I took this photo Saturday night at the Northern Quest Resort and Casino's tuneup concert for its new outdoor venue, this one featuring local acts Soul Proprietor and the Ryan Larsen Band.

As you can see, it's a flat expanse of lawn between the parking garage and the hotel. Folding chairs are set up and numbered (seating is reserved). There are booths and tents selling food, drink and merchandise.

The acoustics? OK, although we were distracted by the Monster Trucks roaring at the speedway next door.

As you can see, the crowd was not huge for this test-run concert. The first big test will come June 25 with the Judds, followed by the Steve Miller Band on July 14, Willie Nelson on July 31, the Beach Boys on Aug. 6, Toby Keith on Aug. 18 and Santana on Aug. 26,

---

---