Some suggestions for this weekend and next couple of weeks around Carson City and elsewhere. Check entries in the daily Nevada Appeal for more details, but this should be enough for planning this weekend and the next couple. Also, see nevadaappeal.com for updates of video games, movie news, musical events and reviews.
Sam Bauman, entertainment editor
The Met's second season of "Live in HD" continues Tuesday 1 at 1 p.m. (New Year's Day) with Humperdinck's "Hansel and Gretel." The Met's holiday entertainment offering stars Christine Schäfer and Alice Coote in a new English-language production by Richard Jones, conducted by Vladimir Jurowski.
The Brothers Grimm fairy tale, a timeless children's favorite, features a sophisticated score, and this intriguing new staging appeals to audiences of all ages. "HANSEL AND GRETEL" is the second in a series of eight performances from the Metropolitan Opera that will be broadcast live from New York via satellite into more than 350 movie theaters across the country.
Tickets are $22 U.S. adults; $20 U.S. senior; $15. U.S. children. For participating locations see www.metoperafamily.org/hdlive.
Big Head Todd and the Monsters play at John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks at 8 p.m. Dec. 29-30. Tickets are $45. New Year's Eve it's a Disco Dance party, tickets $35. Call (800) 648-1177 or visit janugget.com.
The Brewery Arts Center brings Al Stewart to town Jan. 19. Stewart's restrained delivery, his incredible equanimity is what makes his music instantly recognizable. Stewart appears in the Performance Hall at the Brewery Arts Center, 511 W. King St. Tickets are $25 for all seating. A $3 discount is available for BAC members, students and seniors. Contact the Brewery Arts Center at 883-1976 or visit www.breweryarts.org.
Bill Maher makes the scene Dec. 29-30 at the Silver Legacy in Reno, both shows at 8 p.m. Maher is known for his political satire and sociopolitical commentary. His commentaries target a wide swath of topics, from the right-wing to the left-wing, bureaucracies of many kinds, religion, political correctness. Call 325-7401.
Greg London returns to Harrah's Reno New Year's Even and Jan. 1 with his quick-change "Icons" show. Fast and fun. Call 788-2285.
MontBleu Casino in Stateline has booked "The Magic of Rick Thomas" through Dec. 31. Tickets are $17.50. Call 588-3515.
The Reno Chamber Orchestra presents the fourth annual Nevada Chamber Christmas Music Festival Dec. 28-31, seven concerts featuring renowned musicians from around the world performing the masterworks of chamber music. The Festival will be at South Reno United Methodist Church and the University of Nevada, Reno's Nightingale Concert Hall. Tickets are available at the Reno Chamber Orchestra office, 348-9413, or at RenoChamberOrchestra.org/ncmf.
Paul Rogers of Bad Company sings at the Eldorado Hotel Casino in Reno Sunday and Monday nights. Tickets are 786-5700. Fireworks there New Year's Eve.
Neil Sedaka bring his brand of music to Harrah's Lake Tahoe Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $95 and $75 at (800) 786-8208.
And local favorite Elvin Bishop appears on New Year's Eve at the Crystal Bay Casino at 10 p.m. Standing room only tickets are $35, call 883-6333.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy rocks away at Harrah's Lake Tahoe tonight Dec. 28 with tickets $37.50. Call (800) 786-8208.
There's a free party at the Grand Sierra in Reno on the casino floor. Clear Blue plays and Chris Costa will be there. At Nikki's Beach it's acrobats and champagne, but this costs $35. Call 789-2285.
There's something going on at every gin mill for miles around, so you might just as well pick your favorite and show up. Who knows, we might bump into each other.