Las Vegas Review-Journal (Sunday)
Timmons wants more buzz for ‘Men’
JEFF Timmons has directed the cast of “Men of the Strip” to halt the application of body oil for a few weeks.
He wants more time to generate publicity across the country, even internationally.
And we can expect 1990s heartthrobs 98 Degrees to play into this delay-and-conquer strategy.
Timmons’ male revue, five years in development, was to open last Thursday at Tropicana’s Havana Room nightclub. Instead, Timmons and co-producers “Money Mike”
Folan and Daniel Kouretas of Kouretas Entertainment Group of Las Vegas moved the show back to July 14.
Timmons says “Men of the Strip” could have opened for previews already. But that is not the point.
“We have been sidetracked with other projects, and we need a little more time to build a national buzz,” said Timmons, a founding member of 98 Degrees who just wrapped a tour with the reunited boy band in the fall. “We are looking at a national ad campaign, some national TV talk shows, to help hype what we’ve got going on in Las Vegas.”
While no official announcement is yet made, expect this activity to be centered on 98 Degrees.
The time line fits a touring schedule and upcoming album announcement — though Timmons is yet to formally announce any specific plans with the group.
The show joins the new revue “Magic Mike Live,” backed by Channing Tatum at Hard Rock Hotel, along with proven sellers “Chippendales” at the Rio and “Thunder from Down Under” at Excalibur.
Timmons has long claimed there is room for his dance show, as he taps into his own name recognition and plans a rotation of guest hosts.
As it is, Timmons is set to host the show for the first five months, saying, “I might even join the guys in a number.”
Santana’s legendary sidemen
Current members of the legendary R&B duo the Isley
Brothers — vocalist Ronnie Isley and his younger brother, guitarist Ernie Isley — joined
Carlos Santana at House of Blues on Wednesday night. The lineup played a foursong sampling of an album on which they collaborated, due out this summer. Ronnie Isley, a founding member of the Isley Brothers, appeared on “Santana IV.”
Wandering around
Bronx Wanderers founder
Vinny Adinolfi recites an Old Vegas story during each show at Windows Showroom at Bally’s: When Elvis was playing the Las Vegas Hilton, Wayne
Newton once scrambled onstage in a waiter’s outfit to deliver a cocktail.
The King busted up. During a show a few months ago, Adinolfi told the story once more — and Newton arrived, again, in a tux while carrying a tray with a drink. The video of that moment now plays during every Bronx Wanderers show.
Coolio in the poolio
You might know that rap star Coolio launched Memorial Day Weekend at Flamingo’s Go Pool on Friday.
You might know that he lives in North Las Vegas and has a recording studio in his home.
Coolio performed “Fantastic Voyage,” “1,2, 3, 4 (Sumpin’ New)” and “C U When U Get There.” He closed the show by leaping into the drink and performing “Gangsta’s Paradise.” Splashy, for sure. Fiery return
“The Summer of the Dragon” is upon us. This is the run of 40 straight shows by Piff the Magic Dragon and his canine sidekick, Mr. Piffles, at Bugsy’s Cabaret at Flamingo Las Vegas. Show time is 8 p.m.
The show’s run began May 22. As always, Piff (real name of
John van der Put) bills himself as “The Loser of ‘America’s Got Talent,’ ” having reached the Season 10 finals before losing to ventriloquist Paul Zerdin.
Piff ’s show is a mirthful mix of magic, comedy, costuming and dog-sitting. He debuted as a side act in “Vegas Nocturne” at Rose. Rabbit. Lie. at the Cosmopolitan, and he remains the lone member of that cast to headline his own show on the Strip. Oh, Kendra …
Expect a ribald ride on social media with Kendra
Wilkinson during her run in “Sex Tips For a Straight Woman from a Gay Man.”
Before Saturday night’s opening at Paris Las Vegas, Wilkinson informed her 2.7 million Twitter followers of a grooming requirement she performed so she could properly perform her role of Robyn.
For specifics, hit her page. A lot of information therein.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.