John Katsilometes

Story Archive

Hyper-hip Matt Goss finds a fit at the Palms' 'Gossy Room'
Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009
Backed by an eight-piece band and the flexible Dirty Virgins dancers, Matt Goss seems to have found a niche at The Lounge at the Palms.
Keeping pace with the Vegas holiday weekend is a labor of love
Friday, Sept. 4, 2009
Evidence of a still-powerful surname: Frank Sinatra Jr. has sold every ticket available for his two shows at the Suncoast.
Terry Fator (as Terry Fator) speaks of Caliendo, too much Cirque and personal life
Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009
Of Cirque du Soleil, Mirage headliner Terry Fator says, "Let's quit bringing in more shows where there are 157 people flipping and dangling from ropes."
Time pens a story about Vegas, and Oscar Goodman takes umbrage
Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009
Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, who piped up after President Obama's perceived slight this year against corporations using taxpayer money for junkets to Vegas, has fired off a letter to the editor to Time for the Aug. 24 story "Less Vegas."
No spandex, no problem for Steely Dan at Pearl Theater
Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009
At one point in last night's show, Steely Dan co-founder Donald Fagen said of the set list, "They're all old."
Jackson-inspired charity show just part of a larger Vegas spectacle
Friday, Aug. 28, 2009
Lifelong Michael Jackson fan Erich Bergen originally hatched the idea to produce a Las Vegas benefit show after Michael Jackson's untimely death. The resulting investigation that spread to Vegas was entirely unexpected.
Caliendo has a big head -- really -- after signing with Monte Carlo
Friday, Aug. 28, 2009
Recently announced Monte Carlo headliner Frank Caliendo is still something of an unknown despite all the time he's spent on national TV and radio.
One of the last of a generation, Pearl Harbor hero Ray Turpin laid to rest
Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009
Las Vegan Ray Turpin helped pull his fellow Marines to safety from the crippled USS Oklahoma during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
Harrah's shuffle means new decks for Marrandino, Mazer
Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009
Dissimilar in many ways, Harrah's executives Don Marrandino and Rick Mazer are focused on navigating a difficult economy and new (and even familiar) climates.
Monday List: Nine Things I Overheard (in a Satirical Way) Last Week at the Flamingo
Monday, Aug. 24, 2009
Not on this list at No. 10: "Can you actually order grilled Flamingo at Steakhouse46?"
Despite late change in venue, AFAN Black & White Party raises $100,000
Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009
Hauled inside from the Hard Rock Hotel Beach Club pool, the AFAN Black & White Party still drew a crowd of 2,800 and raised $100,000 to help treat and assist those suffering from HIV and AIDS in Southern Nevada.
After all these years, Penn Jillette still a fan of AFAN
Friday, Aug. 21, 2009
Outspoken AFAN spokesman Penn Jillette and his performance partner, Teller, will be on hand Saturday for the 23rd annual Black & White Party at the Hard Rock Hotel pool.
A look at Monte Carlo's newest headliner, Frank Caliendo, in action
Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009
Frank Caliendo's ruthless impression of John Madden launched him to nationwide fame during Fox Sports coverage of the NFL.
It's official: Marrandino to head up Harrah's Eastern Division from Atlantic City
Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009
Don Marrandino, whose executive career in Las Vegas includes stints with Station Casinos, Wynn Las Vegas and the Hard Rock Hotel, is heading to Atlantic City as the company's eastern president.
Dave Matthews Band among acts expected at Planet Hollywood Theatre for the Performing Arts
Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009
The Theatre for the Performing Arts has sat still since May, but Dave Matthews Band should return the famed concert hall to relevancy.
Monday List: Judging a fight in a four-punch combination
Monday, Aug. 17, 2009
Watch the fight. It seems easy enough, as long as you ignore the ring girls eating cake.
'DWTS' Season 9 combination: Donny Osmond, Chuck Liddell
Monday, Aug. 17, 2009
ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" has pulled from the Flamingo Showroom and the UFC octagon for celebrity guests Donny Osmond and Chuck Liddell.
Dolyniuk's Yellow Brick Road leads to Queen tribute
Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009
For 10 years, Yellow Brick Road has been one of Las Vegas' more popular live acts. Now its founder, Brody Dolyniuk, is branching out with an orchestral tribute to Queen.
Marrandino promotion, departure expected soon
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009
Don Marrandino has long been a fixture in Las Vegas, but he was born in Atlantic City and is expected to return there in an expanded role for Harrah's Entertainment.
A train of notes on the Monorail, Francis and Frances
Friday, Aug. 14, 2009
There are a few ways to use the Las Vegas Monorail to positive effect. Taking it to Planet Hollywood is not one of them.
With new song and Nevada Ballet Theatre honor, Marie Osmond has 'Vegas Love'
Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009
Donny & Marie's new Vegas-centric song is on their new album. It's called "Vegas Love," and Marie hopes it will have Elvis-like staying power.
As 'Top Chef' approaches, revisiting the myth of Marcel
Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009
He was the tablespoon of cayenne dumped into the Season 2 Top Chef stew: the most-popular but least-liked contestant, Wolverine-maned Marcel Vigneron.
A collection of randomly Las Vegas images
Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009
I run around town. I take notes. Sometimes, I snap the pictures.
Monday List: An ode to the UFL's Las Vegas 'Locos'
Monday, Aug. 10, 2009
The new UFL team's nickname might strike one as a bit offbeat, but it is better than the Las Vegas Derailment.
No Doubt, we know them well at The Joint
Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009
When Gwen Stefani hits the deck for 10 push-ups, you know this is no ordinary entertainment experience.
New Panic! At the Disco lineup? Pretty. Odd.
Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009
Panic! At the Disco unveiled its new lineup at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel last night, and watching the band perform without deposed members Ryan Ross and Jon Walker was a bit odd.
For hip kitsch, 'Vs.' is a rockin' time at Liberace Museum
Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009
Last night at Liberace Museum, it was "1967 vs. 1987," where Janis Joplin squared off against Heart.
Some of John Hughes' best work, all from the 1980s
Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009
In "National Lampoon's Vacation," a pellet pistol-packing Clark Griswold confronted a flummoxed John Candy with, "The moose says you're closed. I say you're open!"
It's celebration, then litigation, for Zowie Bowie
Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009
In mid-afternoon, Zowie Bowie appeared at Monte Carlo to announce an extended residency at the hotel. Hours later, they learned they were being sued by Marley Taylor's ex-boyfriend.
A bevy of notes: Misplaced showgirls, Wayner's lawsuit and Holly's house plans
Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009
Oscar Goodman says he loves water colors and ceramics, but says filling a museum in downtown Las Vegas with such works would draw three visitors.
Beyonce epilogue: The hotel is still under her spell
Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009
Beyonce left those in her four sellout audiences at Encore Theater with the chills, but business at Wynn and Encore was hot.
Monday List: A quote barrage from Oscar Goodman
Monday, Aug. 3, 2009
To mark Oscar Goodman's 70th birthday, we trace some of our favorite comments made during his tenure as mayor of Las Vegas.
Joint's pulse quickens as Motley Crue pays another visit to 'Dr. Feelgood'
Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009
Forget the ambiguity, Motley Crue put out a full-force rock show to celebrate the 20th anniversary of "Dr. Feelgood" to highlight CrueFest 2.
Goodman's 70th birthday is a Fremont Street experience
Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009
Oscar Goodman celebrated his 70th birthday in characteristic fashion, drinking martinis and hanging out with showgirls amid a couple thousand revelers on Fremont Street.
Video blog: Smokey Robinson kicks back (and sings) with Human Nature
Friday, July 31, 2009
Smokey Robinson says he learned something as he experimented with retirement: "It sucked."
More reality show-quality drama for Gentile in Club Paradise credit card saga
Thursday, July 30, 2009
The sordid saga of James Hackett and his disputed credit card bill is fit for a reality TV show, but Palomino owner and Club Paradise GM Adam Gentile has already finished taping.
Beyonce, an $87 million dreamgirl, to shake up Encore
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
As Forbes reports, Beyonce is a one-woman corporation, employing 400 staffers and making $87 million a year. And she's at Encore beginning tonight.
Aerosmith slaps together a set list, rocks out for 90 minutes, takes off
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Rock icons Aerosmith threw a curve ball worthy of Brandon Webb last night in its tour stop at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
The Don Marrandino roast: Beware of Vinnie and 'The Silent Assassin'
Saturday, July 25, 2009
When Harrah's exec Don Marrandino is roasted tonight, Vinnie Favorito and a guy Marrandino calls "The Silent Assassin" will take their shots.
Take Five: Aerosmith back in the saddle again
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Aerosmith is on one of those extended tours that serves no purpose other than to bring the band once more to the masses. Its most recent album, “Just Push Play,” was released eight years ago.
At Prive, it's everyone out of the pool
Friday, July 24, 2009
Acting like there is no one to answer to is a recipe for disaster, and not a drink recipe, as the folks at Prive and Living Room have discovered.
Human Nature still in top form, but why are we asking about Steve Irwin?
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The only sensible thing to do when a cell phone blares in a Vegas production show is to take the call.
Hope Now descends on Aliante for foreclosure counseling
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
A ballroom at Aliante Station in North Las Vegas could prove life-changing for 1,000 or so families affected by the foreclosure crisis, as Hope Now Alliance brings dozens of counselors to confer with borrowers.
Comics' best material often never makes the stage
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
As comedy club veteran Bob Kephart says, employing adult humor in a grown-up setting doesn't always mean that the practitioners are, in fact, mature.
Monday List: A quick, rear-view-mirror look at U.S. 93
Monday, July 20, 2009
The loser of the mayoral race in Caliente was appointed to the City Council for good reason -- because it seemed like the right thing to do.
Amid cultural twists and turns, 'Wheel of Fortune' plays on in 27th season
Sunday, July 19, 2009
When asked about Walter Cronkite, Pat Sajak noted that he still has the late anchor's information on his list of contacts.
Rocking to an order of lobster with the B-52s
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Pure nightclub at Caesars Palace booked the B-52s, and more than 1,000 fans rocked for an hour with the famously camped-up crew from Athens, Ga.
Cronkite: A newsman we trusted at the time, and appreciate for all time
Friday, July 17, 2009
It took a simple sentence from Walter Cronkite to put the most tragic news of the day into proper perspective.
Once more, or twice more, Wayner dogged by litigation
Friday, July 17, 2009
Wayne Newton has been sued twice this week, but working through litigation is nothing new for Mr. Las Vegas.
In an odd bit of stunt casting, Goodman takes a shot at Fitzgeralds
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Boise. Carmen. A gunned-down mayor. It's already been an action-packed week.