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Katy Perry, Viva Vision play for thousands in downtown Vegas

Updated May 29, 2023 - 6:53 pm

At one point or another, I’ve seen a Katy Perry portrayal at Fremont Street Experience.

Circle No. 14, I think. Lovely performer.

The actual pop superstar and Resorts World Theater headliner showed up around midnight Saturday. Perry was in the neighborhood for the premiere of her hits being blasted across the Viva Vision music and light show.

Perry flew into the event on the SlotZilla Zipline, ticket sales from which fund the FSE video show.

Fremont Street is usually packed on Memorial Day Weekend. An on-site report is 30,000 populated the promenade Saturday. Perry arrived in her familiar red latex pantsuit from her “Play” production at Resorts World.

The new show features Perry’s hits “California Gurls,” “Firework,” and “Waking Up In Vegas.” The video production airs in rotation from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily, at the top of each hour.

Perry’s arrival was in the midst of landmark weekend at the Fremont Street Experience. Two days later, FSE President and CEO Andrew Simon was still amazed at the turnout. He said Perry “shattered” the record for FSE Memorial Day Weekend crowds.

“The excitement and crowd size rivaled holidays like St. Patrick’s Day and New Year’s Eve,” Simon said via text Monday. “We are so thankful that she took the time out of her packed schedule to support the launch of the new Viva Vision show.

“Her kindness to her fans and our employees was one of the things that stood out most to me. It truly was a night to remember.”

Perry’s show closes in November. But she might venture back to FSE during its run. She said, “I am going to be here every night after my show.” As we say, set it to music.

Stewart, Richie blow ‘em out

Rod Stewart and Lionel Richie performed at Jill Fertitta’s 60th birthday at Red Rock Resort on Saturday night. Cocktail hour of caviar, crab, shrimp, lamb chops leading to a plated dinner.

Stewart played “Hot Legs,” among other hits. Richie played “Brick House,” among his classics.

Fertitta is married to Station Casinos CEO Frank Fertitta III. Bruno Mars, Michael Buble and Marshmello have previously performed at Fertitta family functions. Somehow, the vintage-Vegas stylings of Johnny Kats Trio has not found its way on the list …

Ears to them

Perry and her daughter, Daisy, visited “Immersive Disney Animation” at Lighthouse Artspace at The Shops at Crystals on Sunday afternoon. Team Donny Osmond (family, including grandchildren) was there Saturday.

Carrot Top(ped) out

Long-running Luxor headliner Carrot Top called out of his show Saturday. He was under the weather, even as he’s over the top …The 58-year-old prop master is now on a scheduled vacation (follow his IG feed, for aquatic activity and great commentary). He is expected back as scheduled June 5.

May We Recommend …

A show with a lotta talent and a lotta heart, “Cotton Club Revue” at The Duomo at Rio.

This is a fully committed revival of the legendary New York City venue. Tributes to Sammy Davis Jr. and (yes) Moms Mabley, tap-dancing number, live musicians, everyone dressed in Gatsby-themed costumes. Crowd was even in character the night I went.

The show is back at 6 p.m. Sunday and again June 18, hoping to build a long-term presence. Renee Davis produces and hosts. Get there.

Industrial’s strengths

We’re sold, at this juncture, on The Industrial Event Space’s ticketed-entertainment program. The Rhyolite Sound opened the “Far Out West” series Friday night. Those boys are some kinda aggressive.

The space is called Industrial Sound for public shows (please, fellas, no more titles). As such, the building boasts a studio-quality audio system, and the largest LED screen of any free-standing, non-Strip entertainment venue in the city.

About 500 folks turned out for The Rhyolite Sound performance, filing into the 10,000-square-foot performance space. Fifty-cent drink specials, a tattoo studio (free if you ordered “Far Out West” ink) were in this mix.

One suggestion: Dial back the velocity on the streamer cannons that close performances. I was struck in the nose with an unfurled role. I took a standing 8-count.

But we endorse this place. Co-owner Josh Abelson and his partners Joshua Sieck and Emiliano Palumbo of Tag Team Productions are not fooling around.

Wise move

The second Wiseguys Las Vegas comedy club is set to open at Town Square this September. Club operator Keith Stubbs announced the update over the weekend on the business’s IG feed. Big Jay Oakerson is headlining the Arts District venue this week. John Caparulo returns his “Saturday Night Special” showcase June 25.

Cool Hang Alert

Country-rock band Parade of Bad Guys plays the OG Sand Dollar Lounge, on Polaris and Spring Mountain, from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Wednesday. No cover. Get it on, if you are at least 21 years old. And as always, try the pizza.

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.

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