Resident talent coming at Joint

The Hard Rock Hotel and entertainment powerhouse Anschutz Entertainment Group are planning an announcement any day now on the rock 'n' roll talent they've signed to a residency deal for the new Joint.

John Meglen, co-CEO and president of AEG Live/Concerts West, told reporters last week that the announcement would come by the end of March.

The act would spend two to three weeks at the Hard Rock several times a year, similar to AEG's deals with entertainers at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

The Hard Rock and AEG hope to sign two more star acts for 2010.

With the exploding popularity of The Killers here and abroad, one would think the opportunity to stay home for a battery-charging residency gig might sound like an appealing alternative to touring.

'JUST FELT WRONG'

There was grumbling in the ranks at Shadow Creek Golf Club on Friday when a number of top MGM Mirage executives got together for some golf on a day when the company was on the verge of bankruptcy.

Seeing them on the golf course "just felt wrong," a spy said.

Among the group: Bobby Baldwin, president and chief executive officer of the embattled CityCenter project, and Chris Nordling, MGM Mirage executive vice president and chief financial officer.

MGM Mirage made a $200 million debt payment on Friday that averted a bankruptcy filing and a potential shutdown of the $8.7 billion CityCenter development.

Baldwin, reached by e-mail, confirmed he was at Shadow Creek on Friday afternoon.

"We worked day and night to arrange for the funding for CityCenter," he wrote.

Shadow Creek is under Baldwin's direct corporate duties, and MGM Mirage hosts "service our guests at Shadow Creek seven days a week," he said. "As you might imagine we are very busy."

MGM Mirage spokesman Alan Feldman said Baldwin is regularly involved with clients, especially during a weekend when so many of them are in town for the NCAA basketball action.

"I'm sure that Bobby, with the hours he's been working, would have much preferred to have gotten some sleep," Feldman said.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Unbeaten welterweight Floyd Mayweather Jr., who lives in Las Vegas, is this close to announcing that he's coming out of retirement and fighting in July. That's what he is saying privately, as recently as last week. ...

"Dancing With the Stars" contestant Holly Madison spent her teens in St. Helens, Ore., near Mount St. Helens, Wash., site of one of the most spectacular U.S. volcanic eruptions in modern history. She's not the only Playboy beauty from that area. Two years ago Sara Underwood was selected Playboy Playmate of the Year. She's from Scappoose, Ore., a 10-minute drive from St. Helens. But Madison and Underwood didn't meet until they got to the Playboy Mansion and have since become close friends.

SIGHTINGS

Missouri quarterback sensation Chase Daniels, with friends at Tao Beach (Venetian) on Sunday. ... Kato Kaelin, at Whole Foods at Town Square on Saturday, purchasing fresh kale, spinach and ginger for his juicer, which he brought with him to Las Vegas for his two weeks in "Tony 'N Tina's Wedding" at Planet Hollywood Resort. ... At "Tony 'N Tina's Wedding" on Friday: Coley Laffoon, Anne Heche's ex, and Raymond Cruz of "The Closer" and "Breaking Bad." ... Playboy's Underwood, Playmate of the Year 2007, celebrating her 25th birthday Saturday at Tabú Ultra Lounge in MGM Grand.

THE PUNCH LINE

"Your final paper in English was titled 'TV Guide: Gateway to Viewing Pleasure.'" -- From David Letterman's "Top Ten Signs You're Not Going to Graduate from High School This Year."

Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.