Boys Like Girls headlines Henderson show

Not to reveal too much, but let's just say that Bud Pico isn't a member of the target demographic for Boys Like Girls, the Boston-based rock band whose latest single, "Love Drunk," last week was ranked No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

But that doesn't mean Pico, manager of cultural arts and tourism programs for the city of Henderson, hasn't been keeping a professional eye on the band.

While Boys Like Girls hasn't played Henderson before, they did tour a few years ago with Hellogoodbye, which has. And, Pico notes, Boys Like Girls' first three singles charted well.

So when the chance came to book the band for a concert, Pico made his move. And, on Sunday, teens throughout Southern Nevada will thank Pico for his diligence when Boys Like Girls takes the stage at Henderson Pavilion.

The show begins at 5:30 p.m. with Versa Emerge, followed by A Rocket to the Moon at 6:05 p.m., The Maine at 6:40 p.m. and Cobra Starship at 7:25 p.m. Boys Like Girls will follow.

Boys Like Girls' second album, "Love Drunk," was released in September. In 2007, fans voted the band Spin.com's artist of the year, and Boys Like Girls has toured with such acts as Good Charlotte, Avril Lavigne and All American Rejects, as well as on the Vans Warped Tour.

For Pico, Boys Like Girls and the rest of Sunday's bill are perfect for Henderson Pavilion, a comfortable outdoor amphitheater with 2,500 hard seats and space for as many as 2,500 grass seats.

In booking for it, he notes, the emphasis is on finding family-friendly acts suitable for people of all ages.

"It's amazing," Pico says. "You go to see something like (Boys Like Girls), and you'll see young kids and their parents all enjoying a concert together."

Henderson Pavilion also is a good place to catch such emerging talents as Boys Like Girls.

"To be honest with you, I don't have the same budget as the Strip," Pico explains. But, at the same time, he adds, "we're not into charging $100 a ticket."

"We try not to compete with the Strip," Pico says. "We're kind of our own little thing."

For patrons accustomed to the hubbub of the Strip, the outdoor ambience of Henderson Pavilion can be as memorable as whomever's onstage.

Henderson Pavilion is "much more laid back," Pico says. "No walking through a casino, no worry about parking (like) on the Strip. It's a much different feel and atmosphere."

Contact reporter John Przybys at jprzybys@review journal.com or 702-383-0280.