See Hear Do: Culture Showers

There is definitely a type of artist that appeals to the NPR crowd, and singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson is it. He doesn’t come by these parts often, so this is a treat, especially because his recent concerts have been clocking in at north of three hours. That’s almost as long as Killers of the Flower Moon, a movie he starred in.

This exhibit will either delight or frustrate anyone who ever picked up an Etch a Sketch and tried to turn out something legible. It features 14 famous Etch A Sketch artists and their unique, red-framed canvases. This is the second time this exhibit has come to Vegas, and it includes some elaborate works on Etch a Sketches going back as far as 1986.

The City of Las Vegas has teamed up with local theater company A Public Fit. They’re producing Jose Rivera's 2000 play References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot, directed by Gigi Guizado. A Public Fit producing director Joe Kucan tells us it’s a big departure from the usual socially conscious theater of his company. This work incorporates magic realism and poeticism and fantasy, though its themes are very much rooted in real life, such as marriage, sexuality, and war.

Note: Shows are available through April 19. Please check A Public Fit's website for more information.

A lot of locally produced art is referential to Las Vegas culture, but this exhibit has some added dimension to it. The illustrations are done by local artist David Cooper, for whom nostalgia is an important theme. Those familiar with vintage motels will get plenty of that, and those who aren’t will get a visually enriching history lesson. Cooper gets an assist from local woodworker Korey Replogle, who crafts frames in the spirit and aesthetic of the motel being depicted in the print.
On top of that: Many of these motels were temporary shelters before they were boarded up and/or demolished. So, the artists are donating proceeds from the sale of a Blue Angel Motel piece to Shine a Light and Kline Veterans Fund. Both nonprofits help people who are housing-insecure.

Note: Exhibit is available through April 24.

Have you ever noticed the floral arrangements inside casinos - especially the high roller rooms? Those arrangements are what photorealist painter Lolita Develay depicts in her watercolor paintings, hence the show title. They blend and juxtapose the natural world and the world of the wealthy. You may look at one of the works and see fragile flowers AND luxurious decor or lighting above said flowers.

Vegas Theatre Company is creatively getting into the ring, so to speak, by offering a play about puppets wrestling. Yes, you read that right. This is a table-top puppet show, but it also seems like it’s more than just that. It's called Kayfabe, and there is a narrative here. It involves wrestler Dr. Kiss as he endures trials and tribulations on the way to ... wait for it, Puppetmania. And things get very meta along the way.

Las Vegas is a worldwide destination for those seeking an experience like no other, rooted in iconic architecture and shows. Duck Duck Shed offers insights from those that built — and continue to build — the luxurious casinos, mega-resorts, and productions that have earned it the title Entertainment Capital of the World. There will be tours, panels, and engaging discussions.

The free kick-off party is on the 24th at Binion's.

The Las Vegas Science & Technology Festival is a weeklong local community event that brings awareness to STEM activities, experiences, resources, and career opportunities throughout Southern Nevada. There are events happening all around town.

We all know The City of Las Vegas has its annual fall book festival, but Henderson reads too! But, their book festival is more youth-focused than its Las Vegas counterpart, with three stages devoted to picture books, middle-school books, and young adult books. Each will have authors reading and signing books. And there will also be the usual complement of book vendors, kids’ activities, and food trucks — though, you could also just walk down Water Street and see what new eateries have popped up.

Jaws turns 50 this year — can you believe? So, HSO is celebrating with a performance of John Williams’ famous score, conducted by Alexandra Arrieche — who, by the way, is also the principal conductor for the Antwerp Philharmonic in Belgium, and the music director of the Olympia Symphony Orchestra.

Pinkies out! UNLVino is back. It’s celebrating its 50th anniversary, and for the occasion it’s going back to its old stomping grounds of the Thomas & Mack. This event was started in 1974 by UNLV and Southern Glazer’s Wine, Spirits & Beer of Nevada, one of the main liquor distributors in Southern Nevada, so reserve an Uber home for this one. The event promises more than 100 wine, beer, spirit, and sake companies handing out pours. And there will be food on offer as well.

People might think this is just another round-robin, unlimited-booze event. But remember: This event raises scholarship funds for students at the William Harrah College of Hospitality at UNLV. So, your little Friday night bender will help put a needy student though college. And the students actually help produce the event and run a culinary operation during the event, so this provides great actual-work experience for those studying hospitality.