Poetry worth a place in your party plans

It might not be mentioned in the same breath as nightclub heavyweights, but Poetry has held its own since reopening a few months back.

The venue, located inside the Forum Shops at Caesars, has found its own niche as it hasn't seemed to have any problem filling up over the weekend.

Poetry has featured numerous top-notch performers, with rapper Fabolous becoming the latest to take the microphone last weekend for a one-hour performance.

And an added bonus for the average partygoer is the short lines. There is no waiting an hour or more in line like you might at other clubs across the city.

The Friday night party, which features live call-ins to KVEG-FM, 97.5 from morning-show host Juicy Liu, has stayed popular and drawn consistent crowds who enjoy the hip-hop scene at the venue formerly known as OPM nightclub.

If you're looking for a decent alternative to a monster club and something bigger than the city's lounges, Poetry might be worth a stop on your party trail.

MTV reality couple coming to LAX -- They're back.

Hollywood couple Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag -- the notorious pair featured on MTV's "The Hills" -- return to host tonight's party at LAX inside the Luxor.

It will be interesting to see what kind of spirits Montag will be in, though. The blond beauty's 24-year-old stepbrother died last week in an accident in Colorado.

Eric O'Hara, 24, fell as he was attempting to shovel snow off the roof of the Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel in Steamboat Springs.

Penthouse Pet to host event -- Model Erica Ellyson will host the festivities tonight at The Penthouse Club as she celebrates being named the 2008 Penthouse Pet of the Year.

Ellyson, who was featured in the January 2007 issue of the magazine, will be available to sign the March 2008 issue featuring her Pet of the Year pictorial.

Doors open at 10 p.m. For VIP reservations, call 367-6040.

Tao Beach holding casting call -- The summer party pool season is just around the corner, and Tao Beach at The Venetian is seeking help.

The hot spot will hold its final interview session from 12 to 5 p.m. Saturday inside Tao nightclub. Management is looking for cocktail waitresses, security guards, bartenders, VIP hosts, bar backs and other positions.

If you're planning on attending, bring your bathing suit for your interview photo.

Sightings of the weekend -- At Pure (Caesars Palace) on Saturday: New York Giants star Michael Strahan, poker player Jamie Gold and MTV reality stars Brody Jenner (with girlfriend/model Cora Skinner) and Frankie Delgado.

At LAX (Luxor) on Saturday: illusionist Criss Angel, NFL players Brandon Lloyd (Washington Redskins) and Brandon Johnson (Arizona Cardinals) and former NBA star Gary Payton.

UFC fighters Dean Lister and Justin Cheeks were spotted at Hawaiian Tropic Zone (Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood) on Saturday. Also at Hawaiian Tropic Zone: Playboy model Sara Stokes.

Members of music group Mighty Mighty Bosstones, stopped by Ghostbar (Palms) on Saturday.

Pittsburgh Steelers teammates Willie Parker and Casey Hampton Jr. stopped by the Playboy Club (Palms) and Moon (Palms) on Saturday with NFL player Clark Haggans.

Celebrity tattoo artist Kat Von D hosted the evening's festivities Feb. 29 at Privé (Planet Hollywood Resort). Also at Privé: Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward and former teammate Jerome Bettis.

At LAX on Feb. 29: rocker Dave Navarro, Jenner and Delgado, NFL player Frostee Rucker (Cincinnati Bengals), Angel, Luxor headliner Carrot Top, musician Suzie McNeil and DJ Skribble. Navarro, Jenner, Delgado and Rucker all dined at Company American Bistro (Luxor).

Actor Chace Crawford of "Gossip Girl," 'N Sync singer JC Chasez and New York Giants standout Michael Strahan, accompanied by Nicole Murphy -- the ex-wife of actor Eddie Murphy -- were spotted at Tao on Feb. 29.

Playboy Playmate Sandra Nilsson, stopping by The Bank (Bellagio) on Feb. 29. Also at The Bank: UFC fighter Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher.

Jeremy Pond covers the nightclub scene for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Vegas Confidential. His column appears Fridays in Neon and online at reviewjournal.com and www.normclarke.com. He can be reached at 383-0298 or via e-mail at jpond@reviewjournal.com.