1.
Love your country. New conductor David Itkin opens the Las Vegas Philharmonic’s ninth season with the “Star Spangled Spectacular.” The evening will be filled with patriotic tunes, and the finale, starting with the “1812 Overture,” will include a fireworks show by legendary pyrotechnics company Zambelli Internationale. 8 p.m. July 4, Hills Park, Summerlin. 895-ARTS (2787).
2.
See an original. Looking for musical credentials? Andre Williams has a few. Like penning Ike & Tina Turner’s “Shake a Tail Feather,” co-writing Stevie Wonder’s earliest single and recording for Chess Records during the 1960s. Now 70, the self-proclaimed “Black Godfather” and “original rapper” is back in action and raw as ever, if the performance of “Let Me Put It In” here (youtube.com/watch?v= FIYom86r5HI) is any indication. With The Slash Express, The Gun Smiths, The Real Shames. July 1, 10 p.m., $8. Beauty Bar, 598-1965.
3.
See movies we like. The NOTBAD film series at the Clark County Library has been going strong for a number of years now, showcasing independent, cult and art films, and this month they’re reaching out to local film critics to program the weekly screenings. It kicks off with Francois Truffaut’s Jules and Jim, hosted by Voices from the Set author Tony Macklin, and future installments feature films chosen by Weekly critics Josh Bell and Matthew Scott Hunter, among others. Tuesdays at 7 p.m. from July 3-31, free. Clark Country Library, 507-3400.
4.
Immerse yourself in Beatles. Pete Best is in the house! The unluckiest percussionist in rock history is among the individuals and Beatles-themed souvenirs and memorabilia to be featured at the Fest for Beatles Fans 2007: Las Vegas Fest. That’s two “fests” in one, proving once again that The Beatles break all the rules. The Fest started in 1974 and makes its Vegas debut July 1 to July 4 at the Mirage. Best, of course, was The Beatles’ drummer just as they were to record their first album, Please Please Me. He was dumped for Ringo Starr and has been a symbol of hard luck ever since. But he got rich off royalties from the Anthology series, and performs with tribute band Liverpool at 7 p.m. Sunday. Also, two milestones: It’s the 40th anniversary of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and the 50th anniversary of the day John met Paul. Tickets are $55 per day and available at the door. www.thefestforbeatlesfans.com.
5.
Strike a charitable pose. High fashion has never been known for its connection to philanthropic causes. But at the Outside the Box: Support Your Local Artists fashion show and dance party, all of that changes. With clothing provided by vintage-clothing expert Susan Lorion and music by local DJs Bone Machine and Teen Wolf, this fundraiser goes for the creation of a nonprofit arts group, the Expressions of Fine Artists, and their new home, the Box Office, 1129 South Casino Center Blvd. If you’re looking to check out some high fashion or a dance party, or even pitch in a couple of dollars for a good cause, you won’t want to miss this. June 29, 8 p.m. 388-1515.
6.
Love someone else’s country. We never miss an opportunity to eat meat on a stick, and neither should you: Origin India Restaurant hosts their summer Kebab Festival June 29 through July 21. Executive Chef Vinod Ahuja has teamed up with British kebab specialist Sunil Sinha to bring a variety of distinctive kebabs —open fire, charcoal grill, pan-fried, Paneer, Tandoor—scrumptious, all. www.originindiarestaurant.com, 4480 Paradise Road. 73-INDIA.
