Swim like a Mermaid

Ever wondered how to skim over the water feet first? On Saturday, July 14, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Pavilion Center Pool, The Desert Mermaids synchronized swimming team will perform before inviting pool partygoers to join them and learn the dance moves during the annual “Another Hot Tropical Night.” Hot Lava Polynesian dancers and Samoan fire-eaters will entertain from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Hawaiian beach songs will float over the air as families enjoy crafts, swimming, pool games and prizes. Snow cones and other food and beverages will be available for purchase during the event.

The party is sponsored by the city of Las Vegas Department of Leisure Services Recreation Division as part of their healthy living with programs that offer physical activity, mental stimulation and social interaction. Advance tickets are on sale now at the pool, priced at $8 for adults, $5 for youth under age 14 and $20 for a family of four. Tickets at the door will be priced at $10 for adults, $7 for youth under age 14 and $25 for a family of four.

Pavilion Center Pool is located on the west side of Las Vegas at 101 South Pavilion Center Drive (north of Alta Drive, between Palo Verde High School and Veterans Memorial Leisure Services Center). The outdoor pool measures 50 by 25 meters in size, has one three-meter diving board and a one-meter diving board, and ranges in depth from 4½ to 13 feet. Chairs, tables with umbrellas, lockers, pool toys and ample free parking will be available. Call the pool at (702) 229-1488 for tickets and information.

Independence Day Events

Looking for places to party on the 4th? Below is a list of activities for the Fourth of July celebration. Boulder City offers one of the biggest and oldest parades in the state with games, food and fireworks afterwards. Henderson (www.visithenderson.com/todo/special_events/fourthofjulycelebration) offers children's activities and three music stages (country, jazz and classical). Summerlin's parade is getting bigger and better each year and captured the Las Vegas Philharmonic for its fireworks display. North Las Vegas offers a July 3 event, at 6 p.m. at Seastrand Park ( 6330 Camino Eldorado). Tommy Rocker performs in a free concert at Lake Las Vegas. Catch you under the stars!

58th Annual Boulder City Damboree

Theme: "Let Freedom Ring," is the theme for Boulder City's 58th Annual Damboree Celebration.

Festivities begin on Tuesday, July 4, 2006, with the traditional 7 a.m. Rotary Pancake Breakfast in Bicentennial Park. The parade down Nevada Way begins at 9 a.m. and travels to Central Park at Fifth Street and Avenue B.

At 9:05 a.m. there will be a Flyover provided by Nellis Air Force Base

At 11 a.m. the Damboree Ceremonies take place with the flag raising, national anthem, greetings by dignitaries and the presentation of parade trophies.

Entertainment in Central Park begins at 11:30 a.m.

At 12:30 p.m. Dedication of the Robert Broadbent Memorial Park

At 2 p.m. games, contests and the traditional coin toss at the swimming pool, which takes place at 4 p.m.

From 6 p.m. until 11 p.m., the Damboree Celebration continues at Veterans' Memorial Park.

At 7 p.m. the entertainment begins and at 9 p.m. the Fireworks Show takes place. After the fireworks, there will be more entertainment until 11 p.m.



City of Las Vegas Offers Independence Day Fun Early and July 4

The city of Las Vegas Department of Leisure Services offers opportunities to enjoy preparing for and celebrating the Independence Day holiday with crafts and fun activities that are part of a healthy, active lifestyle. Plan now to get together with friends and family to enjoy some of these free and low-cost opportunities.

(All activities are subject to change.)

Star-Spangled Fourth of July Celebration (all ages)
Saturday, June 30, 10 a.m. to noon
$2 per child or $5 per family
Lied Community School, 5340 W. Tropical Parkway, (702) 229-5072.
Bring the family for a barbecue, face painting, carnival games, contests and crafts. Advance registration is not required.

Free Yankee Doodle Dash (ages 50+)
Tuesday, July 3, 8 a.m.
East Las Vegas Community/Senior Center, 250 North Eastern Avenue, (702) 229-1515.
Bring friends and family for a one-mile fun walk. First 75 participants receive a T-shirt. Call to pre-register.

Red, White & Boom Breakfast (ages 50+)
Tuesday, July 3, 9 a.m.
Fee: $2
East Las Vegas Community/Senior Center, 250 North Eastern Avenue, (702) 229-1515.
Celebrate Independence Day with pancakes, eggs, bacon, strawberries, blueberries, juice and coffee. Pre-registration is required.

Red, White & Pool (all ages)
Tuesday, July 3, noon to 4 p.m.
Fee: $3
Pavilion Center Pool, 101 S. Pavilion Center (702) 229-1488.
Enjoy games, food, music and fun as you celebrate Independence Day.

Yankee Doodle at the Pool (all ages)
Tuesday, July 3, 1 to 4 p.m.
Fee: $1 (ages 4-17), $2 (ages 18-49), $1.50 (ages 50+), free (ages 0-3).
Baker Pool, 1100 E. St. Louis, (702) (702) 229-1532.
Carlos L. Martinez and Darrio J. Hall Family Pool at Freedom Park, 889 N. Pecos Road, 229-1755.
Doolittle Pool, 1950 J Street, (702) 229-6398.
Garside Pool, 300 S. Torrey Pines Drive, (702) 229-6393.
Municipal Pool, 431 E. Bonanza Road, (702) 229-6309.
Compete against the lifeguards in different games and activities for prizes.

Fourth of July Picnic Fun Workshop (ages 4-12)
Tuesday, July 3, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Fee: $12
Becker Community School, 9110 Hillpointe Road, in Hills Park; (702) 229-2482.
Make a Fourth of July picnic basket and flag cookies to enjoy on a picnic in the park. Advance registration is required.

Star-Spangled Spectacular by the Las Vegas Philharmonic (all ages)
Wednesday, July 4, 7:30 p.m. (gates open 4 p.m.)
Tickets: $25 adults; $20 children under age 12; $100 covered pavilion seating that
includes dinner. Purchase tickets at UNLV Box Office or call 895-ARTS (2787).
Hills Park Amphitheater, Hillpointe Road west of Rampart Boulevard
Popular annual concert features patriotic music followed by a fireworks display by Zambelli International. Picnics are welcome or purchase food and beverages from vendors.

http://www.visithenderson.com/todo/special_events/fourthofjulycelebration/

Summerlin's Patriotic Parade

Now in its 14th year, Summerlin’s Patriotic Parade began as a small hometown parade for community residents that featured kids on decorated bikes and home-spun floats. Today, the parade is the Las Vegas Valley’s largest Independence Day parade enjoyed by 30,000 southern Nevadans. It features more than 60 entries – including high school marching bands, community groups, floats, community mascots, children’s characters, entertainers and elected officials.

Summerlin Patriotic Parade
July 4, 2007
9 a.m.
Hills Center Drive – near Trails Village Center
INFORMATION: 702-341-5500

Star Spangled Spectacular

Star Spangled Spectacular is an outdoor evening concert featuring the Las Vegas Philharmonic performing a medley of patriotic tunes. The grand finale is of one of the valley’s largest fireworks displays. The Howard Hughes Corporation and Summerlin sponsor this annual concert that draws thousands to The Hills Park.

Star Spangled Spectacular
Las Vegas Philharmonic
July 4: Gates open at 4:30; concert begins at 8 p.m.
The Hills Park – 9100 Hillpointe Drive
General admission lawn seating:
Adults: $25.00 - Advance; $30.00 - Door
Children (Ages 6-12): $20.00 - Advance; $25.00 - Door
Children 5 and under free
INFORMATION AND TICKETS: 702-895-ARTS

Lake Las Vegas Festivities

Tommy Rocker performs on the floating stage from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free and shops and restaurants will be open, or bring a blanket and sit on the greens. MonteLago Village Resort is offering great packages starting at just $139.00 for a studio. Included is a great Jimmy Buffett-styled basket in your room! Call 1-866-564-4799 to reserve.

All Ages Fun

Years ago the national press declared us a family town, then they decided that we didn't welcome families. The truth of the matter is that, then and now, about ten percent of visitors are under age 21 (the lowest age breakdown monitored). But with a population of almost two million, many with families, there are more things than ever to do with children. Teens, however, are still looking for activities.

Jillians, located downtown in Neonopolis, is addressing this need. (They also offer a great birthday bowling package that is one of our favorite excursions.) Kids can bowl, play pool, challenge each other in a game arcade and dance to all ages bands. Take the whole family down for an evening of fun.

June

21-Jun, Searchlight, Away Station, Kelly Kellam, Radio Fire, Charly Hasse, $10

22-Jun, The Strip (Formerly Slam Dunk), The Aftermath Of, Serene, Ministry of Love, A Smile From The Trenches, Out of Nowhere, $10

23-Jun, The Cab, Verbatym, This Calendar Year, A Thorn From Every Heart, Anarbor, Water Street $12-15

25-Jun, A Static Lullaby, Eyes Like Diamonds, The Harbor, The Rising Effect, Run About The Streets, $10

26-Jun, Shredmill, Light This City, Funeral Pyre, Antagonist, Ablivion, $10-12

27-Jun, Funeral For A Friend, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Emanuel, Fightstar, $13-15

29-Jun, Fletch, A Heartwell Ending, Love It Or Leave It, Steel Leaf, All The Rage, $11-13

30-Jun, Saosin, Poison The Well, Receiving End of Sirens, Fiore, $16



July

8-Jul, Bad Manners, Monkey, One Pin Short, Huxtable, Murder Majesty, $12-15

10-Jul, The Almost, Big D & The Kids Table, $12

11-Jul, 7th Son, Guttural Secrete, A Breath Before Surfacing, Evade The Swarm, $10-12

12-Jul, The Rocket Summer, Daphne Loves Derby, Echo Screen, Camden, $12-14

13-Jul, No Use For A Name, Whole Wheat Bread, The Flatliners, $12-14

16-Jul, Love It Or Leave It, A Skylit Drive, Pierce The Veil, Blinded Black, Kenotia, Adahliya, $10-12

21-Jul, Left Standing, Hang Em High, $10

26-Jul, Aiden, From Autumn To Ashes, I Am Ghost, Night Kills The Day, $12-14

27-Jul, Evergreen Terrace, The Warriors, Casey Jones, August Burns Red, The Atrocity Complex, $12-14

29-Jul, The Sleeping, A Thorn For Every Heart, A Day To Remember, Valeyra, $10

30-Jul, YoulnSeries, National Product, Away Station, Navy Jets Collide, $10

31-Jul, Suburban Legends, Patent Pending, Zolof The Rock N Roll Destroyer, Jet Lag Gemini, 9th and Lewis, $10



August

3-Aug, HiRax, Avenger of Blood, Dekapitator, Blood Alliance, Pancho Villa, Postmortom, $15-20

7-Aug, Amplify!! Music Conference feat: Strung Out & A Wilhelm Scream, $15 ($5 upgrade for all venues)

8-Aug, Amplify!! Music Conference, $15-20

9-Aug, Amplify!! Music Conference, $15-20

10-Aug, Amplify!! Music Conference, $15-20

24-Aug, Camden, Tysen, The Real You, $10

25-Aug, Conflict Of Interest, $10



All shows are all ages and start at 6 pm unless otherwise noted. Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets, at www.ticketmaster.com, www.smashmagazine.com or at Jillian’s. For more information on upcoming shows, please visit www.myspace.com/smashmagazine.



Jillian's is the premier entertainment destination in downtown Las Vegas for customers of all ages. Jillian's features live music, bowling, a billiards lounge, a large arcade with new and classic favorites, and food and drink outlets. Jillian's is located at 450 South Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas. This is a non-smoking facility, smoking is allowed outside of the venue. No re-entry is permitted unless patronizing the bar or restaurant. For more information, please call 702-759-0450.

Back from Ireland

July heat is finally here, closing up the house for our "winter." Nine months of the year the weather here is wonderful with warms days and cool nights. Then summer hits and we hibernate indoors. My least favorite part of summer is that we close the windows at night to keep the cool in, and the blinds during the day to keep the sun out. Our house is very private, although in the heart of town, with views of the mountains, desert gardens and old trees. Less than a mile from Lake Mead and on the Western Flyway, we get many visiting birds including exotics like Northern flickers, Western tanagers, and the tiny, elegant gray verdin with red epaulets on its shoulders. Gambel's quail come daily, stomping about in the bushes and skittering across the drive. When I put seed out Aztec doves, the size of house and purple finch, cluster under the feeder.

But with the house closed, I can't hear the dawn chorus of birds that wake me each morning in cooler weather. One would think that in the desert, there wouldn't be that many birds, but we have a full orchestra outside my bedroom window. When we went to the Amazon last year, one of the things I was most looking forward to was the morning cacophony of bird songs. I expected it to be very loud and varied, since we were in the jungle. It never came. Morning mists on the Rio Negro were almost silent with occasional eerie echoing roars from howler monkeys and the sharp quarrelsome screech of parrots flying overhead.

Ireland's dawn chorus is lovely, however, with a variety of songbirds vying for first chair. We stayed in the country on a number of nights and recorded the sunrise when all else was quiet. Sounds often make up my favorite travel memories.