Million Dollar Duck at UNLV's Barrick Museum
Ducks are funny. Let’s just get that out of the way. But they’re also gorgeous creatures that draw a diehard cult following of duck artists—and some of them are very talented.
The award-winning 2016 documentary The Million Dollar Duck follows a group of such artists competing in the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s annual Federal Duck Stamp Contest, which is like the Super Bowl of wildlife art (according to one enthusiastic commentator in the movie’s trailer). According to Indiewire, the documentary bears “similarities to Christopher Guest’s [dog show] mockumentary Best in Show.” But the film and contest is more than just quirk.
Created in 1934, the Duck Stamp program generates $25 million a year for conservation efforts and is a career-maker for the winners. The 2018 contest just happens to be set in Las Vegas (September 14-15 at Springs Preserve). In advance of the festivities, UNLV is hosting a special screening of The Million Dollar Duck and a discussion about the power of art to create change. July 27, 7 p.m. $2-$5 suggested donation. –C. Moon Reed
Colin Kane at Vinyl
His mix of blue humor, audience member insults and horrifyingly accurate sound effects of sexual functions makes him, well, perfect for a Vegas residency, which he launches at Vinyl on Friday. July 27, 8:30 p.m., $32-$50. –Mike Prevatt
Dance in the Desert at Summerlin Library
This contemporary dance festival celebrates its 20th year by connecting local dancers and choreographers with their counterparts from around the globe to perform, network and share in master classes. July 27-28, Various times, free. –C. Moon Reed
UB40 Feat. Ali Campbell, Astro & Mickey at Brooklyn Bowl
There are two, legally warring factions of the English reggae-pop band these days—one with five founding members and this group anchored by original vocalist Campbell. You don’t need to know the dirty details to sing along to “Red Red Wine” during this two-night Vegas stand. July 27-28, 7:30 p.m., $48-$75. –Spencer Patterson
Ja Rule at Flamingo Go Pool
The Saturday Daybeats party keeps the summer vibes rolling with a live performance from Ja Rule, the Queens rapper whose biggest hits (“Always on Time,” “Between Me and You”) have come as collaborations with singer Ashanti. Maybe that’s why the pair is planning a new album together. July 28, 9 a.m., $15. –Brock Radke
LV Excuse Electro Party at Bunkhoiuse Saloon
Remember busting moves to Justice, CSS and Soulwax on dancefloors circa 2009? Wax nostalgic with deep blog house cuts spun by DJs Brock G, Wizdumb and more, plus a free keg. July 29, 8 p.m., $5. –Leslie Ventura
Peter Pan at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
Boastful. Careless. Self-centered. No, we’re not talking about the president. Peter Pan remains the standard bearer for prolonged adolescence. Watch him fly over the Super Summer Theatre stage this August. August 1, 8 p.m., $15. –Mike Prevatt
Star Trek Convention at Rio
With more than 130 celebrities scheduled to participate—including William Shatner, George Takei, Walter Koenig and Nichelle Nichols from the original series; Brent Spiner and LeVar Burton from The Next Generation; Kate Mulgrew from Voyager; and the entire cast of current series Discovery—this five-day fan gathering should be a blast for diehards. Beam on down! August 1-5, $50-$869, creationent.com. –Spencer Patterson
