Adam Lambert, Lionel Richie highlight new Thunder Valley Casino concert series

Thunder Valley Casino Resort this summer will host an outdoor concert series featuring American Idol finalist Adam Lambert, R&B crooner Lionel Richie and six other popular artists.The night concerts will be held on consecutive weekends throughout July, beginning with Richie on July 1 and continuing over the long Independence Day weekend with heavy-metal band Tesla, country star Dwight Yoakam and classic America."We have always strived to be a resort that offers a broad range of entertainment, and with these summer concerts, we are truly fulfilling that pledge," said General Manager CJ Graham. "We are delighted with the caliber of talent we have lined up for 2010 and feel confident our guests will enjoy a series of terrific performances." Tickets for the first four shows go on sale beginning May 8. They can be bought between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. at the Rewards Center and Ticket Station, located on the Thunder Valley Casino resort's west patio.Also showcased will be Smokey Robinson (July 10), Peter Cetera (July 17), and 2009 American Idol runner-up Lambert (July 24), joined by Australian singer-guitarist Orianthi. The concert series concludes July 31 with the jazz sounds of trumpeter Chris Botti. Tickets for the final four shows can be purchased, beginning May 22.Seating at the concerts, which begins at 8:30 p.m., is in bleachers or chairs, depending on ticket price. Regulations prohibit guests from tailgating or bringing personal coolers and portable chairs to the shows. Thunder Valley Casino Resort was opened in 2003 by the United Auburn Indian Community. It is now a 200,000-square-foot-complex. The summer concert series debuts as Thunder Valley nears completion of its remodeling and expansion. Additions include a new four-diamond-level hotel with 297 rooms plus a new steakhouse and expanded gaming space featuring live poker with real chips.The 17-story hotel includes a banquet and entertainment room, gift shop and an expansive pool with private cabanas and a poolside bar. The 10,000-square-foot Spa at Thunder Valley will treat guests to a wide variety of services. The expansion is expected to be completed in July. For more information on Thunder Valley Casino and the summer concert series, please visit www.thundervalleyresort.com.