Best Las Vegas Review Journal | John Katsilometes Podcasts (2024)

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PodKats! Ep. 109, Ken Henderson 1:04:47

3y ago1:04:47

1:04:47

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 n…

1
PodKats! Ep. 108, Tape Face 41:55

3y ago41:55

41:55

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.By Las Vegas Review-Journal | John Katsilometes

1
PodKats! Ep. 107, Anne Martinez 1:11:13

3+ y ago1:11:13

1:11:13

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 Flynt’s Hustler Club. The show …

1
PodKats! |Ep. 106, Chris Wink 51:03

3+ y ago51:03

51:03

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 …

1
PodKats! |Ep. 105, Lance Burton 51:53

3+ y ago51:53

51:53

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 Magici…

1
PodKats! |Ep. 104, Harry Basil 41:29

3+ y ago41:29

41:29

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 tel…

1
PodKats! |Ep. 103, Mat Franco 41:20

3+ y ago41:20

41:20

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.…

1
PodKats! |Ep. 102, Brad Garrett 35:41

3+ y ago35:41

35:41

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 ar…

1
PodKats! |Ep. 101, Derek Stevens 46:19

3+ y ago46:19

46:19

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 signatur…

1
PodKats! |Ep.100 Part 4 51:06

3+ y ago51:06

51:06

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! i…

1
PodKats! |Ep.100 Part 3 41:55

3+ y ago41:55

41:55

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! i…

1
PodKats! |Ep.100 Part 2 39:52

3+ y ago39:52

39:52

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! i…

1
PodKats! |Ep.100 Part 1 39:57

3+ y ago39:57

39:57

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! i…

1
Piff The Magic Dragon | Ep. 99 54:37

3+ y ago54:37

54:37

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 Si…

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Brody Dolyniuk and Nina DiGregorio | Ep. 98 1:01:33

3+ y ago1:01:33

1:01:33

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 …

1
Wayne Newton | Ep. 97 1:10:43

3+ y ago1:10:43

1:10:43

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…

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Richard “Boz” Bosworth | Ep. 96 46:41

3+ y ago46:41

46:41

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…

1
Terry Bradshaw | Ep. 95 30:07

3+ y ago30:07

30:07

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.…

1
Bill Medley | Ep. 94 48:52

3+ y ago48:52

48:52

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…

1
Xavier Mortimer | Ep. 93 33:52

3+ y ago33:52

33:52

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 Str…

1
Melody Sweets | Ep. 92 53:43

3+ y ago53:43

53:43

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…

1
Matt and Angela Stabile | Ep. 91 53:18

3+ y ago53:18

53:18

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 accom…

1
Skye Dee Miles and Savannah Lynx | Ep. 90 54:03

3+ y ago54:03

54:03

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.…

1
Brent Barrett | Ep. 89 32:02

3+ y ago32:02

32:02

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 “L…

1
Matt Goss | Ep. 88 1:03:43

3+ y ago1:03:43

1:03:43

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 …

1
Giada Valenti | Ep. 87 49:18

3+ y ago49:18

49:18

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 s…

1
Patrick Hughes, President and CEO of Fremont Street Experience | Ep. 86 46:14

3+ y ago46:14

46:14

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…

1
Kelly Clinton Holmes and Clint Holmes | Ep. 85 46:17

4y ago46:17

46:17

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 lou…

1
Rick Harrison of 'Pawn Stars' | Ep. 84 34:01

4y ago34:01

34:01

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.By Las Vegas Review-Journal | John Katsilometes

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Adam Steck (Pt. 2) | Ep. 83 34:38

4y ago34:38

34:38

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.…

1
Adam Steck (Pt. 1) | Ep. 82 33:56

4y ago33:56

33:56

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 …

1
Pete "Big Elvis" Vallee | Ep. 81 32:55

4y ago32:55

32:55

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.By Las Vegas Review-Journal | John Katsilometes

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Spiegelworld Founder Ross Mollison | Ep. 80 42:41

4y ago42:41

42:41

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 scen…

1
David Saxe | Ep. 79 1:05:00

4y ago1:05:00

1:05:00

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.By Las Vegas Review-Journal | John Katsilometes

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Mob Museum CEO Jonathan Ullman | Ep. 78 39:18

4y ago39:18

39:18

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.By Las Vegas Review-Journal | John Katsilometes

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Introducing 'Mobbed Up: The Fight for Las Vegas' 4:47

4y ago4:47

4:47

'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 l…

1
Murray Sawchuck | Ep. 77 1:02:21

4y ago1:02:21

1:02:21

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 t…

1
Earl Turner | Ep. 76 59:58

4y ago59:58

59:58

My guest this week is Earl Turner, a 30-year entertainer in Las Vegas who known as one of the top live performers in the business. Turner has headlined at such hotel-casinos as the Dunes, Rio, Las Vegas Hilton, Westgat, Aladdin, South Point, Suncoast and the Smith Center. He is heading up “Heart And Soul” on May 23, a benefit for the youth theater …

1
Jewel | Ep. 75 30:24

4y ago30:24

30:24

Our guest this week is an international recording star, but so much more. She has dedicated her art and fame to mental health wellness. She also has a new album coming out, as well a rich history in Las Vegas. She is the one and only Jewel.By Las Vegas Review-Journal | John Katsilometes

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South Point Arena Director Steve Stallworth | Ep. 74 39:36

4y ago39:36

39:36

Our guest this week has the distinction of being the backup quarterback to Randal Cunningham at UNLV. He also has a long history of venue and event management in Las Vegas, most recently as Arena Director at South Point Arena. He is Steve Stallworth.By Las Vegas Review-Journal | John Katsilometes

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'Bar Rescue' Host Jon Taffer | Ep. 73 27:04

4y ago27:04

27:04

Our guest this week is Jon Taffer, who has spent 45 years in the hospitality business, saving bars while often employing some inhospitable methods. In his club-salvaging “Bar Rescue” TV series, he can be rough, even brutal, in his on-site assessments. Today, he is on a mission to “reset” the Las Vegas hospitality industry.…

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Las Vegas Nightlife Executive Sean Christie | Ep. 72 1:00:56

4y ago1:00:56

1:00:56

Our guest this week is accomplished Las Vegas nightlife executive Sean Christie. He has worked with such companies as the Light Group, Wynn and most recently, MGM Resorts International, where he signed on in 2017. During his time with MGM, Christie led the launch of such Park MGM clubs as NoMad Restaurant and Bar, Mama Rabbit, Moneyline and Mayfair…

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Travis Cloer | Ep. 71 36:37

4y ago36:37

36:37

Our guest this week is Travis Cloer, a former member of the Las Vegas cast of “Jersey Boys." Travis performed in the show from 2008 at Palazzo Theater through its closing at Paris Las Vegas in September 2016. Travis has been active on social media during the Coronavirus outbreak and has launched a series of performances, called 'QuaranTunes,' on hi…

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'Sexxy' Creator Jennifer Romas | Ep. 70 38:50

4y ago38:50

38:50

Our guest this week is the creator, director and star of “Sexxy” at Westgate Las Vegas, Jennifer Romas. Romas has lived in Las Vegas since joining “Splash” at the Riviera in 1997. She has since been a favorite dancer and choreographer in the city and launched Sexxy in March of 2015. She talks of the family endeavor, how she has kept up the spirits …

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Smith Center President Myron Martin | Ep. 69 42:38

4y ago42:38

42:38

Our guest this week is Las Vegas royalty, Myron Martin, who joins us to chat about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the Las Vegas performing arts community. Martin has served as the director of Liberace Museum and as the director of the UNLV Performing Arts Center. Today he’s president and CEO of the Smith Center for the Performing Arts at…

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Penn's Sunday School (Pt. 2) | Ep. 68 45:10

4y ago45:10

45:10

Surprise! We're releasing the rest of our crossover episode with Penn's Sunday School a few days early, seeing that we could all use a little extra at-home entertainment during this period of social distancing. We'll be back with another new episode for you on Monday.By Las Vegas Review-Journal | John Katsilometes

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Penn's Sunday School (Pt. 1) | Ep. 67 33:23

4y ago33:23

33:23

This week, we are joining forces with our friends at Penn’s Sunday School, the powerhouse podcast hosted by Las Vegas legend Penn Jillette, to release a crossover episode on both of our podcast feeds. Here is part one of my conversation with Penn and his co-host, Michael Goudeau. Part two will be up next Monday. (NOTE: This episode was recorded in …

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Raiders Owner Mark Davis | Ep. 66 41:09

4y ago41:09

41:09

Our guest this week is the owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, Mark Davis. He joined us at Sid’s Cafe inside Westgate Las Vegas to talk about the team's transition to Las Vegas, the coronavirus scare, free agency rumors, Neil Diamond and more. Note that this episode was recorded on March 9, and news on the coronavirus scare has moved quickly since then…