1.
See if history repeats itself. The last time Alicia Keys played Las Vegas, a fight broke out … between Tommy Lee and Kid Rock! We’re not predicting anything that zany to happen when she sings “No One” again Friday night at the MGM Grand, and that’s really just as well. When Ms. Keys hits the stage, we prefer to have no distractions, as fun as watching celebrities bitch-slap one another can be. With Jordin Sparks, Ne-Yo. May 9, 8 p.m., $39.50-$131.25. MGM Grand Garden Arena, 891-7777.
2.
Leave room for Doubt. There is no doubt about the Nevada Conservatory Theatre—from its base at UNLV it continues to churn out quality productions. This week you can still catch a few showings of John Patrick Shanley’s 2004 play Doubt. (For movie fans, Shanley also wrote the screenplay to Moonstruck.) The play, which takes place in a 1960s Catholic school in the Bronx, focuses on a nun who suspects a priest of inappropriate behavior with one of the students, and begins a campaign to discredit him. The play’s one act runs 90 minutes. May 8, 9, 10 at 8 p.m.; matinees on May 10 and 11. Call 895-2787 for ticket information.
3.
Feel like you’re at a (legendary) rock concert. Mick Rock is no mere mortal. His photos of music stars and rock ’n’ roll moments are so vivid, they threaten to leap right out of the frame, grabbing you by your shoulders and screaming in your face until your eardrums bleed. Be sure to check ’em out. Through June 15, Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Symbolic Gallery, 4631 Dean Martin Drive, 507-5263.
4.
Treat Mom right. Quick—grab your Blackberry, iPhone or other calendar-keeping device and mark this down: This Sunday is Mother’s Day. Instead of sending yet another silk scarf or necklace, how about giving the one who gave birth to you what she really wants—a few hours with you. Take your celebration to the Springs Preserve and dig into the Blooms & Tunes brunch, a buffet with all the excess of a casino feast and none of the slot-machine soundtrack. Sample dishes like black forest ham frittata, buttermilk strawberry pancakes and peel-and-eat Louisiana shrimp, then shake off your food coma listening to classical-rock group Bella Rumore. Of course, you could just hit the mall and pick up another scarf, but then you’ll miss out on the chocolate truffle cake. Springs Preserve, May 11, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., $35. 822-7705.
5.
Show some class. Talk about a hands-on educational experience! This semester’s UNLV Nightclub Management class will culminate in Summer Rebellion, a pool party entirely created, hosted, promoted and managed by students. Wet Republic at MGM Grand will play host to the daytime bash, which will feature at its heart the 10 Cane Rum Water Volleyball Tournament, which awards prizes like dinners, show tickets and VIP bottle service. Do your part to help out the next generation of emerging operators and promoters by stopping by between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, to enjoy the drink specials, reduced-price cabanas, complimentary daybeds (parties of 8 or more ladies) and free entry for Rebels. Who knows, they might remember you at the velvet rope someday. 891-3563.