Las Vegas Backstage Talk

KC & The Sunshine Band, Bob Anderson-LVBST

Sept. 12, 2013- 6-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web

Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)

KCKC & Me

 

 

 

 

 

 

KC guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM in LV and The Web.
KC & The Sunshine Band are still as widely popular today as they were when they first danced into the music scene over 35 years ago.  Harry Wayne Casey – KC for short –developed a unique fusion of R&B and funk, with a hint of a Latin percussion groove, giving us an impressive string of hits like GET DOWN TONIGHT, THAT’S THE WAY (I LIKE IT) and SHAKE YOUR BOOTY.    With sales of over 100 million records, nine Grammy nominations, three Grammy Awards and an American Music Award, KC and The Sunshine Band was one of the most progressive bands of the 70’s and is credited with changing the sound of modern

pop music!  With hits like I’M YOUR BOOGIE MAN, SHAKE YOUR BOOTY and KEEP IT COMIN’ LOVE, BOOGIE SHOES,

and their string of hit singles which was included on the SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER soundtrack, PLEASE DON’T GO, and YES, I’M READY.  KC won a songwriting Grammy in 1976 for best R&B song for WHERE IS THE LOVE.
K.C & The Sunshine Band is appearing at The “M” H&C on Sat. Sept. 14
Singing Impressionist Bob Anderson
Bob Andresonbob anderson promo

Singing Impressionist Bob Anderson guests on LVBST with Comedian Michele LaFong live in-studio.

Anderson became a well-known entertainer all over the world, with more than 100 national and international talks show appearances, network variety shows, and major telethons. Today Anderson still nails the voices of the great singers of our time, but along wit Anderson became a well-known entertainer all over the world, with more than 100 national and international talks show appearances, network variety shows, and major telethons. Today Anderson still nails the voices of the great singers of our time, but along with his conductor, Vince Falcone, they present the “Voice of Bob Anderson in Concert.”

Bob is thought of as  a “Native Las Vegan,” after more than 22 years of appearing on the Las Vegas Strip, including ten years at the Top of the Dunes. His love of Las Vegas, and for the dinner clubs that once were the staple of Las Vegas, has brought him right back to those very roots.  Anderson will be appearing for a special engagement at the all new Italian American Club, 2333 E. Sahara, Saturday night, Sept 14 at 8:00 p.m., and Sunday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. Show tickets only are $25. For ticket or dinner reservations call 702-457-866. For more about Bob Anderson: www.bobanderson.com

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Las Vegas Backstage Talk column in Casino Player Magazine

Sept. issue

Casino Player Magazine, with over 88,000 paid subscribers nationally.

LVBST, with Comedian Michele LaFong- an “Artist Friendly,” Multi-Media radio show, that keeps it real!

“Las Vegas Backstage Talk” – Casino Player Magazine
by Michele LaFong
Sept. Online version: http://digitaleditions.walsworthprintgroup.com/publication/?i=172620

 

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Margaret Cho, Kevin Meaney-LVBST w/Comedian Michele LaFong

BPG Drop Dead DivaBPG Drop Dead Diva

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)

Sept. 5, 2013- 6-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web

Emmy & Grammy-nominated comedian and actress, Margaret Cho guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong.  Cho was featured in LaFong’s syndicated column, “Vegas Backstage Talk” in Sept. issue of Casino Player Magazine.

Margaret Cho is set to return to the road this September in support of her new stand-up comedy show called MOTHER. MOTHER is a complicated and completely original take on sex, queer politics, drugs, guns, identity and madness, proving time and time again, boundaries uncrossed are meaningless.  Nothing is sacred, least of all, this MOTHER.

The cornerstone of MOTHER revolves around Cho’s long-suffering Korean mom and a staple of her shows, for all tour info: 

 Margaret was recently was back in New York co-hosting ABC’s The View on July 25 & 26. Her tv show, “Drop Dead Diva,” now in it’s 5th season will air brand new episodes thru the fall every Sunday on Lifetime while her new YouTube series, a dark comedy about three women fresh out of jail titled, “In Transition,” can be seen every Wednesday thru September 18 on Cho’s YouTube channel here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeQYh9gtNK4&feature=share&list=PLIUvOXZ9sn4hIEamhAYvwnQ9fWDyhplWd          

In addition, Cho has teamed with comedian Jim Short for a brand new podcast show called “Monsters of Talk.” Margaret &           Jim get intimate and up front with their guests which have included Tegan & Sara and Billy Bragg among others. Click here to listen in http://www.margaretcho.com/2013/05/28/monsters-of-talk-podcast-latest-episodes/

Margaret will make various television appearances in the coming months including TheTalk and The Arsenio Hall Show on October 1, E!’s Fashion Police on October 4 and Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family show and Chelsea Lately on October 10.   For more about Margaret: http://www.margaretcho.com/

 September 6 at The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. Click here for all tour info: http://www.margaretcho.com/

Comedian Kevin Meaney

K.M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kevin Meaney guests on LVBST with Comedian Michele LaFong in a videotaped interview from Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club, at The MGM in Las Vegas, where he will be headling through Sunday.

Kevin has been one of the country’s most popular standup comedians for more than 25 years. Tom Shales of the Washington Post said, “Picture the precocious love child of Jonathan Winters and Ethel Merman and you have some idea of Kevin Meaney’s act.”

His first HBO special in 1986 catapulted him to the forefront of the comedy scene. In 1987, Kevin made his debut appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and was invited by Johnny to join the guest panel. Since his first appearance, Kevin has returned to the show a dozen times. He was a special guest on Saturday Night Live and has appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, Regis, Oprah and Late Night with Conan O’Brien.

Kevin also starred in the CBS sitcom Uncle Buck which ran for a full season. In addition, he has done numerous guest appearances on both sitcoms and dramas. He also had a featured role in the movie Big.

Known for drawing upon his family relationships for much of his material, Kevin has made such lines as “That’s not Right” and “We’re Big Pants People” and “We’re going to lose the house” (delivered in the tremulous voice of his mother) catch phrases for hilarity. An evening with Kevin is a trip to the funhouse and one laugh escalates into a bigger one and good-hearted humor prevails.

Kevin is also a successful writer and producer. He wrote and produced and starred in a one-man autobiographical play titled Wedding Vows in Vegas which premiered at the prestigious U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado before going on to
a successful summer run in Boston at the Hasty Pudding Theatre. Steve Martin called it, “The most innovative, heart-rending and funny show I’ve seen in along, long time.”

In 2002, Kevin moved home to NY from Los Angeles and began working on Broadway in the hit musical, Hairspray. Hairspray
has been a life changing experience for Kevin and during an interview on XM Radio’s Stand Up Sit Down on May 28, 2008, Kevin told the host that he was gay.
It’s been a big transition but he’s seemed to find humor in how this all happened.

So, Big Pants People of the world unite… your leader is here,his name is Kevin Meaney and he’s on a mission of mirth.

Kevin is currently living in New York with his daughter.

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Las Vegas Backstage Talk column-Casino Player Magazine by Michele LaFong

Sept. edition 

Online version: http://digitaleditions.walsworthprintgroup.com/publication/?i=172620

Casino Player-Las Vegas Backstage Talk

2013-08-03 15.08.23What a great summer this has been for entertainment in Las Vegas!  Last weekend I did a backstage interview at The Eastside Cannery with Little Anthony.  What fun!  We both played The Catskill circuit for years, and one time were even billed together on a show.  I thought only comedians had “nightmare stories” about their first experiences playing to that tough “seen it all,” aloof, Catskill crowd, but according to Little Anthony, he was not at all spared!  “It took some getting used to…” but all pros find a way to adapt, and luckily Little Anthony Gourdine was no exception.  Having learned about comedy timing from his good friend Comedian Redd Foxx, he had no trouble adding a little “shtick” together with Jewish songs which he learned phonetically, and sandwiched them between his hits, “Tears on my Pillow,” “Hurt So Bad,” “Going out of my Head,” and “Shimmy Shimmy Ko-Ko Bop.”  Can you imagine a sprinkle of Halvah Nah Gila in that mix?  What’s really scary is I’m sure it seemed very normal to me at the time!

Now, at 73, this Vocal Group Hall of Fame inductee sells out in casinos nationally.  I never expected to enjoy their music as much as I did!  Their contemporary musical arrangements and great choice of covers keep the show relevant. (Edited portions of our backstage interview will be posted on casinocenter.com.)

Starship Live ! 033Rock Vault! 144Mickey Thomas, legendary singer from Starship, known for hits including “We Built this City,” “Jane” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” was another fun guest on my radio show.  He was promoting his stint as “special guest performer,” in RAIDING THE ROCK VAULT, at The LVH. Following the interview, I went to see the show, and I’m really glad I did.  It was impressive with an all-star lineup, consisting of original members of various known bands, they featured classics from The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, the Eagles, Queen, Van Halen, AC/DC, Journey, Free, Bryan Adams, Supertramp, Toto, Deep Purple, and more.  This show had great energy, but the only problem was it was too loud; however it was still a terrific presentation none the less and had a really entertaining storyline. Mickey Thomas, added even more excitement and authenticity to the show.  Singer Stephanie Calvert joined him on-stage.  It was simply fantastic!  Mickey will also be at The Silverton on Sept. 13.

pablo-franciscoI went to see YouTube Sensation, Comedian Pablo Francisco’s sold-out show, at The South Point Showroom, and I must say, The South point Casino seems to be successfully drawing a younger crowd.  I’ve never seen so many loyal fans, lined-up to buy things following a headliner’s performance at The South Point Casino!  Not bad for a comedian that many people are still not familiar with.  Yet, he is a popular ticket especially with young people in the casino circuit.   His brand of comedy consists mostly of high energy, characters, impressions, and sound effects.  He’s like a wind-up toy that never stops!   Having a serious conversation with Pablo during my interview proved to be almost impossible, but funny… as he seems to be one of those performers that are always on!  If he doesn’t have ADD…he should!  However he was entertaining, and a really nice guy.

 

Two comics that I was really excited to finally get on LVBST radio show were Kathy Griffin and Margaret Cho, who not surprisingly are friends.  Kathy, who recently had her own talk show, “Kathy,” on Bravo, was promoting her up-coming performances. “I just love Las Vegas,”  “I love everything about it…slots and all!  She was constantly promoting…”If you come see me at The Mirage, you will hear different material than you’ve heard any time before. If you come see me a month later, you’re going to hear different material than last time.”   I let her know that I was a big fan of her reality show “My Life on the D List,” “Thanks,” she replied…but was quick to correct me…  “It’s “Two-time Emmy Award- Winning- My Life on the D List!  I’ve also just broken the record for having the most comedy specials, male or female, with my latest Special called “Calm Down Gurrl.” Boy was she “working it,” and sure knows how.  I just love her.  Kathy will return to The Mirage on Sept.8.   If you missed the interview, the audio is archived on lasvegasbackstagetalk.com

 

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BPG Drop Dead DivaMargaret Cho’s interview was much more low-key and cerebral.  Promoting her Stand-up Tour “Mother,” she had this to say about what can be expected from her Sept. 6 date at The Mirage. It’s different every day.  With stand-up comedy, you really have to change with the audience, and change the way it’s done, taking into consideration the way things are happening in the news.   The “mother” in the title, refers to “I’m like the mother of comedy now…I’m like everybody’s mom.  It’s kind of like achieving mastery in the art form, where you can do a lot…it’s almost like you’re giving birth to it.  Margaret’s full interview will air on Sept. 5.

tony-orlando2Tony Orlando, my friend, as well as one of my favorite performers is returning to The South Point Showroom on Sept 20-22. I never miss his show when he is in town.  Tony is an “old school” showman that simply knows how to entertain, still has great chops, uses killer musicians, and consistently delivers a “feel good,” up-beat, contemporary show.  I also love that he incorporates blues, country, and Led Zeppelin in his repertoire. Believe me… there is a reason his show is always sold out.

Watch for Heather Marianna,  Host of” Beauty Kitchen”-An extremely popular and successful internet show, that specializes in teaching us how to use food combinations that double as Beauty Products.  She has generously donated gift bags made exclusively for our celebrity guests, made from her own Beauty Line of products without the spa prices.   Heather and her products have been extremely well received. Marianna is scheduled to host the Pool Party at The Luxor, on “Gay Day,” on Sept. 6, 10am-6pm.  She is destined for big things!

As always, I look forward to your feedback at Michelelafong@gmail.com

Kevin Pollak, Little Anthony-LV Backstage Talk w/Comedian Michele LaFong

August 29, 2013 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM & Web

 Layout 1My column in Gaming Today 7 17 12Kevin Pollak

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

2013-08-03 15.08.23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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Russell Peters, Paul Reiser-LVBST w/ Comedian Michele LaFong

 August 22, 2013 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM & Web

Russell PetersRussell Peters 8-24-13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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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

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