John Katsilometes

Story Archive

A spin around the room with B.B. King; Lachey does his own spinning at Bally's
Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010
B.B. King says the older you get, the prettier they are. One guess what he means by "they."
Unlikely Reid-Newton ticket helped make USO Lounge a reality at McCarran
Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010
Sen. Harry Reid has received support from Wayne Netwon in all of his election campaigns, and the two worked together to bring the USO Lounge to McCarran International Airport.
Henderson Pavilion has its own legends in concert with 'Nevada Wild Fest'
Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010
The biggest event in the eight-year history of Henderson Pavilion will span three days and star Kenny Rogers, Glen Campbell, John Ford Coley and Montgomery Gentry, among others.
The Rush Time Machine: If you get it, that's cool. If not, that is also cool
Sunday, Aug. 15, 2010
Rush is a band you either get right now, or never. They played a powerhouse concert at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday, and 10,000 or so Rush fans did get it.
In return to stand-up at Mirage, Tim Allen still animated
Friday, Aug. 13, 2010
Tim Allen was a good friend of Rodney Dangerfield's, and had a special affection for Dangerfield's "hot" comedy club at the Tropicana.
'The Expendables' rocks Planet Hollywood; 'Peepshow' takes on an Angelic pinch-hitter
Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010
"The Expendables" is a bloody good time, and the Las Vegas premiere at Planet Hollywood was loaded with action.
What isn't expendable: Planet Hollywood's reputation for celebrity-splashed events
Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010
Planet Hollywood's original investors were Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Demi Moore and Arnold Schwarzenegger, and founder Robert Earl is famous for his affection for fabulous stars.
Drew Lachey exploring a host of options as he takes on 'The Price is Right'
Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010
Drew Lachey has been a member of the boy band 98 Degrees, appeared on Broadway and even won "Dancing With the Stars." So why is he spinning The Big Wheel at Bally's this month?
Shatner and Nimoy still the brightest stars in the 'Star Trek' universe
Monday, Aug. 9, 2010
Thousands of "Star Trek" fanatics were in orbit over the weekend as the Star Trek Las Vegas Convention was held at the Las Vegas Hilton.
Saxe shows punching power as ambitious 'Vegas! The Show' bows at Miracle Mile
Friday, Aug. 6, 2010
David Saxe has poured his money and his heart into "Vegas! The Show," a grandiose production at Saxe Theater at Miracle Mile Shops.
George Takei 'elated' over Prop 8 ruling as 'Star Trek' convention launches at Las Vegas Hilton
Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010
George Takei and Brad Altman have been a couple for 23 years and legally married since 2008, and both were in Las Vegas when they heard welcomed news about Proposition 8.
Tim Arnold concerned for Pinball Hall of Fame reaching the next generation; no cross-promotion for mob attractions
Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010
Tim Arnold is unique in his passion for pinball and his willingness to run his coin-operated empire for free. But what happens when he steps aside?
Cooling trend: Forbes survey has Las Vegas (with New York) as the country's hippest city
Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010
Others making the list will raise an eyebrow: Oakland (fifth) and Orlando (sixth), but no matter. We're No. 1. With New York.
Feeling the sting, still, as the Scorpions wind down a rockin' career at the T&M
Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010
Klaus Meine might not be a big person, but his voice is still immensely powerful, and his band mates can still play it loud, and proud.
Photo essay of a tribute -- and tats -- for the late Todd Sampson
Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010
An estimated 1,000 well-wishers lined up and crammed into Wasted Space at the Hard Rock Hotel on Sunday to pay tribute to punk pioneer Todd Sampson.
Need more Elvis? How about EVERYTHING Elvis recorded? In one box set?
Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010
Elvis Presley recorded 35 hours of music in his career, and all of it is being sold as a single set in October -- and if you want a limited edition, you can purchase it now.
For Anita Mann, shift in 'Fantasy' production is worth noting
Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010
Personnel changes are never easy for Anita Mann, who as a dancer is an entertainer first, and a business woman ... second or third.
Mob Experience Preview Center gives visitors a taste of technology, and an actual Lansky
Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010
Meyer Lansky II showed off his grandfather's Congressional Medal of Honor, which represented an unlikely partnership between the U.S. government and organized crime.
Viva Las Vegan: Tyson embraces the lifestyle -- and opens up to ESPN Radio
Monday, Aug. 2, 2010
Mike Tyson says he weighed 350 pounds, but has turned vegan and dropped 130.
The Luxor Incident as seen from the inside; Dave Berns makes return to talk radio
Sunday, Aug. 1, 2010
There was snarled parking and some edgy hotel guests, but the Luxor staff handled the scene well and when the garage was reopened, there was happiness.
Cavileer approach at the Silverton: Hotel president announces 50 percent wage reinstatement
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Employees at the SIlverton were required to take wage reductions in October. Nine months later, hotel owner Ed Roski and president Craig Cavileer have reinstated 50 percent of those cuts for every staff member.
Friends, family turning out in force to honor Vegas music pioneer Todd Sampson
Friday, July 30, 2010
An open-to-the pubic tribute to Todd Sampson will be held Saturday night at Wasted Space at the Hard Rock Hotel.
At Palace Station, Louie Anderson sets the stage for self-improvement with new show, new room
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Louie Anderson has spoken of working himself into better physical condition and watching his diet, a process that has been "really stressful."
Viva Las Vegan: No meat? No chicken? No eggs? This has Grandma frustrated
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
What about an egg? I am asked. No! No egg! I respond, as the tension in my foodstuff negotiations with my grandmother intensified.
A conclusion is reached at the Luxor; Garrett pops into the Trop; Olivia has high hopes for updated 'Grease Sing-A-Long'
Monday, July 26, 2010
The subplot at "Fantasy" is drawing to a close as Angelica Bridges appears in her final performance Saturday night.
Another Elvis comeback special: New album, 'Viva Elvis,' planned for November
Monday, July 26, 2010
"Viva Elvis -- The Album" is an altered and updated adaptation of many of Elvis' classics, which will be similar in sound and style to the music in the Cirque show at Aria.
A Killer gig for Flowers at Shimmer; LeBron is the 'same person'; Bridges talks of ending her 'Fantasy'
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Brandon Flowers' solo release, his first, is called "Flamingo" and is set for a September release.
In summoning a new star, did 'Fantasy' cross Bridges?
Friday, July 23, 2010
In bringing in her show's third star vocalist in less than a year, "Fantasy" producer Anita Mann is seeking a consistent look, sound and feel for the adult production at Luxor.
Guinn could relate on any level - including the concourse at the Thomas & Mack Center
Thursday, July 22, 2010
A first encounter with Kenny Guinn during a Runnin' Rebel basketball game showed his sense of humor and playful personality.
Unexpected birth of 'Lion King' actor's son is drama to the Max
Thursday, July 22, 2010
In full stage makeup, Michael Hollick drew some stunned looks as he sprinted through the parking lot at Mandalay Bay and through the St. Rose emergency room to be on hand for the birth of he and his wife, Angela's, first son, Max.
Don't haul away those booths just yet: Tiffany Theatre might remain as-is
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Earlier this year, it was expected Tiffany Theatre would be shut down in May and subjected to a major overhaul. But Tropicana President Tom McCartney says one of the city's iconic showrooms might remain intact.
Looking back on Elvis-Nixon summit; budding action star Randy Couture does comedy; 'Pawn Stars' hit Leno
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Sonny West was one of the few men in the room when Elvis Presley met Richard Nixon on Dec. 21, 1971, when Elvis received a coveted badge and Nixon received a lesson in fashion.
Bullrun road rally's exotic destination - Fremont Street Experience's 3rd Street Stage
Friday, July 16, 2010
Ice-T and his wife, Nicole "Coco" Austin, are participants in the Bullrun Live Rally, which ends its cross-country tour tonight at the Fremont Street Experience.
George Maloof on an arena in Las Vegas, his father's influence and why his resort is called Palms
Thursday, July 15, 2010
George Maloof has steered clear of discussion of an arena for an NBA team in Las Vegas. There is this issue of his ownership of the Sacramento Kings to consider.
Transmission from Ely includes the last word from Cheadle, and a famous boxing mouthpiece
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
When asked to respond to criticism that he focuses his charitable energy outside the United States, Don Cheadle said to stop complaining and become part of a cause. Any cause.
Matt Damon looking forward to playing Liberace's lover in upcoming biopic
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Portraying Scott Thorson, Matt Damon is starring opposite Michael Douglas as Liberace in a film adaptation of the entertainer's life that begins filming next summer.
Is Steve Wynn cutting off the ring for Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather bout?
Saturday, July 3, 2010
If Steve Wynn signs on as a partner for a Nov. 13 bout matching Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, the fight would likely happen at Thomas & Mack Center or, conceivably, at a temporary arena on the Strip.
Albino gorillas? Farrakhan: The Musical? With Grier, anything is possible
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Performing Friday at Mandalay Bay, David Alan Grier was in talks with Monte Carlo officials about a recurring headlining show at Lance Burton Theatre, where Burton is leaving and Frank Caliendo is now in residence.
Cheadle's 'Ante Up for Africa' charity poker tournament flush with hearts
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Oscar-nominated actor Don Cheadle says it takes a well-organized, widespread international effort to forever change the deplorable conditions in the war-ravaged Darfur region.
First 'Pawn Stars' spinoff in production in Vegas, and it has restorative properties
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
'Pawn Stars' has led to the inevitable - a spinoff being shot for three weeks in Las Vegas and starring one of the show's recurring experts.
It's a rock show, but it's so much more, as Dolyniuk debuts 'Brody's World'
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Having split with Danny Gans' former manager Chip Lightman, longtime Yellow Brick Road frontman Brody Dolyniuk is taking his vision of a comedy-music show to the stage at Green Valley Ranch's Ovation showroom.
Weekend in Vegas: Daytime Emmys heat up Hilton, Mencia barks at heckler, Saxe brings dream show to the stage
Monday, June 28, 2010
On a night when Vince Neil sipped champagne in Tempo Lounge (before later being arrested for DUI) and Tommy Rocker rumbled into the north garage in his 1970 VW bus, Dick Clark was honored at the Daytime Emmys.
Four years after a mind-blowing opening, 'Phantom - Las Vegas Spectacular' faces an uncertain future
Friday, June 25, 2010
During the June 2006 opening-night party, Carol Burnett showed up to show support for producer Hal Prince. Her presence alone was quite a spectacle.
Note parade: Is Lady Gaga turning lifeless for 2011 MGM show? Picturesque proposal for Wranglers' Billy Johnson
Thursday, June 24, 2010
A British tabloid is reporting that Lady Gaga might use corpses during the 2011 leg of "The Monster Ball" tour, beginning with her appearance at MGM Grand.
Maloof's latest power play at the Palms: The NHL Awards show
Monday, June 21, 2010
George Maloof and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman brought the NHL Awards Show to the Palms last year. It was a startling success. Not coincidentally, it has returned this year.
Vegas magazine turns the page with help from the Kardashians, Goss, 'Pawn Stars'
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Two of the three Kardashian sisters (Khloe suffering from the flu) turned out at a slam-bang party at Surrender nightclub at Encore on Saturday night.
Even scaled back, Brady's show rocks; Tempest Storm plots her comeback
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Wayne Brady's final show during this run at the Venetian is July 5, and nothing beyond then is scheduled. If you want to see him live in Vegas, get there.
Linda Thompson still awaiting first visit to 'Viva Elvis'; Stirling Club stages a wild talent show
Friday, June 18, 2010
Linda Thompson lived with Elvis for four years, but has yet to see the Cirque du Soleil adaptation of his life and career, "Viva Elvis," at Aria.
A year later, Trina Johnson-Finn looks back at incarceration in disbelief
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
A year after being released from custody after being jailed in Suriname, Trina Johnson-Finn is a vocalist in "Vegas! The Show" at Saxe Theater.
Brad Garrett knows the comedy, and is getting used to the juggling, too
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Brad Garrett is working with ticket brokers and talking to concierges across the city as the opening of Brad Garrett's Comedy Club approaches.