Week of July 12, 2023

From the editor’s desk

Hillside Cemetery, the oldest graveyard in Reno, is the resting place of key figures in the city’s history, but it had fallen into neglect. The Sons and Daughters of Erin, Janice Hoke reports, has completed its four-year restoration of 30 graves at Hillside that mark the resting places of prominent Nevadans of Irish descent—and she also tells some of their stories.

In his 15 Minutes feature, RN&R photo chief Dave Robert spotlights Ray Bacasegua Valdez, a Native American artist and muralist who also is the director of the American Indian Movement of Northern Nevada. Valdez, who is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his studio at 960 Matley Lane.

Music man Matt King profiles The Heartless Bastards and band leader Erika Wennerstrom, slated to perform at the Ranch House in Sparks on July 23. The versatile band has fans worldwide—as evidenced by song “Only for You” nearing 50 million Spotify streams and more than 23 million YouTube views. In his latest The Lucky 13, King queries Clark Demeritt, leader of the proto-punk band Clarko, which will be taking the stage at the Holland Project on July 23.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to live shows, Good Luck Macbeth Theatre Company debuts Shark!, a silly, campy parody of Jaws (a production with a shark and plenty of snark, Jessica Simpson writes). Evening performances and matinees are scheduled through July 29.

Summer silliness continues with Biosphere, a flick that reviewer Bob Grimm says is “a wacky, funny movie” about two guys living in a post-apocalyptic bunker who may or may not be the last humans left on the planet. Grimm gives his highest rating to writer-director Boots Riley’s I’m a Virgo, “a brilliant seven-episode TV series on Amazon Prime” that may be streaming under most viewers’ radar.

As the thermometer rises, you don’t have to battle the crowds at Tahoe for a chance to paddle and play in the sun. The Sparks Marina offers wildlife, pockets of solitude and beachfront amenities, reports trekker Maggie Nichols.

Reno is one of the hottest startup cities in the U.S.—and there are stats to back it up, says Matt Westfield. Our On Nevada Business feature explains the region’s “triple helix” approach to attracting—and retaining—new businesses.

Most of these stories, and much more, are featured in the RN&R’s July print issue, available free on newsstands across Northern Nevada.

Also: We’re nearing the end of voting, so don’t forget to cast your ballot online in the final round of our 2023 Best of Northern Nevada competition for your favorite people, places and events, if you have yet to do so.

I’ll see you in the funny papers.

Take care,

—Frank X. Mullen, Editor