Variety key to Tahoe Music Fest

Festivals and specialty shows are a way of life around Lake Tahoe in summer, and this year is no exception. There are taco festivals, Shakespeare on the Lake, Shakespeare at the Brewery, and on and on.

The Lake Tahoe Music Festival has been around for 25 years and is going on 26 this year with some remarkable talent ranging from classical to rock 'n' roll and about everything else in between. Music lovers are invited to sit back and relax under the stars, with the stars beginning tonight through Aug. 9. While the festival sites are spread out around the Sierra Nevada, you can reach any of them on just one tank of gas.

And for those who do not ski or snowboard, this is a chance to sample Homewood and Alpine Meadows mountain resorts - without the snow but with all the outdoor beauty. Chairlifts will offer splendid views if you're not uneasy about heights.

This season features eight concerts at four outdoor scenic venues throughout the North Lake Tahoe area including historic Donner Lake, Tahoe Donner, Homewood's Hillside Amphitheater and Alpine Meadows Ski Resort. They present a diverse selection of outstanding musical performances featuring the festival's musical partner, the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, and headline artists including Dave Mason, Jim Messina and Band, Chris Botti and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

All the venues feature food concessions with choices ranging from hot dogs to gourmet sandwiches. Specially prepared festival picnic totes in reusable bags are available at all venues. Or spread your own picnic.

Because evenings are cool around the lake, be sure to pack some warm clothes.

Tickets start at $15 and go up from there with more formal seating. But what's wrong with sitting on the grass on a cool star-lit night with your own refreshment stand and listening to fine musicians?

Either way, you're guaranteed to have a great time.