Oct. LV Backstage Talk Column
by Michele LaFong
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Las Vegas Backstage Talk’s syndicated monthly column in Casino Player Magazine, and Gaming Today-Oct.
Finalist on Last Comic Standing Lachlan Patterson on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong (10 min. edited)
Oct. LVBST column
When Randy Bachman, founding member of The Guess Who, the Canadian band responsible for such hits as “No Time” and “American Woman” left to explore his personal musical horizons, he joined forces with Fred Turner to create Bachman-Turner Overdrive and rock & roll history was made. I, along with millions of other fans worldwide, grew up and sang along to radio hits such as “Taking Care Of Business,” “Let It Ride,” and “Roll On Down The Line.” So when I heard that after 20 years of fan demand these two giants of hard driving tunes were reuniting, touring, and appearing at The Cannery August 30, billed as Bachman & Turner, I knew I had to get an interview, which I finally landed with Fred Turner. You can imagine my shock when backstage, before their concert Fred casually dropped the bombshell scoop to yours truly that this was his very last show with Bachman. “I am retiring and have lots of other unfinished business to take care of…I’m just taking care of unfinished business, you might say…loose ends to tie up. I’ve got a bucket list with lots of things I need to do.” When asked how Randy Bachman took the news, he responded “Randy’s got so many things going on all the time with so many artists, and new projects, he’s just fine! …Maybe I’ll be back in a few years…you never know.” While watching the concert I was kind of sad but felt blessed to be witnessing the last historic show of Bachman & Turner. They never announced the news to the crowd and I haven’t heard a peep about it since.
Another thing that has come to an abrupt end is the celebrity impersonating “dealertainers” that the Imperial Palace, now The Quad soon to be the Linq was so famous for. It seems this was not a popular decision with many of their loyal customers. Also, the Clarion Resort on Convention Center Drive formally Royal Americana, Debbie Reynolds Hotel & Casino, Paddlewheel, and Greek Isles has closed for good. It’s been an interesting quaint little property that opened as the Royal Inn in 1970. Debbie Reynolds gave me my first running show there, “Vegas Live” starring Michele LaFong.
It is with a heavy heart that I am addressing the untimely passing of Comedy Icon Joan Rivers who at age 81 seemed ageless, and invincible. I was asked to join WTTG-TV (FOX 5) Washington via Skype to share some of my personal interactions with Joan when guesting on her afternoon talk show back in the 80’s and speak on the impact that she had on comedy in general. Like so many other stories being shared by industry over the weeks about Joan’s generosity, graciousness, and wonderful sense of humor, I experienced much of the same. Joan’s approach to comedy was fearless and unapologetic- breaking ground and paving the way for other female comics. Ironically she hated being referred to as a pioneer or a trail blazer because her work was not even close to being done. In fact, in a recent interview before her passing she was quoted as saying “I hate when female comics come up to me and say “Oh you broke barriers for women… I’m still breaking barriers….” Sadly her work was unfinished but her legend lives on and she is sorely missed.
Another feminine comedy ground-breaker of sorts is New Jersey native “Queen of Comedy” Sommore, who began her career as the first woman to host BET’s ”Comic View,” and then later hosting Russell Simmons’ “Def Comedy Jam” and “Showtime at the Apollo.” She was the 1995 recipient of the Richard Pryor Award for Comic of the Year, and in 2000 she entered “The Guinness Book of World Records,” performing for an audience of more than 50,000 people in Atlanta as part of the “Queens of Comedy” tour. A recording of the show became the longest-running and highest-rated special in the history of Showtime Networks.
I recently interviewed Sommore, who was promoting her upcoming weekend at Suncoast Hotel & Casino on Labor Day Weekend. With credits which include her status as being among the top-grossing stand-up comediennes in the United States and abroad, as well as Oprah Winfrey proclaiming her “a force to be reckoned with in the new millennium,” it’s of no wonder that Sommore sold out both nights at the 500 seat theatre before the weekend even began with Suncoast having to turn away hundreds of fans. Her show equally as impressive had substance and she drew a drinking, spending well-dressed crowd. I think it was obvious just from her credits that Queen of Comedy Sommore deserved to be performing in a much bigger theatre on The Strip. I’m sure Las Vegas won’t make that mistake again as word gets out fast!
Another impressive comedienne making a difference in comedy is Wanda Sykes. Wanda is Executive Producer of NBC’s Last Comic Standing which got renewed for a second season. I recently interviewed runner-up Lachlan Patterson, and Winner Rod Man who were promoting their upcoming Last Comic Standing Tour with all 5 finalists in the show. The audio of their interviews are archived on our site. I will be doing a backstage videotaped interview with both Lachlan, and Rod Man in between their sold out shows at Aliante Casino. An edited portion will be posted on gamingtoday.com, casinocenter.com.
Bill Maher returns to the Palms on Oct. 10 & 11. He always puts on a solid, funny, relevant show, and is one of my favorite return guests on LVBST. Bill’s interview will air on Oct. 9.
My Picks:
Wanda Sykes, Treasure Island, Oct 3, The Beach Boys, The Cannery, Oct. 4, Lewis Black, The Mirage, Oct. 4, Daniel Tosh, Mirage, Oct. 10 & 11, Legends of Motown: the Four Tops, Temptations, Spinners, Cannery, Oct. 10 & 11, Loni Love, Venetian, Oct. 10 & 11,
The Eagles, MGM Grand, Oct. 11, Queensryche, Eastside Cannery, Oct. 11, Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull, Mandalay Bay, Asia, Red Rock Resort, Oct. 17, John Fogerty, Palms, Oct. 17, Ray Romano and David Spade, Mirage, Oct. 17 & 18, Zac Brown Band, MGM Grand, Oct. 17, Carlos Mencia, Treasure Island, Oct. 17, Smokey Robinson, Eastside Cannery, Oct. 18, Ron White, Mirage, Oct. 24 & 25, Bill Engvall, Treasure Island, Oct. 24, Wendy Williams, Venetian, Oct. 31.
April Las Vegas Backstage Talk column by Michele LaFong
April Las Vegas Backstage Talk column in Casino Player Magazine, and Gaming Today.
(click on article to read)
Remembering David Brenner
It doesn’t get much than better listening to show-biz stories from David Brenner and Shecky Green in a Las Vegas coffee shop. It wasn’t that long ago I was doing just that. I was shocked when I heard that David Brenner lost his battle with cancer at age 78. II was fortunate enough to have interviewed him when he was promoting his last engagement at The Suncoast Showroom. In that interview Brenner talked about how his father taught him to always leave the audience laughing. And he did…even till the very end. I reran that interview on March 20, in David’s memory. The audio is archived on lasvegasbackstagetalk.com.
After interviewing countless comedians and singers on LVBST for almost three years and following up to watch their shows, I started to realize that artists and audiences often have very different agendas. Audiences always want to be entertained and look forward to hearing their favorite bits or hits of the artist that they pay to go see…and artists want to entertain but also want to grow and continue to evolve, develop and explore. With the double-edged sword of name recognition and fame come expectations from fans of what that artist often perceives as keeping them stuck in the past, and pigeon-holed. Finding that perfect balance of “old” and “new” is the answer to satisfying both the audience and artist whether a comedian, or singer. Tom Jones is a perfect example of someone who has mastered not only combining old with new, but also in re-inventing his band and updating his bluesy arrangements, keeping his material fresh yet in-step with his brand which also keeps him relevant. A crowd-pleaser like Tony Orlando, who is known for opening his show with his biggest hits right off the bat then following up with everything from Led Zeppelin, to The Beatles, always delivers a feel-good contemporary show, is always “on,” and has that special connection with his loyal audience which explains his lasting popularity and sell-out performances. Bill Maher, and Jerry Seinfeld are examples of comedians that are committed to keeping their material updated, presentation smooth, and take pride in the quality of their shows without sacrificing laughs. Paula Poundstone, Chuck Negron, Mickey Gilley, Marty Allen, Rich Little, Gallagher, Gary Puckett, Carlos Mencia, and Judy Tenuta are all examples of artists that not only embrace their audience but also include a Meet & Greet following every show. Another performer that is very pro-audience and eager to please was Burton Cummings, former lead singer for The Guess Who. Cummings sang hit after hit when headlining at The Orleans in January, and received several standing ovations throughout. He even allowed flash photography during his performance and went as far as inviting fans to videotape the show! However not all artists are even close to being as giving and grateful on and off stage, committed to taking the audience up as high as they can. 70’s Pop Star Helen Reddy had a packed house. Before the show began at The Orleans Theatre, I over-heard audience members anticipating which hit Reddy might open with. But no one called it right! She didn’t sing any hits until forty minutes into the show. Although her voice sounded as good ever, the fans that came out expecting to hear her many, many hits were clearly out of luck, as I counted three hits in total including the iconic and mandatory “I am Woman.” Oh…And of course, no pictures, nor autographs for anyone with no exceptions, and certainly no backstage passes! I can’t say I was that surprised because when I interviewed Reddy a couple of weeks prior to the show, and asked her why she had quit the business and stopped singing for over ten years, her reply was “I was bored. I was tired of singing the same songs over and over again.” I asked why she decided to return, her reply was “I was at my older sister’s 80th birthday party, and she asked me to do her a favor and sing a duet with her …and you don’t turn down your big sister…so I sang… got a huge standing ovation, and I heard my voice coming out of the monitor and thought “gee, that’s not so bad…maybe I should go out and do that again…and here I am.” Before my interview, I asked her if she will be gambling while in Vegas? Her reply? “I don’t gamble, I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, and I’m a celibate!” (Not exactly what I was expecting!) I immediately recalled a videotaped interview I did with Comedian Sal Richards in which I asked if there was a celebrity he worked with that wasn’t what he expected them to be. His immediate reply was “yes Helen Reddy!” And the story he told about her was pretty outrageous and shocking! It really shows what can go on behind the scenes in Show Business. It is posted on casinocenter.com and promises not to disappoint!
Singing funnyman Michael Shane was such a hit at Bootlegger Bistro on Thursday nights that he is “back by popular demand” on every Friday & Saturday in April from 6:30PM on. He will be taking your requests and is very difficult to stump! The food is great, especially the pizza, and you’ll be thoroughly entertained.
My picks for April are Ray Romano/Kevin James, April 4 & 6, Mirage, Brian McKnight, April 5, Eastside Cannery, Rob Thomas, April 4, Palms, DL Hughley, Orleans, April 4 & 5, Palms, Gary Lewis & The Playboys, April 4 & 5, Suncoast, Jeff Ross, April 5, Mirage, Olivia Newton-John, April 8- 12, Flamingo, Jason Alexander, April 11-May 4, Harrah’s, Wayne Brady, April 11, Mirage, Bryan Ferry, April 12, Palms, Jay Leno, April 12, Mirage, Foghat, April 12, Cannery, Las Vegas Soul Festival, April 12, UNLV, Megadeth and Motorhead, April 17, Palms, The Bronx Wanderers, April 18-20, South Point, Gabriel Iglesias, Mirage, April 18 & 19, Jim Belushi & Chicago Board of Comedy, April 18 & 19, Venetian, Robert Cray, April 18, Cannery, Restless Heart/Sawyer Brown, April 19, Eastside Cannery, Jeff Tracta, April 24, LVH, Tony Orlando, April 25-27, South Point, Bobby Rydell, April 25-27, Suncoast, Tracy Morgan, April 25, TI, Little River Band, April 26, Cannery, Temptations, April 26 & 27, Orleans, Rod Stewart, April 30-May 17, Caesars Palace
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Bill Maher, Felix Cavaliere-LV Backstage Talk
March 20, 2014 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
Bill Maher returns on Las Vegas Backstage Talk 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 March. 22 & 23
Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals
Rock & Roll and Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee Felix Cavaliere brings his Rascals to the Suncoast Showroom, March 22 and 23.
In the mid-60s, Cavaliere formed The Young Rascals with Dino Danelli, Eddie Brigati and Gene Cornish. The band signed with Atlantic Records and had their first No. 1 hit with “Good Lovin’” in 1966. The Young Rascals went on to be one of the biggest groups in the county for the remainder of the 60s with songs, “Groovin’,” “A Girl Like You,” “A Beautiful Morning,” and “People Got to Be Free,” the latter the groups’ biggest hit, topping the charts for five weeks in 1968. The follow up single, “A Ray of Hope,” was written for and about Teddy Kennedy.
Following the disbandment of The Young Rascals in 1972, Cavaliere continued on as a solo-artist releasing his self-titled debut album in 1974, followed by “Destiny” in 1975. Two years later, he returned to a band environment with the release “Treasure,” the self-titled debut from his new band. Cavaliere returned to solo work with the release of “Castles in the Air” in 1979.
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March-LVBST syndicated column in Gaming Today, and Casino Player Michele LaFong
Las Vegas Backstage Talk by Michele LaFong
(Desi Arnaz Jr., Joy Behar, Chuck Negron, Dana Carvey, Rob Schneider, Bill Engvall, Bill Maher, Larry The Cable Guy, Jeff Foxworthy)
(Click on article to read)
March-LVBST syndicated column
by Michele LaFong
in Gaming Today, and Casino Player Magazine.
Not since Barbara Walters, has Desi Arnaz Jr. granted anyone an interview. However, after much persistence and good timing with the upcoming Dam Short Film Festival last month at the Historic Boulder Theatre which Desi and his wife Amy own since 1986, I finally was the very lucky person to break this silent streak! When I do an interview, I never know what direction it’s going to go. I attempted what would have been a very “rare interview with Desi Arnaz Jr.” speaking about growing up with Lucy & Desi but it became a very interesting and informative “Where Are They Now” episode that Oprah Winfrey has made so popular on the Own network. Very soon into the hour- plus conversation, it was evident that we were in need of at least a five session series because Desi said it best “I’ve lived over 200 years in 60!” Much of the conversation got really deep, had many layers, and took twists and turns. When I asked him what his plans were in the near future besides what he is already doing with the non-profit ballet company that he and his family runs together, and events at The Boulder Theatre, surprisingly Desi responded “I’m going to be Michele LaFong! I will be interviewing celebrities on video on-stage at The Boulder Theatre that are in town for up-coming projects, or who just have a story to tell.” Since Desi grew up with an “inside view” of show-biz, and a dating history that includes Liza Minnelli, Patty Duke, and almost every other A Lister hottie in Hollywood…I think this is a natural that would make great television, which we are so in need of today. For more information on the Dam Short Film Festival, The Boulder Theatre, or to listen to the archived two part interview that aired on Feb. 6, and 13, go to lasvegasbackstagetalk.com.
After 16 years as co-host of ABC’s The View, Comedian Joy Behar retired from the show but has not retired from her very long career. In fact there are persisting rumors of Joy returning to television…and that could be happening very soon. In the meantime, Behar continues to perform her stand-up as she did so well at The Orleans Showroom last month. Hanging out with Joy and her husband Steve after the show was de je vu for me, as it’s been over 20 years since we’ve seen each other. We had a bite at the coffee shop then joined Steve in the casino and played Blackjack, and craps. They love Vegas! Joy was noticeably happy, content, and much more fun than I remembered her to be back in the late 80’s, when she was a struggling comic in NY, bitching about how far she had to schlep on my “LaFong gigs” which I used to book her on quite frequently. Of course this was before Barbara Walters discovered her and cast her on The View. A couple of years ago, I was watching Joy on The Joy Behar Show on HLN interviewing Comedian Colin Quinn, and Joy brought my name up and told a funny story about working for me that she’s been telling for years. The video is posted on our website with my side of the story too!
After interviewing Chuck Negron, former lead singer of Three Dog Night, I went to check out his show at the Suncoast Showroom. His signature voice was in rare form and his band was truly exceptional. They sang many complicated harmonies together. They were on fire when they played Three Dog Night’s many hits “Joy to the World,” “Mama told me not to Come,” “ Shambala,” “One,”…there were so many… Not to mention my personal favorite “The Show must go on.”
It was obvious by Chuck’s energy, swagger, and million $ smile, how much he truly enjoys and appreciates being on stage, and is grateful for the opportunity to still be able to entertain with the chops that he is still so blessed with today in spite of the years of drug abuse that his body had endured. He was simply joyous on stage soaking in every moment, never taking his audience for granted. This was also evident by his meet & greet after the show, making sure to say hello to every last fan that wanted to speak to him. And there was no shortage! I hope to see Negron and his rockin’ band perform in a larger venue next time.
I almost always go to see Dana Carvey’s show when he is in town and this time was no exception… especially when he told me he had been working on new material, and would be doing a Q & A at the end of the show with his opening act, Mark Pitta, which he had never done before in Vegas. Carvey was relaxed, and his material was funnier than ever. During the Q & A, former SNL cast member, Rob Schneider made a surprise guest appearance. The three were improving together. It was a fun unexpected bonus.
Bill Engvall returned on LVBST to promote his upcoming appearance at the TI on March 7. He spoke about his entertainment strategy that earned him a spot in the finals in this year’s “Dancing with the Stars” that introduced him to a new set of demographics that may not have been familiar with The Blue Collar Comedy Troupe. When I asked if the other guys from the Troupe helped in soliciting votes for him he responded “Larry the Cable Guy did…” This led me to curiously wonder why no support had been extended from Jeff Foxworthy, or Ron White, both of whom would have been most effective and influential in racking up votes for Engvall from their fans. Hmmm, sometimes what an artist doesn’t say in an interview can be just as telling as what they do say. Engvall’s full interview will air on March 6, from 6-7pm PST on 1230AM in LV, and streaming live on lasvegasbackstagetalk.com. Last year, in a backstage videotaped interview, he spoke about his career and marriage. That interview is now posted on casinocenter.com.
Congratulations to Bill Maher for getting renewed on HBO’s “Real Time,” and for his 2014 residency at The Palms. He returns March 22 & 23, and Oct. 10 & 11. Maher’s interview will air on March 20.
Your feedback and comments are always appreciated.
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Las Vegas Backstage Talk column in Casino Player Magazine-Nov.
Nov. edition-by Michele LaFong
Longevity, and the ability to stay relevant in the ever-changing music business has always proved challenging for even the most talented of artists. Some however, have been able to transcend, and maintain their popularity throughout their careers despite taking a long hiatus. One such example is three-time Grammy Award winner Harry Wayne Casey, KC for short, of KC & The Sunshine Band. Their recent sold out performance at The M Resorts & Casino had the audience on their feet and dancing in the aisles.
KC also proved to be quite “the showman” and comic. KC, now 61, and in-spite of his new-found weight-gain, was still able to shake his booty, moving and grooving in-step with his very talented ensemble of singers, and back-up dancers while simultaneously nailing and holding those high notes! It was quite a workout! I was getting winded just watching him! KC was very at ease on stage and demonstrated his sense of humor, often poking fun at himself. “We play a lot of casinos. In fact, I may have had 1 or 1000 too many free buffets!” His smile truly lit up the stage. It was great to see KC shine, and come alive during his performance on stage, as that does not always translate in an interview.
The costuming, wardrobe, choreography, lighting and production were also extremely well executed. There was never a dull moment in this artsy, entertaining and electrifying extravaganza. The show was very well paced, contained many costume changes, and experienced no lulls. It was like a big dance party, a celebration of familiar hits which included; “Boogie Shoes,” “Shake Your Booty,” “Get Down Tonight,” “Give it up,” “That’s the Way (I Like It),” to name a few…as well as some cover tunes from the release of their new album. Celebrating over 40 years of performing together, KC & The Sunshine Band continue to tour all over the world, performing over 100 dates a year.
Another example of staying-power is the group Wilson Phillips. Singer, Talk Show Host, Reality Star Carnie Wilson, daughter of Icon Brian Wilson, one of the original founding members of The Beach Boys, recently guested on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong, to promote her up-coming shows with Wilson Phillips at The Eastside Cannery. Carnie, and childhood friend Chynna Phillips, daughter of Michelle and John Phillips of The Mamas and Papas, co-founded Wilson Phillips with her younger sister Wendy when they were in their teens.
I happened to be sitting directly behind proud mom, Michelle Phillips when Chynna introduced her out of the audience. I loved watching her react to Chynna’s many dramatic vocal runs on-stage. I got a few really good photographs of the enthusiastic crowd on its feet, and the back of Michelle Phillips head!
Towards the end of the show, when Carnie introduced the band members, she also introduced her husband, Musician Rob Bonfiglio, and credited him for many of their arrangements.
Wilson Phillips did not disappoint. They delivered a high energy, “feel good” show. Their hits and harmonies are still in my head! Backstage, I felt like I was at a picnic at my neighbor’s house. Everyone was “down to earth,” and fun to hang out with. Carnie was looking forward to subbing once again as one of the Guest- Hosts of CBS’s “The Talk” that following week.
Grammy Award winner, Meat Loaf guested on LVBST recently to plug his new starring role in “RockTellz” and Cocktails” at The Planet Hollywood Showroom, at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. This is an inter-active show with Q&A sessions about his 47-year music, stage and film career. Performances incorporate his biggest music hits like “I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That),” as well as “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” and “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” from his 1977 classic Bat Out Of Hell – the 3rd best-selling album of all time.
The shows run every Thursday, Saturday and Tuesday, Sept. 26 to Nov. 5. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m.
During my videotaped interview with Meat Loaf, I also asked about his recent stint on Donald Trump’s reality show, “The Apprentice,” on NBC when he lost his temper with Gary Busey. His answer was quite interesting. Excerpts of this video are posted on casinocenter.com
Meat Loaf is another fine example of a star that continues to stand the test of time and always manages to stay relevant.
Speaking of relevant… Bill Maher returns to The Pearl Theatre at The Palms H&C, on Nov.2 & 3. He delivers an entirely new show with every performance. Amazingly, he never seems to lose his place, stammer, nor ask “what should we talk about next…? He generously invited me backstage to show me his “tried and true” way of cueing himself with notes without skipping a beat. I’m really looking forward to that but remain painfully aware that this method may not prove to be as “user-friendly” with me!
TweetBill Maher, Finis Henderson-Las Vegas Backstage Talk w/Comedian Michele LaFong
Oct. 31, 2013- 6-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
Comedian Bill Maher, a favorite guest on “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” radio show, with Comedian Michele Lafong which now airs on KLAV, 1230 am in Las Vegas, and The Web, answers questions about his personal experiences on other talk shows, his feelings on Elizabeth Hasselbeck’s treatment of him when he guested on “The View,” and Barbara Walter’s response behind the scenes. He also speaks about the republican party, President Obama, and the upcoming presidential election.
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.”
Bill Maher is featured in Comedian Michele LaFong’s Syndicated “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” column, in Nov. issue of Casino Player Magazine. He will also be LaFong’s Cover/Feature Interview in “Getting Personal with the Stars” in November’s 2013 edition of CP Magazine.
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 Nov. 2 & 3
Finis Henderson
Singing Impressionist Finis Henderson guests on LV Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong. In a backstage interview at The Laugh Factory, Finis tells us in detail how he does those amazing impressions.
Being part of Finis Henderson’s audience is equivalent to being invited to a reunion of some of the entertainment industry’s greatest legends and contemporary favorites, Sinatra, Boyz II Men, Elvis Presley, Alan Jackson, Nat King Cole (and daughter Natalie!), Sammy Davis Jr., and many others gather on stage for an evening of music, dancing, and comedy. Weaving the comic personas of the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Rodney Dangerfield and Mike Tyson through the crowd, one is apt to forget they’re not watching a crazed chorus, but the versatile talent of one dynamic performer.
The sound is theirs… The voice is pure Finis Henderson. And as the evening draws to a close, it isn’t a legend that brings the audience to its feet, but the intensely melodic strain of Mr. Henderson’s own rendition of “Music of the Night.”
It was only natural that Finis would go into show business. His father was a successful song and dance man, and one time Vice-President of Sammy Davis Jr. Enterprises. Afterwards, he took his act to Los Angeles and polished it at the famed Comedy Store. He has also opened for such superstars as Jackie Mason, Smokey Robinson, Barbara Mandrell, and Alan King, to name a few.
In addition to live club, casino, and coporate appearances, his television credits include Make Me Laugh, The Jackson (mini-series), Nashville Now, Comic Strip Live, Crazy Horse Saloon, and A Little Bit Strange. Films encompass Wired and I’m Gonna Get You Sucka! – See more at: http://www2.eaglestalent.com/Finis-Henderson/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=example&utm_term=finis%20henderson#sthash.4uRCf6PD.dpuf
Finis Henderson is headlining at The Laugh Factory through Nov. 3, 8:30 & 10:30 nightly
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