www.renopassport.com
Giving From The Ground Up
>> pg 12
Beatles for Bucks >> pg 18
Fall Dance Festival >> pg 26 Bartender Q&A >> pg 10 Love & Light >> pg 20 Vol.3 - Issue 11
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
EVERY WEEKEND free self parking DJ RYON spinning every Thursday Friday & Saturday Night in 250 lounge @ 10pm featuring guest DJs
FOR EVENT INFORMATION
freighthouse.com
>>
november 2010
content
>>
Eats
Pace’s Pizza Balls..................................... pg 4 Old Granite Street Eatery....................... pg 6
Drinks
Bartender Q&A.......................................... pg 10
cover story
pg
Beats
Beattles for Bucks................................... pg 18 Love & Light............................................... pg 20
shops
Never Ender................................................ pg 22 Steve White
Sales Director steve@renopassport.com 775.223.0436
4
Giving From the Ground Up..... pgs 12-15
pg
10
arts
UNR Art Festival....................................... pg 26
Baldo Bobadilla
General Manager baldo@renopassport.com 775.762.1875
pag
22
Hernán Sosa
Art Director hernan@renopassport.com 303.386.6191
Michelle Montoya
Editor michelle@renopassport.com 775.527.1980
David Calvert
on the Cover:
Gina Adams
Brian Williiams. Portrait by David Calvert.
Photo Editor david@renopassport.com Account Executive gina@renopassport.com 775.848.9460
Kristian Walters
Account Executive kristian@renopassport.com 775.881.8167
Distribution Manager: Matt Dickens: 775.530.6442
Writers: Steve Barkett, Baldo Bobadilla, Juliana Bledsoe, Isabelle LaBranch, Julie M. Malkin . Photography: David Calvert, Isabelle LaBranch Content 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.
FROM THE EDITOR: November, to me, is a time to be thankful for what we have in our lives. The best way to show thanks is by giving to others - giving our time, giving our money, or giving our shoes. To learn more about the latter, read the cover story about Think Kindness, and be sure to join us in our Give One campaign. Thanks for giving!
Become a Fan of Reno Passport on Facebook
seen
2 www.renopassport.com
Contestants participate in the 13th annual Corrigan’s fish races, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010 at Corrigan’s Bit O’ Ireland on Wells Avenue. Competitors are given a goldfish and a straw. After placing the fish in its lane, the competitors “encourage” the fish to the finish line by blowing into the straw. Inset, Robert Corrigan, the official “O-fishiator” of this annual competition, overseas a preliminary race.
PACE’S PIZZA BALLS 13967 S. Virginia St. | 775.853.3760 www.pizzaballs.net | Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-7pm Pace’s Pizza Balls looks like any other family pizza place - TV’s play baseball, sports memorabilia cover the walls and families play board games together. What sets Pace’s apart from other pizza places is that they are making something different: they are making pizza balls. I was greeted on a Friday at the counter with a big smile. An employee explained exactly what a pizza ball is: a reverse pizza, similar to a calzone, with traditional pizza ingredients – sauce, cheese, toppings – surrounded by a sweet golden crust. Regulars, the size of a baseball, run for $3.95, and a large, the size of a softball, cost $6.95. I chose the Wolf Pack - a pizza ball stuffed with cheese, pepperoni, sausage, salami, onion, mushrooms, bell peppers and tomato. The crust is a crispy honey dough with a sweet finish. It is the selling point of the pizza ball. I suggest choosing a cheesier ball with fewer ingredients because the cheese and the dough are a delectable team. 4 www.renopassport.com
Other unique pizza ball combinations include the Beach Ball (Hawaiian pizza), Fire ball (hot Italian sausages, green bell peppers, jalapenos) and Buffalo Chicken Ball (Chicken, tomatoes, onions in buffalo sauce with a dash of ranch). All pizza balls are made fresh to order. Each ball comes with smaller, donut-hole-like balls that are sprinkled with sugar. Dessert balls are also available, which can be stuffed with apples, cherries or chocolate. Pace’s serves beer and wine, and has a solid happy hour from 4pm-8pm with two for one draft beers or house wines. The restaurant was bustling with families because many were taking advantage of the movie deal. Because it’s located next to the Century Theatres at the Sierra Summit Mall, Pace’s sells a movie ticket, a pizza ball and a drink for only $12.50. Text by Izzy LaBranch Photos by David Calvert
OLD GRANITE STREET EATERY 243 S. Sierra St. | 775.622.3222 | www.oldgranitestreeteatery.com Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-Midnight, Sun 9am-3pm The building that houses the Old Granite Street Eatery on South Sierra St. may have been around a while, but owners Ryan Gold and Justin Owen are definitely bringing something new to the table. Old fashioned but modern, Old Granite Street Eatery is serving up classic familiar food with a progressive consciousness of making a solid effort to use quality local, organic and sustainable products. The restaurant’s menu is eclectic, offering a variety of snacks like shishito peppers and fresh deviled eggs to entrees like fettuccine with sun dried tomatoes and a wood-grilled pork chop with vegetables and aged sherry. There is probably no such thing as a bad cheeseburger, but at Old Granite Street Eatery, this American staple is done exceptionally well with white cheddar and grass-fed beef that they get locally from Wolf 6 www.renopassport.com
Pack Meats. Dessert options include a classic berry crisp and pots de crème served with lavender cookies. “All of our menu items are pretty recognizable,” said Gold. “We just make them really well and add some different twists.” Another thing the eatery does really well is brunch. On Sundays, one can find things like challah french toast and lemon ricotta buckwheat pancakes. For drinks, check out a house-made spicy Bloody Mary, a mimosa with freshly squeezed orange juice or fresh fruit sangria at only $5 each. The simple structure that is now home to the eatery was originally a restaurant built in 1940 on what was then Granite Street. For years afterward, enamored couples flocked here to say their “I dos” during its stint as the Heart of Reno Chapel. Today, folks just come because they are hungry. Continued in pg 8
www.renopassport.com
7
Inside the eatery, the atmosphere is trendy yet country, with deep booths made from reclaimed wood and a large “community” table that seats 16 just in front of the antique bar. The daily specials and rotating cheese, wine and craft beer menus are written on an enormous chalkboard that rests above a shelf of jarred decorative vegetables. The vibe of the place makes you feel like you are in a quaint restaurant in Sonoma instead of on Sierra Street in downtown Reno. It’s a place where you can get a nice meal for a reasonable price in a casual and comfortable atmosphere. Old Granite Street Eatery is the fourth business venture that Gold and Owen have embarked upon since moving to Reno from Illinois a little over five years ago. They also own Imperial Bar and Lounge, Calvin’s Sausages and the Lincoln Lounge. “This is our first real restaurant and is definitely 8 www.renopassport.com
food focused,” Gold said. “Our menu is very thought out, and I want people to see that we are very passionate about this place.” Conveniently located south of Court St., Old Granite Street Eatery is walking distance from the art museum, Pioneer Theater, the river and the movie theater. They serve their entire menu until midnight with late-night specials at a reduced price starting at 9:30pm. For detailed brunch, lunch, dinner and cocktail menus, visit them online at www.oldgranitestreeteatery. Text by Bridget Veltri Photos by David Calvert
BARTENDER Q & A: Brandon Lenner The Waterfall | 134 W. 2nd St. | Reno Behind the bar at the Waterfall lies cocktailmaking gem Brandon Lenner. At first sight, Brandon looks like any other grungy hipster - covered in tattoos, wearing a flannel button-up with a messenger hat and ridiculous facial hair. What most patrons don’t know is that Mr. Lenner mixes some of the best cocktails this side of the Truckee. In June of this year, he won first place for “Best Mojito” with his organic pear and white peach mojito at The World Rum Tasting Championship at Silver Peak. He also does standup comedy at the Third Street Bar on Wednesday nights. A funny guy who makes a mean mojito sounds like a dream.
come into a bar alone; they want to talk or don’t want to talk. It’s important I know the difference so either way I am there for them.
What is most important to you as a bartender? To make people happy. To be attentive, entertaining and social. Some people
What do you enjoy about being a bartender in Reno? People here genuinely enjoy going out and drinking. It’s a good atmosphere.
10 www.renopassport.com
What do you dislike most about being a bartender? People talk about you like you’re just a story, he did this or that, not like you’re an ordinary person. You become part of gossip you never thought possible. What makes you unique as a bartender? My mixology skills. I want to make everyone happy, so tell me what you want and I’ll do my best to make it. Have any tips to make the perfect mojito? Use more mint and be very precise. 7up does not replace simple syrup. It’s an easy drink to f*** up. Text and Photos by Izzy LaBranch
RP Tip: You can find Brandon at The Waterfall Monday through Saturday nights.
12 www.renopassport.com
Text by Michelle Montoya Portrait by David Calvert Think Kindness images provided.
W
hen Brian Williams started Think Kindness, a local nonprofit he created to incorporate giving in people’s lives, he had one simple idea: to encourage people to commit random acts of kindness. As a martial arts student, he has been taught not only how to fight but how to be kind. “If you are nice to everyone, you should never have to defend yourself,” said Tom Callos, the martial arts instructor who challenged Williams to document at least one million acts of kindness. Williams challenges every person he meets to invest his or her life in something that will outlive it. “People think that in order to give, you have to have a lot of money or a lot of time,” said Williams. “But we want to
Think Kindness and the GiveOne Campaign
make giving as easy for everyone as possible.” After thinking some time about what nearly everyone could donate, his answer was below him, looking up at him from two feet: shoes.
orphans in Kenya with the tools of personal health, social entrepreneurship and education. For their trips to Kenya, Think Kindness challenged the local community to donate as many shoes as possible. “We took 1,830 pairs for the first year and “What’s easier around 980 pairs than shoes?” the second year,” asked Williams. said Williams. “Everyone has a “However, we have pair of shoes.” collected over 65,000 for Soles4Souls.” In the last three years since In Kenya, students without he founded the organiza- shoes do not get to go to tion, Williams has been to school. What moved him the Kenya two times as part of most was how some children Soles4Souls, a shoe charity would place one shoe on eithat donates shoes to adults ther side of their heads before and children in need. In going to bed. Kenya, Think Kindness has “They wanted to wake up partnered with Hope Runs, and see their education on a U.S. nonprofit that uses either side of them,” said running to empower AIDS Williams. www.renopassport.com
13
14 www.renopassport.com
W
hen I first met Williams at an event in June of 2010, he was barefoot and wearing a white Tshirt with words in his own handwriting that read, “I need $1,500 to get my shoes back” and had “Ask” written on his right foot and “Why” written on his left. Ever the curious and accommodating one, I took the bait and asked what it was all about. We talked for a while, and I was immediately impressed by his ability to motivate others into giving. It’s no surprise as he has been a youth motivational speaker, challenging thousands of youth across the nation to incorporate kindness into their daily lives and future careers. Since then, I have been moved to make a difference too. Together, Brian and I have decided to start a campaign to challenge everyone to give. GiveOne is a positivity challenge to our local community to see how much we can raise for Think Kindness. To officially accept the challenge, RSVP to the Facebook event and invite everyone you know. Then,
on Thanksgiving, ask everyone you see to GiveOne dollar for the cause.
Here’s my plan.
At Thanksgiving dinner, when everyone is sitting around the table and giving thanks for all we have in our lives, I will say the following:
“I am happy to be with you and am thankful for everything I have, especially my shoes. Please commit an act of kindness today by donating $1 to help assist with collecting and donating shoes to people in need.” To you and yours for giving hope around the world to the thousands who need it, thanks for giving. For more information on how to donate, visit http://www. ThinkKindness.org/giveone and please “like” the GiveOne Facebook page at http://facebook.com/GiveOne.
Download the Reno Passport iphone app today!
BEATLES FOR BUCKS November 13th at John Ascuaga’s Nugget Attention Beatles fans! This is a must attend event for you! 2010 marks the 20th anniversary of local radio station100.1 FM, The X! And to celebrate the occasion, they are inviting you to their annual benefit show called ‘Beatles for Bucks’. The event will take place on November 13th at the John Ascuaga’s Nugget’s Celebrity Showroom; this year, they invited 20 of the best local bands and musicians to perform. You will get your chance to hear your favorite local bands, such us Drinking With Clowns, Kate Cotter, Jelly Bread, Train Wrecks and many more, do a rendition of their favorite Beatles song. All bands are provided with the same equipment and no luxury of sound check. This has never seemed to face the artists. In the past we have 18 www.renopassport.com
seen some memorable performances of songs by Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and Rolling Stones, now it’s time for our amazing local talent to represent The Beatles! Surely this will be an evening of great music and by attending you will be helping various local organizations including the Washoe County School District’s Music and Fine arts Dept. Tickets are $20, doors open at 6PM and show starts at 7PM. For more information, call 775.356.3300 or visit www.janugget.com. Text by Baldo Bobadilla Images provided by artists.
follow Reno Passport on twitter
Get a baby sitter and make reservations. Keyboard Fantasies, october 10 & 12 Laura Jackson Conducts Featuring Marc Yu, 12 year-old piano prodigy Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts sunday, october 10 3pm – Inside the Music with Laura Jackson, a 20-minute concert preview in the main concert hall at the Pioneer Center 4pm – Concert tuesday, october 12, 7:30pm 6:30pm – Inside the Music with Laura Jackson, a 20-minute concert preview in the main concert hall at the Pioneer Center 7:30pm – Concert proGram BEETHOVEN–Piano Concerto No. 1 RACHMANINOFF–Symphony No. 2
exclusive for passport readers: purchase tickets using code passport20 and receive 20% off tuesday’s performance. For concert details, photos, videos, exclusive dining offers and more, visit getyourcultureon.com This concert is generously sponsored by the Reno Philharmonic Endowment Trust. Marc Yu’s performance generously sponsored by the Davidson Institute for Talent Development.
getyourcultureon.com | 775.323.6393
LOVE & LIGHT The electronic music scene is thriving with progression and creativity, and the local presence is no exception. Local music producers Love and Light, consisting of Matt Madonna (a.k.a. 4centers) and Ryan Anderson (a.k.a. Probiotik), are a big name in this movement. Their sound is spreading and gaining notoriety far beyond just the local field of interest. “I guess you could describe our sound as omnitempoism,” said Anderson. “It doesn’t really fit into a genre. It has elements of glitch-hop, dubstep, and a lot of wabble.” Wabble refers to a bass line modulated with an LFO filter. This sound has undeniable popularity and has become increasingly prevalent in new electronic music. Anderson said their love for music originated from trance and trance-house at a young age and evolved after they became more involved in the festival crowd at events such as Burning Man, Symbiosis and Lightning in a Bottle. “The music is more intricate and detailed,” Anderson said. “It’s more of a workout for your brain.” Madonna said that after experiencing the music at festivals, he knew they had to pursue this new sound and get good at it. “I feel like we’re finally getting the respect we deserve, and we do have to earn it,” Madonna said. “I 20 www.renopassport.com
feel like we finally have. It’s a dream come true.” Love and Light is receiving attention from other big names such as An-ten-nae, MartyParty, David Starfire, and NiT GriT. They have been able to work with these artists to create hot new tracks and are featured on An-ten-nae’s Acid Krunk EP-7 compilation album released Oct. 25. Their most recent release with NiT GriT’s label, Simplify Recordings, came out Nov. 1, and more music is on the way. Madonna and Anderson work consistently in creating the music, and the culmination of their efforts is when they get to play it live. “We spend so much time making the music at home, but getting to play it loud for people on a big system and seeing them getting down is what it’s all about,” Madonna said. “Hearing it loud on a massive system is the best.” Anderson said he is excited that Reno is developing a music scene, and he’s happy to be a part of it. “There’s so many other artists involved, and I’m excited that we’re getting big and bringing more people into it,” he said. “We’re all going to help each other.” Text by Juliana Bledsoe Photo by Raynie Vratari
Become a Fan of Love and Light on Facebook and listen to their latest tracks on soundclound.com
NEVER ENDER 26 Cheney St. | 775.846.1029 www.myneverender.com Hours: Tues-Sun 11am-6pm Nestled on Cheney Street next to Holland Project’s headquarters and The Hub, Never Ender is a boutique that sells clothing and accessories made by mostly local up-and-coming artists and designers. Owner Amber Gutry started the boutique six years ago on West Liberty Street (before moving to West Second Street) in an effort to give local artists a chance to show their art and other merchandise in a professional setting. “Back then,” said Gutry, “there weren’t a lot of places to show art in a professional setting.” Partnering with her mother, Melanie Crane, Gutry’s focus this time around – or Round Two as indicated on a custom sketch by Ron Rash for 22 www.renopassport.com
their return – is less on art and more on clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Never Ender has something for everyone, from baby clothing to one-of-akind accessories, from men’s ties to women’s dresses. All items in the shop are from emerging artists who are trying to break out in the industry. Continued in pg 24
For Buck$
20 Bands Covering One Beatles Song Each
When: November 13, 2010 Doors at 6pm, Show at 7pm Where: John Ascuaga’s Nugget- Celebrity Show Room
Tickets $20
call 356-3300 or go to www.janugget.com All proceeds benefit local non-profit organizations
24 www.renopassport.com
Items from local artists include jewelry by Ali Prater and The Vintage Empire (Adrienne Mineiro). There are also home décor items, such as vinyl art by Cici Designs (Cyndi Jackus). Gutry and Crane like helping these artists promote their art and sell some pieces. Although not all items are local, the vendors still have the up-and-coming grassroots feel that Gutry and Crane look for. For men, Never Ender carries tees from Threadless Tees and American Apparel. The majority of women’s clothing includes items from Gentle Fawn (out of Vancouver and Los Angeles) and from Santa Clara’s Effie’s Heart. Although she likes selling clothing, jewelry, and accessories, Gutry hopes that people’s interest in buying art will pick up. “Unfortunately, the interest in art has decreased over time, and people aren’t buying like they used to,” said Gutry. “When an artist sells a piece, it motivates them to keep moving forward.” Because there aren’t a lot of people buying art right now,
Gutry has decided to not focus on having gallery just yet. “It’s hard to dedicate space to something that doesn’t help pay the bills,” said Gutry. “We are in hard times right now, and art is not a necessity. People are buying useful things like clothes and accessories.” If you find a local artist you like at Never Ender but want a piece more tailored to your liking, some custom orders may be allowed. Gutry and Crane are more than willing to talk to you about what it is you like to see if a custom-made piece could be a possibility. Be sure to stop by their locationnext to The Hub coffee house, or you can check out items on their website. For info on sales and upcoming shows, be sure to find them on Facebook and to follow them on Twitter (@myNeverEnder). Text by Michelle Montoya Photos by David Calvert
Download Reno’s Best Entertainment iPhone App! App developed by www.bigrobotstudios.com
UNR FALL FESTIVAL Shanghaied is a romantic fairytale based on the paintings created by UNR art student Jane Kenoyer (pictured below). Her paintings, which convey a saga of love, betrayal and forgiveness, will be brought to life and transformed into a dance work featuring original choreography by Barbara Land; into music by Jean-Paul Perrotte; into costumes by Gini Vogel; and into stage ef-
26 www.renopassport.com
fects by Michael Fernbach and Maryan Tooker. Shanghaied is part of the University’s Fall Dance Festival, which will be held Nov. 18-19 starting at 8pm in Nightingale Concert Hall. $15 for general admision; $12 for senior citizens, students and children.
Peppermill Reno ◆ 2707 S. Virginia St. ◆ edge@PeppermillReno.com VIP Reservations: Darrel Williams 775.232.8095 or edgeofreno.com $20 Cover
◆
Dress code enforced
◆
Must be 21 or older
◆
Doors Open 10pm