Hot August Nights
HOT AUGUST NIGHTS. It’s hard to believe that this August 1 marks the 30th anniversary of Hot August Nights which was launched in the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. The convention center was filled inside with 10,000 folks who were cheering and partying in anticipation of seeing the Righteous Brothers, the great Wolfman Jack, and Jan & Dean live. As the audience relived their childhood of the 50’s and 60’s, the event was born.
Hot August Nights was launched to fill a void in Reno tourism during the month of August and to raise money for local charities. The first year was a night of nostalgia as folks danced the night away, but it was the car parade that was the highlight of the event for the participants and crowds who lined Virginia Street.
This year’s live performances promise to hit a nostalgic nerve as well. The fun begins Tuesday, August 2 with Paperback Writer/The Beatles Experience at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino (GSRC) in Reno and Lady an the Tramps at Victorian Square (VS) in Sparks. On Wednesday, August 3, it’s Kraig Parker’s World Premier Elvis Tribute at GSRC and Ronny and The Classics at VS. Thursday welcomes Herman’s Hermits staring Peter Noone at GSRC and Satisfaction, the International Rolling Stones show at VS. Friday, August 5 features America at GSRS and the 60’s Summer of Love at VS. Saturday, August 6 brings the television stars The Monkees at the GSRS and the ultimate Abba tribute band, Abbacadabra at VS.
Performances are scheduled to start at 8:15 p.m. and all performances are free to the public. For all of the drag racing and other exciting Hot August Nights events, call 775-356-1956 ext. 0 or visit hotaugustnights.net.
ENTERTAINING NOTES: Steve Martin and Martin Short, two of the country’s legendary comedians, bring their signature brands of humor for what they are calling “An Evening You Will Forget For The Rest Of Your Life,” August 12 along with the All Male Bluegrass Boys at Thunder Valley Casino Resort’s Outdoor Amphitheater at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $59.75 to $199.75 (plus taxes and fees). Call 877-468-8777 or visit thundervalleyresort.com … Over at Cache Creek Casino Resort, seven-time Grammy winner Gladys Knight appears August 5-6 at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $85-$105. She is followed later in the month by funny lady Rita Rudner August 13. Rudner owns the distinct claim of becoming the longest-running solo comedy show in the history of Las Vegas having sold 1.5 million tickets in a 14-year run and over 2000 shows. Call 800-772-2243 or visit cachecreek.com … Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort welcomes guitar legend Jeff Beck and special guest Buddy Guy, renowned blues guitarist and singer, to its Outdoor Concert Venue August 18 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $75 and can be purchased at the Casino Cashier Cage or at JacksonCasino.com. VIP Package tickets are also available and include one premium ticket in the first 10 rows, VIP early entrance into the venue, exclusive access to Jeff Beck’s pre-show sound check, specially designed Jeff Beck VIP merchandise, and an on-site host. Only 100 VIP Package tickets are available. Call 800-822-WINN (9466). Jackson Rancheria is located at 12222 New York Ranch Road in Jackson, CA.