Rock tributes find homes on Strip

So now we're going to have two costumed rock "Legends"-type shows, with one of them moving back into the Harmon Theater, which filed for bankruptcy protection this week.

Just another wacky week in Vegas showbiz.

The Harmon filing in United States Bankruptcy Court is not supposed to affect the tenants, currently The Amazing Johnathan and "Naughty Boys Hypnosis Show."

"It's business as usual, which is normally the case in a Chapter 11," says a statement from bankruptcy attorney Robert Kupperlin. "In fact, Krave Entertainment is very much looking forward to using this case to work out a payment plan with its creditors."

The statement cited last year's construction on Harmon Avenue. Barricades made it even harder to access the theater that, inexplicably, does not have an interior entry to the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. "The street was recently fully opened again, but it was too late to avoid this filing," the statement reads.

Krave Entertainment LLC, which operates the dual-purpose showroom and gay nightclub, cited more than $3.5 million in debt against assets of $153,000. The venue, which opened in 2000 as the Blue Note jazz club, is now owned by Sia Amiri.

A previous tenant, "Rockstar, The Tribute," plans to move back into the Harmon Jan. 27, after a stint at the Riviera. Jay Basinger, who co-produces with Paul Christen and plays Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, says their Riviera landlord "tried to gouge us for more rent," and one of his fellow tribute artists staged "a coup."

Mark Levy leases the Riviera venue that was the longtime home to "An Evening at La Cage." He says he signed on to produce Charo there, and became "a leaseholder in search of another good show" after ankle and knee injuries forced Charo to close in September.

Levy booked comedians Andrew Dice Clay and Robert Schimmel in the room, but says Clay is moving to Shimmer Cabaret at the Las Vegas Hilton.

"Rockstar" performers "decided to go two different directions," Levy says. "The direction this side came to us with was very strong." So February brings "Masters of Rock," presenting costumed tributes with the added twist of authentic rockers as rotating guest stars.

It's produced by Steve Rossi (not the veteran Las Vegas entertainer who was half of Allen & Rossi). "I can say our (show) is well-financed and the marketing plan is going to be beautiful," Levy says. ...

Several shows are raising money for Haiti. Bette Midler is matching donations and already raised nearly $39,000. "Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding" has a collection jar and nightly plea from the show's priest character. Bonkerz comedy club at Palace Station is giving half the proceeds from both of this Friday's shows to the Red Cross. ...

The Greek Isles is looking for new producers and new titles. Events producer Cheryl Terhune Honore says management relieved her of an exclusive contract for the little showroom after problems stemming from a misfire with Italian magician Antonio Casanova last fall.

"Other producers are welcome to put their cards on the table," Terhune Honore says, but warns the room needs lighting and sound equipment. She is continuing to work with producer Roman Scott on "Short Bus Comedy" in another space at the Greek Isles.

Terhune Honore remains at odds with Casanova's producers, and this week was waiting for state approval to sell props and illusions held in a storage shed. ...

I'm always saying local entertainment needs some new ideas. The explosion of cable cooking contests may have inspired "Martini Time with Chef Tina Martini," debuting Tuesday at the M Resort, in the demonstration kitchen and studio connected to the casino buffet. An hourlong show three times daily will seat 44 people inside the studio. Tickets include a lunch or dinner buffet. ...

Matt Goss wraps his retro-flavored lounge run at the Palms on Saturday. In a statement, Palms executive Michael Greco called Goss "a great performer who set the bar high," but also noted Playboy Comedy will return to anchor the lounge.

In a September column, I pondered whether Goss would be a test of how much sentiment remained for classic Vegas. Instead, the closing could simply continue the big trend of 2009, which was to favor any stand-up comedian or solo performer over any who needed a band or otherwise raised production costs.

Contact reporter Mike Weatherford at mweatherford@ reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0288.