Steven Tyler wants Vegas Strong shirt returned, will pay price
Steven Tyler agrees that the Vegas Strong T-shirt he wore Tuesday night would make an inspired museum piece.
He just needs it back.
Tyler is offering two VIP tickets and a personal meet-and-greet to an upcoming Aerosmith show at Park Theater at Park MGM to the individual who caught the shirt during Tuesday night’s show.
The back story on this black T: Tyler pulled on the sleeveless shirt, with the glittery golden message Vegas Strong, at Park Theater during Aerosmith’s tribute to the victims of the Oct. 1 shootings. Tuesday night was the second anniversary of the tragedy, which killed 58 concert-goers at Route 91 Harvest.
Saying, “This is for all the people we’ve lost in Vegas, and for all the people we’ve lost around the world!” Tyler flew through “Come Together,” then peeled off the shirt.
Writing of the monumental performance, I had mentioned the Vegas Strong shirt should be presented at Aerosmith’s museum at Park Theater, which is set up backstage through the full “Deuces Are Wild” run.
However, Tyler tossed the shirt into the crowd as he finished the song. He had not thought much about that move until Wednesday, when his manager, Larry Rudolph, told him he’d read of my idea of salvaging the shirt for posterity.
So for the Aerosmith fan who nabbed that keepsake, opportunity knocks. E-mail me at JKatsilometes@reviewjournal.com to set up a return of the shirt, arrange a rare chance to meet Steven Tyler, and make some history. It’s only right.
Hope is alive
Jeff Leibow, a member of the “Jersey Boys” in its heyday at Palazzo Theater and later Paris Theater, hosts his ninth annual NF Hope Concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, in its new home, Myron’s Cabaret Jazz at the Smith Center. As always, the event benefits Neurofibromatosis Network, the organization serving families and individuals suffering from Neurofibromatosis (NF). is a genetic disorder of the nervous system characterized by tumors that can grow on any nerve in the body without warning.
Jeff and Melody Leibow’s daughter, Emma, was diagnosed with NF before she had turned a year old and has fought these tumors nearly her entire life. Leibow has raised more than $750,000 in nine years in Las Vegas, starting with the show’s debut at Harrah’s Showroom in 2010. He has also appeared on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. to fight for additional funding.
Chadwick Johnnson, Ashley Fuller Heidi Webster and Jimmy Kilduff are set to perform Sunday, along with the Leibows and even Emma. Some surprises are expected, too. Cost Tickets start at $49 and available at the Smith Center box office, online at thesmithcenter.com, or at 702-749-2000.
Cool Hang Alert
Column fave Wassa Coulibaly, formerly of “Zumanity” at New York-New York, hosts “Faces,” a celebration of African dance, at 9 p.m. Saturday and 3 pm. Sunday at Baobab Stage at Town Square.
Coulibaly, originally from Dakar, Senegal, immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager and won a role in “Zumanity” as the show opened in August 2003. She has worked (and performed) at a kinetic pace to make the Baobab work in two locations at Town Square. Coulibaly has also opened a cafe featuring African tapas, and a Wassa Wear fashion boutique — filled with her own designs — at the latest venue.
Saturday’s show is $25, Sunday’s $40 (brunch included); call 702-369-6649 or go to Baobabstage.com. It’s a rhythmically good time.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. His PodKats podcast can be found at reviewjournal.com/podcasts. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.