Kittie Dana Carvey

Thursday, February 06, 2003
Copyright © Las Vegas Mercury

Go: What to Do, Where to Go & Why

By James P. Reza

Vegas is a town built for VIPs, anyone who thinks they are someone, or, more often, anybody who knows someone. We are bang in the middle of a VIP rush, with nightspots such as the Aladdin's Sevilla and Treasure Island's Mist opening doors recently. This Thursday, the Bellagio's Caramel lounge and the Maccioni family's suburban Tre restaurant--each already operating under soft openings--will host invite-only affairs, hoping to impress the city's opinion leaders and big mouths so they, in turn, will impress upon you to visit.

Even retailers chase the networking power of the VIP; any boutique worth its build-out cost hosts an on-site private party to introduce the store and butter attendees with food and entertainment. (Some years ago, when Emporio Armani launched its Forum Shops location, sharply dressed invitees were treated to the expected nosh, as well as a very up-close-and-personal performance by tap dance impresario Savion Glover, who energetically flung sweat from a low platform built for the occasion.) Last Friday, Ÿber-hip cosmetics retailer MAC celebrated the opening of its first MAC Pro location in Las Vegas (also at the Forum Shops). With a DJ spinning groovy tunes, naked-but-painted dancers shaking their schtuff on platforms fronting the store, and a black-clad, high-fashion crowd lubricated by sweet martinis, it was an affair that was half-rave, half-cocktail party, and mostly fun. Later, former Vegas lounge star Kristine W (who had an international club hit in the mid-'90s and the current Billboard No. 1 club hit "Some Lovin'") sang a song or two; strangely, the store also was peppered with dated fliers announcing Kristine's new release from July 2000.

Ha ha ha

Sometimes, when all that residual peace and love crap you carried over from your days as a roadie for the Lilith Fair wears thin, you just want to punch Steven Wright square in the mouth. "Come on, dude, show some friggin' excitement already!" you scream as you pummel the soft-spoken, almost lethargic king of under-delivery, thrilled that you have tapped into the animalism of Lollapalooza once again. The calmer he remains, the madder you get. Then he stings you with one of his trademark dry, witty observations delivered via maddening monotone. Try as you might, you laugh anyway. Steven has won you over. See him Thursday-Sunday at the Orleans (Feb. 6-9, 8 p.m.; 992-7970).

Comparatively, Dana Carvey is a ball of electricity, a bounding little guy who has had too much caffeine and likes it that way. One of many "Saturday Night Live" alumni (the Church Lady, Wayne's World) who went on to stage and screen, Carvey is an Emmy-winning comic with a talent for characters and caricatures. His spot-on send-ups of political figures (Bush, Perot) were water-cooler talk for years, a trademark of one of the better eras of "SNL." His stage show always includes a range of his characters and a peek into his energetic personality; see him Friday-Sunday at the Paris (Feb. 7-9, 9 p.m., 946-4567).

Redux redux redux

British pensioners and MGM Grand house band the Rolling Stones are back again. As far as the MGM goes, they are right up there with Elton John, Carrot Top and Dana Carvey. What can be said about this show that wasn't said the last 10 times they played here--except that it is Saturday (Feb. 8, 8 p.m.; 891-7777).

Toad the Wet Sprocket never played here that we can recall, but it feels like it did. So ingrained with that whole 1990s, thoughtful alt.rock thing as it was, Toad could have played the Huntridge back then when every night showcased another angst-ridden, thought-provoking, college radio band. This week, the band performs with Chicago singer-songwriter Alice Peacock and indie-rocker Bleu on Saturday (Feb. 8, 8 p.m.; 632-7600).

Speaking of the recently resurrected Huntridge...it smells just like the teen spirit of the early '80s as hardcore punx the Circle Jerks and GBH return to Vegas to spread the skanking. Just how the hell does the Huntridge expect to control the forbidden slam danc...--err, moshing--at this gig? Hell, these bands invented the stuff. Opening the Saturday show in a flurry of 30-second ditties will be Toxic Narcotic and Day Care Swindlers (Feb. 8, 7 p.m.; 678-6800). Also at the Huntridge, on Tuesday, all-chick quartet Kittie--you know, the ones who inspire those rebellious Summerlin girls to dress like Ozzy--bring their alt.metal to Vegas (Feb. 11, 7 p.m.; 678-6800). Opening the show is Biohazard, Eighteen Visions and Brand New Sin.

Was this your first?

If you're the one who keeps telling yourself, "This month, I am going to go down to that First Friday thing. I am going to learn all about the supposed cultural side of Las Vegas. I am going to experience it for myself. I am not going to compare Las Vegas to anywhere else, but rather enjoy it for what it is. I am going to be part of the solution, not the problem. I am going to rip out my goddamn lawn!" Well, even if you haven't said that much, if you ever have considered attending First Friday, then this Friday is the one to try (Feb. 7, 6-10 p.m.; 678-6278).

At the Funk House antique store/gallery/compass point, Las Vegas expatriate Geoff Carter will be on hand to unveil his latest photographic work in Not Home Anymore. The suddenly big-time lounge band we-knew-them-when The Nines will groove out a live set in the cluttered (and what will be crowded) back room while psychics and poets and balloon artists and other creative types will do things for your enjoyment.

A hop away at the Arts Factory, the anticipated new gallery Dust--a project of native artist Jerry Misko and Boston expatriate Naomi Arin--will debut with an exhibition of contemporary fine art, Collecting Dust. The Contemporary Arts Collective also will unveil a new exhibit accompanied by belly dancing and body painting, while the S2Art lithograph maker and gallery will be demonstrating its antique press. Live rock and reggae can be heard across Charleston Boulevard at the Iowa Cafe, while surf rock is the flavor at the Gypsy Caravan antique store. At 10:30 p.m., Dino's Bar will be the site of self-proclaimed babe band Killian's Angels, while those looking for a different groove will head to Neonopolis where DJs John Doe, Bazooka Joe and others will get the Saloon grooving to the funkiest and rarest grooves known to mankind at The Get Back. Check out www.whirlygiglasvegas.com for more info.

James P. Reza is the editor of the Best Places-Las Vegas guidebook. E-mail nightlife, cultural event & dining tips to jpreza@lvcm.com. Deadline is the Saturday prior to publishing.