5 things for Las Vegas locals to do this week

Daniel LaRusso was taught how to defend himself by a janitor, and he turned out OK.

Something tells us that if he’d learned from two of the biggest names in UFC, “The Karate Kid” would have been over long before Johnny ever had a chance to sweep Daniel’s leg.

That’s our roundabout way of suggesting you take part in a self-defense class hosted by Forrest Griffin and Miesha Tate.

The duo will teach basic techniques inspired by their martial arts backgrounds from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada, 401 S. Maryland Parkway.

The free class is open to all ages and genders and will kick off a series of UFC-branded events at The Center.

For more information, call 702-733-9800 or visit www.TheCenterLV.org.

Poetry meets melody

It’s free rhyme time as local poet Lee Mallory serves up “A Taste of Love: A Poetry Performance with Live Music,” the latter provided by Hot Substance band member Nate “The Mad Slapper” Segundo. You can catch their act at 6 p.m. Thursday at Ichabod’s Lounge, 3330 E. Flamingo Road; for more information, call 702-451-2323.

Towel off, chow down

Cool off poolside and then move to the private dining room for a winemaker dinner at 5:30 tonight at T-bones Chophouse &Lounge at Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd. The five-course dinner, featuring the bottlings of CrossBarn Winery, will have an entree of chili-rubbed bison rib-eye with roasted corn succotash and salsa verde. It’s $95 inclusive; call Michelle Lee at 702-797-7517.

Sit, chill, listen at Dillinger

Can’t decide which weekend night is best for sidewalk-sittin’ at The Dillinger in Boulder City? The misters will be on both evenings at 1224 Arizona St. Friday brings the Big Friendly Corporation’s eclectic pop united by vocal harmony, while Saturday finds Linda Ronstadt channeled through veteran Vegas troubador Tarah Grace. Call 702-293-4001.

Music styles add up to 311

You like to rock. Your significant other likes rap. Your kid sister whom your mom insists you watch this weekend likes reggae. What to do? Short of severing ties with your loved ones, go see 311, who are influenced by all three. They perform at 9 p.m. Saturday at Mandalay Bay Beach, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Tickets are $49.50; call 702-632-7580.