A/E Highlights

Packed with arty goodness

The fact that the latest Contemporary Arts Collective juried show drew about 300 submissions is probably a good indication that the Las Vegas art scene is alive and well. Unfortunately, it means the show organizers have had to scramble for space to hang all the Salon de Refuse art, so it's stacked like cordwood. What this means for the audience is more new art than is usually seen at all of First Friday, a veritable bonanza of the bohos.

The monthly event, featuring open studios, live performance and, particularly this month, more art than you can shake a paintbrush at, will also include the following: At the Arts Factory, in addition to the CAC shows, Dust will have Continuing New Work by Bradley Corman and Shawn Hummel. Cricket Studio and Face Up Gallery will have Illustrations by Brian Swanson and Flatline, new works by Dar Freeland. Zollar Gallery will have the work of Laura Zollar.

S2Art, at Charleston and Main, will feature demonstrations on its more than century-old lithography press. This month it is featuring the work of Stanley Mouse, renowned rock 'n' roll poster artist. The Nevada Arts Council, at 821 S. Seventh St., will have the OXS Exhibition Series--Chandler Dayton's Working With What Is mixed media sculpture. The Funk House will have Alivino in Glass by Scott Rubin, live music by folk duo GREEN, followed by Kelley Samuels. There will also be fortune tellers, art vendors, live art demonstrations and performing artists and other fancy stuff.

The Swank Bastards, followed by surf band Vista Four, will play in the parking lot of the Gypsy Caravan Antique Village from 6 to 10 p.m.. The Ice House will have Chez Bippy presents "The Get Back," a funky soul dance party with popular local DJs John Doe and Danny Boy, which will begins at 10 p.m. and go until the wee hours. Dino's, at 1516 Las Vegas Blvd. South, will have the Fabulous Nines, who will play from 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

As always, we suggest you start at the Arts Factory at 101 E. Charleston Blvd. or the Funk House at 1228 S. Casino Center Blvd., where maps and complete events listings will be available. Info: 678-6278 or 384-0092, or go to www.whirlygiglasvegas.org.

Smooth jazz and product endorsements

"Helloooo, Vegas! You know, I was just reading the latest issue of Razor Magazine and enjoying a refreshing glass of Appleton Estate VX Jamaica Rum when I came up with this little tune riff I'd like to play for you now." At least that's how we imagine jazz saxophonist Jimmy Sommers will start his show, which is sponsored by both companies. What this means for you, the listening public, is a free show and a drinking game. Every time Jimmy mentions either sponsor, you quaff a tasty glass of Appleton Estate VX Jamaica Rum, a delicious drink with a 2 1/2-century history of fine distilling. Hey, just because we can't play the saxophone doesn't mean we can't suck up to joy juice companies. FYI: We like coconut rum and small bills. The party gets under way at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, with a half-hour meet-and-greet followed by a live performance from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Lounge at the Palms, 4321 W. Flamingo Road. Admission is free. Info: 942-7777.

You may now kiss the bride

At least for the next 55 hours. Okay, we confess, this photo has almost nothing to do with Britney Spears' concert Saturday, but we didn't get a chance to run it before. She's playing at the MGM Garden Garden. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $48.50-$98.50. Info: 474-4000.

You may never use your bowels again

Every now and then, life throws you a little gift. This week it's Cheesestock. Yes, Cheesestock, the amazing camping event for people who love cheese. You know you want to go. True, a little voice in your head is saying "disturbing cheese fans roaming the desert," but another voice is screaming, "Cheese! Glorious cheese! Finally, people who understand me. Sweet mother of Gouda, I've found my peer group." The event takes place Saturday at 1 p.m. at campsite 121 in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. It's a pet- and kid-friendly event, so your performance art piece involving nudity and cheese dip will have to wait for another time. Come very prepared as it's a primitive campsite with no services or cell phone coverage. Hmm...we smell cheesy slasher flick. For very specific directions go to www.alpha66.com/cheesestock/Cheesestock_Directions.html. The event is free but you must bring cheese. Firewood would be swell too.

We will bury you...in classical music

At 8 p.m. Thursday, the UNLV Performing Arts Center at 4505 S. Maryland Parkway presents the Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra featuring pianist Navah Perlman. It'll be performing works by Chopin and Tchaikovsky. We do not recommend the traditional Bic lighter salute, as vodka fumes are highly flammable. Tickets are $45-$70. Info: 895-2787.