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Pink Martini & the Las Vegas Philharmonic The Phil performs with a swanky, sophisticated, 12-piece orchestra that merges jazz, classical, Latin and pop sounds, and features the undeniably powerhouse vocalist Storm Large. February 6, 7:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall, $100-$250.
Mardi Gras Celebration It’s no substitute for drunkenly wandering Bourbon Street, but Charleston Heights Arts Center’s version of Fat Tuesday will be celebratory enough with Cajun/zydeco dancehall septet The Mudbugs—and an accompanying cash bar. February 6, 7 p.m., $10-$15.
Lil Wayne Even though SLS’ new music venue the Foundry officially debuts this Friday with electronic rockers Awolnation, its opening weekend could peak with this veteran New Orleans rapper, who’ll be joined by East Coast/How High-starring duo Method Man & Redman. February 6, doors at 10:30 p.m., $30 women, $40 men.
Weezy returns to SLS.
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Hossein Mortezaeian Abkenar The Iranian author and screenwriter, banned from his home country, delves into the violent and political topics that fuel his work—at the Writer’s Block … with the lights turned off. February 5, 8 p.m. sharp (no latecomers permitted), free.
Comrade Day CraftHaus Brewery will tap six versions of its annual Comrade Russian Imperial Stout this year. We’re especially stoked for the one brewed with Makers & Finders’ cold-brew coffee, but you might like the Amigo, infused with Mexican spices and vanilla. February 6.
Fareed Zakaria When your primary descriptor is “global thinker” and Jon Stewart loves you, you’ve got chops. The columnist, CNN host and author specializes in smart commentary about big ideas and big challenges, and he’ll speak “In Defense of a Liberal Education.” February 9, 7:30 p.m., free (tickets required), UNLV’s Artemus W. Ham Hall.
Liberace and the Mob The two are said to have tangoed more than once. Speakers Nicolette Pantaleo (the Mob Museum) and Jonathan Warren (the Liberace Foundation) ask—and aim to answer—the question: Who played whom? February 9, 7 p.m., free with museum admission ($10-20).
