1.
Do some good. The CineVegas film festival is starting a few days early this year to accommodate some people you may have heard of: Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle and more will be in town for the Vegas premiere of their film Ocean’s 13 on June 6 at the Brenden Theatres in the Palms. Tickets to watch the movie with the celebs are a steep $250, but proceeds go to humanitarian efforts in Darfur, a more than worthy cause. Regular festival screenings start June 7; visit www.cinevegas.com for info.
2.
Party with a purpose. The fourth annual Nina’s Night Out fundaraiser for the Rape Crisis Center on Thursday, June 7 will feature a performance by multiplatinum singer/songwriter Avril Lavigne at the Pearl at the Palms. “It’s a sad fact, but everybody knows somebody who’s been sexually assaulted,” says KVBC News 3 anchor Nina Radetich, who serves on the board of directors for the Rape Crisis Center and will be hosting the event. “Nina’s Night Out is a night to celebrate the survivors and a way to raise money for an organization that does the work few are willing to do.” Ticket prices range from $50-$115 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.
3.
Marvel at a punk pastor. Jay Bakker, offspring of televangelist Jim Bakker and eyelash wonder Tammy Faye, grew up to be a tattooed punk Godly man. He’ll be preaching to anyone and everyone at Community Lutheran Church, 3720 E. Tropicana Ave., Saturday June 2 at 6 p.m. and Sunday June 3 at 10:45 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. 458-2241 or www.communitylutheran.com.
4.
See big art. First Friday gets a boost this week (June 1) from nationally renowned artists: Public-space rabble-rouser Jenny Holzer screens projections on the Fremont Street Experience canopy at 8:30 and 9 p.m., and New York artist team Katie Salen and Marina Zurkow present a cheeky ecological performance involving ice sculptures and commitment ceremonies from 8-9 p.m. at Fremont and Third streets. With improvised mischief by artist Wendy Kveck.
5.
See if the kids are, indeed, all right. Cheap music aficionados take notice. The Bike Rack Battles, a six-day battle of local high school-age rock bands, rages on at the University Theatre at 6 p.m. nightly through June 2 for only $5. That’s less than a No. 5 with cheese and a Dr. Pepper at whatever burger joint you frequent. So skip the cheeseburgers and check out one of Las Vegas’ largest music festivals on the fly. Your wallet, your gut and your everlasting love of the dream of making it big in a rock band will thank you. 898-5500
6.
Go out on a high note. A rare genetic condition known as Kallman Syndrome prevented James Victor Scott from ever reaching puberty. It also left him with a gorgeous soprano singing voice, earned him the nickname “Little” Jimmy Scott and helped him become a favorite of Billie Holiday and a collaborator for generation-spanning artists from Charlie Parker to Lou Reed. Hear the famed falsetto for yourself when the 80-year-old plays a free-to-the-public Jazz in the Park set Saturday night. June 2, 8 p.m., free. Clark County Amphitheater, 455-8200.