John Katsilometes

Story Archive

David Foster, wanna-be sax man, talks of the Bay of Pigs and Betty Boop
Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010
David Foster played on Donna Summer's hit "Last Dance," and Summer is one of the performers at Friday's "David Foster and Friends" concert at Mandalay Bay Events Center.
MDA loves Jerry Lewis ... but still isn't sure how he'll be used in 2011
Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2010
Jerry Lewis was informed of the decision to shorten the "MDA Labor Day Telethon" from 21 1/2 hours to six, and it is still uncertain how -- or even if -- he'll be back in 2011.
MDA is making big plans by shrinking its show -- but where's Jerry Lewis?
Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2010
A news release issued by the MDA announcing a new, six-hour telethon for 2011 is four pages long. Jerry Lewis doesn't appear until Page 3.
Wynn's fiery response to feedback, Cosby's diction lesson, and more from Agassi Grand Slam for Children
Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010
Steve and Elaine Wynn, Elton John, Bill Cosby, Rob Thomas and Jason Mraz were among those who supplied moments worth noting at Saturday's Andre Agassi Grand Slam for Children at the Wynn.
Donny Osmond: 'Exotic' not the right word to use for his vehicles
Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010
In the face of a lawsuit filed by his one-time producer Chip Lightman, Donny Osmond says he drives a smart car and a pickup.
Andre Agassi's tennis career is long over, but the fire remains
Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010
Andre Agassi is likely headed for hip-replacement surgery after the wear and tear he suffered over a career that ended at age 36 with eight major championships.
In a harshly worded lawsuit, Lightman seeks 'amicable' resolution with Donny & Marie
Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010
Chip Lightman claims he has two years remaining on his contracted agreement with Donny and Marie Osmond, and is seeking a settlement from the duo he helped lure to the Flamingo in 2008.
From the comedy store: Carrot Top bets the Fish and loses; RP heads to China; Geechy Guy live on KUNV
Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010
Carrot Top bet Recycled Percussion's Justin Spencer that the Dolphins would beat the Patriots on Monday night. Miami lost, and so, too, did Carrot Top.
Schwarzenegger puts on a show as Curtis service turns into spirited affair
Monday, Oct. 4, 2010
Palm Mortuary's chapel seats 380, but far more than 400 crammed into the space to pay a final farewell to Tony Curtis.
Jill and Jamie Lee Curtis, Arnold Schwarzenegger among those paying tribute to film great Tony Curtis
Monday, Oct. 4, 2010
The chapel at Palm Mortuary overflowed with more than 400 well-wishers, friends, fans, family members and media representatives at the funeral service for Tony Curtis.
Brad Garrett, Ryan Seacrest co-producing a show for the kiddies
Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010
The new show has the working title, "That Kids Show" and is based on a similarly styled show hosted by Bill Cosby, based on a show by Art Linkletter.
'The Defenders' calls on Cristalli & Saggese to make Vegas its home court
Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010
Cristalli & Saggese are the inspirations for the series "The Defenders," which debuted last week on CBS. Co-star Jerry O'Connell graces the cover of the annual men's issue of VEGAS magazine.
There was cool, and there was Tony Curtis cool, and there was no comparison
Friday, Oct. 1, 2010
Tony Curtis so impressed students at UNLV that even those not particularly interested in movies wanted to meet "the coolest guy ever."
'Daunting' is how Clint Holmes describes Sinatra tribute performance with Falcone, LV Philharmonic
Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010
Clint Holmes takes to Ham Hall on Saturday night to perform a show brimming with Sinatra classics with Vincent Falcone and the Las Vegas Philharmonic.
Mayor Goodman persuading Stephen Colbert to bring 'The Colbert Report' to Las Vegas
Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010
Mayor Oscar Goodman spent six minutes on the air with Stephen Colbert. The mayor hopes Colbert spends several days in Las Vegas.
Frozen Fury XIII to keep fans of Kings, Avalanche on edge
Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010
MGM Grand officials have carved out a comfortable relationship with the L.A. Kings and Colorado Avalanche, the teams meeting Saturday at the Grand Garden Arena for Frozen Fury XIII.
Of missing hand stamps and 'impromptu' audience participation: Prepping for Train is a show in itself
Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010
One fan, who was energetically Canadian, claimed to have ordered 22 tickets - and the entire pack had been misplaced! Not likely!
Celebrity/media NFL picks Week 3
Giant helmet toss turns into a completed pass
Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010
We've seen players throw jerseys, footballs, and even themselves (Lambeau Leap!) into the crowd during an NFL game – but never a helmet.
Rick Dale's 'Pawn Stars' spinoff, 'Rusty Nuts,' set for Oct. 18 debut
Friday, Sept. 24, 2010
Rick Dale has been a regular expert contributor to the History Channel sensation "Pawn Stars," and now has a show of his own.
As Train barrels into Station, Mandy Christine makes sure the resort is ready
Friday, Sept. 24, 2010
Mandy Christine has fielded several off-kilter requests from artists, including specific fruit pairings in three different rooms.
Liberace Museum hosts a parade of protesters -- and even a puppet -- as attraction inches toward closing
Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010
Between 60 and 70 protesters came and went at the Liberace Museum today, targeting The Liberace Foundation hierarchy and demanding a close investigation of the organization's financial records.
'The Colbert Report' taps Mayor Oscar Goodman for Thursday's show
Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010
Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman is in Washington, D.C., for the Conference of Mayors. He is taking a side trip to Comedy Central.
In specifying Casa de Shenandoah project, Wayne Newton gives a spoken-word performance for a hard-to-please crowd
Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010
Wayne Newton's plans for a theater and museum across the street from Casa de Shenandoah and regular tours of the ranch itself were met with skepticism from about 200 of his neighbors. Though Newton disputed some of what has been reported about the project, he did for the first time in a public forum detail what he has planned.
For UNLV Jazz Ensemble I, it's national acclaim, a director with 'Family Guy' chops, and all that jazz
Monday, Sept. 20, 2010
In the spring the UNLV Jazz Ensemble I was named one of the best bands of its type in the country. Led by impassioned arranger and keyboardist David Loeb, the band plays with the Las Vegas Academy Jazz Band at Ham Hall.
After 20 years, Sunday is a nice day for a white wedding
Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010
Tim and I had not seen each other in a very long time, but Sunday afternoon he walked back into my life on his wedding day at Little White Wedding Chapel.
Supporters of Liberace Museum refuse to close the show without a fight
Friday, Sept. 17, 2010
Since the announced closing of the Liberace Museum, critics of the Liberace Foundation Board of Directors have decried mismanagement of the museum and its finances.
Joey Fatone cuts a swath through Bally's as guest host of 'The Price is Right'
Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010
Joey Fatone, once of 'N Sync, is the latest former boy-bander to host "The Price is Right" at Bally's. Last month it was former 98 Degrees member Drew Lachey.
Monte Carlo President Nikodemus, Jabbawockeez forge unlikely alliance
Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010
The eye-opening success of Jabbawockeez at MGM Grand's Hollywood Theatre caught the attention of Monte Carlo President Anton Nikodemus, who recruited the dance crew to replace Lance Burton at the MGM Resorts property.
Hotel closing no surprise at Plaza; Geoff Emerick eager to return with 'Sgt. Pepper' live production
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010
When asked if 'Sgt. Pepper Live' would be coming back to Las Vegas, legendary sound engineer Geoff Emerick responded with an enthusiastic nod. The show's current run at Paris Las Vegas ends Saturday.
Recycled Percussion does the junk 'n' roll at MGM Grand's Studio 54
Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010
Recycled Percussion embarks on a show that seems to have structure, with the audience divided into separate teams, but really it's just a lot of bashing about.
From the Riviera: Comedy Club closing as 'Greg London's Icons' moves in
Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010
Riviera Comedy Club has been struggling for months, and reportedly won't be open after the curtain falls on October 31.
With boost from audience and 'his kids,' impassioned Jerry Lewis closes telethon
Monday, Sept. 6, 2010
He was nearly too emotional to make it through the final number at today's "Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon," but with a push from the South Point crowd, he reached the finish.
A little poignance, a lot of laughter as Jerry Lewis preps for MDA Telethon
Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010
Jerry Lewis often wears his passion on his sleeve, and that was the case today during the final run-through for the "MDA Labor Day Telethon."
Robert Schimmel, frequent Las Vegas stand-up performer, dies after car accident in Arizona
Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010
Robert Schimmel, who performed in Las Vegas at the Riviera in January, died Friday night after suffering injuries. The comedian was 60.
Mitchell's 'Breakfast' serves No. 1,000; Lewis talks of post-telethon plans
Friday, Sept. 3, 2010
Longtime Las Vegas radio personality Dennis Mitchell debuted his "Breakfast With the Beatles" program in January 1991. No. 1,000 airs this weekend.
As MDA Telethon approaches, a shout-out from, and to, Jerry Lewis
Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010
Jerry Lewis has brought the mystique of legend and a remarkably high level of zeal to this year's "MDA Labor Day Telethon," set for Sunday and Monday at South Point.
Danny Gans' auto collection mirrors his variety-laden show; Jerry Lewis jabs at Vegas' corporate culture
Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010
Barrett-Jackson President Steve Davis says he's putting on a different sort of Danny Gans Show at this month's Barrett-Jackson auto auction at Mandalay Bay.
Steve Wynn makes it official: Cy Waits is out, 'free to pursue other interests'
Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010
Cy Waits is no longer a nightclub official with Steve Wynn, the company officially announced this morning.
Recent celeb incidents a reminder that even Las Vegas' adult playground has boundaries
Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010
LVCVA officials say such incidents as the Paris Hilton/Cy Waits arrest on the Strip and the partying at Aria by the sons of Michael Jordan are inevitable in a city that draws several million visitors each year.
E! report: In wake of arrest, Steve Wynn boots nightclub operator Cy Waits
Sunday, Aug. 29, 2010
Less than a week ago, Cy Waits was atop the Vegas nightlife peak as operator of the club empire established by Victor Drai. But today, reportedly, he's been let go by Steve Wynn.
Dolyniuk, Lightman resume partnership to give 'Brody's World' another whirl
Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010
Brody Dolyniuk and Chip Lightman are two headstrong personalities who share a common goal: To make Brody famous.
With new Santana all-star release, the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel is guitar heaven
Friday, Aug. 27, 2010
Carlos Santana's VIP guests ranged from india.arie to Gavin Rossdale to Chris Daughtry as he gave fans and VIPs a healthy sampling of his new album, "Guitar Heaven."
He's mayor of Las Vegas, but Goodman is but one voice in the neighborhood
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010
Mayor Oscar Goodman didn't like Dennis Barrie when the two met, but a movie centering on the famously controversial Robert Mapplethorpe exhibit at the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati changed the mayor's mind.
Jumping ship was the best move 'Fantasy's' Lorena Peril ever made
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010
Lorena Peril was a performer for Carnival Cruise Lines when a friend convinced her to return to port and take a shot in Las Vegas.
As if by magic, Teller takes a 10-spot from Penn Jillette for Locks of Love
Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2010
When Rio officials asked employees to donate some of their long hair, Penn Jillette said, "Yes." Then he and the officials decided just how much would be safe to cut.
Will Angel Porrino's guest stint lead to 'Pippshow' at Planet Hollywood?
Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2010
Angel Porrino had a quick and certain response when Holly Madison spoke of the need to take a break from "Peepshow" at Planet Hollywood.
Billy Idol puts on a sneer-perfect performance at Pearl Concert Theater
Monday, Aug. 23, 2010
Billy Idol remains in great shape and in top performing condition, and my, he also swears a lot.
Feeling the stress in VegasVille? We've got ways to soothe the tension
Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010
The pond at Sunset Park, Mount Charleston Lodge and Lake Mead can remedy the evidently peerless stress level in Las Vegas.
Some vintage glam-metal footage from Luxor headliner (and Miss Universe judge) Criss Angel
Friday, Aug. 20, 2010
Early in his career, Criss Angel was a rocker. A magician, and a rocker, to be specific.
Viva Las Vegan: Wynn/Encore, Aria, Harrah's getting in on some grassroots vegan action
Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010
Happy-happy, joy-joy, for local vegans and tourist vegans: Some of Vegas' major resorts are embracing vegan options!