sam'S BEST BETS

We're back after a few weeks out to have a new right knee installed. 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

Saturday in Reno is the Great Elodrdado BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival. Uh-huh. MOre than 45 breweries will be pouring, sampling ends at 8 p.m. so belly up. Entertainment includes the Tommy Castro Band, Coco MOntoya, theShane Dwight Blues Band, Class Rock All-Stars, Brad Wilson, the Greg Kihn Band, JC Smith, the Buddy Emmer Band and a Briefcaste Full of Blues. Runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. $20 buys you a collector's mug and a chance at prizes. Refills of the mug are $2. Call 786-5700.

All topped by the Wizard, Mr. BB KIng, playing at 8 p.m. at the Silvery Legaacy's Reno Ballroom.

Coming up Saturday at the Grand Sierra Casino in Reno is Billy Idol at 8 p.m. in the Grand Theater. He was a cultural star in the 1980s and still shines pretty brightly. Catch him Saturday for $55 at 789-2000.

D.L. Hughley pulls into the Silver Legacy Casino Friday night at 9 p.m. with all of his riffs and socks flying. Tickets are $35-$40 at 325-7401. A very funny man with a chip on his shouder.

Crosby, Stills and Nash take the mic at the Legacy's Reno Ballroom Sunday at 8 p.m. Yep, they've been around and will continue to go around for a long time. Tickets are $40 to $80 at 789-5604.

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss with T-Bone Burnett and Sharon Little appear June 28 at Harveys Lake Tahoe. This one will cost you $49 to $89 at 786-8497. James Tayor will appear at Harveys outdoor July 26. Gotta hear him.

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 Bahama plays on into the night, no cover (882-1626). Live music at the Carson Station (883-0900) and a the Carson Valley Inn in Minden, the M8trix are in the Celebrity Lounge ((782-97110.

Keyboardist Salvador Santana and his band are coming to The Tahoe Baltimore July 3, 4 and 5 at 9:30 p.m. each night, bringing a mixture of hip-hop, rock, funk, R&B and traditional Latin sounds. (Salvador is Carlos's son.) Tickets are $10 at the venue, and at www.renegadeshows.com or by calling (530) 583-2801. The Baltimore is n Highway 28, Crystal Bay. Call (800) 245-8667 or 831-0660.

The party is at the Tahoe Biltmore on Saturday June 28 when Chicago's Bumpus performs a free concert at 9:30 p.m. The Tahoe Biltmore is on Highway 28, Crystal Bay. Call 831-0660.

Blues rock guitarist/vocalist Coco Montoya will perform at The Great Eldorado BBQ, Brews & Blues Festival in Reno Saturday June 28 at Virginia Street and 4th at 5:30 p.m. Free admission, call (800) 648-5966. Montoya, one of the top-drawing and best-selling artists on the blues rock scene, is on tour in support of his latest release, "Dirty Deal."

The California Reggae Styles of Rebelution plus guests from Kingston, Jamaica, Rootz Underground play at Whiskey Dick's Saloon in South Lake Tahoe Sunday June 29 at 9 p.m. There are $12 at Whiskey Dick's and at www.ticketweb.com. This event is 21 and over. Tickets are $15 at the door.

With the current economic climate, summer holiday plans have slowed but that doesn't mean you can't celebrate this Fourth of July with a bang. Reno's Artown is revving up its Fourth of July calendar offering free events with a five-day celebration that includes:

July 2nd

Preservation Hall Jazz Band in Wingfield Park (suggested donation)

July 4th

July 4th Parade in downtown Reno (free)

Reno Celebrates America in Rancho San Rafael (free )

Star Spangled Sparks (free)

Rollin' on the River featuring The Red Elvises (free)

Movies in the Park featuring "Yankee Doodle Dandy" in Wingfield Park (free)

July 5th

Americana Festival in Wingfield Park (free)

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis (ticketed and reserved seating)

July 6th

MasterWorks Chorale performance "Patriotic Music for Young and Old" (free)

For details about Artown and its summer calendar, visit www.renoisartown.com.