(Musical)
Come From Away
The Smith Center
On 9/11, America shut down its airspace for several days. In-flight aircraft were diverted elsewhere, 38 of them to a small town on the island of Newfoundland. That’s some 7,000 unexpected visitors. This musical imagines the culture clashes that resulted — and the human urge toward hospitality that overcame the barriers and created lifelong friendships. Very timely in this age of refugees. February 19-24, $36-$137, thesmithcenter.com
(Literature)
The Art of Listening
UNLV’s Black Mountain Institute
Random Family author and BMI fellow Adrian Nicole LeBlanc headlines a group discussion about the importance of listening — particularly in the fractious cultural conditions now prevailing. Other guests include UNLV oral historian Claytee White. February 20, 7p, room 101 of UNLV’s Rogers Literature and Law building, free, RSVP at blackmountaininstitute.org
(Lecture)
The Devaluation of Assets in Black Neighborhoods
UNLV’s Greenspun Auditorium
If you’re the sort of historically clueless person who assumes African-Americans had access to a level playing field after the end of Jim Crow, plus the gains of the Civil Rights Movement, this lecture is your corrective. Andre Perry, a Brookings Institute scholar, explains how blacks were systematically shut out of homeownership — a major engine of middle-class prosperity — for much of the 20th century, robbing them of inheritable wealth. How much, cumulatively? You’ll have to attend to get that number, but here’s a hint: It runs into the 12 figures. February 13, 6p, free, unlv.edu/calendar
(Music)
The Music Behind the Games
Windmill Library
Video games, that is. Las Vegas composer and musician Aaron Ramsey will explore the world of digital game music — says here the presentation will be “interactive”; also, a “feast for the eyes and ears.” All right! February 17, 2p, free, lvccld.org
Mystery History: Avuncular Clark County Museum and Pawn Stars personality Mark Hall-Patton explores the “forgotten history” of Southern Nevada. February 7, 7p, Clark County Library, free, lvccld.org
Chug, You Lugs: The superhero team-up you’ve been waiting for: Beer Zombies and SkinnyFATS restaurant join forces for a craft beer festival. We’re saved! February 23, 3p, 6261 Dean Martin Drive, $50, Facebook.com, search “beer zombies”