Julie Henson Artist Talk at The Writer's Block

The Neon Museum’s 2019 artist-in-residence is spending her eight weeks in Las Vegas making art inspired by the “myth and narrative” found in local neon signs. She’ll give a free talk at this community mixer. July 11, 7 p.m. –C. Moon Reed

Hammer's House Party at The Pearl

It’s easy to roll your hipster eyes at a bill that includes 1990s hip-hop party acts MC Hammer, Sir Mix-a-Lot, Biz Markie and 2 Live Crew. It’s another thing to hear “U Can’t Touch This,” “Posse on Broadway” and “Just a Friend” and not wave your fool hands in the air just a little bit. 8 p.m., July 12, $32-$64. –Geoff Carter

TSTMRKT: One Night in Pasty at Cornish Pasty Co.

TSTMRKT’s Ernest Hemmings, Breon Jenay and Brandon McClenahan have brought their surrealist theatrical comedy to a number of intimate local venues, but with the release of new album Home Entertainment System, they crawl directly into your ear. This smartly produced record—available on vinyl and CD at tstmrkt.com—is at once an audacious leap for Vegas’ fringe scene and a faithful, funny homage to the classic sketch comedy albums of Cheech & Chong and The Firesign Theatre.

“We normally tinker with the audience’s imagination, but this opened up entirely new possibilities,” Hemmings says by text, emphasizing that this isn’t just recordings of previously staged work: “Most of the stuff on the album wouldn’t work in a theater setting. We wanted the record to be a take-home performance.”

The July 12 release event for Home Entertainment System will feature a live performance by the troupe. After that, you can take TSTMRKT home and put them on your stereo for the benefit of uninitiated, unsuspecting friends—perhaps after Hemmings’ suggested aperitif of “a few bong rips.” 8 p.m., July 12, $15. –Geoff Carter

Lil Nas X at Kaos

The “Old Town Road” crossover sensation made headlines on June 30 for coming out on the last day of Pride, and he’s got fellow KAOS resident Cardi B featured on his brand new EP, 7. Clearly, the sky’s the limit. $20-$30, July 13, 10:30 p.m., Palms. –Leslie Ventura

Lyle Lovett & His Large Band at Star of the Desert Arena

The country crooner last released a new record in 2012, freeing him to load up on classics and deep catalog cuts. We wouldn’t send you all the way to Primm without good reason. July 13, 8 p.m., $30-$65. –Spencer Patterson

Oregon Trail: The Play! at Majestic Repertory Theatre

What’s not to love about a game where dying of dysentery or losing your ox in a flood are probable outcomes? Witness the beloved-yet-traumatizing computer game IRL. July 13-August 31, Days & times vary, $20. –Leslie Ventura

Hamiltunes! The All-American Sing-Along at The Space

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony-winning musical tells the story of America’s Founding Fathers to a hip-hop beat. Join the movement by attending—and participating in—this family-friendy spinoff. $10-$15, July 14, 7 p.m. –C. Moon Reed

Toots & The Maytals at Brooklyn Bowl

How’s this for a reggae résumé builder: Frederick “Toots” Hibbert” (now 76) and his band literally named the genre when they released 1968 single “Do the Reggay.” Want more? Listen to The Clash’s “Pressure Drop” or The Specials’ “Monkey Man,” then check the Maytals’ original versions, along with other Jamaican classics like “54-46 Was My Number” and “Funky Kingston.” Respect. July 17, 7:30 p.m., $31-$36. –Spencer Patterson