5 things to check out in Las Vegas next week

Pitbull

Anyone who doubted Pitbull had widespread appeal to Las Vegas audiences didn’t see the debut of his “Time of Our Lives” showcase at Planet Hollywood last fall. Who else can quote Maya Angelou a few minutes before filling the video screens with close-ups of thong-bikini butts? The charismatic rapper returns for another run in the Axis at Planet Hollywood at 9 p.m. Wednesday. Tickets are $39 to $350;

call 800-745-3000.

America

“High Fidelity” author Nick Hornby made the shocking revelation on “The Nerdist” podcast that he was completely unfamiliar with the oeuvre of America. The podcasters promised to stock him with hits such as “Tin Man” and “Horse With No Name,” which you will already know at 8 p.m. Friday at the Golden Nugget. Tickets are $58.36 to $254.56; call 866-946-5336.

Herman’s Hermits

If it gives you pause to think you’ve been yelling along to the lyrics of “I’m Henery VIII, I Am” for 50 years now, take heart in knowing the song dates back to 1910, before Herman’s Hermits even got hold of it. Raise a glass to Peter Noone and company at 7:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Tickets are $45 to $55; call 702-797-8055.

Bill Maher

A lot of us would like to see the campaign cycle shortened. But it’s high season for political comic Bill Maher, and he’d no doubt savor another year of GOP debates. Maher gets his knives out at 10 p.m. Saturday at The Mirage. Tickets are $65.39 to $87.19; call 702-792-7777.

Ambrosia

Calling your group Ambrosia provides a strong directional clue, to be sure. But David Pack, frontman for the lush pop-rockers, now has his name on a compilation called “Napa Crossroads,” with song titles such as “Blessed Vine” and “Vineyard Stomp.” If you’d rather just hear “How Much I Feel,” head to the Suncoast at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $27 to $49; call 702-284-7777.

— Mike Weatherford