Reno Aces to Kick Off 2014 Season

Photo: Matthew B. Brown

The Reno Aces begin the 2014 campaign Thursday, April 3 as they host the El Paso Chihuahuas at 6:35 p.m. at Aces Ballpark in Reno.

The opening day festivities feature guest appearances by Claire Champlin of “The Amazing Race,” Benjamin Wade of “Survivor,” Reno Mayor Bob Cashell, and Sparks Mayor Geno Martini. Prior to the national anthem, all four men will deliver ceremonial first pitches.

The national anthem will be performed by the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Choral Director Jennifer Tibben.

Pre-game attractions include a hot-air balloon in front of the rotunda entrance courtesy of The Great Reno Balloon Race. Joining the hot-air balloon are several classic cars provided by Hot August Nights. Also, Harrah’s show girls will accompany the Aces starting lineup as they’re introduced before the national anthem. The show girls will be available for photos near the Aces Team Shop during the game.

Photo: Matthew B. Brown

Opening Day promotions include the magnet schedule giveaway to the first 9,000 fans. Like every other Thursday at Aces Ballpark in 2014, it’s Thirsty Thursday presented by ESPN Radio 94.5 and the Reno News and Review. As a new promotion in 2014, adults can run the bases after each Thursday game.

“We are so proud to open the sixth season of Aces Baseball here in Northern Nevada, and want to make sure our fans know how important they are to our team. The events planned and guests joining us, coupled with the tradition that is opening day, will make for a tremendous evening,” says Eric Edelstein, Aces executive vice president/chief operating officer.

Part of the opening day celebration is the bold weather guarantee recently issued by Manager Phil Nevin. If the temperature at first pitch is not 60 degrees or above, Nevin will buy each fan in attendance a ticket to a future Aces game.

Discounted full and partial season tickets are on sale now. For more information and to purchase an Aces ticket plan, call 775-334-4700. For up-to-date news and notes throughout the off season, visit renoaces.com, follow the club on Twitter or like the team on Facebook.—Reno Aces

Reno Philharmonic Lights Up the Pioneer Center

I had the pleasure of attending Reno Philharmonic's "Latin Temptation" at Reno's Pioneer Center last night. I had seen one prior show—a cowboy poetry and music performance—at Pioneer Center, but this was completely different in almost every aspect.

The Reno Philharmonic, led this season by music director and conductor Laura Jackson, performs regularly at the venue. Jackson spoke before the show to members of the Reno-Tahoe Young Professionals Network and said, "This is where I want to be." Her flamboyancy and energy during the performance backed that statement up. You can tell Jackson enjoys what she does, and her stage presence alone makes it worth seeing one of the Phil's remaining shows.

Although I don't consider myself a classical music buff, I was thoroughly entertained, especially by the opening act, which featured selections from Georges Bizet's Carmen. Click here for a sampling.

Event though the pace was a little slow at times for my taste, accordion extraordinaire Peter Soave put on an amazing show playing to the music of Astor Piazolla. The night ended with a tribute to Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel. Apparently, Jackson has a sense of humor as well. After intermission, she said to the crowd, "I wonder how many of you have been to a Latin show where two-thirds of the music is French."

Hey, it was an entertaining two hours, and that's all that matters.