Stories by John Katsilometes - Las Vegas Weekly

Drew Carey, right, joined Lon Bronson and his band onstage at Ovation Lounge in Green Valley Ranch on Aug. 27, 2009. Carey helped sing backup on the band’s final number of the night, The Monkees’ hit “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone.”

Bronson band celebrates 20th anniversary; changes in staff at Liberace Museum

Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010

Lon Bronson's All-Star Band has performed on and off The Strip for 20 years and celebrates its landmark anniversary Thursday at Green Valley Ranch.

Rod Stewart performs at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace on Nov. 6, 2010.

Rod Stewart kicks off run at Caesars; Tao throws back a fifth

Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010

Rod Stewart rolled out his most recognizable hits at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace, kicking off an eight-show run at the hotel that might lead to a long-term engagement.

Rod Stewart performs at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Rod Stewart to play Caesars, but is a lounge visit in the offing?

Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010

Legendary rocker Rod Stewart has embraced the standards. Not everyone has been happy with that move, but his "American Songbook" releases have sold millions.

Comedian Jason Alexander, of Seinfeld, performs in his The Donny Clay Experience at Planet Hollywood Friday, February 12, 2010. STEVE MARCUS / LAS VEGAS SUN

Alexander is forever Costanza, and he's OK with that -- really

Friday, Nov. 5, 2010

Maybe one day Jason Alexander and Jerry Seinfeld will be like William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy, entertaining masses of devotees at "Seinfeld" conventions.

The first meal, post-vegan summer: Bean-and-cheese enchiladas at Cozymel’s.

How was the finale of Viva Las Vegan served? With cheese

Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010

The idea was to spend the summer eating vegan, and that was accomplished. But Steve Wynn is in it for life.

Cirque du Soleil and Michael Jackson’s Immortal.

From Victory to 'Dangerous' to Cirque, King is a Jackson devotee

Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010

Jamie King attended a Jacksons tour stop at Chicago's Comiskey Park in 1984. Today, he's been entrusted with directing the Cirque du Soleil production paying tribute to the late King of Pop.

A demonic clown, who might be former NBA star Ralph Sampson, surveys the scene.

Fetish & Fantasy Halloween Ball at The Joint is more than just fetish and fantasy

Monday, Nov. 1, 2010

A man in a President Obama costume danced with an attractive blonde, dressed as an attractive blonde, at the Fetish & Fantasy Halloween Ball at The Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel.

Donny Osmond and sister Marie Osmond during his return to the Flamingo with his champion’s mirrored disco ball trophy on Nov. 25, 2009, after his win on ABC’s Dancing With the Stars with Kym Johnson on Tuesday night.

A schedule break and an old acquaintance show Donny & Marie the Great White Way

Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010

A figure from one of the less-successful moments of Donny Osmond's career made "Donny & Marie -- A Broadway Christmas" possible.

Thom Sesma as Scar in Disney’s The Lion King at Mandalay Bay.

'The Lion King' to go quiet at Mandalay Bay in December 2011

Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010

Disney's "The Lion King" at Mandalay Bay will have played more than 1,000 shows when it leaves the theater in December 2011.

Penn Jillette and Teller at the 10th anniversary celebration of Penn & Teller and their new three-year contract at The Rio on Oct. 26, 2010.

Teller's act away from the stage not nearly so clean

Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010

Teller, the silent half of the comic-magic team Penn & Teller, says the fact that he and Penn Jillette are not required to live together might have saved the act.

Jackie Gaughan celebrates his 89th birthday at the El Cortez with showgirls and an Elvis Presley impersonator on Oct. 26, 2009.

As he crosses No. 90, Jackie Gaughan is feeling lucky with a pair of 7's

Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2010

Jackie Gaughan turned 90 on Sunday and is to be honored today with a street dedication and a birthday dinner at El Cortez, and by the end of the week will welcome his seventh great-grandchild to the family.

Bon Jovi performs at MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 6, 2010.

Bon Jovi set for March 19 stop at MGM Grand Garden Arena

Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2010

Bon Jovi is performing at MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 19 as a newly announced set of dates for its 2011 world tour has been released. The most recent appearance by Bon Jovi was March 6, also at MGM Grand.

Tempest Storm, Dixie Evans, Mayor Oscar Goodman, Holly Madison and reigning Miss Exotic World and Las Vegas resident Kalani Kokonuts during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Burlesque Hall of Fame Museum Grand Opening at Emergency Arts on East Fremont Street on June 4, 2010.

As 'Burlesque' release approaches, Tempest Storm seeks answers

Monday, Oct. 25, 2010

Still recovering from a fractured left hip she suffered during a fall onstage at the Plaza in June, Tempest Storm has sought an attorney in case she takes legal action against the film "Burlesque."

Justin Timberlake & Friends featuring Sir Elton John, Diddy and Dirty Money, Christina Aguilera, Salt-n-Pepa, T-Pain, Lady Antebellum, Selena Gomez and Free Sol at Theater for the Performing Arts in Planet Hollywood on Oct. 23, 2010.

At all-star show, Justin Timberlake spells it out, and so do we

Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010

Justin Timberlake was omnipresent Saturday night at Planet Hollywood's Theater for the Performing Arts, keeping the energy high during a 4-hour show.

The Donny & Marie billboard. Note the editing, in the form of a new rectangle covering Chip Lightman’s name.

Donny & Marie billboard speaks volumes for what it conceals

Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010

The billboard promoting Donny and Marie's hit stage show at Flamingo Las Vegas has been altered, and not in any sort of graffiti-art way.

Hugh Hefner — that’s him in the middle — with the “Crazy Horse Paris” cast.

Hugh Hefner on Sarah Palin posing for Playboy: 'I wouldn't turn her down'

Friday, Oct. 22, 2010

Hugh Hefner did not dismiss the idea of using Sarah Palin as a cover model for his magazine, owing to his penchant for using pop-culture icons in Playboy.

Justin Timberlake at TPC Summerlin on Oct. 19, 2010.

In golf terms, Justin Timberlake is almost too laid back to lay up

Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010

Justin Timberlake loves golf and hosts the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, but hardly has time to pull out the sticks.

Playboy subjects Claire Sinclair, Arianny Celeste show they are no mere posers

Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010

Even in the face of record unemployment figures, the Playboy magazine job-placement program remains alive and well in Las Vegas. The past two issues have produced one Strip headliner and given a former model and current UFC octagon girl an important entry on her entertainment resume.

Overwhelmed with sadness, Anna Nateece, who designed Liberace’s infamous furs, dabs her eyes during the final day of business at the Liberace Museum Sunday.

Sadness, disbelief — and a sign from above — mark closing of Liberace Museum

Monday, Oct. 18, 2010

The Liberace Museum opened April 15, 1979. For a time it was one of the city's most popular tourist attractions, but a loss of visitors and high expenses have forced it to close. Hundreds of visitors began lining up at the entrance of the museum’s main exhibit hall about 30 minutes before the announced noon opening time.

The Liberace Museum in Las Vegas Wednesday, September 22, 2010.

Amid apathy and dwindling revenue, the jewel box that is the Liberace Museum closes Sunday

Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010

A massive, passionate effort by museum supporters might have prevented the closing of Liberace Museum, but such an effort never materialized.

David Foster at the Andre Agassi Grand Slam benefit at the Wynn on Oct. 9, 2010

David Foster, wanna-be sax man, talks of the Bay of Pigs and Betty Boop

Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010

David Foster played on Donna Summer's hit "Last Dance," and Summer is one of the performers at Friday's "David Foster and Friends" concert at Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Jerry Lewis reacts to a million-dollar check bringing the tally above $50 million during the final hour of the 45th Annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon in 2010 at the South Point.

MDA loves Jerry Lewis ... but still isn't sure how he'll be used in 2011

Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2010

Jerry Lewis was informed of the decision to shorten the "MDA Labor Day Telethon" from 21 1/2 hours to six, and it is still uncertain how -- or even if -- he'll be back in 2011.

Surrounded by his paintings, actor and artist Tony Curtis conducts an interview in 2007 in the studio at his home in Henderson.

celebs

Memories of Tony Curtis from his star-studded funeral

Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2010

Applause and laughter were far more prevalent than tears at Palm Mortuary on October 4.

John Katsilometes and Carrot Top compete during Recycled Percussion’s VIP Night at Studio 54 at MGM Grand on Sept. 7, 2010.

From the comedy store: Carrot Top bets the Fish and loses; RP heads to China; Geechy Guy live on KUNV

Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010

Carrot Top bet Recycled Percussion's Justin Spencer that the Dolphins would beat the Patriots on Monday night. Miami lost, and so, too, did Carrot Top.

Jill Vandenberg, wife of Tony Curtis, leaves after the funeral for her husband at Palm Mortuary and Cemetery in Henderson October 4, 2010. Curtis died Wednesday at his home. He was 85-years-old.

Schwarzenegger puts on a show as Curtis service turns into spirited affair

Monday, Oct. 4, 2010

Palm Mortuary's chapel seats 380, but far more than 400 crammed into the space to pay a final farewell to Tony Curtis.

Jim Belushi and Jerry O’Connell in The Defenders on CBS.

'The Defenders' calls on Cristalli & Saggese to make Vegas its home court

Monday, Oct. 4, 2010

Cristalli & Saggese are the inspirations for the series "The Defenders," which debuted last week on CBS. Co-star Jerry O'Connell graces the cover of the annual men's issue of VEGAS magazine.

Brad Garrett at Ante Up for Africa at The Rio on July 2, 2010.

Brad Garrett, Ryan Seacrest co-producing a show for the kiddies

Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010

The new show has the working title, "That Kids Show" and is based on a similarly styled show hosted by Bill Cosby, based on a show by Art Linkletter.

Tony Curtis and his wife Jill Vandenberg Curtis at the annual old timers gathering at the Stardust in 2005.

There was cool, and there was Tony Curtis cool, and there was no comparison

Friday, Oct. 1, 2010

Tony Curtis so impressed students at UNLV that even those not particularly interested in movies wanted to meet "the coolest guy ever."

'Daunting' is how Clint Holmes describes Sinatra tribute performance with Falcone, LV Philharmonic

Friday, Oct. 1, 2010

Clint Holmes takes to Ham Hall on Saturday night to perform a show brimming with Sinatra classics with Vincent Falcone and the Las Vegas Philharmonic.

Mayor Oscar Goodman and Miss Universe Stefania Fernandez of Venezuela with the 2010 Miss Universe contestants at the Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas sign on Aug. 11, 2010.

Mayor Goodman persuading Stephen Colbert to bring 'The Colbert Report' to Las Vegas

Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010

Mayor Oscar Goodman spent six minutes on the air with Stephen Colbert. The mayor hopes Colbert spends several days in Las Vegas.

Mandy Christine and Julia Abouzeid survey the scene five hours before Train plays Sandbar at Red Rock Resort.

Of missing hand stamps and 'impromptu' audience participation: Prepping for Train is a show in itself

Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010

One fan, who was energetically Canadian, claimed to have ordered 22 tickets - and the entire pack had been misplaced! Not likely!

An action photo of Mandy Christine, taking notes after making a prep call for the Train show at Red Rock Resort. She bought that hoodie in Nashville, where she helped accept the ACM award for Casino of the Year for Green Valley Ranch.

As Train barrels into Station, Mandy Christine makes sure the resort is ready

Friday, Sept. 24, 2010

Mandy Christine has fielded several off-kilter requests from artists, including specific fruit pairings in three different rooms.

A man and his machines: New History Channel star Rick Dale.

Rick Dale's 'Pawn Stars' spinoff, 'Rusty Nuts,' set for Oct. 18 debut

Friday, Sept. 24, 2010

Rick Dale has been a regular expert contributor to the History Channel sensation "Pawn Stars," and now has a show of his own.

Local performer Larry Edwards brought his own cutout Liberace to a protest against the closing of the Liberace Museum in front of the museum in Las Vegas Wednesday, September 22, 2010.

Liberace Museum hosts a parade of protesters -- and even a puppet

Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010

This is no ordinary puppet. It was a little Liberace marionette, wearing a wide grin and a sky-blue sequined suit.

Lady Gaga performs at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Aug. 13, 2010.

As We See It

Thinking about the Tea Party, Lady Gaga and more

Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010

Also, how do we get invited to the Jay-Z/Coldplay concert at the Cosmopolitan?

Mayor Oscar Goodman and his charcoal portrait at Hussong’s Cantina in Mandalay Bay on June 28, 2010.

'The Colbert Report' tabs Mayor Oscar Goodman for Thursday's show

Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman is in Washington, D.C., for the Conference of Mayors. He is taking a side trip to Comedy Central.

Wayne Newton hosts a neighborhood meeting at La Quinta Inn on Sept. 20, 2010, to discuss the museum and commercial tour being developed on his property.

Wayne Newton gives a spoken-word performance for a hard-to-please crowd

Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010

Wayne Newton's plans for a theater and museum across the street from Casa de Shenandoah and regular tours of the ranch itself were met with skepticism from about 200 of his neighbors. Though Newton disputed some of what has been reported about the project, he did for the first time in a public forum detail what he has planned.

Stacy and Tim Foreman, outside Little White Wedding Chapel.

After 20 years, Sunday is a nice day for a white wedding

Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010

Tim and I had not seen each other in a very long time, but Sunday afternoon he walked back into my life on his wedding day at Little White Wedding Chapel.

Liberace’s birthday is celebrated at the Liberace Museum on May 16, 2010.

Supporters of Liberace Museum refuse to close the show without a fight

Friday, Sept. 17, 2010

Since the announced closing of the Liberace Museum, critics of the Liberace Foundation Board of Directors have decried mismanagement of the museum and its finances.

Joey Fatone cuts a swath through Bally's as guest host of 'The Price is Right'

Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010

Joey Fatone, once of 'N Sync, is the latest former boy-bander to host "The Price is Right" at Bally's. Last month it was former 98 Degrees member Drew Lachey.

The Jabbawockeez perform during the opening of their new show Friday at the Hollywood Theater at MGM.

Monte Carlo President Nikodemus, Jabbawockeez forge unlikely alliance

Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010

The eye-opening success of Jabbawockeez at MGM Grand's Hollywood Theatre caught the attention of Monte Carlo President Anton Nikodemus, who recruited the dance crew to replace Lance Burton at the MGM Resorts property.

Cheap Trick’s Sgt. Pepper Live at Paris on June 12, 2010.

Hotel closing no surprise at Plaza; Geoff Emerick eager to return with ‘Sgt. Pepper’ live production

Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010

When asked if Sgt. Pepper Live would be coming back to Las Vegas, legendary sound engineer Geoff Emerick responded with an enthusiastic nod. The show's current run at Paris Las Vegas ends Saturday.

Liberace Museum closing Oct. 17

Friday, Sept. 10, 2010

The storied Las Vegas attraction is scheduled to close "indefinitely, but not forever."

Recycled Percussion’s VIP Night at Studio 54 at MGM Grand on Sept. 7, 2010. Justin Spencer is pictured here.

Recycled Percussion does the junk 'n' roll at MGM Grand's Studio 54

Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010

Recycled Percussion embarks on a show that seems to have structure, with the audience divided into separate teams, but really it's just a lot of bashing about.

Video surfaces of lion attack at MGM Grand's Lion Habitat

Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010

On Sept. 1, a male lion took after a trainer at the Lion Habitat at MGM Grand. Video of the incident has made it to YouTube - and network television.

Greg London appears on the red carpet during media night of his show “Greg London’s Icons” at the Riviera on Thursday.

From the Riviera: Comedy Club closing as 'Greg London's Icons' moves in

Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010

Riviera Comedy Club has been struggling for months, and reportedly won't be open after the curtain falls on October 31.

As We See It

Staff List > John Katsilometes > Stories

Contact

John Katsilometes

Story Archive