Rockapalooza reunites Potter fans

The book series ended last year, with the publication of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." But the fairy dust hasn't settled yet -- at least according to the Clark County Library (1401 E. Flamingo Road), which presents its third annual "wizard rock" concert today.

Wizard Rockapalooza brings Potter-inspired bands Marked As His Equal, and returning faves the Whomping Willows and Remus Lupins, to the Main Theater stage at 6 p.m.

"These people -- who are all avid readers of Harry Potter -- have created their own brand of music, their own style, called wizard rock," explains event coordinator Julie Okabayashi. "It's a little bit folk and rock 'n' roll and punk. These musicians write these songs with characters from the book and create their own plots."

Okabayashi says the world has grown more Hogwarts-wild since the final book came out in July 2007.

"I just came back from Dallas, where they had this huge Harry Potter convention," Okabayashi says, "and I think it was the biggest success of any event they've done in the past.

"I don't think there's any drop at all in the enthusiasm or interest."

At 8 p.m. the library will host the Las Vegas premiere of "The Wizard Rockumentary: A Movie About Rocking and Rowling," an independent film spotlighting more than 50 wizard rock acts. A question-and-answer session will follow with Seattle-based filmmakers Megan and Mallory Schuyler.

"We just wanted to do more things to help promote reading during the summer," Okabayashi says. "And Harry Potter came immediately to mind, since there are books, audiobooks and movies out to support the series, and it's family-friendly."

In addition, she adds, "we're Harry Potter crazy here."

The main theater holds 400 and, according to Okabayashi, "we're probably gonna have a full house."

Admission is free. The event is open to wizards and muggles of all ages. Call 507-3458 for more information.

Contact reporter Corey Levitan at clevitan@review journal.com or 702-383-0456.