John Katsilometes

Story Archive

MGM Resorts Festival Grounds is looking a lot less like a lot
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
The big-wow features of Rock in Rio USA are the Ferris wheel and zip line in the middle of the festival grounds’ footprint. The City of Rock blueprint has the same homey facades that have been used in Rock in Rio’s other cities.
Monday By the Numbers: XS grows up and out; marshmallows fly at Blue Man Group
Monday, March 30, 2015
Jesse Waits and the sixth anniversary of XS at Encore Las Vegas top this week’s Mondays By the Numbers purging of data. The event was celebrated Saturday night with a splashy poolside extravaganza hosted by DJ Avicii.
Ownership changes, but strip club drama for Club Paradise remains
Sunday, March 29, 2015
The management team was dismissed after an incident with a club promoter in which one party was holding a lead pipe. The promoter and promoter's buddies were hanging out at the club after 8 a.m. on Sunday morning March 15 long past closing hours ...
‘Nocturne’ litigation nearly put to bed; Barry Manilow’s ‘Last’ tour is not the end
Friday, March 27, 2015
The lengthy and unseemly litigation between the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Spiegelworld over the closing of “Vegas Nocturne” seems to be resolved.
Jerry Lewis nabs NAB honor; ‘Pin Up’ marks anniversary by doubling up the bombshells
Friday, March 27, 2015
Notes from across the scene in VegasVille in a week topped by a comment from a gentleman, who seemed about 70 years old, sitting next to me with his wife at Thursday’s early performance of ...
Conductor Donato Cabrera appreciates ‘Las Vegas’ of Las Vegas Philharmonic
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Las Vegas Philharmonic Music Director Donato Cabrera was in the audience at the most recent Composers Showcase of Las Vegas at Cabaret Jazz on March 4, and he loved the performance.
More Cheese in Las Vegas? Grate! And P&T have Big Apple appeal
Monday, March 23, 2015
Over the weekend, The Kats Report Bureau was customarily mobile, spending ample time at Cirque du Soleil’s “One Night for One Drop” and the return of Richard Cheese and Lounge Against the Machine.
Fascination with old Vegas mob tales endures
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Notes compiled, and now imparted, from across the urban landscape we call VegasVille ...
Brad Garrett gets real with ‘Balls,’ third anniversary at MGM Grand
Friday, March 20, 2015
Brad Garrett seems the quintessential club comic, the way he adroitly works the room from his own stage at MGM Grand. One of his more effective icebreakers: “Ma’am, the Titanic exhibit called. They have your luggage.”
Want Cheese with that? In Las Vegas, the answer is yes for Lounge Against the Machine
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Richard Cheese is developing a tribute album to The Beatles to be released in 2016. The title: “Let It Brie.” The man has not lost his penchant for puns.
Chadwick Johnson steers his passion from rodeo to supper-club singing
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
A singer of great merit, Chadwick Johnson has long dreamed of performing in Las Vegas — in the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. As a contestant. A team roper, specifically.
Baby, Mukhtar O.S. Mukhtar’s family and career are a 2-for-1 package
Friday, March 13, 2015
In September 2013, Sylvia Mukhtar called her husband, Mukhtar Omar Sharif Mukhtar, with a twin-pack of important news involving the couple’s pregnancy. A member of the Cirque du Soleil family as a performer, choreographer and director ...
In the end, Mayweather Jr.-Pacquiao was destined for Las Vegas
Thursday, March 12, 2015
“I am always proud to fight for the great city of Las Vegas,” Floyd Mayweather Jr., a native Las Vegan, said during Wednesday’s media event announcing the May 2 bout at MGM Grand. “MGM Grand is the best hotel on the planet.”
St. Baldrick’s at New York-New York nets $165K; Joe Williams Scholarship Show
Monday, March 9, 2015
The Joe Williams Scholarship Fund Concert to benefit the UNLV Jazz Studies program drew 500 to Ham Hall at UNLV, a strong turnout for a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee.
Josh Strickland, Todd DuBail wed in Las Vegas; latter joins ‘Jersey Boys’
Monday, March 9, 2015
It’s been a pretty kinetic run for one of VegasVille’s most noteworthy power couples, Josh Strickland and Todd DuBail. The two were married Saturday at the Scotch 80s home of Holly Madison and Pasquale Rotella.
Felice Garcia cries it out in ‘Million Dollar Quartet’ at Harrah’s
Monday, March 9, 2015
Felice Garcia, an original member of the Las Vegas cast dating to the show’s premiere in February 2013, is headed to Southern California to pursue her solo recording career.
Monday By the Numbers: Diana Ross’s distance from the audience, and a full house at Ham Hall
Monday, March 9, 2015
This week, Monday By the Numbers welcomes Diana Ross to her string of shows at the Venetian and touches on the original performing arts center in Las Vegas, which is located on the UNLV campus.
Swinging from Rose. Rabbit. Lie., Stratosphere, Rock in Rio, swanky new lounge at Omnia
Friday, March 6, 2015
It was a crazy night, as anticipated, and wonderful to spend time with so many of the city’s great performers and people. I have no idea how many people were actually in that room.
UNLV’s jammin’ jazz program trumpeted at Joe Williams Scholarship show
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Amid its legacy as the home of The Rat Pack, haven for Elvis, hotbed for Cirque du Soleil and myriad other great entertainment options, Las Vegas also owns a robust jazz tradition.
Monday By the Numbers: Shear stats for upcoming St. Baldrick’s Day
Monday, March 2, 2015
Today’s Monday By the Numbers column is top-heavy with a little off the top as we push for support of the annual St. Baldrick’s Day events set for Saturday across the valley.
Razing of the Riv bittersweet for longtime locals
Sunday, March 1, 2015
John Katsilometes talks with Rossi Ralenkotter, who moved here in 1951 and is the man who ordered the demolition of a Las Vegas classic.
‘Duck Dynasty’s’ Phil Robertson fires another round as opening of Rio show nears
Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015
For barbed political, cultural and theological debate, check out the Rio. Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the family that is the focus of the “Duck Dynasty” reality-TV series on A&E and the in-development musical “Duck Commander Musical” at Rio’s Crown Theater, lit up ...
Las Vegas comedy musical gem ‘Idaho’ to be rooted at the Smith Center
Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015
Keith Thompson has never stayed a night in the Gem State. “I’ve driven through it,” says the music director of “Jersey Boys” at Paris Las Vegas and the host of the monthly Composers Showcase at Smith Center. “But I have to say, I’ve not spent a night in …
DJ Chumlee set for Palms spinfest; Elvis’ ceiling target practice at Hilton remembered
Friday, Feb. 27, 2015
Fulfilling a lifelong dream, or at least a decade-long dream, Austin “Chumlee” Russell of “Pawn Stars” is showing off his DJ skills at Ghostbar Dayclub at 1 p.m. Saturday. Chumlee is closing GBDC's season and hoping to vault into a second career.
Rockin’ Las Vegas with Elvis, Imagine Dragons, Roseanne and Jim Rogers’ cars
Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015
Fresh off a remarkably vigorous spree of performances tied to the Destination Dragons promotion with Southwest Airlines, Imagine Dragons is prepping for its upcoming tour beginning April 12 in Santiago, Chile.
Monday By the Numbers: How Rascal Flatts have sold, how they’ll need to sell; fair time at MGM Resorts; Imagine Dragons’ Target ad cost
Monday, Feb. 23, 2015
This week, Monday By the Numbers targets Rascal Flatts, which is beginning its series of performances at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel on Wednesday night; the MGM Resorts International job fair; and, yes, Target.
After 60 years, a Las Vegas classic is folding
Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015
Take a long last look at the Riviera, a resort with a Las Vegas Boulevard address that doesn’t quite fit the Strip mold. The Riviera is headed for demolition as it celebrates ...
One little boy focus of support from Cirque, St. Baldrick’s and Children’s Specialty Center
Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015
As he leads you to a small circle, the little boy grins as if revealing a secret treasure, maybe the meaning of life itself. And for Elann Saula, who has fought a mysterious array of illnesses for most of his young life, the port under his skin is …
Forever nimble, Frankie Moreno partners with NBT in Nancy Houssels tribute
Friday, Feb. 20, 2015
Frankie Moreno’s versatility has always served him well. He’s at home on the range, as it were, for his dexterous skills as a musician, composer and performer.
No Elvis show at Elvis’ old hotel; ‘Shades!’ booked into ever-challenging Windows at Bally’s
Monday, Feb. 16, 2015
As I look across the floor toward what used to be Quarks, I see a painting of Elvis priced at $1,800. Around the bend are some Elvis artifacts — an Indian-style jumpsuit, a squash-blossom necklace from his arrival ...
NHL boss applauds our enthusiam, at least
Sunday, Feb. 15, 2015
Gary Bettman’s visit was as remarkable for what it didn’t represent as what it did ...
Attending events at MGM Resorts Arena might be a walk in the park
Friday, Feb. 13, 2015
The parking plan at the under-construction MGM Resorts Arena is thus far fairly simple to impart: Use the existing garages at the resorts near the facility. And there are several thousand spots available, if you don’t mind the …
Celebrating its 60th anniversary, Riviera focus of LVCVA purchase, implosion reports
Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015
In a world where resort sales are not official until the involved parties sign documents, it’s safe to say that one famous Las Vegas hotel might not survive the summer. That hotel is the Riviera.
Tark’s original Runnin’ Rebels were the Globetrotters of college hoops
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015
The 1976-’77 Runnin Rebels, the university’s first Final Four squad, were a team that surpassed 100 points 23 times that season and averaged 107 points per game. This high-octane output was produced in the grainy era before the advent of a shot clock or 3-point line.
Even at its implosion, plan goes awry at the Clarion Hotel Casino
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015
The building was never known for its cooperation. From when it opened in 1970 as the Royal Inn to its days as the Paddlewheel, Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Hotel, WWF hotel-casino and Greek Isles, nothing ever ...
Monday By the Numbers: $3,000 wedding cakes, $30,000 ceremonies and more from Valentine’s Day
Monday, Feb. 9, 2015
It’s all about the romance, to a point. As The Beatles once said, “All You Need Is Love.” But they also said, “Money (That’s What I Want).” Nonetheless, enjoy this lovely data.
‘Titanic’ displays a long-lost piece; Sammy Shore splashes down at Laugh Factory
Friday, Feb. 6, 2015
A rarity among rarities has been installed at “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition” at Luxor. A cherub that was one of two such pieces flanking the grand staircase leading to the ship’s first-class deck has been restored …
Andy Walmsley’s inspired talk series ‘ENTSpeaks’ speaks for itself
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015
Monday’s show starred “Fantasy” producer Anita Mann; Smith Center President Myron Martin; Harrah’s comedy magician headliner Mac King; “Frank: The Man, The Music” star Bob Anderson; “Steve Wynn’s Showstoppers” singer Nicole Kaplan; and my colleague the Ubiquitous Robin Leach.
Monday By the Numbers: Stat data from Eiffel Tower Restaurant, Molitz Super Bowl party and ’N Sync
Monday, Feb. 2, 2015
As they say on the streets of VegasVille, it’s all a big numbers game. Maybe they don’t say that. But we do work with the figures, statistics-wise, in The Kats Report. Some numerical data from the week gone by:
Grammys descending on Fremont East for live concert
Monday, Feb. 2, 2015
The live performance will accompany a report about Container Park, highlighting Sunday's Grammys Awards on CBS.
Joey Fatone shows up just in time for ‘Rock of Ages’; Felice Garcia adds five weeks to ‘MDQ’
Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015
The Kats Report Bureau at this writing is the 19th annual Jeff Molitz Super Bowl Party and Fried Food Extravaganza. This is the most prominent gathering of influential people anywhere in VegasVille, or Green Valley, which is ...
Merger, public trading can expand empire of PT’s parent company
Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015
Blake Sartini talks about what’s to come for the new Golden Entertainment, which was forged by the merger of Golden Gaming and Lakes Entertainment.
Dean Martin carpet controversy, nightlife shakeup the latest from SLS
Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015
We are at the moment in the evolution of SLS Las Vegas where, if the hotel were a blackjack table, I would not want to be sitting at third base.
Lombardi’s poolside rant, Rozelle’s suite press conference, ‘The Beast’s’ sweaty palms, more from Super Bowl I
Friday, Jan. 30, 2015
Asking Jerry Izenberg for his favorite Super Bowl memory is like asking a parent to name his favorite child — if that parent has 49 children.
Wranglers finished in Las Vegas as options, time run out
Friday, Jan. 30, 2015
In the end, the Las Vegas Wranglers skated full circle. Vanquished from their home ice at Orleans Arena in December 2013, the team crisscrossed the Las Vegas Valley in search of a new home.
The Shortinos’ famed Caddy: Gone in 60 minutes
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015
Carmen Shortino's Cadillac is something of a family heirloom and also sports a famous license plate. Or, rather, sported one ...
A ‘Diva’ nabs a diva: How Frank Marino moved heaven and earth (and his schedule) to meet Diana Ross
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015
Frank Marino, the star of “Divas Las Vegas” at the Linq Hotel, is all agog over superstar diva Diana Ross, who remains one of the very few subjects to be in “Divas” during its entire run.
Judy Alberti, popular longtime entertainment exec, splits with Station Casinos
Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015
One of the most influential behind-the-scenes figures in Las Vegas entertainment over the past two decades is stepping down.
Bob Anderson comes face-to-face with his idol in ‘Frank: The Man, The Music’
Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015
Bob Anderson is a wonderful vocal impressionist and an expert conveyor of art by any estimation. But here, he is the tableau for another artist, makeup master Kazu Tsuji, one of the highest-regarded individuals practicing this craft in the world.
VIP tickets flying fast at Rock in Rio; Michael Grimm expands his playground
Friday, Jan. 23, 2015
The Season 4 champion of “America’s Got Talent,” Michael Grimm has always said he just wants a place to play, and he has found that.