Las Vegas Voice Writer Showcase at Spread the Word Nevada

Every third Friday, the local literary scene has a new destination. Las Vegas Voice is a showcase for wordy creatives: authors, writers, poets, comedians, storytellers and singers. Clark County Poet Emerita Vogue Robinson hosts the event, which has featured a rotating cast of five pre-selected performers since debuting in November. This is no open mic; expect quality entertainment.

"There is a staggering amount of talent and artistic expertise in the Valley, and we want to participate and facilitate a series of events that foster and showcase some of that richness," Mark Sedenquist says. He and Megan Edwards, both of Imbrifex Books, co-launched the series.

The January showcase spotlights poet Rodney Lee, writers Drew Cohen and Veronica Klash, novelist AD Hopkins and author/storyteller Holly McKinnis. The February 21 edition will feature authors Amanda Skenandore and Brian Rouff, singer Erica Raley, comic Shirley Cina and storyteller Diane Taylor.

Though the event is free and open to the public, attendees are encouraged to bring books to donate to the book drive Spread the Word Nevada, a children's literacy nonprofit organization. January 17, 5 p.m., free, 1065 American Pacific Drive #160. –C. Moon Reed

Bus Stop at Las Vegas Little Theatre

This comedic drama by William Inge was nominated for four Tony awards. Local theater maven Sean Critchfield directs the story of four bus passengers stranded in a blizzard whose lives collide. January 17–February 2, Dates & times vary, $22-$25. –C. Moon Reed

Tiffany Haddish at Park Theater

Much has happened since we last saw Tiffany Haddish on the Strip. She starred in The Kitchen; voiced a whole lot of animation (notably Netflix's Tuca & Bertie); and even had a Bat Mitzvah. She might expand on some of these topics, or not. No one tells a queen what to do. January 18, 8 p.m., $44-$137. –Geoff Carter

Chase B at Tao

The OG Chase B has been "putting in more work than ever," at least that's what the "Mayday" rapper tweeted just before 2019 ended. What's he got in store for the next decade? Head to one of his two Vegas appearances this week (he'll be at Marquee Monday) for a taste. January 18, 10:30 p.m., $15-$20. –Leslie Ventura

Winterfest at Big Dog's Draft House

A delicious tradition continues, featuring 50-plus taps, chile verde and gumbo, and live music from Super Lemon and The Roxy Gunn Project, with some proceeds going to the Pink Boots Society. January 18, 3-9 p.m., free admission/$1 tokens, 4543 N. Rancho Drive. –Spencer Patterson

Kenan Thompson's Road to NYC at Jimmy Kimmel's Comedy Club

The Saturday Night Live star brings his stand-up comic search to Vegas. Expect to see a bunch of young, hungry talents delivering their best five minutes with Thompson possibly in attendance, his SNL schedule permitting. January 18-19, 4:30 p.m., $15-$40. –Geoff Carter

The Black Keys at The Chelsea

Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney are bona fide festival headliners (see: Life Is Beautiful 2019, Shaky Knees 2020, etc.), but Vegas gets them in a 2,500-cap room with climate controls and real bathrooms. Kinda like the time the Keys played the same Cosmo venue in 2014, but with a new album—June's Let's Rock—thrown in. With Peanut Butter Wolf. January 19, 8 p.m., $49-$225. –Spencer Patterson

MLK Peace Week at West Las Vegas Library

This Black History Month event honors the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with "Extending the Dream," an art, dance and spoken word performance from Las Vegas' Trinity Conservatory of Performing Arts. January 19, 3 p.m., free. –Leslie Ventura