East Valley Community Events Calendar, Jan. 7-13, 2016

THE WEEK'S BEST BETS

1. "The Cat in the Hat": The family-friendly performance is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 361 Symphony Park Ave. Tickets are $14.95 to $22.95. Visit thesmithcenter.com or call 702-749-2012.

2. Las Vegas Philharmonic:"Cabrera Conducts Rachmaninoff" is set for 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9 and 2 p.m. Jan. 10 in Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 361 Symphony Park Ave. Tickets start at $26. Visit thesmithcenter.com or call 702-749-2012.

3. Aquatic classes: High School Tune-up swim classes are planned for Jan. 8 through Feb. 20 at Municipal Pool, 431 E. Bonanza Road. The classes are meant to teach and improve swimming techniques and build endurance by learning how to use a diving block and make flip turns. Students will also learn swim meet etiquette and how a meet is run. Friday class from 6 to 7:30 p.m. will focus on strokes and technique, and Saturday class from 9 to 10:30 a.m. will focus on endurance, starts and turns. The tune-up classes are $4 per visit. The pool also plans to offer American Red Cross Lifeguard Training classes for those 15 or older on weekends or nights beginning in January. Trainees must pass the prerequisites on the first day before they are taught and certified in lifeguard training, CPR/AED and first aid. Call 702-229-6309 or visit lasvegasparksandrec.com.

IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Vintage Urban Collection:The exhibition of works by Alexander P. Huerta are scheduled to be on display from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday Jan. 7 through March 8 at the Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road. Visit lvccld.org or call 702-507-3400.

Las Vegas Stories: The monthly series is set to present "Growing Up in Jerry Tarkanian's Las Vegas, 1973-92" at 7 p.m. Jan. 7 in the Clark County Library's Jewel Box Theater, 1401 E. Flamingo Road. This coming spring marks the 25th anniversary of the Rebels' last trip to the Final Four and the team's epic loss to Duke. Writer Greg Blake Miller is set to present the free program. Visit lvccld.org or call 702-507-3400.

BRAZENconversations: Brazen Architecture plans to host its next BRAZENconversations series installment "Surviving on the Street: Why Does Las Vegas Have More than 11,000 Homeless Kids?"at 7 p.m. Jan. 8 at 1800 S. Industrial Road, Suite 102. Arash Ghafoori, executive director for the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, plans to lead the group discussion, along with representatives from The Center, Clark County and others. To RSVP, contact be-bold@brazenarchitecture.com or visit tinyurl.com/jzftffm.

Cosmic swimming: The event is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Hollywood Aquatic Center, 1650 S. Hollywood Blvd. Admission is $2 for ages 3 to 17, $3 for 18 to 54 and $1 for 55 or older. Visit clarkcountynv.gov or call 702-455-8508.

"Know Thyself" Series — The Native Son Bookstore Revisited: The free event for all ages is planned from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 8 at the West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd. The Native Son Bookstore is a series of educational and cultural activities designed to educate, empower and uplift residents of West Las Vegas. The initial series is scheduled to run for 12 weeks and address a variety of topics, which were selected based on the overall goal of the projects "to improve the quality of the life for poor and disadvantaged families." Jan. 8 is set feature "Know Thyself" with Al Gourrier, Ph.D. Jan. 15's topic is "Black Boys to Men" with Yusef R. Sudah. Call 702-229-4800 or visit artslasvegas.org.

"Susan Anton — Already Home": The performance is scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 8 at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 361 Symphony Park Ave. Tickets are $35 to $59. Visit thesmithcenter.com or call 702-749-2012.

Legislative luncheon: The Nevada's Women's Chamber is planning its 14th annual luncheon featuring Senate candidate Catherine Cortez Masto at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 15 at Cili's Restaurant & Bar at Bali Hai Golf Club, 5160 Las Vegas Blvd. South. The purpose of the luncheon and others like it is to be aware of legislation in Carson City and Washington, D.C. Tickets are $35 for members, $45 for nonmembers and $80 for VIP and must be purchased in advance by Jan. 8 at womensbchamberofnevada.org.

"Seapeople ... Voices from the Deep": The exhibition is scheduled during regular hours through Jan. 9 at the West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd. Visit artslasvegas.org or call 702-229-4800.

Couponing 101: The free event is set for 10:30 a.m. Jan. 9 in the Jewel Box Theater at the Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road. Learn simple tips and techniques for couponing with Las Vegas Grocery Smarts. Visit lvccld.org or call 702-507-3400.

Saturday Movie Matinee: The 2015 movie "Black Mass" is set to screen at 2 p.m. Jan. 9 in the Jewel Box Theater at the Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road. The movie tells the true story of gangster Whitey Bulger, played by Johnny Depp. The screening is free. Visit lvccld.org or call 702-507-3400.

What to Know When You Owe (the IRS): The free workshop is scheduled for 2 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road. Visit lvccld.org or call 702-507-3400.

Winter Blood Drive: The drive, co-sponsored by American Red Cross, is set from 2 to 6 p.m. Jan. 11 in the large conference room at the Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road. Visit redcross.org and use the sponsor code LIBRARY or stop in before 4 p.m. to sign up.

"Double Indemnity": The screening, part of the Tuesday Afternoon at the Bijou series "Femme Fatales, Gumshoes & Film Noir," is scheduled at 1 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road. Visit lvccld.org or call 702-507-3400.

Mob Month 2016: A presentation on "The Lufthansa Heist — The REAL Story" is planned for 7 p.m. Jan. 12 in the Main Theater of the Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road, as part of Mob Month. Co-author Daniel Simone will reveal how Henry Hill planned the heist from beginning to end, what evidence (or lack of evidence) that the FBI had on him and other mob figures involved, and where did all the money go. Hill's widow, Lisa Caserta, and brother Joe Hill are set to attend the free event. Call 702-507-3400 or visit lvccld.org.

UNLV Jazz Concert Series: The UNLV Joe Williams Every Day Foundation Scholarship Jazz Combo is set to play a free concert at 7 p.m. Jan. 13 in the Main Theater at the Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road. Visit lvccld.org or call 702-507-3400.

Nighttime Writers Group: The group is set to meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at The Writer's Block, 1020 Fremont St. The event is an open write-in planned the second Wednesday evening of the month for adult writers looking for a designated time and space to develop their work and to meet with other writers. An hour is set to be devoted to free writing and the remaining half-hour for open discussion and critique. To register, visit tinyurl.com/wrgp2016. For more information, visit thewritersblock.org or call 702-550-6399.

Solar 101 for Homeowners: The free event is scheduled at 6 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road. Visit lvccld.org or call 702-507-3400.

"Reservoir Dolls": Performances of the play, written by Erika Soerensen and based on the film "Reservoir Dogs" by Quentin Tarantino, are scheduled at 8 p.m. Jan. 14-16, 21-23, 28-30 and at 2 p.m. Jan. 24 and 31 at the Onyx Theatre, 953-16B E. Sahara Ave. Tickets are $20. Visit onyxtheatre.com or call 702-732-7225.

Spring class registration: Registration for classes is scheduled during regular business hours Jan. 7-24 at the West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd. Classes include African dance for children, ballet, and audio engineering and are scheduled for Feb. 24 through April 12. Visit artslasvegas.org or call 702-229-4800.

"Terminal": The exhibition of abstract works by Valentin Yordanov is set to be on display from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 7 and 8 at the Winchester Cultural Center, 3130 McLeod Drive. Visit clarkcountynv.gov or call 702-455-7340.

Stars and Stardust — Sidewalk Astronomy in the Neon Boneyard: The third annual event is planned from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Neon Museum, 770 Las Vegas Blvd. North, in partnership with the Las Vegas Astronomical Society. The free educational event offers stargazing for families using the society's professional telescope equipment. Children also can enjoy a self-paced solar system scavengerhunt and space-themed scratchboard art-making activity. Advance registration for a particular time is required: 6 to 7 p.m., 7 to 8 p.m. or 8 to 9 p.m. To register, visit neonmuseum.org/happenings. For more information, call 702-387-6366.

Public Employee Art Exhibit: The exhibition is scheduled to be on display from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday through Feb. 4 at Las Vegas City Hall, 495 S. Main St. Visit artslasvegas.org or call 702-229-1012.

"Monkey": The fine art exhibit focused on Chinese heritage is set by appointment through Feb. 20 in the Mayor's Gallery at the Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth St. A meet-the-artists reception is planned from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28. Admission is free. Call 702-229-1012.

WORTH A DRIVE

"Faded Glory":Art by Rafael Blanco is set to be on display through Jan. 9 inside the gallery at the Charleston Heights Art Center, 800 S. Brush St. The photographs, paintings and sculpture in the show are a statement on America's multicultural heritage and its dedication to the red, white and blue of the flag. An artists' talk and reception is slated from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7. Visit artslasvegas.org.

Art exhibit: Pen and ink drawings by Joshua Weinberg are slated to be on display through January at the Green Valley Library, 2797 N. Green Valley Parkway. Weinberg's art features characters from movies, comic books, video games and other pop-culture works. The drawings depict the characters as the opposite sex. An artist reception is planned at 6 p.m. Jan. 7 and is set to include refreshments. Visit mypubliclibrary.com.

Las Vegas Vintage Motorcycle Auction: The 25th annual event is set to feature more than 700 motorcycles up for auction starting at 8 a.m. Jan. 7-9 at the South Point Arena & Equestrian Center, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Models are scheduled to range from 1898 to 2015. Tickets are $25 per day or $60 for a three-day pass. Visit southpointarena.com.

Homebuyer's Education Seminars: The Nevada Partners seminars are planned from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 7, 11, 20 and 27 in the meeting room at the Rainbow Library, 3150 N. Buffalo Drive. Learn about the process from A to Z, including managing your money to achieve your financial goals; the importance of good credit; and sustaining homeownership once you've achieved it. Upon completion of this eight-hour seminar, the participant receives a Homebuyers Education Certificate, a requirement for most down payment assistance programs. Workshops are free and open to the public. To register, call 702-924-2100, ext. 230. Additional sessions are planned in February. For more information, call 702-507-3717 or visit lvccld.org.

In Its Entirety Concert Series: Next up is The Beatles: Hello/Goodbye! —"Meet The Beatles" and "Let it Be," planned for 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8 in Rocks Lounge at Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd. Tickets start at $15 for general admission for the all-ages show. Visit any Station Casinos Reward Center and the Fiestas, call 702-547-5300 or visit stationcasinos.com.

Songs from West Africa: The concert is scheduled from 4 to 5 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Centennial Hills Library, 6711 N. Buffalo Drive. Families are invited to see Sean Gaskell play the Kora, an ancient, 21-stringed harp from West Africa. He is set to feature traditional songs that are the heart and soul of the Kora's musical repertoire in addition to some of his own personal compositions. Call 702-507-6100.

Celebration of a King's Life feat. Johnny Fortuno, The Stamps Quartet & friends of Elvis: The concert is set at 8 p.m. Jan. 8 and 9 at the Cannery, 2121 E. Craig Road. Admission is $15 at the door. Visit cannerycasino.com/entertainment.

BMX Nationals: Hundreds of amateur BMX bicyclists from around the U.S. are set to take part in the 2016 Silver Dollar Nationals starting at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 8, 6:30 a.m. Jan. 9 and 7 a.m. Jan. 10 at the South Point Arena & Equestrian Center, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Participants will be competing for the championship title and a chance to take part in the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. The event is free. Visit southpointarena.com or usabmx.com.

"Tribes": A play by Nina Raine, directed by T. J. Larsen and Jacob Moore, is scheduled for 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8-24, in the Black Box at Las Vegas Little Theatre, 3920 Schiff Drive. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors or students. Visit lvlt.org.

Las Vegas Jewish Film Festival: The 15th annual festival is scheduled for Jan. 9-24, with most films set to screen at the Adelson Educational Campus, 9700 Hillpointe Road. The opening night screening is "Son of Saul," scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 9 at Brenden Theatres at the Palms, 4321 W. Flamingo Road. Other films are: "The Frisco Kid," 1 p.m. Jan. 10 at Adelson Campus; "Carvalho's Journey," 3:30 p.m. Jan. 10 at Adelson Campus; "Apples from the Desert," 7 p.m. Jan. 16, Adelson Campus; "Semicolon," 1 p.m. Jan. 17, Adelson Campus; "The Search for Israeli Cuisine," 3:30 p.m. Jan. 17, Adelson Campus; "Dough," 7 p.m. Jan. 21, Cinemark Theatres in the South Point, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. South; "Peggy Guggenheim: Art Addict," 7 p.m. Jan. 23, Adelson Campus; "Rosenwald," 1 p.m. Jan. 24, Adelson Campus; and "The Liberators," 3:30 p.m. Jan. 24, Adelson Campus. All films will be accompanied by the filmmakers, or related experts in the subject matter, who will provide introductions and moderate post-screening discussions with the audience. Tickets are $10 at lvjff.org.

Big-band concerts: Two groups are set to perform this month at the Sun City MacDonald Ranch Community Center, 2020 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway. The schedule is: the Michael Evans Big Band from 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 9; and Merv Harding's Talk of the Town Orchestra from 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 12. Tickets are $15 and include a 20 percent discount at the Desert Willow Restaurant at the same address. The performances typically take place at the Ron DeCar's Event Center, 1201 Las Vegas Blvd. South, but the facility is being remodeled. Call 702-270-7000.

Pirate Day: Pirate Fest folk plan to roam in full costume, and guests are invited to dress in their own pirate garb and enjoy pirate-inspired arts and crafts from noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 9 at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. Activities are included with paid admission. Visit springspreserve.org.

Las Vegas Wind Quintet: Clarinetist Dave Hawley is set to be joined by Julie Ivy on flute, Doug Beasley on horn, Molly Murphy on oboe and Dorothy Rumsey on bassoon in a free concert scheduled for 2 p.m. Jan. 9 at the Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St. Visit artslasvegas.org.

Travel Show: The 13th annual Travel Show is set to bring in travel representatives from all over the world with exhibits, specials and vacation seminars from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 9 at The Orleans, 4300 W. Tropicana Ave. Entry is free. Visit facebook.com/LVPrestigeTravel.

"One Night With the King": Elvis tribute artists Brandon Bennett, Bill Cherry and Kavan are set to take the stage with a live band and dancers at 8 p.m. Jan. 9 and 10 in the showroom at The Orleans, 4500 W. Tropicana Ave. Tickets start at $19.95. Visit orleanscasino.com.

Spring Mountain docent classes: The Spring Mountain Ranch State Park Docent Organization is seeking volunteers. New classes are set to begin Jan. 9. Call Carlo Luzzi at 702-355-9341 or email carlo6180@yahoo.com.

Acting Out: Super Summer Theatre Studios is set to offer a six-week Youth Musical Theatre Ensemble class for students 11 to 15 from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Jan. 9-Feb. 13, at 4340 S. Valley View Blvd., Suite 204. The courses, led by Rhonda Carlson and Kevan Patiquin, are set to culminate with a performance. Auditions are by appointment. Email rhonda.carlson28@yahoo.com to schedule. The session fee is $240. Visit supersummertheatre.org/acting-out.

Orchid Society meeting: The Greater Las Vegas Orchid Society plans to present Ron Parsons, speaking about orchids of Indonesia, at 2 p.m. Jan. 10 in the meeting room at the Rainbow Library, 3150 N. Buffalo Drive. A social hour is planned for 1 p.m., and the society's annual white elephant sale, orchid sale, show-and-tell and refreshments are planned to follow the talk. The event is free and open to the public. Call 702-845-4872.

"Hot, Dry and Inked": An exhibit of Las Vegas tattoo art and objects is scheduled to be on display through Jan. 10 in the gallery in the Origen Museum at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. Visit springspreserve.org.

Sunset Garden Club: A demonstration on Japanese flower arranging is planned at the group's meeting at noon Jan. 12 at the Paseo Verde Library, 280 S. Green Valley Parkway. Muriel Scrivner, president of the Nevada chapter of Ikenobo Ikebana, will give the demonstration. The meeting is free and open to the public. Visit sunsetgardenclubofnv.org.

Hiring Fair: SpeedVegas — a new motorsports complex set to open in March on 100 acres south of Las Vegas just east of Interstate 15 at the Sloan exit — plans a job fair from 3 to 8 p.m. Jan. 12 and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 13 at Gaudin Porsche of Las Vegas, 6800 Redwood St. Positions include concierge, reservations agent, driving coach and paramedic. Register at tinyurl.com/lvjobfair.

Bluegrass Band Night: The event is set for 7 p.m. Jan 13 at the Starbright Theatre, 2215 Thomas W. Ryan Blvd. Tickets are $15. Visit scscai.com or call 702-240-1301.

Robert Burns Night Dinner: The St. Andrew's Society of Southern Nevada, a nonprofit cultural organization, plans the 32nd annual event at 5 p.m. Jan. 16 at Sunset Gardens, 3931 E. Sunset Road. The cost is $50 per plate, which includes salad, an entree, a vegetable, dessert and coffee or tea. The event is slated to feature bagpipe music and dancing. Checks must be payable to SASSN and can be mailed along with with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to PO Box 33244, Las Vegas, NV 89133-3244. Visit sassn.com.

Black tie gala: The Fashion Artist Guild plans the inaugural gala from 7 to 11 p.m. Jan. 23 at the Revere Golf Club, 2600 Hampton Road. The guild is partnering with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for the event to help with medical studies on wearable baby technology. The event is aimed at raising funds for the guild's on-the-job training and partnering programs for emerging art and fashion students. Tickets are $55 for members, and nonmembers pay $75 for early-bird tickets and $125 at the event. VIP tables for six guests cost $700. RSVP by Jan. 15 by contacting Pamela Humphrey at 702-374-9410 or phumphrey@chicgeek-inc.com. Tickets are available at tinyurl.com/fashionartistguildgala.

Project 150 anniversary: Nonprofit Project 150, which offers support and services to homeless high school students in Clark County, plans to mark its fourth anniversary with a celebration and fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. Jan. 28 at Public School 702 in Downtown Summerlin, 1850 Festival Plaza Drive. Food and drinks, a silent auction and live entertainment are planned. Tickets are $150. Visit project150.auction-bid.org to purchase tickets by Jan. 11 and to participate in the ongoing silent auction.

"Odyssey's Shipwreck! Pirates & Treasure": Find out what it's like to be a shipwreck explorer, the captain of a sinking ship or a pirate on the run in the visiting interactive exhibit scheduled to be on display through Jan. 31 at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. Visit springspreserve.org.

Junior Master Gardener: The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension plans to offer the hands-on program for children 7 to 12 starting in February. The first classes of the eight-session program are set for 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 6 at the Research Center & Demonstration Orchard, 4600 Horse Drive, for residents in the north valley, and 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 13 at the Lifelong Learning Center's Outdoor Education Center, 8050 Paradise Road, for residents in the south valley. Children will learn about plants, water, soil, vegetables and more. The program also helps foster leadership skills and community service, organizers said. The eight-session class fee is $52, and sessions are planned twice monthly. Register by contacting Karyn Johnson at 702-257-5523 or emailing johnsonk@unce.unr.edu. Visit jmgkids.us.

Bluegrass Festival Craft Market: The city of Las Vegas is looking for artisan vendors to showcase and sell their work at the 2016 Bluegrass Festival's Craft Market, set from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 9 at Durango Hills Park, 3545 N. Durango Drive. Applications are free and must be submitted by Feb. 29. All artists who create original Americana/folk art and crafts in any variety of media, including paints, sculpture, print work, photographs, fabric art, jewelry, ceramics, woodworking and home decor are encouraged to apply. Visit lasvegasnevada.gov/faces/home/office-of-cultural-affairs. For more information, call 702-229-3514 or visit artslasvegas.org.

PLAN AHEAD

Bridge: The performance by the electric cello duo, part of the Downtown Cultural Series, is scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse, 333 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Visit artslasvegas.org or call 702-229-3515.

The Poets' Corner: The event for ages 17 or older is scheduled at 7 p.m. Jan. 15 at the West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd. Visit artslasvegas.org or call 702-229-4800.

History project meeting: The Southern Nevada Women's History Project is set to hold a bimonthly meeting on at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 16 at the Las Vegas Country Club, 3000 Joe W. Brown Drive. The cost is $26 for lunch. The speaker is set to be Gina Geldbach-Hall, a former battalion chief with the Clark County Fire Department, who will discuss her book, "Firegal - Rising from the Ashes."

Community Safety Forum: The Mob Museum, 300 Stewart Ave., plans to host a free Community Safety Forum from 2 to 3 p.m. the third Sunday of each month through 2016. Each presentation includes free general admission to the museum following the presentation as well as livestreaming of the event. Topics announced so far are: Jan. 17, Distracted Driving and Accident Prevention, featuring officers from the Metropolitan Police Department's Traffic Section discussing tips and tools for safe driving; Feb. 21, The Active Shooter, with officers from the MACTAC (Multiple-Assault Counter Terrorism Action Capability) unit talking about active shooter awareness, incident response and workplace violence; and March 20, The Ins and Outs of the Clark County District Attorney's Office, including information about the progression of a criminal case from arrest to post-conviction procedures. Call 702-229-2734 or visit themobmuseum.org.

Estate planning classes: The Clark County Law Library and Nevada Legal Services plan to offer a free monthly class on estate planning in Nevada January through June from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays at the Clark County Law Library, 309 S. Third St., Suite 400. Class dates are: Jan. 20, Feb. 17, March 16, April 20, May 18 and June 15. Topics include trusts, health care, financial decisions, avoiding probate, and how to receive free help. Qualified participants may apply for a pro bono attorney after attending class. Seating is limited. Call 702-455-4696.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Circus XTREME: The circus is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 16-18, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. June 18, and 1 and 5 p.m. June 19 at the Thomas & Mack Center at UNLV, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway. Tickets are $20 to $50. Visit pac.unlv.edu or call 702-895-2787.

ONGOING

Look inside "Ka": Cirque du Soleil invites visitors and locals to get an inside look at "Ka," as it reveals the history, background and science behind the show in free Ka Theatre Spectacular open houses scheduled for 11 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South. The open houses will highlight the work, inspiration and technology used in the $165 million production. Call 702-891-7940.

Social CirKish: Acrobatic performance and social skill development classes for youths 13 to 19 are planned from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursdays at The Center, 401 S. Maryland Parkway. Email Shannon Pates Xhola at smp4984@gmail.com.

"Matt and Mattingly's Bucket Show": Performances are scheduled at 10 p.m. Wednesdays at the Art Square Theatre, 1025 S. First St., Suite 145. The two-man improv show with musical accompaniment is free, but audience members are encouraged to pay what they want into a bucket at the end of the performance. Visit mattandmattingly.com.

African drum class: Master teacher "Papa" Diarra Zumana is scheduled to instruct this class from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Baobab Stage at Town Square Las Vegas, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South. The cost is $20. Visit baobabstage.com or call 702-202-8010.

Rhythm of Life drum classes: Percussionist and musical facilitator L.A. is scheduled to instruct classes from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at the City of the World gallery at 1229 S. Casino Center Blvd. The cost is $35 per class. Visit cityoftheworld.org or call 702-409-7549

"Failure Is An Option!": The original comedy show featuring anti-success guru Tom Rubin is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. nightly (dark Tuesday and Wednesday) in the Sin City Theatre at Planet Hollywood Resort, 3667 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Tickets are $49.95 for general admission and $59.95 for VIP front rows. Visit failureisanoption.vegas.