THRILLS

Sunday September 3 Viva Las Vegas: He's famous for several things--a booming voice, an MTV revival, and what must be an awesome collection of female (mostly) undergarments thrown on stage over the years by ardent admirers. Now you can spend An Evening With Tom Jones, hopefully fleshed out with old hits like "What's New Pussycat?" and "She's a Lady," whether or not you choose to toss your panties to the mighty hunk of Wales. Jones performs tonight at 7:30 at the Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Pl.; for tickets, $26.50, call 830-TIXS. Sheryl Crow's famous for many things, too--but mainly, she's famous for "Leaving Las Vegas," the very place Tom Jones seems to gravitate toward. Crow left and never looked back, catapulted to massive, near-instant popularity by a few good songs (hand it to her, she writes 'em herself), a strong voice bordering on girlishness and a tough-enough persona. She'll appear tonight at 7:30, along with those friendly Rembrandts and Dishwalla, at Red Rocks. It's a biggie. Call 830-TIXS for tickets; they're $20 or $22.50.

Monday September 4 Gilded cajuns: We searched high and low for the most laid-back Labor Day happening in the region, and we think we found it--high. The Gold Hill Inn, up Sunshine Canyon Road out of Boulder and a pleasant enough mountain destination for any reason, is hosting an annual Labor Day Mountain Cajun Barbecue, with all the right music and all the perfect fixin's, too: While the Colorado Cajun Dance Band, the Alleygators and the Zukes of Zydeco strike up a ruckus, you'll fill up on panfried catfish, jambalaya and red beans and rice. Not exactly a barbecue, but who's telling? Festivities run from noon to 5 p.m.; admission is $16 in advance for the whole thing, or $7 if you dare not to eat. It'll cost you a dollar more at the door, but kids under twelve are half price. Order your seat now, cher; call 443-6461.

Tuesday September 5 Lend an ear: Now that filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, on the strength of his hit flick Pulp Fiction, is a household name (well, a whispered household name), it's time to catch up on his earlier work. The Bluebird Theater, an undiscovered but great place to see a movie, will screen Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs tonight at 7 and 9:30. The Bluebird, 3317 E. Colfax, features comfy table seating and microbrewed beers while U watch. Just remember to wear a raincoat--there's a lot of blood on Tarantino's screens. Admission is just $3; call 322-2308.