A&E BRIEFS

love and theft tickets

Tickets are still available for this year’s opening group for the Fallon Cantaloupe Festival and Country Fair, Love and Theft, who will play on Sept. 2.

General admission is $25, and VIP tickets are $45 for the country group that swept the music world seven years ago with their top 10 hit, “Runaway.” Tickets may purchased online at http://falloncantaloupefestival.tix.com, or for general admission at Fallon Ford-Toyota and CC Communications.

All additional information is available on the festival’s website, falloncantaloupefestival.com or its Facebook page, Fallon Cantaloupe Festival & Country Fair.

Robyn Jordan, marketing director for the Fallon Cantaloupe Festival, said the VIP package includes a weekend pass to the festival, two drink tokens and admittance to the VIP tent.

Rachel Steele and Road 88 and Stephen Christie and Kyle Rothchild will open for Love and Theft. Gates open at the Churchill County Fairgrounds at 5 p.m., and Love and Theft performs at 8 p.m.

KELSO’S LATEST BOOK SIGNING

An early chapter book, “Christopher’s Science Magic,” is the latest release from local author, Mary Jean Kelso.

She will be signing books at the Fallon Lights of Christmas sponsored “Christmas in July Craft Fair” at the Wolf Center, 457 Esmeralda Street in Fallon. Doors are open July 29 from noon to 6 p.m., July 30, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Proceeds from booth rentals go directly to Toys for Tots.

“Books are Toys for Tots, too,” Kelso reminds us. “What better gift can you give a child than a book that will enrich their life?”

Kelso has published nearly 30 titles for children, tweens, young adults and adults.For more information about the event contact fallonlightsofchristmas@yahoo.com.

Contact Mary Jean Kelso at mjkel@aol.com or go to http://www.maryjeankelsoauthor.wix.com/mjkel for further details on her publications.

SAFARI-THEMED EXHIBITIONS

The spirit of adventure lives at the Wilbur D. May Museum at Reno’s Rancho San Rafael Regional Park this fall with the opening of two new safari-themed exhibitions from Aug. 6-Oct. 20.

See the world through the eyes of pioneering explorers who documented disappearing landscapes, wildlife, and cultures of remote areas of the world in the early 20th century – leaving an important source of ethnological and zoological material for researchers of today.

“Married to Adventure” tells the story of Martin and Osa Johnson – daring naturalists, filmmakers, photographers, explorers, and American heroes of the 1910s-1930s. The Johnsons brought the adventure and fascination of far-away lands into the homes of millions of Americans with their sold-out movies, books, and lectures. Together, Martin and Osa escaped cannibals in the South Pacific, filmed wild animals in Africa, and more. Osa Johnson was a role model for women everywhere as she published books, hosted her own wildlife series for television, and even designed her own line of safari clothes for women! This fascinating exhibition is on loan from the Safari Museum in Chanute, Kansas and features more than 100 original photographs, movie posters, and artifacts that capture the romance and adventure that characterized Martin and Osa’s life together.

“On Safari” comes from the May Museum archives and features never-before-seen photographs and artifacts from Wilbur May’s first African safari in 1929. At the age of 30, Wilbur traveled to Africa alongside famed hunter and guide Sir Denys Finch Hatton (portrayed by Robert Redford in the film Out of Africa). Wilbur documented the months-long expedition in photographs of the people, places, and animals of the countries he visited.

NIGHT IN THE COUNTRY

The 2016 Night in the Country Music Festival lineup is complete, with Leaving Austin, DJ DU and Battle for the Full Moon Saloon winner Daniel Bonte & The Bona Fide rounding out an already stellar roster of country music stars and up-and-coming artists.

Hailing from Central California, Leaving Austin is steadily moving through the ranks of country music’s young rising stars. The five-man piece has shared the stage with some of country’s biggest acts such as Randy Houser and Wynonna Judd in addition to opening for superstars like Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett and Florida Georgia Line.

Leaving Austin’s most recent album release, “That Feel Good,” features seven tracks that carry the band’s established alchemy of pop and country music. Leaving Austin rounds out the Friday night lineup when they take the stage at 1:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Credentials and campsites for Night in the Country are on sale now. Campsites are available starting at $125. Two day General Admission credentials can be purchased for $95.

For fans looking to enjoy a unique experience, Night in the Country offers $125 Reserved seating, $170 Superfan, $400 VIP and $600 CLUB 149 credentials. Additional fees apply. For more information about Night in the Country and to purchase festival credentials and campsites, visit www.nightinthecountry.org.