John Katsilometes

Story Archive

Siegfried & Roy back in the public eye for Mirage event
Monday, May 11, 2009
Siegfried & Roy will be back at the Secret Garden to celebrate the birthdays of their little tigers and sign copies of "Siegfried & Roy: The Magic Begins at Home."
Fight night was fine, but The Joint gets uplifting business elsewhere
Sunday, May 10, 2009
The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel, home to concerts from such legendary artists as Paul McCartney and Carlos Santana, is also boosted by business from a familiar industry.
A delectable scene as Uncork'd chefs serve Vegas
Saturday, May 9, 2009
More than 70 of the world's top chefs and vintners are in Las Vegas for Uncork'd, and last night's Grand Tasting was a veritable county fair of high-end culinary offerings.
El Cortez moves to keep pace with Fremont East youth movement
Friday, May 8, 2009
El Cortez pumped $8 million into the Cabana Suites at the old Ogden House, attempting to lure some of the younger customers drawn to the neighborhood by the new order of bars and clubs in the region.
Nowhere to go but up at the landfill that was once the Moulin Rouge
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The scene today at Moulin Rouge hardly hearkened to the hotel's mid-'50s heyday, as its new owner surveyed the rubble just two days after gaining possession of the Vegas landmark.
Keeping kids entranced (and awake) crucial to "The Lion King's" chances
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Many kids will have a tough time keeping alert and awake until the end of "The Lion King," but those who made it to the tape last night said they really liked the full-scale Disney production.
Starship Enterprise in holding pattern over Neonopolis
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Friday was once expected to be a busy day at Neonopolis, but now the oft-troubled entertainment complex is waiting for Star Trek and has no theater complex.
Post-Hatton knockout, the British in me says it's time to be movin' on
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Our boy Ricky was knocked off-kilter tonight, but we still have our little ditty and a bit o' our pride left over.
Danny Gans was a gifted, unique figure in Las Vegas entertainment history
Friday, May 1, 2009
Few of his fellow entertainers will claim to know Danny Gans well, but there's no question he made his mark as one of the city's very best entertainers.
President's ouster part of expanded plans for Liberace's image
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Darin Hollingsworth's departure helped the Liberace Foundation save some money and look to the future, which will include Liberace Museum tour stops in Lee-friendly locales.
Remembering the big kid who was Glen Gondrezick
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
I'd heard that if you thought Gondo was a holy terror on the basketball court, you should see him play volleyball.
Singing an afterthought as Britney Spears plays to her crowd at the MGM Grand
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Is she singing? Why even ask? Britney Spears' dance-a-thon nonetheless thrilled a packed house at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
A healthy dose of new Vegas, and it looks nothing like The King
Saturday, April 25, 2009
DJ AM's wildly popular appearance at Rain was a stark contrast to Trent Carlini's Old Vegas treatment of Elvis.
Star-crossed Turner gives Vegas one more shot at the Hilton's Shimmer Cabaret
Friday, April 24, 2009
Earl Turner once seemed destined to be a long-term headliner at The Rio after forging a huge following at the RioBamba Cabaret. Years later, he's still seeking a stable gig.
Brainstorming who's in and out as Elton John departs The Colosseum
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Sir Elton John asked who would fill his shoes when he leaves The Colosseum. We reconstruct an executive meeting to sort that out.
Wait! Someone else had the rid-us-of-Angel idea first
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Giving credit where it is due, CityLife called for Angel's removal from "Believe" in December.
Cirque, Vegas no longer need Criss Angel's ready-shoot-aim act
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Criss Angel has done little more than tarnish the Cirque du Soleil brand and create negative publicity for Cirque and Vegas.
For a night, the new place is Paul McCartney's Joint
Monday, April 20, 2009
Nearly 67 years old and in no need to prove anything, Paul McCartney nonetheless cut loose for 2 1/2 hours before an adoring sellout crowd at The Joint. You feel a sense of melancholy while watching Paul McCartney these days, because he can’t last forever. Someday there will be no more Paul McCartney shows. At some point, his remarkable, even if sometimes mercurial, career as one of contemporary music’s most gifted and prolific artists will be finished. He will simply have to cede the stage, finally, to a new order of singers, songwriters and musicians. But tonight wasn’t that night. Not by a long shot.
The Killers rock us in raucous opening of new Joint at Hard Rock Hotel
Saturday, April 18, 2009
A packed house of 4,000 rocked to The Killers on a night when the local band made some Vegas history.
New phase: No May 8 opening of Star Trek Experience at Neonopolis
Friday, April 17, 2009
The new "Star Trek" movie opens May 8, and it was expected the new Star Trek Experience would open a couple of amenities at that time. Not so, we now know.
Pinball Hall of Fame owner wants to ring Elton John's bell
Thursday, April 16, 2009
"I'll meet him in the air-conditioned confines of Cobo Arena," is the challenge Tim Arnold is making to Elton John.
Thirty for 30: What to know about Liberace on landmark anniversary
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Liberace's $50,000-a-week salary at the Riviera is pretty good money, even today.
Still out of Joint: Goodman seeks summit with Obama to 'set the record straight'
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
After a ribbon-cutting ceremony that included Carlos Santana, Mayor Oscar Goodman said he'd like to sit down with President Obama, who "owes it to us" to clarify comments the president made about Vegas in February.
Mitchell: 'New' Beatles music long overdue
Monday, April 13, 2009
Dennis Mitchell was doing some digital remastering of his own when he learned that The Beatles were reissuing their entire catalog digitally remastered.
A quick peek at the grown-up fun in 'Peepshow'
Sunday, April 12, 2009
One audience member is brought onstage, only to find himself strapped to a bed and painted pink.
Taking a little off the top at City Hall East
Saturday, April 11, 2009
"This is not a salon cut," barber and Mayor Pro Tem Gary Reese warns, needlessly, before a shave and a haircut at Gary and Derrill's Plaza Barber Shop.
Revisiting Rebel baseball: Game's a rout, but the night is cool
Friday, April 10, 2009
You hear the name "Babitt" at a UNLV-San Diego State game, and you have to wonder, is this kid Shooty Babitt's son?
Bankruptcy's a beach as Jim and Glynda hit Cabo
Thursday, April 9, 2009
March 31 was a watershed day for Glynda Rhodes, who turned 46 on that date as her husband's companies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
This Joint an improvement, but still has some of that old Joint spark
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The new Joint will be larger, more comfortable and will be equipped with superior sound than the old place. But if you sniff hard enough, you'll be reminded of the old Joint.
For 'Masters,' Nevada Ballet Theatre displaying some fancy footwork
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
With some tickets cut to $10 for a performance that includes one of the great dancers of her generation, Nevada Ballet Theatre is attempting to reach new fans -- and regain some confidence.
Old Media vs. New Media: Strange bedfellows, indeed
Monday, April 6, 2009
LandlineTV.com has some fun with this documentary-style clip on how Old Media types are interacting with members of New Media.
Vegas in a Rush: Air Supply and Frankie Moreno meet the L.V. Phil, boosted by Elvis (and a fight)
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Graham Russell of Air Supply sang the Stones' "Honky Tonk Woman," and that was just the start during a wild night in downtown Vegas.
Final Four action from the L.V. Hilton, where the Spartans rule (and cover)
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Most of the late money at the L.V. Hilton Superbook for today's Final Four came in on UConn, which was upset by Michigan State.
At 83, Hefner remains a study in smart sensuality
Friday, April 3, 2009
Hugh Hefner celebrates his 83rd birthday in style this weekend, surrounded by beautiful women at the Palms.
No more $20,000 guitars? Rhodes' bankruptcy to be felt in uncharitable ways
Friday, April 3, 2009
Jim Rhodes once donated $2 million at the "Power of Love" gala, but those days seem ages ago as his company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection this week.
A story of a buffet, a back scratch and a famous house guest
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Who is this scratching my back as I hit the buffet at "Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding?" Hint: It's one of O.J.'s old friends.
Santana and The Joint: A (super)natural match
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
There were artists with more "wow" appeal to be considered for the new Joint, but few as iconic and dependable as Carlos Santana.
Hoop hysteria -- and Wilt's legendary jersey -- headed for Planet Hollywood
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain scored an NBA record 100 points. The jersey he wore that night is headed for the Hoops Hall Experience at Planet Hollywood.
A list of those who won't take up residency at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
A working list of acts that won't play the new Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel includes David Hasselhoff and an all-female '80s metal band.
News from the big top: Tireless ringleader Snider returning with 'Circus'
Monday, March 30, 2009
Dee Snider of Twisted Sister injected his own brand of energy into an already lively performance of "Monster Circus" at the L.V. Hilton.
Live blog: A Vegas era ends as 'Folies Bergere' closes the curtain at the Trop
Saturday, March 28, 2009
With feathered friends gathering for the last tie, "Folies Bergere" closed tonight after 49 years at the Tropicana.
A folly production in downtown Las Vegas
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Always add 15 minutes to any visit downtown, or you might end up losing a parking ticket and missing Gordie Brown.
Norm Johnson recalls Mint 400's dusty infancy
Friday, March 27, 2009
One casino executive was ready to park the Mint 400 before the event even finished. He was overruled, and the event lasted for 20 years.
With twin Goodmans, Tussauds makes it a double
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Mayor Oscar Goodman was measured more than 200 times six months ago so his likeness could join Elvis, the Rat Pack and The Wayner at Madame Tussauds.
Henry Prendes' vision still alive with Henry's Place fundraiser
Thursday, March 26, 2009
The Third Annual Henry Prendes Charity Golf Classic is set for Friday morning at Angel Park.
From Styx to Celine, Colosseum box office manager wields the acts
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
A lost Styx ticket at a state fair in Minnesota has helped Bruce Bielenberg keep his perspective as the ticketing gatekeeper at The Colossuem at Caesars Palace.
Newton-MGM Grand-pilot suit is pure Vegas drama
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
What is clear is that Wayne Newton's former pilot is due a lot of money. But how will he be paid?
With betting on the fly, M Resort is the new Stardust
Saturday, March 21, 2009
M Resort is the first hotel-casino in the country to offer "in-running" betting on live sporting events. Is it a good idea, or a cry for help?
A cyclist is injured, and friends start pedaling
Friday, March 20, 2009
To his friends, Ryan Pretner is known as an enormously giving individual who will ride his bike for miles to help someone in need.
Wranglers come of age with adult-themed promotion
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
The team that staged “Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich Prison Uniform Night” in January is hosting "Over 18 Night" on Tuesday, so leave the children at home.