Reno area boasts a strong lineup of outdoor music this summer

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The summer concert season is fast approaching, and most series have been finalized. Some major names are on tour, and ticket prices are steep for them. How does $200 sound for some of the top seats?

Fear not, there are a few bargains out there.

Ever since the Reno Hilton became the Grand Sierra and tore down the outdoor amphitheater to make room for development, the only name in northern Nevada for huge outdoor concerts is Harveys Outdoor Arena in Stateline. Its venue, between the hotel and Lake Tahoe, has proved most versatile, able to accommodate the biggest tours, like last year's Rascal Flatts concert. Plus, it's been able to book last-minute goodies, like last year's Stevie Wonder show.

This season opens with one of the year's most anticipated tours, the teaming of Robert Plant and Alison Krauss (along with T-Bone Burnett and Sharon Little) on June 28 ($49.50, $69.50, $89.50). Then comes a triple nostalgia treat when Journey, Heart and Cheap Trick team up July 12 ($49.50, $59.50, $99.50, $125.50, $199.50).

James Taylor played Sacramento and the Reno Events Center last winter, but that will not preclude fans from coming back for more when he plays Harveys on July 26 ($49.50, $79.50, $125). Events Center regular Toby Keith brings his Biggest Baddest Tour on July 27, with Montgomery Gentry, Carter's Chord, Mica Roberts and Trailer Choir joining the party ($67.50, $87.50, $97.50, $125). The "Think Fast, Steely Dan" tour arrives Aug. 2 ($49.50, $69.50, $89.50, $125).

Those who can never seem to get into the sold-out Harrah's South Shore Room shows will find plenty more room when Sammy Hagar and the Wabos play the outdoor site on Aug. 9. ($57.50 general, $60 day of show). Alan Jackson brings his Georgia twang to Harrah's on Aug. 15 ($49.50, $59.50, $79.50, $125.50), and Sheryl Crow makes her area debut there with guests James Blunt and Toots and the Maytals on Aug. 23 ($49.50, $79.50, $99.50, $125.50).

All tickets to the Harveys Outdoor Summer Series are available only through Ticketmaster.

Hawkins lineup

The milder Hawkins Amphitheater series at Reno's Bartley Ranch has a short but lively list of shows. It faces city budgetary restraints and competition to sign the performers from area casinos. Here's the lineup:

• Sacramento roots rocker Jackie Greene kicks off the season, along with Mother Hips, on June 5 ($29.50, $20)

• Fusion jazz takes over with the Rippingtons on June 8 ($34.50, $24.50)

• Songstress Melissa Manchester makes a rare Reno return on June 14 ($34.50, $24.50)

• Susan Tedeschi brings some soulful blues on June 27 ($44.50, $29.50)

• Former Mavericks lead singer Raul Malo performs July 26 ($34.50, $24.50)

• Calexico, the Tucson-based indie rockers with a decidedly Mexican flavor, play July 27 ($44.50, $29.50)

• Multi-instrumentalist David Bromberg, whose new album is "Try Me One More Time," joins with the Angel Band on Aug. 2 ($34.50, $24.50)

• Still singing "Poetry Man" nearly 30 years later, Phoebe Snow arrives Aug. 24 ($44.50, $29.50)

• Neko Case brings her punk ethic on Aug. 27 ($44.50, $29.50)

• Navajo-Ute flute virtuoso R. Carlos Nakai plays Sept. 27 ($34.50, $24.50)

All concerts at the Hawkins Amphitheater are at 8 p.m. with the exception of Nakai, who starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online at hawkinsamphitheater.com.

The new place

Finally, there's a new venue in town. The Reno Ballroom has been built across the street from the Silver Legacy, replacing the not-missed City Center Pavilion. It offers a smaller space for performers than the giant Reno Events Center and will feature B.B. King on June 28 ($40, $60, $70, $80); Crosby, Stills, and Nash on June 29 ($40, $60, $70, $80); and Ringo Starr and his newest crop of All-Starrs on July 25 ($50, $70, $80, $95).

Tickets for shows at the Reno Ballroom are available at (888) 288-1833.

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