With so many things going on during Artown, it can become a bit overwhelming—not that we’re complaining. A helpful way to find a little structure throughout the month is to remember which days of the week feature certain series. They also have the added benefit of being free.
Every weekday:
No kid in Reno should be bored on a July weekday morning thanks to the Discover the Arts series (pictured top right). Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., children can learn about everything from cowboy poetry and Irish dance to improv acting and water coloring. There’s also a music camp with Colin Ross on July 11-15, where kids can sing and explore instruments. Locations vary, but most events are at the McKinley Arts and Culture Center.
Monday:
The aptly named Monday Night Music Series, held the last three Mondays in July, will feature the Reno Pops Orchestra (July 11), Performers from the Steinway Series (July 18) and the Great Basin Brass Quintet (July 25). Performances are free, from 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. and are at one of Reno’s prettiest outdoor music venues—Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater in Bartley Ranch at 6000 Bartley Ranch Road.
If your crew is on the younger side, the Family Series is also every Monday featuring all-ages entertainment like the Hudson Vagabond Puppet’s larger-than-life performance of Beatrix Potter’s Jemima Puddle-Duck on July 11. Next, there’s TheatreWorks of Northern Nevada’s production of James and the Giant Peach on July 18. Then the Platt Brothers (see page 26) tumble their way on stage on July 25. Performances are all at Wingfield Park, start at 7 p.m. and end at 8 p.m., just in time to get the young ’uns to bed.
Tuesday:
Sweet Vibrations. This humble series makes its home inside the First United Methodist Church on First and West streets from 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Ragtime pianist Squeak Squeal performs with vocalist Megan McKenna on July 5; jazz vocalist Pat Esters sings on July 12; women’s vocal group Bella Voce performs July 19; and swing band Brassakwards closes the series on July 26.
Wednesday:
World Music Series. This series has brought artists from across the world to Wingfield Park, at times setting the audience to dancing, while spellbinding them into a hush at other times. This year features Paranda performer Aurelio on July 6, Cajun band Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys on July 13, Nigerian Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 on July 20, and Hawaiian ukelele player Willie K. on July 27. Each show is from 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Thursday:
Dancing in the Park. Some of Reno’s most talented dance groups take the Wingfield stage each Thursday from 8 p.m.-9:30 p.m. See Four Rooms Dance Collective on July 7, Black Rock Dance Company on July 14, InnerRhythms Dance Theatre on July 21, and Sierra Nevada Ballet on July 28.
Friday:
Rollin’ on the River. OK, so we hit you over the head with this one, RN&R’s annual concert series, in the first part of this guide. But just a reminder: It’s every Friday at 5:30 p.m. at Wingfield Park, and we’re all about paying tribute this year. Once that’s over, sit tight, because the Movies in the Park starts soon afterward, at 9 p.m. This year’s selections are Wizard of Oz (July 1), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (July 8), West Side Story (July 15), October Sky (July 22), and Breaking Away (July 29).
The weekend:
There is no series set for Saturdays and Sundays, leaving those days open for a variety of festivals and performances. But don’t worry, there’s not a day in July when art, and the celebration of it, isn’t happening in Reno.