The event of a lifetime is brewing on the sacred Paiute tribal land, on the shores of Pyramid Lake.

Over 6,000 people are expected to gather at Pyramid Lake this weekend, May 17 – 21, for the five-day Symbiosis Gathering. The gathering is looking to co-create a visionary village directly in the path of the 2012 solar eclipse. The path of the eclipse will sweep directly over Pyramid Lake, making it one of the best places in the world to view this astronomical event on May 20.

The auspicious event marks the first major lakeside gathering permitted by the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe in over 25 years.  To honor the alignment of the Earth, Moon and Sun, Symbiosis will bring together an epic lineup of over 70 innovative artists, musicians and teachers for a gathering intended to inspire and inform personal evolution and planetary healing.  Five days of music will feature a full-ranged music festival; including, live bands, electronic, dubstep, techno, trance, house, downtemple, sacred, world, kirtan and much more. From yoga to hula, mycology to neurology, prana to permaculture, the gathering will also offer an array of speakers, workshops and presentations for mind, body and spirit.  The full lineup of artists and teachers can be found on pyramideclipse.com. Find photos of previous Symbiosis Gatherings at pyramideclipse.com./gallery. Tickets still available!

On Sunday May 20th, 2012, a solar eclipse will sweep across East Asia, over the northern Pacific Ocean, and then into the southwestern United States.

Reno and Albuquerque are the only major cities along the shadow’s narrow path – the center of the path sweeps directly through the south shore of Pyramid Lake. Yes, that’s right, one of the best places in the world to view this astronomical event will be right in our backyard!

In Reno, a free solar eclipse viewing will be offered at UNR:

When: Sunday, May 20, 2012, from 5-7 p.m. (maximum eclipse, 6:28-6:33 p.m.)

Where: MacLean Observatory on the Redfield Campus of the University of Nevada, Reno, 18600 Wedge Parkway in southwest Reno

Out-of-town visitors: The Silver Legacy Resort Casino is offering discount rates for eclipse visitors! Visit this Visitors page for more information.

As you get starry-eyed over this opportunity of a lifetime, don’t forget how dangerous looking directly into the sun can be! For maximum protection, the Planetarium will provide solar viewers for sale in the Science Store. For safe viewing tips, and how to build your own safe-viewing devices, see these resources.

Reno Tahoe has a banging music scene, and headliners know this. Perhaps that’s why Don Henley is doing a special one-night show, only at the Reno Events Center! They love coming here, and we love having them. Get ready to raise the roof. Here’s the 2012 summer lineup:

Kix Brooks

May 24, at Cargo at CommRow

One half of the legendary duo, Brooks and Dunn, will perform at 8:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25. Details at commrow.com, and at the second-floor box office, at CommRow.

SCORPIONS

June 8, at Reno Events Center

After four decades and 100 million albums, the SCORPIONS embark on The Final Sting Tour marking their last and final performances together ever. The tour includes a stop at Reno Event Center, on June 8th. Tickets are available for $35.50, $49.50 and $89.50, by calling 1-888-288-1833 or online at ticketmaster.com.

Don Henley

June 28, at Reno Events Center

Don Henley, both as solo artist and as a member of the Eagles, has received countless accolades, numerous gold and platinum records and performed sold-out concert tours worldwide. Don’t miss the chance to see Don Henley in concert at the Reno Events Center – currently his one and only tour stop. Tickets on sale for $55, $75 and $95, by calling 1-888-288-1833 or online at ticketmaster.com.

MC Hammer

June 30, at Silver Legacy Resort Casino

The rapper known for the 1990 mega-hit “U Can’t Touch This” will perform at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $45-$59.50. Details at silverlegacy.com, and 800-687-8733 or 775-325-7401.

Love and Light

August 4, at The Knit Reno

The electronic band hailing from the Reno/Tahoe area will perform at 9:30 p.m. Tickets cost $12-$27. Details and tickets at knittingfactory.com.

Van Halen

August 30, at Reno Events Center

The reformed ‘80s rock group known for hits such as “Jump” will perform at the Reno Events Center at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, which cost $69.50 to $149.50, go on sale May 14, on ticketmaster.com.

Dierks Bentley

August 31, at Reno Events Center

Tickets available on ticketmaster.com for $49.

Crosby, Stills & Nash

September 22, at Reno Events Center

The music of David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash is a cornerstone of rock ‘n roll.

Carrie Underwood

October 12, at Reno Events Center

Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com, by phone, at 800.745.3000, and at the box office.

For a complete listing, please go to VisitRenoTahoe.com.

NEVADA MUSEUM OF ART

Exhibitions:

Celebrate Art of the Tiffany Era – Three unique exhibitions open through May 20

The Tiffany family design legacy is celebrated in this unique mix of exhibitions featuring Louis Comfort Tiffany’s stained glass of the art nouveau era and a rare collection of Tiffany & Co.’s decorative firearms. Charles Lewis Tiffany established Tiffany & Co. in 1837; his son Louis Comfort Tiffany later founded Tiffany Studios, renowned for exquisite decorative objects.

Special Events:

Mother’s Day Trunk Show

May 12, noon – 3 pm

Find the perfect gift this Mother’s Day from the work of ceramics artist Barbara Glynn Prodaniuk and jewelry artist, Gail Rappa – both Wild Women artists. Admission to the Trunk Show is FREE.

TALK: BRDI and BRAF Present: Candy Chang | Before I Die

May 17, at 6pm

In collaboration with the Black Rock Arts Foundation and the Black Rock Design Institute, the Museum welcomes artist, designer, urban planner, and wanderer Candy Chang as she presents her project Before I Die. Recognized as a leader in developing new strategies for the design of our cities, Chang will also discuss her installation of Before I Die in Reno. Networking and social hour with beer provided by Silver Peak Brewery at 5pm. Talk follows at 6pm.

Cost: $10 / $8 Museum members.

ART BITE: Meet the Collectors: The Bloms on Southwest Pottery

May 18, at 12 pm

Brenda and John Blom discuss the range of pottery they have collected from every era and pueblo in the Southwest.

Cost: $10 / FREE with admission and for Museum members

THE DISCOVERY

Biodegradable Art

May 12, at 11am, and May 12– 13, at 11am and 1pm

Combine art and science when you create your own piece of art made from biodegradable packing peanuts.

Cost: $3/Members Free

Eclipse Viewer

May 19, at 11am, and May 19– 20, at 11am and 1pm

Learn about solar eclipses and view the upcoming eclipse through the safety of the home made viewer you’ll create in this intriguing class.

Cost: $3/Members Free

SPARKS HERITAGE MUSEUM

May 16, at 4 – 10pm

Fiddle and Banjo Workshop, a Nevada Arts Council Folklife Education Program and a free concert to follow!

NATIONAL AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM

Mutant Rides: Origin of a Species

They began a spontaneously, a change in the genetic code, and evolved from the assemble line to an emerging species on the Black Rock Desert.  These rolling works of art are now deeply entrenched in the culture of Burning Man. Imagine a world of motorized vehicles where boundaries are limitless, imaginations rule and the bizarre becomes the norm.

Darth Vader and a fleet of “Imperial Stormtroopers” return to the 31st annual Great Reno Balloon Race, the largest free hot-air ballooning event in the world. Set for Sept. 7-9, 2012 at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, Reno, Nev., another milestone includes the most special shaped balloons in a decade. First time balloons confirmed to date include “Shark,” “Planet Earth,” “Pondemonium” and “Strawberry Heights.” Look to the Reno skies for the return of fan favorites “Smokey Bear,” “Sushi,” “Party Panda” and “Soccer Ball.”

“How does the largest free hot-air ballooning event in the world, top itself each year? Simple. We bring in more special shape balloons and offer more,” Pete Copeland, executive director of the Great Reno Balloon Race said. “Right now our goal is to confirm our special shape balloons and determine our final number. It’s been very positive and it looks like for the first time in several years we’ll see more than 100 balloons. We’re also adding more family focused activities, new concessions and a new layout to enhance the overall festival feel and total experience for the event.”

The 86-foot tall Darth Vader balloon, which depicts the infamous black helmet from the Star Wars villain, travels from Belgium and is making its second flight at the Great Reno Balloon Race. Exclusive rides for the Darth Vader balloon and balloons during Dawn Patrol will be auctioned off on eBay.com starting in July.

The “Sushi” and “Shark” balloons will be tethered this year for the Children’s Cabinet, so at-risk kids can experience team building and the joy of a hot-air balloon flight.

For information about The Great Reno Balloon Race including reserved VIP parking passes, volunteering and sponsorship contact 775-826-1181 or visit online www.renoballoon.com.

Grab your train whistle and conductor hat and get ready for a Saturday full of locomotive fun! Commemorating the vehicle that helped build America, May 12 has been declared National Train Day. With a rich history of railroads, there’s no better place to celebrate than Reno Tahoe.

Ride the Mckeen Motorcar- Nevada State Railroad Museum

Take a step back in time and celebrate National Train Day with a ride on the vintage McKeen motorcar at the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City. From 1910 to 1945, the McKeen took passengers between Carson City and Minden on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. This treasured piece of Nevada history was donated to Nevada State Rail Road Museum where it underwent a decade of serious restoration. In 2010, the 70 ft. gas powered motorcar returned to the railroad and now takes a new generation of passengers on a limited number of rides each year.  Don’t miss your chance to climb aboard the only operating McKeen motorcar in the world for an unforgettable ride through Carson City!

Rides run from 10 am to 4 pm. $10 for adults (12 years and up), $5 for children (4 to 11 years) and FREE for children 3 years and younger.

Reno Sparks Railroad Days – Reno Amtrak Station

A fun-filled day for families and rail fans alike, Reno Sparks Railroad Days is a celebration of America’s love of locomotives. The Galena Jazz Band and New Chorale Singers kick off the festivities with a lively welcome as the California Zephyr #5W rolls into the station. The revelry continues with exhibits from the Union Pacific Railroad, Nevada Railroad Museum and Virginia & Truckee Railroad, as well as model train displays, refreshments and music. Join the excitement from 8 am to 4 pm and show your passion for one of the nation’s first forms of transportation. Admission is FREE!

For more information on National Train Day and other exciting adventures in Reno Tahoe, visit our events calendar at VisitRenoTahoe.com.

If you’re in the mood for gut-busting humor that will have you hunched over from laughter, then you’re in luck because Reno Tahoe has a lineup of standup stars ranging from new talents whose careers are just beginning to heat up, to a seasoned veteran who has brought smiles to faces for five decades (and selling pudd’n pops).

Sean Peabody

April 21

Hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area, comedic up and comer Sean Peabody has become a favorite in Reno Tahoe, and his success continues to grow as he tours all around the west coast. His energetic and relatable style of comedy has earned him opening acts for standup greats such as, Robin Williams, Eddie Griffin and D.C. Curry.

Mark G.

April 26 & 28

Armed with quick wits and an inviting personality, Mark G. is renowned for making his audience feel like close friends while bringing them to tears with his side-splitting humor. His journey as a comedian began in San Francisco, performing on any open microphones he could find. With a desire to expand his comedic repertoire, he enrolled in an improvisation institute where he developed his ability to make each set a unique experience for his fans. His career has taken him everywhere from Canada to Korea and his next stop is right here in Reno!

Lisa Lampanelli

April 28

Crowned as the “Queen of Mean,” Lisa Lampanelli is one of standup comedy’s brightest stars, winning praise from comedy legend Jim Carey calling her “more than a standup – a standout.” Lampanelli gained notoriety as a regular guest on Comedy Central’s Roasts where she unleashed her no-holds-barred humor on stars such as, Pamela Anderson, Chevy Chase and Donald Trump. Join Lisa Lampanelli at the Silver Legacy for an evening packed with laughs where no subject is taboo.

Stephen Lynch

May 5

From serenading audiences about his ailing grandfather and the inheritance his demise will bring, to singing tales of his unorthodox teaching style that led to him being fired from an elementary school, Stephen Lynch has earned a loyal fan following with his unique blend of music and hilarious stories. Lynch earned national exposure with his Comedy Central Presents special, which lead to performances with Jay Mohr, Jeff Foxworthy, Mitch Hedberg and now a performance in The Biggest Little City.

Bill Cosby

May 18

There are few entertainers who have enjoyed careers comparable to Bill Cosby’s, with achievements that span from three Emmy Awards for his role in the espionage series I Spy, to the creation of the hit cartoon Fat Albert and the Crosby Kids, to his best-selling book Fatherhood. Help welcome this comedic legend to Reno for a night full of nostalgia and laughs you won’t soon forget.

George Lopez

May 25

With a career encompassing television, standup, film, and most recently, late-night TV, George Lopez is a multi-talented giant in the comedy world. His groundbreaking show, The George Lopez Show, ran for six seasons and elevated him to stardom, eventually leading to his talk show on TBS, Lopez Tonight. Now he is taking to the Silver Legacy Stage for a performance full of amusing observations and satire you won’t want to miss.

The Reno Tahoe region boasts 32 museums! Between golf outings, spa days, and hikes through the blossoming flowers this spring, check out the featured exhibits at one of the awe-inspiring museums. Every month we will highlight a brief selection of exhibits to visit!

NEVADA MUSEUM OF ART

August Sander: Face of Our Time

Ends: April 22

This exhibition features sixty black-and-white portraits taken by German photographer August Sander in the early part of the twentieth century that document a cross section of German society. This unique set of prints from Sander’s series Antlitz der Zeit (Face of Our Time) has never been exhibited before, although the photographer did publish a volume of images by the same name.

In 1936, Nazi officials seized all copies of Sander’s books and ordered that his Face of Our Time photographs be destroyed. This was because the social and cultural range of people he photographed suggested diversity within the German nation, which was a threat to the Nazi doctrine of racial purity. Sander’s studio was destroyed in a World War II bombing raid in 1944.

The Canary Project

Ends: April 29

The Canary Project includes diverse works involving more than 30 artists, designers, writers, educators and scientists. The causes and effects of global change, which encompass those of climate change, are increasingly the focus of artists around the world, whether they are working in the Antarctic, Canada, Chile, or Southeast Asia. Many of those projects rely on photographic evidence for working materials. What makes the Canary Project unique is that Sayler and Morris have partnered with local artists and others wherever they have been in residence. This enables them to expand the reach of their concern through the use of other media, including bus ads, billboards, posters, and installations such as the climate poker game Quartet for the End of Time, and the fashion performance Increase your Albedo.

THE DISCOVERY

Truckee Connects

Learn all about the favorite summer hangout, the Truckee River. Flowing from Lake Tahoe, through the downtown Reno waterpark, and into Pyramid Lake, there’s an adventure and vital duty at every bend. Educate yourself on its many uses; including, recreation, irrigation, hydroelectric power, and wildlife in this very interactive exhibit. Beware of the potential splash zone, who do you trust more with water: Shamu or your kids…

SPARKS HERITAGE MUSEUM

Night of the Titanic

Ends: April 28

Every Saturday this April, from 1-3:30pm, experience what it was like to stand on the deck of the doomed ocean liner Titanic the night she sank in a 22 minute multi-media production.

For more museums in the area, please visit our website: VisitRenoTahoe.com.

Living in one of the most naturally beautiful places on the planet, we do what we can to maintain it. Earth Day in Reno Tahoe is big. Drawing crowds by the thousands big.

Earth Day Reno – Idlewild Park

April 22

Celebrations have taken place in Idewild Park along the Truckee River for the past 40 years. The 2012 theme is inspired by the recycling symbol focusing on three major components of Earth Day: The Natural World, Many Cultures, and Green Technologies. The event features live music and entertainment from around the globe, green workshops, children’s activities, and artwork enforcing sustainable cooperative habits. The event is from 9am – 5pm, and it’s always FREE! (Please keep pets at home in accordance with City of Reno regulations.)

Tahoe Truckee Earth Day Festival – Squaw Valley

April 21

Rejoice and promote the region’s unique beauty at this free event. Friends and families will enjoy games, arts and crafts, world dancers, and seminars on alternative energy, sustainability and forest health. The event runs from 9am – 5pm. Grab a pen and paper, and check out the full schedule here!

Share a ride, help Carve Out Carbon and WIN ski tickets!

Now until April 21

Zimride is partnering with Sierra Business Council to offer big rewards for carpooling. Anyone who Zimrides to Squaw Valley on or before Earth day, Sat. April 21st, will be entered to win one of eight full day ski passes to Squaw Valley or Alpine Meadows. Additionally, drivers will have access to special VIP parking area a short walk to the slopes. Zimride is the cheapest, greenest, and most social way to travel.

Spring is officially here, but the change in season isn’t the only thing heating up Reno Tahoe USA this April. Here are the nightlife highlights for this month.

EDGE Nightspot

April 7 – Platinum Party

Bud Light Platinum hosts the flashiest party in Reno, featuring DJ Reflex dropping the hottest beats all night long. Guests sporting platinum will receive complementary cover and the best platinum outfit of the evening will win a platinum and diamond pendant from Precision Diamonds!

Doors open at 10 pm. $20 cover.

April 13, 20 & 27 – Biggest Little City DJ Battle

Local DJ’s go head to head on April 13 and 20, battling their way to finals on April 27 where four finalists will take on resident DJ Chris English. The winner will take home $1,000 and earn an opening set for DJ Spryte Aiight the following night.

Doors open at 10 pm. $20 cover.

April 28 – DJ Spryte

Hailing from Chicago, DJ Spryte brings his house heavy style to EDGE with the champion of the Biggest Little City DJ Battle.

Doors open at 10 pm. $20 cover.

Beer Fest

April 13 – Reno Ballroom

Join the Nevada Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Chapter for the 18^th annual Beer Fest, featuring over 60 different brews! This is your chance to use those party skills for a good cause as the proceeds will go towards undergraduate scholarships at the University of Nevada, Reno. Enjoy as much beer as you can drink in a commemorative glass, entertainment by DJ Ryon and a raffle.

Doors open at 7 pm. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door.

DJ Ikon

April 14 – BuBinga Lounge

DJ Ikon returns to the Eldorado Hotel Casino for a night of high energy excitement and dancing. After growing up in Lake Tahoe and attending college in Reno, DJ Icon has become a powerhouse on the Las Vegas strip, claiming residencies at a number of the hottest nightclubs in Sin City, including Pure and Haze. Now he is making a homecoming appearance at BuBinga Lounge for a special Addiction Saturday, which promises to be a party you won’t want to miss.

Doors open at 10 pm. $10 cover.

Rusko

April 22 – Knitting Factory

Dubstep guru, Rusko, takes to the Knitting Factory stage for a night of bass thumping original tracks, such as, “Woo Boost,” and “Hold On.”

Doors open at 7 pm/ Show at 8 pm. Tickets are $29.