Six Picks: Our experts pick their favorites for the week

Bruce Cockburn

Bruce Cockburn is a Canadian institution, but in the States he has the unlikely honor of having the only hit with “rocket launcher” in the chorus. “Wondering Where the Lions Are” was an even bigger hit than “If I Had a Rocket Launcher.” Both songs let you know the impassioned songwriting you’re in for at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday at The Smith Center’s Cabaret Jazz venue. Tickets are $35-$45; call 749-2000.

— Mike Weatherford

Pennywise

The dudes behind “Bro Hymn Tribute” are bros once again, as SoCal punks Pennywise have reunited with original singer Jim Lindberg, who departed the band three years ago. See their new, old lineup at 8:30 p.m. Saturday at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Tickets are $30 in advance, $33 day of show; call 632-7600.

— Jason Bracelin

Opera broadcast

It’s a well-established fact that opera goes better with nachos. See for yourself with the Metropolitan Opera’s live broadcast of Zandonai’s “Francesca da Rimini” at 9 a.m. Saturday and a repeat of its version of Wagner’s “Parsifal” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Catch them both at the Cannery, Colonnade, Orleans, Sam’s Town, Santa Fe, South Point and Village Square.

— Christopher Lawrence

St. Patrick’s parade

St. Patrick’s Day isn’t until Sunday, but you can get your Irish on early at Henderson’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, which continues through Sunday at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water St. The parade and St. Baldrick’s Foundation head-shaving fundraiser are Saturday, but the carnival and festival go braugh from 5 to 10 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. For details, call 267-2171 or visit HendersonLive.com.

— Carol Cling

Meatball contest

The Meatball Spot at Town Square will take National Meatball Day a little further with its Meatball Spot Day — and first Meatball Eating Contest — at noon Saturday. Local entertainers will compete in eating six meatballs in the shortest amount of time, with the winner getting a donation to his or her chosen charity. For details on the Meatball Spot, visit www.MeatballSpot.com.

— Heidi Knapp Rinella

David Guetta

DJ David Guetta makes the music happen tonight at Wynn’s XS nightclub. The hit-making producer will be at the Wynn-Encore clubs a lot this year, returning next on April 5 at XS; and April 6 at Encore Beach Club.

— Doug Elfman