SIX PICKS: David Spade, death metal, film fest, opera, The Palm, DJs

David Spade

The young David Spade probably would have had something snarky to say about the 47-year-old version of himself becoming a perennial Las Vegas comedian. But his attitude these days is more put upon, a guy who would rather be left alone. If you don't grant him that, show up at 8 p.m. today and Saturday at The Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Tickets are $67.75-$105.75.

-- Mike Weatherford

Death metal

Pathology. Cerebral Incubation. Predatorial. Phalloplasty. Crucify the Enslaved. Who's ready for some smooth jazz! We're kidding, but said death metal lineup is no joke. See 'em at 8 p.m. Thursday at the Bikini Bar, 3355 Spring Mountain Road. Tickets are $10; call 485-5401.

-- Jason Bracelin

Film fest

The 11th annual Las Vegas Jewish Film Festival continues this weekend at the Adelson Educational Campus, 9700 W. Hillpointe Road. At 7 p.m. Saturday, "Mahler on the Couch" transports audiences to turn-of-the-20th-century Vienna, where composer Gustav Mahler consults Sigmund Freud when he discovers his wife's affair. Sunday is a documentary day, featuring "Jewish Soldiers in Blue and Gray" at 1 p.m. and "Dolphin Boy" at 4 p.m. Information: www.lvjff.org.

-- Carol Cling

Opera classics

"Revolutionary"? "Passionate"? "Spirited"? Folks at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas insist all apply to Fabio Biondi and Europa Galante, who will perform baroque classics from the operas of Handel to great 18th-century instrumental works Thursday as part of the Charles Vanda Master Series. Mezzo-soprano Vivica Geneaux of the Metropolitan Opera will join the ensemble for the show at 8 p.m. at the Artemus Ham Concert Hall. Tickets are $35-$75. Call 895-2787 or visit pac.unlv.edu.

-- Steve Bornfeld

Prix-fixe menu

The Palm at The Forum Shops at Caesars, 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. South, is celebrating the new year with a winter prix-fixe menu available through March 31. It includes lobster bisque, caesar or mixed-green salad or wild-mushroom ravioli; entree of filet mignon with lobster cream sauce, tamarind-glazed scallops or panko-crusted shrimp and a side dish, for $49.95 per person.

-- Heidi Knapp Rinella

Dada Life

Yes, see Skrillex on Saturday at Encore's Surrender. It will be jam-packed. He's the man. And if you're in for partying on Monday, Encore's XS will have Swedish electro house duo Dada Life, whose best original songs are fun and often joyful (such as "Happy Violence" and "White Noise/Red Meat").

-- Doug Elfman