Jacko may still be eyeing Vegas deal
Michael Jackson's future was probably part of the dinner conversation Tuesday when he met with Thomas Barrack Jr., the man who rescued the singer's Neverland Ranch from public auction.
Barrack, chairman and CEO of Colony Capital LLC, dined with Jackson in the Las Vegas Hilton's Verona Sky Villa.
Barrack, a real estate magnate, recently paid $23.5 million for the 2,700-acre Neverland property. Jackson released a statement at the time indicating he was working with Barrack, who is a partner with Colony Resorts LVH Acquisitions LLC.
Jackson had defaulted on loan payments on the Santa Barbara County property.
Jackson, who recently met with Donald Trump associates at Trump International Hotel & Tower, has been scouting for a Vegas deal since arriving in late 2006.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Paris Hilton will film her new reality show, "My New BFF," at the Tropicana on Sunday with six of the contestants, who will perform two dance routines with "Folies Bergere" cast members. The contestants will rehearse Saturday morning. ...
A sake-tasting fundraiser featuring 20 of Japan's top brewmasters and 150 premium sakes is being held tonight at the Palms to benefit the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute. ...
Wayne Newton has taped NBC's "Celebrity Family Feud," and it will air in early July. Newton's episode included Joan Rivers, Raven-Symone (from "That's So Raven") and Ice T, and their families. Newton's family consisted of wife Kathleen, daughter Erin Newton, mother-in-law Marilyn McCrone and sister-in-law Tricia McCrone. ...
Illusionist Steve Wyrick just signed a 13-episode reality show deal for a show that will be titled "Steve Wyrick: Tricky Bizness." It's a hush-hush deal, so we can't name the network just yet. But he said his recent appearance on the David Letterman show has provided a shot in the arm. "We're kicking butt at the theater," Wyrick said. Plus he's on "Celebracadabra," the VH1 show that features magicians coaching celebrities through magic tricks. ...
Kevin Federline's Father-of-the-Year hosting appearance at Privé nightclub (Planet Hollywood Resort) is next Friday, not this Friday.
SIGHTINGS
NFL All-Pro linebacker Al Wilson, partying at Pure (Caesars Palace) on Tuesday night. At another table, former heavyweight world champ Mike Tyson. ... Hollywood icon Garry Marshall, attending the 10 p.m. performance of "Jersey Boys" (Palazzo) to take in Joseph Leo Bwarie's last Vegas performance as Frankie Valli. He's taking over the same role on the "Jersey Boys" national tour.
PUNCHLINE
"The senator is in intense negotiations with Jim Beam." -- From David Letterman's Top Ten Things Overheard at Hillary Clinton Campaign Headquarters
Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.
