Dance under the arch
The OffBeat Music Society and the city of Reno kick off their family-friendly monthly concert series this week with performances by R&B/pop artist Killer Whale (pictured) and funk/soul band Glamour Muscle, on Friday, June 27. Attendees can enjoy games, kids’ activities, and food and drink for sale. The series continues through the summer with Spacehall Sound Machine and Nightbrain on Friday, July 18, and Family Worship Center and Subtle Lovers on Friday, Aug. 29. The free events start at 6 p.m. at Locomotion Plaza/Downtown Reno ReTrac Plaza, 300 N. Virginia St. The music stage will be under the Reno Arch on Virginia Street. Visit www.offbeatreno.com or www.facebook.com/RenoMusicFestival.
In the swim of things
Take the family out for a fun-filled evening in the water and under the stars. The city of Reno hosts Movie Night at Northwest Pool. Enjoy some splash time in the pool, then watch a screening of the Pixar film Inside Out 2. Arrive early, as space is limited to 125 swimmers. Bring a towel, swimming goggles and clear floating devices. Any other flotation devices, or non-clear floaties, must be U.S. Coast Guard compliant. Life vests will be offered for swimmers to use free of charge. The free pool party starts at 7:30 p.m., Friday, June 27, at Northwest Pool, 2925 Apollo Way. Call 775-334-2203, or go to www.facebook.com/cityofreno for more information.
Get on board
Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space, in partnership with Classic Skate Shop and We Board Together, present a series of free skate jams starting this week. Beginning skateboarders are invited to learn the basics from members of We Board Together, then stick around afterward to watch pro skaters from Classic Skate Shop show off their best moves. The beginners session starts at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 28, followed by a demo, skate jam and best trick contest from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at North Valleys Regional Park Skate Park, 8085 Silver Lake Road. Beginner skateboarders must bring pads and helmets to participate in the learn-to-skate sesh. Sign up at signup.com/go/DqXzadL. Other skate jams will take place on July 26 at Cold Springs Skateboard Park, 3355 White Lake Parkway, and on Aug. 23 at the Spanish Springs Skate Park at Lazy 5 Regional Park, 7100 Pyramid Way, Sparks. Visit www.facebook.com/WashoeCountyParks.
Ramble on roses
Bring your gardening gloves, sun hats and tie-dye T-shirts, and groove to the music of the Grateful Dead this weekend at Deadhead and Bloom in the Rose Garden. City of Reno horticulturist Ryan Sharrer will lead volunteers in deadheading rose bushes in the Reno Municipal Rose Garden to help promote continued flowering and healthy growth. Gardeners, Deadheads or those who just want to give back to the community are invited to come and be a part of the positive energy brought on by the warm weather, colorful rose blooms and the laid-back vibes of the legendary San Francisco Bay Area jam band. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 28, at Idlewild Park, 2055 Idlewild Drive. Go to www.instagram.com/reel/DLIaie7vCmz for more information.
Speaking up
Our Center and Brüka Theatre presents Creating Pride: Transcending Worlds, an original, youth-devised staged theatrical reading that explores themes of identity, self-actualization and community in today’s complex world. Created through a process known as devised theater, or collective creation, Creating Pride is an original production developed by high school youth from Northern Nevada. With no pre-written script, the show was shaped collaboratively through improvisation, storytelling and lived experience—guided by lead artists Mary Bennett and Stacey Spain. Audiences can expect a heartfelt, courageous and creative performance that amplifies the voices of LGBTQ+ youth and their allies. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m., Monday, June 30, at Brüka Theatre, 99 N. Virginia St. Tickets are free, but donations are encouraged. Go to www.simpletix.com/e/creating-pride-transcending-worlds-tickets-222615.
All the city’s a stage
Performing arts centers, theaters, art galleries and other venues across Reno, Sparks, Carson City and Tahoe will feature a month of concerts, theatrical performances, art shows, children’s arts programs and many other free and ticketed events as part of the 30th annual summer arts festival known as Artown. This year, some Artown events will move to Rancho San Rafael Regional Park while Wingfield Park in downtown Reno remains closed during bridge construction. Attendees can create spirit animal-inspired face masks at a guided workshop during Artown’s Opening Day festivities starting at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 1, followed by a homecoming performance by “gypsy soul” ensemble Sol’Jibe at 7:30 p.m. The concert takes place at the Nevada State Bank Stage in the former Great Basin Adventure area of Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, 1595 N. Sierra St. Admission is free. Visit artown.org for a full schedule of upcoming events.
Good times never seemed so good
Broadway Comes to Reno closes its 30th anniversary series with A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical. Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond, the musical tells the true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart-busting, show-stopping American rock icon. Set to the songs that defined his career, the musical is structured around a series of fictional therapy sessions during which an older, somber Diamond reacts to his lyrics as they are read by his psychiatrist. Expect to hear classics like “America,” “Forever in Blue Jeans” and “Sweet Caroline.” Showtimes are 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, July 1-3; 2 p.m., Friday, July 4; 2 and 8 p.m., Saturday, July 5; and 1 and 7 p.m., Sunday, July 6, at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St. Tickets are $25-$140. Call 775-434-1050, or go to pioneercenter.com.
Music for the people
Latin rock band Ozomatli brings its 30 Revolutions Tour to Reno as part of Artown’s Cultural Connections series. Like Artown, the Grammy Award-winning group is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Formed in 1995, the band combines progressive political viewpoints with a wide array of musical styles—including salsa, jazz, funk, reggae and hip hop. They have released seven studio albums, including their 2002 album Embrace the Chaos, which won a Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album. The group is known for advocating for farmworkers’ rights and immigration reform, and performed at the “No Kings” protest in downtown Los Angeles on June 14. Ozomatli will hit the Nevada State Bank Stage starting at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 2, at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, 1595 N. Sierra St. Call 775-322-1538 or go to artown.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!
Read 11 Days a Week at RenoNR.com!