HEAR
Soulive The launch of a live-music venue is always cause for celebration, but when the new spot arrives with a gaggle of big bookings (The Roots & Elvis Costello, Jane’s Addiction, Spoon) and a reputation for greatness in its New York home, we get extra tingly. Brooklyn Bowl’s Las Vegas era begins, appropriately, with a funk-jazz trio so tied to the spot, its shows there go by the special tag Bowlive. Bonus: The Meters’ George Porter Jr., Lettuce’s Nigel Hall and the Shady Horns are all scheduled to join in on the fun. March 8 & 9, 9 p.m., $10-$20.
Blackalicious West Coast indie/backpacker hip-hop is enjoying a nostalgia moment, so it’s fitting that this acclaimed NorCal duo is representing. Get there early for two of local hip-hop’s best, Rhyme N Rhythm and Ekoh. March 9, 8 p.m., $17-$20, Backstage Bar & Billiards.
CHEER
NASCAR Weekend Practice, Stratosphere Pole Day qualifying, the Boyd Gaming 300, the Kobalt 400—it’s like Electric Daisy Carnival for stock car fans, minus the glow sticks and tiaras. Start your engines and head for the Speedway. March 6-9, times & prices vary, Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Canelo Alvarez vs. Alfredo Angulo Don’t let Alvarez’s one loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. fool you. The guy’s legit, and he’ll be taking on an opponent who has little to no respect for him. The two have combined for 48 knockouts, so expect fireworks. March 8, 3 p.m., $25-$600, MGM Grand.
Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Tournament ESPN “bracketologist” Joe Lunardi has seven Pac-12 teams—the most from any conference—in his NCAA tourney field. See them jostle for position, and watch No. 3 Arizona try to lock down a top seed, over four days of action. March 12-15, times & prices vary, MGM Grand Garden Arena.
EAT
Restaurant Week More than 100 restaurants all over the Valley will offer discounted menus, with proceeds going to Three Square. The options are endless, so take advantage by trying something new: maybe Buddy V’s or Hakkasan or Rx Boiler Room? March 7-14, helpoutdineoutlv.org.
