Years ago when Norma Foote and I wrote the book Arts America, we said that art lovers must overcome three obstacles to attend an entertainment or sporting event. One, they have to know about the event; two, they should decide if there is any prior information they need to enjoy the event (rules of the game, plot of an opera, rock group’s recordings); and three, they have to know that they can get tickets that they can afford for the event.
In this post, I discuss overcoming the first obstacle: Where are the local print sources (as opposed to online) for Las Vegas entertainment information?
Like most of you, I rely on the web over print for personal and professional information. In fact, my business CDC Gaming Reports has never issued anything on paper. But in planning how to spend my entertainment time and dime, I do rely on five local publications. (Full Disclosure: I wrote for two of the publications several years ago and this blog is fully associated with the last one discussed.)
Las Vegas Review-Journal “Neon” — Every Friday, the RJ includes a special entertainment section (in tabloid format) called “Neon” that details movies, live-music shows, etc. for the coming week. Though there’s very little original local writing (the movie reviews are from the Associated Press and local shows are no longer evaluated), the Neon listings are well-organized. A minimum four-day-a-week subscription runs about $8 per month, so you may decide to just pick up the Friday edition at a convenience store.
Las Vegas Weekly — Published by the Greenspun Media Group, the Las Vegas Weekly offers both comprehensive entertainment listings and strong local editorial coverage of the Las Vegas cultural scene. The only issue is finding an issue; the Weekly is distributed “around the town” on Thursdays. Neither the magazine nor the website provides any information on where you can find the publication.
Desert Companion — This excellent monthly publication put out by KNPR (our local public-radio station) is recommended to anyone interested in Clark County cultural arts. Coverage of the major players (The Smith Center, UNLV Center for Performing Arts), as well as smaller organizations (Las Vegas Little Theatre, Springs Preserve), is extensive and well-written. An annual Fall Preview helps those of us who like to plan ahead. Subscriptions are $18 per year or free to members of KNPR.
Gaming Today – Recently purchased by Bill Paulos from Elaine DiRocco (widow of the founder Chuck DiRocco), Gaming Today is increasingly focusing on what it does best: local and now national sports-betting coverage. There is no longer a Slots Today section and many of the non-sports-gaming writers have left. Even if you don’t place sports bets, but follow the game, picking up a free issue at a nearby casino (or elsewhere – there is a location list in each publication) is well worth the effort.
Las Vegas Advisor – Though the LVA Entertainment section runs only two pages a month, I always learn something of value, since Anthony Curtis and company actually give an objective opinion on what they’re playing, eating, or in this case, watching, as well as details regarding extra or hidden costs one may encounter.
Did I miss anything? In future posts, I’ll discuss the wonderful world of Las Vegas entertainment-news websites, but these five publications will provide more information than even the most ardent local entertainment buff will need.
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