Columnist Kate Maddox: They wanted their MTV jam — and they got it

Kate Maddox

Tuesday, Oct. 26, 1999 | 9:45 a.m.

Kate Maddox's column appears Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, only in the Las Vegas Sun. Reach her at kmaddox@vegas.com or 259-2309. To subscribe to the Sun, call 383-0400.

The MTV jam at the Hard Rock over the weekend drew a throng of kids and most of extreme sports' biggest names. Pro-skateboarder Tony Hawk skated the last competition of his career and helicopter stuntman Danny Way -- the pro who dislocated his shoulder jumping from chopper to ramp on Friday -- made a comeback to win the hi-air skateboard contest on Sunday.

Wacky MTV showman Tom Green was skating around the parking lot at the Hard Rock, which was transformed into skate ramp central -- a feat that took a week's work and closed down the top two floors of the garage.

Green, who filmed his show in Vegas over the weekend, took in the sights and tastes at the Pharoah's Pheast at the Luxor.

Others in attendance at the MTV Sports and Music Festival included host Carson Daly, MTV VJ Ananda Lewis, British sensation DJ Rap and Atlantic recording artist Bif Naked.

Las Vegas lover Verne Troyer, a k a Mini Me, will host the third Annual "Pimp 'n Ho Halloween Costume Ball" at C2K, the Venetian's nightclub. Costumes are mandatory and those without them will be turned away at the door. The event's promoters are calling it "the party to top all parties." Last year's event drew an incredible 3,600 people. The crowd will gather to party from 10:30 p.m. till dawn on Saturday.

Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme were out on the town last week, dining at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. The singing duo spent some time chatting with Vegas philanthropist and nightclub owner Jack Novick.

Jackie Stallone, the colorful mother of Sly and Frank, caught "La Cage" at the Riviera last week.

Magic Johnson, in town to catch the Tyson fight, spent some time working out at Las Vegas' Sporting House athletic club. Johnson, looking fit and healthy, spent time shooting hoops -- catching net shot after shot -- and talking to locals.

Comedian Don Rickles has signed on with the Desert Inn for two more years. The exclusive contract extension guarantees that Rickles will perform four engagements a year for the next two years. He will be on stage at the D.I. to ring in the New Year Dec. 29-31.

Eighties teen dream Corey Haim -- not to be confused with his frequent co-star Corey Feldman -- was staying at the Imperial Palace recently and was swamped by teenage girls who found out about his whereabouts thanks to Palace Director of Advertising Connie Ross. Ross leaked the news while promoting her syndicated radio show on KRLV. After the lull in his film career, one would think Haim appreciated the plug, and the attention from the ladies.

Prime party-givers Roger and Sandy Peltyn threw one heck of a 21st birthday party for their son, R.J., on Friday night. A ballroom at Arizona Charlie's was transformed into a nightclub, complete with cage dancers, fortune tellers, tattoo artists, vodka shooters and even a very real live tiger. Party-goers could partake of food, drink and photos with the large cat, or they could choose to sit and watch the revelers party with a gusto Arizona Charlie's has probably never seen the likes of before.