Pick of the Week

For many, many moons, the Boston was the name of local music. The Cooler Lounge has great regional and national acts and the Junkyard pulled in some good shows for a while, but the Boston Grill & Bar was where local bands and fans came to bang their heads.

Well, times got tough last year over at the strip-mall hole-in-the-wall and before the local legend shut its doors, it sported jars on its bar that urged patrons to "Save the Boston." The Boston, in its original form, was not saved. But after its closing in August, rumor had it that a NEW Boston would open in October at Decatur and I-215.

Obviously, that didn't happen. But something better did. Boston owner/operator Rob Bassett secured a free-standing location on Flamingo Drive near Maryland Parkway. Now, fans of good music and cheap booze can travel from the Boston to the Rock to the Double Down in one night with minimal DUI probability.

The Boston Bar & Grill's Grand Reopening Weekend kicks off June 27 with (in this order) Uncle Owen, Stillhaven, 33 Degree (formerly God Among Men), Left Standing and Magna-Fi. On the 28th, the party keeps rolling with the Hiss, White Light Motorcade, Jarvik 7, Pilot to Orion and Slow to Surface. Both shows start at 8 p.m. at 1030 E. Flamingo Rd. Cover charge: $7. Info: www.thebostonlv.com.

Thu/26

If you're jonesin' for a Richard Cheese and Lounge Against the Machine fix (they won't be back in Vegas until Labor Day weekend), then you should check out Houston lounge kings the El Orbits. They host the Continental Club's popular weekly "Bingo Night," and this summer the boys will be hitting the road in the Brown Chariot (a 1980 Suburban) for a three-week tour of the Southwest.

This swinging band's zany repertoire includes "Moonlight Feels Right," "Tiny Bubbles" and the "Battle of New Orleans" with the added excitement of Bingo numbers being called in between songs. Just remember if you win you must yell "Bingo!" at the top of your lungs, or you will be instantly disqualified. The El Orbits will play until the wee hours at the Double Down Saloon at 4640 Paradise Road, following performances by Philadelphia's Capital Years and Rochester, N.Y.'s the High Strung. The show is free and starts at 10 p.m. Info: 702-791-5775.

Fri/27

Just when you thought performance art was a relic of the '80s involving jello-covered nude people cavorting in coffeehouse corners, along comes Ernest Hemmings with his Test Market. It's like nothing you've ever heard of or seen before, "a theatrical stunt in which absurd text is perfectly performed in a studio without regard for an audience" and then presented by actors who have adapted their performance to the random soundtrack. This will push the limits of taste and artistic integrity, which is probably why it's at midnight when no impressionable kiddies will see it. But you should. It's reputed to be hilarious. Get to the Katherine Gianaclis Park for the Arts at 5690 Boulder Highway as early as possible -- 10 or 11 -- for the rad stuff that's going on beforehand like the Electric Youth Orchestra and lots of cool artists. Admission to Test Market: $5. Info: 702-262-0858.

Sat/28

Accidental meetings and intertwined lives make for interesting stories (unless you're part of an incestuous community like Vegas where everyone knows everyone else; then it just gets old). But, when it's not your life people are vicariously interested in, it can be fun. Watching people's paths cross and re-cross like photons in a science experiment, especially if they're made-up characters in a foreign film, isn't a bad way to pass the time on a Saturday night. The First Night of My Life (1998) isn't quite sci-fi, though it's set in the future. And it's not quite the surreal, zany, Almodovar-esque film that it tries to be. Still, when else are you going to be able to see it in this town of chain video stores and cinemas that might dip their big toes into the world of art films for one ephemeral night? At the library, of course. The First Night of My Life plays tonight at 7 p.m. at the Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo as part of the Hit the Road, Jack! Movies from Around the Globe series. (Several libraries are presenting a series of summer films; see the Calendar's Special Events section for more information). Admission: Free. Info: 702-507-3400.

Sun/29

Regardless of what you believe about mediums and psychics, seeing a representative of this cultural phenomenon live at least once in your life will be a story to tell at the next party you go to. Who knows, your great aunt Agatha may even contact you through medium James Van Praagh to divulge the answer to a century-old family secret. Of course, you may be completely cynical and just want to go see what's up with this guy who claims that, like the little boy in The Sixth Sense, he can "see dead people." In any case, 65 bucks isn't so much to drop to find out, right?

See James Van Praagh, the star of the hit TV show "Beyond with James Van Praagh," this afternoon from noon to 4 p.m. at the Las Vegas Hilton. He'll discuss communicating with the spirit world and lead the audience in a guided meditation for increased spiritual awareness. Admission: $65. Info: 1-480-970-8543.

Mon/30

Women, revel in your bodies and the sexy ways you can make them move. You don't have to be a stripper to enjoy pole and trapeze dancing, and you don't have to dance for anyone but yourself. Jada Fire's Aerial Dance Class at Studio Open focuses on body appreciation for women. It's an hour and 20 minutes of guided body acceptance and touch. You'll learn to use your hair and clothing as part of the dance in a candlelit atmosphere with soft erotic music. The class is mainly for women 18 and over, but if mothers want to bring their daughters that's cool too.

"The class promotes a light and positive attitude through movement, teaching women how to have fun and make it a performance for themselves and stay tuned into their own energy," Fire said. About half of her students are professional dancers, but the rest are women from all walks of life ranging from their teens to their sixties, who simply enjoy aerial dance as an athletic and meditative activity. The class takes place every Monday night at 8:15 at Studio Open, 5115 S. Industrial, Ste. 107. Admission: $20. Info: 702-651-6736.

Tue/1

When forced to deal with a deadly disease, there are many questions that run through one's head: What treatment options are available? Where can someone get medical services and counseling? What about financial assistance?

In May, 2,699 people in Clark County had HIV. That means there's a whole bunch of you out there who are affected by the virus, whether you have it or know a family member, partner or friend who's been diagnosed. Where can you find the answers swimming through your head at incredible velocities?

The Partners in Care informational speaker series, sponsored by the Clark County Health District, will address all the questions you and your loved ones have about HIV, how it can be treated and what assistance is available. Today marks the third installment of a seven-week program held at Metropolitian Community Church (1140 Almond Tree Lane, Ste. 302). It runs Tuesdays from 10 a.m. until noon through July 29. For more information, call 702-759-0721.

Wed/2

Today is National Literacy Day, and in honor of that CityLife has chosen the most social book club in town for a CityPick. Join the Barnes & Noble Mystery Reading Group, which meets the first Wednesday of every month, as it delves into its current selection, The Number One Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. The 2002 book, detailing the adventures of "the Miss Marple of Botswana," is the third or fourth in the series, according to its leader, Susan Johnston. Join about 20 other people who adore mysteries and discuss them with relish. These folks have gone to the annual mystery writers' convention the past two years and they often go to dinner and movies together as well as put on fun events like murder mystery dinners. Meet them tonight at 7 at the Henderson Barnes & Noble at 567 N. Stephanie St. Just follow the sound of the laughter. Info: 702-434-1533.