1.
Meet the author. Amy Tan’s 1989 The Joy Luck Club is a modern classic that explores the myths, mysteries and misunderstandings between mothers and daughters, cultures and generations. The author reads and signs April 21 at 7 p.m., Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road, and April 22 at 2 p.m., Summerlin Library, 1771 Inner Circle Drive. 734-7323
2.
Look at manhole covers (they’re art!). Artist Ralph Brancaccio travels the world looking down: at manhole covers, which he uses as—let’s consult an authoritative source, his press release—“a printing plate to create colorful imagery that often goes beyond the representation of the manhole cover.” Nothing highbrow about that, kids. Through June 22, at the Reed Whipple Center, 821 Las Vegas Blvd. North. 229-6211.
3.
Hear the poet. Distinguished poet, playwright, Nobel Laureate and visual artist Derek Walcott will read and discuss selections of his work during a free, public presentation. April 19 at 7 p.m., room 208 of the UNLV Student Union. 895-5542.
4.
Go goth. Everyone knows goths have the best dance moves. So put on your eyeliner extra thick and come pull fake cobwebs from the ceiling to a rare DJ set by Daniel Ash of Bauhaus, Tones on Tail and Love and Rockets fame. At Beauty Bar, April 21 at 10 p.m., $10. 598-1965.
5.
Jam. New Jersey bluegrass and folk group Railroad Earth have been described as what would happen if the Grateful Dead, circa 1971, had been playing bluegrass instruments instead of electric ones. And with this show being put on by the always fun Las Vegas Jam Band Society, this show at the Aruba Hotel April 24 at 9 p.m. will be well worth the $15 you divert from your illicit-substances fund. www.lvjbs.org
6.
Get animated. Continuing its dedication to bringing alternative film options to Vegas, CineVegas hosts Animation Under the Stars, a program of animated short films from the festival’s archives, shown outdoors at the District. Families and picnics are welcome, and future weekends will feature more well-known family films as part of the District’s Outdoor Picture Show series. April 21, 7:30 p.m., free. www.cinevegas.com