John Katsilometes

Story Archive

Oscar Goodman sounds like a man not running for governor
Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009
Mayor Oscar Goodman, strong in the polls and winding down his final term, is speaking wistfully of spending more time with his family.
Monday List: 20 at 20, a quick look at The Mirage on a landmark birthday
Monday, Nov. 23, 2009
Whatever happened to that brass mermaid that used to sit near the entrance of The Mirage?
Noteworthy: Sandoval as husband material, McCartney recalls radio career, and Handler paints The Colosseum blue
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009
While working the crowd at a gala event, gubernatorial hopeful Brian Sandoval makes Guy Smiley look like the Luxor sphinx.
A lesson in information dissemination, with a little Twitter and a lot of Agassi
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009
A tweet sent by Sports Illustrated actually tipped off other news organizations, including "60 Minutes" and Katie Couric, about Andre Agassi's meth use.
Of tanking, drugs and 'Slim': In 'Open,' Andre Agassi beats the odds
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009
Not many celebrities can own up to using crystal meth, giving up in big matches and failing drug tests with no penalty. But Andre Agassi is not a typical celebrity.
Buchanan was one of the city's truly flamboyant characters
Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009
James "Bucky" Buchanan was a big-game hunter who had starred in the reality series "Las Vegas Law" and represented many high-profile clients.
Life in the Limelight: Wayne Newton
Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009
Wayne Newton is going to tell a story, and it’s not about his playing poker with Sinatra, recording with Bobby Darin or counseling Elvis about his divorce. It’s about the day he realized Vegas was home. It speaks volumes about Newton, 50 years a Vegas showman and now headlining through April in what might be his final residency in Las Vegas, the autobiographical “Once Before I Go” at the Tropicana.
Got a question for Wayne Newton? Or a favorite story? Send it over
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009
Fans of Wayne Newton are invited to visit our Ask Wayne page to contribute to a story to appear in Sunday's Las Vegas Sun.
Latin Grammy Gift Lounge is a wealth of riches for the rich and talented
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009
The Talent Gift Lounge at tonight's Latin Grammy Awards is a true case of riches for the rich.
Bette Midler's residency at Caesars Palace to end Jan. 31
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009
Bette Midler began her residency at Caesars Palace on Feb. 20, 2008. She called the experience "fabulous."
Newton's recounting of Beach Boys controversy a telling moment in 'Once Before I Go'
Friday, Oct. 30, 2009
In 1983, James Watt warned against "the wrong element," ditching The Beach Boys in favor of Wayne Newton, who still considers the event a "down moment" in his career.
Mayor seeking arena development deal for City Hall parcel
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009
The Cordish Companies is a corporation familiar with developing large-scale entertainment districts across the country.
Wynn shoots back at brokers organization: 'We don't want (fans) exploited'
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009
Steve Wynn was not aware of the National Association of Ticket Brokers' comments from earlier today until they were read to him. He formed an opinion really fast.
National Association of Ticket Brokers fires back at Wynn for 'arbitrary rules'
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009
The general counsel for the National Association of Ticket Brokers says Steve Wynn's restrictive ticket policies for Garth Brooks' shows at Encore Theater are unfair to regular fans.
The List is a stack of blogs, thrice over, from haps at Sam Boyd, the Brooks show and a road-weary Goodman
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009
Steve Wynn is fighting scalpers, but in the end, the law is on the side of the brokers.
U2 concert a full-scale spectacle, on and off the Sam Boyd Stadium stage
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009
The night's highlights were an all-too-brief meeting with former President Clinton and a record attendance, but also included a faulty BlackBerry and UNLV jerseys not worn.
Notes before U2 notes: VinnyFest at N.Y.-N.Y., a fine(d) move by Musicians Union
Friday, Oct. 23, 2009
U2 is in the offing, but first -- what's the deal with these Vinny guys at New York-New York?
Glitches, technology and tears pepper U2's Las Vegas legacy
Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009
When U2 took to the "B" stage during its PopMart Tour opening show in 1997, the result was a famous false start.
Imperial Palace shakes it up with a little vintage Elvis Presley memorabilia
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009
A bottle of Mylanta, the jacket worn in "Spinout" and a gold-plated .38 are among the Elvis artifacts on display at The King's Ransom.
Noteworthy: A Mesquitian respite, 'Holly' appears at 'Believe,' and Stabile recalls 'Crazy Girls' shoot
Monday, Oct. 19, 2009
A fan plucked a random word when asked for such by Criss Angel during a show a few weeks ago. Guess what it was?
Monday List: 11 Signs You're at a Bad Adult Production
Monday, Oct. 19, 2009
If PVC pipe is at all involved, you're at a bad adult production.
Soon-to-depart Elijah Johnson makes most of his run in 'The Lion King'
Friday, Oct. 16, 2009
Eleven-year-old's last show as Young Simba is Sunday, and he's off to TV auditions, a possible one-man (or one-kid) show and a CD.
Fans still devoted to Garth Brooks; Yearwood says moving to L.V. not discussed
Friday, Oct. 16, 2009
Jennifer Hiller speaks of the "sisterhood" and "extended family" spanning the country that plan to fill Encore Theater over the next five years.
Garth Brooks' deal at Encore: One-man show, five years, all tickets $125
Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009
In a news conference today, Garth Brooks and Steve Wynn announced a five-year residency at Encore Theater beginning Dec. 11. All tickets are priced at $125, and he'll perform four weekend shows in each set of performances. Speaking while seated side-by-side on stools on the theater stage with the 1,500-seat showroom nearly filled with media and fans, Wynn announced that Brooks would perform four weekend shows per week -- one show on Fridays, two on Saturdays and one on Sundays. Show times are 8 p.m.; the second show Saturdays will be 10:30 p.m.
Keep on truckin' takes on a new tenor at Planet Hollywood
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009
The truck didn't travel far but enacted a variety of damage to the roof tiles while driving into the wrong portal at Planet Hollywood.
Monday List: Nine highlights from Cook, BNL and the Arizona Cardinals
Monday, Oct. 12, 2009
Similar to the Houston Texans' offense in that it's arriving a little late, The Monday List tracks the wild weekend past.
Limbaugh to judge 2010 Miss America Pageant at Planet Hollywood
Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009
An announcement is expected today from the Miss America Organization that Rush Limbaugh will be one of seven judges for the pageant, set for Jan. 30 at the Planet Hollywood Theatre for Performing Arts.
Hickey: The Daily Beast ranking of Las Vegas 'probably right'
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009
Las Vegas, says Dave Hickey, is home to a university that sends its graduates into middle management and has "no vested wealth."
A smashing report from Cirque/Elvis show at CityCenter
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009
The new Elvis show at CityCenter, set to open in December, is reportedly evading traditional Elvis impersonators. Except, maybe, in one scene sure to leave no ambiguity about the show's opinion of those impersonators.
Monday List: Eleven examples of a weekend attempt at credit card fraud
Monday, Oct. 5, 2009
A flurry of attempts to use my credit card number at such businesses as a hair studio and limo service proved unsuccessful this weekend.
The Killers, former manager agree to dismiss lawsuits
Friday, Oct. 2, 2009
Former Killers manager Braden Merrick filed suit against the band in February 2006, but today it was announced that suit and The Killers' own action had been settled confidentially.
Following a sleep-depriving loss, Mike Sanford seeks cannon-ization in Reno
Friday, Oct. 2, 2009
Mike Sanford, 0-4 against the University of Nevada, Reno, spoke of balance, sleep deprivation and living in the bubble during an appearance this week on "Our Metropolis."
Fame does kill: Kanye West and Lady Gaga cancel tour
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009
An MGM Mirage spokesman and a news release issued by Live Nation confirmed that the 34-city tour was scuttled today, but gave no reason why.
Monday List: Vegas-specific chatter from Agassi, Wayner and Gossy-Goss
Monday, Sept. 28, 2009
The beat has offered a lot of vibrant commentary recently, and a few nuggets were too good not to use.
At UNLV Entertainer/Artist event, the time is right for a pep talk
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009
On a day when Las Vegas lost an icon and had its biggest film festival put on hiatus, the new UNLV president steps forward to preach the city's strengths.
Huge aspirations: Cutler motivated in a big way to reclaim Mr. Olympia title
Friday, Sept. 25, 2009
Jay Cutler eats, drinks and sleeps bodybuilding. The Las Vegas resident hopes to reclaim the Mr. Olympia title wrested from him last year by Dexter Jackson.
Quick blasts: Rocker returns to form, UNLV lauds the flamboyant, Alice Cooper plays Vegas
Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009
Tommy Rocker had what seemed to be an inspired idea a few years ago, to turn his club into a gentlemen's establishment. It didn't work out, so it's back to open mic and shots for the crowd.
It's a really big showroom, and Zowie Bowie's 'Vintage Vegas' needs to grow
Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009
Over the past three years in Las Vegas, Zowie Bowie has performed a good lounge show at places like Red Rock Resort and the Palms. They're in a showroom now, and it's a significant change.
Monday List: 10 Ways to Tell You're in a Bad Sports Book
Monday, Sept. 21, 2009
You know you're at a bad sports book when one proposition is based on the musical "Annie."
Wayne Newton-to-Trop announcement next week
Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009
Wayne Newton, who most recently performed at MGM Grand's Hollywood Theatre, will be announced as the new headliner at Tropicana on Wednesday.
Beatles engineer Emerick still favors 'Pepper' on vinyl
Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009
Geoff Emerick says Cheap Trick's rowdy treatment of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" brings a fresh energy to the famously familiar material.
Recession Road Trip author finds apt subject in Las Vegas
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009
Christina Davidson is spending more than four months traveling across the United States for her Recession Road Trip project for Atlantic Monthly and a couple of weeks ago spent some quality time in Las Vegas.
From autopsy reports to red carpet, 'CSI's' Dr. Telgenhoff has it covered
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009
Dr. Gary Telgenhoff performed the autopsy on Danny Gans as part of his job as forensic pathologist for Clark County. But Telgenhoff is linked to the entertainment world as a consultant for "CSI" -- and as a heavy metal musician.
Monday List: An R.S.-inspired quiz pertaining to Brandon Flowers
Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009
During an interview with Rolling Stone, Brandon Flowers lists his least-favorite Killers song. Is it "Human"?
Mariah in no particular hurry during measured show at Pearl Concert Theater
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009
In fine voice and form, Mariah Carey was in total control during the first of two concerts at the Palms.
Saturday's NRC event at Cashman to be a celebration of recovery
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009
Nevada Recovery Celebration, set for Saturday at Cashman Center, is to show that people in recovery in Las Vegas can have a good time while sharing their experience, strength and hope.
Dennis Mitchell fires off six reasons he loves the (new) music of The Beatles
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009
"Breakfast With The Beatles" host Dennis Mitchell has had his ear to Beatles music all his life and has a few quick opinions of the band's newly released, remastered CD collection.
Elvis, mayoral vow renewal, Rat Packers ... just another night on Fremont Street
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009
The self-dubbed Happiest Mayor in the Universe clutched his wife in one hand and a Bombay Sapphire martini in the other for a renewal of vows on the Fremont Street Experience’s Third Stage.
Jerry Lewis' poignant 'You'll Never Walk Alone' closes $60 million telethon
Monday, Sept. 7, 2009
The Rodgers & Hammerstein number from "Carousel" topped the 44th Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon, which raised more than $60 million to fight muscular dystrophy.
Lewis the ringleader, still, as MDA Telethon rolls on at South Point
Monday, Sept. 7, 2009
The MDA team lost one of the longest members of its telethon family when emcee Ed McMahon died in June. As Pam McMahon looked on, a tribute film was played.