Latin for time flies.  You know it does when you check out your site and the last post is for the vernal equinox, and here we are PAST the summer solstice already.  I’ve been busy learning how to twitter and flickr and keeptempo.

Surfing the net and I ran across this interesting trivia:  The very first Google Doodle was a reference to the Burning Man Festival in 1998 (or 1999?).

Nevada Opera presents … Hansel & Gretel. By Englebert Humperdinck (the German Composer who lived from 1854 to 1921 — NOT the pop singer of the same stage name that local drummer Tony Savage has toured with — but possibly the inspiration for Prince Humperdinck of one of my favorite books of all time, The Princess Bride, by William Goldman.) But I digress.

The opera follows the fairytale bedtime story you remember (although it’s German and Grimm - a bit darker, sweeter and more romantic). A perfect opera for the whole family. Don’t miss it! Performances are Friday, February 8 at 7:30 pm or Sunday, February 10 at 2:00 pm at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts. Buy your tickets now! Or call the opera directly: 775-786-4046.

And be sure to arrive early for the pre-show talk! Artistic Director Michael Borowitz is AMAZING!!!

Be sure to arrive at least an hour early, so you can catch Artistic Director Michael Borowitz’s pre-show talk for Aida (Oct. 12th - be there 6:30 pm or Oct. 14th - arrive at 1 pm). Spectacular! Want to see what I mean? Check out his pre-show talk for “Orpheus in the Underworld.” (On the left screen, his talk — click on the right screen, and it will take you to that moment in the opera!) You’ll see why we’re all wearing “Michael Borowitz Fan Club” t-shirts.

Explore the majesty of ancient Egypt, the mysteries of the human heart. Experience some of the world’s most breath-taking music as this beautiful tragedy unfolds. This is what opera is all about.

If Reno is America’s Adventure Place … it is also America’s arts adventure place. Don’t know if we still can claim the title, but one upon a time, we had the highest percent of musicians, dancers and artists per capita in the U.S. (At least back in the day when casinos had house bands and elaborate local shows. “Hello Hollywood Hello” anyone?)

We might not have the numbers anymore, but we make up for it in diversity and quality. Nevada Opera is a real gem of a company. And this production of Aida promises to be spectacular. And just think — this is where Dolora Zajick got her start!

September, the start of the traditional performing arts season, is filled with opportunity for the art. UNR Performing Arts Series kicks off with the Ethos Percussion Group on September 20, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. at Nightingale Hall. Devoted to the incredibly diverse world of percussion music. Later in September, T.S. Monk appears at the Pioneer Center on the 26th to kick off the Washoe County Concert Series.   Drummer T.S. Monk just released Higher Ground, is launching his own label, and is the chairman of the Thelonious Monk Institute. Get ready for some incredible music!

At the Nevada Museum of Art, hot off the playa, Kate Raudenbush’s Guardian of Eden.

The Gazette covers its installation at the Museum.  I think this beautiful piece will be a welcome addition downtown.

Back to school is traditionally the time when the performing arts launch their seasons.  This year, the Reno Philharmonic opens their season with Joy & Passion.  You’re already an expert; you’ll know Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.

The Reno Chamber Orchestra kicks off with Wings & Strings, a fund-raising gala at the Grand Sierra Resort, Thursday, September 13th at 5:30 p.m.  Of course, this event ties into the Reno National Championship Air Racing Show.

First the balloons, then the air planes.  You know it’s fall in Reno.

This year marks the Nevada Opera’s 40th season … making them the oldest professional performing arts organization in Nevada. The Anniversary Concert October 5th is a great intro to opera — it’ll feature Michael Borowitz (who is an amazing talent and we are SO lucky to have him) and all of the best of opera. Click here to see him in action. Everything you already know from Bugs Bunny and Bad News Bears and completely improbably, Grand Theft Auto ads. A little Youtube research and you can be a total expert!

the positive! Join in the celebration! Not many communities take the time to recognize all those unsung heroes who quietly go about improving quality of life. But Truckee Meadows Tomorrow does just that, in a big way!

Join thousands of your friends and neighbors to recognize the contributions of the Silver Star winners at Accentuate the Positive, October 5, 2007 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at John Ascuaga’s Nugget in the Rose Ballroom. Don’t miss it!