Lorna Luft, Ventriloquist Ronn Lucas
Nov. 6, 2014-6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
Singer Lorna Luft, guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong.
On Saturday Nov. 8, the children of some of the biggest names in entertainment will come together for a special history-making performance at the M Resort Spa Casino. An Evening with The Next Generation will showcase the extraordinary musical talents of Ricci Martin, son of Dean Martin, Lorna Luft, daughter of Judy Garland, Lena Prima, daughter of Louis Prima, and Steve March-Torme, son of Mel Torme, as they celebrate their legendary parents. Anthony Lewis, son of comedian legend Jerry Lewis, will host the event as the Master of Ceremonies.
“We are incredibly excited about getting everyone together for this rare performance,” says Anthony Lewis. “Through incredible music, audiences will get to experience a rare glimpse into the lives of these iconic legends as told through the eyes of their kin. It will be a musical phenomenon, unlike anything we’ve ever done before.”
For more about Lorna go to www.lornaluft.com
Ronn Lucus
Comic/Ventriloquist Ronn Lucas returns on LVBST.
Ventriloquist Ronn Lucas and his cast of characters will perform a mix of stand-up comedy and improvisations at the Suncoast Showroom on November 8 and 9.
Lucas is recognized as the first ventriloquist to headline a long-running show in Las Vegas and has received numerous awards for his performances, including being termed “The World’s Best Ventriloquist” by The New York Times and The London Times.
During his show, Lucas voices his characters Scorch the Dragon, Buffalo Billy and Chuck the Disposable Punk Rocker. In 1992, Lucas voiced Scorch the Dragon in Scorch’s self-titled television show on CBS.
Throughout the years, Lucas has appeared on numerous television sitcoms, including “Nip Tuck,” “L.A. Law” and “Night Court.” In 1990, he starred in his self-titled program “The Ronn Lucas Show,” broadcast in the United Kingdom. In 2009, he was featured in the documentary “I’m No Dummy,” which explored the world of ventriloquism through various clips and interviews.
For more go to www.ronnlucas.com
TweetNov. Las Vegas Backstage Talk column
by Michele LaFong
Nov. LVBST syndicated column in Casino Player Magazine, and Gaming Today.
LVBST- Every Thursday, 6pm-7pm PST on 1230AM KLAV and streaming live.
I recently interviewed Ted Lange, who is best remembered as Isaac (the bartender) on the television series, “The Love Boat,” and learned that he has kept pretty busy since the “Boat” years directing movies, and just completed filming 26 episodes of “Mr. Box Office,” starring Jon Lovitz. Ted also demonstrated to me that he has a unique knack for transforming stand-up comedy acts into successful one-man shows, as he did when directing his friend Comedian Jeff Wayne in “Big Daddy’s Barbeque,” a show which has been performed over 1,000 times in more than thirty cities. From its debut it was a critical and popular success. Even NBC took notice and a television pilot was made.
The original national tour and success was largely obtained by following Rob Becker’s formula for a one-man show, “Defending the Caveman,” which continues its long run on the Las Vegas Strip. Both Wayne and Lange decided it was time to bring “Big Daddy’s Barbeque,” to the Starbright Theater in Summerlin, for its “one day only” Vegas debut. It was performed to a packed house, and the show was very well received. I will keep you posted with updates on this in future columns.
I recently received a call from a Japanese Production company that was shooting a TV documentary on NTV about an established Japanese comedian, Tomonori Jinnai, coming to the US to perform for the first time. I was asked to watch the show and give on-camera feedback alongside Jeff Singer, Executive Programming Consultant for the Montreal Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, and John Stuart, founder of Legends in Concert. The sold out event took place at the Tommy Wind Theatre, on the Las Vegas Strip. It was impressive to learn that Tomonori had learned to translate his show in English specifically for this filming and had been performing it for the first time. After witnessing Tomonori’s unique brand of comedy, I have a feeling his name might be recognized here in Vegas very soon. Remember, you heard it here first!
Comedian Felicia Michaels was nominated twice for Funniest Female Comic by the American Comedy Awards; in 1999 she won the award. Her credits include appearing on Showtime, MTV, VH1, NBC, as well as twice on ABC’s Full House, and in three movies. She posed for Playboy and was featured in the October 1992 issue. Before she took an eight year hiatus from comedy to be a stay at home mom, Felicia was headlining comedy clubs 48 weeks out of the year. She was also a Grand Champion on Star Search, winner of the $100,000 prize. Before interviewing Michaels, I watched her set. She was an even stronger comic than I remembered her to be with smart well-constructed jokes, sharp timing, and memorable stage presence. Backstage in between shows comedy veteran Bob Zany, a clear fan of Felicia’s was singing her praises. “You are going to love her. She’s terrific, has a great attitude and is so funny. I lost to Felicia twice on Star Search! We’re still friends to this day.” How ironic, I said, “Now she’s your feature act this week… That’s Show Business!” We all laughed and exchanged stories on what famous people had opened for us at one time or another only to then get their own sitcoms and become Stars. Felicia takes being humble to a whole to level. “When I first returned to this business after taking a hiatus, I performed my comedy in a bowling alley. I’m just so grateful that I am back working doing what I love.” Felicia will be returning as a feature act at The Laugh Factory on Valentine’s week, and funnyman Bob Zany will be headlining at The Riviera in December, when he will also return on LVBST. Both are worth catching. The audio of Felicia’s full interview is archived on LVBST’s website.
Another show not to be missed, and the first time ever on one stage is An Evening with the Next Generation with Master of Ceremonies Anthony Lewis, son of Jerry Lewis, starring: Ricci Martin, son of Dean Martin, Lorna Luft, daughter of Judy Garland, Lena Prima, daughter of Louis Prima, Steve March-Torme, son of Mel Torme. These accomplished groups of artists perform an extraordinary musical celebration in honor of their legendary parents and selections from the American Songbook accompanied by a 10 piece band and historical videos- at M resort on November 8. Anthony Lewis and Steve March-Torme have previously guested on LVBST. Both are class acts, are very talented, and have very interesting backgrounds. If that’s any indication…this show should be a winner.
More Picks: Jay Leno, The Mirage, November 1, 21-22, Kiss, Hard Rock H &C, November 5-23, Rod Stewart, Caesar’s Palace, November 5-23, Santana, Mandalay Bay, November 5-18, Daniel Tosh, The Mirage, November 7- 8, Debbie Reynolds, South Point November 7-9, Roseann Barr, the Venetian, November 7 & 8, The Black Keys, Jake Bugg, the Cosmopolitan, November 8, Frankie Avalon, South Point November 14-16, Judas Priest, Palms, November 14, Whoopi Goldberg, Treasure Island, Nov. 14, Kelly Pickler, Golden Nugget, November 14, Ray Romano, Kevin James, the Mirage, November 14 & 15, Aaron Lewis, Golden Nugget, November 15, Tonic, Vertical Horizon, Eastside Cannery, November 15, Latin Grammy awards, MGM, November 20, Culture club, the Palms, November 22, Loni Love, the Venetian, November 22, Usher, MGM, November 22, The Whispers, Eastside Cannery, Nov. 22, Average White Band, Red Rock H & C, Nov. 22, Alice Cooper, Palms, November 26, Bill Cosby, Treasure Island, November 28, Chrissy Hynde, Palms, November 28, George Lopez, Mirage, November 28, 29, Joan Collins, South Point, 28- 29, Whitney Cummings, November 28- 29.
Luenell, Arnez J, Ricci Martin
Oct. 30, 2014-6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
Comic superstar Luenell, Comedian Arnez J, and Singer Ricci Martin, son of Legend Dean Martin, guest on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Luenell will be a featured guest for Wendy Williams, and is Wendy’s stand-up comedy coach in the Lipshtick Comedy series at The Venetian Oct. 31 & Nov. 1.
With initial appearances in films So I Married An Axe Murderer, The Rock, Never Die Alone and television shows “Nash Bridges” and “The Tracy Morgan Show,” it was Luenell’s breakout performance as the ‘hooker with a heart of gold’ in the blockbuster 20th Century Fox film Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (starring Sacha Baron Cohen) that truly brought her international fame. The demand for Luenell was never greater. Combining her love of acting with stand-up, Luenell was soon segueing her standup into television/video appearances of her act, with guest appearances on “BET’s Comicview”, “Jamie Foxx’s Laffapalooza”, “Comedy After Dark “and “Martin Lawrence’s 1st Amendment Stand Up.” Katt Williams tapped Luenell to join his two-year tour and DVDs, “Katt Williams’ American Hustle.” “It was the tour of a lifetime” recalls Luenell. “We went from a tour bus and commercial flights and shows at the Improv to selling out Radio City Music Hall and flying on a G5.”
With her schedule busier than ever, this sought after performer has also appeared in such television series’ as Starz’ “Head Case,” “Chocolate News” (with David Alan Grier), “Californication,” “The Boondocks,” “The Middle,” “Breaking In” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” as well as stand-up appearances in “Snoop Dogg’s Bad Girls of Comedy” on SHOWTIME and “Stand-up In Stilettos” on the TV Guide Network. And her presence on the big screen is continuous, with appearances in the films Spring Breakdown (with Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch and Parker Posey), All About Steve (with Sandra Bullock and Bradley Cooper), the # 1 (for 2 weeks) comedy Think Like A Man (with Meagan Good, Kevin Hart and Taraji P. Henson) and two back-to-back films with Adam Sandler in 2012: That’s My Boy and Hotel Transylvania, as well as the sequel blockbuster with Liam Neeson, Taken 2.
Luenell continues to tour internationally with her stand-up, and between working in various television and film roles, she hosts a regular spot called “Between The Sheets With Luenell” on the Cannon’s Countdown Radio Show.
For more go to www.heyluenelle.com
Arnez J
Arnez J guests on LVBST with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Described as a “whirling dervish” onstage, Arnez J will bring his expressive stand-up routine to the Suncoast Showroom on November 1 and 2.
Recognized for his high-energy routines, Arnez J. has emerged as one of most talked-about comics. An Atlanta native, Arnez began working the comedy circuit in Georgia and climbed the ranks as one of “Hotlanta’s” funniest newcomers.
A finalist in the “Bay Area Black Comedy Competition,” he was noticed by the entertainment industry and invited to make his first television appearance on Showtime’s “Comedy Club Network.” Soon after, Arnez J. served as a for two seasons, joining the ranks of former hosts D.L. Hughley and Cedric the Entertainer.
Additionally, Arnez J. has made appearances on “The Keenan Ivory Wayans Show,” “Louie Anderson’s Comedy Showcase,” Comedy Central’s “Make Me Laugh,” NBC’s “Friday Night Videos,” “The Mo’Nique Show”, and Russell Simmons’ “Def Comedy Jam,” along with starring in his own BET “Comic View Grandstand Hour Special” and “Comedy Central Presents: Arnez J.”
He recently headlined Showtime’s “Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam,” and starred in his new comedy special, “Racially Motivated.”
Ricci Martin
Singer Ricci Martin guests on LV Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong.
On Saturday Nov. 8, the children of some of the biggest names in entertainment will come together for a special history-making performance at the M Resort Spa Casino. An Evening with The Next Generation will showcase the extraordinary musical talents of Ricci Martin, son of Dean Martin, Lorna Luft, daughter of Judy Garland, Lena Prima, daughter of Louis Prima, and Steve March-Torme, son of Mel Torme, as they celebrate their legendary parents. Anthony Lewis, son of comedian legend Jerry Lewis, will host the event as the Master of Ceremonies.
“We are incredibly excited about getting everyone together for this rare performance,” says Anthony Lewis. “Through incredible music, audiences will get to experience a rare glimpse into the lives of these iconic legends as told through the eyes of their kin. It will be a musical phenomenon, unlike anything we’ve ever done before.”
For more about Ricci go to www.riccimartin.com
TweetSteve Byrne, Gregory Popovich-Comedy Pet Theater
Oct. 23, 2014-6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
Steve Byrne, star of the new hit TBS half hour comedy sitcom Sullivan & Son, guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio Show with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230 AM KLAV in Las Vegas and streaming live.
In the three segment interview with Host, Comedian Michele LaFong, Steve spoke about his fifteen year stand-up career, and long-time firendships with three of the cast members that he brought onto TBS’ new hit series including Actor Vince Vaughn.
Described by many as the new “Cheers,” The show is based on Steve Sullivan (played by Byrne) leaving behind his life in New York as a successful corporate attorney to take over the family bar in a working-class Pittsburgh neighborhood. The first ten episodes averaged over 2.5 million viewers and new episodes will appear on TBS in 2013.
Steve’s standup has been featured on several shows including NBC’s The Tonight Show, ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live, and TBS’s Conan. He has also appeared in the hit comedies The Dilemma, Couples Retreat, and Four Christmases. His most recent hour special, The Byrne Identity, premiered last year on Comedy Central to rave reviews.
A true international comedian, Byrne has performed to sold-out crowds around the world. He has been a featured comic at the Just For Laughs Festival (in Montreal, Toronto and Chicago), and he has been a part of several national comedy tours including Vince Vaughn’s Wild West Comedy Tour, The Kims Of Comedy, and most recently The Sullivan & Son Comedy Tour. As a big supporter of the US troops, Steve has headlined several USO tours in Afghanistan, Iraq, Japan and Guam.
Steve’s lack of ego and outstanding work ethic has helped him become one of today’s most respected comedians.
More about Steve Byrne here–>
You can catch Steve Byrne headlining at Comix at Foxwoods Comedy Club. Oct. 24 & 25
World Famous Popovich Comedy Pet Theater
Gregory Popovich guests on LVBST with Comedian Michele LaFong in-studio.
Comedy Pet Theater features an amazing cast of housecats, dogs, parrots. even geese and mice! Critics describe it as a unique blend of comedy, world-champion juggling, and the extraordinary talents of more than 30 performing pets. Gregory Popovich has rescued the animals from shelters all over the country and transformed them into Las Vegas stars! Popovich was a Finalist on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent, and is a fifth-generation circus performer who learned early on how to develop strong bonds with animals. He released his first book “You CAN Train Your Cat” in late 2009 and has been featured on The Tonight Show, David Letterman and in USA Today, just to name a few. Comedy Pet Theater performs daily at The V-Theater Planet Hollywood H&C . See below for schedule or for more information call (702) 260-7200
For more info about Popovitch, CLICK HERE!
TweetJohn Mulrooney, Gerry McCambridge
Oct. 16, 2014- 6-7pm PST 1230AM KLAV in LV & The Web
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
Comedian John Mulrooney guests in a backstage interview on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong. John is headlining The Laugh Factory at the Tropicana with Kevin Downey Jr. through Oct. 19.
Mulrooney began his career on the Comedy Tonight variety show in the ‘70s, where he wrote comedy for The Tonight Show, and also performed stand-up for the studio audience as the warm-up act for more than 165 episodes.
After Joan Rivers left as host of The Late Show on the Fox Network in 1987, Mulrooney was asked to replace her. After a few months the show was cancelled due to low ratings and competition with The Tonight Show and Johnny Carson. He hosted “Comic Strip: Live,” first for a year as a local show on KTTV in Los Angeles in 1988, continuing when Fox TV programming executives expanded the show to Fox network on Saturday nights for an additional year. He appeared many TV shows, including, “An Evening at the Improv” and “Hollywood Squares.” He often filled in as guest host for Pat Sajak on The Pat Sajak Show. Mulrooney wrote and starred for two seasons in a sitcom called “Midtown North,” which aired on Comedy Central. In 2007. He toured Israel on the Crossroads Comedy Tour, a series of benefit concerts for the Crossroads Center in Jerusalem. He can be heard daily on iHeartRADIO at, “Mulrooney in the Morning,” which he will be taping live from Las Vegas this week.
Gerry McCambridge
Gerry McCambridge aka The Mentalist guests on LVBST with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Starting in October 2007 he appeared on Phenomenon with Criss Angel and Uri Geller.
On June 25, 2008, Gerry McCambridge celebrated his 500th Las Vegas performance having been in that city for three years. McCambridge is the longest running mentalist show in Las Vegas history.
On May 12, 2004 Gerry had his first prime-time network TV special titled “The Mentalist.” Over 6.2 million viewers tuned in to watch the one hour special.
In 1999, the International Magicians Society presented Gerry with the “Merlin Award” for “Mentalist of the Decade”. Gerry was the first mentalist in history to receive the Merlin award for mentalism since the organizations inception in 1968.
In 2002 Gerry wrote his first TV script titled “The Mentalist” and took it out to Los Angeles to pitch it to the networks. Jeff Zucker, the president of NBC witnessed Gerry’s live performances many times, and instantly bought the show for his network. Gerry became the creator, executive producer and star of the hit prime-time network television show “The Mentalist” which started airing to millions around the world in May 2004.
In 2005 the Psychic Entertainers Association again awarded Gerry. This time he received the “Mentalist of the Year” award.
In June 2005 Gerry moved his one man show “The Mentalist” from New York City to Las Vegas. The show was an instant success in Sin City. The Las Vegas Review Journal readers poll nominated him “Best Magician” in all Las Vegas.
In October 2007 Gerry starred in the reality television series “Phenomenon” with Criss Angel and Uri Geller.
In 2008 CBS thought the concept of merging the skills of a mentalist with a detective was so interesting, they contacted Gerry and asked him to help with a weekly TV series based on that concept.
In August 2008, the International Magicians Society presented Gerry with the “Merlin Award” for “Mentalist of the Year.”
In 2009 he was voted one of the “Top 10 Absolutely Have To See” shows in Las Vegas by the Las Vegas Weekly Magazine.
In 2010 the Las Vegas Review Journal readers poll placed Gerry’s show as the “Best Bargain Show in all of Las Vegas.”
Gerry is performing at the V Theatre, Planet Hollywood H&C , nightly 7:30pm-dark Wed.
TweetBill Maher returns, Comedian Felicia Michaels
Oct. 9, 2014- 6-7pm PST 1230AM KLAV in LV & The Web
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
Bill Maher returns once again to Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong.
For the last 18 years, Maher has pushed the boundaries of how far political humor and satire can go on American television. First on “Politically Incorrect” (which first aired on Comedy Central before moving to ABC), and for the last seven years on HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher,” Maher’s combination of unflinching honesty and scathing humor have garnered him 21 EmmyR nominations. In October 2008, this same combination was on display in Maher’s swipe at organized religion, “Religulous,” which went on to become the seventh-highest grossing documentary ever.
In addition to his television program-which has featured such regular visitors as Ben Affleck, Robin Williams, Arianna Huffington, Alec Baldwin and Michael Moore-Maher has written four bestsellers: “True Story,” “Does Anybody Have a Problem with That? Politically Incorrect’s Greatest Hits,” “When You Ride Alone, You Ride with Bin Laden” and most recently, “New Rules: Polite Musings from a Timid Observer.”
For more about Bill Maher click here. For more about “Real Time with Bill Maher” click here.
Bill Maher is appearing at The Pearl at The Palms H&C Oct. 10 & 11
Comedian Felicia Michaels
Felicia Michaels guests in a backstage interview at The Laugh Factory at The Tropicana 8:30pm & 10:30pm through Oct. 12.
An “Army Brat,” who was used to moving about, Felicia Michaels built her early career by refusing to allow her gender to tame her material, and never once flinching when it came to the rigorous travel and TV schedule that a stand-up comedy career demands. She has appeared on networks such as MTV, A&E, Comedy Central, VH1 and Showtime. Michaels was nominated twice as Funniest Female by the American Comedy Awards, before winning it, and also received a Best Comedy Podcast nomination from the Podcast Awards in 2012, for the hit underground podcast “Beauty and Da Beast,” with fellow comic Joey “Coco” Diaz. She explores such topics as the dynamics of the male/female relationship, “dirty thoughts,” and the proliferation of the sensual feminist. She has appeared in three movies: “Smart Alex,” “Los Enchiladas and most recently “I Am Comic.”. She once posed nude for Playboy Magazine.
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