Since opening last year, Cargo at the Whitney Peak Hotel has brought a much-needed freshness to Reno’s downtown area.
From the “Cargo Live at Whitney Peak Hotel” sessions to the Lagunitas Couchtrippin’ After Party, Reno’s newest concert hall has quickly become a hub for a city that is starting to value art over slot machines, and ingenuity over craps tables. Unlike most Reno hotels is a nonsmoking, nongaming property.
On Aug. 1, will once again 
be opening its doors in an effort to build and support Reno’s burgeoning arts scene. It will host three local bands, which will take the stage in order of how many tickets each sells. The highest seller will not only headline but also be given access to “rock star” treatment in Cargo’s green room, the artists’ lounge.
In addition to the excitement of playing a 1,000-capacity venue with a professional sound and lighting system, each band also will receive one mixed and mastered song from its set to use as promotional material. And all of the revenue from the ticket sales will go to the bands.
“There is a void in Reno of concert venues that are willing to invest in producing professional-quality shows that spotlight local and regional talent,” said Dan Bishop, production manager at Cargo. “We see this as a critical investment in our thriving arts and music community, which is a central component of Reno’s brand. It’s also a great opportunity to provide invaluable – and free – exposure to some incredibly talented musicians who are looking for that next big break.”
This month’s Cargo Locals Series will feature the Electric, Seedless 10 Den C and the Zack Ryan Band. The showcase will help put the bands in front of people who haven’t had the opportunity to see or hear them before.
The Electric is a new rock trio with guitarist Billy Gunn and drummer Brooklyn Reiff, who both played from 2004-2014 with the thrash-punk band the Reagan Years, and bassist Darin Goslar, formerly with the pop band Courtesy Call. Gunn and Reiff refined a sound – 3 ½ minute songs with simplicity, catchy grooves and hooks – for a year while trying out bass players. It has a three-song demo album and 13 originals for its live show,” Gunn said.
Seedless 10 Den C has been rolling around the local music scene since 2008, playing mostly at the The Alley (now closed) and The Knitting Factory. Their style combines alternative rock, reggae and funk. Lead Singer Grady Holdridge is an energetic and excited frontman with the ability to keep a crowd engaged.
Acoustic singer-songwriter Zack Ryan has performed with punk bands Donkey Jaw and The LetDowns in the past, but will bring his new group, Zack Ryan Band, to the stage at Cargo for the local series. His songs “For You I Will” and “Skipping Stones” are folky and will bring a welcome variation to the show on Saturday, Aug. 1.
Cargo’s ability to showcase local talent on such a large scale says a lot about how far the venue has come in such a short time, and says even more about the wide range of talent Reno has in its own backyard.
- Cargo Locals Series # 2
Bands: The Electric, Seedless 10 Den C and the Zach Ryan Band
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1
Where: Cargo @ Whitney Peak Hotel, Reno
Cover: $5
