A/E Highlights

Don't they roll up the sidewalks anymore?

The last time we checked, Boulder City was a nice place to live, but you wouldn't want to visit there. Now we're catching wind that you can actually catch live growling rock and punk there. Who knew? Sin City Sounds present The Black Jetts, Jupiter Shifter and The Holy Moleys 9 p.m. Saturday at Matteo's Underground Lounge, inside the Boulder Dam Hotel at 1305 Arizona St. It's rumored to be haunted, so just keep telling yourself, "I ain't `fraid of no ghosts" and "Bustin' makes me feel good!" You must be 21 to attend, but there's no cover. Info: 293-3510.

The blues? Can't you guys score any Paxil?

What is it with these darned mopey old blues? Why, since we started spiking the Mercury office gin cooler with high-grade prescription antidepressants, the entire staff is 43 percent more perky. Even the discovery of a family of black widows under Kiraly's desk couldn't wipe the hideous rictus grin off his face. Meanwhile, back in the real, blues-ridden world, there is Bluesefit this weekend with fifty percent of the net proceeds going to The Make a Wish Foundation. The show features The Moanin' Blacksnakes (noon-4 p.m.), Nathan Wolf and Gabby Jumble featuring Chris Zemba (5-7 p.m.) and Bluesology (pictured above) at 8 p.m. The show runs until Bluesology runs out of steam, which could take a while. It's Sunday at Moose's Beach House at 4770 S. Maryland Pkwy. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Prices include some chow. Info: 798-0441.

Patriot games

It was the title of the show after all, so why did everyone freak out when Bill Maher said something politically incorrect on his show? We're willing to write it off as mass hallucination or patriotic fervor-inspired mob mentality, but that doesn't put food on the Maher's plate. In our opinion, it's your patriotic duty as a liberty-loving advocate of free speech to go see his show. Plus, as a bonus, it automatically absolves you of any peripheral guilt you might have felt. Cue the overdub: "I'm Bill Maher, and I approve this message." The show is 7 p.m. Saturday at the House of Blues. Tickets are $32.50 to $50. Info: 632-7600.