The world is still except for a soft wind blowing past and the distant sound of a bus pulling up to its station. A low rumble starts to emerge beneath my feet, drawing me ever so closer to a small building just off of Wells Avenue.
Stepping inside, everything morphs into a world so alive. I am captivated by those occupying a small stage surrounded by head banging and lyric yelling fans. Charity Kiss has done it again, putting on a show that teleports all attending to another world for just that night.
The Beginnings
At the ripe age of 18, I was dropped off into Reno with little idea of what living in another city was like. I called Las Vegas home for my whole life, and here I was wandering around my new home, confused.
Naturally, of course, I stumbled into a house show within the West University neighborhood and unlocked the secret that I’d been waiting to discover for months: the Reno music scene.
Music over Spotify and music while standing outside a house on Buena Vista Street in freezing February temperatures are two very different experiences. And honestly, the latter will win out every single time.
Since that night I have been forever entranced by the Reno music scene and all that it has to offer.
Neighborhoods to railyards: Where’s the next show at?
Coming from a big city where the only concerts I went to were in arenas that could accommodate thousands, it was quite a culture shock to be dancing shoulder to shoulder with people in the garage of some house.
I say some house, but what I mean is Fort Ralston, a tiny unassuming house situated on Ralston street. The only giveaway that it hosts shows inside would be the multiple young adults out front decked out in their funkiest, grungiest clothes.
Stepping inside, the low ceilings and narrow room may drive some away, but those who do stick around are ready for the night of their lives. The walls are lit up with a rainbow of colors showcasing a mismatch of rugs, tapestries and blankets that create an indescribable, groovy feeling.
There was the danger of hitting my head if I accidentally jumped too high, but that didn’t stop me from forgetting about it almost entirely. The taller folks definitely noticed the danger though.
Both local and out of state bands took the stage giving people the show they paid for, and of course one of those bands was none other than Charity Kiss.
Playing their iconic song Pretty Little Place, audience members immediately began moshing, which due to the small venue, meant everyone was being pushed around involuntarily. And it was amazing.
From cramped garages in old houses to wide open venues housed within an old railyard warehouse, Reno had it all. The beloved and short lived Station 9 was a community favorite before unfortunately being shut down, due to leasing issues and now its destruction.
I had the honor of being able to attend a show here before Station 9’s untimely death. It was a venue like nowhere else. A bar, social areas, the main room with a stage on stilts, free candy and some pool tables all made for an environment that I wish I could return to time and time again.
Something about rocking out to such a wide range of music put on by local bands in an extremely old building fills my soul with a joy that is impossible to get back. Unfortunately, the building that housed Station 9 has now been demolished.
Wait, is that a cowbell?
I love just about every genre of music, and as such it was really easy for me to fall in love with nearly every Reno band I saw. Some stuck around in my head longer than others, and those are the ones that keep me coming back.
I’ve already mentioned them before, but Charity Kiss is genuinely my favorite Reno band. Their music, stage presence and kindness all come together to make for such a lovely experience every time I am able to catch a show of theirs.
The next band that comes to mind for me is In The Works? as they were some of the kindest people I have talked to and they put on a killer show. I have now photographed their shows twice and both times they were so excited about my photos.
Their energy as a band when performing live is so incredibly good, and the lead singer, Liam Garrison, plays the saxophone, an iconic instrument for such an iconic band. Their funky and diverse tunes are enough to get even the most stubborn person dancing around the room.
Another iconic Reno band that has blown me away is Worm Shot. Their talent, look, sound and lyrics are all stunning. They are well loved within the Reno community and are clearly excited and passionate about the work that they do.
FKA Fingers is still a new band for me as I only learned of them in November of 2024, however they are incredibly good live. One of their band members, Dom, plays the cowbell which adds a very unique element to their music. Their shows are definitely worth going to.
Seeing all the talent in Reno is something that I did not expect when I first moved here in 2022. Getting to hear so much of it now, I wished I had started going to shows even sooner than I did.
The here and now
After about two and a half years of calling Reno home, I have seen and felt how impactful the music scene here is. It has kept me connected to the city and allowed me to experience shows like I never have before.
One thing that has made shows even more exciting for me is chasing an old dream of mine to pursue concert photography. Getting to see shows through my camera is something I never thought I would do.
Being able to give these bands photos of themselves while rocking out on stage is so rewarding.
Going back to the very beginning of this article, Charity Kiss’s Slackademic tour kick-off show may be one of my favorites I have photographed. Everyone dressed in formal wear and my off to the side position in the crowd made for some unique and unforgettable photos.
While I do have such a positive opinion of the Reno music scene, I understand that from talking to others it isn’t always like that. I personally have not had any majorly negative experiences outside of some slightly too pushy photographers.
This does not and should not discount the range of interactions that people have had with the Reno music scene. We should always be working to improve and give more people a home in the community. A community full of life and really good music.
Photos and Reporting by Samuel Kahnke