John Katsilometes

Blog Post Archive

Ever-evolving Jabbawockeez make a point at Luxor: Wednesday, June 5, 2013; Jabbawockeez have grown up considerably since opening at MGM Grand five years ago.
Notes: Santana recalls his 'no' to The Rolling Stones; Goodman's unsettling Willie Brown fundraiser; Lewis likes (two) female comics: Wednesday, June 5, 2013; Carlos Santana was asked by The Rolling Stones to be in "Gimme Shelter," an offer he turned down.
Face-to-face meeting with Phil Knight led Andre Agassi back to the swoosh: Sunday, June 2, 2013; Tennis legend and Las Vegas native Andre Agassi returned to Nike after a personal overture from company chief Phil Knight. “We talked it out. We shared many tears together, talking to each other across a desk,” recalls Agassi.
Notes: Oscar Goodman to subject himself to skewering; Paul Davis leaves HRH for a different kind of hard rock: Wednesday, May 29, 2013; Oscar Goodman follows Zowie Bowie in the throne for "Showbiz Roast" at the Stratosphere in July.
Goodman returns from N.Y. tour in time to be Oscar: Saturday, May 25, 2013; Oscar Goodman has been busy promoting "Being Oscar," but the former Las Vegas mayor also has found time for Broadway and fine dining.
D time is now for The Scintas to take hold in Downtown Las Vegas: Friday, May 24, 2013; The Scintas bring a family vibe to The D, replacing the old Irish vibe of Fitzgeralds.
Debbie Reynolds says she wanted more of Liberace the showman in ‘Candelabra’: Thursday, May 23, 2013; Debbie Reynolds has just a few significant scenes in "Behind the Candelabra" but relished the chance to play Liberace's mother, Frances.
Crazy Horse III halts use of name Crazy Horse Too, but rival club is opening anyway: Wednesday, May 22, 2013; Mike Galam's effort to resurrect the name Crazy Horse Too was thwarted today by a judge in Las Vegas.
The backlash has taken hold — but why was Biebs booed?: Tuesday, May 21, 2013; Justin Bieber spent 57 seconds in silence as fans booed him after he won the Milestone Award at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday night.
Penn Jillette finishes second but spins a lot of magic on 'All-Star Celebrity Apprentice': Monday, May 20, 2013; Penn Jillette was uncertain about returning to "Celebrity Apprentice" but has won nearly $1 million for Opportunity Village on the NBC show.
Live from the Billboard Music Awards: Swift wins Top Artist; Bieber wins Milestone Award; Prince burns in finale: Sunday, May 19, 2013; The 2013 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena kicked off with a great performance by Bruno Mars and some jokes from host Tracy Morgan.
Jabbawockeez shift into higher gear with 'Prism' at Luxor: Sunday, May 19, 2013; Together for a decade, Jabbawockeez continue to develop their act and have developed a wide-ranging show with "Prism."
Penn Jillette’s weekend plans: Baby-sit Trace Adkins’ kids, beat Adkins on ‘All-Star Celebrity Apprentice’: Friday, May 17, 2013; Penn Jillette and Trace Adkins have become close friends during NBC's all-star season of "Celebrity Apprentice."
LVH books a classic-rock act, and it ain't 'Rock Vault'; Brad Garrett turns to animation and stand-up after sitcom cancellation: Friday, May 17, 2013; "Raiding the Rock Vault" is a classic-rock production show, but Led ZepAgain is in town this weekend.
Horses of a different color: Crazy Horse Too-Crazy Horse III in court next week; Helldorado Days plots its future: Thursday, May 16, 2013; The famous gentlemen's club on Industrial opens next week, but what will it be called?
'KWTD': 'Rock Vault' loaded with hits — including a right hook by Howard Leese: Wednesday, May 15, 2013; In the first week of "Raiding the Rock Vault" at LVH, Heart guitarist Howard Leese landed one of his greatest hits.
Elvis king crowned on Fremont Street, but Sam and Linda Thompson also win: Wednesday, May 15, 2013; Chad Collins topped a field of 19 Elvis Tribute Artists, but the brother-sister combo of Sam and Linda Thompson picked up some cash, too.
For ‘Model Employee’ octet, Mandalay Bay is the first, last and only resort: Tuesday, May 14, 2013; "Model Employee" is a contest among eight models competing to be the spokeswoman for Mandalay Bay.
Jerry Lewis keeps it crisp at South Point; next stop is Cannes Film Festival: Monday, May 13, 2013; Jerry Lewis appeared solo, without musicians, but made ample use of humor and clips at South Point.
This news never gets old: The Rolling Stones put on a show for the ages at MGM Grand: Sunday, May 12, 2013; The Rolling Stones' aura was never more powerful than during a hits-loaded show Saturday night at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
An emotional Clint Holmes performance at The Smith Center is an early Mother's Day gift: Sunday, May 12, 2013; Clint Holmes had never met Gloria Bullard and her family before May 3, but it was an unforgettable night.
A Rolling Stones-to-Santana letter exhumed, and a by-the-numbers look at the band: Friday, May 10, 2013; In 1970, the Stones asked Santana for permission to use his performance from Altamont in "Gimme Shelter." He said no thanks.
Packing his trunk of memories, Jerry Lewis hits the stage at South Point: Thursday, May 9, 2013; Jerry Lewis is performing at South Point for the first time since leaving the Muscular Dystrophy Association in 2010.
The Elvis who Linda Thompson remembers 'got a kick' from impressionists: Thursday, May 9, 2013; When Elvis was alive, those dressed as Elvis showed up to his shows at the Las Vegas Hilton. He chuckled at being honored that way.
Las Vegas entertainers rally for Donny & Marie musician Mike Turnbull: Wednesday, May 8, 2013; Mike Turnbull is a favorite among Las Vegas musicians, who are organizing to help him pay medical bills from his throat cancer surgery.
‘KWTD’: Frankie Scinta on ‘The Scintas’ trek back to town and performing without Chrissi: Wednesday, May 8, 2013; The Scintas opened at Shimmer Cabaret in 2000 and quickly became a fan favorite. Fronted by Frankie Scinta, the family act is now at The D.
Cirque puts its best feet forward in evoking the imagery of Michael Jackson: Tuesday, May 7, 2013; The first rollout of "Michael Jackson One" at Mandalay Bay revealed inventive sets and a great sound system.
Notes: Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s great, but bout wasn’t; Chrissi Scinta’s stage return in question; Marie Osmond hits the (tomato) sauce: Sunday, May 5, 2013; Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a great fighter — too great to ensure that his fights at MGM Grand will be suspenseful or packed with action.
Weeks before it reopens, Crazy Horse Too fending off a lawsuit filed by ... Crazy Horse III: Saturday, May 4, 2013; Crazy Horse Too is one of the more infamous businesses in Las Vegas. Mike Galam, in charge of the topless dance club once owned by Rick Rizzolo, hopes to forge a reputable reputation.
Beyond 'The Dragon': Andre Agassi and Gil Reyes get a lift with award-winning fitness machine: Thursday, May 2, 2013; Andre Agassi and Gil Reyes constructed a version of the C.O.D. Machine during Agassi's playing career. Now it's for the public.
No ifs, ands or buts about the support for former showgirl Shellee Renee: Wednesday, May 1, 2013; Shellee Renee is a former "Crazy Girls" performer and is still close friends with "X Burlesque" co-producer Angela Stabile.
With ‘Pin Up,’ Stratosphere has it covered — which is not the best idea for Claire Sinclair: Tuesday, April 30, 2013; Claire Sinclair is a one-time Playboy Playmate of the Year, which is what lures many fans to the nonetheless covered "Pin Up" at Stratosphere.
Notes: Leigh Zimmerman triumphs in 'A Chorus Line'; an only-in-Vegas day for Clint Holmes; Brody Dolyniuk is returning: Monday, April 29, 2013; Leigh Zimmeran, late of "The Producers" at Paris Las Vegas, came away with an Olivier Award for "A Chorus Line" on Sunday.
Mary Wilson-to-The Venetian would fulfill a Supreme goal: Monday, April 29, 2013; Mary Wilson saw Human Nature at its opening at Imperial Palace four years ago — and now might share the same Venetian theater.
Siegfried & Roy mulling an anniversary event marking Mirage-Montecore incident: Monday, April 29, 2013; Siegfried & Roy are the focus of international attention as the 10th anniversary of the Montecore biting of Roy approaches.
Holly Madison lends her love for animals to 10th ‘Best in Show’ at The Orleans: Saturday, April 27, 2013; Holly Madison has made repeated appearances at "Best in Show" and in 2011 adopted her pooch Louis at the event.
It's 'Frank & Friends' today, but Frank Wildhorn wants 'Jekyll & Hyde' to play Smith Center: Saturday, April 27, 2013; "Frank & Friends" features Broadway composer Frank Wildhorn, jazz great Jane Monheit and Cabaret Jazz headliner Clint Holmes.
Head of Saks Fifth Avenue is ideally suited for his job: Friday, April 26, 2013; Steve Sadove was in town last week for the 10th annual Vegas Dozen, his first visit to the event at Saks at Fashion Show mall.
Pasquale Rotella's taxing statement: EDC's return in 2014 is in jeopardy: Thursday, April 25, 2013; The Electric Daisy Carnival is back at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in June, but LET concerns have jeopardized its future in Las Vegas.
Prince's guitarist is amped for performances at The Joint: Thursday, April 25, 2013; Donna Grantis saw Prince in concert in Toronto in November 2011. A year later, she was in his band.
Pop Evolution is ready for residency at the Stratosphere starting May 7: Thursday, April 25, 2013; David Perrico premiered Pop Evolution last May at South Point. The band now has a home at the Stratosphere.
Packed Stratosphere house is treated to some serious burning at first 'Showbiz Roast': Wednesday, April 24, 2013; Vinnie Favorito closed the show with a sometimes uncomfortable flourish at the first "Showbiz Roast" at Stratosphere.
A second Electric Daisy Carnival in L.V. in 2014? David Copperfield Theater? Plus, ‘Beacher’s Madhouse’: Monday, April 22, 2013; The Electric Daisy Carnival at Las Vegas Motor Speedway has proven such a boon to business in Las Vegas that tourism officials want more.
At Hakkasan, it's time to rock -- er, EDM -- around the clock: Monday, April 22, 2013; Hakkasan is the most ambitious club project ever in a Strip hotel. Is its marriage to EDM going to last?
Spotlight returns to 'Power of Love' gala; Marshall Sylver's spectacle takes another twist: Saturday, April 20, 2013; The "Power of Love" is set for rebroadcast tonight on Vegas TV, and "Larry King Now" focuses on the gala next week.
'Lefty' sweeps up a list of skills for judicious magicians: Wednesday, April 17, 2013; Doug "Lefty" Leferovich performs an act in Murray Sawchuck's show at the Tropicana, but he does so much more.
A reinvigorated Jerry Lewis set for May performances at South Point: Wednesday, April 17, 2013; Jerry Lewis last performed in Las Vegas in November and is returning to the site of his final MDA Telethon appearance: South Point.
By June, the extravagant ‘Priscilla’ will be ready to rumble: Tuesday, April 16, 2013; "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert — The Musical" is at once warm and mainstream — and flamboyant and outlandish. It comes to the Venetian Theater for an 11-week run beginning June 18.
‘KWTD’: Keith Thompson says The Composers Showcase is happily at home at Cabaret Jazz: Tuesday, April 16, 2013; Keith Thompson and Michael Brennan started The Composers Showcase seven years ago at Suede restaurant. That business closed, but the Showcase is prospering.
Steve Wynn's winning weekend: Raising $1.3 million at 'Power of Love'; dinner with Sheldon Adelson: Tuesday, April 16, 2013; Steve Wynn offered a week on his yacht, Aquarius, at Saturday's "Power of Love" gala. He wound up raising $1.3 million.