SAM'S BEST BETS

SAM'S BEST BETS

Once again we'll be updating the entertainment picture for Carson City and Lake Tahoe, plus Reno and who knows where else. Much is going on that we couldn't get into Thursday's paper, so here's some new entertainment opportunities. This report will appear Fridays at the Nevada Appeal Web site, nevadaappeal.com. Contact Sam Bauman, entertainment editor, with any questions at Sbauman@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1236.

HAPPENINGS

- Greg London continues at Harrah's Reno with his one-man (and two ladies) show "Icons. He's a mimic, a musician, a quick-change artist and enjoyable. Call 788-2900 for reservations for the 8 p.m. show. Tickets are $31.95 and $36.95.

-Nikki's Beach at the Grand Sierra has reopened from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. $10 gets you into the lush swim area. And the ALLCITY Live lounge there is no more, now it's the Pearl Champagne Lounge. Cover is $20 and bubbly is the drink of choice.

- That sensational show "FloorPlay" is still turning up the temperature with brilliant dancing and explosive drum work at the Eldorado Casino in Reno.. This is truly one of the best shows to hit Reno in years; the dancers are Olympic in quality. Call 786-5700 for tickets which go at $29.85 to $43.95. You can't go wrong with this spectacular.

- Up at the Lake, Horizons is hosting "Yesterday " a Tribute to the Beatles," a 8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Monday. A special "Sgt. Pepper" show is on Saturday night a 10:30. Call 588-6211 for the $26.95 tickets.

- Locally, at the Carson Nugget Carmon and Co. plays on into the night, no cover (882-1626). Area 51 takes over Tuesday.

- Midnight Riders play at the Carson Station (883-0900) and a the Carson Valley Inn in Minden, the M8trix are in the Celebrity Lounge ((782-97110.

- Fitzgerald's Hotel Casino opens its doors to the music lovers of all ages, including the under-21 crowd, for the Artown After Dark concert series every Friday night throughout the month of July. Each week, different bands grace the stage and rock the house for a tribute to Reno's local music scene as part of Artown's jam-packed events calendar.

Artown After Dark shows include:

- July 11: Keyser Soze and the Mark Sexton Band

The hard-hitting rhythms, melodic grooves and soulful vocals of the Mark Sexton Band open for Keyser Soze, one of the top ska bands in the West Coast music scene. Much more than just a ska band, Keyser Soze blends elements of reggae, hip-hop, punk, funk, Latin, soul and jazz into a high-energy mix that's sure to get the dance floor bumping.

- July 18 Who Cares and Element

Combining ethereal electronic instrumentation with a old-school rap feel, Who Cares brings a wanton disregard for musical genre crossing boundaries at every turn. They're joined by hip-hop soul rap group Element.

- July 25 - Kate Cotter and Seth Horan

Singer songwriter Seth Horan slaps, taps and wows the crowd alongside Kate Cotter's unique, haunting voice and poetic lyrics. The acoustic blend of the two artists and their unique musical styles will leave the crowd wanting more.

Artown After Dark shows begin at 10 p.m. and are held in the Lord Fitzgerald's Room at the Fitzgerald's Hotel and Casino in downtown Reno. Each show is open to music fans of all ages and has a $5 cover charge. Visit www.RenoIsArtown.com or call 322-1538.

- Tahoe Celebrity Golf Week at Edgewood Tahoe, one of America's most spectacular golf courses, began Thursday and continues. Some call it the Super Bowl of Celebrity Sports.

More than 80 Celebrity Pro Athletes and Entertainers return for a week of camaraderie, competitive golf and a share of the 19th annual American Century Championship $600,000 purse.

See TahoeCelebrityGolf.com for the latest tournament update. This Friday, watch Round 1 on ESPN, and Rounds 2 and 3 live this weekend on NBC Sports.

- The Arabian Championship Horse Show at the Reno Events Center runs through Saturday. Horses and riders in all kinds of events. Call 688-5750.

- The Mastercraft Wakeboard Tour is at the Sparks Marina 10 .m. to 4 Friday and Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Pro wakeboarders a play, food and drink, see prowakeboardtour.com.

- Map and Compass Program, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Washoe Lake State Park, Saturday. KIds 10 and older OK. Call 687-4319.

- Joan Rivers brings her sharp wit to the Silver Legacy in Reno Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 to $60, call 325-7401. "Don't save for that rainy day or till you're 65. You might not get to 65," she warns. Call (800) MUST SEE.

- Boney James has two Grammy nominations and four gold records. He bring his jazzy music to John Ascuaga's Nugget Saturday July 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40 at 356-3300. Sax gone wild.

- Mike Ness brings a guitar and more to like the Horton Brothers to the Grand Sierra Saturday night at 8 p.m. He's added a country twang to his music. Tickets $30 at (800) 648-3568. Andrew Bird follows at the Sierra Tuesday, July 16. Tickets are $25.

- Styx hits the Silver Legacy in Reno Friday, July 18, and Tom Jones follows Saturday July 19 in the Reno Ballroom. Call (800) MUST SEE.

- Over at Crystal Bay Paul Thorn is telling a lot of stories Friday July 11 at 9 p.m. He's the son of a preacher and knows how to lay down a sermon. Call 883-6333 for $17 tickets. Jonah Smith's simple, soulful songs will resound at the same place at 9 July 14. Free.

- The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival is under way with "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Richard III" on the boards at Sand Harbor State Park, Highway 28. Plus a n new comedy "CAMBIO." Call (866) 327-4697 for show dates. Tickets are $19 to $72.

- Festival of Russian Music is in Wingfield Park Sunday July 13 at 6 p.m. Free. Call 7466-1809.

- Journey, Heart and Cheap Trick rock away at Harveys Lake Tahoe at 6 p.m. Saturday July 12. Big hit-makers here. Tickets $49.50 to $199.50, call 588-2411. This should be a rockaway for the ages.

- Mandy Patinkin of Broadway will sing and act at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts in Reno Tuesday July 15 at 8 p.m. Call 686-6600 for tickets, $38 to $62.