Tickling the ivories

By T.R. Witcher

Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008 | midnight

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.