Kevin Pollak, Little Anthony-LV Backstage Talk w/Comedian Michele LaFong
August 29, 2013 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM & Web
Actor-Impressionist- Comedian-Producer, Writer-Director returns on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM KLAV in LV and The Web. LaFong interviewed Pollak on-location at last years WOP, World Series of Poker at The Rio, where he was the only celebrity that placed in the competition. He was featured in “Getting Personal with the Stars”, LaFong’s syndicated column in Gaming Today 2012. (Article top left.) Michele also featured Kevin in August’s edition of Las Vegas Backstage Talk, LaFong’s monthly entertainment column in Casino Player Magazine.
This year, he placed again, right behind Actor-Comedian Ray Romano, who will be my Cover/Feature Interview in “Getting Personal with the Stars”, section in October’s issue of Casino Player Magazine, a Gaming Lifestyle Magazine, with over 88,000 paid subscribers nationally.
Kevin Pollak began performing comedy at the age of 10 and was touring by age 20. In 1988, shortly after he filmed his first HBO Special, Pollak had his acting debut in “Willow.” However, it was his role in Rob Reiner’s “A Few Good Men” that proved his ability to stand out while sharing the big screen with some of acting’s greatest. When the 20th Century came to a close, Pollak was named one of the top ten actors of the century by Variety. Pollak has starred in two of his own HBO stand-up comedy specials and was named one of the “Top 100 Comedians of all Time” by Comedy Central.
Kevin Pollak’s 2012 WOP interview at The Rio is posted under VIDEOS on menu (across top of site) where he reveals his best Poker-face tricks.
August 30 – September 1 at The Improv at Harrah’s 8:30pm & 10:30pm
Little Anthony-Backstage videotaped interview
at The Eastside Cannery
Little Anthony returns on LV Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong in a backstage videotaped interview that is posted on casinocenter.com. He is also featured in Sept. edition of LaFong’s Las Vegas backstage Talk-monthly syndicated column, where he talks shop, from Little Anthony & The Imperials on The Ed Sullivan Show, to learning comedy from his good friend Redd Foxx. The video is also posted below.
Link http://youtu.be/8jKJVPugvEY
TweetRussell Peters, Paul Reiser-LVBST w/ Comedian Michele LaFong
August 22, 2013 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM & Web
Russell Peters guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM in Las Vegas and The Web.
Russell Peters’ Notorious World Tour features all new material from the Brampton, Ontario raised comic. The tour has become the highest attended comedy show in the history of the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Lebanon, South Africa, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and his home country of Canada, selling out arenas of up to 16,000 fans. In Dubai, Peters was the fastest selling concert in the history of the Emirate outselling Madonna.
In November 2012, Peters became the first comedian to play Brooklyn’s new Barclays Center. More than 10,000 fans attended the show, making it the largest comedy show ever in the history of the New York City borough.
Peters’ last special, The Green Card Tour LIVE From the O2 Arena, was recorded in London in 2010. The special was broadcast on Showtime, Comedy Central and Netflix USA and Netflix UK. In 2009, Peters set a UK attendance record for the highest attendance for a one-off comedy show with more than 16,000 fans attending his show at the O2 Arena. Peters also went on to have the highest attended comedy shows at Sydney, Australia’s Acer Arena and Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena in 2010.
Starting in 2008, Peters was one of the first stand-up comedians to self-finance, self-produce and distribute his own comedy specials and DVDs, with Red, White and Brown and 2011’s, The Green Card Tour LIVE from the O2 Arena. The DVDs went on to sell more than 250,000 units across North America. Peters is currently developing original programming for Netflix.
Listed on the Forbes List as one of the top ten Highest Earning Comics in the U.S. in 2009 and 2010, Russell Peters has spent the past 23 years building a career to become one of the biggest comics in the world.
World renowned comedian Russell Peters is set to bring his Notorious World Tour to at The Pearl inside Palms Casino Resort on Aug. 24, 2013 at 8 p.m.
![thumbs_paul-reiser-gallagher[1]](https://www.lasvegasbackstagetalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/thumbs_paul-reiser-gallagher1.jpg)
(Paul Reiser, LaFong, Gallagher)
Comedian/Actor/Writer Paul Reiser
Paul Reiser guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM KLAV in Las Vegas and The Web.
A seasoned entertainer, Reiser co-created and starred in the NBC series, “Mad About You,” which garnered him Emmy®, Golden Globe®, American Comedy Award® and Screen Actors Guild award nominations. He also wrote the “Mad About You” theme song alongside Grammy®-winning producer Don Was.
Reiser also wrote The New York Times bestseller “Couplehood” and the follow-up “Babyhood.” His most recent book “Familyhood,” was released May 2011.
Recently, Reiser appeared alongside Michael Douglas and Matt Damon in the HBO film “Behind the Candelabra,” based on the life of Liberace. Other film roles include “Aliens,” “Beverly Hills Cop (I and II),” “Bye, Bye Love,” “The Marrying Man” and “The Thing About My Folks,” which he wrote and starred in with Academy Award®-winning actors Peter Falk and Olympia Dukakis.
Paul Reiser is appearing at The Suncoast Showroom August 24 and 25, at 7:30pm
TweetThe Legendary Al Bernstein-LVBST w/ Comedian Michele LaFong
August 15, 2013 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM & Web
2012 International Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee
Al Bernstein guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM KLAV in Las Vegas, and The Web.
For just over 30 years, Al Bernstein has been one of the most recognizable and respected sportscasters in America. In those three decades, the “voice of boxing” reported the funny, poignant, and bizarre events that helped shape sports television, ESPN, boxing, Las Vegas, and Showtime. With an eclectic cast of characters that includes every big name in boxing, including Marvin Hagler, Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, as well as such names in the entertainment world as Rodney Dangerfield, Sylvester Stallone, Russell Crowe, and Jerry Lewis, Bernstein’s memoir will have you in stitches.
Al Bernstein has written a new book, “30 Years, 30 Undeniable Truths about Boxing, Sports and TV,” and has already received a great reception. People from the sports, entertainment and media world are talking about this book.
Get Al Bernstein’s book now–>
TweetToni Braxton, Steve Rossi-LVBST w/Comedian Michele LaFong
August 8, 2013 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM & Web
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
Tony Braxton guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM KLAV in Las Vegas and The Web. In a special national media conference, Braxton promoting her first national tour in five years, took on questions from everything from her bout with Lupus to her struggles with divorce, kids, and her huge success with her Braxton Family Values reality show on the WE network where the show, which is in its 3rd season.
Toni Braxton’s distinctive sultry vocal blend of R&B, pop, jazz and gospel became an instantaneous international sensation when she came forth with her first solo recording in 1992. Today, with more than 40 million albums sold worldwide and six Grammy awards, Braxton is recognized as one of the most outstanding voices of this generation.
Her talent was recognized by Antonio L.A. Reid and Kenneth Babyface Edmonds and soon her solo recording career was launched. Her music first came to widespread popularity on the soundtrack of the Eddie Murphy film “Boomerang.” The resulting self titled album sold ten million copies worldwide, spawning the classics “Another Sad Love Song” and “Breathe Again.” The album also resulted in her first two Grammys in 1993 as Best New Artist and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for “Another Sad Love Long” and another Grammy in the same category in 1994 for “Breathe Again.” In 1997, she garnered Grammys in Best R&B and Best Pop Female Vocal Performance categories.
The acclaim for her second album Secrets continued her mega success, selling more than 13 million copies in the U.S. and abroad following its July 1996 release. “You’re Makin’ Me High” became her first across-the-board No. 1 pop and R&B hit single and garnered another Grammy for R&B vocal performance. Release of “Unbreak My Heart” followed in the fall of 1996 and was recognized with the coveted Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. It has become her signature song and ranks as the second top-selling single of all time by a female artist. The next album, The Heat, sold 2 million copies and brought her another million-selling single and best R&B Grammy with “He Wasn’t Man Enough.”
Braxton had successful runs on Broadway starring in “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aida.” In 2006, she headlined her own show, “Toni Braxton Revealed” at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas. The show which ran through April 2008, was a smash, but in the middle of the extended run she was diagnosed with micro vascular angina causing her to cancel the remaining dates. After a recovery period, she took time in 2008 to fulfill her big dream of appearing on the top-rated television series “Dancing with the Stars.”
Toni is appearing on Aug. 9, at 8pm at The Pearl Theatre, at The Palms H& C
To purchase tickets, please visit the Pearl Box Office, call 702-944-3200, visit any Ticketmaster location, call 1-800-745-3000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com
The Legendary Steve Rossi
Steve Rossi guests in-studio on Las Vegas backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong.
He is half of the world famous comedy team of Allen and Rossi. At the age of six he appeared in ‘Going My Way’ with Bing Crosby, ‘The Johnson Story’ and over thirty movies. At the age of 16, Steve received a scholarship to The University of Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles and received a BA in communication, arts and theatre and in Latin and Greek. In 1954 Steve co-starred with Mae West in her sold out concerts all over America.
Steve teamed up with Marty Allen in 1957 and soon became America’s #1 comedy team. They Appeared in over 7000 television shows including frequent apperances on the ‘Ed Sullivan Show’, and hold dubious honor of having to go on stage right after the Beatles created pandemonium on the show. They also guest starred on Perry Cumo, Dean Martin, Dinah Shore, Merv Griffin, Mike Dougas and the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Allen and Rossi were also regular guest stars on ‘What’s My Line, Hollywood Squares, Password and numerous other game shows.
Allen and Rossi starred in several Paramount films, most notably ‘The Last of the Secret Agents’ with the guest stars Nancy Sinatra and Ed Sullivan.
Steve also produced and starred in ‘The 25th Anniversary Allen and Rossi Special’ with guest stars Engelbert Humperdinck, Jerry Lewis, Sammy Davis Jr., Don Rickles, Phyllis Diller, Redd Foxx, Martin Sheen, Ernie Borgnine, Rich Little, Jack Jones and Tony Orlando. Steve has produced 11 comedy albums and eight singing albums on such lables as RCA and Coumbia. He sold 2 million copies of his hit record “More”, which was nominated for an Academy Award.
Steve Rossi also wrote and produced “Jimmy Stewart & Friends” starring Rich Little currently appearing at The Las Vegas Hotel.
On May 20th 2009, steve Rossi was inducted into Show Business Legends hall of fame at the Tropicana hotel in Las Vegas. Steve in celebrating his 55th year in show business and Is young enough to look forward to the next 55 years.
More about Steve Rossi here–>
TweetLas Vegas Backstage Talk column in Casino Player Magazine
August edition: by Michele LaFong
Digital edition of Las Vegas Backstage Talk column http://digitaleditions.walsworthprintgroup.com/publication/?i=169821
Hi again!
Last month, on casinocenter.com, we featured some short, edited, backstage interviews. Thanks so much for all your feedback. It is very much appreciated, and we are paying attention to your comments.
Update: I passed on every lead that came in from all of you to Gallagher regarding interest for his Gaming Software gambling technology that he invented to keep slot players in casinos as entertained as they are with online. I will keep you posted, especially if history is made, as a result of your interest and responses.
I was at Gallagher’s new show at The Laugh Factory at The Tropicana last night, and was stunned that he had such a packed room on a Sunday night. Word must be getting out fast that he is still very funny even without smashing water-melons! He seemed fearless about trying new material on stage, and is masterful at working the crowd. He will continue to perform his 7pm show, at least through the summer.
Another very popular Headliner on the “casino circuit” is Pat Benatar/Neil Giraldo. I was blown away with their performance at The Pearl Theatre, at The Palms H & C last month. After my interview with Singer/Songwriter Neil Giraldo, Pat Benatar’s long-time “hit-writing” husband, visionary, and co-star of over 30 years, I felt like I knew them both for years. I never considered myself a real fan of their music, but after seeing them live…I guess I am, and I cannot recommend their show enough!
Another star that didn’t at all disappoint in his performance was The Legendary Dave Mason, who was performing at The Pearl Theatre, the following week. When I interviewed him by phone, he seemed a little low key, but on stage he came out strong and sustained interest and energy throughout. I also liked that he explained how his hit songs came about. It was truly hilarious when Dave after singing a couple of songs revealed that he was not making a “fashion statement” by wearing shorts on stage… rather it’s that he forgot to pack his pants! (I can relate to that.)
Comedian/Actress Wanda Sykes also put on an excellent show at The TI, and had the packed room in stitches throughout. I am still laughing about her reference to what happens to a woman “downstairs” after menopause…“that no one ever warns us about!” I was very surprised when backstage, immediately following the show, Wanda told me that some of the material she did, was being tried out for the very first time. (No one would ever have known!)
Dr. Julio Garcia, Plastic Surgeon to the Stars, returned on LVBST to warn us about the many new in-office procedures, which promise us a look of “instant youth,” but may not necessarily make us look better. He gave some great tips on the best way to find a really qualified plastic surgeon, and the many ways we can shave-off years instantly, even without surgery. He has agreed to offer free consultations for “CP readers” for the month of August providing you mention CP Magazine at the time that you make the appointment.
August’s line-up of popular headliners appearing in Las Vegas includes Grammy® award-winning singer-songwriter Rick Springfield, mostly known for “Jessie’s Girl,” and his acting role on “General Hospital.” When he guested on my radio show last year, the response was amazing. Springfield was so popular with our listeners, that WROM Radio, one of our affiliate stations in Michigan reported that after 400,000 listeners clicked in …it shut down their entire site! Rick is performing at The Orleans Showroom, August 3 & 4.
Another recommended Headliner is Five-time Grammy® winner BJ Thomas, mostly known for the hits “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” and “Hooked on a Feeling.” BJ was one of the most genuine, unassuming, “down to earth” Stars that I’ve ever met. He is genuinely shy, has never been comfortable with his fame, and still always gets nervous when performing. It’s adorable! I witnessed him being really hard on himself last year back-stage, following a stellar performance, in which he received three standing ovations! Thomas is returning to The Suncoast Showroom on August 10 & 11, and plans to come in early to do a videotaped interview with me.
Another exciting show coming in is The Monkees. I was lucky enough to have opened for them on their first re-union tour at The Sands H & C, in Las Vegas back in ’94. It was only Davey Jones, and Mickey Dolenz that were from the original group but it was still a great show, and the crowds just loved it! It will be interesting to see all the remaining members of the original line-up, Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork perform together. It’s such a shame that Davey Jones is no longer with us. He will always be loved and missed. The Monkees will perform at the Grand Events Center inside Green Valley Ranch Resort on Aug 10.
“Gregory Popovich’s Comedy Pet Theatre,” has returned to the “V” Theatre at Planet Hollywood with daily performances at 2:30pm. This Veteran of The Russian Circus, was a finalist on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” He is the only one I’ve ever seen that has so many trained cats doing amazing things in his show. He is scheduled to return on our program, and this time around bring some of his trained animals.
Actor- Impressionist Kevin Pollak, is headlining The Improv, at Harrahs, H& C, on Aug. 30 & 31. What a treat! I interviewed him last year at The World Series of Poker Tournament, at The Rio. Kevin was playing poker against Carl Reiner, and many other celebrity, and non-celebrity Poker-champs. (He is the only celebrity that placed in last year’s competition!) Pollak shared tips on having “the best poker-face,” and explained how different the game of poker is in tournaments. Some real good, and entertaining advice. Kevin Pollak’s edited video and others are now posted on casinocenter.com.
I’m always open to comments, feedback, and questions. Please stay in touch via facebook, twitter, or email. ‘Til next month…
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