Stevens believed in Knights-vegas union
THE Kats! Bureau at this writing is the home office in the Arts District. The Bureau went silent for a couple of days for a trip to Disneyland, where I observed Mickey Mouse actually signing autographs.
Upon return, I swept into (pun intended) the D Las Vegas Longbar to watch the Vegas Golden Knights finish off the Los Angeles Kings. Positioned in Seat 1, as always, was co-owner Derek Stevens.
So I have spent quality time with a beloved character with a beguiling image and distinctively recognizable attire. The other is Mickey Mouse.
In case you are interested, Stevens had no money on the Knights-kings series. He famously waged $25,000 on Michigan to win the NCAA Tournament title this year, a bet that would have paid $1 million had the Wolverines prevailed. They didn’t, nor did he.
But there will be no such gaming theatrics this time. “I’m just rooting,” says Stevens, whose hotel is the official Downtown Las Vegas casino partner of the newest NHL franchise team.
Stevens hails from Detroit and, for a few years, actually lived downtown in an apartment building connected to Joe Louis Arena, the longtime home of the Detroit Red Wings.
“The Red Wings always had a big, big impact on the community, and I remember that very vividly” Stevens says. “Detroit was kind of known as Hockeytown. The energy the Red Wings created around the community was so tremendous, and I always felt if Las Vegas could get an NHL team, the same thing would happen here.”
It has, so Stevens is sporting a No. 18 James Neal jersey and Golden Knights hat, which he wears backward for (I believe) good luck. But just for rooting purposes. No wagering — and that goes for the remainder of the playoffs, too.
Myron at Myron’s
Those venturing to Myron’s Cabaret Jazz at the Smith Center to join Norm Clarke in his latest “Conversations With Norm” speaker series included venue namesake and Smith Center President Myron Martin, Clint Holmes, Kelly Clinton-holmes, Earl Turner and myself. The discussion was loosely (as it turned out) themed on the evolution of
Las Vegas entertainment. It was great fun, kind of like playing a live version of “Vegas Jeopardy,” with lots of frivolity from the stage.
Martin mentioned a few of the resident superstars on the Strip, “We have Celine, Britney, J-LO — and there’s always room for J-LO!”
Fans of TV commercials starring a certain embattled comedian will understand that pun …
Burlesque throws it open
The only person at Tuesday’s Burlesque Hall of Fame opening ceremony who had difficulty handling a pink boa was Mayor Carolyn Goodman. But after a few attempts cutting through the boa, which was used in place of a ribbon for the opening event, her honor ably finished the task.
Burlesque legend Tempest Storm led the list of stars attending the event, a lineup that also included event emcee Melody Sweets, 2005 Miss Exotic World Michelle L’amour, Miss Exotic World co-host Blanche Debris, 2015 Mr. Exotic World Matt Finish; and touring star (and former Las Vegan) Roxi D’lite.
BHOF Executive Director Dustin Wax and his staff of Buttercup, Darby Fox and Rae Hanley (and a host of volunteers) have revitalized an important attraction in downtown Las Vegas. As the only permanent museum in the country devoted to the burlesque culture and history, BHOF should effectively complement such favored Vegas destinations as Neon Museum and Mob Museum.
And on that topic …
Underground activity
On Thursday, The Mob Museum will host its much-anticipated (at least, I have been anticipating it much) grand unveiling of The Underground at the Mob Museum. The space opens to the public 9 a.m. Friday.
Prohibition history is unearthed underground with a working distillery and speakeasy in a 1920s-themed entertainment/educational space. I love the speakeasy concept and live-entertainment stage — and eager to see how it is programmed. But I’ll appreciate the distillery’s offerings only visually.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at jkatsilometes@ reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @ Johnnykats1 on Instagram. As of 9 p.m. Wednesday:
1. Employees shot at Las Vegas picnic ‘part of the fabric’ of Venetian
The Venetian employees shot at a company picnic Sunday had worked at the hotel-casino since its 1999 opening and were “part of the fabric” of the property, according to its operator. 2. Suspended Las Vegas lawyer Jacob Hafter dies at age 42
Controversial Las Vegas lawyer Jacob Hafter, who was suspended by the Nevada Supreme Court in November, died Tuesday at the age of 42.
3. Letter to Clark County School Board alleging discrimination triggers inquiry
The Clark County
School District will hire an external investigator to examine allegations made by a former employee in a letter that has rattled the system with accusations that the Employee Management Relations department engages in rampant favoritism and discrimination.
4. Federal warrant issued for Las Vegas park shooting suspect
A criminal complaint, filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court, charged 42-yearold Anthony J. Wrobel with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution after the shooting that killed a Strip hotel-casino executive and injured another.
5. Sweep! Golden Knights oust LA Kings 1-0 to reach Western semifinals
Marc-andre Fleury posted his second shutout and Brayden Mcnabb’s second-period goal proved the game-winner as the Golden Knights beat the Los Angeles Kings 1-0 to sweep their Western Conference quarterfinal series Wednesday night. As of 9 p.m. Wednesday:
1. Creamberry in Las Vegas makes a cotton candy burrito
Creamberry’s cotton candy burrito is your choice of ice cream flavor (from more than 20) and toppings (lots of choices) wrapped in multiple flavors and colors of cotton candy.
2. Suspended Las Vegas lawyer Jacob Hafter dies at age 42
The controversial lawyer was suspended by the Nevada Supreme Court in Novemeber for lying under oath and making derogatory public comments about a district judge.
3. LVMPD briefing on manhunt for suspect in deadly Sunset Park shooting
A multiagency effort is ongoing to find suspect Anthony Wrobel since the incident Sunday night.