John Katsilometes’ column runs daily on Page 3A. Email jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow him at @johnnykats on Twitter and @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram. Listen to the latest episodes of his PodKats! podcast here.
Elisa Fiorillo, a backup singer with Prince and the New Power Generation for five years, says, “[Prince] wouldn’t like” a memorial tribute being held this week at his Paisley Park estate in Minneapolis times to the one-year anniversary of his death. She declined an offer to speak about Prince at the “Celebration 2017” event.
Dave Loeb and the UNLV Jazz Ensemble 1 are in “propel” mode, seeking donors and new talent, after winning the prestigious Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival.
It’s great for fans and the hotel, but a real test of logistics and marketing for two top showmen. We speak of the Clint Holmes-Frankie Moreno dual occupancy of the Showroom at Golden Nugget.
Walter Becker misprounounced the name of the theater (on purpose) and referred to Las Vegas’ mayor as him (maybe on accident) as Steely Dan opened a nine-show run at the Venetian.
Clint Holmes was once featured in an ad campaign where he was shown singing in the shower. The shower is gone, but he is back.
Jeff Timmons is not a male dancer, but he’s a male who can dance, and that’s led to “Men of the Strip” at Tropicana.
Paul McCartney helped develop all facets of “Love” at the Mirage, and the show is prepping for a celebration of the 50th anniversary of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.”
Dave Chappelle has complained about his shows being disrupted by fans shooting the stage. He’s found a remedy to that problem.
Steve Martin and Martin Short put on an act, but their friendship is real. At least this is what they told the full house at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Sunday night.
August is a boon for Yes fans, with versions of the band playing The Joint and Reynolds Hall just five days apart.
Mel Brooks and Chris Rock — separately — are visiting Las Vegas in June
The Amazing Johnathan has not taken the stage in Las Vegas for more than a year, though he continues to headline around the country.
George Strait played (most of) his hits in ‘Strait to Vegas’ at T-Mobile Arena, while Tiesto filled Hakkasan on its fourth anniversary at MGM Grand.
Don Rickles helped host a “showgirl” contest on Vicki Lawrence show “Vicki!” in the early 1990s. Frank Marino, a famous showman and showgirl, took the top prize.
Don Rickles was in the Navy, but it wasn’t until he got to Vegas that he learned to water ski.
