See Hear Do: All That Glitters

Maybe it's just the luck of the Irish, but what are the chances of famed Irish tenor Paul Byrom, a former lead singer with Celtic Thunder and now a popular solo artist, visiting the Smith Center on St. Patty's Day? While you're pondering that, allow me to introduce you to Byrom's repertoire, which includes traditional Irish tunes, familiar Broadway hits, and a sprinkle of Irish wit as he tells stories about his Emerald Isle homeland.

The Black Mountain Institute's Spring 2024 Shearing Fellow, and the subject of the latest BMI Conversations podcast, Tajja Isen is the author of the award-winning Some of My Best Friends: Essays on Lip Service. Which is all to say, she has an abundance of practical literary wisdom to share in this community workshop. In the first hour, attendees can expect a discussion about what makes a strong pitch and how that varies depending on the type of story or outlet involved. In the second hour, short pitches submitted in advance will be analyzed and discussed. Hands on, informative, and fun — my writer's heart says "count me in!"

No charge, but you do have to register.

Spring showers bring March ... dance festivals? Indeed, and CSN's is one such festival that is not to be missed — the two-day event offers audiences a potpourri of dance styles, including Folklorico, West African, Ballet, Modern, Jazz, and Contemporary. Performing groups include Trinity Dance Conservatory of the Performing Arts and Silver State Ballet. All new works, all by CSN faculty, alumni, and guest artists. Sashay your way into checking this one out! From March 8-9.

The Gregorian and Lunar new years have come and gone. For those still in the celebratory mood of new beginnings, Indigenous AF is hosting its fourth annual Las Vegas Mexica New Year Celebration, in commemoration of the completion of another solar cycle, according to the Aztec calendar. Welcome new beginnings with live music, dancing, food, and arts and crafts vendors, all while experiencing local Indigenous culture.

Imagine learning that your people were buried under a heap of waste. How could you process such contemptuous disregard? This question drove artist Jeannie Hua to develop Tailings. The mixed-media installation exposes the burial of Chinese Americans in Tonopah, outside the region’s official cemetery under an unmarked mound of tailings removed from local mines. It’s part of Hua’s larger exploration of the neglect of Asian Americans who helped settle the West. The show is on display in the museum’s Window Gallery, where, depending on the time of day, viewers may see their own reflection — an effect Hua says is an intentional part of the experience. Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art is open Tues.-Sat. 10a-5p.

If we're not careful to preserve the techniques of our forebearers, quilting might just become a lost art. The Desert Quilters of Nevada's annual quilt show aims to not only solve the "lost" part of that warning, but it also puts emphasis on the "art" aspect, as sewers will be displaying some 250 of their best works. Showcasing quilting styles from around the globe, the quilts on display are a sight to behold, demonstrating the finest local instances of expression through fabric and thread. Plus, if there's a quilt that catches your eye, select pieces are for sale, alongside free demonstrations for those new to quilting to get them started making their own future show entries. From March 15-16.