Arts: Performances, events around the county

Churchill Arts Council

Join the Churchill Arts Council this summer for exciting classes ranging from photography to food.

For registration, go to www.churchillarts.org. There is a cost associated with each class.

Intro to Digital Photography for Beginners

July 25: A workshop for those interested in learning photography, digital cameras, basics, and tips and tricks.

Participants will leave with a greater understanding of DSLR camera settings and photo composition. While it is recommended that you bring your own Digital DSLR camera, there will be an example camera at the workshop that you can pass around and learn on if you do not have one.

Cooking with Stephanie Shaw: Mushroom Shawarma with Herbed Cous Cous

July 30: In this course, you will learn how to prepare Mushroom Shawarma served with Herbed Cous Cous. You'll practice techniques in a light-hearted and supportive small-class environment with mentoring and support.

Bring a dish large enough to carry your meal home to enjoy — the recipe will be provided to you as well.

Aug. 13: Walnut and Cauliflower Tacos with beans & rice

Aug. 27: Falafel Mediterranean Bowl with Cashew Tzatziki.

Sept. 10: Cauliflower Steak w/Cashew Pepper Sauce.

Community Reunion entertainment

The annual Community Reunion at Oats Park evening caps off on Aug. 17 with a free concert at 7:30 p.m. with Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley.

Ickes and Hensley meld blues, bluegrass, country, rock and other string band music of all kinds to form a signature blend of music.

Ickes co-founded the highly influential bluegrass group Blue Highway and has been a sought-after Nashville session player and live performing musician for decades, with credits to his name such as Vince Gill, Earl Scruggs, Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire and Alison Krauss. Hensley has been called “Nashville’s hottest young player” by Acoustic Guitar magazine and his soulful baritone vocals have received acclaim as well.

Bluegrass festival

The Northern Nevada Bluegrass Association will host its 38th annual Bowers Bluegrass Festival from Friday, Aug. 23, to Sunday, Aug. 25 in New Washoe City, according to a news release. The festival features 12 bands over the three days.

On Friday, gates open at 3 p.m., with local bands Coyote Crossing and SugarPine Bluegrass warming up the crowd for a Reno favorite, Broken Compass Band, at 6:45 p.m.

On Saturday, gates open at 9 a.m., with opening ceremony 30 minutes after. Throughout the day, local bands including the Monday Night Volunteers, Front Porch and High West, as well as regional favorites the Salty Sallys, SLO County Stumblers (who will play Old Time Fiddle tunes for a contra dance, complete with a dance caller), and the national headliner, the Appalachian Road Show coming out from Georgia. Also appearing on Saturday will be the newly crowned Nevada State Junior Fiddle Champion, 9-year-old Ruby Herz with her fiddle teacher, Sevina Versales.

On Sunday, gates open at 11 a.m. A second performance by the Appalachian Road Show will feature Bluegrass Gospel songs, and additional bands, Wildcat Mountain Ramblers and The High Water Line will perform. The culmination of the festival will be a performance by AJ Lee & Blue Summit, starting at 4 p.m.

There is ample free parking available. Park does not allow glass containers or pets.

Find the schedules, full lineup and all details online at www.nnb.org/2024bowersbluegrassfestival or email all inquiries to info@nnba.org.