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Reno's Artown Means NonStop ActionNorthern Nevada Event Features More than 350 Cultural Events
July in Reno, Nevada offers a cultural buffet of 350 plus performances and events, ranging from an prestigious art auction to shows featuring international stars.
Time was when July was a culturally uneventful month in Reno. Now – thanks to Artown -- it is virtually impossible to attend all the featured attractions. All Around the TownFrom downtown’s Wingfield Park to the Grand Court at Meadowood Mall shopping center, on downtown streets, in casino showrooms and artists’ studios, bands and pipers play, ballerinas and Basques dance; mimes, clowns and caricaturists create a celebratory mood in what has been called “an awesome festival” by Good Morning America. The city of Reno, several corporate sponsors, contributing foundations and individuals foot the bill for this marathon of entertainment. Partners – dozens of them -- provide venues and additional support. Ingredients That Set Artown ApartLike other major arts festivals, the Reno version features international, national and regional artists. What sets it apart from the others is that these artists perform side by side with local organizations, illustrated by such performances as those of Broadway musical star Davis Gaines with the Reno Philharmonic and Reno Jazz Orchestra. And while most festivals sell subscription tickets, 85 percent of the Artown events are free and for admission events, tickets can be purchased on the spot. The Reno Philharmonic and fireworks at McKinley Arts and Culture Center; classic films shown at Wingfield Park, various entertainments on the Plaza at Harrah’s outdoor stage and the Friday evening Art Markets at the West Street Plaza are among the perennial free crowd-pleasers. Crowd PleasersThe 2007 festival kick-off featured a parade led by a marching band, surrealistic stilt-dancers and fire-spinners. Standout events included ballet ranging from performances by the American Ballet Theatre to Hell’s Kitchen Dance with Mikhail Baryshinikov and musical greats including Poncho Sanchez and his Latin jazz ensemble, Herby Hancock (formerly of the Miles Davis organization) and a closing night production that synthesized diverse musical styles and cultures, such as Japanese taiko drumming with Irish dance and opera with hip-hop. The Children's HoursEvery year, children’s events are important, too. Each afternoon during July, a free program encourages youngsters to “Discover the Arts.” At the beginning of these sessions, children are entertained – and often asked to participate – by a dance group, a banjo player, a puppet show or theater troupe. After the presentations, the youngsters make crafts related to the day’s theme, which they can take home. Artown 2008On the 2008 Artown playbill are some 350 events, which will be presented at more than 40 venues.. Although the festival’s basic structure remains, new events are inaugurated each year, such as the 2003 season’s Nevada Opera presentation of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta “Trial by Jury” at the Washoe County Court House, and the inauguration that same year of Thursday’s Gallery Nights hosted by art galleries in the Riverwalk corridor and beyond. According to the Artown founders’ philosophy, the festival has to be fresh, exciting, surprising in order to keep people coming back. To obtain weekly updates, go to renosartown.
The copyright of the article Reno's Artown Means NonStop Action in Nevada Travel is owned by Connie Emerson. Permission to republish Reno's Artown Means NonStop Action in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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