Pick of the Week

Just a few weeks ago, the maniacally punky trio known as the Pervz were featured in CityLife ... for the second time in less than a year. And here we are again, pushing them on our loyal readers. The reason? Combining the ferocity of Iggy and the Stooges, the swagger of the Stones and the attitude of the Sex Pistols, the Pervz are a really great local band, something that's in short supply in Las Vegas. Having only recently hit the bar circuit, the band has already developed an impressive fanbase, making instant converts out of all who endure the sonic assault.

And there's a chance the Pervz are on their way to becoming Las Vegas-based rock stars. Record-industry scouts are rumored to nibbling, so the trio's upcoming gigs at the Boston on Aug. 1 (with the Utmost and Absent Minded) and 2 (with the Black Jetts) might be important, as these super-secret moguls may catch a red-eye just for these shows. It's all hush-hush at this point, of course. Moreover, anything like this should be taken with giant grains of salt, seeing as so many other local acts have spread such rumors only to make less than a Killing. But we'll give the Pervz the benefit of the doubt and urge all to go see a local rock band worth a toss.

Who knows? Maybe the Pervz will end up being bigger than Slaughter!

The Pervz perforate the Boston at 10 p.m. Admission: $7. Info: 702-368-0750 or www.thebostonlv.com or www.thepervz.com.

--Aaron Archer

Thu/31

Tori Amos fans will be ungluing their eyes from their online "Toriphile" shrines tonight to sacrifice $50.50 to $65.50 for the opportunity to hear their goddess.

In eerie, meandering songs written in minor keys, Amos takes on subjects like rape, religion and childhood. She's captivated audiences for more than a decade now with her shiver-inducing voice and piano. She's also known for the quirky asides she throws out to the audience and isn't afraid to say "fuck you" to the occasional heckler. It's this combination of fairy-princess ethereality and earth-mama grit that makes her image so popular on altars everywhere. Like her persona, her voice ranges from the slight rasp to the operatic aria. Think Kate Bush with the occasional tantalizing hint of Janis.

Tonight Tori is joined by her special guest Ben Folds, who will perform an hour-long set. He's ditched the "Five" and is now touring solo. Who knows, maybe they'll start worshipping him as Tori's prince consort. Every goddess needs one, after all, and his energetic piano, with its ragtime overtones, is the perfect counterpoint to Tori's melancholy melodies.

Tori Amos and Ben Folds play the Joint at the Hard Rock at 8 p.m. Info: 702-693-5066.

--Meredith McGhan



Fri/1



Live, a brand new live rock club, opens up its doors for the first time, and John Doe, former singer of X, will play the first gig to de-virginize the place. The Killers and FFI will be rounding out the bill tonight.

Live has an ample stage and an open balcony. It also has 12 pool tables and 15 slot machines throughout the club.

If your stomach is rumbling, then visit the kitchen, which offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. (Dare the "Backstage Chili Cheese Fries," "Headliner Fried Egg Sandwich" or "Punk Rock Chicken Philly."

On Aug. 2, One Side Zero, Trailer Park Pam and guests to be announced will perform.

Ongoing concerts will include local, regional and national acts six nights a week.

Live is located on 5150 West Spring Mountain Rd. (one block west of Decatur). The free concerts starts at 10 p.m. Info: 702-878-LIVE.

--Babette May-Herrmann

Sat/2



Country-folk singer Jimmie Dale Gilmore will headline the 2003 Moonlight Concert Series at the Clark County Amphitheater.

The Los Angeles Times says, "Gilmore's rich, haunting voice, with its reedy echoes of Willie Nelson, has a timeless, almost disembodied cast, which makes it a perfect instrument for addressing questions of eternity without sounding pompous."

The show starts at 8 p.m. - so treat yourself to a warm summer night in the outdoor amphitheater. Tickets are only $8 in advance, and $10 at the gate, with children 12 and under free. Picnics are allowed but leave your pets and smoking at home.

Clark County Amphitheater is located on 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy. For more info, call the Clark County Parks and Community Services at 702-455-8200.

--B.M.H



Sun/3

There's at least one of 'em at every hotel-casino-based concert. You know, the high roller who lost five grand at the blackjack tables and, consequently, was comped into the show. Still stinging from being separated from his cash, he and his former frat brothers take their frustrations out on the artist -- toasting rowdily during down-tempo songs, directing obscenities toward the stage, or simply ignoring the performance.

It would be a tragedy if such buffoons found their way into the Joint tonight, where and when Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals will perform. Harper, a righteous SoCal native, is no slouch in the studio -- but his live performances simply soar. Songs including "Another Lonely Day," "Please Bleed" and "Waiting on an Angel" are stripped down even further, showcasing his soulful voice.

It would be a damn shame if this performance was distorted by drunken chatter or the random "Let's take it to the Crazy Horse!"

Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals co-headline at the Joint with sensitive surfer dude Jack Johnson. The show is scheduled to start at 8 p.m., with Johnson opening. Tickets are -- ouch! -- $55.50 or $80.50. For additional info, call 702-693-5066 or 702-693-5583.

--Matt O'Brien



Mon/4



Move over grandma. Punk rockers are taking over the bingo scene ... well, not exactly.

Have you ever wanted to play Punk Rock Bingo? Or just wanted to know what it is? You can learn and actually play five rounds of bingo as Bargain DJ Collective spins some tunes.

Get freaky by playing "X-rated," "Lucky L" and/or "Blackout" bingo, or remain a conservative tight-wad by playing some good, old fashioned bingo.

Just a hint on what some of the prizes might be, Big Lizard Records, Poizen Ideas and BowlingShirts.com are co-sponsoring the shindig.

Punk Rock Bingo takes place on Monday, Aug. 4 at the Double Down Saloon at 4640 Paradise Rd. 702-791-5775. The bingo-fest starts at 10 p.m. Admission is free and for those 21 and over.

To learn more about Punk Rock Bingo, visit www.punkrockbingo.com.

--B.M.H.



Tue/5

Nothing's heavier than STOMP, the percussion performance event that makes its return to the Aladdin Theatre Aug. 5-10 and marks its 10th year in existence. For those who know nothing of stuff like dance and music, STOMP is comprised of performers who fashion rhythm out of anything they can get their hands on: stiff bristle brooms, Zippo lighters, wooden poles, trash cans, tea chests, plastic bags, plungers, boots and hubcaps. It's unconventional and urban and a whole lot of fun.

Showtimes are 8 p.m., Tues.-Fri.; 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., Sat.; and 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sun. Tickets are priced at $35, $40 and $45 and can be purchased by visiting the Aladdin box office or calling 702-785-5000. You can also buy tickets at www.ticketmaster.com or www.stomonline.com. For more info, visit www.aladdincasino.com.

--Jarret Keene

Wed/6



The name of the 2003 Lifestyles West Couples' Convention coyly leaves out a few things. That's why CityLife is here to help by telling it like it is.

It's a swingers' convention, folks! Wife-swapping, husband-trading, threesomes, foursomes and moresomes. Classes on how to have better sex. Opportunities to "mingle" with other "fun couples" from the ages of 20-something up to those sexy seniors.

Starting on Wednesday (giving a whole new meaning to "Hump Day"), the unconventional convention runs through Sunday, Aug. 10.

Safe sex, "no means no" and lack of pressure to participate are also reiterated. So if you've never done this before and just want to watch, you can spend your disposable income (approximately $500 of it) to be a voyeur. In any case, you can go to workshops with titles like "Mr. and Mrs. Manners Gone Slutty: The Etiquette of Swinging" and "Tie Me Up, Whip Me, Torture Me ... Please!" as well as others.

The Lifestyles Convention takes place at the Aladdin. Convention admission varies from a three-day package at $395 in advance to the deluxe four days at $575 at the door, and in between. Info: 714-821-9953.

--M.M.



Correction:

Last week's Pick of the Week information was inaccurate. The Silverton Hotel & Casino has never had any relationship with the UCAGE convention. The convention has been postponed until sometime in 2004. Mistress Rana's group is Bound for Pleasure, and is not connected with All2Gay.com or GayLasVegasEvents@yahoo. groups, nor is she the owner of the user group.