Musician Rehearsal Center attracts big names and big events.
The Musician Rehearsal Center has been a vital piece of Reno’s music scene since 2010. In September 2021, local musician Matt Reardon took over the space, with big dreams of expanding its offerings.
After years on the road touring with his band, Black Sunshine (which still performs select concerts), Reardon decided to settle in Reno with his 5-year-old daughter, Louisiana, and embrace the dad life. Having started Peavine Taphouse Eats & Beats in Reno’s Somersett community (also a live-music venue) at the start of 2020, Reardon took over MRC as a way to stay in the music game without living life on a tour bus. Plus, it allows him the downtime to write music for bands and films, and to help bands who rent out practice space at MRC to gain exposure.
Reardon has managed to bring in big artists such as Chris Daughtry, Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders, and Skid Row, who have utilized the MRC before kicking off their tours in Reno. The center offers artist rehearsal spaces for leases as short as three months.
“Some of our clients are doctors and lawyers and accountants, and their wives do not want them playing music in the garage ever again,” Reardon says, laughing.
However, he clarifies, most tenants are serious musicians looking to make it big. The rehearsal spaces come equipped with everything needed to practice songs, including soundproofing and 24/7 access. Reardon also gives band members access to record in the MRC suites.
Center Stage
The small rehearsal spaces are only one component of Reardon’s business model. Another aspect that’s making major waves is Center Stage, a robust recording and practice space available to big stars and no-name bands. With state-of-the-art recording equipment, video production capabilities, and lighting effects, musical acts can practice for stadium shows or record their own music, including music videos. The red cameras — the same equipment used in the production of Marvel films — ensure quality for those who use the space, including production teams making commercials.
Fortunately, Center Stage isn’t only for stars or even just the music community. Reardon rents out the space for private events, parties, fundraisers, and more. With Roundabout Catering located coincidentally right next door, those looking to host an epic party can hire Roundabout to make it an easy, one-stop shop. Of course, if you want to add live music to your event, something tells us Reardon has the hook-ups.
One of Center Stage’s most noteworthy guests to date has been Daughtry. The singer and his band filmed an episode of Live at Lou’s — Reardon’s YouTube show that plays tribute to his daughter — including two songs and an interview that resulted in a 28-minute episode. WarnerMedia and Daughtry’s own label, Dogtree Records, released the recorded version of Daughtry’s latest single, “Changes Are Coming,” from MRC Center Stage as a live single worldwide.
To say Reardon’s MRC venture has been successful would be an understatement. All 50 of its available rooms are currently leased, and there is a 10-month waiting list for new tenants. This frees Reardon up to focus on Center Stage for the time being.
“I have to give credit to Bill Woody, the founder of MRC, for creating an amazing space for musicians,” Matt says, “[so] that I can now expand on the vision to take things to a new level for this community.”
Musician Rehearsal Center
581 Dunn Circle, Sparks
775-800-6538
Musicianrehearsalcenter.com
