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‘SIAMSA—A Celtic Christmas’ at the Grand Sierra Resort this Thursday!
Shamrock Productions’ signature holiday musical, SIAMSA—A Celtic Christmas, is returning to the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino’s acclaimed Grand Theatre at 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 4.
This year’s production of SIAMSA—meaning “to celebrate” in Gaelic—features international Irish dance champions; five-time dance world champion Aidan Hurff (pictured); and a dazzling ensemble of outstanding dancers, vocalists, actors and musicians. The local holiday staple was written by Amanda Coulson, who also serves as the director and choreographer.
The enchanting tale follows two young orphans searching for the “candle in the window,” the light that represents the true meaning of Christmas. The orphans’ whimsical journey immerses the audience into a world of Celtic traditions and customs from Galicia, Spain, throughout Ireland, Scotland and beyond, creating a magical evening of holiday fun for the entire family.
Tickets for SIAMSA—A Celtic Christmas for children 12 and under and seniors 65 and older start at $35, plus additional taxes and fees; and $50 for adults, plus additional taxes and fees. Doors open at 6 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit grandsierraresort.com or call 1-800-648-3568. Shamrock Productions is a nonprofit organization. (Sponsored content)
Fleet of feet
Two dance productions kick off this week’s list of things to do. The Truckee Meadows Community College Dance Program presents its annual winter dance concert, Ephemeral, featuring original works by TMCC faculty, guest artists and student choreographers. Using a variety of styles and approaches to choreography, the performance explores the fleeing nature of experience, presence and connection. Shows start at 7:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday, Dec. 4-5; and at 2 and 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, in the Performance Lab located in the Red Mountain Building, Room 240, on the TMCC Dandini Campus, 7000 Dandini Blvd. Tickets are $5-$18. Visit www.tmcc.edu/visual-performing-arts/performance-schedule.
Shamrock Productions will hold its annual show Siamsa—A Celtic Christmas. Starring international Irish dance champions and a local cast of dancers, vocalists, musicians and actors, the holiday musical takes audiences into the magical world of Celtic traditions and customs in search for the true meaning of Christmas. The show starts at 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 4, in the Grand Theatre at Grand Sierra Resort, 2500 E. Second St. Tickets are $56.70-$95.35. Go to www.grandsierraresort.com for tickets.
Reno Jazz Orchestra Presents ‘Home for the Holidays’
The Reno Jazz Orchestra will present its Home for the Holidays concert at 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, at the University of Nevada, Reno, Nightingale Concert Hall.
“This year’s performance will feature classic selections such as ‘Home for the Holidays’ and ‘Silent Night,’ among other rearranged favorites, all performed in a Big Band style,” said Dr. Greg Johnson, Reno Jazz Orchestra’s music director.
“In addition, the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra will open the event, and three of the region’s distinguished vocalists—Whitney Myer, Kyle Rea and Cami Thompson—will perform. All combined, the Reno Jazz Orchestra promises an idyllic family outing that will leave everyone feeling merry and bright,” said Johnson.
The Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra will kick off their 20th season with their annual holiday show, continuing their tradition of showcasing young talent.
Whitney Myer is a singer, songwriter, and real estate professional from Reno, known for her strong vocal abilities and engaging live performances. She has performed on national platforms such as The Voice and throughout Reno. Kyle Rea is a local vocalist who seamlessly bridges classic and contemporary pieces with his exceptional talent, whether he’s performing solo or with an orchestra. Cami Thompson is a singer, actor, band leader, music director, arranger, songwriter and teacher who has gained a worldwide reputation for wowing audiences around the world with her four-octave voice, as well as her zany wit.
Tickets start at $30; student tickets are $10 with a valid ID. To purchase, visit RenoJazzOrchestra.org, or call 775-372-6160. (Sponsored Content)
Childhood’s joyland
Enjoy a weekend of Christmas nostalgia and bonhomie at the city of Sparks’ annual tree lighting and parade. The festivities begin at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5, with a Christmas sing-along, complimentary hot chocolate and the lighting of the 60-foot giant sequoia tree near the large gazebo on the corner of Victorian Avenue and Victorian Plaza Circle East. Return the next day for some more holiday cheer at the 38th annual Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade. The merriment starts at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, with a full day of activities and attractions including photos with Santa Claus, train rides, food trucks, live entertainment and a holiday vendor market at 39 North Pole Village, 1250 Victorian Ave., Sparks. The Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade gets under way at 1 p.m. with a procession of floats, marching bands and festively dressed participants reflecting this year’s “Christmas in Toyland” theme as they head down Victorian Avenue starting at Pyramid Way. Admission is free. 39 North Pole Village will be open from 4 to 9 p.m., Thursday and Friday, Dec. 4-5; and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6. Visit cityofsparks.us/christmasparade or www.39northdowntown.com/39-north-pole for details.
Christmas bells are ringing
Tintabulations Handbell Ensemble will present “Carols of the Bell,” its holiday concert exploring the meaning behind well-known carols and the stories they tell. The handbell group will perform a series of free shows across the area beginning this weekend. The first show starts at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Churchill County Museum, 1050 S. Maine St., Fallon, followed by an evening performance at 7 p.m. at Carson Valley United Methodist Church, 1375 Centerville Lane, Gardnerville. The ensemble will also perform at 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, at Sparks United Methodist Church, 1231 Pyramid Way, Sparks; and at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14, at First United Methodist Church, 209 W. First St. Reno. Check tintabulations.com for a list of upcoming shows and other information.
Keep it brassy
Local tuba and euphonium players will perform traditional holiday tunes at the annual TubaChristmas concert this weekend. TubaChristmas was conceived in 1974 by tuba player Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher and mentor William J. Bell, who was born on Christmas Day in 1902. The first TubaChristmas performance took place at New York City’s Rockefeller Plaza Ice Rink on Dec. 22, 1974. Today, musicians continue the tradition by organizing and playing in TubaChristmas concerts around the world. The Reno performance will take place at 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Garden Court inside the Wilbur D. May Center at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, 1595 N. Sierra St. The concert is free to attend. Please consider bringing a new toy or non-perishable food item to put in the Toys for Tots or Food Bank of Northern Nevada donation bins located in the museum’s foyer. Go to www.washoecounty.gov/parks/maycenterhome or www.instagram.com/renomaycenter for more info. Tuba or euphonium players interested in performing can go to tubachristmas.com/pages/participate to learn more.
A celebration of life
Local musicians and comedians will come together this weekend to help the family of a longtime Reno artist, comedian and writer who passed away earlier this year. The annual charitable fundraising organization Marianarchy will present a tribute to Jenny PezDeSpencer, who was a past host and frequent performer at other Marianarchy events that raised money for local artists and musicians in need. Kittenhead, Glitter Bats, Roxxy Collie, Wabuska Yachting Club, Feral Heart, Crime Wife, Spawn of Face, Hot Stranger, Canyon White, Eric Foreman, Breck Lee Durham, Myke Read, Bobby Benedict, Vickie Gordon, Austin Baca and Stephen Mollman, among other guests, will perform at Marianarchy XXI, which runs from 3 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Dec. 6, at Shim’s Tavern, 125 W. Third St. Entry is a suggested donation of $10. Proceeds will go to Jenny’s family and estate. Visit www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577251522606 for more information.
From the heart
There’s still time to find something special for the loved ones on your list. Head down to Holland Project’s annual Hi-Dez Holiday Market, featuring more than 60 artists and vendors selling everything from handmade arts and crafts to vintage items, as well as holiday specials, hands-on activities, live music and more at several locations in Midtown Reno. The market hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7. The main hub will be at the former BlueZone Sports space at the Reno Public Market, 299 E. Plumb Lane, Suite 115, and there will be activities and pop-up shops happening at the Holland Project, 140 Vesta St.; The Radical Cat and Finetooth Records, 1500 S. Virginia St.; Our Center, 1745 S. Wells Ave.; and other participating locations. Admission is free to the market, and $5-$20 to participate in craft sessions and workshops. Visit hollandreno.org/hi-dez or www.instagram.com/hollandreno for more details.
Urban Roots will host its fifth annual Handmade Holiday Faire featuring dozens of local vendors and makers offering handmade seasonal items and gifts, as well as hands-on craft activities for visitors of all ages. The fair is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, at Urban Roots, 1700 E. Second St. The event is free to attend, but guests are encouraged to RSVP at www.urbanrootsnv.org.
Jazz up the holidays
The Reno Jazz Orchestra and the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra present their concert “Home for the Holidays” featuring classic favorites and reimagined holiday tunes performed in a big-band style. Featured vocalists Whitney Myer, Kyle Rea and Cami Thompson will join the orchestras for an evening of swinging seasonal songs. The concert starts at 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, at Nightingale Concert Hall in the Church Fine Arts Building, 1335 N. Virginia St., at the University of Nevada, Reno. Tickets are $30-$50. Student tickets are $10 with a valid ID. Visit renojazzorchestra.org.
Fusion power
Fresh Bakin’ and Reno Public Market present a night of electronic, funk and world fusion music featuring Dirtwire and The Floozies. Oakland multi-instrumentalists Dirtwire describe their experimental electronic music as “back-porch space cowboy blues, swamptronica and electro-twang.” Kansas City-based electronic funk duo The Floozies is well regarded in the jam and future-groove music world. The two groups released a single, “Neon Sundown,” in September and are touring the country with with special guest Honeycomb on some dates, including the RPM appearance. The 18+ show starts at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, at the RPM, 299 E. Plumb Lane. Tickets are $35-$70. Go to www.freshbakin.com or www.renopublicmarket.com.
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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