Las Vegas Mixtape v3: Freewheeling In Vegas: Shows, Eateries, Movie Theaters, and a Mind-Altering Museum

Track #2: The Beverly Theater: “Have You Got It Yet? (The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd)”

The newly built arthouse cinema, The Beverly Theater, is one of Vegas’ crown jewels. The modern/mid-century design elements at this not-for-profit venue overseen by the arts-friendly Rogers Foundation are elegantly striking. Upstairs, there’s an outdoor terrace (called Segue) where a jazz trio plays for free on Friday and Saturday nights (weather permitting). Specializing in left-of-center films and documentaries, The Beverly is on the same street as another intellectual haven: The Writer’s Block bookstore and coffee shop. Conveniently, you can get all your smarts down on 6th Street.

I’ve been to The Beverly three times in the past few months, most recently to see the new music documentary “Have You Got It Yet? (The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd).” Barrett was the founding frontman of Pink Floyd in the ‘60s, its psychedelic soul, and one of rock’s greatest enigmas. The engrossing documentary unfurls the sad story of Barrett’s acid-driven mental breakdown, being ousted from the band, eventually becoming a hermit, and passing away at 60. Tragedy aside, the footage of the pioneering band’s sonically radical and visually arresting early shows in London is thrilling.

The sound is exceptional at The Beverly, and every seat is excellent, thanks to its smart design. The theater also doubles as a musical performance space. Look for the soul-baring and mysteriously face-covered alternative artist Red Leather to perform on November 2 as part of his jubilantly named “Burn In Hell” fall tour.