File it under “Only in Reno.” It’s a Michael Jackson tribute, by an Elvis impersonator singing karaoke at Club Cal Neva. That’s like four great things all mixed together.

Recognized as one of the most comprehensive art festivals in the country by the National Endowment for the Arts, Artown brings more than 400 events to downtown Reno, Nev., for an extraordinary showcase of theater, dance, film and history as well as multi-cultural, musical, visual and performing arts.

Now in its 14th year, Artown expands its month-long event into a 32-day festival transforming the city into a summer epicenter of cultural entertainment. Launching Artown into the month-long cultural celebrations, the festival’s July 1 opening night brings Richie Havens, the artist that opened Woodstock 40 years ago.

This year’s Artown Opening Extravaganza includes a children’s hands-on printmaking workshop with festival artist Candace Nicol, face painting for children with Body Masterpiece and a performance by Havens. The festival continues with the nationally recognized and multi-faceted Aspen Santa Fe Ballet July 24 and ”Queen of Bluegrass” Rhonda Vincent and the Rage with opening band Contraband July 25.

A number of Festival favorites return including the Family Series, Monday Night Music Series, World Music Series, Dancing in the Park, Rollin’ on the River music series, Movies in the Park, Artown After Dark and the Discover the Arts children’s series. Artown’s Closing Night, which has grown year after year to now rival opening night, brings Motown stars The Funk Brothers to Wingfield Park on what festival organizers are dubbing July 32 (Aug. 1) to wrap up the festival’s 14th year on a Saturday.

For schedule details or to advance order a FREE copy of the Little Book of Artown, visit www.RenoIsArtown.com or call 775-322-1538.

Silver Legacy, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Alice 96.5 are teaming up to help find a cure. The first annual “Buy a Bachelor, Find a Cure” auction is on Thursday, June 4 at 6 p.m. in Aura Ultra Lounge.

Alice’s own Connie Wray will MC the event, as local celebrities and eligible bachelors are auctioned off to the highest bidder, all to help find a cure for blood cancers. Hors d’oeuvres will be served during the bachelor preview at 6 p.m. with the bachelor auction starting at 7 p.m. Guests can sip on the signature drink for the evening, the “Incredible Hunk.” A portion of this drink’s sales and all proceeds from the bachelor auction will be donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

The winning bachelor and his bidder will win dinner at Silver Legacy’s Sterling’s Seafood and Steakhouse. Other prizes include dinner packages at Café Sedona and Fairchild’s Oyster Bar.

The event also includes a silent auction featuring items such as spa treatments, Silver Legacy dinner and show packages, gift certificates for local eateries, wine tasting packages, comedy club tickets, Aces family pack of tickets and more.

Calling this a “shopping center” doesn’t do it justice. It’s a shopping experience.

The Legends at Sparks Marina, a destination retail center under construction in Sparks, Nev., is almost ready for its June 18 first-phase opening. And developers of the mega-mall are going big. Really big.

From a huge tower that anchors the center of the center, to common areas with statues depicting Nevada historical figures, features and wildlife, the concept behind Legends is to create a mecca for shopping and socializing. The first phase is expected to bring 28 tenants online, with a total of 47 tenants open for business by Aug. 1. Several tenants are already wowing visitors, including Scheels, the World’s Largest All Sports Store (at nearly 300,000 square feet) and Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen. By next spring there will also be a 13-theater movie complex, complete with an iMax screen – and tentative plans call for a destination casino hotel resort to anchor the north end of the project, as well as a concert venue that can seat up to 9,000 for big-name acts.

Bringing the “legends” to Legends

“The idea is to celebrate the history, people and places of Nevada,” said Dennis McGovern, Legends general manager. “When the first phase is finished you’ll see three ‘living room’ areas surrounded by artist depictions of the bristlecone pine (Nevada’s state tree), bighorn sheep, desert tortoise, a statue of Samuel Clemens …”

Common areas are replete with waterfalls, firepits, and lush landscaping. McGovern says developers are planting 1,600 trees and 26,000 shrubs at the site. The landscape is also varied – elevation changes enhance the feeling place and reflect the diverse topography of Northern Nevada.

Designed to appeal to all of the senses, a 151-speaker sound system will be installed at Legends, along with spaces for public events, including a five-story Christmas tree during the holiday season.

But it’s (mostly) about the shopping

On Wednesday 500 workers were on site – installing fixtures, punching out final touches on storefronts, hanging signs, pouring concrete and powering the huge electrical infrastructure.
“This place is changing every day,” McGovern said. “You can barely walk through here right now, but by June 18 this won’t even look like a construction site.”

The tenant mix will be 60 percent outlets – good news for deal seekers. Stores that have signed on the dotted line include:

Entertainment

• Dickinson Theatres & IMAX
• Kingpins

Hotel/Casino

• The Legends Bay Casino, Resort, Spa (Olympia Gaming)

Restaurants

• Cadillac Ranch
• FreshBerry Yogurt Cafe
• Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen
• Olive Garden
• Patsy Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria
• Subway

Stores

• Adidas
• Ann Taylor Factory
• Banana Republic Factory Store
• Bath and Body Works
• BCBG
• BCBGirls
• Best Buy
• Bose Factory Store
• Carter’s
• Converse
• Easy Spirit
• GameStop
• Gap Outlet
• GNC
• Guess Factory Store
• Gymboree Outlet
• Harry & David
• Jones New York
• Kasper
• Kenneth Cole
• Lane Bryant Outlet
• Leather Works
• Lucky Nails
• Michael Kors
• Nike Factory Store
• Nine West Outlet
• Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse
• Old Farmer’s Almanac
• Osh Kosh B’Gosh
• Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th
• Samsonite Factory Outlet
• Scheels
• Skechers USA Outlet
• Sprint
• Styles for Less
• Target
• Tommy Hilfiger
• Vans
• Volcom

Celebrate Reno-Tahoe’s newest destination

Although the ribbon will be cut June 18, Legends is going to stretch the party all summer long. A grand opening celebration runs July 31-Aug. 9.  Events include a summer concert series, fashion show, celebrity appearances, fireworks and more. The opening events coincide with the Legends Reno-Tahoe Open PGA Tour event and Hot August Nights.

If you saw Greg London walking down Virginia Street in downtown Reno, you may not recognize him … Reno’s own “Master of Disguise” and star of the stage show ICONMAN at Harrah’s may be better known for the characters he impersonates. Whether it’s the hip-shaking swagger of Elvis Presley, the showmanship of Elton John or the charm of Austin Powers, London’s return to Harrah’s center stage – running through May 31 at Sammy’s Showroom – wows the audience with accurate portrayals wrapped in a humorous package.

London previously starred in his own Harrah’s show, “Icons.” The new show brings new humor, new characters and new stage antics to the production.

“I love the new show,” says London.  “While we were fleshing it out during the winter break, we frequently had to stop so we all could laugh.  I think the new humor added days to our rehearsal time!”

“As exciting as it is to perform this fantastic new show, I’m equally excited to be returning to Reno.” London added.  “This is such a great part of the country. The opportunity to perform in Reno is truly icing on the cake for us.”

In addition to his talent as actor and comedian, London has also won commercial and critical acclaim as a singer. His single, “Everything I own,” has been climbing Billboard’s Hot Adult Contemporary Charts, with great radio play.

Come see this entertainment impresario at Harrah’s Reno for this limited engagement.

Greg London’s ICONMAN takes the stage in the legendary Sammy’s Showroom at Harrah’s Reno Wednesday through Sunday.  Showtime is 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.  Showtime on Friday and Saturday is 9 p.m.  The show is dark Monday and Tuesday. Ticket prices are $31.95 and $36.95 plus fees.  For more information or to purchase tickets call 1-775-788-2900 or visit www.HarrahsReno.com.

Reno-Tahoe is a family-friendly getaway, offering tons of fun for kids and adults alike. Add some of these Top 10 attractions to your travel itinerary:

1. Catch a ballgame: Downtown Reno is home to a new ballpark and the Reno Aces, a Triple A team. The boys of summer are playing in Reno-Tahoe.
2. Hit the slopes: Reno-Tahoe offers the largest concentration of ski and board resorts in North America — 18 within an hour drive of Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
3. Shop till you drop: The shopping is great in Reno-Tahoe, including the new Legends at Sparks Marina in Sparks, Nev., which boasts more than 70 stores and restaurants, including Scheel’s, the World’s Largest All Sports Store at almost 300,000 square feet.
4. A river runs through it: The Truckee River winds through downtown Reno and downtown Sparks, offering great opportunities for recreation and relaxation during the warm months. Whitewater enthusiasts can paddle to their heart’s content in the two whitewater parks.
5. Nevada-style casino action: In Reno-Tahoe the action goes 24-7, with deluxe, modern resort casinos that offer fun gaming action without the Vegas crowds.
6. The Jewel of the Sierra: Lake Tahoe is 45 minutes from Reno-Tahoe International Airport and downtown Reno — a great day trip whether it is summer or winter.
7. The Comstock Lode: Step back to Wild West times in Virginia City. The preserved epicenter of the Comstock Lode features classic buildings, old saloons and a cast of characters that is always entertaining.
8. V&T Railroad: Ride the rails of the Virginia and Truckee Railroad in Carson City, Nevada’s capitol. Working steam engines hearken back to the golden age of rail travel.
9. Wine and dine: Reno-Tahoe is known for adventure and Nevada-style gaming, but hundreds of restaurants serving everything from casual to five-star fare also make it a great destination for culinary enthusiasts.
10. Culture connection: Reno-Tahoe is home to 31 museums, including the Nevada Museum of Art, the National Automobile Museum and the Nevada State Museum – live Nevada’s rich culture.

Reno-Tahoe offers the perfect romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day. Here are some options …

• Spas abound

Dozens of Reno-Tahoe spas cater to every taste, from massage to healing mud baths. Two new additions in Reno offer world-class spa experiences: The Tuscan-theme Peppermill Resort Casino Spa Toscana offers customers an old-world experience with modern amenities, while the Spa Atlantis at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa provides indulgent luxury with unique services found nowhere else.

• Dinner for two

Reno-Tahoe is known as an adventure, gaming and nightlife destination, but there are numerous options for the culinary curious. Try Sezmu, LuLou’s or 4th Street Bistro for high-end fair, or how about an Italian experience at La Strada, one of the fine dining options inside the Eldorado Hotel Casino. And don’t forget your red meat fix at Sterling’s Seafood Steakhouse at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino or The Steakhouse Grill at John Ascuaga’s Nugget. Check out all of Reno-Tahoe’s great restaurants online.

• Vacation Packages

Travel deals are abundant right now in Reno-Tahoe, with getaway packages including lodging with skiing, spas and everything in between.

• Take your love to a ‘higher level’ at Diamond Peak Ski Resort

Diamond Peak Ski Resort, located high above Incline Village on Tahoe’s sunny North Shore, is inviting couples to “Take your love to a higher level” this Valentine’s day.
For $285 – two people, all inclusive – lovers young and “mature” will be treated to an incredible five-course dinner paired with fine wines at the fabulous Snowflake Lodge at the top of the Lakeview Chair. There may be no better sunset view in all of Tahoe (and maybe the world).

Diamond Peak is located at 1210 Ski Way in Incline Village, Nev., just 45 minutes from Reno. To make reservations go online or call 775-832-1177

“The change” may cause consternation for some women – and their significant others – but that doesn’t mean it can’t be funny.

“Menopause the Musical” is coming to the Eldorado Hotel Casino in Reno for an engagement starting Feb. 25. Inspired by a hot flash and a bottle of wine, the original off-Broadway musical begins with four women at a Bloomingdale’s lingerie sale. These ladies have nothing in common - but a black lace bra, hot flashes, night sweats, memory loss, chocolate binges, not enough sex, too much sex and day-to-day challenges.

The women share their ups and downs through a collection of 25 re-lyricized baby boomer songs from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. It was written by Jeanie Linders and is produced by South Florida-based GFour Productions. It has been seen by more than 10 million people all over the world since it debuted in a 76-seat perfume-shop-turned-theater in Orlando, Fla. in 2001.

Tickets are available from $29.95 for adults, $24.95 for seniors. Dinner and show packages available from $39.95. Room and Show package from $49.95.

If you’ve ever wanted to know what it feels like to compulsively laugh, or even ballroom dance with a stranger, a new show in Reno might be just your thing. Hypnotist Chris Cady is bringing his powerful hypnotism performance to the Pioneer Underground (formerly the Magic Underground), for a downtown Reno engagement.

“Get Hypnotized” is an all-ages comedy hypnosis show that features volunteers from the audience. A master hypnotist, Cady takes the audience on a mind-blowing tour of “fast-trance hypnosis.” He combines comedy, drama, and the power of the mind to create a complete theatrical experience where audience volunteers are the stars of the show.

The family-friendly show runs most Thursdays through Sundays – with a matinee on Sundays. The Pioneer Underground is located under the Pioneer Center for Performing Arts at 100 S. Virginia Street in the heart of downtown Reno. For ticket information, go online, or call 775-324-7474. Tickets range in price from $20-$25.

Reno is still in recovery mode after a night of partying Saturday as hundreds of Santas converged on downtown during the Seventh Annual Reno Santa Pub Crawl.

More than two-dozen local nightlife hot spots participated with drink specials and music, while locals and visitors mingled in their Santa suits.

The night culminated with a gathering of the Santas under the iconic Reno Arch and shortly after the real Santa was on his way home to continue getting ready for Christmas Eve. Don’t worry, though, we got a picture of him. He’s the one in the red hat.