John Katsilometes

Story Archive

Ramped-up 'Nitro Circus Live' stages a one-off show at MGM Grand
Friday, June 3, 2011
What’s great about “circus” is how it enlivens the name or title of just about any entertainment vehicle. “Monster Circus” was a fine title for a rock showcase that nonetheless tanked at the Las Vegas Hilton. The original members of KISS reunited (supposedly) with “Psycho Circus.” Of course in Las Vegas, the French variation of the word boosts Cirque du Soleil, and one of the Strip’s most famous hotels uses the noun twice.
Like a bag of microwave popcorn, Criss Angel's reach is expanding
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Criss Angel is reaching American living rooms in a new way, hawking microwave popcorn that turns into a bowl under high heat.
With opening of Nikki Beach and Club Nikki, Trop shows it is ready for some serious fun
Friday, May 27, 2011
Nikki Beach and Club Nikki celebrated its grand opening Thursday, showing that the Tropicana can balance Old Vegas with a contemporary South Beach vibe.
With 'Glee' and Billboard Awards showcases, MGM Resorts reminds us of its arena advantage
Monday, May 23, 2011
Two high-profile shows played two MGM Resorts arenas over the weekend, and "Glee! Live in Concert!" and the Billboard Music Awards reinforced the company's identity as Las Vegas' arena show leader.
Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Beyonce, Neil Diamond win at Billboard Music Awards
Sunday, May 22, 2011
We have seen an all-time summit in the media room: Snoop Dogg and Robin Leach. "You're a bad mother*^$@#!," Snoop said to my colleague. "I wanna work with you. I wanna get that voice on some (stuff)."
For Steve Stallworth, indoor water show is just the latest splashy move at South Point
Saturday, May 21, 2011
The H2X Water Sports Show at South Point is the result of a conversation that started a few years ago between South Point Arena director Steve Stallworth and Tony "Grinder" Dwyer, founder of Grinder Entertainment.
For Brody Dolyniuk, it's goodbye Yellow Brick Road; what's up with this Rick Thomas show, anyway?
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Brody Dolyniuk founded Yellow Brick Road 14 years ago, and for the first time since, the band will take on a new frontman as he surveys his life and career.
USA Today's best of Las Vegas list shows a fountain of options
Friday, May 20, 2011
USA Today recruited a group of local journalists and those familiar with the city to take part in the publication's "best of" Vegas series. Winners ranged from DCR to Wynn Las Vegas.
A dichotomy unfolds at Sahara and Tropicana; a birthday to celebrate for a Vegas matriarch
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
As the Sahara fell dark for the first night since 1952, the ample investment at Tropicana became evident during a spin through Bacio and the soon-to-open Club Nikki and Nikki Beach.
Sahara aftermath: Busted doors, a poignant hug and a burger without condiments
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The closing of the Sahara was quite a scene, featuring a somewhat orderly exit and longtime employees hugging one last time.
Guests say goodbye as Sahara goes dark
Monday, May 16, 2011
A note was taped to the glass doors at the main entrance, written by Sahara executive Sam Nazarian, reading, "Be Back Soon! Thank You For 59 Years." It was signed and dated, and it is a mini-manifesto to be remembered.
After 59 years, final curtain closing on Sahara
Sunday, May 15, 2011
It was a collision of sensibilities, and on Sunday afternoon, it could only happen at the Sahara. At 3 Lions Tattoo, specifically, the hotel’s body-ink emporium. Tattoo artist Chris Sands was putting the final ink spots on a Sahara logo, which Holly Thomas wanted applied to commemorate the closing of the hotel.
A Runnin' Rebel helps lead the Sahara to the final horn
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Tony Smith was a shooting guard on Jerry Tarkanian's first Final Four team, the 1976-'77 Runnin' Rebels.
Sahara isn't so much closing as ebbing away
Sunday, May 15, 2011
There has been no revelry and little nostalgia to celebrate the Sahara's final weekend of operations, but a group of friends whooped up the final order at the bar outside House of Lords.
Hundreds descend on Sahara, take the money (or not) and run
Saturday, May 14, 2011
More than $31,000 was given away during a cash giveaway Friday night at the Sahara, one of the events marking the final weekend of the 59-year-old resort.
Cash winnings, if not a full menu, to be had at soon-to-close Sahara
Friday, May 13, 2011
Having checked into the Sahara for the resort's final weekend, we learn that House of Lords might not make it to Saturday night, but dozens of lucky ticket-holders will win $500 apiece in a splendid cash giveaway.
With new CD release, Michael Grimm still sees 'AGT' title as a surreal deal
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Michael Grimm's latest CD, with Epic Records, is simply titled "Michael Grimm" and features duets with Ann Wilson and Travis Tritt.
Jeff Timmons bridges 98 Degrees, hoops and Chippendales; David Cassidy has ideas about Vegas return
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Jeff Timmons talked Chippendales, but not before talking LeBron James, during his appearance on "Kats With the Dish." What else? David Cassidy has plans for a return to Las Vegas.
As he turns the calendar, Clint Holmes reflects on his long-ago 'Playground'
Monday, May 9, 2011
Clint Holmes' "Playground in My Mind" reached No. 2 on the Billboard charts in 1973. He's had a conflicted relationship with the song ever since.
Live! Color! From Pacquiao-Mosley at MGM Grand Garden Arena
Saturday, May 7, 2011
The action tonight is at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, where Manny Pacquiao and Shane Mosley swapped leather in front of a capacity crowd.
Love them tender: Twenty-one Elvis impress -- er, tribute artists -- hit Fremont Street
Friday, May 6, 2011
The winner of this weekend's preliminary round moves on to the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in August in Memphis.
Jerry Mitchell of 'Peepshow' on Holly-as-vocalist, show changes and why full-scale Broadway shows struggle here
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell gave Holly Madison a chance to sing in "Peepshow," and the starlet has passed the audition.
Notes: Charlie Sheen's jab at the Palms; Flavor Flav's chicken deal not a done deal; Wayner meets the Pope
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
In an interview before walking the red carpet, Charlie Sheen dovetailed into a quick swipe at the Palms, where he stayed in January during the AVN Awards.
In Steve Martin's hands, the banjo blends bluegrass and comedy
Monday, May 2, 2011
The Steep Canyon Rangers are a fantastic bluegrass band, boosted by Martin's involvement. The result was a night of laughs and great music at the Mirage. Comics inspired by Martin have taken note of this theater tour, hearing through the comedic network that Martin was using material in the show. The question was, how much?
Pooch parade takes over Orleans Arena in 'Best in Show' doggie adoption event
Sunday, May 1, 2011
A Bloodhound named Alabama took the top prize in the annual "Best in Show" at Orleans Arena, which adopted out 54 canines to benefit Animal Foundation and Lied Animal Shelter.
Charlie Sheen shows up, poses, brandishes a lollipop, hits the club -- everybody wins!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Charlie Sheen made it from San Francisco to Chateau Nightclub in seemingly good repair, much to the satisfaction of club reps who were thrilled to have him host a night at the club in his first Vegas appearance in 4 months.
A moment with Steve Martin, where we learn that even in a bluegrass show, there is room for 'King Tut'
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Steve Martin is a banjo and bluegrass devotee and frequently incorporated the instrument in his stand-up act. At the Mirage, it will be mostly music, with a visit from "King Tut."
Gladys Knight on an important title change and why her show is so 'raw'
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Gladys Knight says Merle "Bubba" Knight is still in her stage show as comic relief because, as her mother used to say, "You've missed your calling."
Lewis Black plays the Mirage, and, wow, if he doesn't have company
Sunday, April 24, 2011
In an appearance Saturday night at the Mirage, Lewis Black verbally dissected an audience member with his own dreams of show business. What motivates such an individual?
In first Colosseum show, Janet Jackson goes solo -- and so does her wardrobe
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Cher changed stage costumes at least 13 times during her shows at the Colosseum. In her opening show at Caesars on Friday, Janet Jackson's total: one.
'Broadway Bares' is a different sort of midnight mass
Friday, April 22, 2011
"Broadway Bares" is an offshoot of "Broadway Cares," founded 20 years ago by Jerry Mitchell in New York. The AIDS/HIV charity event is all about late-night fun.
Clint Holmes a hit with star-studded audience and the New York Times in Feinstein's appearance
Friday, April 22, 2011
Clint Holmes won repeated standing ovations and a strong review from the New York Times during his four-show headlining gig at Feinstein's at Lowes Regency in New York.
Laugh factory: Notes from 'Sin City Comedy,' Romano at Mirage, Carvey and Garrett
Thursday, April 21, 2011
"Sin City Comedy" producer John Padon is assembling an only-in-Vegas cast for his proposed series, including comic Carl Labove, two seductive burlesque dancers and even Louis Prima Jr. and the Witnesses.
Post-Santana Joint to be filled one night at a time
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
As of May 1, the Joint is losing Carlos Santana and his "Supernatural: A Trip Through The Hits." How will the venue be filled? One night at a time.
'Pawn Star' Big Hoss, free of Big Bear incident, says he has no beef with anyone
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Corey Harrison got into a verbal dust-up with a bar patron in Big Bear, Calif., in March. The case has finally been dropped.
Just build it already: Why Las Vegas can't land a pro sports team
The clock is ticking. Las Vegas is either going to build a sports arena—and attract professional sports here—or it’s not
Monday, April 18, 2011
We’re at the home of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo!” Boyd Polhamus’ booming voice asserts. “Let it be here for forever! VIVA LAS VEGAS!”
For a change, Carrot Top plays it straight
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Carrot Top has worn his orange hair in curls since he started his stand-up career 20 years ago, but for a Las Vegas Magazine shoot, he allowed it to be ironed flat. The results were astonishing.
Penn & Teller, Holly Madison, Jabbawockeez, Jersey Boys, Hal Sparks, Rep. Berkley -- it must be AFAN!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
The annual AFAN AIDS Walk raised about $500,000, as about 8,000 participants turned out in warm weather to enjoy a typically wide range of entertainers and elected officials.
From 'flipper' Jeff Lewis: Don't get so emotionally attached to your home
Friday, April 15, 2011
Jeff Lewis sold his own home in October. He lost a few hundred thousand dollars, but then was on to the next big purchase.
Notes: Dana Carvey takes on Charlie Sheen; Macca books MGM Grand; Flavor Flav's Riv pitch takes wing
Friday, April 15, 2011
During an interview on the latest episode of "Kats With the Dish," Dana Carvey morphs Jack Nicholson with Johnny Carson and comes up ... a winner.
Dave Rice, once a teacher in sweats, has grown into a coach in a suit
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Amid his long run as a UNLV assistant coach, Dave Rice was known as a great student -- and teacher -- of the game. Today, he's in charge of the entire Runnin' Rebel program.
Hef at 85: 'Age is just a number'
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Hugh Hefner's mother lived to be 101 years old. He attributes his longevity to "good genes," a youthful attitude toward life and his young loved ones.
Lessons in crowd control and audience growth from ACM Awards, Michael Jordan tournament
Monday, April 4, 2011
Shadow Creek Golf Course was overrun by autograph hounds -- at least for one day -- while at the ACM Awards, the crowd can never be big enough.
Academy of Country Music dishes its awards, but whoa -- there are trophies left over!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Steven Tyler joined Carrie Underwood for a rowdy version of "Walk This Way." It was fun. But was it really country?
At Caesars Palace, 'Absinthe' pushes adult circus to the present tents
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Borrowing from the finer elements of Cirque du Soleil and infusing an unhealthy complement of adult self-parody, "Absinthe" is one of the more adventurous shows to play the Strip.
As Texas makes its move, ACM Awards plays Vegas
Friday, April 1, 2011
The Academy of Country Music is bringing its show back to Vegas and plans for it to be here in 2012, but what about 2013?
Remembering attack, Anna Nateece says, 'I didn't know whether I was alive or dead'
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Anna Nateece walked out of the CVS on Charleston and Durango and was attacked by a man who left her bruised and bloodied. “I’m shaking just talking about it,” Nateece said today in a phone conversation.
Sake Fever? Felix Rappaport has it! Also, O'Neil tribute set; Fayne brings bio show to Starbright
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Felix Rappaport was a young man living in Philadelphia when he discovered the unique cuisine of Japan at a sushi restaurant not far from the city.
As basketball's greatest player, Michael Jordan still confounded by golf; Experience opening's a mob scene
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Looking as fit as he did during his playing career, Michael Jordan said he's glad he has moved his pro-am to Vegas -- and that he took up basketball before golf.
Rain shows might mark new reign for Spears; Fator says new puppet really is fabulous
Monday, March 28, 2011
Britney Spears' professional nadir may have been the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards. Friday night, she did her best to dispel those memories. “I think the audience loved it, she looked great, and the production was pretty spectacular,” Palms owner George Maloof said.