Louis The Child
There’s a reason Taylor Swift put “It’s Strange” on her “Songs That Will Make Life Awesome” playlist—it’s beyond catchy. And you might already know “Go” from an Apple commercial. So it goes with electronic duo Louis the Child, performing at Encore Beach Club’s Nightswim Friday night. June 15, 10:30 p.m., $25-$35. –Brock Radke
Paula Cole at Cabaret Jazz
If you listened to the radio in the ’90s, you should be familiar with Cole’s ’96 feminist anthem “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone” from her debut album, This Fire.
More than two decades later, Cole, now 50, is venturing into new (old) territory: Billie Holiday, John Coltrane, Nina Simone and Bob Dylan. Those are Cole’s muses on Ballads, her 2017 cover album and homage to jazz and folk artists with whom she grew up. “I’ve been meaning to record an album of standards for 30 years,” she says in a note on her website. “I wanted a down-home, rootsy, guitar-based rhythm section with a swinging piano player sitting in to elevate the old chestnuts and honor the greats. I wanted a Muscle Shoals-like sound … I wanted to honor our masters.”
See Cole pay tribute to her musical influences and perform additional This Fire hits like “I Don’t Want to Wait” inside the intimate Cabaret Jazz at the Smith Center. June 15-16, 7 p.m., $39-$49. –Leslie Ventura
The Joy Formidable at Bunkhouse Saloon
The spry and atmospheric Welsh trio will launch its 2018 tour in Las Vegas, which follows lead singer Ritzy Bryan’s description of the band’s new music as being inspired by the “multicolored sunsets and the primeval elements of nature in the Southwest.” Stream new single “Dance of the Lotus” for a taste. With Haunted Summer, Olan. June 16, 9 p.m., $15-$20. –Mike Prevatt
Family Pride Day at Clark County Library
This Pride Festival offers fun for the whole family, with dress-up play, make-up tutorials, a Teen Drag Competition, Drag Queen Storytime, lectures and comedy from Alec Mapa. June 16, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., free. –C. Moon Reed
Ethel M Chocolate & Beer Pairing at Crafthaus Brewery
Two family-owned businesses team up for a pairing of two culinary delights: Ethel M chocolate and CraftHaus beer. Nut-free and non-alcoholic options will be available. June 16, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $15–$25. –C. Moon Reed
Trixie Mattel at House of Blues
Given her singer-songwriter bona fides, expect the contour-heavy star of RuPaul’s Drag Race (seventh season) to perform strummers like “Mama Don’t Make Me Put on the Dress Again” along with the usual bawdy comedy. June 16, 7 p.m., $23-$53. –Mike Prevatt
Battle of the year USA qualifier
Watch breakdancers face-off—both in crews and in one-on-one b-boy battles—in this qualifying event for the Battle of the Year final in Montpellier, France. The winners of this throwdown will become Team USA. June 17, 2-10 p.m., $8-$10. –Geoff Carter
Juneteenth Festival at Kianga Isoke Palacio Park
Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the June 19, 1865 abolition of slavery in Texas, more than a month after the Civil War ended. The Rainbow Dreams Educational Foundation and the City of Las Vegas invite all to celebrate this day of reflection through live music, storytelling, food and the strengthening of our community bonds. 6-9 p.m., free. –Geoff Carter
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Get to know K.E.W.K., an emerging band claiming its space in the Vegas music community
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Voltaire’s glam-filled ‘Belle de Nuit’ is a thrilling new take on cabaret
Music and fashion intersect in such a cinematic way. Segments are sexily scored with a good amount of bass in mind.
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Arts District book shop The Analog Dope Store speaks with many voices
The essence of Analog Dope goes beyond its personally curated shelves; it reverberates with a profound sense of community.
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