1.
Face off. Can professional hockey—the NHL—endure in the desert of Southern Nevada? Who knows? But before any new stadium is built, either on the Strip or Downtown, to house a potential team, the Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings will get it on at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for some preseason action. Saturday, September 22, 7 p.m., $26.25-$210. 891-7777.
2.
Catch a comic. Baby-faced and Boston-tough, Adam Ferrara is a mass of walking contradictions. His relationship material is light as a feather, yet his Friars Roasts are vicious. His Italian roots run deep, but his demeanor is eternally white-bread. He’s starred on both Caroline in the City and The Job (not to mention Rescue Me). And his wacky voices and over-the-top physicality are offset by serious social criticism. Catch him in the clubs while you can; sooner or later he’s going to land the perfect project for channeling all that hyper-aggressive solemnity, and his boundless in-your-faceness will only be available from a distance. Through September 23, 8:30 and 10:30 p.m., $30. The Improv at Harrah’s, 369-5223.
3.
Toast Christmas in September. Never mind that it’s still 100 degrees out, it’s never too early to hang out at a festive little party Downtown that includes cupcakes, cocktails, gift-wrapping demonstrations and other extra-seasonal reasons to be social. Yes, gift-wrapping. Get a head start Thursday, September 20 from 6-9 p.m. at Las Vegas Paper Doll, 231 W. Charleston. 385-7892. lvpaperdoll.com.
4.
Watch quality TV. The new fall TV season kicks into gear in a big way this week, with tons of new shows premiering, and returning shows starting to air new episodes. Among the myriad offerings, one to keep an eye out for is Chuck, the best new show of the fall. A fun, energetic combo of action and comedy, the show follows the adventures of a down-on-his-luck geek who accidentally becomes the repository for a vault of secret government information. With charming characters and a freewheeling tone, it’s not profound, but it is great entertainment. NBC, Mondays, 8 p.m., beginning September 24
5.
Rock steady. Even if you’ve never heard a single band on the bill before, we can’t think of a more noble way to spend a Thursday night than attending the Jason McNelis Memorial Benefit at the House of Blues. McNelis, a local drummer, died in an auto accident in July at age 29, and proceeds from the event go to his pregnant wife, McKenzie, and 2-year-old son, Chris. Donations can also be made to U.S. Bank account No. 153752459120. On the bill for the show: Vegas outfits The Ill Figures, Kid Deposit Triumph, Otherwise and, fittingly, McNelis’ former band, Corner Stone. September 20, 5 p.m., $10. House of Blues, 632-7600.
6.
Amplify this. Check out the second annual Wine Amplified festival featuring headliner Sugar Ray with opening sets by Jeremy Cornwell and Chris Clouse. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. on September 22 at the Mandalay Bay pool complex with an afterparty at Moorea Beach taking you to the wee hours. Last year’s event drew just shy of 3,000 attendees. This year, an anticipated 3,500 wine aficionados will be able to sample 120-plus wines from 50 wineries, including locals Chris Hammond and Sonny Barton’s label, Rock On Roll Wine. Info: www.WineAmplified.com. Tickets are $65-$70 and available at www.MandalayBay.com or by calling 632-7580