Rebfest at UNLV’s SRWC Lawn
Fresh off a Sunday appearance at Coachella, Brooklyn-based indie rockers Caveman headline this daylong, KUNV-produced affair, which also features local bands Brumby, Rabid Young and Coastwest Unrest and Vegas rappers like Play on Words and Chop808. It’s also free and all-ages, so there’s really no good excuse for missing it. April 20, 2-7 p.m. -Spencer Patterson
Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 at Windmill Library
Maythinee Washington will channel the emotions of those who experienced 1992’s LA riots—25 years ago this month—with a one-woman piece of “documentary theater” by Anna Deavere Smith. Nevada Conservatory Theater and Clark County Library District co-present this Vegas version. April 21, 7 p.m., Free, 7060 W. Windmill Lane. -C. Moon Reed
American Dreams Literary Festival
Black Mountain Institute and its new publication of record, arts and culture journal The Believer, are bringing us something we’ve never seen here before: a literary festival with the feel of an indie music festival. The featured readers—among them Carrie Brownstein, Dave Eggers, Miranda July, ZZ Packer and Luís Alberto Urrea—have the hipster clout of indie rockers (Brownstein, especially), and most of the events take place in offbeat venues. That brings us to the bad news: Many of the venues are already “sold out” (tickets to the events are free, but have largely been claimed). There are waiting lists, however (check the link below), and the closing-night event, featuring Tift Merritt and My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James, had not reached capacity at press time. This is the debut of a literary Coachella, and how cool that it’s in Vegas. April, 21 and 22, festival.blackmountaininstitute.org. –Geoff Carter
The Art of Murder at Theatre in the Valley
There are plenty of cracks made at the expense of community theater. In truth, though, many such theaters are keeping the theatrical arts alive in very personal and meaningful ways, and in some cases they are also a great source of entertainment. Theatre in the Valley’s 24-year history in Henderson stands as a testament to its status as one of those community gems. And starting this Friday, it’s planning to offer proof with a production of Joe DiPietro’s The Art of Murder. Best known for I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and Over the River and Through the Woods, DiPietro is famous for his wit and comedic timing. The Art of Murder, directed by TitV’s Michael Brazier, positions itself in this tradition by offering a comedy of suspense, if not manners. The least well-mannered character of the bunch is Jack Brooks (played by Kent Stork), and the play opens with he and wife, Annie (Kate Sirls), awaiting the arrival of their art dealer Vincent Cummings (Regg Davidson). But Brazier promises, “This is not just a visit, as Jack intends to kill the man.” Before show’s end, this murderous hook will be pulled in more directions than there are characters. April 21 - May 7, Fridays & Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m.; $12-$15; 10 W. Pacific Ave. –Molly O’Donnell
Blues with a Side of Bacon at Henderson Pavilion
The Dr. John-esque Victor Wainwright & The WildRoots headline this Green Valley music and food fest, where the blues will keep coming (from the Bill Tracy Duo, the Moanin’ Blacksnakes, Jarekus Singleton and Miles Mosley) and the vendors will craft special bacon-centric treats. April 22, 3-9 p.m., $25-$30. –Brock Radke
Taj Express at Smith Center
Having made stops around the world, Taj Express pulls into the station at Reynolds Hall as part of a U.S. tour. This “Bollywood Musical Revue” translates the kinetic joy of India’s cinematic culture to the stage, with rich costumes, lavish dance numbers and live music. April 24, 7:30 p.m., $22-$99. –C. Moon Reed
