Now you see it; now you don't

Lots of magic in the air these days with the Chipper Lowell Experience at the Horizon in Stateline and now Daren Romeo, "The Voice of Magic," appearing at the Eldorado Hotel/Casino in Reno.

Romeo is appearing under the cloak of Siegfried and Roy, famed Las Vegas magic duo. He brings a different kind of magic show, this one as much musical as magical. Romeo has a fine voice and a nice, easygoing stage presence. It's a nice way to spend an evening.

In a way, stage magic has lost some of its excitement due to the computerized movies and TV we see these days, when elephants fly and buildings dance, not to mention super heroes taking wing. Still, there's something satisfactory about seeing people appear and disappear, and happily, magicians still saw people in half - in this case, it's the magician himself who gets chopped up, or at least seems to be.

The Eldorado continually books shows like this one, something for the whole family. "Balagan" was just that kind of show, a superior circus event. This magical escapade only runs into the middle of November. For tickets, starting at $28.95, call 786-5700.

k.d. lang coming

For the first time, Silver Legacy welcomes k.d. lang to the Grand Exposition Hall Friday Nov. 10 at 9 p.m. and Saturday at 8 p.m. This is going to be something special so we thought we'd give a heads up considerably ahead of time.

Over the last 23 years as a singer and songwriter, Lang has lent her voice to an astonishing range of material, from Nashville tearjerkers to playful cow-punk tunes to sultry grown-up pop, she has attracted a loyal and diverse, multi-generational following. A multiple Grammy Award winner, Lang has recorded more than 13 albums

Ticket prices are $60, $50 and $40 at silverlegacy.com and ticketmaster.com or through Silver Legacy reservations at (800) MUST-SEE or 325-7401.

A touch of Italian

For 25 years, the Eldorado has brought italy to Reno during the Eldorado Great Italian Festival. The festival highlight, the Gourmet Italian Buffet, is on Saturday and Sunday Oct. 7-8. The festival is celebrated outside of the Eldorado on Virginia Street and on the Eldorado's special-events plaza at Fourth Street from 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The buffet is $19.99 for adults, $9.99 for children under 10 and $14.99 for Club Eldorado Gold members. Ask for "vino locale."

From the vaults

Here's one that is reflected in today's Middle eastern headlines: "The Battle of Algiers," directed by Gillo Pontecorvo (1957).

Not many remember those tumultuous days when France ruled Algeria with a strong colonial hand. This was shot in mock-documentary form, and tells of the initial uprising against the French and the brutal reaction. France won the battle, but lost the war. Algeria received its freedom a few years later but today is run by the army. Not rated but violent. A page of history worth viewing.

"The Decalogue," directed by Krzysztof Kiesloswski, who explores the story of ordinary people in ordinary crisis moments. This the same director who did "Red," "White," and "Blue" with such great success, and he does it again here. Absorbing European sensibility at work here. Yes, 10 separate films, ranging from a critique of capital punishment to voyeurism in Poland. Rated R.