1
Celebrate an icon. In commemoration of Black History Month, HBO has produced a germane and poignant documentary on America’s first crossover sports hero, boxing icon Joe Louis. Louis was the grandson of slaves, and an early Vegas resident, and the heavyweight champ’s story is one of endurance and triumph in a segregated society, told in this doc by several notable voices. Including sportswriter Jimmy Cannon, who calls Louis “a credit to his race—the human race.” Showing February 17 at the Rain nightclub inside the Palms Hotel and Casino. A reception featuring Louis’ son will precede the screening. Doors open at 3 p.m. Admission is free; RSVP at 888-745-7425.
2
Stay up extra late. When you party with George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic, remember to wear comfortable shoes. P-Funk’s November 2004 show at the Palms ran over three and a half hours, with several members of the band continuing to jam onstage after the house lights came on, even as roadies broke down equipment around them. A catnap might not be a bad idea, either. February 16, 8 p.m., $26.50. The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel, 693-5066.
3
Check out that smart-ass. The cheekiest of all cheeky pipsqueaks, towheaded mop top and SNL alum David Spade returns to his stand-up roots when he takes the mic at Planet Hollywood this Friday and Saturday night, with return engagements each month through November. Buh-bye. Mmm-hmm. Buh-bye. February 15-16, 8 p.m., tickets $90, 474-4000.
4
See Cirque for cheap. Cirque du Soleil’s various shows are dazzling and innovative, but can be a bit cost-prohibitive. Through April 12, though, local residents can see the troupe’s Ka show at the MGM Grand for half off the normal ticket prices of $99 and $125. Plus, the first 50 people who ask for it each Wednesday, Thursday and Friday during that period will get the chance to take a free backstage tour at 5 p.m. The show plays Tuesday-Saturday at 7 and 9:30 p.m.; call 866-431-7111 for tickets.
5
Eat, drink and learn. Saturday School at Vox is now in session! Every Saturday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., for only $20, you can join Vox Executive Chef Dustin Valette and sommelier Patrick Pretz as they take you through wine tastings, spirits education, cooking classes and demonstrations. Each class begins with a casual gathering, then moves into the presentation or demonstration, which is then followed by lunch and an open Q&A with the instructors. Learn how to make your favorite dishes right off the Vox menu! Space is limited, so reserve your spot at the head of the class by calling 407-7780.
6
Figure out Lynch. The mind of filmmaker David Lynch is just about impossible to comprehend, but the documentary Lynch at least makes an effort. It’s showing February 15-28 at the Galaxy Neonopolis as part of a David Lynch mini-festival sponsored by CineVegas. Also showing during those dates is a restored print of Lynch’s classic film Eraserhead, while a collection of Lynch shorts plays February 16 and 17, and Lynch’s most recent feature, Inland Empire, plays February 23 and 24. For more info visit www.cinevegas.com.
Joe Louis photo courtesy of Brettmann/Corbis