Podcast appearances and mentions of John Katsilometes

Guests: Congresswoman Dina Titus CD 1 John Katsilometes, Daily Entertainment Columnist, LVRJ

Guests: Congresswoman Dina Titus CD 1 John Katsilometes, Daily Entertainment Columnist, LVRJ

April Brucker is a versatile American actress, author, comedienne, and television personality with a diverse range of credits to her name. Born and raised in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, April discovered her passion for entertainment at a young age. She honed her skills in acting and comedy over the years, eventually making a name for herself in the competitive worlds of New York City and Las Vegas. In New York City, April made a mark on the cabaret and comedy club scenes, performing at renowned venues such as Don't Tell Mama, The Duplex, and The Metropolitan Room. Her talents also extended to off-Broadway productions, including the long-running dinner theater show "Murdered by The Mob." April's television career is equally impressive, with appearances on popular shows like "Entertainment Tonight," "Inside Edition," and "The Wendy Williams Show." She has also showcased her comedic talents on programs such as "Judge Jerry," "Videos After Dark," and "What Would You Do?" Her appearance on Season 1, Episode 4, of TLC's "My Strange Addiction" (streaming on Amazon, Hulu, Max, etc.) has made April a cult fan favorite worldwide. In Las Vegas, April has become a fixture in the entertainment scene, performing at prestigious venues like Notoriety Theater and Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Her nine-month stint as a special guest star in the classic Vegas showgirl revue "BurlesQ" at Alexis Park Resort further solidified her status as a sought-after performer in the city. She hosts "April in Vegas," a streaming TV chat show produced on location at The English Hotel in the Las Vegas Arts District. Las Vegas Review-Journal entertainment columnist John Katsilometes has dubbed her the "ventriloquial vixen," Beyond her work on stage and screen, April is also a talented writer. She holds a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing & Screenwriting from Antioch University Los Angeles and has authored two books, “Don't Read My Lips!” and “I Came, I Saw I Sang.” April Brucker's journey from a small town in Pennsylvania to the bright lights of New York City and Las Vegas is a testament to her dedication and passion for the arts. Her unique blend of humor, talent, and charisma continues to captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying her status as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry.​ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theanthonyrogersshow/message

Undoubtedly, one of the most colorful characters in the history of Las Vegas is Oscar Goodman. Oscar has been a part of the Vegas scene since the mid-60's when he moved to town to practice law and ended up with some of the most notorious organized crime figures on his client list including Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal & Tony "The Ant" Spilotro.  Following his time as a defense attorney, he successfully ran for mayor, going on to serve three terms.  He had a cameo - as himself - in the film, "Casino" starring Robert DeNiro & Joe Pesci.  And, he even contemplated a run for Governor of Nevada. Now, in his mid-80's, he's the subject of a new podcast series. Season 3 of Mobbed Up - The Fight For Las Vegas focuses on the life & times of Oscar Goodman. Joining for for this episode, and making his second appearance on the podcast is John Katsilometes, columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal who's also serving as host for this season of Mobbed Up. John & I discussed what went into creating this season of Mobbed Up, how he convinced Oscar to be a part of the podcast, and how many hours he spent sitting with Oscar collecting his stories. Season 3 of Mobbed Up - The Fight For Las Vegas is available September 14th, 2023 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere else you listen to podcasts. Be sure to follow John Katsilometes on X & Instagram and check out his column, Kats, at the Las Vegas Review-Journal. __________________________________________________________________________ Become a Jeff Does Vegas Insider today for only $5 USD/month & enjoy all kinds of cool perks like early access to new episodes, commercial-free versions of EVERY episode, invites to exclusive live streams & videos, insider-only virtual hangouts and even real-life in-person hangouts IN Las Vegas! Sign up NOW at patreon.com/jeffdoesvegas __________________________________________________________________________ Jeff Does Vegas is an official Vegas.com affiliate!  Help support the podcast & get exclusive deals by booking your hotel stays, shows, attractions, tours, clubs and even complete vacation packages (including air & hotel) with our special link!

This week, Ira spoke with John Katsilometes (KATS!), the man-about-town whose column runs daily in the Las Vegas Review-Journal. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” John talks about the most important changes in Las Vegas entertainment; his podcast series, “Mobbed Up”; his goal of eventually writing a book; getting sleep when he can; why what he does is a “participation sport”; and some of his favorite performers.

When you really want to know what's going on in the Las Vegas entertainment scene, there's only one guy you need to turn to...and he's my guest for this episode of the podcast! John Katsilometes is the writer of "Kats!", a daily column in the Las Vegas Review-Journal that covers everything & anything to do with entertainment in Vegas, both on and off the Vegas Strip. John was kind enough to join me to chat about his beginnings in the world of journalism, how me moved from writing about sports to writing about entertainment, some of the big stories he's broken during his career, and much more! Check out "Kats!" on the Las Vegas Review-Journal's website, follow John on Twitter & Instagram for all the latest happenings in Vegas, and check out his podcast, "Podkats!" __________________________________________________________________________ Become a Jeff Does Vegas Insider today for only $5 USD/month & enjoy all kinds of cool perks like early access to new episodes, commercial-free versions of EVERY episode, invites to exclusive live streams & videos, insider-only virtual hangouts and even real-life in-person hangouts IN Las Vegas! Sign up NOW at patreon.com/jeffdoesvegas __________________________________________________________________________ Jeff Does Vegas is an official Vegas.com affiliate!  Help support the podcast & get exclusive deals by booking your hotel stays, shows, attractions, tours, clubs and even complete vacation packages (including air & hotel) with our special link!

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/John_Katsilometes_101121.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with John Katsilometes (KATS), the man-about-town, whose column runs daily on page 3A in the Las Vegas Review-Journal. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Katsilometes talks about the effect of COVID on the Las Vegas entertainment scene; how Las Vegas deals with the protocols and messaging for visitors; why small-capacity entertainers have found a way to continue to perform; how Las Vegas expands the rules for entrainment; why he believes it's important to embrace pushing the boundaries; how entertainment is in transition; why Las Vegas allows you to grow as a professional and as a person; and why social media allows journalists another set of options to tell stories.

We take a closer look at the current state of celebrity sightings in Las Vegas: where to go and who you might find there. And we get top-shelf help from two people who do it for a living: Melinda Sheckells of "Off the Strip" and John Katsilometes, the Man About Town for the Las Vegas Review Journal. And this week's co-host is Diana Brier, owner of Valley Wine & Cheese in Henderson. Wonder about her cheese bone fides? How about this? Diana is one of only 45 people in the country to hold a Certified Cheese Sensory Evaluator Certificate from the American Cheese Society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our guest this week is Ken Henderson, who has opened Notoriety on the top floor of Neonopolis. The multi-theater annex takes over the old Galaxy Theaters and Krave Nightclub space. Notoriety has hosted comedy, magic, and live music throughout COVID. Henderson told us of his vision for the venue, what’s coming next, and also his history as a Vegas native, including his time portraying Caesar at Caesars Palace.

Our guest this week is Sam Wills, better known as the comic mime Tape Face. The “America’s Got Talent” alum has been headlining at Harrah’s Showroom throughout COVID. He has added some speaking, some new props, and fake fans to his new socially distant show.

Our guest this week is Anne Martinez, who arrived in town in 2012 to sing in the adult revue “Bite” at the Stratosphere. She has since appeared in several top-notch productions on and off the Strip, including “Baz” at the Palazzo and “Fantasy” at Luxor. She is currently the main singer at “Sexxy After Dark,” at Larry Flint’s Hustler Club. The show is an offshoot of Jennifer Romas’ topless revue at Westgate Cabaret. Martinez has been busy throughout COVID, singing and performing at multiple venues, showing off her ample talent, versatility, and work ethic.

Siegfried Fischbacher, famously known as being one half of the legendary stage act, Siegfried and Roy, passed away at the age of 81. The duo had the biggest illusion act on the Las Vegas strip at The Mirage for many years. Roy lost his battle with COVID-19 months ago in 2020. Sean and Dayna talk to Las Vegas Review-Journal entertainment columnist, John Katsilometes about their impact on the entertainment capital of the world. Kats also gets you up to date on all the live entertainment happenings on and off the strip. Sean and Dayna discuss some cool gadgets coming out of this year's CES show. The Vegas Golden Knights start a new season. Plus, a great restaurant deal and a nice park just off the strip in their secret tips. Sign up for a podcaster account on Buzzsprout, it's so easy! Use THIS LINK and get a $20 Amazon gift card. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=UCMULZYF325PL)

Our guest this week is the amazing Chris Wink. The inventive artist helped establish the Blue Man Group, which has headlined in Las Vegas since 2000. He split with the Blue Men in 2017, to take a creative position at Area15. He also developed Wink World: Portals To The Infinite.” The 15,000-square-foot, multisensory art experience is a celebration of Wink’s neon dreams

Our guest this week is a legend in the world of entertainment. He’s a 40-year performer and headliner in Las Vegas headed up his own show at Monte Carlo for 14 years ending in 2010. He’s since moved back to his original family farm in Kentucky, no longer a Las Vegas resident. But he made his mark in the magic world on the Strip. He is Master Magician Lance Burton.

Our guest this week is a longtime standup comic and also the manager of Laugh Factory at the Tropicana, Harry Basil. Harry has a history of headlining in Las Vegas dating to 1984 when he shared the bill with such rising stars as Louie Anderson, Andrew Dice Clay, and Jim Carrey. These days he is booking veteran comedians, including Dice Clay. He tells us of the challenges he has running the room during COVID, and also some memories of Rodney Dangerfield AND Jerry Lewis.

Our guest this week is the champion of Season 9 of “America’s Got Talent” and a five-year headliner at Linq Hotel, magician Mat Franco. Mat is set to return to the stage on December 17th. He tells us how he’s worked to keep sharp during COVID with online performances. He’s also adopted meditation over the long break in performances.

Our guest this week is MGM Grand headliner and TV star Brad Garrett. Brad has returned to Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club, which has moved from the Underground at MGM Grand to Studio A & B at the entrance of MGM Grand Garden Arena. Garrett has returned to the stage for the first time in eight months. He is getting accustomed to the spaced-out seating arrangements, and pandemic protocols. He also talks about how he ran afoul of the Disney HR department during the taping of his ABC sitcom “Single Parents.”

Las Vegas Review Journal entertainment writer, @johnnykats1 (aka Johnny Kats), joins A Drink With Derek once again to talk about Vegas' reopening. Dying for some live entertainment? He tells us what's opening and when. Don't miss this episode. Be sure to follow him on social media to be the first in the know!

John Katsilometes is an entertainment columnist at the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He's also the recipient of the Nevada Press Association's journalist of the year in 2013 and has won Best of the West and EPPY journalism awards. Vegas lovers - you don't want to miss this one!

My guest this week is the co-owner of Circa Las Vegas, and also co-owner of the D and Golden Gate, on Fremont Street, Derek Stevens. We met with Derek just a couple of days after Circa’s opening, at Victory Burger overlooking the Circa sportsbook. Derek explained his vision for the property, the challenges of opening during a pandemic, his signature amenities -- including Stadium Swim -- and who exactly is his clientele. This interview was also a Review-Journal Facebook Live broadcast, which Derek learned DURING the interview.

I am on the prowl, indeed! Welcome to PodKats! This is Kats, John Katsilometes, of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. My column is called Kats!, fittingly enough. Find it on page 3A every day, and online all the time. This is a landmark episode of PodKats! No. 100. We have collected a compilation of some of our favorite moments since debuting PodKats! in November 2018. Part 4 of 4

I am on the prowl, indeed! Welcome to PodKats! This is Kats, John Katsilometes, of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. My column is called Kats!, fittingly enough. Find it on page 3A every day, and online all the time. This is a landmark episode of PodKats! No. 100. We have collected a compilation of some of our favorite moments since debuting PodKats! in November 2018. Part 3 of 4

I am on the prowl, indeed! Welcome to PodKats! This is Kats, John Katsilometes, of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. My column is called Kats!, fittingly enough. Find it on page 3A every day, and online all the time. This is a landmark episode of PodKats! No. 100. We have collected a compilation of some of our favorite moments since debuting PodKats! in November 2018. Part 2 of 4

I am on the prowl, indeed! Welcome to PodKats! This is Kats, John Katsilometes, of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. My column is called Kats!, fittingly enough. Find it on page 3A every day, and online all the time. This is a landmark episode of PodKats! No. 100. We have collected a compilation of some of our favorite moments since debuting PodKats! in November 2018. Part 1 of 4

My guest this week is the first headliner to return to the Las Vegas Strip since the pandemic reopening, Piff The Magic Dragon. The comic magician whose legal name is John van der Put is moving from his self-named theater at Bugsy’s Cabaret to the Flamingo Showroom. He can play to 250 people, socially distant, and is returning with showgirl Jade Simone and Mr. Piffles, who turns 13 next month. Piff tells us what it feels like be ahead of the pack in returning to the stage in Vegas.

My guests this week are two acclaimed artists in Las Vegas, Brody Dolyniuk and Nina DiGregorio. He is the founder of the popular rock-cover band Yellow Brick Road. She is the founder of the rock-violin company Bella Electric Strings. They have performed around Las Vegas and across the country for many years, but their lives were turned upside down by the COVID shutdown. But the couple has found a silver lining in the arrival of their daughter Raina Marie, as they build a family during the pandemic.

My guest this week is the man forever known as Mr. Las Vegas, Wayne Newton. Our chat takes place at his residence of Flathead Lake in northwestern Montana. Wayne talks of his early days in Las Vegas, his defining song “Danke Schoen,” and his relationship with Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, and how he hopes to return his “Up Close & Personal” show to Caesars Palace.

My guest this week is the man in charge of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Richard Bosworth. We call him “Boz.” He is presiding over a $200 million hotel-wide renovation of the old Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. The resort is set to reopen January 15th, nearly a year after the original Hard Rock closed. There are many 16 new restaurants, an expanded casino floor, a giant pool deck, and renovations coming to the former Joint music hall.

My guest this week is an NFL legend, a pro football Hall of Famer and co-host of Fox Sports NFL coverage. He’s also the star of “The Bradshaw Bunch” reality show on E! Entertainment, and the “Terry Bradshaw Show” at Luxor. He is four-time Super Bowl champion and -- as it turns out -- something of a Las Vegas Raiders fan. He is Terry Bradshaw.

My guest this week is a rock and roll legend and co-founder of the Righteous Brothers, Bill Medley, who has been met with several challenges during the pandemic shutdown. The Righteous Brothers show at Harrah’s is sidelined. Bill underwent surgery to remove a growth from his throat in May, and he also lost his wife, Paula, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. Medley is eager to return to the stage, and has been performing live-stream shows with partner Bucky Heard at The Space in Las Vegas. Medley also turns 80 this week and talks about how he feels as he reaches that milestone.

My guest this week is Xavier Mortimer, the first Cirque du Soleil performer to ever headline his own show on the Las Vegas Strip. He has been the star of “Magical Dream” at two Las Vegas venues, most recently The Magic Attic at Bally’s. That’s where this interview was held, as we talk magic, social media, and reality TV with the great Las Vegas Strip magician.

My guest this week on a very special episode of PodKats! Live is burlesque star Melody Sweets, late of “Absinthe” at Caesars Palace. Sweets left the show in October of 2017 and is developing her own headlining show with Matt and Angela Stabile of Stabile Productions. This episode was originally a Facebook Live staged in the backyard of Sweets’ home in Las Vegas. So, you will hear drop-ins from John Di Domenico as Donald Trump, Piff The Magic Dragon, Xavier Mortimer, and Jennifer Romas of “Sexxy.” Enjoy.

My guests this week are Matt and Angela Stabile of Stabile Productions. Their company produces the adult reviews X Burlesque, X Country, X Rocks, and as Piff the Magic Dragon. All of those shows are in Caesars Entertainment hotels. Angela Stabile started her career as a dancer in such stage shows as Minsky’s Folies and Crazy Girls; Matt is an accomplished video editor and producer, and he comes from a famous entertainment family. His father, Joe, managed an entertainment legend for nearly 50 years.

Our guests this week are the two singers at Rose. Rabbit. Lie. supper club at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Skye Dee Miles, and Savannah Lynx. Miles has been a Vegas favorite for more than a decade, arriving to co-star in “Menopause The Musical” at Las Vegas Hilton and also performing for years at the Tropicana Lounge and 1923 Bourbon & Burlesque. Lynx joined Rose. Rabbit. Lie. last year and has been featured in Fantasy at Lu

Our guest this week is Brent Barrett, an original Phantom in “Phantom -- The Las Vegas Spectacular” at the Venetian. Barrett was in that role for two years, and has an extensive Broadway and touring resume. He has portrayed Billy Flynn in “Chicago” more times than any other actor, and also appeared in “The Producers” “Camelot” “Kiss Me Kate” and “La Cage Aux Folies.” He is currently entertainment director at The Vegas Room, the city’s new cool hang. The supper club is in the famous Commercial Center on East Sahara Avenue, and serves dinner with live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. The schedule expands to Thursdays on Labor Day weekend, with a show headlined by Barrett himself.

Our guest this week is Matt Goss, an 11-year Las Vegas resident headliner and a superstar in the U.K. During the COVID shutdown, the Bros. co-founder had been talking directly to fans on Instagram Live. He joins Kats at his home in Las Vegas to talk about those conversations, share some memorable moments from his career and discuss what’s next for him in Las Vegas and beyond.

Our guest this week is Italian siren and multi-language singer Giada Valenti, who has made her mark in Vegas in a short period of time. She hosts her own singing, interview and cooking shows on Facebook Live, has appeared on her own special on PBS and happens to have been the last headliner at Myron’s Cabaret Jazz at the Smith Center prior to the shutdown.

Our guest this week is the president and CEO of Fremont Street Experience, Patrick Hughes. Hughes has headed up the upgrade to the Viva Vision Light Show and advanced the promenade’s extensive live entertainment program, including the Downtown Rocks series of free concerts. He has announced unexpectedly that he will be leaving his post on Halloween of this year.

Our guests this week are Las Vegas power couple Kelly Clinton Holmes and Clint Holmes. Clint arrived in town in 1999 to headline at Golden Nugget and has been in residency at Myron’s Cabaret Jazz and Palazzo Theater. Kelly is the pride of Clark High School who sang with Wayne Newton and currently performs on Wednesday nights at Tuscany’s Piazza lounge.

Our guest this week is Rick Harrison, co-star of History channel's 'Pawn Stars' and co-owner of Gold & Silver Pawn in downtown Las Vegas, among other titles. Kats sat down with Rick at Gold & Silver Pawn, where they donned masks to discuss Pawn Stars, the pandemic and more.

Once again, we are joined by Adam Steck, founder of SPI Entertainment, which produces Thunder from Down Under, Hans Klok and the Australian Bee Gees show at Excalibur. This is part two of Kats's interview with Steck, so if you missed last Monday's episode, be sure to check it out before continuing on with this one.

Our guest this week is Adam Steck, the founder of SPI Entertainment, which produces Thunder from Down Under, Hans Klok and the Australian Bee Gees show at Excalibur. Steck also produces Boyz II Men at The Mirage and Human Nature, most recently at the Venetian. He’s looking to return to action as soon as possible at Thunderland Showroom, where this interview takes place.

Our guest this week is Big Elvis himself, Pete Vallee, whom Kats sits down with at the Piano Bar inside Harrah's Las Vegas, where Vallee has been a headliner since 2012. The city’s longest-running Elvis tribute artist, Vallee has been a headliner in Las Vegas since 1997.

Returning to PodKats! this week is Ross Mollison, the founder of Spiegelworld and producer of Las Vegas Strip production shows “Absinthe” at Caesars Palace, “Opium” at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and “Atomic Saloon Show” at The Venetian’s Grand Canal Shops. Mollison has become a leading entertainment figure in Las Vegas since arriving on the scene with “Absinthe” in 2011.

Las Vegas resort casinos are officially allowed to open, not all of them chose to do so, but the ones that did opened with style and a lot of guests! Many of the casinos opened at 12:01 a.m. on June 4th. Sean and Dayna chat with entertainment columnist, John Katsilometes, from the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Kats was there when The D opened for the first time in months along Fremont Street. He's also visited several hotel casinos on the strip. Hear his observations and what you can expect if you plan to visit. Kats has also talked to executives about when we could possibly see shows back inside theaters on the strip. We also talk about the live entertainment that IS available right now. Sean and Dayna also have their tips, which include questions from twitter followers about Las Vegas.

Our guest this week is David Saxe, the founder of David Saxe Productions, which has shows on stage at V Theater and Saxe Theater at Miracle Mile Shops. He has been in Vegas his entire life and joins PodKats! to share his perspective on the city's past, present and future.

My guest this week is the man behind the Mob in Las Vegas, The Mob Museum President and CEO Jonathan Ullman. Ullman outlines the museum’s new health and safety measures, describes some of his favorite exhibits and retraces the museum's history in the former federal courthouse in downtown Las Vegas.

'Mobbed Up: The Fight for Las Vegas' is a brand-new podcast from the Las Vegas Review-Journal, chronicling the rise and fall of the mob in Las Vegas through wiretap recordings, archival audio and interviews with those who were around during the mob days. The first two episodes are available now. Subscribe by searching for 'Mobbed Up' wherever you listen to PodKats!, or visit www.reviewjournal.com/mobbedup for more information.

This week, we were record a socially distanced episode at the Las Vegas residence of Murray Sawchuck, also known as Murray the Magician, a veteran Las Vegas Strip headliner who debuted at The Frontier in 2002. He’s currently at the Laugh Factory at Tropicana and is the guest performer in Fantasy at Luxor. He also recently visited the Oklahoma zoo that was the center of the Netflix phenomenon “Tiger King.”