This week’s 5 best bets for arts & culture in Las Vegas
Paul Anka
Last year at this time, Paul Anka described his Smith Center debut as “kind of like coming home.” This weekend, Anka returns to The Smith Center’s Reynolds Hall for another round of decade-spanning music, from his teen-idol years through the Rat Pack/Vegas era to his version of The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside.” Anka performs them all his way at 7:30 p.m. Friday; for tickets ($29-$149), call 702-749-2000 or visit www.thesmithcenter.com.
‘Science Fiction, Science Future’
From moving objects with your mind to becoming invisible, the new exhibit “Science Fiction, Science Future” explores how the future has invaded the present, starting Sunday (and continuing through early January) at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily; admission is $4.95 to $9.95 for residents, $10.95 to $18.95 for nonresidents. Call 702-822-7700 or visit www.springspreserve.org for details.
Nevada Encounters of New Music
The free NEON (Nevada Encounters of New Music) keeps glowing as the four-day festival concludes this weekend at UNLV’s Dr. Arturo Rando-Grillot Recital Hall with additional 7:30 p.m. performances Friday and Saturday by the Mivos Quartet and friends; for more information, call 315-383-0177.
‘Wild Kratts Live!’
The popular PBS kids’ show springs to life as the Kratt Brothers activate their Creature Power Suits to rescue a helpless animal friend — accompanied by their signature pratfalls and amazing animal facts — at 1 and 4:30 p.m. Saturday in The Smith Center’s Reynolds Hall. For tickets ($19-$99), call 702-749-2000 or visit www.thesmithcenter.com.
‘Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs’
The Mob Museum once again focuses on contemporary gangsters in its new exhibit “Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs,” which examines the histories, current practices (from drugs to firearms trafficking) and global reach of such groups as the Hells Angels, Banditos and Outlaws. The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, 300 S. Stewart Ave., is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; for tickets ($10-$23.95) and more information, call 702-229-2734 or visit themobmuseum.org.
