. "2012-04-30T00:00:00"^^ . . "2"^^ . "4"^^ . "I'd never been to the Henderson Events Plaza before this past weekend. I'd never even been on Water Street in Downtown Hendo before this past weekend. I live almost 30 miles from the Henderson Events Plaza, which for Vegas means you might as well pack a lunch and plan a bathroom break on the way. And as I stood in the Henderson Events Plaza, for the 2nd time in less than 24 hours AND for the 2nd time in my 33 years, I couldn't help but think about all the great music I've missed at this adorable little venue. Located in the midst of a gaggle of Henderson city buildings, on what appears to be a positively quaint stretch of Main Street USA populated by local casinos and other various watering holes & businesses, the Henderson Events Plaza is just the right-sized outdoor venue for Las Vegas' sister suburb. \n\nThe stage stands a mere foot above a front row audience area; Kareem Abdul-Jabbar would still tower over any performers aside from maybe a Shaquille O'Neal monologue, which would be amazing, but I digress. The sound was spot-on whether under the canopy, chilling on the 2 grassy areas past an outer walkway, or out on the concourse (except for some muddy vocals during Viva Ska Vegas, but I blame the sound guy for that,). The lighting system would be roundly rejected by Pink Floyd but for whatever would really happen there it works. When I went on Friday night (for a FREE New Orleans-style R&B act, Big Sam's Funky Nation,) temporary seats were arranged on the 3 levels undulating up from the stage. When peeps were up & dancing the sight lines were good-not-great, so for shorter folk make sure you're on the edge of one of the levels or you will miss the action.\n\nParking was free in the guest lot of the City Hall annex a short walk away, and there's even street parking right in front of the venue if you're an early bird. The El Dorado Casino garage is close by too, which I assume is free. \n\nIt was kinda a fluke I learned about both events I attended, and I'm finding its still not easy uncovering H.E.P. events without having your ear already to the street. Between their Facebook page and various city calendars hopefully no more cool events will slip past me, as I'd definitely pack a lunch to return to this hidden gem mini-amphitheater."^^ . "3"^^ . . "3"^^ .