Gig in the local operating room; Sparks' Vibes next

By now, with luck and the skills of Dr. Michael Edmunds, I'll be home groaning after getting a new knee. While I'm not thrilled by having new parts added to me, the alternative is worse: An end to hiking and skiing, camping and the Burning Man event in the Black Rock Desert. I put off the operation last fall so that I could get another ski season in, but no more stalling.

I hope to return to this column about June 12, with the help of friendly shoulders. After that it's to be a couple of months of recovery. See you then.

STREET SPRING VIBRATIONS

Sparks is expecting hundreds of motorcycle riders to rumble into Victorian Square for the Street Vibrations Spring Rally June 6-8 for live entertainment, Western food, motorcycle events and more. It's all free for spectators, while motorcyclists pay a fee. Poker Run stops are planned at Carson City Harley-Davidson, Reno Harley-Davidson and in Virginia City.

The Victorian Square event includes Controlled Burn Fire Dancers, live entertainment, bike games, competition ride-in shows, poker runs and walks and 80 vendors.

Entertainers in Victorian Square include Skynnyn Lynnyrd Reloaded, a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band and the Blues Monsters Band.

Stunt shows, live entertainment and an all-day barbecue are planned at Carson City Harley-Davidson on Saturday, June 9. The stunt team LivFast will be flying 30 feet through the air 20 feet off the ground. Donny and the Wayrads will entertain. Call 329-6469.

MUSIC IN THE AIR

The Eldorado Casino's Reno Events Center is pretty busy in the coming week. Kanye West " a record producer and multiple Grammy Award-winning rapper and singer " will appear at 8 p.m. Thursday, June 5 along with Rihanna. Call 800-879-8879. Ticket prices range from $104.50, $89.50 and $49.50 for this very popular rapper.

Then Saturday, June 7, Brooks and Dunn will play the same venue. Known for their rowdy-style of country music, the duo will take the stage at 8 p.m. Tickets range in price $45 to $95. Call the Eldorado ticket office at 800-879-8879.

FROM THE VAULTS

Peter O'Toole was up for an Academy Award for his work in the movie "Venus," and while he didn't win he certainly did an outstanding job as Maurice.

Maurice and Ian are veteran actors who never were stars but were highly respected in the industry. Now they continue to work, though their roles are far from glamorous.

But their lives and witty banter over breakfast is fun until they are disrupted by the arrival of Ian's grand-niece, Jessie. Jessie quickly tries her uncle's patience but Maurice falls for the young woman and shows her London. As Maurice tries to give Jessie the benefit of his experience, he finds how very little he actually knows about himself now that his life is drawing to a close. Jessie, who had arrived with an enormous chip on her shoulder, slowly learns from Maurice the value of respect " for herself as well as for others.

Jodie Whittaker as Jessie, is gruff and hard at times but gradually learns to like herself and Maurice. Leslie Phillips is Ian, Vanessa Redgrave plays Valerie. All are real pros doing a movie that few thought would be a hit. Running time is one hour, 35 minutes.

Released Dec. 20, 2006. Rated R for language, some sexual content, brief nudity.

- Contact Sam Bauman at Sbauman@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1236.