John Katsilometes

Story Archive

Segway antics, Brad Garrett on fumes (and NBC) and more from ‘Power of Love’ Gala
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
It was a uniquely Keep Memory Alive “Power of Love” Gala type of moment when the guy on the Segway custom-painted with metallic flames arrived on the red (or make that purple) carpet. ...
At T-Mobile Arena, our own Billboard Music Awards go to …
Monday, May 23, 2016
The Billboard Music Awards telecast is more than just an awards show. It’s a live-performance spectacle, fashion show, means to make a cultural/political statement and great arena spectacle. ...
Tony Bennett’s medley ramps up the power at ‘Power of Love’
Sunday, May 22, 2016
He kept saying it, in the run-up to the party, during and after: “This is overwhelming.” We know the feeling because when Tony Bennett closed “How Do You Keep the Music Playing” and hit the final, ...
Bill Boyd’s passion for hometown burns bright as ever
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Taking the lead from his legendary father, Bill Boyd, the founder and executive chairman of Boyd Gaming, continues to enrich the community with his vision and generosity. On Saturday night, he was honored at the ...
At Aria, poker ace Bobby Baldwin hits the club at Jewel
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Bobby Baldwin has long been a master at turning a profit at 2 p.m. Now he’s focused on 2 a.m. ...
The Cult’s Ian Astbury brings the fire, but can simmer, too
Thursday, May 19, 2016
The man who sings “Fire Woman” can be a flame-thrower onstage. But in conversation, Ian Astbury feels more like a candle, warm and calm. “I’m not the type who seeks the limelight, and I’m not all about accolades,” the frontman for The Cult said ...
‘Forever Purple’ Prince tribute show set for June 7 at Smith Center
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
The Kats Report Bureau at this writing is Beach Cafe at Tropicana Las Vegas on Monday night. The news out of this building tonight is the announcement of a new restaurant fronted by ...
Monday By the Numbers: ‘Power of Love’s’ 35-person turnout in 1995 — and 16,000 since
Monday, May 16, 2016
This week, Monday By the Numbers turns its spotlight on one of the year’s great philanthropic events — and events of any kind — the Keep Memory Alive “Power of Love” charity gala benefiting ...
‘Magic Mike’ muscling onto crowded stage; Criss Angel moves back ‘Mindfreak Live!’ opening
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Caesars Entertainment is abuzz lately with new or updated shows, including Paul Zerdin’s “Mouthing Off” toggling with Frankie Moreno at PH Showroom and Wayne Newton’s “Up Close and Personal” at ...
Next weekend’s Helldorado offers updated take on Old West
Sunday, May 8, 2016
This is not our first rodeo. It is our 82nd. We speak of the annual Helldorado Days rodeo, parade and festival staged each spring in Las Vegas …
Steven Tyler to tell all in Venetian appearance
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
The man who has long demanded, “Walk this way, talk this way,” will be doing some talking — along with singing — on the Strip in July.
Long-awaited ‘Magic Mike’ adult revue headed for Hard Rock Hotel
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Primarily naked, dancing men are to descend on the Hard Rock Hotel. “Magic Mike Live,” starring Channing Tatum of the movie of the same name, is set to open at the hotel in March. ...
Prince’s death has shaken up Vegas tribute artist Jason Tenner’s world
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
“We’ve been getting calls from arenas and things of that nature … But I am here to make sure his music, and his legacy, lives on in the right way.”
Billy Joel nods to Elvis, Elton in return to the Strip
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Let’s take a look at the audience in the new T-Mobile Arena who turned out to see a man who has sold out Madison Square Garden for 35 consecutive shows. ...
No tall tales: 20 facts to mark 20 years of the Stratosphere
Sunday, May 1, 2016
When I explain to folks how long I have lived in Las Vegas, I tell them, “I have lived here as long as the Stratosphere.” True. I moved to Las Vegas from Redding, Calif., the weekend of April 30, 1996. I was …
Wynn’s empire is never ‘Never’ land; we hit stage with Mr. Las Vegas
Saturday, April 30, 2016
The Kats Report Bureau cut a swath through the Venetian/Palazzo and Wynn Las Vegas over the past two nights. The Palazzo porte-cochere was the unlikely venue for a sit-down dinner of 300 refined scenesters during the …
Intrigue, Jewel delivering some extreme club makeover
Friday, April 29, 2016
I visited Jewel at Aria on Tuesday, which was just a hard-hat tour amid a skyscape of LED lights, but it does represent a club experience. ...
Lisa Marie Smith of ‘Pin Up’ flips calendar for spin with ‘Baz’
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
When Lisa Marie Smith first saw “For The Record: Baz” at Light in Mandalay Bay last June, she gazed at the stage and said, “I am going to be in that show.” She is now in that show. The ...
Elisa Fiorillo summons Princely spirit in ‘Purple Rain’ performance
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
To ask Elisa Fiorillo that question late Thursday night would have been pointless. She had just walked offstage after singing “Purple Rain,” bravely and beautifully, at Sunset Station’s Club Madrid.
Star trek from Clint Holmes-Santa Fe to Frankie Moreno is Uber-eventful
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
There is a saying in my VegasVille universe that helps keep all this activity in perspective. It is, “What could possibly go wrong?” This phrase, always recited facetiously, came to mind ...
Successful Red Rock Resort offers evolving SLS something to aspire to
Sunday, April 24, 2016
The week of the opening of Red Rock Resort in April 2006, I toured the property with the president of the hotel, Scott Kreeger. I recall him being especially responsive to my questions about Rocks Lounge, Cherry …
George Strait rocks T-Mobile box office; Prince artist Jason Tenner ‘shocked’ but plays on
Friday, April 22, 2016
The Kats Report Bureau at this writing is Grand Luxe Cafe at Palazzo just ahead of the media night for Human Nature’s “Jukebox” show across the walkway at Sands Showroom. The difference between a media night and all the shows leading to ...
Improv Comedy Club to close show at Harrah’s
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Soon, there will be no more nights at the Improv. The Improv Comedy Club at Harrah’s, a house of hilarity since April 1995, is reportedly closing at the end of May. The Improv is a legendary brand among comics, ...
Brad Garrett remembers ‘vibrant’ Doris Roberts; Jimmy and Robin Slonina ‘a Las Vegas weirdo power couple’
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Brad Garrett is in a bittersweet mood this week, celebrating the fourth anniversary of his club at MGM Grand Underground while feeling the loss of his friend and “Everybody Loves Raymond” co-star Doris Roberts. ...
Monday By the Numbers: Point spread (for entertainment purposes only) of Tuesday’s Globetrotters game is …
Monday, April 18, 2016
On Tuesday night, the Harlem Globetrotters play the World All-Stars, formerly known as the Washington Generals, at T-Mobile Arena. I asked Jay Rood, sports book director for MGM Resorts, to establish a point spread ...
A ‘Vegas Nocturne’ movie? Yes — but not for you
Thursday, April 14, 2016
The Kats Report Bureau at this writing is the Bourbon Room at the Venetian, and isn’t it funny how we discover some of these cool hangs just a little too late. I’ve been in here twice in the past couple of weeks ...
Clint Holmes reunites with Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
It will mark the first ticketed show featuring Holmes and Santa Fe since his headlining Harrah’s run ended a decade ago.
Perplexing decision: Clint Holmes-Santa Fe at M Resort or Frankie Moreno at Planet Hollywood
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Well, this is a tough call between two “must” shows. First, before identifying that tough call, we’ll give props to the esteemed Clint Holmes. Over the weekend, Holmes unveiled a few songs from his upcoming CD during ...
Monday By the Numbers: Dice rolls to Showtime and looks to fill Tropicana Theater
Monday, April 11, 2016
Today, Monday By the Numbers hits the remote for “Dice,” the series starring Andrew Dice Clay set to premiere Sunday at 9:30 p.m. on Showtime. Following up on what we’ll call a “lingering” scoop, Clay is planning a one-off show at Tropicana Theater at 10 p.m. May 28 as part of ...
A pair of hot Las Vegas celebs? Wayne Newton and Jerry Lewis
Monday, April 11, 2016
Hey, idea time: Wayne Newton and Jerry Lewis might be able to parlay their Las Vegas affiliation into some genuine notoriety. It has been a whopper of a stretch for this pair of Las Vegas legends who see no need to cede the spotlight any time soon. Newton has helped open T-Mobile Arena and is set for a pair of ...
The Park delivers as the Strip’s new playground
Monday, April 11, 2016
Having put T-Mobile Arena and The Park to the test over the weekend, I can first say the place is gorgeous and furnished to handle any arena-styled event. A stunner, I know. ...
Survey describes Las Vegas’ average tourist
Sunday, April 10, 2016
If you’re on the Strip, there’s a good chance you’re going to run into a married 47-year-old from California who booked a hotel room online and earns more than $40,000 a year.
Janet Jackson calls off show at T-Mobile Arena, stopping tour to start family
Friday, April 8, 2016
For the second time in six months, a performance by Janet Jackson on the Strip has been called off. Jackson’s May 14 show at T-Mobile Arena has been ...
Killer collaborations from T-Mobile: Brandon Flowers and Dan Reynolds; Ronnie Vannucci and Blue Man Group
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Notes on a postcard from the opening of T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday night, with The Killers headlining a lineup that featured Wayne Newton in full Mr. Vegas regalia, an early performance by hip-hop artist Shamir and ...
Wayne Newton: ‘I actually teared up’ during T-Mobile performance
Thursday, April 7, 2016
You might expect that Wayne Newton has seen it all after performing for Las Vegas audiences since 1959. Not so. Wednesday night’s opening of T-Mobile Arena presented a rare “first” in Las Vegas for Mr. Las Vegas. ...
After Monte Carlo overhaul, Jim Murren says MGM is ‘taking the show on the road’
Thursday, April 7, 2016
It’s funny to be writing from one of the few remaining themed hotels owned by MGM Resorts. The head of the company is finished with developing themed hotels. ...
Human Nature lights up its 'Jukebox' for a revamped Venetian production
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
“We needed to go in a different direction. It was not a business decision—some people say we’re stupid for giving up a successful show—but we wanted to creatively branch out.”
L.V. all-star show, parking for T-Mobile opening; clock ticking on NHL announcement
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
The opening of T-Mobile Arena is going to be one of those singularly “Viva Las Vegas” moments, and we can never have too many of those in this city. Hopefully, someone in the lineup will ...
Upon further review: MGM Resorts’ Plan B was right with T-Mobile Arena, Monte Carlo Theater
Monday, April 4, 2016
In resort development, as in life, it is important to listen and … what else? Think it through. The position of T-Mobile Arena, the development of The Park and the construction of the theater at Monte Carlo remind of ...
Gov. Sandoval on the Park: ‘In Las Vegas, anything is possible’
Monday, April 4, 2016
Gov. Brian Sandoval was sporting the same classic haircut but a new frame Monday at MGM Resorts' new attraction The Park. ...
Chris Stapleton wins six, Jason Aldean snares top prize at ACM Awards
Sunday, April 3, 2016
The night started with a star-studded tribute to new country-music trailblazer Chris Stapleton and ended with Jason Aldean winning the evening’s biggest award. Aldean sauntered off with his first Entertainer of the Year award and ...
Upgrading Plaza hotel plans to make waves in downtown pool scene
Sunday, April 3, 2016
At the Plaza, movement is afoot, and that foot is wearing a flip-flop. The hotel is finishing plans to renovate its “rooftop pool experience,” or as we call it, “the pool on the roof,” in time for summer. The Plaza Pool is due for is due for significant upgrades over the next several weeks. Specifically …
New acts in store for ‘Absinthe’; ‘Never Sleep Alone’ shacks up in N.Y.
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Elsewhere in the tented fiefdom operated by Spiegelworld founder Ross Mollison, discussion of a touring version of “Absinthe” has tempered a bit since the show ended its run through Australia in 2015. ...
Wayne Newton to get ‘Up Close and Personal’ in Windows Showroom residency
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
To break “the fourth wall” of live performance, Wayne Newton first needed to find four walls. Mr. Las Vegas has found them at the second-floor Windows Showroom at Bally’s. In his first Las Vegas interview about ...
Criss Angel sets ‘Mindfreak Live!’ cast, casts net for Sept. 12 charity show
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
The magic in Criss Angel’s new show on the Strip is to arrive from two performers: Angel himself and Chloe Crawford. This is the overarching message from the casting of Angel’s “Mindfreak Live!” at Luxor ...
T-Mobile execs trumpet neutrality; Oscar Goodman rings in bellman saga
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
The Kats Report Bureau at this writing is Sands Showroom, a focus of intrigue for the last many months as shows have departed, been announced and — as is the case today — been relaunched. Human Nature’s ...
Hair-raising 94th for Marty Allen and 1,000 of his friends
Monday, March 28, 2016
There is no older entertainer filling ballrooms than the man born Morten David Alpern on March 23, 1922, in Pittsburgh. Marty Allen celebrated his 94th birthday in grand fashion Saturday at ...
Monday By the Numbers: $0 from tip-less rapper and 9-er from L.V. Phil
Monday, March 28, 2016
This week, Monday By the Numbers touches on myriad topics, including Mike Tyson action and the twin towers of “Property Brothers.” ...
Star manager Larry Rudolph’s proposal turns picturesque
Monday, March 28, 2016
Say this for entertainment manager Larry Rudolph: He knows how to frame a moment. Rudolph is the longtime business manager of Britney Spears and also has managed Steven Tyler since 2014 along with ...
T-Mobile Arena makes a Titanic first impression
Sunday, March 27, 2016
As the final few seats are installed in advance of the April 6 opening (a night of music by the Killers and Wayne Newton), John Katsilometes looks at a few other highlights from the newest addition to the Strip ...