Alt-country band Cracker kicks off Harrah’s Reno summer series of outdoor concerts at the Plaza this weekend. Frontman David Lowery and guitarist Johnny Hickman founded the band in the early 1990s after the breakup of Lowery’s previous outfit, the eclectic Camper Van Beethoven (known for such classic alternative songs as “Take the Skinheads Bowling” and “Eye of Fatima”). Cracker quickly found a home on alternative rock stations thanks to hits such as “Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now)” off its 1992 debut album and “Low” and “Euro Trash Girl” off 1993’s Kerosene Hat. After a few lineup changes early in its history, the band has settled on accordionist Kenny Margolis, drummer Frank Funaro and bassist Brandy Wood. Cracker and former CVB members occasionally perform together as they did during 2000’s “The Traveling Apothecary Show & Revue” tour. The band’s latest release is Countrysides, a collection of country music covers. The band performs 8 p.m. May 14 at Harrah’s Reno Plaza at North Virginia Street in downtown Reno. It’s Cracker’s second visit to Reno in about six months, so if you missed their show at the Reno Hilton, you get a chance to see them again—for free. Call 788-2900.—Kelley Lang
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