Reno-Tahoe

Cinematography is the medium. Action sports and adventure is the subject. Well known as a breeding ground for elite athletes and year-round adventurers, Lake Tahoe is the stage for the 7th Annual Tahoe Adventure Film Festival to be held Dec. 12 at Montbleu Resort Casino & Spa in South Lake Tahoe.

Designed to capture the intensity and passion of adventure, the Tahoe Adventure Film Festival (TAFF) showcases 10-minute clips from the best action sports films of the year in one evening. TAFF organizers spend months pouring over footage from every corner of the globe to narrow down the film submissions to the top 10. Films cover the full spectrum of adventure by the action sports world’s best talent, featuring sports like skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, rock climbing, surfing, skating, mountain biking, BASE jumping and other heart-pounding sports. The high-energy films are amplified by live acts including special guest speakers, action sports photography by Aurora Photos, go-go dancers, DJs, and always a few special surprises to keep the audience entertained.

“The festival’s fast pace and action-packed films keep us on edge; that fine line that defines world-class athletes and fuels our passion for adventure at any level,” says Todd Offenbacher, TAFF founder and event host. “We put together a line-up of the best films of the year and showcase them in one night of energy, excitement and fun that appeal to all audiences.”

A highlight of the festival is the Golden Camalot Award which recognizes one athlete or filmmaker for their athletic prowess, achievements and leadership role in action and adventure sports. Past TAFF Camalot recipients include snowboard pioneer Jeremy Jones, 86-year-old mountaineer Fred Beckey, extreme skier Glen Plake, world-class rock climber Tommy Caldwell, and legendary climber/kayaker Royal Robbins.

This year TAFF has partnered with the Sierra Avalanche Center to host the biggest raffle in the festival’s history. Prizes include Lake Tahoe resort season passes, a trip with Points North Heli Adventures, an afternoon with Pacific Crest Snowcats, and enough gear and swag to stock any adventure enthusiast’s garage.

The festival starts at 6:30 p.m. with an action sports photography display from award-winning Aurora Photos followed by the main event at 7:30pm. For festival details, visit www.LakeTahoeFilmFestival.com. Tickets are available at the Montbleu Resort box office or www.ticketmaster.com.

It may be fall, but the fun isn’t slowing down in Reno Tahoe. Among the highlights for today and tomorrow are The Chieftans, the International Outhouses Races in Virginia City and the Reno Celtic Celebration.

October 2

• Nevada Opera Bizet’s Carmen
  Bizet’s final masterpiece set in 1830’s Seville, Spain, Carmen is a tragic tale of obsessive passion and jealousy. Loved by the unpredictable gypsy heroine, a young officer must choose between following his military career or following Carmen. Read More

• The Chieftains
  The legendary Chieftains have served as the benchmark for Irish traditional music for the past four decades. The six-time Grammy winners, credited for bringing traditional Irish music to the world’s attention, uncover the wealth of traditional Irish music that has accumulated over the centuries making the music their own with a style that is as exhilarating as it is definitive. Read More

• Nevada Repertory Company presents Ubu the King
  Nevada Repertory Company presents “Ubu the King”* by Alfred Jarry and directed by Rob Gander. One of the most extraordinary events of the late 19th century in Paris happened Dec. 11, 1895, at the Theatre de l’Oeuvre where the audience was scandalized by Alfred Jarry’s revolutionary satire, Ubu Roi. Read More

• Argenta presents Circa 1809
  Join university music faculty members Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio, violin; and James Winn, piano, as they welcome their new cellist and music faculty member, Dmitri Atapine, to Argenta. As a winner of the Carlos Prieto and Llanes International Cello Competition (Mexico), Mr. Atapine has since been recognized as an exciting cellist and accomplished chamber musician. Read More

October 2-3

• Super Diamond
  Since 1993, Super Diamond has made it their mission to spread the “good word of Neil” to all, bridging the gap between young and old, rich and poor, great and small. They recently performed on the Late Show with David Letterman. Read More

October 3

• International Outhouse Races
  Take an adventure back in time during historic Virginia City’s World Championship Outhouse Races. This hilarious Comstock tradition pits teams of costumed outhouse racers against each oth­er as one person rides and the remaining team members manage to push, pull or drag the outhouse quickly down the track. The always-outrageous outhouse parade on Saturday features Virginia City’s famous “Plungerettes.” Read More

October 3-4

• Reno Celtic Celebration
  Pipe Bands, Celtic Musicians, Highland Games, Scottish and Irish Dancers, Celtic Vendors and More … Make plans to join the 19th Annual Celebration. Read More

For complete Reno Tahoe entertainment listings, visit our calendar online.

The rumble of motorcycles has officially filled Reno Tahoe as 25,000 of the region’s friends on two wheels pour in for Street Vibrations, the area’s annual celebration of bikes, bikers and the people who love them. Throughout the weekend, there will be events, contests, cruises and tons of food and live music (events calendar), but the highlight may come Saturday evening at Grand Sierra Resort when daredevil rider Ryan Capes attempts to smash the world record for a ramp-to-ramp jump.

Capes, who was recently featured on the ESPN FMX blog in preview of the jump, said the jump harkens back to the glory days of motorcycling.

“Well, about three years ago at Evel Knievel Days, I went for the ramp-to-ramp world record and I jumped 246 feet — seven feet short of the record,” he told ESPN’s Ryan Leyba. “I would’ve broken it back then, but I didn’t due to the fact that the wind was whipping badly and I had to shut it down — so I’m coming back to Reno and I’m going for the record again. I’m on a bigger takeoff ramp and a bigger landing ramp, and I plan on being the first guy to jump 300 feet ramp-to-ramp. The record right now is 253 feet, set by Jason Rennie, and I will beat that.”

The attempt is no joke. Construction shows a take off ramp that stretchs more than 20 feet off the ground, and a huge landing ramp — the largest ever built according to Capes — that rises approximately 30 feet. The event is all part of the grand opening celebration of the Xtreme Sportsbar + Lounge at the hotel-casino. The evening will also feature a performance by MiniKiss, a Kiss tribute band headlined by the most rockin-est little people this side of the Rockies.

When: Saturday, Sept. 26

• 6 p.m. Livfast freestyle demos and record-breaking attempt by rider Ryan Capes.
• 8:30 – 9 p.m. Performance by MiniKiss in the Grand Sierra parking lot.
• 10 p.m. Afterparty in Xtreme Sports Bar + Lounge with a special grand opening performance by Mini Kiss.

Where: Grand Sierra Resort parking lot, and inside the casino

Video: Capes’ previous world-record jump:

Galena Fest 2009 is bringing competitive mountain biking to the hills of Reno Tahoe on Sept. 27, taking advantage of one of the region’s best-kept secrets – the Galena Creek Regional Park – and giving enthusiast’s another reason to visit the region.

The race takes place 7 a.m.-2 p.m. with tons of events for mountain bikers of every age and skill level, and plenty of fun for spectators. Read More

Xtreme Sports Bar + Lounge inside Grand Sierra Resort and Livfast, a nationally recognized freestyle motocross team, present All In, a motocross event featuring riders from around the globe, and a daredevil attempt at a record-breaking jump.

Grand Sierra Resort sets the stage for a heart-pounding, action packed evening to celebrate the grand opening party of Xtreme and caps the night off with a record-breaking jump by nationally recognized rider Ryan Capes.

Capes, the newest addition to the Livfast team, will attempt a 300-foot ramp-to-ramp jump to smash the current record of 252 feet set in 1999. The jump from metal, man-constructed ramps pays homage to pioneers of the sport, such as Evil Knievel, and is considered more dangerous than jumps from traditional dirt ramps.

The party continues on with a grand opening celebration in Xtreme with a performance by MiniKiss, the hottest, littlest Kiss tribute band. The group hits the stage for a dynamic live performance of the renowned band’s legendary anthems.  It’s sure to be an unforgettable night as the mini tribute band brings “Crazy, Crazy Nights” to the hottest new bar scene in Reno.

When: Saturday, Sept. 26

Cycling enthusiasts have a new event in Reno. Galena Fest 2009 is bringing competitive mountain biking to the hills above South Reno, taking advantage of one of the region’s best-kept secrets – the Galena Creek Regional Park – and giving racers another reason to visit the region.

The race takes place Sept. 27, from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. with tons of events for mountain bikers of every age and skill level, including: The Bloody Rose Mountain Bike Climb to Relay Peak; The Thorn Mountain Bike Climb to The Wall at Sky Tavern; Kids’ Mountain Bike Race through Galena Creek Regional Park, and Big Fish Contest at Marilyn Pond.

The event will raise funds to keep Galena Creek Regional Park accessible and safe and re-establish outdoor programs at the Park.

For more information, or to register for this great event go online to www.renogalenafest.com.

From the Galena Fest 2009 blog:

Mountain Bike Climbs, Bike Races for Kids, The Big Fish Contest for Kids and Outdoor Activities Offered During Inaugural Event to Benefit Galena Creek Regional Park

Save the Date: the inaugural Galena Fest 2009 will take place Sunday, September 27, 2009, at Galena Creek Regional Park, Reno, NV; activities get underway at 8 am and includecompetitive mountain bike races for all ages, The Big Fish Contest for 4-11 year olds, and outdoor activities and fun for all ages. The festival will get underway around 11 AM and will feature live music, BBQ and food, a beer/beverage terrace and competition awards.

What’s sure to be the most talked about and anticipated element of Galena Fest, The Bloody Rose, a grueling, competitive climb starting at the Park and climbing more than 4700’ of vertical over 11 miles, will conclude at the top of Relay Peak, overlooking Lake Tahoe. The overall men’s and women’s finisher will take home a season pass to Mt. Rose Ski. The Bloody Rose starts at 9 AM. The Thorn, a shorter 5 mi. climb from the Park to The Wall at Sky Tavern, will challenge even the toughest. Category winners will enjoy lift tickets at Mt. Rose Ski. Start time is 9:30 AM. Both races are open to ages 14 and over. Early registrants will be timed and will compete for the prizes.

Kids races for those ages 5-13 will feature courses through the Park; helmets required and winners will enjoy hoodies donated by Mt. Rose Ski. Start times vary and begin at 10:30 AM. Registration is required.

Fishing buddies ages 4-11 can enter The Big Fish Contest at Marilyn’s Pond. Registration begins at 10 AM and the Contest runs 11 AM – 1 PM. Cabela’s has donated Rod & Reel sets for contest winners. Donations appreciated.

Outdoor activities abound for all: castle creations at the volleyball pit, apple art at Bear Mat picnic area, and a festival with live music, food vendors and beer/beverage terrace will take place at Eagle Meadow. The Festival is free and open to the public; proceeds from the sale of food and beverages will benefit the Park.

Online registration and more details: www.RenoGalenaFest.com

Additional information and media at renogalenafest@gmail.com or 775-253-4560.

Directions: Galena Creek Regional Park – NORTH Entrance: 18350 Mt. Rose Highway, Reno, NV 89511.

Map: