Six Picks: Mark Curry, Tesla, ‘The Muppets,”Treasures of Egypt,’ Ne-Yo, Hofbrauhaus

Mark Curry

That "Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper" guy is still hangin’ around? Not only that, Mark Curry took hold as one of Las Vegas’ best recurring comedians, pulling you into an instant rapport with his quick crowd work. He’s back Wednesday and Thursday for the first of several January shows in Shimmer Cabaret at LVH (formerly the Las Vegas Hilton). Tickets are $25 for the 10 p.m. show at 3000 Paradise Road. Call 732-5755.

— Mike Weatherford

Tesla

When rockers Tesla had to postpone their House of Blues gig here late last year, it was like getting smashed in the face with a crowbar of disappointment. We shed enough tears to fill a whale tank to the brim with liquid sadness. Thankfully, we can dry our eyes at long last, as the dudes have rescheduled. See Tesla at 8:30 p.m. Saturday in the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Tickets are $35 to $38.50. Call 632-7600.

— Jason Bracelin

‘The Muppets’

The movie musical may be an endangered species, but leave it to "The Muppets" to revive the lost art of gotta-sing, gotta-dance fun; three of its featured songs are among the 39 tunes eligible for an Academy Award nomination: "Life’s a Happy Song," "Man or Muppet" and "Pictures in My Head." What, no love for "Let’s Talk About Me," the hilariously egocentric rap sung by greedy tycoon Tex Richman (Chris Cooper)?

— Carol Cling

‘Treasures of Egypt’

Though missing Steve Martin’s classic recording, the "Treasures of Egypt" exhibit at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum is still a fascinating trip through the Tomb of Tutankhamun — aka King Tut — to view artifact re-creations. Visitors also can explore an Egyptian mummy through state-of-the-art technology. And you can always hum the Martin tune. Admission is $5 to $10. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 900 Las Vegas Blvd. North. Call 384-3466.

— Steve Bornfeld

Locals deal

If you like beer and brats — or schnitzel or wurst or hendl or any of that other good stuff — and you’re a local, here’s a great way to start the new year: Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas, 4510 Paradise Road, is offering locals a 20 percent discount on their total food and beverage checks from 4 to 11 p.m. Mondays, beginning this week. Local ID required, natch.

— Heidi Knapp Rinella

Ne-Yo

R&B star Ne-Yo (known as Shaffer Smith when he graduated from Rancho High) performs Saturday at Haze nightclub at Aria. He’s been busy wrapping up a new album for release early this year.

— Doug Elfman