Six Picks: Lewis Black, Joe Louis Walker, ‘The Dictator,”Grand Night,’ Epicurean Affair, Benny Benassi

Lewis Black

Lewis Black's rage is never out of season. But headed into a long, hot summer? In an election year no less? The sputtering comedian may be the only voice of sanity we hear for months. Black performs at 10 p.m. today and Saturday at The Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Tickets are $74.94-$96.94; call 792-7777.

- Mike Weatherford

Joe Louis Walker

"Hellfire" might seem hyperbolic as an album title, but not in the fast-moving hands of blues guitar flame-spitter Joe Louis Walker. His latest disc is a combustible blend of traditional blues sermonizing and rock 'n' roll bluster. Witness Walker fan said flames at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Railhead at Boulder Station, 4111 Boulder Highway. Tickets are $5; call 432-7710.

- Jason Bracelin

'The Dictator'

We've been seeing the dictator, General Aladeen (alias creator Sacha Baron Cohen) since he turned up on the red carpet at the Academy Awards in February. Now, we finally get to see "The Dictator," Cohen's latest comedic creation with his "Borat" (and "Bruno") co-conspirator, director Larry Charles, about a despot determined that democracy shall never despoil the nation he's so devotedly oppressed.

- Carol Cling

'Grand Night'

It's a grand night for singing - and signing - as Super Summer Theatre kicks off its 2012 season with the Rodgers and Hammerstein revue "It's a Grand Night for Singing," presented by the Las Vegas Deaf Theatre and RagTag Entertainment. Some 17 singers - and 13 American Sign Language performers - will perform Broadway classics at 7 p.m. today and Saturday at Spring Mountain Ranch, 15 miles west of Interstate 215 on West Charleston Boulevard. Advance tickets are $8 and available at ShowTix4u.com.

- Carol Cling

Epicurean Affair

All things epicurean will be celebrated at the annual Epicurean Affair from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday at the pools at the Palazzo, 3325 Las Vegas Blvd. South. More than 75 restaurants, nightclubs and beverage firms are expected to participate. Tickets are $100 per person ($150 for VIP admission at 6), and proceeds will benefit the scholarship programs of the Nevada Restaurant Association. For tickets, go to LasVegasEpicureanAffair.com.

- Heidi Knapp Rinella

Benny Benassi

Tonight's headliner at Marquee is seriously skilled DJ-producer Benny Benassi. Where do you even start with his original hits? The sexy-robotic "Satisfaction"? The impossibly catchy "Cinema" featuring Gary Go? The sinewy "Spaceship" featuring Kelis, apl.de.ap and Jean-Baptiste? He should play them all at Marquee.

- Doug Elfman