Reno has several cultural events for the week of July 21, 2024 with acclaimed artists, authors and performers. Elizabeth Acevedo, National Book Award winner, will lead a conversation on the power of poetry, while the Bass Camp Festival returns to Wingfield Park for two days of electronic dance music.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo, South Africa’s five-time Grammy Award winners, will perform their uplifting vocal harmonies and showcase their latest release, “Soothe My Soul…Songs From Our South African Church.” Celtic Night at Reno Public Market will celebrate Celtic heritage with music and dance. The event brings together the Sons & Daughters of Erin and Nevada Society of Scottish Clans.

There are plenty more listings on our calendar. 

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Sponsored events

• The SpongeBob Musical at Reno Little Theater. The Spongebob Musical is a wacky and energetic stage production that follows the beloved yellow sponge and his friends in Bikini Bottom as they try to save their underwater home from impending doom. Show dates run through Aug. 11.

Editor’s picks

1. Learning the Power of Poetry with Bestselling Author Elizabeth Acevedo. You’re invited to learn about the power of poetry with Elizabeth Acevedo. In this author conversation, Acevedo will provide a short reading from her National Book Award winning and New York Times bestselling novel-in-verse, “The Poet X” serving as the backdrop to this chat. “The Poet X” is about an Afro-Latina heroine who tells her story with blazing words and powerful truth. 
2. Bass Camp Festival VII. The fan-favorite electronic dance music event returns for two days to Wingfield Park- one of the country’s most unique festival settings. Returning July 27 and 28, Bass Camp Festival VII invites fans back for world-class DJs performing on three distinct stages throughout the all-grass park, beautiful shade structures, a vendor village, interactive artist installations, art cars, and much more.
3. Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Ladysmith Black Mambazo has performed for millions of people, singing a message of peace, love and harmony. With their 2024 release, “Soothe My Soul…Songs From Our South African Church,” the group puts their own spin on gospel music. For 60 years, South Africa’s five-time Grammy Award winners, have warmed the hearts of audiences worldwide with uplifting vocal harmonies, signature dance moves and charming onstage banter.
4. Celtic Night: A Night of Celebration at Reno Public Market. Get ready to immerse yourself in the traditions and culture of the Celts at Reno Public Market’s Celtic Night. The event is a joint gathering of the Sons & Daughters of Erin and Nevada Society of Scottish Clans coming together to celebrate Celtic heritage, music and dance. 
5. Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers. Based out of Williamsburg, Virginia, Hornsby first rose to national prominence with “The Way It Is,” his 1986 Grammy-winning debut album. The title track became the most-played song on American radio in 1987 while Tupac Shakur’s timeless song “Changes” builds on “The Way It Is” and set the stage for many subsequent versions of the track. Hornsby’s own 23 albums have sold over 11 million copies worldwide.