John Katsilometes

Blog Post Archive

Red Rock Amphitheater closes, Louie Anderson leaving Palace Station in Station Casinos shuffle: Friday, Feb. 22, 2013; Popular comic Louie Anderson is training for "Splash" on ABC as his tenure at Palace Station comes to a close.
Joe Magliarditi: 'We've transformed the Palms': Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013; Joe Magliarditi was appointed to run the Palms in June 2011, and the hotel is showing incremental changes.
‘[title of show]’ is a lesson in perseverance, something Kristen Hertzenberg understands: Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013; Among the terms Kristen Hertzenberg would care to hear in reference to her health, “vocal chord paralysis” would be near the bottom of the list.
Keeping Frank Sinatra's legacy alive is Rick's craft: Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013; Rick Michel is one of the top vocal impressionists in the country and brings "Sinatra Forever" to The M Resort on Saturday night.
Sammy Shore: Jerry Buss embraced 'Showtime' and acts of kindness: Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013; Sammy Shore knew Jerry Buss from Shore's days as a standup in Southern California and said the Lakers owner was a kindhearted man.
Wranglers' 'Midnight Circus' is where slapshots meet slapstick: Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013; The Las Vegas Wranglers' annual midnight promotion was a circus of rock, aerial artistry, comedy and a brilliantly conceived "puck drop."
Chicago kicks some serious brass in Tropicana Theater's blowout weekend: Monday, Feb. 18, 2013; One of the great American bands, Chicago, ushered in the Tropicana Theater over the weekend, and the new venue is a major player on the Strip.
Creative licenses being issued in 'Million Dollar Quartet' at Harrah's: Monday, Feb. 18, 2013; The Jerry Lee Lewis character in "Million Dollar Quartet" is somewhat goofy -- something the real Jerry Lee Lewis was not.
A return to Tim & Faith reminds of a question never asked: Monday, Feb. 18, 2013; Tim McGraw has, twice now, mentioned Rush from the stage. That makes us want to rush the stage.
Eight reasons — topped by Paul Shortino — to make it to the Wranglers' Midnight Circus: Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013; Paul Shortino is going to belt out "Love Hurts" as Erica Vanlee performs a silk act. What's not to love?
Live color blog: UNLV sends a howling crowd home happy with a 72-70 victory: Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013; Darrell Stubbs flew more than 11,000 combat missions in Vietnam. Today, he's workin' the Findlay blimp.
Miss America loved its 'sad' trip to Las Vegas: Friday, Feb. 15, 2013; Miss America bolted from Las Vegas without warning and headed back to Atlantic City. Was it something we said?
‘One Night for One Drop’: Costume designer RuBen Permel is prepared to make a splash: Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013; RuBen Permel of "Zarkana" is working extra-long hours to make certain that the performers in "One Night for One Drop" look terrific.
From jilted bride to Wedding Queen of the West, love has been a journey for L.V. chapel owner Charolette Richards: Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013; Charolette Richards is rightfully considered the Wedding Queen of the West. As proprietor of A Little White Wedding Chapel since the late 1960s, her Las Vegas wedding fortress has hosted more than half a million services.
Penn & Teller working on TV project, and how Barbra Streisand was thrown by needles trick: Monday, Feb. 11, 2013; Penn & Teller celebrated their 20th anniversary on the Strip with a set of tricks hearkening to their Las Vegas debut at Bally's.
In appearance at the Palms, Anthony Bourdain shows he's got some salt in him: Monday, Feb. 11, 2013; Culinary superstar Anthony Bourdain has eaten his share of exotic foods and abused his share of recreational drugs.
Resort pioneer Kirk Kerkorian is back on the market: Monday, Feb. 11, 2013; Kirk Kerkorian was reported to be engaged last fall. In time for Valentine's Day, he is a bachelor once more.
At Studio at the Palms, superstar artists and Grammy nominations are the Thralls’ calling: Friday, Feb. 8, 2013; Pat and Zoe Thrall of Studio at the Palms have recorded the top artists in contemporary music, including a pregnant Beyonce.
New Chelsea could be boxing haven at Cosmo; Caesars confirms Britney Spears talks at Planet Hollywood; Erich Bergen mulling Cab Jazz: Friday, Feb. 8, 2013; The Chelsea Ballroom at Cosmopolitan will be returned to a convention space to make room for a new venue, which promises similar versatility.
Mike Tyson’s latest combination: Upcoming memoir and a U.S. tour that sends him back to Indianapolis: Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013; Mike Tyson debuted "Undisputed Truth" at MGM Grand last April. He's about to send the show on the road.
In criss-crossing Britney Spears reports, don't rule out Planet Hollywood: Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013; Britney Spears has been ruled out of the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, but not out of a venue owned by Caesars Entertainment.
Several musical highways connect Chicago to Las Vegas: Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013; Walt Parazaider first played Las Vegas in 1965, two years before founding the band to be known as Chicago.
Anything goes for Erich Bergen in his return to Las Vegas: Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013; Erich Bergen was a co-star in "Jersey Boys" for three years before splitting with the production at the Palazzo.
Bernie Yuman to produce Broadway show about Gloria and Emilio Estefan: Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013; The oft-discussed and long-anticipated musical adaptation of the lives of Gloria and Emilio Estefan has taken its first step toward Broadway, and renowned Las Vegas producer Bernie Yuman is helping to helm the project. Announced today is that Yuman, for decades the manager of Siegfried & Roy during their rise and superstardom on the Strip, is the executive producer of a musical centered on the music and careers of the Estefans.
Return of 'America's Got Talent Live' gives Tom Cotter a funny feeling: Monday, Feb. 4, 2013; Tom Cotter has told jokes in all variety of venue, but his run on "America's Got Talent" was a "game-changer."
Live blog from Jeff's 17th annual Super Bowl Party -- post-blackout, there is a lot of drama as Ravens pull it out, 34-31: Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013; There are parties at every Strip and downtown resort, but the real action is at the home of Carrot Top assistant Jeff Molitz.
Chef Nobu is no centurion, but he’s a towering presence at Caesars Palace: Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013; Nobu Hotel replaces Centurion Tower at Caesars Palace, where Chef Nobu's understated style is reflected across the new boutique hotel and restaurant.
For astute Super Bowl analysis, look to Boyz II Men; Luxor has a heavy heart; EWF tribute at Silverton: Friday, Feb. 1, 2013; Nate Morris is a San Francisco 49ers fan since childhood and a sharp handicapper of the NFL.
Oscar De La Hoya talks Cosmo's 'chic' boxing vibe; Skye Dee Miles soars at Planet Hollywood; and Rohit Joshi's Niner connection: Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013; Oscar De La Hoya has fought in all sorts of venues, but Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is something different.
Brad Garrett’s new sitcom follows ‘Modern Family’ as he stretches out to The Arts District: Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013; Brad Garrett's Comedy Club at MGM Grand celebrates its first anniversary in March, and he's strengthening his Las Vegas bond with a new workshop.
Liberace Museum is planning a move downtown — to Neonopolis: Monday, Jan. 28, 2013; The Liberace Museum has been dark since closing in October 2010. Its next destination: Neonopolis.
Penn & Teller: Two decades of real Las Vegas magic: Monday, Jan. 28, 2013; For all of their communal artistry and shared experiences and success, Penn & Teller differ on the moments that made them fall for Las Vegas. For Penn Jillette, it was a quick side trip to Vegas he made with a group of friends in the late 1980s. The plan was to tour the Grand Canyon, but, you know, Vegas was right there.
A call to the 'Parker' carpet: Coco singing? Carla moving? Carrot Top building?: Friday, Jan. 25, 2013; Coco Austin is seeking a reduced schedule in her contract extension talks with producers of "Peepshow."
Michael Cavanaugh’s dueling pianos performance keyed a move to ‘Movin’ Out’: Friday, Jan. 25, 2013; Michael Cavanaugh performed 1,200 shows as the star of "Movin' Out," a musical based on the songs of Billy Joel.
The Stirling Club remains closed, but the dance continues; Santana channels Lennon; Guns N’ Roses rocks 3D: Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013; The Stirling Club closed last spring. There is interest, but that $18 million asking price has not been met.
What's behind Marshall Sylver's $400 million plan for PH Live?: Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013; Hypnotist and motivational speaker Marshall Sylver has a long history in Las Vegas performing in showrooms and (occasionally) the courtroom.
Performing in 'Rock of Ages' piques Holly Madison's interest: Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013; Holly Madison has seen "Rock of Ages" in New York and again in Las Vegas. She has more than a passing interest in the show.
With 'Funhouse' and Billy Joel, Steve Wynn has taken a capital approach: Monday, Jan. 21, 2013; Of "Funhouse," Steve Wynn says, “The key to understanding life is nothing is as it appears to be.” Hmmm ...
Staging Human Nature is second nature to Andy Walmsley: Monday, Jan. 21, 2013; When Emmy Award-winning set designer Andy Walmsley sees a stage, he also sees opportunity.
'Million Dollar Quartet' cast is a band working in concert: Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013; "Million Dollar Quartet" is opening at Harrah's, and this show about rock 'n' roll is a great rock show, too.
Boyz II Men's Nate Morris sings the praises of S.F. 49ers: Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013; One might expect Nate Morris to be a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles. Not so. He's a 49er fan.
Uberschall set for a bangin' performance with ex-Missing Persons, Zappa drummer Terry Bozzio: Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013; For 13 years, Uberschall has been roaring through Double Down Saloon on the last Sunday of the month.
The guys in Human Nature have become the City Council of Motown: Friday, Jan. 18, 2013; Human Nature arrived in Las Vegas in 2009 and quickly grew to be one of the city's top live acts.
Sunset Thomas: Chicken Ranch's biggest star is still a fan favorite: Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013; Sunset Thomas is touring the 2013 Adult Entertainment Expo at the Hard Rock Hotel, but you can catch her at a nearby brothel, too.
In ‘major review,’ Cirque lops 400 jobs, most in Montreal headquarters: Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013; Cirque du Soleil has seven shows on the Strip and another -- the Michael Jackson production -- planned this year for Mandalay Bay.
'Pin Up' sets a date as Claire Sinclair is joined by ex-'Bite,' 'Superstars' singer: Monday, Jan. 14, 2013; At age 21, Claire Sinclair is starring in a Strip production, and the calendar is flipping fast.
When Holly Madison built a big house for her dogs, the HOA started yapping: Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013; Holly Madison had a house built in her back yard for her three dogs, leading to some backbiting from her HOA.
Miss New York didn't go to pot on Sam Champion's gun question: Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013; The stage question is not particularly weighty in the Miss America Pageant, but it's a moment to be remembered.
Familiar figure fills seat at Miss America; novel Nobu approach to room service; Sweets delivers 'Burlesque' party: Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013; Alana Lee was onstage for the 2012 Miss America Pageant. Tonight, she's in the audience.
'America's Most Wanted' founder John Walsh takes on NRA, decries 'woefully inadequate' background checks: Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013; Through his long-running TV show, John Walsh has helped track down and bring to justice nearly 1,200 fugitives of the law across the country.