John Katsilometes opens the throttle on the takeoff party for the new LVM

kats@lasvegassun.com

Thursday, Feb. 23, 2006 | 11:29 a.m.

For a hangar party, it was great. In fact, it will be remembered as the hangar party by which all other hangar parties will be judged.

A throng of more than 800 turned out Tuesday night for the party announcing the launch of Las Vegas Magazine (or, LVM). The magazine formerly known as Showbiz is published by Greenspun Media Group (which is owned by the Greenspun family, owners of the Las Vegas Sun) and has been given a hip-slick makeover and new title.

The cover of the first edition, an ode-to-Vegas montage, bears the distinctive work of pop artist Peter Max. LVM will be distributed to more than 98 percent of Strip hotel rooms (I will offer to read the magazine to the unfortunate occupants of the other 2 percent).

To celebrate the new mag a party was held at the company's airplane hangar at Quail Air Center. The space was split into two sections - one set in black and white (to reflect old Vegas); the other in color (for new Vegas). There were too many memorable moments to list; my favorite, spotted far across the spacious venue, was Elaine Wynn posing for a photo with an elaborately costumed member of "Mystere."

As someone in attendance (maybe it was me) said, it was as if someone dumped the contents of a stack of Showbiz magazines into this hangar. Those on hand included Dirk Arthur, members of "Blue Man Group," members of Chippendales, Anthony Cools, members of "Crazy Girls," Vinnie Favorito, Amazing Johnathan, Frank Marino, members of "Folies Bergere," Mac King, members of "La Cage," members of Second City, the Sirens of TI, Rick Thomas, the Scintas, Tony Sacca, George Wallace and Gordie Brown.

On hand among the nonperforming population were Southern Wine and Spirits of Nevada honcho Larry Ruvo and his Southern Wine sidekick Michael Severino, the ubiquitous Robin Leach, hotshot attorney (and reality-show subject) Bucky Buchanan, ex-NBA star Kevin Willis, Empire Ballroom manager Gino LoPinto and Casa Fuente cigar club owner Michael Frey.

Miss anyone? Sorry, this flight was full.

NoteMart

Here's a theory, or actually a couple of theories welded together for a single theory: Rudner winds up taking over the showroom currently used by the Scintas at the Rio. The Scintas (leaving at the end of April) move to the Golden Nugget after Gordie Brown leaves there at the end of March.

Rudner cuts back her 46-week schedule and, with an exclusive contract (meaning veto power over any act that appears there), invites her comic friends to perform in that Rio showroom when she's on break. It makes sense, today at least ...

Bus stop: On Friday night OPM at the Forum Shops at Caesars is hosting its second "Ballers Ball" of NFL and NBA players. This year's event will serve as the retirement party for running back Jerome Bettis. More than a dozen members of the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to attend, including quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and Super Bowl MVP wide receiver Hines Ward. No word on whether the Super Bowl officiating crew will be able to attend ...

Cirque update: Brushing up an item from this week about the entertainment at Wynn Macau - it will not be a Cirque du Soleil show, but a Cirque-esque production (similar to what Franco Dragone unveiled with "Le Reve" at Wynn Las Vegas) that will be in place when the resort opens in September. Cirque is not going to be part of the Wynn project, but is still looking at options in Macau (the MGM Grand Macau opens in 2007).

Also, expect an announcement (such as a title and ticket information) in the next two to three weeks on the Beatles-themed Cirque show at the Mirage. Members of international media (and at least one member of Las Vegas media) have been eagerly anticipating that production ...

Hand him the keys: During the opening of the Piano Gallery of America last week a distinguished-looking man sat down at a $130,000 Sauter grand piano and started in on "Blueberry Hill." The guests gravitated toward the accomplished bluesman, who turned out to be Leon Blue, longtime member of B.B. King's backup band. He also played behind Ike and Tina Turner in the '60s ...

Was Michael J. Fox driving?: A reader checks in with this vanity-plate sighting, on a DeLorean: MYFUTRE.

Fabulous Las Vegas runs Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday in the Las Vegas Sun. John Katsilometes can be reached at 259-2327 or 812-9812, or at kats@lasvegassun.com.