Nevada is a state full of ghost towns, mining camps, and musical history. Opera, one of the oldest forms of music and entertainment, has roots throughout the state, as does cowboy music, another product of bygone days. In addition to these traditional forms of music, contemporary and popular entertainment also play a large role in Nevada's musical scene. Couple these past and present trends with countless symphonic and orchestral performances, and you'll realize why the sweet sounds of this state can't be missed.
Opera Houses
One of the most noteworthy historical opera houses in Nevada is the Eureka Opera House in Eureka. It was built and opened in 1880 in one of the most well-preserved mining towns from 19th-century Nevada. There were actually several opera houses constructed during this time period in Eureka, but the Eureka Opera House is the only one still standing. In the early days of the opera house, plays, concerts, dances, and operas were presented there. Nowadays, the opera house has been completely renovated to be a modern performance center and facility for conventions. Although few actual operas are performed there today, several plays and musical performances are still presented. These performances include anything from children's productions to jazz performances to cowboy music.
Another opera house of note in Nevada is Piper's Opera House in Virginia City. The building that is currently standing is actually the third Piper's Opera House that was built - the first two burned down in 1875 and 1883. These fires are just a small part of Piper's extensive history. Along with the numerous operas and Shakespearian plays performed there, Harriet Beecher Stowe spoke at the opera house. Piper's also housed performances by the Booths and the Barrymores, just to name a few. Meetings were held there by the miners, and the opera house is also where the candidacy for the presidential race was announced by Virginia Woodhall. Today, performances can still be seen there, including concerts, plays, and guided tours. Visitors should try and make one of the most special events at Piper's - the Cool River Trio event in July, which is a kick-off for the Comstock Bluegrass Festival.
Cowboy Music
Cowboy songs tell the stories of the cowboys and cattle ranchers - their occupations, politics, families, nature, and comedy. Elko hosts an annual Cowboy Music and Poetry Gathering that usually takes place near the end of January. This national gathering has been taking place for the last 23 years. The Gathering is held at the Western Folklife Center and is a week-long event. Numerous musicians send in their entries and hope to play their songs at the Gathering each year. Since 1985, the phenomenon that started in Elko has spread, sprouting cowboy musical events across the country.
Cowboy music isn't just out on the range. It can also be found in one of Nevada's glitziest cities. Las Vegas includes several cowboy-themed and country hotel shows that feature stars like Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Reba McEntire. In Reno, the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra teams up with the Reno Rodeo Foundation to host a fund-raiser that includes cowboy music played by several up-and-coming groups.
Orchestral Performances
Visitors to Nevada should not miss performances by each city's orchestral organization. The Las Vegas Philharmonic season features performances by music masters throughout the year. It also presents an annual Star Spangled Spectacular every July 4th , which includes a fireworks show. The patriotic show remains one of the city's most popular traditions.
The Reno Philharmonic also features an annual 4th of July performance called Pops in the Park and is held in Mormon State Park. Other Pops events include Pops on the River, a fund raiser produced by the Reno Philharmonic Guild. It takes place on the Truckee River.
Other exciting events around the state include performances by the Carson City Symphony and Carson Chamber Singers. The organization has been performing for 23 seasons and presents various shows all over Carson City. For those who enjoy outdoor plays and concerts, Spring Mountain State Park features outdoor summer performances at this retreat owned once by the billionaire Howard Hughes.
Music Festivals
Las Vegas is by far the busiest place for entertainment in the state of Nevada. Outside of the high-profile Vegas acts, a variety of festivals offer interesting musical entertainment. The largest music festival in Las Vegas is the Vegoose Music Festival that is held in October at Sam Boyd Stadium. The theme every year is Halloween, and attendees are encouraged to wear costumes while enjoying the many musical performances.
The Nevada Chamber Music Festival is hosted by the Reno Chamber Orchestra every year. Founded in 2004, the festival is held between Christmas and New Years Eve. Several concerts are performed over the course of the four-day festival, and many attendees are from the outlying areas of Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Gardnerville, and Carson City. Carson City itself hosts the annual Brewery Arts Center Jazz & Beyond Music Festival. The festival is held in August and features more than 100 musicians, many of whom are internationally known.
Nevada is a state that is very rich in several musical genres, from opera to jazz to rock'n' roll. The state is home to numerous lounge singers, jazz clubs, and several big-name concerts year round. Visitors will soon understand why people say there is much to choose from in Nevada when looking for musical entertainment.
