April 2018 digital rtt

April 2018

From Reno to

Adult Content 21+

Kathmandu:

The Photography of Globetrotting Photographer Tony Contini

Only

40

$

/month *valid with enrollment fee on a 12 Month Lifestyle Agreement*

ALL group fitness classes are included!

Body Conditioning, Mat Pilates, Spin, Yoga, Zumba & MORE

24 Hour Access • Personal Training • Group Training Chiropractor • Massage Therapy • Protein Bars & Drinks Sign up today! Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 5 am - 7 pm | Weekends: 8 am - 1 pm

1101 Steamboat Pkwy. Ste. 350 Reno, NV 89521 • (775) 852-FLEX www.flexappealreno.com • info@flexappealreno.com • c f e

CHEF CRAFTED

CANNABIS INFUSED

HAND-ROLLED TRUFFLES

introducing

Peanut Butter & Marionberry Triple-Malted Chocolate Coconut & Whole Almond

C R A V E

T H E

E X P E R I E N C E !

envyconfections.com

THIS IS A MARIJUANA PRODUCT. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

APRIL 2018

ART 10 Reno Murals CANNABIS NEWS

14 Silver State Trading

COVER STORY

24 From Reno to Kathmandu

14

FASHION

48 Joan Davis Dresses

FEATURE 62 Reno-Tahoe Comedy

LIT 64 Who will buy my book?

LIVE

66 Floggig Molly 68 Whitney Myer 72 Radiolab

48

24

REAL ESTATE

74 Is this like going to

be a trend?

76 RENO STREET PHOTOGRAPHY 82 SKATE NV 88 THE MIND OF MENCARELLI

TRAINING TIPS

92 Clean Eating Chicken

Dip and The Ab Bowl

94 42

WANDERED OFF

94 If Chicago Could Talk

UNITED WE STONED

98 The High Costs of

Clean Cannabis

82

98

76

Editor/Publisher Oliver X Art Director Chris Meredith Contributing Designers Courtney Meredith Tucker Monticelli Design Associate Courtney Orchowski Contributing Writers Tessa Miller Thomas Lloyd Qualls Camie Cragg Lyman Janice Hermsen Natasha Bourlin Shirley Larkins Contributing Photographers Alfyn Gestoso Anicia Beckwith Chris Holloman Digiman Studio Joey Savoie Eric Marks Kyle Volland Nick Sorrentino Marcello Rostagni Interns Daniel Faith Sales 775-412-3767 Submissions renotahoetonight rocks@gmail.com Website renotahoetonightmagazine.com

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 2018. Reno Tahoe Tonight is produced on 10% recycled American paper and is printed with all soy and vegetable inks.

SNAPSHOT Photographer Jamie Kingham Backstage with the World Famous Roots Crew Reno Knitting Factory NYE 2010 jamiekingham.com

ART Text Eric Brooks Mural photo by Tony Contini Photo of Eric Brooks by Dane Haman

Reno Murals Reno is fast becoming a hotbed for murals. If you haven’t noticed the uptick over the past 2 years, you’re not paying attention. Muralists Erik Burke, Joe C. Rock, Bryce Chisholm and the UTI Crew have been creating a scene that is beyond the veil.

We are beyond the tipping point and on the radar of national and international artists. After the Reno Mural Expo in October, Art Spot Reno was contacted by more than a dozen artists from around the globe, asking to be part of the next event.

Murals build a sense of community, civic pride, and turn otherwise unattractive, blank or buffed walls into a walkable outdoor art gallery. Murals have other added values. They create conversations,

10 Reno Tahoe Tonight

drive economic activity, and build relationships that have transformative effect.

While the impact that murals have is long lasting, the art itself is not. During the Mural Expo, 4 murals were painted over and new work installed.

The 24-Hour Circus Circus Mural Marathon, celebrating its fifth year on July 1, refreshes it’s 7 walls annually. Often times murals disappear quickly if proper permission isn’t given.

The building that used to sit at 115 Liberty St. was whitewashed after several murals were completed

by Reno and Los Angeles-based artists. The person renting the building who gave permission, didn’t have the building owner’s permission, and the art was removed. Joe C. has had work removed in a similar fashion and Joe C. and Burke have both had pieces removed when new owners took possession of properties. Something similar happened during the Mural Expo, but you’ll have to buy me a couple beers to get the skinny on that.

Along a stretch of alley running north/south between Stewart and Moran streets that has been home to several murals by Joe C. and Burke.

Recently, one of Joe’s murals vanished when a new fence went in. Last month a garage demolition took out a Burke mural. Art Spot Reno is now working with the developer who originally commissioned the works to save them where possible. One garage door painted by Burke is now in four panels, in my garage, awaiting a new home. Another Burke will be saved this month.

Burke is currently painting his largest project in northern Nevada, commissioned by Washoe County Health Department, in partnership with Reno Housing Authority, involving kids from Glenn Duncan Elementary School and Trainer Middle School, assisted by Matt McDowell. But he realizes murals don’t last forever.

“If they pay for the service of a muralist, then it’s their decision in the end,” he said. “Personally, I enjoy the process more than the product.

While I’m definitely proud of some of my work, I began painting murals because of the transitory nature. Whereas studio work in my mind is too akin to hoarding.”

Murals, like seasons, come and go. Look for them, enjoy and share, then say goodbye.

Look for new murals – “Sticks” by Joe C. and Burke/McDowell – E. 10th between Sage and Manhattan Streets.

Contributing writer Eric Brooks weaves the tragic, natural and perverse into webs sometimes a little too recognizable.

He is an artist, award winning poet and is deeply entrenched in the local art scene.

He likes to look at pictures, and can be found wandering the streets of Reno doing just that.

Mural work in progress

by Eric Burke

Reno Tahoe Tonight 11

AP RI L 28 T H 1-4PM TICKETS ON SALE FOR $20 OR $25 DAY OF.

®

TICKETS AND INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT RENORIVER.ORG, 775.825.WALK

CANNABIS NEWS

14 Reno Tahoe Tonight

Silver State Trading Rolls Out New Edible Line ENVY Confections

Chef Johnny McCabe 420 Chef Reno Tahoe Tonight 15

CANNABIS NEWS Text Oliver X Photos of Chef Johnny McCabe and the Silver State Trading baking trays by Trevor Bexon Product and packaging photos courtesy of Lorne Buck

16 Reno Tahoe Tonight

I'm running late. I'm hightailing it from the Yerington Paiute Tribe's Pesha' Numma Dispensary to Silver State Trading's Sparks grow to make my meeting time with Human Resources Manager AJ Jackson, who's agreed to give me a tour of their facilities. Note: Speed along the USA Parkway at your own peril. The entire thing is a damn speed trap!

Reno Tahoe Tonight 17

CANNABIS NEWS

18 Reno Tahoe Tonight

I finally get there and am welcomed by a friendly bearded fellow and led into the building's foyer, where I sign in. The 40,000 square foot building resembles a research facility—except for the pungent smell of weed wafting through the air.

I connect with Jackson, who gives me a white lab coat and sunglasses to protect my eyes from the grow light glare and we make our way through the circuitous Silver State Trading facility.

Reno Tahoe Tonight 19

CANNABIS NEWS Triple Malted Chocolate, Coconut Whole Almond, Peanut Butter & Today I'm here to learn about Silver Marion Berry State Trading's new edible line called ENVY Confections, available by the time this article streets. Silver State Trading's commercial kitchen is where they produce their edible creations.

Chief Taste Master Executive Chef Johnny McCabe, who I know from his tenure at Chez Louie inside the Nevada Museum of Art, is the head honcho here, making Silver State's gourmet chocolate truffles and other tasty treats for ENVY Confections.

McCabe was educated at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena, California in the heart of the wine country. Chef McCabe's impeccable bonafides makes him the perfect artist to steward the rollout ENVY Confections' artisanal line of delectable edibles.

I amble up to a table full of rows of baking sheets of infused edibles. McCabe shows me their newest product. “This is our peanut butter and jelly truffle, with peanut butter and marionberries made from berries from Marion, Oregon,

which I think are the best black berries you can get on the planet,” McCabe states. “They're peanut butter, chocolate, marionberry and a little bit of organic coconut sugar. The chocolate is from Ghirardelli Chocolate Company in San Francisco.” McCabe gives me a partially frozen, non-infused peanut butter and jelly truffle and it lights up my mouth with flavor, texture and goodness. “We have three truffles: the peanut butter and jelly; a triple-malted chocolate with three different types of malt – including different types of brewer's malt – and we're also doing a whole almond and coconut truffle, it's like an Almond Joy,” muses McCabe.

Marketing Manager Jessie Recanzone a UNR grad with degrees in Marketing and Management, is understandably excited about the roll-out of the edibles line. She's prepared a swag bag of Silver State products, including some stickers, an amazing glass steamroller that uses charcoal granules, a Silver State cap and some lovely pins that spell ENVY. Recanzone knew she wanted to make a difference through marketing, but she

CHEF CRAFTED | CANNABIS INFUSED | HAND-

20 Reno Tahoe Tonight

wasn’t sure how. After she learned about the various ways cannabis can be used to help people, she knew she'd found her dream industry and company.

“If you're looking for an experience with your edibles, there's nothing else like ENVY Confections on the market today.

If you're looking for chef-crafted edibles, this is the high-end, most luxurious experience you can have,” Recanzone states. “We're competing at the very top of the market with these edibles,” adds McCabe. “We will have four skus: the three products chef mentioned and they're going to be packaged as a ninepiece of each, so you can get each sku by itself,” notes Recanzone. “But then we're also going to have a Classic Collection.

The Classic Collection will have three of each product, so it's basically a variety pack where you can try them all and see which one's your favorite,” Recanzone says. “With this line, we got a lot of inspiration from nostalgia; from flavors that you enjoyed as a kid. You remember that moment when you had the best peanut butter and jelly sandwich as a kid, or the first time you mixed peanut butter

with chocolate? We want to take you back to that time and recapture that moment with you through ENVY Confections.”

Asked about the production schedule for 4/20, Recanzone confidently assures me that the ENVY Confections line will be available for consumers this month. “We will have this product in dispensaries by the first or second week of April, so that if you love it, you can come back two or three times for more before 4/20 and enjoy more edibles” notes Recanzone.

“If you have a party, it's the perfect little platter for you to get two or three to share with your friends and really impress them with something that they've never seen before. New people to the edibles market, who are looking for something sophisticated that they can share with their friends, will be delighted by ENVY Confections' quality.”

-ROLLED TRUFFLES

Reno Tahoe Tonight 21

10% off with this ad

COVER STORY Text and photos Tony Contini

24 Reno Tahoe Tonight

From Reno to

Kathmandu:

The Photography of Globetrotting Photographer Tony Contini

Reno Tahoe Tonight 25

COVER STORY

I never knew I needed to visit Nepal.

I didn't have much common knowledge about the country, aside from it being the location of the towering Mount Everest. Their isolation from the rest of the world was due to their monarchy and geography. They are nestled between India and China and shielded by the Himalayas. The first foreign scientists and trekkers weren't allowed entrance until the late 1940's.

The richness of Nepali people and their culture cannot be fully explained in one article. Their remoteness created a cauldron of culture to experience and photograph. They have their own language and customs. "Nepali culture" is a paraded phrase in response to most questions I had about a practice or event.

Wow, how can you dance for such a long time?

Nepali culture.

Why are we meeting every night this week for village sing-a-longs? Nepali culture.

Why is whistling indoors or tasting directly from a pot on the stove inappropriate? Nepali culture.

There are 29 million Nepalis. The United States is 67 times larger than Nepal, and the landlocked Southeast Asian country is between Iowa and Illinois in regards to total area.

I started my journey in Kathmandu, their capital and largest city. It's a sprawl of brick buildings, dirt roads, and countless vehicles.

"Nepali culture" shock struck immediately. It took me weeks to do anything with confidence, from crossing the street to the perilous task of telling a cabdriver my destination.

The madness of KTM is perfectly balanced with the serenity of the rest of the country. The Chitwan forest region has small villages and a national park where you can easily be afraid of wild elephants and rhinos. The lakeside city of Pokhara's main strip has a Santa Cruz vibe and is the gateway to the majestic Himalayas.

Nepal's peacefulness cannot be understated.

Bells toll from street-side stupas as people worship. Drivers constantly honk, but not with rage, more simply to say "I am coming around the corner" or "Please don't step out into the street at this very moment."

There is a beautiful pacifism in the people of Nepal, possibly influenced by the religious belief of reincarnation. As an American, I am used to fighting, be it at work, for success, on the road, to get ahead, in all forms of media and beyond. I figured in a poorer country it must be worse, but I was wrong. During my four month stay, I never witnessed an act of hostility or violence.

There is a common understanding that we all have somewhere to go, and aggression will not make us get there faster. There is a feeling of togetherness I've felt nowhere else.

Editor's Note: Photographer Tony Contini returns to the pages of Reno Tahoe Tonight after a lengthy hiatus that took him around the globe to exotic locales in Asia and beyond.

Here in the first in a series of special features, Contini details the events of his travels to Nepal in words and pictures that capture the essence of a beautiful people and culture that, to westerners, are still a mystery.

Reno Tahoe Tonight 27

COVER STORY

28 Reno Tahoe Tonight

COVER STORY

30 Reno Tahoe Tonight

COVER STORY

32 Reno Tahoe Tonight

Reno Tahoe Tonight 33

34 Reno Tahoe Tonight

COVER STORY Nepal completely exemplifies the phrase "It takes a village." On the bus, you sometimes find yourself with a child on your lap while people get situated. Other times, a man silently rests his arm on your leg throughout the entire crammed ride. In the US, my closest friend (who I call a brother) and I make sure there's a seat between us at the movie theaters. Nepal has a way of amending your personal bubble.

I am happy to be back at home making portraits, covering concerts and booking weddings, but a part of me has changed. There's a whole world out there, and yet I yearn to go back to Nepal.

tonycontini.com

36 Reno Tahoe Tonight

COVER STORY

COVER STORY

38 Reno Tahoe Tonight

COVER STORY

Reno Tahoe Tonight 41

COVER STORY

Reno Tahoe Tonight 43

COVER STORY

Reno Tahoe Tonight 45

LEXNightclub.com • 775.789.5339

@lexnightclub • Age 21+

FASHION Special to Reno Tahoe Tonight

Joan Davis Dresses

From the Mountains of Tahoe to the Hills of Hollywood: Local artists spread the message of peace, love, joy

Photographer: Joy Strotz @joystrotz Designer & Artist: Joan Davis @joandavisartstudios Hair & MUA: Rosa Mercedes Beauty @rosamercedesbeauty Textile Designer: Rashida Ali @hussain2936 Model: Summer Prim @summerstarlit Locations: Yvonne Elliott Hollywood Hills Estate & Hollywood Walk of Fame

Reno Tahoe Tonight 49

When San Francisco artist, Joan ĂŠlan Davis moved to Incline Village at Lake Tahoe over a decade ago for a healthy and less stressful environment to raise her sons, she thought she would be leaving the arts scene far behind. But to her surprise there were many talented souls to be found around the lake, including photographer Joy Strotz.

50 Reno Tahoe Tonight

FASHION

Reno Tahoe Tonight 51

52 Reno Tahoe Tonight

Today, and almost three years later, the artists collaborate on a regular basis, bringing the original artwork digitally transformed onto the designs of Joan Davis Dresses, to life.

FASHION

In 2011 after the death of Joan’s sister Lynne, Joan created the Lynne Ora Kushel Endowment Fund for Bipolar Research through the UC Davis Mind Institute to increase awareness and early prevention of those that suffer from bipolar disease.

Reno Tahoe Tonight 53

To honor her sister and to keep the flame of awareness burning, Joan created Joan Davis Dresses – a clothing line that directly benefits the Lynne Ora Kushel Endowment Fund.

The line has grown to include vivid digitally printed fabrics in travel-savvy pull-on maxi dresses, printed leggings and flowy chiffon minis, as well as graphic art bomber jackets, textured athletic apparel, art encrusted flare stretch pants, flowing garments bursting with color, and daring string bikinis.

54 Reno Tahoe Tonight

FASHION

Reno Tahoe Tonight 55

FASHION

56 Reno Tahoe Tonight

Davis’ latest line “Peace Love Joy” was created from her reaction to the plummeting relationship between the U.S. and Korea. “Peace Love Joy” captures a 70’s vibe and spreads the much-needed message with artful graphics to be worn “on our bodies and carried in our hearts.”

58 Reno Tahoe Tonight

FASHION

Davis and Strotz have enjoyed showcasing designs around thematic shoots on location. “Joy has the amazing ability to make the dresses sing in whatever location we choose from the edge of the lake to a local grocery store; in a bowling alley and at an empty car wash.”

Joy has received international attention for her photography and even merited a commercial photography award for an image from the Joan Davis “Road Trip” collection. Joan Davis’ artwork is featured in over thirty national museum and gallery exhibitions, and is part of many private and corporate collections throughout the world.

This year, with stars in her eyes, Davis opened a second art studio in Hollywood, California. So it was fitting to photograph her new collection at a 1920’s Hollywood bungalow with its lush organic gardens.

The Peace Love Joy Bomber jacket featured on Sunset Boulevard is to date the most successful piece in the collection, even selling as far away as the Middle East.

Reno Tahoe Tonight 59

FASHION

Shop the Peace Love Joy collection and more at JoanDavisDresses.com.

Joan Davis Dresses are sold locally at Tahoe’s Panache, and by December 2018, Joan Davis Dresses will be available on Amazon. See more of Joy Strotz’s work at strotzphotography.com.

60 Reno Tahoe Tonight

FEATURE Text Oliver X

Reno-Tahoe

Comedy Reno-Tahoe Comedy's Wayne Wright and I catch up once again about this month's comedy lineup. Wright also reveals some of the methods he uses to find top notch talent to bring to his stages.

Oliver X: You've built Reno-Tahoe Comedy from instincts and a tried and true formula.

What trends, if any, do you respond to when booking talent at all levels?

Wayne Wright: Oliver, so you want me to give you our secrets on how we book?

Oliver X: Lol, indulge me...

Wayne Wright: It is a very insightful question though. We look for not only popular comics with credits, as most comedy clubs do, but we want people to have a great comedy experience so we try to book the funniest comics we can.

For instance, our headliner tonight was Tracy Smith who crushed it and our host Sam Meeker did a great job. All of our guest spots were awesome, who were all locals. One from LA got stuck in Sacramento because of the storm or it would have been even better. The show was magical and ethereal.

I don’t really look at trends, although we like to bring in younger headliners as well as older acts that crush. That is why we have garnered a local and tourist following that is really special. There is a lot involved in making that happen every weekend. People have no idea the time and effort put in to make a show with the quality we try to aspire to.

Oliver X: How challenging is it to book 12+ calendar dates per month at two venues in this market?

Wayne Wright: It is not 12 plus calendar dates, and [it's] not just two venues. We have four, 62 Reno Tahoe Tonight

sometimes five venues going at one time. At the moment it is the Pioneer Underground and Grand Sierra Resort. It is 52 weeks a year and we have to re-invent the wheel every week. We book out up to six to eight months ahead of time. Reno is especially a challenge as there are so many entertainment options to choose from.

I would say producing comedy shows is one of the most challenging of any entertainment anywhere. Especially with us, as we produce shows, not just book comics. It is an entertainment experience – not just coming to see great comics do standup – but other aspects of the show. If you ever get to see Sammy do the “Birthday Dance” you will see what I mean.

Oliver X: Let's talk about your April calendar.

Who do you have coming?

Wayne Wright: We have an awesome comic Frankie Quinones who is on his way up. He transforms into different characters and is developing a great following and is one of the nicest people in the business. Then we have a Robin Williams tribute show that is really amazing. Robin was one of my favorite comics and actors and I can't wait for that show to hit.

Marc Price from Family Ties hosts the show, so that is a can’t miss. Then Chris Storin and Butch Escobar will rock the last week of April. Just an FYI: Taylor Tomlinson comes in the first week of May. Taylor is a young comic on the rise and one that has a very promising future.

Oliver X: Any special events on the immediate horizon we should know about?

Wayne Wright: I would say the Robin Williams Tribute and Taylor Tomlinson are especially enticing. We also have some other great performers coming but you can't go wrong with any of the shows you see on the web site.

Check out the full Reno Tahoe Comedy lineups for April and May at and don't miss the Comedy Collective the first Friday of each month at The Pioneer Underground. renotahoecomedy.com

PUT IT UT

LIT

Text and photo courtesy of Janice Hermsen

W

Who will buy my book?

hen an author first starts to write, they often feel "everyone is my reader".To some degree, that is probably true or, at the very least, could be true. Once that same author puts their book on the market, reality begins to sink in as they see their book swallowed up into the Amazon/Barnes and Noble volumes of books.

for fiction characters. A writer’s friends and family usually buy the author’s book. Why? Because they want to support the writer or they know the person well enough to find value in what was written. It is important to develop relationships with potential readers so they might find value in what you have written too.

So, how does a writer determine their audience? A writer must ask, Does my audience focus on the genre I write? What do people that read that genre do for a living? What places do they frequent?

Do they go to bookstores? Do they share interests the writer has? Are they wine drinkers? Networkers? Entrepreneurs?

Salespeople? Clerks? Health Care Workers? Bankers? Techies? Teachers?

Retired? Do they eat out often? Magazine readers? Online only? Outdoor lovers?

Hiking, biking?

No matter how a writer connects with an audience, they must have an idea of what a ‘typical’ reader looks like so they can find them. Writers with a following have done their homework and develop events and promotions that draw an audience to them.

Of course, they must also have a book worth reading.

Are they people who use social media? If so, which one? Facebook? StumbleUpon?

Tumblr? Pinterest? There are over 280 social media websites to connect with your reader. Do you belong to Goodreads? If your readers are on Linked In, do they belong to groups where you might interact with them?

Marketing a book, especially for a new author, is about building relationships and a profile of who might read their book, much the same as a writer develops profiles

64 Reno Tahoe Tonight

Janice Hermsen is a Columnist, Publishing Consultant, Radio Host and Media Director NSAEN International Film Festival

ACTING • MODELING • VOICE • DANCE

It’s a New Year!

DON’T DREAM ABOUT SUCCESS. WORK FOR IT. CREATE IT.

Fast-rising Fashion/runway Guess model Damon Nelson

Our approach will get you started on the right path.

775.853.3375 w w w.Ta ke 2 P e r f o r m e r s S t u d i o. com

LIVE Text Marylee Neeley Photos Kyle Volland

Flogging Molly at Montbleu March 23, 2018

T

he Irish-American Celtic punk rock band Flogging Molly is one of those bands that certainly appreciates their fans. So much in fact, that they always go all out and give such an incredible and energetic performance. On March 23 they concluded their “LIFE IS GOOD” spring tour at Montbleu Resort Casino in Lake Tahoe. On this tour, they made 17 out of 18 stops. The last concert of the tour was scheduled to be in Bend, Oregon. However, because of unseen weather conditions, they had to cancel and Lake Tahoe ended up being the last destination of the tour.

Unfortunately for the fans in Bend they missed an incredible concert. Personally, I have seen them on seven different occasions with each show being better than the last.

The concert was sold-out weeks before the show.

This was one of the most anticipated shows in the northern Nevada area. The line extended almost across the entire casino, with fans anxiously 66 Reno Tahoe Tonight

waiting to get in. Once inside, the venue was packed. They really took the time to appreciate their last leg of the tour. All their fans appreciated every minute of it. From the moment that their flag is shifted across the stage, you could hear screams of anticipation and excitement from every person in the venue.

Dave King (lead singer) made an emotional speech about his 94 year-old mother who had recently passed away and he dedicated a few songs to her memory. It was a great way to engage with the audience, as well as be involved with the affection he felt towards his music.

Flogging Molly played a 2-hour set, but after the performance the crowd shouted for more.

Needless to say, they enthusiastically came back and played an encore. Flogging Molly used to visit Reno at least once a year, but regrettably, this hasn’t happened in quite some time. Seeing them perform so close to home was a great experience.

LIVE

Text Oliver X Photos Franz Szony

68 Reno Tahoe Tonight

Whitney Myer at The Bluebird April 21, 2018 – 7pm doors

Ever since Reno's most beloved chanteuse, Whitney Myer performed on Season 2 of The Voice with Team Adam, the Nevada native has been on a steady ascent that has led her to Los Angeles to pursue her music career. I caught up with Myer to see what she's been up to, as she prepares to perform in a rare local club appearance at The Bluebird with Grace Hayes and Almond Mocha, April 21, 2018.

Oliver X: Catch people up on what you've been doing since you left Reno.

Whitney Myer: OK, well I moved to LA about three and a half years ago and since then I've been gigging and really delving into the world of writing and music production. I've been writing original songs for television and film as well. I also have been writing and placing songs with other artists. I really kinda got what I wanted by moving to LA. I wanted to stack myself up against the best in the world and I wanted to learn and grow and collaborate with people who were at different place than me and had more extensive knowledge than me in music production than me and things like that—which I had dabbled in a little bit before when I was in Reno, but I was kinda bopping around...Now I can create a track on my own, which is really exciting! I've really been focusing on Los Angeles. In the past I've done tours here and there, but I'm really focusing on all that I can get done while living in a city with so many opportunities.

Oliver X: Are you recording on your own in your own studio or are you doing preproduction work?

Whitney Myer: I do a bunch of different things. I collaborate with a lot of other producers and writers as well. That's pretty much the norm in Los Angeles.

Everybody's in “sessions” as they say. There's a big community of songwriters and a big community of producers...On any given day there's people getting together. Sometimes we like have a very specific thing we want to write about and we just get together and start writing. And then sometimes I start songs entirely in my home studio and then I'll bring them somewhere else. I have all the stuff to finish them in my Reno Tahoe Tonight 69

LIVE

studio, but I usually prefer to cut vocals with someone else just so I don't have to do everything. It's a little more enjoyable of a craft for me when someone else is pressing the buttons—for vocals at least. [Laugher]. But as far as production goes and songwriting, I do a lot of that on my own and then meet up with other producers and collaborate from there.

Oliver X: Speaking of collaboration, you've put together a great bill for your upcoming show at The Bluebird with Almond Mocha, Grace Hayes and Richard Xavier.

Whitney Myer: I'm super excited about the bill.

I met Grace Hayes through Instagram. She's stunningly beautiful and hilarious and it was before she really started putting her singing videos on there. She was mainly just kind of posting like funnier videos, more comedic style.

I think I started following her after I moved to LA. I thought she was like, my age and already established and I had this different idea of her from Instagram, which was hilarious. Then we met in person at a show one time, and she was such a sweetheart. Then I found out that she sang and I heard her sing and she has such a unique, beautiful voice. I just love her and think she's so kind. We've kind of been in each other's circles off and on when I come home to town, she's come to shows and I know that she's been playing more. I've recommended her for a couple of different shows that I got asked to do in Reno that I wasn't available for. I really think it's important to band together, even though I'm not currently living in Reno right now, I still very much consider myself a Nevadan and a Renoite.

And after moving from that supportive scene into LA, which has many opportunities, but is not known for its supportive community, I think it's really important to support each other— especially as women in the industry. So, I wanted to have her for sure, because she's fantastic.

70 Reno Tahoe Tonight

And a similar thing goes when I found about my friend Kelly Proud's new project with Ryan, Almond Mocha. I heard one of their covers that they posted on Facebook and Ryan was an easy sell since he's also part of Bluebird. So those were easy decisions for me and I'm excited about this show!

Oliver X: Do you have any tour stops, recording projects coming up or any significant artist song placements, film or television placements you're stoked about?

Whitney Myer: I'm coming to Reno in mid April for two shows. I don't have a tour planned right now, but as far as song placements, I had songs on Victoria's Secret; I've had songs on Bravo; I've had songs on Canadian kid's dance shows [Laughter]...Super random things. I've got a song coming out on a Netflix show.

The new music I'm performing at the show is from a brand new album and the sound is like Sia meets Rihanna meets MIA. It's very high energy music. It's gonna be an awesome show.

We've got crazy lights and some of the Siren girls will be dancing. I'm super excited about this show. Also, I've done more dancing myself since I've been in LA, so I'm excited about how this show is coming together and I can't wait to come home and play for everybody. I hope that anybody who hasn't seen me play before will come out and make the trip to the venue and see this show.

Don't miss Whitney Myer, Almond Mocha and Grace Hayes, Saturday, April 21, 2018 at The Bluebird. Doors are at 7pm. Grace Hayes goes on at 7:30pm and Whitney goes on at 9:30pm. Merchandise will be available for purchase for fans. Tickets are available at www.whitneymyer.com

NO COMMERCIALS. LOCAL BANDS.

YOUR GENERATION’S PUBLIC RADIO.

LIVE

Text Brianna Soloski Image courtesy of Artown

Radiolab

at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts

Saturday, April 7, 2018 with Cellist Zoe Keating-8pm

Podcasts are experiencing a moment right now. Whether it’s political (Pod Save America), historical (American History Tellers), or soulful (Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations), there’s something for everyone.

A long-time favorite has been Radiolab. Hosted by Jad Abumrad, the show takes a deep dive into curiosity. According to radiolab.org, the show is the place “where sound illuminates ideas, and the boundaries blur between science, philosophy, and human experience.”

Abumrad, who studied music composition and creative writing at Oberlin College, is the son of a doctor (Dad) and scientist (Mom). The show, which began in 2005, is heavily influenced by Abumrad’s interest in music. Radiolab invites its listeners to investigate otherwise intimidating topics through sound and music.

In 2011, Abumrad was named a MacArthur Fellow, specifically for his “engaging audio explorations of scientific and philosophical questions.”

On April 7, Abumrad will be joined by famed cellist Zoe Keating for “Gut Churn,” which promises to be a fascinating combination of discussion and sound. The evening will start with what appears to be an easy question to answer: What does it mean to innovate? This seems simple because we live in a world that is constantly innovating — there is always something new and better on the horizon, something to replace what feels outdated the moment you purchase it.

But Abumrad and Keating will dig deeper, using music and discussion to answer this seemingly obvious question. “Gut Churn” is going to be a discussion of science and philosophy, as well as the creative process. We are all creatives on some level and “Gut Churn” will ask us to look at how negative emotions impact our creativity and whether or not they get in the way or propel us forward in our creativity.

Keating uses her cello and a laptop to become a one woman orchestra who creates haunting and inspiring music. She is self-made, using her skills and desire to self-release her albums, shooting to #1 on the iTunes classical charts. She has a devoted following, with over a million followers on Twitter.

Tickets for “Gut Churn” start at $27. Keating and Abumrad will be at Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, April 7. Showtime is 8 p.m. Visit the Pioneer Center or click here to purchase tickets online.

72 Reno Tahoe Tonight

REAL ESTATE Text Shirley Larkins

Get a HELOC – Home Equity Line of Credit A HELOC is a second loan based on the equity you have in your current home. Since you are using your home as collateral they offer high limits (if you have the equity) at low rates. You can usually take the $$$ in draws – like a credit card. This is a great way to re-invest in your property. And the $$$ you put in can help you gain more equity if you do your project right.

Home Equity Loan This is a loan payout based on the amount of equity you have in your home. It is different from the HELOC because you do not get the $$$ in draws, it is a lump sum.

IS THIS LIKE GOING TO BE A TREND? As the housing market tightens in our area, I think we are going to see a lot more people thinking outside of the box about their current properties. All the chatter in the lending world right now is that interest rates are going to go up in the coming months, so people need to lock in now while they can still afford to buy a home. This not a bad thing, in fact, it indicates that our national economy is doing well. But it will mean there will be a shift in our market and some people will just be pushed out. We are getting really expensive for the working person’s wage in our area already.

I think that means we will start to see more people who currently own homes making modifications and renovations rather than going for a new property. A renovation is cheaper; you get what you want to a certain degree, and you can hopefully buy yourself some more time in your current property, while gaining equity and riding out this competitive market climate.

There are actually quite a few options for financing when it comes to renovation and I don’t think many people are talking about it.

I am not a lender, so I cannot get into the specifics of the different programs, but I can give you a general idea of what people are doing and what is available.

74 Reno Tahoe Tonight

Renovation Loan You can get a loan just for the Renovation – there are some really great programs available locally and I am happy to get you connected with the right people to do the loan for you.

So if your house is too small or you hate your kitchen or you always wanted to knock out the wall and make a change – you can! I do think this will become a popular option over the next year, as housing pricing continue to go up and interest rates follow suit as well. Just remember when renovating, your personal style and taste are great but how will it carry over on the resale.

I am happy to meet with you to go over ideas – just reach out.

Shirley Larkins is a real estate professional with Chase International and has been selling properties for over 12 years. She specializes in all types of sales from luxury to distressed, and also loves working with first time buyers. She can be reached at slarkins@chaseinternational.com or 775-379-9617.

Reno Tahoe Comedy At The Pioneer Underground

Presents

Frankie Quinones April 5 - 7

Comedy Collective April 6th

Robin Williams Tribute Show April 12 - 14 & 19 - 21 Chris Storin April 27 - 28 Comedy Collective May 4th

Butch Escobar April 26th Justin Rivera Comedic Magician Family Friendly show

May 5

Taylor Tomlinson May 3 - 5 Last Comic Standing Comedy Happy Hour Fridays at Lex Lounge Doors 5:30 Show 6:30 FOR TICKETS CALL 775-322-5233 (LAFF) go to RENOTAHOECOMEDY.COM FOR INFO AND GIFT OF LAUGHTER GIFT CERTIFICATES

Comedians subject to change/Most shows contain adult content and are suggested 18 and over Full bar with no drink minimum in a beautiful theatre setting

"Fully Charged" - Canon 5DM4 f1.4 1/200 85mm 76 Reno Tahoe Tonight

Reno Street Photography Photos Eric Marks facebook.com/Reno StreetPhotography

Reno Tahoe Tonight 77

Reno Street Photography

"Snow Man" Canon 5DM4 f1.2 1/8000 85mm

78 Reno Tahoe Tonight

"Split Shift" Canon 5DM4 f1.2 1/640 85mm

Reno Tahoe Tonight 79

Reno Street Photography

"Under The Golden Arches" Canon 5DM4 f1.2 1/2500 85mm 80 Reno Tahoe Tonight

Reno Tahoe Tonight 81

SKATENV Photos Kyle Volland skatenv.com

PEYTON WILSON - BODY JAR 82 Reno Tahoe Tonight

BRANDON BENAVIDAS - HEEL FLIP

Reno Tahoe Tonight 83

COOPER SERAFINI - FRONTSIDE AIR 84 Reno Tahoe Tonight

SKATENV

BRANDON BENAVIDAS - CROOKED GRIND Reno Tahoe Tonight 85

THE MIND OF MENCARELLI

Text Dave Mencarelli Photo Digiman Studios

Really, there's no reason to worry.

For going on 15 years now my mental health has been a roller coaster ride. With the help of medication and therapy it’s getting better.

I’ve been as low as writing a four page letter to my daughter explaining how she’s better off without me around to screw up her life. I’ve called the suicide prevention hotline, but not recently. That doesn’t mean I won’t ever again.

The black hole can open up anytime without warning. Like when U2 put that shitty album on your iPhone. The foundation of the meds and the therapy is a good preventative measure.

I'm fine.

I'm fine.

Last night I laid awake for 3 hours wondering if I could really just pack a duffel bag and run away to Boise Idaho. Yes, Boise Idaho. I once asked my shrink if it was crazy to want to run away to Boise and start over. He said yes, it was crazy. Not the running away part, the Boise part.

He’s obviously never been there.

But, seriously, I'm fine.

Yesterday I spent an hour in the middle of the day sitting in my car outside an Arby’s restaurant thinking how great it would be to not have any responsibilities and live alone in a shitty motel. If I didn’t have to be concerned about my wife finding me sobbing in the shower. If I had enough money to get a pizza and a two liter bottle of Diet Mountain Dew, well that would be a good day!

Honestly though, I'm totally OK. A week ago I was Googling “How many people have survived jumping off the Golden Gate bridge.” Some people actually have! I probably wouldn’t do that though, because I’m afraid of heights and the ocean. One survivor said the instant he cleared the railing he regretted jumping. I felt better reading that. Knowing that could come in handy someday. I don’t think I’ve ever really wanted to off myself, but if I’m being totally candid, thinking about it has sometimes made me feel better. It’s called suicidal ideation and it’s more common than you’d think. It’s also a cool band name.

88 Reno Tahoe Tonight

Not really, but it’s so much easier to just say that. It’s hard to explain depression and anxiety to someone who’s never suffered from it.

Imagine trying to explain the color yellow to a person that’s been blind their whole life. How hard would it be to make someone with an IQ over 60 understand the appeal of “The Big Bang Theory?” So you become conditioned to just say “I’m fine.” And you know what? It’s kind of the truth for me. I’m accustomed to feeling that way and with the Lexapro I’m able to realize it’s temporary, so I AM fine. Or at least I know I will be. It took a long time but I’m lucky I’ve found something that keeps me from spiraling into the pit of despair… …As long as I don’t watch “Young Sheldon.”

Dave Mencarelli can be seen around Reno doing stand up comedy and heard weekday afternoons on Easy 104.1

Reno Tahoe Tonight 89

SPRING / SUMMER 2018

UPCOMING SHOWS 3/25

MOON HOOCH

THE SAINT

WITH THE ACCIDENTALS

3/25 3/31

ACID DAD WITH LIMBOSTATE

THE LOVING CUP

BLEEP BLOOP

THE BLUEBIRD

+ WOOLYMAMMOTH 3/31 4/4

MOTHERSHIP TO RENO

1UP

FIVE ALARM FUNK

THE SAINT

+ REDFIELD CLIPPER 4/7

TOKIMONSTA WITH

1UP

BAZOOKA ZAC +ADIIDAS 4/14

SNBRN

1UP

4/19

GHASTLY THE MYSTIFYING ORACLE TOUR

SENATOR THEATRE CHICO (ALL AGES)

THE GREEN PARTY

1UP

4/20

FT. BILLY KENNY + SKIITOUR

4/25

OPIUO WITH SUBDOCTA

THE BLUEBIRD (18+)

4/30

LESS THAN JAKE

CARGO (21+)

+ FACE TO FACE 5/3

ZAYTOVEN “TRAP HOLIZAY”

THE BLUEBIRD (18+)

TOUR 5/12

BEATS ANTIQUE WITH

CARGO (18+)

THE FUNGINEERS 5/12

STYLUST BEATS

1UP

5/24

THE GLITCH MOB

CARGO (18+)

6/14

GHASTLY THE MYSTIFYING ORACLE TOUR

1UP

VIOLENT FEMMES

CARGO (ALL AGES)

6/20

LESS THAN JAKE + FACE TO FACE APRIL 30 • CARGO(21+)

TRAINING TIPS Text Camille Lyman Photo Irina Petrova

CLEAN EATING CHICKEN DIP AND THE AB BOWL Abs season is closer than everyone realizes.

The sooner you can get rid of the winter comfort foods and start cleaning up your eating regimen, the easier it’ll be to make the transition to the summer body that you desire. I have two of my favorite his and hers light yet tasty recipes so that eating clean won’t feel like such a chore and a disconnect from your taste buds.

Below you will see my Clean Eating Chicken Dip for my girls and The Ab Bowl for my guys.

If you are wanting less or more calories because you are counting your macro nutrients, please remember to plug your recipe into your My Fitness Pal and substitute any ingredients and serving sizes to get your calories and macros to work out for you. Enjoy jumping into spring with healthier choices to become the best version of you!

Clean Eating Chicken Dip Servings: 4 Prep Time: 10 min

You will need: 10 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast (grilled), chopped into small pieces 1/2 tsp minced garlic 1 tsp finely chopped onion 1 tsp finely chopped red bell pepper 1 tsp finely chopped green bell pepper 1 tsp finely chopped fresh cilantro 5 tbsp reduced-fat mayo 3 pinches sea salt 1 pinch black pepper 2 dashes paprika Directions: 1. In a bowl, combine all ingredients, except for paprika. Place in a serving bowl. Dust with paprika. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Calories:149 Protein:23g Fat:5g Carbs: 3g *Keep your midsection in check with a lot of healthy ingredients and options you won't feel guilty about indulging in!

The Ab Bowl You will need: ¼ cup quinoa, uncooked 1/2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil/coconut oil 1 cup cubed butternut squash 5 oz flank steak 1/4 tsp Himalayan sea salt Black Pepper ¼ onion, thinly sliced ½ tsp chili powder ½ tsp garlic powder 1 egg ¼ avocado, sliced 1 tbsp crumbled goat cheese Directions: 1. Cook quinoa and set aside.

2. Heat oil in a medium-size skillet over medium heat. Add squash and sauté for 10 minutes, or until squash is tender and edges are lightly browned.

3. Meanwhile, season steak with sea salt and pepper. In a separate skillet over medium-high heat, sear steak for about 5 minutes per side (for medium-rare). Let cool, then slice and set aside 4. Add onion to pan with squash and cook until it begins to caramelize. Add cooked quinoa, chili powder, and garlic powder. Stir and allow flavors to develop. Turn off heat and set aside.

5. In a pot or pan, cook egg any style. Then, in a serving bowl, add squash-quinoa mixture.

Top with steak slices and avocado slices, then add egg. Sprinkle on goat cheese.

Calories: 544 Protein: 50g Fat: 20g Carbs: 41g *Butternut squash equals bananas for potassium, which can help alleviate muscle cramping following workouts.

Reno Tahoe Tonight 93

WANDERED OFF Text Natasha Bourlin

© Clayton Hauck Choose Chicago Personifying a city is fun. If Chicago could talk, it would demurely tell stories that would make other cities green with envy, but aspire to be like the storyteller.

“Why yes, I am a major metropolis, but green space is important to me so I boast more than 8,000 acres of dedicated parks, nature areas and beaches; my motto since the 1830s has actually been urbs in horto, or city in a garden” “Many hilarious comedians are produced here thanks to Second City, the acclaimed comedy school. You’re welcome, Saturday Night Live!”

94 Reno Tahoe Tonight

If Chicago Could Talk

“Food? It’s getting a little embarrassing how many times global media rate me as one of the top dining cities in the world,” the Windy City says, blushing a bit. “What’s your flavor, some of my classics like deep dish pizza or a Chicago dog, or would you prefer one of my 23 Michelin-star restaurants?”

“All my public art is inspirational. There’s so much incredible street art around these days, plus there’s the reflective Bean that everyone seems to want to take pictures by, a Chagall mural and a sculpture by Picasso. But there are tons of other pieces visitors can see for free around me.”

© Adam Alexander Photography Art Calders Flamingo

© Adam Alexander Photography Sunset Loop

Reno Tahoe Tonight 95

WANDERED OFF

96 Reno Tahoe Tonight

BEAN Adam Alexander Photography

Alice Achterhof Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago Riverwalk “Getting around me is super easy, especially using the 'L' train, but there are also water taxis that are particularly scenic.”

“I’m especially proud of my sports teams, there are so many here, two different pro baseball teams even call me home! Plus there are hockey, football and basketball teams people come out in droves to watch. It gets a bit loud and messy sometimes…”

There are so many things to see and do in this historic riparian city snuggled up on the banks of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, deciding on just a few may be any visitor’s biggest challenge.

There are some things you really should find time for, however.

Get a deep-dish Chicago pizza at Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria or Uno Pizzeria & Grill so you can righteously compare the city’s style with all others. Go on a river adventure and discover

Chicago’s art, architecture or food scene by water taxi or tour boat. Explore the many diverse neighborhoods, many culturally formed generations ago.

See a show or take a class at Second City. Catch a game at the second oldest major league ballpark in the U.S., Wrigley Field, belt out “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh inning stretch, then see how professionals do it — okay, perhaps other songs — at one of the 225 music venues across Chi-town. Stroll or bike along the Riverwalk checking out shops, restaurants, breweries, a winery and the plethora of public art. Oh yeah, and the scenic Chicago River itself.

This is one of the great American cities for abundant reasons that began when Chicago was incorporated in 1837. If only Chicago could talk…

Freelance writer Natasha Bourlin considers Chicago one of her favorite cities anywhere.

Reno Tahoe Tonight 97

UNITED WE STONED Text Mitchell Colbert

The High Costs of Clean Cannabis As of January 1st, in addition to Nevada, people over 21 in all western coastal states can legally buy cannabis. While legal adult use was a major step forward for California, the nation’s collective largest cannabis economy, this era of new growth will be with growing pains, and some of them are already quite painful for businesses and consumers alike. As a result, consumers’ purchasing decisions will be based on interpretations of these unstable markets, particularly with respect to ensuring that cannabis is safely grown and tested for quality before being sold.

Nevada’s troubles with its adult use rollout was covered in the May and September issues of Reno Tahoe Tonight, and while California is just across the border from Nevada, it is having very different problems with its implementation of adult use cannabis. Nevada’s experiences, however, have provided opportunities for California to learn from.

At the time of writing, the California Department of Food and Agriculture has issued nearly 1,400 cultivation licenses, the California Department of Public Health has issued over 700 licenses

98 Reno Tahoe Tonight

to manufacture or package cannabis, and the Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) has issued around 2,400 licenses for all other cannabis businesses. The sheer number of licenses that are already issued by California dwarfs Nevada’s market. In California, while most license types are well-represented, with enough cultivators, distributors, manufacturers, and retailers licensed to begin bringing cannabis to consumers, there is a shocking lack of labs ready to test cannabis, creating a bottleneck in the system.

As of January, testing labs were just 1% of the total licenses that had been issued so far. In the month since then, the total has only gone up from 15 to an estimated 21 testing labs, which is less than 1% growth, and far from enough to handle the volume of cannabis produced by the world’s largest cannabis market. To put this in perspective, while California does have more testing labs than Colorado (the first adult use state), they already have as many licensed cultivators, as well as more manufacturers, distributors, and retailers than Colorado does. So while Colorado is making it work with less labs than California, that is no guarantee that California can make due with so few testing labs into the future.

The dearth of licensed testing labs prompted Lori Ajax, the chief of the BCC, to mention at the recent International Cannabis Business Conference that, “We always knew there would be pinch points,” and lab testing appears to be a major one (though distribution could also be a problem).

Ajax added that, “The supply chain has not been completely tested.” The BCC is fully aware

of potential supply hiccups, and is working to license “as many businesses as quickly as possible” in order to address any shortfalls in the supply chain.

In the meantime, those few labs that are lucky enough to be licensed are now charging double or triple what they had previously been charging for the expanded panel of testing now legally required. Josh Wurzer, the President and CoFounder of SC Labs, touched on the issue of price increases at last year’s New West Summit in Oakland, saying it could easily “go from $300-500 per test to $600-$1,000.” As a result of this sticker shock, many cannabis businesses, even well-established companies will likely look to make up the difference by increasing their product prices.

Another major difference between Nevada and California’s adult use rollout is the use of a 6-month transitional period and phased lab testing regulations. In California, the testing requirements that are currently in place will get more rigorous as the year progresses in two phases: July 1st and December 31st when the final, strictest set go into effect. That means that the current price increases may not be the final price increases that businesses and consumers will see this year. Samantha Miller, the President and Chief Scientist of Pure Analytics, was on the same panel at New West as Wurzer, and predicted the phased requirements would lead to “a bottleneck and we may see prices go up as supply is squeezed.”

It’s important for consumers to note that those are the testing costs for businesses, and consumers will only pay a fraction of that increase. Don’t worry, your 1/8ths won’t be $200 dollars. An analysis by New Frontier Data shows that, while a $25 1/8th before 2018 would only have been $28.11 after taxes and fees, that same 1/8th would now cost $39.93, but lab testing is only $1.16 of that increased cost. While an extra $11.82 in taxes and fees represents a 42% increase, lab testing is not the main culprit, and $1.16 is a small price to pay for cannabis that is guaranteed to be free from the most dangerous of contaminants, with a verified potency.

While budget-conscious consumers may be tempted to stock up before the end of the transitionary period in July, those more concerned with their health and being sure they are getting the highest quality products, may be inclined to wait until after the July testing regulations go into effect. Looking down the road, there could be another issue with a bottleneck and corresponding increased prices at the end of December when the final lab regulations go into effect. Hopefully, the BCC will be on top of filling any gaps in the supply chain and by next December there won’t be any concern with increased costs. What is certain is that, by the end of the year, California will have some of the cleanest cannabis in the world, which is a great thing for medical and adult users alike. pistilandstigma.com

Reno Tahoe Tonight 99