Check out Reno-Lake Tahoe 'America's Adventure Place' for fun

• Concerts
Rib lovers are sure to enjoy more of their favorite tunes during the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off Nightly Concerts on the main stage Aug. 29 to Sept. 3. The free performances include:

- Sol’Jibe – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29
- Don Felder of the Eagles – 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30
- Darryl Worley – 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31
- Greg Kihn – 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1
- Loverboy – 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2
- ALO – 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 3

America comes to the Atlantis Grand Ballroom stage for two shows Sept. 1 and 2. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 the day of the show and are available at the Atlantis Gift Shop or by calling (775) 824-4467 or (888) 551-7007. Room and show packages are available. Guests must be 21 to attend. www.atlantiscasino.com

Singers Kuh Ledesma and Pops Fernandez ,are performing for one night only at the Peppermill on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. American Idol finalist Jasmine Trias and comedian Chokoleit will join the pop divas on stage. Tickets for the show range from $28 to $100. For tickets log onto www.tickets.com or call (775) 830-0689.

Asia's Nightengale and newest Diva of Las Vegas, Lani Misalucha and former lead singer of the famous Freestyle Band, Top Suzara, will perform with Filipino pop and R&B band South Border at the Silver Legacy’s Grande Exposition Hall. Tickets are $38, $58 and $78 and can be purchased online at www.silverlegacy.com, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-MUST-SEE (800-687-8733).

See Heartt live on Sept. 7 in the Grand Theatre at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino at 8 p.m. The concert is in support of their Love Songs project for Legacy Records -- a compilation of Heart hits, some in new versions, and a few brand new recordings of Ann and Nancy's favorite songs including Elton John's Love Song. Tickets are $49.50, $71.50 and $93.50 and can be purchased by calling (800) 648-3568. For more information, visit www.grandsierraresort.com

Josh Blue and Clinton Jackson will perform together in the Grand Theatre at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, Sept. 8 at 8:15 p.m. Josh Blue was voted the winner of the fourth season of “Last Comic Standing,” a reality show on NBC pitting stand up comedians against each other. Clinton Jackson has appeared on the seventh season of "Comedy Central Presents" with his own half-hour comedy special on Comedy Central. Tickets are $25 and $45 and can be purchased by calling (800) 648-3568. For more information, visit www.grandsierraresort.com.

The Reno Chamber Orchestra featuring conductor Theodore Kuchar and violinist Martin Chalifour performs on Sept. 8 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. in Nightingale Concert Hall at the University of Nevada, Reno. Tickets are $44 (general admission), $41 (seniors, 65+) and $15 (students). Visit www.renochamber orchestra.com or call (775) 348-9413 for more information.

John Ascuaga's Nugget is proud to present Greg Brown in the Celebrity Showroom on Sept. 14 and 15 at 8 p.m. Brown's songwriting has been lauded by many. In fact, he has recorded more than a dozen albums. Tickets are only $30. Steppin' Out Packages are also available by calling (800) 648-1177. Visit www.janugget.com for more information.

See Trisha Yearwood in the Grand Theatre at Grand Sierra Resort Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $49.50 and $69.50 and can be purchased by calling (800) 648-3568. For more information, visit www.grandsierraresort.com

Witness “Guitar Virtuoso” Eric Johnson in the Crown Room at the Crystal Bay Casino on Sept. 15 at 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 and $30 for reserved. Please contact the Crystal Bay Casino at (775) 833-6333 for additional information. Guests must be 21 to attend.

Grammy Award winning stand-up comedian, author, playwright and actor Lewis Black will be performing at Silver Legacy Resort Casino on Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. in the Grande Exposition Hall. Tickets are $45, $55 and $60 and can be purchased online at www.silverlegacy.com, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-MUST-SEE (800-687-8733).

Def Leppard performs with Foreigner and Styx on Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Reno Events Center. Fans can purchase tickets online at ticketmaster.com, by phone at 775-787-8497 or at any Ticketmaster outlet.

Country icon Kenny Rogers will appear at the Grand Theatre at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino on Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $49.50, $71.50 and $93.50 and can be purchased by calling (800) 648-3568. For more information, visit www.grandsierraresort.com

Reno After Dark Live Championship Boxing featuring Joey Gilbert comes to the Grand Theatre at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino on Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20, $35, $75, $200 and $250 and can be purchased by calling (800) 648-3568. For more information, visit www.grandsierraresort.com

Todd Rundgren, “The Ultimate Rock Cult Hero” performs live in the Crown Room at the Crystal Bay Casino on Sept. 21 at 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 the day of the show. Please contact the Crystal Bay Casino at (775) 833-6333 for additional information. Guests must be 21 to attend.

John Ascuaga's Nugget is proud to present the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band in the Celebrity Showroom on Sept. 21 and 22 at 8 p.m. Tickets are only $50. Steppin' Out Packages are available for this show by calling (800) 648-1177. Visit www.janugget.com for more information.

Street Vibrations will be rockin' this year with two performances by George Thorogood and the Destroyers on Sept. 21 at 9 p.m. and Sept. 22 at 8 p.m. in the Grande Exposition Hall at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino.

Known for their 1982 hit Bad To The Bone, their new album Hard Stuff is a keep-the-faith effort with covers by John Lee Hooker and Fats Domino. Tickets are $30, $40 and $55 and can be purchased online at silverlegacy.com and ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.silverlegacy.com, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-MUST-SEE (800-687-8733).

The Scorpions perform live on stage in the Grand Theatre at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino at 8 p.m. on Sept. 22. Tickets are $60.50 and $82.50 and can be purchased by calling (800) 648-3568. For more information, visit www.grandsierraresort.com

John Ascuaga's Nugget is proud to present When We Were FAB in the Celebrity Showroom on Sept. 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. The stars of Broadway's Beatlemania will take you on an exciting journey from the time the Beatles invaded America to the 1960s, singing hit songs such as: I Want to Hold Your Hand, All My Loving,Eight Days a Week and I Saw Her Standing There. Tickets are only $20. Steppin' Out Packages are also available by calling (800) 648-1177. Visit www.janugget.com for more information.

Following the group's successful spring tour, Heaven And Hell will again wow American audiences with its bewitching stage set and truly timeless, classic metal as Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice take to the Reno Events Center stage on Sept. 28. Heaven and Hell will feature special guest star, the legendary Alice Cooper, and Queensrÿche will serve as the opening act. Tickets range from $39.50 to $59.50 and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, by phone at 775-787-8497 or at any Ticketmaster outlet.

In a career spanning 40 years, Engelbert Humperdinck is a true icon who defined romance for countless generations. He has been performing for audiences all over the world since his hit Release Me made him a household name. Tickets to see Engelbert Humperdinck perform in the Grande Exposition Hall at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino on Sept. 29 at 8 p.m. are $45, $55 and $65 and can be purchased online at www.silverlegacy.com, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-MUST-SEE (800-687-8733).

Award-winning Jazz vocalist Paula West is bringing her heartfelt renditions of dynamic jazz songs to Reno as she performs in the Tahoe Ballroom at the Peppermill at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29. Tickets are $30. For tickets call (775) 851-1638 or log onto www.tickets.com.

Reno Philharmonic Orchestra presents Joy and Passion, featuring cellist Alisa Weilerstein and violinist Chee-Yun on Sept. 30 and Oct. 2 at 4 p.m. at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts.

Prices start at $26 with discounts available to seniors. Students with valid student ID can come early for rush seating one hour before the performance for $8. Patrons can join Music Director Barry Jekowskyone-half hour prior to each performance for A Preview from the Podium. For more information or tickets log onto www.renophil.com, or call the RPO business office (775) 323-6393.

• Special Events
Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off: Thousands of visitors make their way to Victorian Square in Sparks each Labor Day to experience the biggest and most prestigious rib cook-off in the United States. The Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off from Aug. 29 - Sept.3 is a must-attend culinary, music, craft and family end-of-summer affair. Contact (800) 648-1177 for details or visit www.nuggetribcookoff
See our coverage on Big Events here

Reno Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering: Bartley Ranch Regional Park plays host to this second annual event, Sept. 7-9, that celebrates all aspects of life on the open range. Activities include cowboy poetry readings and musical performances, open mic sessions, documentary screenings, photography exhibitions, food and vendor booths. Tickets start at $20 and weekend packages are also available. Call 775-830-7087 or visit www.renocowboypoetry.com for more information.

See the reno.com coverage here

The Great Reno Balloon Race: More than just an exhibition of gorgeous flying machines, the Great Reno Balloon Race brings together the nation’s top balloonists on Sept. 7 to Sept. 9 in San Rafael Park tp compete in events like the Hare and the Hound, Target Drop and Key Grab. A trademark of the race is its Dawn Patrol that takes place as the sun rises and provides an amazing spectacle as balloons glow, twinkle, and fly along with choreographed music. For a complete schedule of events and additional information, visit www.renoballoon.com or call (775) 826-1181.

Reno.com is a proud sponsor of the Great Reno Balloon Race; see our Big Events coverage here

Professional Bull Riders Built Ford-Tough Series: The Professional Bull Riders Built Ford-Tough Series, from Sept. 7 - 9 at the Reno Events Center, is a premier bull riding tour bringing together the top 45 bull riders in the world. For more information, visit www.pbrnow.com or call (719) 471-3008.

48th Annual Virginia City International Camel Races: While they’re not known for their speed and agility, these desert troopers hit the racetrack on Sept. 7 to Sept. 9 as a nostalgic reminder of the Comstock Lode’s bonanza days. In addition to the camel, ostrich and emu races, there are numerous specialty acts, daily parades and more. For additional information, visit www.virginiacity-nv.com or call (775) 847-0211.

Tour de Tahoe Bike Big Blue: This 5th annual bike ride challenges riders with a 72-mile ride around Lake Tahoe on Sept. 9, including an 800-foot climb overlooking Emerald Bay. Other activities include a sightseeing boat cruise and 35-mile fun ride. Call (800) 565-2704 for more information or visit www.bikethewest.com

Wings and Strings: This gala held in the Grand Sierra Resort Showroom on Sept. 13, which benefits the Reno Chamber Orchestra and the Reno Air Racing Foundation, features a VIP reception, gourmet dinner, auctions and wine raffle as well as a concert by the Reno Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Theodore Kuchar, special guest celebrities, and the Grand Sierra Resort's on-stage Boeing Jet. For more information, visit www.renochamberorchestra.org or call (775) 348-9413.

Blazing Pans Mountain Chef Cook-Off: Flavors will be flying as two of the area’s finest chefs go head-to-head in the 4th annual Blazing Pans Mountain Chef Cook-Off on Sept. 15 at the Village at Northstar at 2:45 p.m. Festival tickets are now on sale and can be purchased along with lodging by calling (888) 229-2193 or going to www.gotahoenorth.com

Street Vibrations: From Sept. 19 to Sept. 23, get your motor running with five days of motorcycle tours, poker runs, parades, concerts, live entertainment, ride-in shows and numerous vendors. An official event of the Harley-Davidson Dealers Association of Northern California, Street Vibrations transforms Reno into Hog Heaven. Visit www.road-shows.com or call (800) 200-4557 for more information.

See our Street Vibrations coverage on Big Events here

Tahoe Big Blue Adventure Race: This 4th annual multi-sport event on Sept. 22 invites individuals and teams ranging from one to four members to compete in a 12-hour competition featuring eight miles of kayaking, a 24-mile mountain bike ride, and five to eight miles of trail running, orienteering, navigation and high-ropes skill disciplines along the beautiful shores of North Lake Tahoe. Visit www.bigblueadventure.com or call (530) 546-1019 for more information.

Lake Tahoe Marathon: The Lake Tahoe Marathon on Sept. 25 to Sept. 30 offers a multitude of events for athletes to choose from including: a non-competitive 20-mile power walk; the marathon itself which winds down the West Shore from Tahoe City to South Lake Tahoe and ends in a post-run bash; a 72-mile ultra run; triathlon; marathon relays; half-marathon; and 10K and 5K runs. There is also a free kids fun run and Extreme Golf. For more information, call (530) 544-7095 or visit www.laketahoemarathon.com

Oktoberfest: On Sept. 28 and Sept. 29, the Silver Club hosts this annual event that pays tribute to Bavarian culture with an outdoor "Foodgarten" and "Biergarten," a "Craftgarten" street fair filled with artisan booths and a "Kindergarten" area for children of all ages to enjoy face painting, harvest-themed games and other activities. This event is free to the public. Visit www.silverclub.com or call (800) 905-7774 for more information.

Genoa Candy Dance: The 87th annual Genoa Candy Dance, a craft fair like none other, is held in the small town of Genoa on Sept. 29 to Sept. 30. This event is located within a short drive from Carson City, the state's capital, and is a perfect place to start holiday gift shopping. It's the ultimate candy and craft sale with artisans from all over Northern Nevada flocking to sell their wares. Breathe in the small-town spirit of an old-fashioned craft sale and stock up on candy and sugarplums for the winter season. Call (775) 782-8696 or visit www.candydanceartsandcraftsfaire.com for more information.

Nissan XTERRA USA Championship: The Nissan XTERRA USA Championship is the culmination of a series of nearly 50 qualifying events that take place across the United States and award points to the top athletes in XTERRA's eight regions. The best of the best are invited to compete on Sept. 29 to Sept. 30 in a 750-meter swim, full-distance 32K mountain bike ride and a 5K trail run at Lake Tahoe—all in a battle for the title of XTERRA National Champion and a share of the prize purse. In addition to the race, spectators can pick up tips from the pros and enjoy the XTERRA Expo with food, climbing walls and product displays. Visit www.xterraplanet.com or call (877) 751-8880 for more information.

• On-going live performances
Dancing Queen – A Celebration of the ‘70s, featuring ABBA’s Greatest Hits, on the stage of the Eldorado Showroom. A dynamic cast of 16 singers and dancers showcase glittering costumes, dazzling choreography and ABBA’s greatest tunes as well as party classics of the ‘70s, such as “Car Wash,” “Staying Alive,” and “YMCA.” Dinner and show packages available. For show times, tickets or more information, call (800) 648-5966 or (775) 786-5700 or visit eldoradoreno.com.

Greg London’s ICONS features music, comedy and impersonations of classic acts such as Elvis, Johnny Cash, Joe Cocker, Jim Morrison and some of today’s favorites including Ozzy Osbourne, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Austin Powers. ICONS is now playing in Sammy’s Showroom inside Harrah’s Reno on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays at 8 p.m., Fridays at 9 p.m. and twice on Saturdays at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. For more information, call (800) HARRAHS or log onto www.harrahsreno.com

See a host of free acts on the Circus Circus Reno Midway stage daily. Through October, see Maya Tabakova, a talented rhythmic gymnast and Olympic medal winner from Bulgaria, and The Rinny Troup, a family of five from Argentina that impresses crowds with precision and stamina during two acts of juggling and the rolla bolla. The Flying Vargas trapeze troupe performs an array of mesmerizing, daring tricks high above the ground, including the passing leap and their most famous trick, the triple somersault. The Imperial Acrobats of China perform three different acts of foot juggling, unicycle and diabolo. The Gassers from Switzerland are back by popular demand with their spectacular display of high energy and concentration during the low wire and cylinders performance. Performance schedules are located throughout the midway and mezzanine levels. For more information, call (775) 329-0711 or visit www.circusreno.com

The Plaza Summer Concert Series: A melting pot of musicians will make the Harrah’s plaza their platform now through Sept. 22. This free seasonal event, featuring weekly concerts, is held every Friday and Saturday night from 8 -10 p.m. For more information, call (800) HARRAHS or log onto www.harrahsreno.com

Live Jazz Night at the Orozko Lounge: Experience the country’s top smooth jazz artists every Wednesday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Orozko Lounge in John Ascuaga’s Nugget Casino Resort. Call (800) 648-1177 or (775) 356-3300 or visit www.janugget.com for more information.

• Exhibits
Fleischmann Planetarium's New Shows for 2007: Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center at the University of Nevada, Reno presents two new immersive experiences featuring the SkyDome 8/70 large format feature film, Mystery of the Nile and the full-dome digital star show, Ultimate Universe, playing daily through September 3. For more information call (775) 784-4811.

Deborah Butterfield: Horses: The Nevada Museum of Art presents Deborah Butterfield: Horses, now through Sept. 23, in the E. L. Wiegand Gallery located at 160 West Liberty St. in downtown Reno. This exhibit of 14 large-scale sculptures is an in-depth survey of how Butterfield transforms scrap metal, found wood and bronze into a key figure in Western culture – the horse. The majority of pieces on display have rarely been seen by the public. For more information call (775) 329-3333 or visit www.nevadaart.org

Fifty Years of Faces Portrait Exhibit: The Nevada Historical Society hosts Fifty Years of Faces Portrait Exhibit at the UNR campus now through Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Portrait Society of Reno and features 22 works of portraiture, including 16 by area artists, spanning a great range of techniques from photorealistic to impressionist styles. For more information, contact Mella Harmon at (775) 688-1191 or visit www.nevadaculture.org

The National Automobile Museum has gone topless, but even the kids will enjoy these five 1950s convertibles in the Masterpiece Exhibit through Oct. 15 at 10 S. Lake St. in downtown Reno. Open seven days a week. Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and $3 for children six to 18. Children age five and younger are free. Visit www.automuseum.orgor call (775) 333-9300 for more information.

The Art of Jay Koka exhibit, featuring jaw-dropping automotive art, continues through Oct. 15 at the National Automobile Museum, the Harrah Collection at 10 S. Lake St. in downtown Reno. Open seven days a week. Admission to the museum is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and $3 for children six to 18. Children age five and younger are free. Visit www.automuseum.orgor call (775) 333-9300 for more information.

The Central Pacific Railroad and the Comstock: The Nevada Historical Society hosts The Central Pacific Railroad and the Comstock now through Dec. 14 in the Changing Gallery. The exhibit highlights Nevada’s first railroad, an important part of the nation’s first transcontinental line, and illustrates how discovery of the Comstock Lode in late 1859 defined its route. Maps, photographs, artwork, artifacts and newspaper clips are included. The Nevada Historical Society is located at 1650 N. Virginia St., Reno. For more information call (775) 688-1190.

Holy Exhibition, Batman – It’s the Batmobile: The unique Batmobile, made famous in comics, on TV and in movies is in downtown Reno at the National Automobile Museum, the Harrah Collection, through Dec. 31. The original Batmobile was designed exclusively for the 1966 hit TV series Batman, staring Adam West and Burt Ward. Don’t miss a close up look at this amazing car at 10 S. Lake St. Open 7 days a week. Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and $3 for children six to 18. Children age five and younger are free. Visit www.automuseum.org or call (775) 333-9300 for more information.

The Fey Collection Exhibit on Display at the Nevada State Museum: The Nevada State Museum is proud to host the new exhibit Slot Machines: The Fey Collection which highlights machines by the renowned designer Charles August Fey. The exhibit which features Fey's most important invention, the "Liberty Bell," will be on display through January 2008. Located at 600 N. Carson St. in Carson City, NV, the museum is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. For information call (775) 687-4810.


Information provided by RSCVA