November spotlights poetry reading, bluegrass music

Don’t forget that well-known Reno poet, Gailmarie Pahmeier, will give a poetry reading Saturday night at the Art Center.

Pahmeier teaches literature and creative writing at UNR and she will be reading from hew new collection “The Rural Lives of Nice Girls” which was recently published by the Black Rock Press.

The event is from 5 to 7 p.m. in the galleries at the Art Center. There will be a meet the author reception from 5 to 6 p.m. and the reading will begin at 6 p.m. The reception and reading are free and open to the public.

Music fans are in for a real treat when J2B2 (the John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band featuring Herb Pedersen, Jon Randall and Mark Fain) roll into town for a show at the Barkley Theatre on November 15.

Jorgenson is one of the most accomplished string musicians playing today, truly a world class musician who has performed with the likes of a host of talent including Bonnie Raitt, Luciano Pavarotti, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Earl Scruggs and many, many others.

In 2008, Jorgenson received a Grammy for Best Country Instrumental with Brad Paisley and was also, nominated for another for Best Bluegrass Album with Earl Scruggs.

The bluegrass ensemble brings together the talents of these four legendary musicians: Jorgenson on guitar, mandolin and vocals; Pedersen on bajo, guitar and vocals; Randall on guitar and vocals; and Mark Fain on Bass.

Jorgenson and Pedersen are founding members of the seminal country-rock group, The Desert Rose Band. Pedersen was also a member of the Dillards and the well-known bluegrass ensemble Old & In the Way. Jon Randall was, for many years, the guitarist for Emmylou Harris’ band and has toured with Lyle Lovett and Linda Ronstadt. Mark Fain toured for more than 13 years with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder and has recorded with Dwight Yoakam.

So, it’s going to be a rousing good time at the Art Center. And, the band will hold a free and open to the public conversation on their musical and other influences in the Art Center’s Bar at 3 p.m. on the day of the performance.

Tickets for the evening show are $17 for CAC members, $20 for non-members and are available at Jeff’s Copy Express, ITT @ NAS Fallon or by calling Churchill Arts at 775-423-1440.

Kirk Robertson covers the arts scene. He may be reached at news@lahontanvalleynews.com.