A/E Highlights

But we thought they'd lost their marbles

At least that's what a lot of folks thought when First Friday started. Now it's the must-see cultural event every month and we hardly feel we need to tell you about it. Still, we keep running into people who haven't made it down yet, so once again we'll mention that the event features open studios, gallery openings, live performances and always a few weird, uncategorizable things. There are lots of yummy treats and wine too.

The above picture is from Eva Steil's new photography show at the Funk House, The Last Marble Counted. Music will be provided by folk duo Green and acoustic performer Kelley Samuels, plus the usual fortune tellers, art vendors, live art demonstrations and performing artists.

At the Arts Factory, the Contemporary Arts Collective features Body of Work, figurative paintings and drawings by Wendy Kveck, Julie Madden and Jennifer McKeon. The Dust Gallery presents Any Day Now, photos by Joanna Amberger and Ryan Spencer. The exhibition in the common space will be The Russians Emerge, artwork created by the Russians of the three or four dozen Cirque du Soleil productions currently in town. Cricket Studio and Face Up will have illustrations by Brian Swanson, as well as his Drawings from the Boneyard and Face Up: The Art of Recognition, works by Dar Freeland. They'll also feature Vortex, digital art by special guest Brooks Ayola. The Zollar Gallery will have the much-talked-about artwork of Laura Zollar. As always, the swankest place in the Arts Factory is the Michael Wardle Gallery, featuring his latest abstract and expressionist paintings. SEAT will be running REEL 11 in its entirety with a very special 7 p.m. performance, free of charge to those who reserve their tickets by phone (736-4313). It will play again at 8:30 p.m. for $5. The show runs one hour and 15 minutes. At 10 p.m. you can see The Shande of Rabbi Schlemazel for $10.

S2Art, at the corner of Charleston and Main, features The Picture Show, an exhibit of more than 100 classic movie posters and re-created artworks from the Golden Age of Hollywood. It also will have live printing demonstrations on their century-old lithography press.

The Iowa Cafe will have jazz guitarist Tim Torgerson, along with local acoustic and spoken word artists and art by abstract photographer Lynn Janese. The Gypsy Caravan Antique Village will have Surf band The Swank Bastards, followed by Vista Four playing from 6 to 10 p.m.

After 10, the party moves to the Ice House, where Chez Bippy presents The Get Back, a funky soul dance party with DJs John Doe and Danny Boy, which goes on till the wee hours. $5 admission. Or you can see Killian's Angels at Dino's from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

As always, this only covers a fraction of the shows and events associated with First Friday. We recommend starting at the Funk House at 1228 S. Casino Center Blvd. or the Arts Factory at 101 E. Charleston, where complete schedules and maps are available. Info: 678-6278 or 384-0092, or go to www.whirlygiglasvegas.org.

But we just wanted a beer

We can blame it on Tom Cruise, along with idiots going all Bruce Lee with their pool cues and Scientology. A generation that grew up watching Cocktail in endless cable reruns is now competing in flair contests. You know, flipping and juggling bottles, pouring multiple drinks from a stack of shakers, balancing bottles on their head--in other words, screwing around instead of getting us our goddamned drinks. But don't worry, be happy. Harrah's and Smirnov are hosting the King of the Ring Flair Bartending Competition and the final showdown is today at Harrah's Carnaval Court from 8 p.m. to midnight. Admission is $15. Info: 369-5111.

Wait, aren't all rodeos gay?

Okay, we admit that was uncalled for, but we get a sick little thrill from hearing the Stunt Runt curse us out on-air. Plus, we're lonely and for some strange reason hate mail from breeder cowboys and buckle bunnies just gets us through the night. The Bighorn Rodeo runs just like any other rodeo, except the dances are better and there's more same-sex spit swapping. Oh, they also have a few special events, such as steer decorating, the Wild Drag Race and goat dressing. It happens Friday through Sunday at Horseman's Park, 5800 E. Flamingo Road. Tickets are $10 to $45. Info: 888-643-6472.

Still a little blue

Despite what it looks like, we swear the Blue Man Group isn't composed of cyanotic mimes. First off, they make noise and, secondly, we're pretty sure that's makeup. Oh, sweet mother of Little Debbie, we hope it's makeup. Damn. Now we have our doubts. It looks like another night of terror-driven sleeplessness for us. Stupid scary blue mimes. Damn your entertaining and arty show! We need our beauty sleep. Blue Man Group: Live at the Luxor plays daily at 7 and 10 p.m., with an extra show Saturday at 4 p.m. Tickets are $71.50 to $82.50. Info: 262-4400.

We have a football team?

It's so easy to miss, what with all the topless shows, political scandals and 55-hour celebrity weddings, but yes, we do have an arena football team, which is apparently trying out for the position of lovable losers. True, they don't have nipple-baring halftime shows (this isn't the XFL, after all), but some people are actually there to watch the game. The Las Vegas Gladiators play the Chicago Rush at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Thomas & Mack Center. Tickets are $9-$60. Info: 731-4977.