The city of Reno is packed with great local bands, venues and other opportunities to access unique music. If that seems overwhelming, don’t worry. Getting the hang of the Reno music scene is as easy as A-B-C.

A

Amendment 21: This happening sports bar and grill takes part in events such as the Reno Beer Crawl and offers drink specials on certain nights. The bar also sponsors music-themed parties (events in the past have included a celebration of Bob Marley’s birthday) and occasional concerts.

425 S. Virginia St.

B

Buster Blue: Buster Blue is a popular local folk, thrash and western swing band. Playing at shows all around Reno and surrounding areas, Buster Blue has promoted its unconventional music and received many positive reviews.

www.busterblue.com

C

The Collective: At the University of Nevada, Reno, the music department includes many professional jazz musicians who perform and record locally under the name The Collective. The band is comprised of university faculty members and has released four CDs. More information about The Collective can be found on the University of Nevada, Reno Department of Music’s website.

D

Discology: Discology is a local record store that offers new, used and rare CDs and DVDs in addition to new-release vinyl. The shop supports local musicians by hosting in-store concerts and offering CDs for sale with proceeds going directly back to the artists.

11 N. Sierra St.

E

Events Center: The Reno Events Center is a 7,500-seat arena in downtown Reno that hosts some of the biggest names in music that come through town. Everyone from Bob Dylan to Kelly Clarkson has performed at the multipurpose venue.

400 N. Center St.

F

(Jazz) Festival: The annual Reno Jazz Festival brings all the best jazz competitions, clinics and concerts to the UNR campus. The festival regularly features performances from student musicians, local groups and guest artists to showcase the latest in the jazz community.

www.unr.edu/rjf

G

Grand Sierra Resort: This local casino offers bars and lounges like The Beach. Special events, dance lessons and parties are always an option. Additionally, the casino features several differently-sized showrooms that host various touring artists of all genres, including Neil Young and Marilyn Manson.

2500 E. Second St.

H

Holland Project: The Holland Project is an all-ages arts and music organization. Events the Holland puts on include concerts, workshops and community service activities. It is responsible for providing many all-ages concerts featuring local and national musicians for the people of Reno.

www.hollandreno.zerominuszero.net

I

(St. James) Infirmary: Named after the classic folk song made famous by jazz musician Louis Armstrong, St. James Infirmary in Reno is a swinging bar with its roots in music. The bar features a jukebox loaded with hand-selected music of all types. While the bar primarily functions as a place to drink and hang out, it is open to hosting occasional live music acts as well.

445 California Ave.

J

Java Jungle: Located just beside the Truckee River, Java Jungle is a hotspot for art and music fans in downtown Reno. The coffee shop hosts occasional special events in addition to its well-known Sunday Music Showcase, an all-ages open mic night starting every Sunday at 8 p.m.

246 W. First St.

K

Knitting Factory: Still fairly new to Reno, this venue has become a go-to location for those seeking performances from some of the best touring musicians of all genres that come through town. This Reno location is the newest of the legendary nationwide Knitting Factory venues.

211 N. Virginia St.

L

Lawlor Events Center: Only a few feet away from the Joe Crowley Student Union, Lawlor Events Center is one of the only venues on the university campus. This 12,000-seat arena is home to a variety of special events, including some big-name concerts and musical performances.

1663 N. Virginia St.

M

Metromix: This online guide provides reviews of local restaurants, bars and concerts, in addition to offering an events guide, to keep readers updated on the latest news within the Reno music scene. Metromix is one of the best places to check for updates on the concert scene.

www.reno.metromix.com

N

New Oasis: The New Oasis is a smaller venue that hosts both local and touring musicians in a more intimate setting. The venue is located outside of Reno in neighboring city Sparks.

2100 Victorian Ave.

Sparks, NV

O

@One: For anyone interested in getting involved, the @One center is the place to start. After a free training session, students are able to utilize the center’s equipment, including a professional audio recording isolation booth with a digital mixerboard and specialized software.

Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center

P

(Wingfield) Park: During the warmer months, outdoor concerts and events are commonplace in Reno. This downtown park features a large amphitheater that sets the stage for many multifaceted concerts, dances and other music-related festivities.

West First St.

Q

Q’s Billiard Club: This lively poolroom features a fully-stocked bar, a grill and a jukebox! Okay, it’s not the most music-related venue in Reno, but it is one of the only venues that starts with the letter ‘Q.’

3350 S. Virginia St.

R

Recycled Records: Recycled Records has been specializing in selling and trading used and out-of-print records, tapes, CDs, videos and DVDs to the Reno community since the 1970s. The shop is also a great place to purchase tickets for upcoming local concerts at venues such as the Knitting Factory.

3344 Kietzke Ln.

S

Studio on Fourth: The Studio is a relatively new venue to  town. The location features a cozy atmosphere and bar, and is always decorated with local artists’ work. Events that take place there regularly include open mic nights, jam sessions and concerts.

432 E. Fourth St.

T

Tonic Lounge: This downtown Reno bar regularly offers the over-21 crowd a variety of live music and DJs. Live performances and dancing are frequent at Tonic Lounge, and every genre from ska and metal to hip-hop is covered.

231 W. Second St.

U

The Underground: This is one of the more versatile venues in Reno. Some shows are all-ages, some are for those 21 and older. Some cost around $5 and some upwards of $20. However, it is certain that this intimate venue will always have an event going on.

555 E. Fourth St.

V

Victorian Square: Many diverse events take place on the Square year round. Some of the biggest local events, such as the Rib Cook-Off, are held in Victorian Square in Sparks, and there are frequently live outdoor concerts of all sorts to accompany the festivities.

Sparks, NV

W

Wolfpack Radio: When searching for the next big thing to appear, you can check out the university’s own student-run radio station. Throughout the week, student DJs enter the studio to liven up the airwaves with their unique shows.

www.wolfpackradio.org

X

Xenophobes: One of Reno’s favorite hardcore punk/psychobilly groups has been, for many years, the Xenophobes. The band’s most recent release, “Let the Bears Starve,” can be checked out on the group’s Purevolume (purevolume.com) account or MySpace profile.

www.myspace.com/xenophobes

Y

(M)y Flag is on Fire: My Flag is on Fire is an experimental grunge group that frequents local venues and Holland Project events in and around Reno. My Flag is on Fire music can be picked up at Discology or online via Orchard Digital.

www.myspace.com/myflagisonfire

Z

Zephyr Lounge: Zephyr Lounge is a local venue that prides itself in its eclectic array of musical options. Hosting live music every Friday and Saturday (and sporadically during the week, also), the lounge is a great place to check out local music. The lounge also enables local groups to contact it and book shows.

1074 S. Virginia St.

Casey O’Lear can be reached at colear@nevadasagebrush.com.

Related Posts:

• Reno lacks niche bars for specialty music
• Dubstep artist brings ‘NastyNasty’ to CommRow
• Rock group brings Grateful Dead influence to Reno concert
• Dubstep sounds make quick ascent in Reno
• Concert to give a ‘taste’ of local talent