompanying our Ruby Sunsets was a catered Italian spread. Hell, if I can’t have more Italian shoes, I believe Italian food is the next best thing. In the corner of the bar resides a dark, cozy booth. Again, if it weren’t a Thursday, I would have had my 10 Ruby Sunsets in said dark, cozy booth along with a dozen Parliament Lights and sweet nothings whispering. “It’s going to be the most coveted booth in town,” Shawn said. Agreed, my Ruby Sunset-slinging friend. Agreed. By Katie Reil

2 for 1 Happy Hour 5-7pm, 11-1am Best Selection of Micro Brews in Reno All UFC Fights are shown for Free in HD 3611 KINGS ROW - 775.787.5050 - BECKSBREWHOUSE.COM

7 Different Sierra Nevada’s on Tap Patio on the River $2 Drafts on Mondays Trivia every Tuesday 9pm myspace.com/sierrataphouse 253 WEST FIRST ST. - 775.332.7678 - SIERRATAPHOUSE.COM

6015 S VIRGINIA ST. - 775.853.5550 - LEGENDSGRILLSPORTSANDSPIRITS.COM

bartender Profile “mack” Ryan’s Saloon - 924.S. Wells Ave. - 775.323.4142 serves his long-time customers with a generous smile and knows what his customers want to drink even before they sit down at Reno’s ‘Old School’ Ryan’s Saloon. Located on Wells Ave, Ryan’s has been around as a neighborhood bar for eons. A clamper since 1975, Mack is known as ‘Chairman of the Most Important Committee’ in the eclectic mens drinking/historical society. A perfectionist at making drinks and food; be it Ryan’s famous 34 oz Pabst Blue Ribbon mug (with a friendly 3 or 4 olives) or making a hot pastrami sandwich dripping with cheese and horseradish. Ryan’s classic American cheese burger is a Reno staple. Mack is meticulous at his craft. Customers describe Mack as a master artesian and a good friend. Some say that they will only eat at Ryan’s when Mack is cooking. Mack say’s that if you want a drink “Come on in and have a good time, as I’m the fourth quarter, the two minute warning has been called”Malcolm Leon Franks Jr. “Mack” has been meaning that Mack at age 60 is getting on in serving drinks and food at Ryan’s for over life, but I’m sure that this Wells Ave icon will 26 years. Raised in East L.A.,(pre- gang era), be around to serve up a few more rounds. this man sports tattoos that would make any Photo and text by David Robert gang member envious. A gentle giant of a man that commands respect by sight, Mack www.renopassport.com

<< reno passport april happy hour >> MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

$2 Sierra Nevada all day and night

Happy Hour 4-6pm, $1 off Everything!

2-6pm: $1 Off Drinks $2 Off Appetizers 10pm-12am: $1.50 Domestic Pints, $4 Nacho’s

4pm-8pm: $2 Well 10am-Noon: $5 Bloody Mary’s $5 Mambo Italiano Sodas until 6pm

4pm-8pm: $2 Well 10am-Noon: $5 Bloody Mary’s $5 Margarita Tuesdays until 6pm

4pm-8pm: $2 Well 10am-Noon: $5 Bloody Mary’s $5 Bloody Marys until 6pm

4pm-8pm: $2 Well 10am-Noon: $5 Bloody Mary’s $4 Skeezy Old man until 6pm

$5 Super Dirty Rock Start Martini until 6pm SUNDAY 2-6pm: All-YouCan-Drink Bud/Bud Lt

775.322.9595

Margarita Monday $3.50 All Day, 4-6pm half-off domestic drafts & wells (Daily)

Tuaca Tuesday Shots $3.50, Fat Tire Tuesday $3 pints

Wheat Wednesday $3 pints of Widmer or Blue Moon

Thirsty Thursday $2 domestic draft pints all day

Jaeger Shots $3.50 all day. SAT: 9-11pm 50 cent shots SUN: $3.50 Bloody’s

3611 Kings Row

2 for 1 Happy Hour 5-7pm & 11pm-1am

231 W 2nd St

5-9pm Half Off Draft, Bottles, and Well

$2 Drafts, Domestics, Well, Bottles and Imports All Night Long!

5-9pm Half Off Draft, Bottles, and Well

Starting at Noon: $2 cans, $3 pints of Bud Lt. and PBR, $10 Pitchers of Bud Light and PBR, $4 Pint of Guinness

Monday- Friday 3-6 PM $2.50 Pints

Mon-Wed: 10-12am Half Off Everything Friday – Saturday Midnight Half Off Everything

4-7 PM $5 Daily Drink Special, $4 Well, $2 PBR, Free Soup and Bread

24/7 $3 Burgers, $2 Shots of Jameson and Tuaca $2.50 Glasses of Wine $2 Wells, and Champagne

4-6 pm everyday 2 for 1 Happy Hour

253 West First St. 775.233.7678 All three locations: 775.747.7707 775.284.7610 775.284.7707

132 West Street 775. 329.2878

2195 N Virginia St

775.787.5050

775.337.6868

SAINT JAMES INFIRMARY 445 California Ave 775.657.8484 846 Victorian Ave 775.355.7711

906 Victorian Ave 775.358.6969

Strega 310 S Arlington Ave 775.348.9911

91 W Plumb Ln 775.322.7171

6015 Virginia St 775.853.5550

music fetival spring forward I knew we were on to something when in the spring of 2007, 65 Reno Local bands signed up for this little campaign we dubbed the Spring Forward by Paying Forward Campaign. We didn’t even know there were 65 bands in Reno! It ranged from long standing Reno darlings like Livitz Livitz and Alldaydrive to scene newbies like Walk Away Alpha. The community embraced the idea and we turned out some impressive numbers for an inaugural fund raising campaign. The general premise of the campaign is that local bands partner with us, 100.9 KRZQ, to help raise money for local non-profit organizations in the community. Now embarking on our third year of the campaign, together we have raised over $23,000, worked with over a 100 bands and have thrown two end-of-the-year festival shows in conjunction with the Battle Born Derby Demons on Rink on The River to bring in a whopping 1,600 people. The misconception of the campaign has been that it is a battle of bands. It’s not. Yes, there is a spirit of competition involved considering the bands that raise the most money get a five-hour DJ shift to play whatever they want, get their song played on the radio in regular rotation and get to play for hundreds 10 www.renopassport.com

of people for our final Spring Forward Festival show amongst other incentives—but the focal point of the entire campaign is to raise money for our community through non-profit organizations. Truth be told, talent helps but in the end it’s a battle of creativity, initiative and let us not forget, heart. For more information, or to donate on behalf of a local band participating in the campaign, visit www.krzqfm.com. Funds raised will go to: Nevada EcoNet, The Solace Tree and For Pet’s Sake. Also, donation-only shows will be held every Wednesday night at the Brew Brothers from 9-11 p.m for three months. By Melanie Flores

Melanie Flores, also known as Mel, is a DJ for 100.9 KRZQ. She can be heard from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday – Friday.

pushbox Georgia Mowers, front woman of the band PUSHBoX, is pretty well known around town. Her band has gained a lot of attention since it started doing gigs and recording albums in 2002. Fans range from young punk rockers to middle-aged married couples. Journalists from various publications in Reno and even San Francisco have been compelled to cover the band’s efforts over the years. In fact, I remember a few years ago, when I was a first-year journalism student at the University of Nevada, Reno, I told my professor I wanted to do a feature on the local music scene for a class assignment. “Why, so you can interview the hot blond from PUSHBoX?” he asked. Well … I do like hot blondes, I replied. But for as much attention as the band gets, they’re still rather hard to describe, mostly because their sound is always changing. “I don’t have a formula,” Mowers says after a performance in Sparks. “There are no formulas.” If anything, Mowers is very abstract. She’s amazingly nice and joyful—you can’t be in a room with her and not like her—but she answers questions during an interview with very carefree type answers. “I don’t want to think things out too much,” she explains. The band has already self-recorded and released several albums. They plan to release 12 www.renopassport.com

Photo by Dana Nollsch

a new one this spring. Mowers says she’s not sure if it’ll be an EP or full-length album. “Definitely new stuff,” she explains when asked what kind of material fans should expect on the new release. “It’s basically just us being us.” Since 2002, PUSHBoX—which is comprised of: Mowers handling vocals, guitar and occasionally a keyboard; Michael “Underpants” Rover on bass; and Patrick “Cola” Williams on the drums—has dipped in and out of public view. Sometimes they go months without doing gigs. Other times, they’re on the forefront of the local rock scene. Mowers explained that part of the absence from doing gigs was due to the band building a recording studio and writing new songs. When asked what PUSHBoX has planned for the future, she gives another carefree answer: “I really don’t know what’s going to happen,” she replies. “But I’m so grateful for every moment I get to spend with my band.” Text by Danny Riggs

ESTATE OF eNVy THE ART OF GOOD TASTE

RPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Picks of the month April 2

X Nights Drinking with Clowns

Nevada Museum of Art

April 3

April 10 3UpFront

Zephyr Lounge

April 11

Yuriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Night Reno Compression

The Used

The Underground

Sister Carol Truckee Tribe DJ One Truest

Space Cadet Show

The New Oasis

The Underground

April 4

Speak Your Mind! Sage Francis Kidz in the Hall Luckyiam Pep Love Metaphysical Tree Woods 2Mex and more! Lawlor Events Center

April 9

Faun Fables 210 North

April 17

Feat. AFS Tonic Lounge

April 18

Blue Turtle Seduction

Great Basin Brewery

April 19

Reno Earthday! Black Rock All Stars Truckee Tribe Paisley Brain Cells Mark Sexton Band Drinking With Clowns

April 20

Cobra Skulls Buster Blue Tonic Lounge

April 23 Diplo

210 North

April 23-35

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE

www.unr.edu/rjf

Reno Jazz Festival

"/54)15% /7.%2 2%./ "/2. !!29. 7!,+%2

April 24

LAKESIDE DRIVE RENO NV SUITE

Great American Taxi Crystal Bay Club

April 25

Feathers and Leather Party GT Coop Da Loop Featuring Spank Rock DJs Devlin and Darko Pearl Champagne Lounge

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APPAREL, ROOM, FOUND.

Idlewild Park

Check out www.renopassport.com to read more about concerts going on this month in the Reno/Tahoe area www.renopassport.com 13

local dj coop da loop It all started coming together for DJ Coop Da Loop at a weekly DJ night at the Foxy Olive in the summer of 2007. The Foxy Olive gig allowed Coop to work on his DJ skills in a small comfortable setting amongst his peers. This experience allowed Coop to find his sound. It is hard to put Coop Da Loop into one musical genre. He brings a danceable mix of Breaks, Hip Hop, Reggae, World, House and Downtempo to the table. The one thing that all of Coop’s sets have in common is Big Bass. After the weekly at the Foxy Olive finished, Coop Da Loop teamed up with local event producers Champagne and Bacon and created a weekly event at Red Rock Studios in downtown. The weekly event became popular and allowed a weekly meeting place for fans of the Reno music scene to network and plan future events in the area. Coop has assembled a massive sound system that he brings with him to his live performances to make sure there is enough bass. The deep bass from his PA has vibrated tiles off of the ceiling in Third Street Bar during his performances there. Keep an 14 www.renopassport.com

Photos by Alex Lemus

eye on Coop Da Loop as he is clearly emerging in the Reno music scene, and beyond into Tahoe, Oregon and Burning Man of course. If you play your cards right you just might run into Coop Da Loop spinning a live set on the ‘Surly Bird,’ a notorious double decker red mutant vehicle on the playa. Coop’s alliance with regional event producers including C&B and Ripple Labs allows him to get the exposure he needs to continue to expand on one of his life’s passions, DJing. Coop has opened for major headliners including Freq Nasty, Bassnectar and Vibesquad. Coop has come a long way since the Foxy Olive days. Text by Steve White

RP Tip: Coop is performing at the Feathers and Leather Party on April 25, 2009 at Pearl. You can see is schedule and hear his mixes at www.coopdaloop.com. If you are a struggling artist in Reno, contact Coop Da Loop and he will play your first artist reception party for free.

www.renopassport.com 15

Jim field Litch

Designer of the Sparks Whitewater Park in the Truckee Meadows a elk

ud sc a K Noll Danby Dana y b s

tten Photo

Wri

from the University of Nevada, Reno, began construction for Rock Park in August 2008. The Nevada legislature allotted 1.25 million dollars from special legislation to allow the City of Sparks to fund Rock Park. After just five weeks of construction, Rock Park construction was completed in September of this year, well before the Truckee River flows increase in the winter months.

“

The significance of Litchfield’s design resonates in its ability to be easily accessible to the public.

“

For anyone who has ever strolled the River Walk in downtown Reno next to the Truckee River, chances are you’ve seen kayakers trying to fight the current and paddle upstream. Just up the river, you’ve probably noticed hundreds of people on a hot July afternoon soaking their legs in the water, watching people float downstream on a tube. The projects were both funded by taxpayer dollars and implemented by the Cities of Reno and Sparks. Rock Park is Jim Litchfield’s second and most recent whitewater park design in the Truckee Meadows area. Rock Park will be a usable venue for public access and represents a significant shift in our design approach compared to Wingfield, Litchfield said. The idea for Rock Park came in June 2005. The City of Sparks made it a public process, asking for comments from members of the community. After considering the public’s comments, Litchfield and the design team began planning the Rock Park project. “The entire process was drawn out for nearly three years,” Litchfield said. Litchfield, who has his master’s degree in hydrology

Litchfield was responsible for managing the design of the whitewater park on the Truckee River in Wingfield Park. Litchfield said it was the first of its kind: never before had a whitewater park been constructed in a downtown core scale. And Rock Park

now represents the next evolution of whitewater park design, integrating state of the art hydraulic design and responding to an ever increasing regulatory environment. Litchfield said opening a facility that was accessible to the public came at a critical time for downtown Reno. It made good on something Reno already had: the Truckee River. “It gave [people] the ability to come downtown and have fun,” he said. “It keeps people downtown.” Members of the team that designed Rock Park have designed almost 90% of the existing whitewater parks in the country today. Fluid has been contacted by communities around the world interested in exploring whitewater parks in their local river. Litchfield said there are three essential elements that need to exist in a community for a whitewater park to be effective: water, gradient and space. The significance of Litchfield’s design resonates in its ability to be easily accessible to the public. “[Whitewater parks] are huge for communities,” he said. While no exact date has been set, Rock Park will open to the public starting this spring. www.renopassport.com 17

Baby Business Rockabye 538 W. Plumb Lane 775.825.0700

help out Rockabye owner Emily Reid pay her rent than send my money to Arkansas and beyond. And she’s willing to help you out, too. Rockabye is featuring less expensive products and working with its vendors to reduce prices. They’re also offering buy-oneget-one-for-less promotions. Reid says people are being smarter about baby items. Instead of purchasing a separate stroller for every occasion, they’ll buy a Bob jogging stroller and use it for everyday. Rockabye’s biggest seller is surprising yet sensible: belly bands. Instead of maternity pants, a versatile $26 band can either go over unbuttoned pants or under tops to cover mom’s ever-expanding belly. Rockabye is doing their part to adjust to the economy. They’ll match any online price and are considering a consignment program on baby clothes. They carry everything from toys and books to diaper bags and bath products. So forget about big chain stores. Keep your hard-earned Reno money in Reno.

Let’s face it, folks. This recession isn’t going away soon. And if you’ve taken a good look around lately, you’ve noticed an overwhelming amount of baby bumps. It seems that people are spending less money going out and more time in the sack. I’m sure you know at least one pregnant woman that’s terrified at the thought of having a child right now. Why not help her out by buying something fabulous at local baby boutique Rockabye? No matter the budget, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for the little tykes and mom alike. I can hear the groans now. “Local stores are so expensive; why would I shop there?” The money you spend in stores like Rockabye stays in your community, unlike shopping at big box stores. Now I’m not one to discour- Text by Lisa Caldwell Photos by David Robert age shopping of any kind, but I would rather

18 www.renopassport.com

2009 Earth Day Celebration

Sunday April 19, 2009 10 am to 5 pm Idlewild Park Don’t drive to Earth Day..Ride. Reno Bike Project provides free valet services for your bike, roller blades, or skateboard while you are at the event. The drop off point is in front of the California Building. Everyone who rides their bike receives a free raffle ticket for a New Belgium Brewery bike messenger bag with goodies. Music Lineup:

Mojo Green Paisley Brain Cells Jellybread Truckee Tribe Drinking with Clowns Black Rock All Stars Mark Sexton Band Details at www.nevadaeconet.org 20 www.renopassport.com

earth Consciousness Spring is in the air. Bulbs are sprouting, birds are chirping, and green is starting to fill our environment. Earth Day is weeks away, an observance held in spring to bring awareness to environmental concerns and to show gratitude for our environment. The first Earth Day in the US was held in 1970, after being proclaimed as a worldwide event by peace activist John McConnell in 1969 during a UN Conference for the Environment. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin realized that attention needed to be focused on the environmental crises that were facing our nation including pollution and extinction of wildlife. This environmental movement swept the nation with over 20 million participants that expressed their concerns for our environment. The tradition continues and is now celebrated by over 175 national governments and 500 million people worldwide. Nevada Econet, a nonprofit environmental resource for Northern Nevada, began when a group of local citizens organized the first

Earth Day event for Reno back in 1990. This annual event brings the community together with organizations, businesses, and agencies working for environmental sustainability. This year they are celebrating their 20 years of service. Kris Hansen, new director for Nevada Econet, says there is more of a focus on renewable energy and technology with workshops and professionals from these fields participating in the event. “It is an important topic and there is now a requirement for sustainable energy and a sustainable workforce.” he says. “It will be good for future thinking.” There are also more kids activities this year and a great music line-up. Reno’s Earth Day music festival and celebration will be held April 19th at Idlewild Park from 10am until 5pm. It is free and open to the public. There will be live entertainment, sustainability workshops, kids activities, food and more! By Morgan Tiar

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www.renopassport.com 21

free-for-all On the first Sunday of every month, Bennett Park comes to resemble an outdoor, riverside thrift store, with one notable exception: no cash registers. Dozens of people come by to drop off used clothes, shoes, old records, pots and pans, homemade zines, much-loved books, unused keyboards and monitors. Dozens more browse through the treasure piles, looking for that one great find. This is Reno’s Really Really Free Market. No money or bartering takes place. People are free to give and take as they wish. The Free Market is organized by volunteers, like Traye Lovejoy and Ted Koutz, who are very active in the Market. Every month, they load up a truck with all the leftovers from the last market and set it out to be scavenged through again. “In July of 2007 I had been going to the old Free Market, but they

22 www.renopassport.com

stopped holding it, so this sort of became my project, and I added the ‘Really Really,’” says Ted. Traye adds, “It’s a lot of fun to set up and be down here, but the worst part is when people bring a lot of stuff to give and don’t take anything. The point is exchange, not just dumping.” What’s most in demand at the Market? “Kitchen stuff. Anything you can cook or eat with goes really fast,” says Traye. On the other hand, she adds, “We always have more clothes than we know what to do with.” The Really Really Free Market is held from 12 – 3p.m. on the first Sunday of every month, at Bennett Park, along Arlington on the south side of the Truckee River. Parking is next to the park, and if that’s full any of the nearby metered parking is free on Sundays. Text and photos by Scott Godine

spring snow Reno is known for its home grown talent, but sometimes it takes just a little scratching under the surface to find some of that talent tucked away in the biggest little city. Meet Ben Harmon: entrepreneur, creator and founder of something a few short years ago would have been considered laughable. The snowboarding industry was built on the hard work of guys like these, laboring thousands of hours on drawing boards, band saws and base grinders designing something no one else has created. Locally owned and operated, Ben got his start in the business after dropping his day-job as a NASA subcontractor and dropping in on the pipes, rails, and chutes that compose his industry’s canvas. I’m talking about Sentury Snowboards. A small independent snowboard business here in Reno that represents the very meaning of what it means to shred in our Sierra Nevadas. Snowboarding is a lifestyle, and it is Ben’s devotion to the perfect product that has influenced our community both at home and abroad. I caught up with Ben and his trusted associate Alex de Roulet just after they had returned from a trip to Munich Germany where Sentury Snowboards was one of 24 www.renopassport.com

the 2,000 exhibitors representing some 50 countries for some 60,000 snow sport enthusiasts. These local boys were honored as finalist at the International Snow Sports Convention (ISPO). Their latest wood core composite engineering took the snowboarding industry

by storm for the innovation of the lightest wood core snowboard ever created, “The Artisan.” Headquartered in Reno, their factory warehouse represents the genesis of one man’s dream made reality. But no man is an island. Ben Harmon is fortunate to have the technical expertise and commitment from friends, designers, retailers and riders who reciprocate the love Ben pours into his art. What better a place to start, than in a community that has learned to embrace a sport that saw a record 60.1 million riders worldwide in the 07-08 season and has managed to weather the stormy economic climate as artfully as

Text and Photos by John Knott

Visit them at www.senturysnowboards.com

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a Sentury rider carving chest deep powder down a double black diamond. One thing is certain—Sentury is on top of its game.

91 W PLUMB, RENO, NV 775 322-7171

26 www.renopassport.com

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skills of ascension Standing only four-foot-five, I barely noticed seven year old Gwen Roberts behind the counter of Rock Sport. I was in for a big surprise. Now I consider myself a sporting man, an athlete of such. So I was not afraid when Gwen challenged me to a speed climb to the top of a 5.6 “easy” route at one of the over 27 rope routes at Rock Sports massive wall. “You’re on!” I was given a safety briefing, outfitted with some climbing-shoes, a harness, and chalk bag and then guided over to meet my pintsized challenger. Impatiently she was awaiting her prey at the base of what looked like the tallest indoor wall I had ever seen. I felt a twinge of fear as I looked into the eyes of this conditioned and determined 7-year-old girl who has been training over two hours a day, four days a week, in preparation for the Indoor Climbing Nationals. I glanced over while chalking my hands to see Gwen give me this mischievous smirk which seemed to say, “You’re finished pal! Go home!” “On your marks, get set, gooooo!” And were off! Gwen lets me think I have a shot at beating her. Less than half way into the race, I am a good six feet above her. My confidence gets the best of me. I reach for my next grab. My foot slips. Quickly I scramble back to clutch my footing. The mistake cost 28 www.renopassport.com

me dearly. I get tunnel vision. I am sweating and grasping, sweating and grasping. I near the top and look up. Gwen has already completed the race and is rappelling back down like an elite Delta Commando. “I win!” she squeals, flashing me a peace sign. The gathering crowd of onlookers below us cheer as she returns to terra firma. Gwen is there to meet me at the bottom, anxious to show me the next climb. “You know you just climbed an easy one right?” she boasts. “You were on the 5.6... I climbed the 5.9 (harder) route. Lets try the other way around!” I managed to offer a smile. I am clearly out of my league. RP Tip: Rock Sport is located at 1901 Silverado Blvd. Suite 10 Reno, Nevada 89512. By John Knott

NOW CARRYING Clothes

Home Decor

DVDs

Vintage Items

Accessories Books

Jewelry

1845 PRATER WAY SPARKS, NV 89431 775.331.6676 BUDGETFURN@GMAIL.COM MYSPACE.COM/BUDGETUSEDFURNITURE

Is your fitness bringing Sexy back? Have you ever wondered why some people just stop traffic or always make an entrance when they walk into a room? Is it their looks or their attitude? Is it the way they carry themselves that is somehow different from everyone else? Beauty is only skin deep and the opinion of what is sexy to one person can vary widely to the next. One thing for sure is that regular physical fitness and attention to proper nutrition can enhance your confidence, body image and overall sex appeal. Fitness and personal care are vital to one’s sense of well being and quality of life. You don’t have to be a chiseled size 2 or have abs of steel in order to be sexy. No need to workout like a madman either. Activities like dancing can be very good for your self esteem. Professional dancer, Shannon Shaffer who teaches at Jill Mattson Studios, suggests trying dance to improve well being and strengthen confidence. “When you dance, your body exudes a different type of energy that can be especially beneficial to your emotional and mental state. Find some30 www.renopassport.com

thing that you like to do and stick with it.” It is also known based on scientific research that regular physical activity releases endorphins in the brain. Endorphins improve your mood and give you a general feeling of well being. When you feel good you exude confidence. Also, with the release of endorphins and regular physical activity one is less likely to become depressed, develop eating disorders or become addicted to alcohol and drugs. Physical fitness among couples creates another way of connecting, increases closeness and intimacy. No need to worry about the lights being off either! Physical activity allows for more fun and passion-who doesn’t want that? So what is sexy? It’s a matter of opinion of course but sexiness starts with the desire to become your best, from the inside out. Attention to whole nutrition and regular physical atctivity will take your life to the next level. You owe it to yourself! Now that’s SEXY! Cheers! By Leslie Gredvig

Images provided by Rossitza Todorova

Local Artist Profile Rossitza Todorova The eight bodies of work found on www.rossitza.net are all works handinked using markers or brushes, stained into big white paper stretched over backframes. The depictions are in various levels of representation. Some of the oldest drawings rendered are slashed into forms of abstracted shape and indeterminate dimension on big white expanses of paper ground. They can warp your mind a little if gazed into long enough, and all examples are accomplished with only black ink on paper. “I am fascinated by man’s drive to change and adapt his surroundings. I find man’s desire to take charge of his own life visually inspiring,” says Todorova, apparently referring to bridges, overpasses and thoroughfares that stretch travel distances for the nomadic career oriented human commuters. “In my drawings I try to capture the motion of man in one landscape; the road and the body that created it.” It’s the negative and positive spaces in these pictures that sometimes make the sinewy visual connection for viewers. The whitespace can all-of-the-sudden resemble something concrete or figurative. The ink slashes are sometimes like shards of obsidian, sometimes more minimal and almost cartoony, and some are painted at 32 www.renopassport.com

wall scale, depictive of land and water. The ambivalent depth can be disorienting, it all melds into shadows or mass. Using usually grays in light to medium washes and with straight to arced lines and broken perspectives, the newest vistas are accurately rendered representations of Todorova’s commute from Reno to Carson City. All of the pictures have remnants of futurist and cubist works such as that of the early DuChamp paintings. Todorova’s works have been exhibited throughout the Reno area; including recent solo shows at the Nevada Museum of Art and the Sierra Arts Foundation. In 2005, she earned her B.F.A in Painting/Drawing with minors in Business Marketing and Management from the University of Nevada, Reno. Presently, she works at the Nevada Arts Council as the Community Arts Development Associate. Text by Chag Sorg (local Reno artist)

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calendar of events

Visit www.renopassport.com for additional events.

All Month: Woodrow’s “Nascar Sundays” 4600 N. Virginia St April 5, 12, 19, 26 BBQ, Drink Specials, Raffle & Nascar Prizes

The Mystery of Irma Vep – A Penny Dreadful $25 $18 Students Bruka Theater 775.323.3221

Friday Nights

April 4-5

Nevada Women’s Expo Sat 10-5pm Sunday 10-4pm $7-$10 Reno Sparks Convention Center

Davidson’s Distillery 275 E. 4th Street Every Wednesday 9:30pm (no cover): “Open-Mic Jam with Eric Peterson” April 9, 9pm - The Clydesdale & Leroy from Hellbound Glory April 10, 9:30pm - The White Hot and Blue Band April 11, 9:30pm- Lipp Lock

April 11

210NV $1 Coronas $2 You Call Its, DJ Chris English 9pm No Cover with Local ID, 210 North 775.786.6210

Two Shows 7pm and 10pm Peppermill Resort Casino www.peppermillreno.com

Davidson’s Distillery

April 11

275 E. 4th Street Every Tuesday 9pm (no cover): “Karaoke with Nitesong Productions” April 2, 9pm - The Underscore Orkestra April 3, 9:30pm – Grindhouse April 4, 9:30pm - Leslie and the Badgers & 5 Thirty 5

April 3

Yogic Lounge 1 Year Bday

Free Yoga All Day w/ DJ Zach www.theyogiclounge.com

April 4

Speak Your Mind Hip Hop Music Festival 6pm $25 Lawlor Events Center

34 www.renopassport.com

Jay Leno

Yuri’s Night

Tickets $10 Advance $15 in costume, $20 at the door 9pm The Underground

April 14

Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers The Underground Doors at 8pm Tickets $10.00 in advance

Davidson’s Distillery 275 E. 4th Street April 16, 9pm - The Matt Bolton Band April 17, 9:30pm - The Trainwrecks April 18, 9:30pm - The Paul Chesne Band April 24, 9:30pm - The Rick Hammond Blues Band April 25, 9:30pm - Thread & Determined

April 17

Reno Aces Season Opener

Reno Aces vs. Salt Lake Bees www.renoaces.com

April 18

Foreigner and THINK One Show 8pm Peppermill Resort Casino www.peppermillreno.com

April 18

Wine Walk

Riverwalk District - 2 to 5pm

April 23-25

University of Nevada, Reno Jazz Festival

Always the Best in Jazz Concerts, Competitions and Clinics Tickets and information: 775.784.4278, jazz@unr.edu University of Nevada, Reno www.unr.edu/rjf

April 25

We HeArt Bikes Bicycle Show

25 Local Artists Sponsored by New Belgium Brewing 6pm Free Studio on 4th

April 30

Art Walk in the District Riverwalk District www.renoriver.org

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West Street Market (148 West Street)

downtown map

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3- Sierra Tap House 775.322.7678 253 West 1st St.

6- back of the house cooking 800 W 2nd St 775.284.1080

5- soak 628 W 2nd St 775.324.7399

9- Java Jungle 775.329.4484 246 W 1st St.

8- Scruples 775.322.7171 91 W Plumb

12- out of bounds Board shop 235 E Plumb Ln 775.323.7669

11- Amendment 21 775.786.0808 425 S Virginia St.

10- Pub & Sub 775.322.8540 1000 Ralston St.

15- 210 north 210 N Sierra St 775.786.6210

14- ecoreno 18 Stewart Street, Suite B 775.324.6326

13- Tonic 775.337.6868 231 West 2nd. Street

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2- Shoeman’s Custom Cycle 275 E 4th St 775.348.9339

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7- Junkee Clothing Exchange 775.322.5868 960 S. Virginia St.

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16- archies 2195 N Virginia St 775.322.9595t

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4- Jungle Vino 775.329.4484 253 West 1st St.

775.323.5426

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1- Davidson’s Distillery 275 E 4th St 775.324.1917

3-Divine 95 N. Sierra St. Suite 101 775.329.8088

5-Imperial Bar & Lounge 150 N. Arlington Ave. 774.324.6399

2-Studio on 4th 432 E 4th St 775.786.6460

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4-Shooters Saloon Plumb Ln Plumb 434 N Virginia St Ln Ln Plumb 775.329.9646

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1-The Little Nugget 233 N Virginia St 775.323.0716

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