John Katsilometes

Story Archive

Holly Madison reaches back to 1923 for new project; Jacksons cutting out, but Meat Loaf to return at PH
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Holly Madison’s new show and venue at Mandalay Bay is titled 1923 Bourbon & Burlesque. The Jacksons’ shows at Planet Hollywood have been trimmed by three weeks, and the reason for the early departure is ...
The Earth Globe: 12 feet of painstaking craftsmanship from Team Cirque
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Facing an entryway that was half the size of the Earth Globe to be used in the annual fundraiser "One Night for One Drop" this Friday night at Mandalay Bay, Cirque du Soleil workers faced the obvious task ...
‘KWTD’: Eric Jordan Young, the affable janitor Ernie in ‘Vegas! The Show,’ looks to clean up solo
Monday, March 17, 2014
Eric Jordan Young left "Vegas! The Show" in Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood on Wednesday as his contract with David Saxe timed out. But he has designs on other projects in Las Vegas ...
Family, friends say goodbye to a Las Vegas legend
Monday, March 17, 2014
Long before most of the guests at the funeral of Jackie Gaughan began streaming into St. Viator Catholic Church, Gaughan’s Irish heritage played out in the church parking lot. There, a solitary musician tuned his bagpipes. The sound carried over the church’s asphalt expanse as a fitting tribute to ...
‘A sad day’: Comedians lament loss of irreverent legend David Brenner
Saturday, March 15, 2014
“He was my hero,” Flamingo headliner George Wallace said when asked about David Brenner, who died today in New York of pancreatic cancer. He was 78. “We dined together frequently. He was the first, young, flashy dresser in the ’70s, and we ...
Peppermill summit lures Jim Caruso, ‘MDQ’ and Carmen Miranda’s hat; Vinnie Paul’s 50th is a real deaf jam
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Felix Rappaport makes an appearance in this column, which also includes Fright Dome founder Jason Egan. Rappaport resigned from the Mirage in December after spending more than 20 years in Las Vegas in positions with Station Casinos and MGM Resorts.
Mukhtar Mukhtar’s passion for ‘One Night’ is more than a drop in the bucket
Thursday, March 13, 2014
The man who has been charged with creating the second-annual water-themed "One Night for One Drop" benefit at Mandalay Bay on March 21 knows all about the importance of water conservation.
Hakkasan hoping for some Pure genius; Cast Party casts net for Strickland, Anton ... and Osmond
Monday, March 10, 2014
Hakkasan chief Neil Moffitt strongly hinted that renovations were upcoming for one of his company’s newest clubs, Pure at Caesars Palace. His company acquired Angel Management Group, and that move was announced Feb. 19.
At five years, Terry Fator’s act is smokin’; Frankie Moreno makes tough call in band shakeup
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Comedy-impressionist Terry Fator’s headliner show at the Mirage has a family look and is loaded with puppets, but he also tosses out some pot humor. On Friday night, he toasted to five years on the Strip with a star-studded celebration.
Agassi: Everyone wants him in politics, and no one would want to run against him
Sunday, March 9, 2014
The text is from Andre Agassi, and it’s one of those messages that prompts the now-familiar “LOL” response ...
Clint Holmes meets the challenge of Ray Charles; a Ruvo birthday party revives the Venetian
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Writing from Mandalay Bay, the nexus for all sorts of happenings, we also touch on the Smith Center and Holly Madison’s ferret habitat. The reason I’m loitering-slash-typing at Mandalay Bay is that earlier, I visited with Cirque du Soleil artist Mukhtar O.S. Mukhtar.
A woman of 50 voices, Veronic is at home on the range
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Veronic DiCaire has won the praise and respect of Celine Dion, her mentor and her show's co-producer, during her run at Bally’s. Dozens of voices populate the mind of Veronic, many more than the 50 or so she produces onstage every night.
Be careful with Stifler — you could put an eye out!
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Stratosphere headliner Frankie Moreno hosted the latest Las Vegas Weekly Unscripted/Stifler show Tuesday night in the Havana Room at the Tropicana, and it was (in a couple of instances) a blinding success.
DJ Ashba: Taking flight was ‘innocent thing’; Dice Man applauds Cate Blanchett’s Oscar triumph
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Las Vegas resident DJ Ashba is gearing up for another run at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel with Guns N’ Roses, but he did speak of his oft-publicized proposal aboard a Metro Police helicopter last August here in town.
Getting buzzed with Holly Madison is actually good for the cause
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Holly Madison took a pair of clippers, claimed that she was a novice at head-shaving, then shaved a head for St. Baldrick’s Foundation on Saturday at New York-New York’s Brooklyn Bridge.
Growing up Trump means learning to thrive in two very different worlds
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Recently, Eric Trump sat down to talk about Trump International Las Vegas, which is nearing its sixth birthday on March 31.
Revitalized and amped-up ‘Jubilee!’ sets March 17 return to Bally’s
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014
Director Frank Gatson Jr. has built his creative team for the challenge of bringing “Jubilee!” “into this time.” Known as the choreographer for Beyonce, Gatson says he is not performing such an overhaul that the legendary showgirl production will be unrecognizable.
Celebration of life for Jeff Ray of ‘Jersey Boys’ set for March 23 at the Hard Rock Hotel
Monday, Feb. 24, 2014
“Jersey Boys” band member Jeff Ray, a highly accomplished and respected guitarist, is to be honored at a celebration of his life, music and legacy at Vinyl by many of the artists with whom he collaborated before his tragic death in March.
Kerry Simon’s intensive rehab program is the walk of his life
Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014
Kerry Simon, dubbed the “Rock ’n’ Roll Chef,” has been diagnosed with multiple system atrophy, which shares many characteristics with Parkinson’s disease and for which there is no cure. Slow body movement, muscle rigidity and impaired balance are symptoms.
‘KWTD’: Film critic Josh Bell breaks it down (by ‘it,’ we mean the Oscars, of course)
Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014
Josh Bell writes TV and film criticism for Las Vegas Weekly, but his really challenging task is appearing on our radio show, “Kats With the Dish,” partly because co-host Tricia McCrone somehow finds a way to bait Bell into an argument.
Surgery doesn’t put Criss Angel in straitjacket; Terry Fator returns to Letterman in media blitz
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014
Criss Angel’s shoulder surgery has shelved “Believe” at the Luxor, but a clip of the operation is now in “Magic Jam” in the same theater. After undergoing the major procedure Jan. 9, Angel was told to take it easy for six months.
Oscar Goodman is eager to pass the puck with the Wranglers at the Plaza
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014
Former Mayor Oscar Goodman spent the balance of his three terms in office trying to lure a major-league franchise to Las Vegas. Now the restaurant with his name is sharing space with the Wranglers.
Comedy maverick Tom Green is comfortable with a Vinyl format
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014
Tom Green has interviewed Dan Rather and Carrot Top and also can rap and tell jokes that draw laughs from Las Vegas to Edinburgh. “I’ve noticed how universal our sense of humor has become, and it’s kind of a sad thing, really,” he says.
Jason Alexander sweeps George Costanza under the rug with new show at Hair-rahs
Monday, Feb. 17, 2014
Jason Alexander’s new show at Harrah’s, “An Evening With Jason Alexander and His Hair,” hints to the status of his scalp. Alexander often refers to this new hairpiece he’s been sporting over the past couple of years as “revenge hair.”
Golden Gaming CEO's secret to success: Never stop growing
Blake Sartini believes in expansion, not only in the number of taverns his company runs but in the scope of their demographics
Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014
Growth, development, expansion — all are ways to map success, chart fulfillment, and validate the business and personal decisions of Blake Sartini, who has overseen the rapid expansion of the PT's Pub and Sierra Gold brands. The number of Golden Gaming taverns in Southern Nevada has doubled since Sartini took over 15 years ago.
‘KWTD’: John Payne, Paul Shortino still banking on success of ‘Rock Vault’ at LVH
Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014
John Payne, who has developed a beyond-credible interpretation of the vocal stylings and stage manner of AC/DC’s Brian Johnson, co-wrote the original template for "Raiding the Rock Vault," which is still playing with gleeful power at LVH.
Wranglers’ search for a new home in Las Vegas ends at the Plaza
Friday, Feb. 14, 2014
Wranglers President Billy Johnson said today that Las Vegas’ entrant in the ECHL has reached an agreement with owners of the downtown Plaza to play home games in a leased facility to be built on that property for five years beginning with the 2014-15 season in October.
Melody Sweets is looking forward to her guest-singing gig in ‘MDQ’
Friday, Feb. 14, 2014
Melody Sweets is known as a burlesque performer who inhabits the role of the songbird Green Fairy in “Absinthe” at Caesars Palace. But on Feb. 25, she will join the throwback, 1956 rock ’n’ roll musical “Million Dollar Quartet” at Harrah’s.
Live Frankie Moreno taping shakes the Strat; BBR burns as resort officials take notice
Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014
Frankie Moreno is planning to put his show recorded Tuesday night at the Stratosphere in front of a national TV audience. One interested party is PBS. The idea, too, is for the performance to be issued as a live DVD.
The Red Zone: Las Vegas history simmers at classic Italian restaurants
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014
A river of marinara runs through Las Vegas, where the famous and rich convene to deal and pitch. Deals are made, relationships are cemented, and news unfolds (eventually) at throwback Italian restaurants in Las Vegas.
Crazy Horse Too rides again after judge reins in past ruling
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014
All this craziness turned into some serious business, as a pair of Las Vegas strip clubs have tussled for months over the application of the word “crazy.”
‘KWTD’: Steve Rossi on The Beatles’ debut on ‘Sullivan’ featuring nude photos and at least one wig
Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014
Las Vegas’ Allen & Rossi (Marty Allen and Steve Rossi) were featured during The Beatles’ first run through the U.S., as the comedians were popular guests on "The Ed Sullivan Show."
Cirque has lofty plans for The Tenors in ‘One Drop’; Dispensary’s swanky jazz hang turns 2
Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014
The Tenors have rehearsed with the Cirque du Soleil creative team for "One Night for One Drop" and are particularly interested in the hoist process.
How one Las Vegas headliner received an immaculate reception; Stirling Club still being courted
Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014
Franco Harris and Lydell Mitchell took in an intimate performance last weekend, much to the surprise of the performer.
Brody Dolyniuk: If he keeps on playin’, the levee’s gonna break
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014
Brody Dolyniuk founded Yellow Brick Road in Las Vegas and brings a classic-rock spectacle to Smith Center on Friday night with Zeppelin USA. This is far more adventurous a performance than a mere recitation of Led Zep’s biggest hits.
Frankie Moreno working with Joshua Bell on PBS special; Carrot Top in line for Jay Leno’s sendoff
Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014
Carrot Top welcomed Toby Keith to his headliner show at the Luxor on Saturday night — then drew the crowd's attention back to the stage: “Hey! The shows up here! Eyes here!”
Wranglers’ Billy Johnson: ‘I was assaulted’ by Las Vegas magician Seth Grabel
Monday, Feb. 3, 2014
Billy Johnson is filing a civil suit against Seth Grabel, who allegedly assaulted Johnson after a show by The Amazing Johnathan in January 2010.
Ben McKee of Imagine Dragons can’t wait to share famous ‘Saturday Night Live’ stage
Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014
Imagine Dragons make their first appearance on “Saturday Night Live” tonight, and bassist Ben McKee is eager to perform on the same stage where Sean Connery (played famously by Darrel Hammond) chided Alex Trebek (in one of Will Ferrell’s great roles on the show).
‘KWTD’: Billy Johnson says ECHL’s ‘confidence is high’ in Wranglers’ capacity to find suitable home
Friday, Jan. 31, 2014
Given five weeks to find a new home for the Las Vegas Wranglers, President Billy Johnson plans to issue a memorandum of understanding to the ECHL on Wednesday.
Beacher’s Madhouse is risque freaks and geeks; Rose. Rabbit. Lie. takes risks
Friday, Jan. 31, 2014
The night begins with Skye Dee Miles and her new Tropicana Nights show at Tropicana Lounge. It is important to note that Miles kicks off this coincidentally aligned weekend of entertainment on the Strip because she unleashes a consistently entertaining show.
Pia Zadora rocks out with ‘MDQ’; Patrick Duffy hangs at State of the Union; Floyd Mayweather Jr. seeking $10.4 million taker?
Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014
Pia Zadora knows how to rock it out, and she'll get a shot with the cast of "Million Dollar Quartet" next Tuesday night at Harrah’s.
For a night, it’s ‘The Ballet Bunch’ as Florence Henderson is honored by NBT
Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014
Nevada Ballet Theater’s 2014 Woman of the Year has taken many voyages on “The Love Boat,” played at every famous Strip hotel and even worked with Shecky Greene.
High Roller passengers to be tied in knots; Carlos Santana snares Las Vegas great; Cheaza fails to tackle Richard Sherman
Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014
Jon Gray of the Linq has taken dozens of wedding reservations for the High Roller already, and the attraction is several weeks away from opening.
The Liberace experience hits a sour note as Brian ‘Paco’ Alvarez steps down as chairman
Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014
Brian "Paco" Alvarez took over as chairman of the Liberace Foundation in 2011 but resigned abruptly today after three years of service when a no-confidence vote was taken among his fellow board members.
Wranglers weighing three options for a new home for 2014-’15
Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014
Left without a home in December, the Las Vegas Wranglers are likely staying in Las Vegas for the 2014-’15 season.
Jeff Ray, member of ‘Jersey Boys’ band, dies after being hit by train near Seattle
Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014
Jeff Ray played multiple roles as a musician in “Jersey Boys.” He died, tragically and inexplicably, after being struck by a train Saturday afternoon in Washington state.
The Jacksons at Planet Hollywood is as easy as 1-2-3
Friday, Jan. 17, 2014
Give The Jacksons any sort of stage plot, and they’ll figure out how to make it work. The surviving members of The Jackson 5 are in promotional mode to generate buzz about their 40 appearances beginning Feb. 20 at PH Showroom.
Las Vegas hypnotists shaken by Scott Lewis’ death; Perez-Moreno in ‘Frankie squared’
Monday, Jan. 13, 2014
Marc Savard was stunned at the news over the weekend that his friend and fellow Las Vegas hypnotist Scott Lewis had died after a fall from a balcony in Sydney, Australia.
A Strip production starring a panda isn’t too much to bear
Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014
“Panda!” has Olympican pedigree and Olympic-quality talent. And, it has many guys dressed as pandas.
The Jacksons to perform 40 dates in ‘Rocktellz’ beginning Feb. 20
Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014
The Jacksons — brothers Jackie, Marlon, Jermaine and Tito — will alternate performances in "Rocktellz & Cocktails" beginning Feb. 20 at PH Showroom in Planet Hollywood.