John Katsilometes

Story Archive

Goldman Sachs refuses to sack ‘Rock Vault’ as roaring musical returns in ’14
Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014
In late 2013, it seemed "Raiding the Rock Vault" would not survive December at LVH. But the loud-and-proud production is back Jan. 24.
Clint Holmes notches another ‘piece of recognition’; Claire Sinclair-Stratosphere make a commitment; Jim Rogers hangs ‘for sale’ sign on some classics
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014
Clint Holmes has found fulfillment and acclaim in New York and one day hopes to take his play to Broadway.
At his Klondike Hotel or the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, John Woodrum kept the lights on
Monday, Jan. 6, 2014
John Woodrum was long concerned about the safety of pedestrians scrambling across the Strip from his Klondike Hotel to the busy Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign on Las Vegas Boulevard.
Billy Johnson on Boyd and the Orleans: ‘If the Wranglers are not part of their plan, we respect that right’
Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014
I met up with Wranglers President Billy Johnson in a UNLV parking lot on Wednesday afternoon, and gosh if he didn’t show the wear and tear of trying to save a minor-league hockey team.
The Cosmopolitan opens ’14 with a cascade of cool
Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014
The much-anticipated Rose. Rabbit. Lie. opened with its first dinner sitting, followed by Spiegelworld's "Vegas Nocturne," as the Cosmopolitan blasted into the New Year.
Wranglers being jettisoned from Orleans Arena after this season; future in Las Vegas at risk
Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013
The Las Vegas Wranglers have played exclusively at Orleans Arena since its inception in 2003 but will be out after its home finale in April.
Cosmopolitan’s Rose. Rabbit. Lie. is to be Hip. Retro. Mysterious.
Monday, Dec. 30, 2013
Rose. Rabbit. Lie. opens New Year's Eve at the Cosmopolitan. The hotel has effectively kept the social club's early mystique intact.
Judge Goodman might not have been attacked, Metro Police say
Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013
Eric Goodman's father says a trauma surgeon who treated Goodman told the family that a pair of head injuries show Goodman likely was assaulted Dec. 15 at South Tower Park.
Year-end extras from Vegas stages, showrooms and the celebs who play them
Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013
At the end of another year of entertainment in VegasVille, John Katsilometes finds his bag is still full of interesting facts about the people, music and venues we knew and loved in 2013.
Goodmans’ son Eric recovering after assault in Summerlin park
Friday, Dec. 27, 2013
Metro Police said "the victim's injuries have prevented him from assisting with the investigation," noting that he had a head injury.
Holly Madison on Hef years, plans for her new Las Vegas show, advice for Britney Spears fans
Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013
Five years ago, we would not have referred to Holly Madison as a show producer, a songstress, a wife or a mother. But in the days since she co-starred in the Playboy Mansion-centered “The Girls Next Door,” Madison has become all of that.
Christmas card from Idaho: The new store has Lava Hot Springs abuzz
Monday, Dec. 23, 2013
Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, is filled with natural hot baths for visitors from all over the place. Now, they can find hammers and saws in the middle of town.
At age 87, comedy legend Jerry Lewis still knows how to entertain audiences
Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013
The eyes still dance, the voice booms and the hands are quick to snare the little Chihuahua Paulie (named for Dean Paul Martin) as the pooch races across his lap. Jerry Lewis seems remarkably unchanged in what he calls “the autumn of my life.”
The Marc Savard Holiday Spectacular is a hypnotic experience
Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013
Marc Savard spent 18 days putting up his first holiday display three years ago. He's trimmed that to five, and the attraction has become a Vegas tradition.
How the Bellagio Conservatory boss dug up the scoop on Santana’s percussionist
Friday, Dec. 13, 2013
Carlos Santana is using one of Las Vegas’ best drummers in his show in Guadalajara on Saturday night.
Will National Finals Rodeo up and get all Miss America on us?
Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013
The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo brings nearly $100 million to Las Vegas, but is it about to time out?
Clint Holmes is happy to chill (indoors) at Smith Center; ‘MDQ’ bids farewell to its ace on bass
Friday, Dec. 6, 2013
The idea of Clint Holmes performing outside on Sunday at Symphony Park always depended on the weather. And, baby, it’s cold outside.
It’s been a long ride for the Wrangler NFR to renew its commitment to Las Vegas
Friday, Dec. 6, 2013
Before the 2012 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, officials representing the event and the city said a new contract was in the offing. None has been signed.
Holly Madison in fine form in return to stage with ‘Million Dollar Quartet’
Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013
Holly Madison sang with Justin Shandor as Elvis, reviving a “Viva Las Vegas” classic as she preps to bring her own show to the Strip.
Planet Hollywood brandishes Britney Spears as premiere of ‘Piece of Me’ approaches
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013
Planet Hollywood is rolling out the arrival of Britney Spears in a grandiose fashion befitting one of the Strip’s most famous entertainers.
Battle scene edges its way back to ‘Ka’; a Flying Wallenda graces ‘Absinthe’
Monday, Dec. 2, 2013
Cirque du Soleil is gradually bringing back the Final Battle scene to “Ka” at MGM Grand after the June 29 death of artist Sarah Guillot-Guyard.
Less than one week after losing her father, Aubrianna Atwell loses her ‘best friend’ Paul Walker
Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013
Aubrianna Atwell met actor Paul Walker in Los Angeles, and the two shared a tight bond for more than a decade.
David Atwell, a man with a zeal for business and life, dies at 63
Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013
David Atwell worked some major deals on the Strip, including the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace and New Frontier transactions.
Kats in Macau: Interviewing Brandon Rios, ‘back play’ and ‘Crazy Happy Show’
Monday, Nov. 25, 2013
Earlier today, I ran into Brandon Rios in the airport in Macau. I actually ran into him outside the airport and also on our flight and again here in Taipei. I talked to Rios for a bit, and he is a forthright person, grinning and posing for photographs with anyone who happened by with a camera.
Kats in Macau: ‘Clash in Cotai’ is a pummeling by Pacquiao
Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013
We're entering the thick of the holiday season, and Manny Pacquiao showed his Christmas spirit by turning the face of Brandon Rios into Christmas-ornament red. Pacquiao looked polished in every facet of his performance, a dazzling show in the face of his most recent bout when he was knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez.
Kats in Macau: Sifting through the figures of a major fight with the man who runs Venetian Macau
Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013
Edward Tracy, who runs Venetian Macau on the Cotai Strip, trumpets Manny Pacquiao in one sentence and Alicia Keys in the next. Both stars factor into fight weekend at Venetian Macau.
Kats in Macau: Cotai Strip has become Mike Mecca’s mecca
Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013
Mike Mecca worked for several hotel companies in Las Vegas, Australia and Detroit before landing in the middle of the resort boom in Macau.
Kats in Macau: Manny Pacquiao a hit in China; Alicia Keys opens fight weekend with Rounds 1 and 2
Friday, Nov. 22, 2013
Manny Pacquiao says he is looking forward to a return to Macau — but likes Las Vegas, too.
Kats in Macau: Bob Arum says, in fight game, Venetian Macau is what Caesars Palace used to be
Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013
Bob Arum co-promoted the “Thrilla in Manila.” He is returning to Asia with a plan to lead a resurgence of boxing in the region.
Kats in Macau: Upon arrival, the region is eerily familiar — and entirely foreign
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013
The Venetian Macau is a sister property of Venetian/Palazzo in Las Vegas, and its design mirrors the Strip resorts. But, culturally, we are far from home.
Liberace Foundation collection returns to the spotlight at the Cosmopolitan
Friday, Nov. 15, 2013
Liberace's famed collection has not been open to the public since the Liberace Museum closed three years ago.
Twenty fun facts from Ethel M’s Holiday Cactus Garden on its 20th anniversary
Friday, Nov. 8, 2013
The sprawling, illuminated Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden in Henderson covers a lot of territory and uses a lot of lights. How much territory and how many lights? Read on.
‘Zarkana’ artist injured after slipping from ‘Wheel of Death’
Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013
The "Wheel of Death" in "Zarkana" is, as its name indicates, one of Cirque du Soleil’s riskier acts. The injuries do not seem serious, and Cirque says “Wheel of Death” is to return to the show upon the artist’s return.
OSHA fines Cirque du Soleil and MGM Grand in ‘Ka’ performer’s death
Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013
Nevada OSHA has concluded that “Ka” artist Sarah Guillot-Guyard fell after the wire rope suspending her during the show’s Final Battle scene broke, causing her to fall a reported 94 feet to the floor.
Life Is Beautiful throws open door to new downtown Las Vegas
Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013
There was a moment when entering a downtown speakeasy was not so easy, but Life Is Beautiful has opened the door to downtown to everyone.
‘Mamma Mia!’ returning to Las Vegas Strip at the Tropicana
Friday, Oct. 18, 2013
The renovated Tropicana Theater is hosting that hotel’s first resident musical production since “Folies Bergere” closed four years ago, and it’s a proven hit on the Strip. “Mamma Mia!” is returning to Las Vegas, set to open at the Trop in the spring of 2014.
Mark Shunock’s interest in running a theater is no act
Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013
"Rock of Ages" co-star Mark Shunock wants to bring acts to the old Act. He'll need more than just passion and great vision.
With Frank Gatson Jr. onboard, ‘Jubilee!’ gets a long-awaited makeover
Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013
“Jubilee!” at Bally’s hasn’t had an upgrade since the mid-1990s but has recruited Beyonce’s choreographer to revitalize the show, whose audience isn’t getting any younger. “This needs to be a party,” Frank Gatson Jr. says.
Even as a shell, new Chelsea has a Cosmopolitan feel
Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013
The new Chelsea, opening in late December, seems every bit as impressive as similar Las Vegas entertainment venues.
Mamma Pia! Zadora is ringleader of Vintage Vegas hang; ‘MDQ’ is in the house
Friday, Oct. 11, 2013
Pia Zadora's "Pia's Place" VIP event drew a crowd loaded with old Vegas figures — and a few impressed newbies to the scene.
Chase for the Golden Nerf: Celebrity/Media NFL Picks Week 5
'Rock Vault' is necessary roughness for band member Andrew Freeman
Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013
Andrew Freeman was originally brought in to sing "guide" vocals but is now a part of the band and cast at "Raiding the Rock Vault."
New Hard Rock Hotel entertainment chief wants the property to work in concert
Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013
Chas Smith started at the Hard Rock Hotel in 2000 as a stage hand and today is its top-ranking entertainment official.
Mob Attraction moving out of Tropicana on Nov. 3 for a new home on the Strip
Monday, Sept. 30, 2013
The Mob Experience opened with a grand party in March 2011, but soon became bogged down in lawsuits and financial losses, as well as a rebranding.
Palms punts as Heraea fails to move the chains
Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013
Heraea opened in February at the Palms with the idea that it would appeal to both genders. It didn't appeal enough to either.
Bagatelle Beach Club renamed Havana Room and Beach Club; closes to public in favor of private events
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Bagatelle Beach Club is becoming a private matter. The pool, restaurant and club connected to Tropicana and operated by The One Group has closed to the public and will exclusively host private functions.
To theme or not to theme: Casino executives might have this debate
Thursday, April 11, 2013
What might transpire in a conversation between casino executives over how a new resort should be themed.
Richard Petty Experience a crash course in thrill racing
Thursday, March 7, 2013
I have what can be best described as an Issue With the Wall. It’s the lengthy barrier along the backstretch at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Appropriately, it is painted in thick black letters reading, “Las Vegas Motor Speedway.”
From jilted bride to Wedding Queen of the West, love has been a journey for L.V. chapel owner Charolette Richards
Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013
Charolette Richards is rightfully considered the Wedding Queen of the West. As proprietor of A Little White Wedding Chapel since the late 1960s, her Las Vegas wedding fortress has hosted more than half a million services.
Good or bad, Super Bowl halftimes have produced some memorable shows
Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013
I was on the phone with my brother the other day talking about the Super Bowl. I mentioned to him that I am writing a column about the all-time memorable Super Bowl moments. “You have to have ‘Be Bop Bamboozled’ in there,” he said. “Of course,” I said.
Penn & Teller: Two decades of real Las Vegas magic
Monday, Jan. 28, 2013
For all of their communal artistry and shared experiences and success, Penn & Teller differ on the moments that made them fall for Las Vegas. For Penn Jillette, it was a quick side trip to Vegas he made with a group of friends in the late 1980s. The plan was to tour the Grand Canyon, but, you know, Vegas was right there.