Disinformation age
“Fake news” has been a problem since long before algorithm-driven content and stories written by artificial intelligence—and it won’t be going away anytime soon. Peter Loge, an associate professor and director of the School of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University and director of the Project on Ethics in Political Communication, will discuss how AI is being used in political campaigns today, and how it might be used in the future in his talk “AI, Politics, Ethics and a Bit of Plato.” Loge will highlight that American politics has been full of half-truths and fabrications from the beginning—from founding father Benjamin Franklin making up stories to promote the American Revolution to newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst allegedly telling an illustrator, “You furnish the pictures. I’ll furnish the war.” Loge will suggest that AI and all that has come before it gets to a question Plato raised about the connection between persuasion, ethics and truth—a question we have never really answered. The talk begins at 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 27, at the Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $13 for students and $10 for NMA members. Call 775-329-3333, or go to www.nevadaart.org.
On with the snow
Despite the spring-like temperatures we’ve been enjoying lately, don’t be fooled—winter ain’t over yet. And that’s perfectly fine for communities across the Tahoe-Truckee region, many of which depend on an abundant snowpack and a long ski season to keep their local economies running. The 43rd annual North Lake Tahoe SNOWFEST celebrates the best of the region by showcasing the relationships between the local community and the people who visit. More than 50 events will take place at locations in Tahoe City, Olympic Valley, Truckee, Kings Beach, Incline Village and Homewood during the winter festival, which runs through March 9. Highlights include the Gar Woods Annual Polar Bear Swim, Tahoe Art Haus & Tahoe Tap Haus “BlizzardFest” Brewfest, the Tahoe City SNOWFEST Parade/Street Faire and the SNOWFEST Fireworks Display on Saturday, March 1; The Great Ski Race on Sunday, March 2; and the Kings Beach SNOWFEST Parade (pictured above), which begins at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, March 8, along Highway 28 starting at Secline Street and ending at Raccoon Street, in Kings Beach. Go to northtahoebusiness.org/kings-beach-snowfest-parade for more information on the Kings Beach parade, or visit www.tahoesnowfest.org for a complete schedule of SNOWFEST events.
Bourbon Street blues
“You only live but once / And when you’re dead you’re done / So let the good times roll,” sings Louis Jordan in the Sam Theard/Fleecie Moore-penned song “Let the Good Times Roll.” So with that in mind, get a taste of New Orleans-style joie de vivre at Reno Blues Society’s Mardi Gras and Silent Auction. The party features performances by Blues Music Award-winning artist John Németh (pictured) and local favorites the Buddy Emmer Blues Band. There will also be food and drinks available for purchase. Wear a carnival mask or an ensemble of purple, green and gold to add to the festive atmosphere. The Mardi Gras fête starts at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 1, at the National Automobile Museum, 1 Museum Drive. Tickets are for $40 general admission, $30 for RBS members and $25 for students. Proceeds from the silent auction will support the Reno Blues Society’s Music Grants Program, which supports local student music education and opportunities. Visit renoblues.org.
Sax appeal
Like a blustery March wind, saxophonist Vanessa Collier blows into town this weekend. Known for her fiery performances and soulful vocals, Collier has captivated audiences worldwide with her unique blend of blues, funk and soul. She combines technical skill with passionate energy and charismatic stage presence, a winning mix that has earned her 12 Blues Music Awards nominations—taking home Horn Player of the Year in 2019, 2020 and 2024 and Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year in 2022. Her latest album, Do It My Own Way, is inspired by the rich, classic Memphis sound of Stax and Hi Records. Collier performs at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, March 2, at the Nashville Social Club, 1105 S. Carson St., Carson City. Tickets are $25-$32. Call 775-515-0020, or visit thenashvilleclub.com.
A step above
The Artown Encore Series continues with a performance by Step Afrika! Since 1994, the company has been introducing audiences to the dance style known as stepping, through both a traditional and contemporary lens. Step Afrika! incorporates percussive dance styles practiced by historically African-American fraternities and sororities, traditional African dances and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Their energetic performances integrate songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation, making each show unique. Step Afrika! takes to the stage at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, March 2, at the Eldorado Showroom in the Eldorado, 345 N. Virginia St. Tickets are $38-$52. Call 775-322-1538, or go to artown.org/Step-Afrika.
Good times
Northern Nevada Sons and Daughters of Erin kicks off St. Patrick’s Day celebrations a bit early with its 54th annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner and Show. While there will be plenty wearing of the green and lively Irish tunes, don’t come expecting traditional corned beef and cabbage. Dinner choices are chicken marsala, pork chops, salmon piccata and vegetarian ravioli, with a children’s meal for the kiddos. The evening will feature Irish dancing and performances by Sierra Silverstrings, the Sierra Highlanders Pipe Band and Corwin and Grace, as well as a raffle and whiskey tasting. Later in the evening, kick up your heels to some of your favorite disco anthems—a lighthearted nod to the 1970s New York City nightclub Studio 54 and the nonprofit organization’s 54th anniversary. The party gets started at 4 p.m., Saturday, March 8, in the Mandalay Ballroom at the Circus Circus Reno Hotel and Casino, 500 N. Sierra St. Tickets are $80 for members and seniors, $85 for nonmembers and $40 for children. A $20 add-on fee will be charged for the whiskey tasting. All ticket sales end on Monday, March 3. Proceeds will benefit SADOE’s efforts in producing and sponsoring Celtic events and entertainment, and participation in other community events. Call 775-378-0931, or visit irishnevada.org.
Très Wes
The Churchill Arts Council’s Spring Film Series showcases three films by filmmaker Wes Anderson. The series kicks off on Friday, March 7, with the auteur’s 1998 film Rushmore, starring Jason Schwartzman as an ambitious prep-school student who falls in love with a much older teacher (Olivia Williams). He ultimately finds himself in a war for her attention when his wealthy, middle-aged friend (Bill Murray) starts to show interest in her. The series continues with the director’s 2012 release Moonrise Kingdom on Friday, March 14, and his 2023 film Asteroid City on Friday, March 21. Screenings start at 7 p.m. at Barkley Theatre in the Oats Park Art Center, 151 E. Park St., Fallon. Tickets are $5. Admission is free for CAC members and season-ticket holders. Call 775-423-1440, or go to www.churchillarts.org.
11 Days a Week is written and compiled by Kelley Lang. Want your event included in 11 Days a Week? Email 11days@renonr.com for consideration. Email advertising@renonr.com for advertising info!
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