Reno News & Review

Week of March 15, 2023

From the editor’s desk

As a reporter who has filed more public-information requests than I can remember, I’m a fan of the annual Foilies awards, which recognize the often ridiculous efforts of federal and local governments to keep embarrassing information secret. Examples include the saga of musician Micky Dolenz, who is still fighting to get a copy of the FBI’s file on those subversive Monkees, and the tale of a school district that claims it would cost $18 million to determine if the district is spying on students’ parents by monitoring their social media posts.

Dying is easy; comedy is hard. Taylor Harker reports on Northern Nevada’s vibrant comedy scene, where novices overcome flop sweat, hone their skills and keep laughter alive.

Renoites don’t have to leave the city limits to find serenity and vast vistas. Whether you’re looking to break up a tedious commute home in rush-hour traffic, or enjoy a quick jaunt after lunch, Huffaker Hills and Rattlesnake Mountain offer a close respite from urban woes.

In honor of Women’s History Month, photo chief Dave Robert asked folks to name women who have been an inspiration in their lives. Their answers may surprise you.

Matt King’s Lucky13 column profiles Tye Sussmann, the guitarist and volcalist for Antapex, the head-banging band that he says is “metal to the max.” King also puts a spotlight on Protomartyr, a post-punk band that was nearly wiped out by the pause in touring during the COVID-19 pandemic, but is making a triumphal return to the Holland Project on March 25. Our Musicbeat goes on with Matt Bieker’s profile of Tripp Whitney and the Free Labor, Reno “country rockers”  whose debut album, Cowboy From Nevada, celebrates the hard work and integrity that built the Silver State.

Bob Grimm screened Scream VI, the latest entry in the comic-horror franchise that began in 1996 and has spawned a series of reboots. Although the film boasts a good cast of screamers, he says, Scream VI is a step back from the revitalized feel of last year’s fifth film in the series.

If you’ve attended any public gatherings or protests during the last few years, you may have noticed heavily-armed men in military costumes pretending to be battle-ready soldiers. Guest opinion writer Anthony Shafton urges lawmakers to rein in illegal private militias by allowing citizens to sue the often intimidating cosplayers.

Green beer aside, when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day libations, caffeine, whiskey, cream and sugar can be a liquid art form, says Michael Moberly, who takes readers on an Irish coffee tour of Midtown.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I’ll see you in the funny papers.

Take care,

—Frank X. Mullen, Editor

From the RN&R

The Lucky 13: Tye Sussmann, vocalist/guitarist for Antapex

By Matt King

March 15, 2023

Get to better know Tye Sussmann, vocalist/guitarist for metal band Antapex.

Post-pandemic post-punk: The members of Protomartyr, coming to the Holland Project, are grateful to still be touring

By Matt King

March 14, 2023

Protomartyr, coming to the Holland Project, is touring in support of 2020 release Ultimate Success Today.

Finding the funny: Reno offers numerous showcases for new standup comics

By Taylor Harker

March 13, 2023

One of the future comedy stars may be found at one of the area’s small clubs, improv workshops or open-mic nights—all part of Reno’s thriving and close-knit community of up-and-coming comedians.

The Foilies 2023: Recognizing the worst in government transparency

By the Electronic Frontier Foundation and MuckRock News

March 13, 2023

Each year, the Electronic Frontier Foundation and MuckRock News, in partnership with the Association of Alternative Newsmedia, publish this list of freedom-of-information ne’er-do-wells to celebrate Sunshine Week (March 12-18)—an annual event to raise the profile of the democratic concept of government transparency.

Not fully realized: ‘Scream VI’ takes a big step backward after last year’s franchise-redeeming reboot

By Bob Grimm

March 13, 2023

While Scream VI is better than the Wes Craven sequels, it is a step back from the revitalized feel of last year’s triumph. This feels like more of the same.

Nevada lawmakers should allow for civil penalties and lawsuits against illegal private militias

By Anthony Shafton

March 13, 2023

Candidate Joey Gilbert held a rally at the Believe sign near Reno City Hall when he had ambitions to become Nevada’s governor. Flanking the stage and spaced at intervals facing the crowd along the south side of the plaza stood about a dozen men.

Streetalk: What woman has been an influence or inspiration in your life?

By David Robert

March 11, 2023

In honor of Women’s History Month, we asked shoppers at Sundance Books about the women who inspire them.

In-city respites: Rattlesnake Mountain and Huffaker Hills offer approachable and beautiful trails

By Maggie Nichols

March 11, 2023

The approachability and the proximity to town make Huffaker Hills and Rattlesnake Mountain perfect for a quick stop just about any time of day.

Kickin’ up dust: Nevada’s a big state—and Tripp Whitney and the Free Labor want to make it country

By Matt Bieker

March 10, 2023

The song “There Ain’t Nuthin’ Badda Than a Cowboy From Nevada” provides the hook for Tripp Whitney and the Free Labor: It’s a catchy song and slogan that defines the band’s whole identity.

Coffee, whiskey, cream, sugar: An Irish coffee tour of midtown

By Michael Moberly

March 9, 2023

It’s the time of year to put your walking shoes on—and stroll through town enjoying whiskey, cream, coffee and sugar.

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