Las Vegas Weekly

Tickling the ivories

We Las Vegans know that Liberace is still with us—his exuberant personality is writ large in the soul of the city. This Sunday it gets a bit bigger, when 11 pianists compete in the final round of the Liberace Piano Competition, a yearly contest that brings together outstanding young musicians, and a few flamboyant performers as well. The competition has been going on for 15 years; there are three divisions for young players, with scholarships awarded to the winners, and one Showmanship Division open to grown-ups; the latter requires competitors to play a classical piece, as well as a tune that represents, no kidding, the “joyful spirit of Liberace.” (In the case of finalist Christopher Carter, at right, look for his take on the foot-stompin’ “Alabama Jubilee.”) And you better look good doing it—for Carter that may mean a black tuxedo with a rhinestone collar; for one of his rivals, a silver metallic tuxedo jacket. Proceeds benefit the Liberace Foundation and Family Promise.

2008 Liberace Piano Competition September 21, 1:30 p.m., $15. Community Auditorium inside Community Lutheran Church, 3720 East Tropicana Avenue, 798-5595. liberace.org.