LOOKING IN ON: ENTERTAINMENT

By Jerry Fink (contact)

Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007 | 6:56 a.m.

Concerts at Jillian's in the ill-fated Neonopolis may be something akin to fiddling while Rome burns, but the musicians play on while owners and politicians strive to save the $100 million retail center.

Jillian's, Galaxy Theatres and Del Prado Jewelers are the only tenants remaining in the 250,000-square-foot facility.

Whatever happens, the place isn't going quietly.

For the next couple of months, Jillian's has a lineup of metal, heavy metal, death metal and metalcore bands that should appeal to younger fans.

The prices are reasonable, anywhere from $10 to $20. Most performances begin around 7 p.m.

For a complete lineup and other details call 759-0450, but here's a sample of next month's offerings:

More Fremont Street

Neonopolis may be struggling, but the rest of the Fremont Street Experience is going great guns with outdoor concerts and street musicians, not to mention the light show.

The latest addition to the entertainment under the canopy is the acrobatic venue Real Action Stunt Stage, where you can see gymnasts performing at 8:15 and 10:15 p.m. nightly.

A bargain at Boulder

Grammy winner Norman Brown brings his popular Summer Storm Tour to Boulder Station.

Guitarist Brown first hit the charts in 1992 with the album "Just Between Us" and followed with "After the Storm," "Better Days Ahead," "Celebration" and "West Coast Coolin'." His latest, "Stay With Me," has been No. 1 for three weeks on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz chart.

The Summer Storm lineup includes Grammy winner Peabo Bryson ("Beauty and the Beast," "A Whole New World"), soprano saxophonist Marion Meadows and keyboardist Jeff Lorber.

Details: 8 p.m. Saturday ; Boulder Station's Railhead; $24.95 to $54.95; 432-7777

Casting call: magicians, mentalists

ABC relied heavily upon Las Vegas tribute artists to fill its roster of competitors in the reality series "The Next Best Thing," which local Elvis phenomenon Trent Carlini eventually won.

NBC is now knocking on the Vegas talent door.

Producers are looking for magicians and mentalists to compete in the upcoming series, "Phenomenon," with magician Criss "Mindfreak" Angel and spoon-bending mentalist Uri Geller as judges.

Senior casting producer Alicia Good said they'll hold auditions from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday with callbacks the following two days. Gold said they're still searching for a location. Do the mentalists already know?

Details: Online applications available at nbc.com/casting. Submit press kits and videotapes to: Phenomenon Casting, 5800 Sunset Blvd., Building No. 11, Suite 104, Los Angeles, CA 90028.

Odd venue

Musicians are liable to break out into music almost anywhere, from street corners to concert halls. But a fashion store?

Derek David, lead singer of the Platters at the Sahara, is backed by his four-piece band, Bling, who entertain among the racks of suits, purses, shoes, belts, hats, furs and jewelry.

David and his wife, Rita Bliss, own the store.

Details: 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays; DuBarry Fashions, Pioneer Center, 3375 S. Decatur Blvd.