1.
Rattle the ice: According to Magician Nathan Burton’s MySpace site, the showman will “encase himself in a gigantic M-shaped ice sculpture for 24 hours in front of Miracle Mile Shops’ north Las Vegas Boulevard entrance on Monday, May 21 beginning at 10 a.m. Even though temperatures in May average 90 degrees, Burton will have to withstand freezing cold inside the ice. The frozen M is so massive it can last up to three days in 100-degree weather. Weighing nine tons and having 10-inch-thick walls, Burton will not be able to escape until several Miracle Mile owners break open the ice to set him free at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 22. Burton will be joined by 96 showgirls rotating in and out of the ice to keep him company. Visitors cruising the Strip will be able to touch and inspect the M, which is shaped as such to celebrate Miracle Mile Shops’ ongoing multi-million dollar makeover focusing on de-theming the center’s original design.” Don’t miss it.
2.
Be dark. Atlanta’s black metal monarchs Demoncy have more to them than wearing silly pancake makeup and dressing in tight leather and spikes reminiscent of early-era Judas Priest. In fact, if you ask them whom their influences are, they are more likely than not to say that the infernal lord Satan himself powers their fast, brutal and loud music. While whatever this has to do with the substance of their personalities is questionable, be sure to give thanks (and hails) to all things evil (and pretentious). May 18 at 10 p.m. inside Cooler Lounge, 646-3009.
3.
Meet Ralph. The Atlantic recently dubbed Ralph Nader one of the 100 most influential figures in American history. From car safety guy to presidential candidate, the civic activist will speak about his book, The Seventeen Traditions, which looks back at his own life and quaint childhood. The Reading Room at Mandalay Place, May 18 at 7 p.m. 632-9374.
4.
Be in awe. We all remember what happened the last time a flamboyant, acclaimed indie act played the Art Bar (Of Montreal’s Kevin Barnes made sure we’d never forget). We’re not predicting singer/songwriter Patrick Wolf will also drop trou, but he did strip down to his shorts at a New York show last week, according to the Village Voice. We do know that Wolf said this tour may be his last, so this could be your last chance to see him—any of him—for quite some time. With Love Pentagon, The Displaced. May 19, 9 p.m., $15. Art Bar, 437-2787.
5.
Watch the sun set, with drinks. Partake in a ritual observed wherever water meets sand and pay a little homage to the sunset at Tao Beach’s new Sunset Sessions every Sunday evening, 5:30 p.m. to close. Loungey house, loungey cocktails, and loungey people will converge to watch the sunset and the moonrise and to thank both they’re in Vegas. Sunset Sessions officially kicks off on Sunday, May 20.
6.
Laugh. To turntables, add a microphone. Forget every other comic who just flew in, and boy, didja ever notice that white people dance funny, Bush is stupid and girls are craaazy? Enter Vegas’ own Doug Stanhope, comedy outlaw extraordinaire and the closest thing we’ve got to a modern-day Bill Hicks. Some might bandy about such descriptors as “raw,” “edgy” and “outrageous” for his material, and that would only be referring to the tamer half. Fresh from his annual Doug Stanhope’s Death Valley Cavalcade of Debauchery weekend, he headlines Tommy Rocker’s Sunday night. May 20, 8 p.m., 4275 Dean Martin Drive, 261-6688.
