“Las Vegas Backstage Talk” Column in Casino Player Magazine-by Michele LaFong

 July edition                                                 

“Las Vegas Backstage Talk”- July online version
http://t.co/kvLJjkxwe7

Last month, we started putting up edited footage of some of my Backstage Interviews on Casinocenter.com. That footage included an edited interview with Tony Orlando, Melissa Manchester, and Myself on the topic of Bill Cosby.

This month, we will be featuring some very candid clips from different interviews that I did with my new friend, “Comedian Icon,” Gallagher, with topics that deal that with everything from fame & fortune, riches to rags, partying, health scares, divorce, kids, grand-kids, his new image, his early career as Road Manager of Country & Novelty Singer Jim Stafford, the invention of his new “Gallagher slot machine,” and finally…the real story behind his younger brother Ronny, who went out on the road, performing Gallagher’s Signature Comedy Act, billing himself as “Gallagher 2,” which lead to much public confusion, lost ticket sales, and damage to Gallagher’s brand. Videotaped footage of this exclusive, “never been told before” story of what really happened… will not disappoint!

Gallagher, mostly known for incorporating “watermelon smashing” in his comedy show, and fitted the audience in the first few front row seats with “protective bib gear,” was also recently featured in a successful, popular, National Geico Television Commercial.

This “Jack of all trades,” master of all, is a true genius, and completely out of his mind! Still full of energy, extremely creative, and always unpredictable, Gallagher has recently dusted off his engineering degree that he earned at USF many years ago, and finally put it to good use when he developed and patented Gaming Software for Slot Machines that is much more innovative, imaginative, and engaging than the slot machines that are currently in the casinos. This software incorporates the technology of computerized video games that are available online, and on cell phones, which Gallagher claims will leave the casino slot machines in the dust, if they don’t do something now to start to improve it, and compete in a much more entertaining, interactive, and contemporary way.

Gallagher, a truly experienced, all-around talented entertainer, and comedy writer, ranked in the top 100 on Comedy Central’s poll of the 100 Greatest Stand-ups of all Time, taped 14 Specials for Showtime during his 40 year comedy career…and isn’t showing signs of slowing down anytime soon! On June 17, Gallagher opened a show on the Las Vegas Strip, with little lead-in notice, taking over the 7pm time slot, that RoseAnne Barr had left vacant back in May, after closing her successful, five month run at The Laugh Factory, at The Tropicana H & C.

Aside from the staple headliners, July seems to be a ripe month for great name talent in the Casino Market.

Mathew Nelson, of The Nelson Twins, co-star of  RICKY NELSON REMEMBERED FEATURING MATTHEW & GUNNAR NELSON, guested on my radio show last month, promoting their… (what turned out to be) “sold out weekend,” at The South Point Showroom, at The South Point H & C.  They are now returning by popular demand, to Laughlin, NV, at the Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino’s Don’s Celebrity Theater, July 2-3 and 5-7.

Comedian/Actress, Wanda Sykes, was in Vegas last month performing at The TI.  It’s hard to believe that she was my Feature Act, back when I was touring, and headlining Comedy Clubs.  Even then, Wanda was a tough act to follow!  She is a very strong stand-up comedian, and is definitely worth seeing.  She has upcoming shows in Reno, and Atlantic City in November.

Paula Poundstone, is performing at The Orleans Showroom, on July 5 & 6 at 8pm, (immediately following her almost two hour show… she does a Meet & Greet.)

Comedian Carlos Mencia, a frequent recurring and LV favorite returns to The TI, on July 5.  His fans “can never get enough” because Mencia always delivers laughs, with his consistent command of the stage, timing, and physical comedic sensibilities.

Speaking of which…Bill Cosby returns to Vegas, at The TI on July 19, His cerebral comedy, and slow story-telling technique require much more thought, and focus from the audience than most, as his “pay-off punch lines,” can literally often be located in the long pauses he takes when telling a story. His slow, annunciations, and hilarious facial expressions… really aid in getting his point across…  (Getting sauced before seeing his show is not recommended!)

Another exciting, edgy performer that should not be missed is Comic/Actress Sarah Silverman. In between her busy taping schedule, she is squeezing in a performance at The Palms Hotel & Casino, on July 20, but if you’re more into nostalgia, and “Old Vegas,”…Singer, Deana Martin returns to The South Point Showroom on July 20, & 21 at 7:30pm.  Deana has guested on my show several times, has many great and interesting show-biz stories about growing up around Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and her “Uncle Jerry” (Lewis.) She has many more tales to tell, in her multi-media show, complete with cool family footage, and of course… “Surprise celebrity guests” can always be expected.  Or if Bobby Vinton is more your speed, he is also in Vegas on July 20, at The Eastside Cannery.  I opened for him many years ago at Mystic Lake Casino in Minnesota.  There’s no doubt about it.  Bobby is a pro and puts on a great show!

Last but not least, the still very popular, and not so weird, Weird Al Yankovik, returns to Vegas once again… this time on July 6, at The Smith Center. He is a master entertainer that manages to stay relevant, and is committed to putting on an exciting, long crowd pleasing show for all the generations of his loyal fans!

Other interesting Headliners in town performing in July are: Ian Anderson, Joe Rogan, The Love n’ Spoonful, The O’Jays, Kellie Pickler, Yes, Jim Gaffigan, Craig Shoemaker, Sara Evans, Dion, Pablo Francisco, and The Wayans Bros.

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I’m always open to comments, feedback, and questions.

Please stay in touch via facebook, twitter, or email….  ’Till next month…