Comedian Ralphie May, Felix Cavaliere
January 26, 2017
Audio of interviews are posted below (Scroll down)
Ralphie May returns on Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio Show with Comedian Michele LaFong.
In a very candid interview Ralphie May addresses some of the obstacles and behind the scenes’ “going-ons” that are realities in”the business” of show business. He also speaks about his very first gig. Opening for Sam Kinison.
Veteran comedian Ralphie May’s popularity exploded after the success of the first season of NBC’s hit reality series, “Last Comic Standing”. Long-time fans of Ralphie’s stand-up were joined by countless new fans when America thought he was robbed of the winner’s title. Despite the show’s outcome, Ralphie’s special brand of comedy combines the familiar elements of hip-hop and topical comedy with a dash of southern down-home flavor and quick wit making Ralphie May one of the most popular comedians in the country. His first DVD, appropriately titled “Just Correct,” went PLATINUM!
His special brand of humor and incredible timing has allowed him to cross social, cultural, and ethnic barriers and has earned him roles in such films as FOR DA LOVE OF MONEY and GAS, to name a few of several independent productions. Ralphie has worked as an actor, writer and producer on ESPN’s Mohr Sports starring Jay Mohr and had four appearances on CBS’s The Late Late Show w/ Craig Kilborn as well as eleven appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live. He has been seen on Tough Crowd, The Man Show and MTV’s Bash as well as in guest-starring roles on numerous television shows including NBC’s Whoopie. In an appearance on The Tonight Show w/ Jay Leno he received a standing ovation, the first comedian in 10 years to receive this honor. The New York Times raves, “Ralphie is phenomenal…”The Washington Post describes his comedy style as a “Tour de Force.” At the age of seventeen, Ralphie entered a talent show, to which the winner would get to open for Sam Kinison. A dream came true… Ralphie won the contest and after the show, Sam turned to Ralphie and said, “That was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen in my life.”
More about Ralphie May here–>
You can catch Ralphie May headlining at Harrah’s H&C. Jan. 26th – Feb. 18
Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals
Rock & Roll and Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee Felix Cavaliere guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong, and brings his Rascals to the Golden Nugget, Feb. 28.
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.
TweetJim Belushi, Wild Willy Parsons, J.Chris Newberg
Oct. 2, 2014- 6-7pm PST 1230AM KLAV in LV & The Web
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
Comedian, actor and blues musician Jim Belushi guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Jim Belushi along with blues band The Sacred Hearts will bring laughs and soulful hits to the Orleans Showroom October 4 & 5.
Jim Belushi is known worldwide for making people laugh as a regular on “Saturday Night Live,” his long-running comedy series “According to Jim” and his many film appearances. In addition to his film and TV career, Belushi’s music career blossomed in 1995 when he joined forces with House of Blues regulars, The Sacred Hearts. Soon after, friend Dan Aykroyd asked Belushi to join him as part of the Blues Brothers. To get ready to play with the Blues Brothers, Belushi would crash rehearsals for The Sacred Hearts. He had so much fun performing with them, they eventually merged professionally and have been performing as Jim Belushi and The Sacred Hearts.
The band’s first CD, “36 x 22 x 36,” was released in 1998 and delivers a Memphis rhythm & blues sound seasoned with a lot of soul. Additionally, the “According to Jim Soundtrack” was released in 2005, containing the music by Jim Belushi & The Sacred Hearts featured in fan favorite series episodes. Much of the show’s music was written and recorded by Belushi and bandmates Johnny Rubano and Tony Braunagel, who also made regular guest appearances on “According to Jim.”
Wild Willy Parsons, J. Chris Newberg
Emmy Winning Comedian Wild Willy Parsons, and J. Chris Newberg guest in a backstage interview on LVBST.
The New Tropicana should be filled with laughter beginning Monday, Sept. 29 through Sunday, when Wild Willy Parsons takes the stage at the Laugh Factory. Parsons will be sharing the comedy clubs stage with Chris Newberg, and host Brett Riley. At first glance, Willy Parsons’ biker-clad girth could send society’s most decadent citizens scampering for their lives. But instead, The sends them home with a fresh and positive outlook, about their own misconceptions of the stereotypical biker.
Parsons, born Sept. 18, 1959 in San Diego, Calif., attended Mar Vista high school in Imperial Beach, Calif., with actor Matthew Modine, and Ozzy/Badlands ex-guitarist, Jake E. Lee. Willy lives in North Hollywood, Calif., and is best friends with his lifelong idol, Mahogany Rush guitarist, Frank Marino.
Parsons has made numerous TV appearances including “Last Comic Standing,” “Last Call with Carson Daly,” “The Dennis Miller Show,” Showtime, MTV, “The Tracey Ullman Show,” “Evening at the Improv,” Caroline’s Comedy Hour, and “Comics Only,” to name a few. He has opened for such acts as Sam Kinison, Andrew Dice Clay, Richard Jeni, Pauly Shore, Steppenwolf, The Charlie Daniels Band, and Buddy Miles. A stand-up comedian and an actor, Willie has been in several movies including “The Guardian,” directed by William Friedkin, and “Nothing to Lose,” directed by Steve Oedekerk. Willy’s Emmy Award came in 1985, for his writing on “Technical Difficulties.” Wild Willy released his live CD, “American Made,” recorded at The Comedy Store, in 2001.
J. Chris Newberg’s refreshingly smart and edgy humor, delivered with a streetwise sense of philosophic cool, has propelled the guitarist/songwriter-turned-comedian to the forefront of the national comedy scene. Newberg’s standup cleverly combines his hilarious and off-beat observations on life with original acoustic guitar songs and infectious melodies. He has been seen on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “Last Comic Standing” and Comedy Central. Brett Riley is one of the most original fresh faces coming to light in the comedy world. With the swagger of a rock front man and the likability of a college drinking buddy, this walking “series of unfortunate events,” takes the audience on a personal tour of the Riley view. He covers everything from pop culture to relationships, family, advice on how to mess with people, and the ability to sing well enough, to make your mom forget the other stuff that comes out of his mouth.
Susie Essman, Lachlan Patterson
Sept. 4, 2014- 6-7pm PST 1230AM KLAV in LV & The Web
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
Susie Essman guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Susie Essman has played the sassy Susie Greene for all eight seasons of the critically-acclaimed HBO comedy series, Curb Your Enthusiasm. The Los Angeles Times calls Susie, “The most lyrical purveyor of profanity on television.” She has appeared in her own half-hour HBO comedy special, made numerous appearances on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The View, and Crank Yankers.
Susie Essman is appearing at the Sands Showroom at The Venetian as part of the Lipshtick series: Saturday, Sept. 6: 7:30pm
For more about Susie go to www.susieessman.com
Lachlan Patterson
Recently Lachlan was on NBC’s hit competition show “Last Comic Standing”. Patterson’s signature style moved him through to the finals and was announced the runner up. While on the show he received high praises from this season’s celebrity judges Keenan Wayans, Russell Peters, and Roseanne Barr. “So funny. So great. Your writing is fantastic and your delivery is one of a kind. I think you could take this whole show” says LCS judge Rosanne Barr. Even Russell Peters mentioned he’d love to go on tour with Lachlan.
This hilarious stand out comedian other television appearances include “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” Comedy Central’s “Live at Gotham,” “Tosh.O.,” the FX comedy “Legit” and VH1’s “Sexiest Artists.”
Lachlan will be appearing at The Aliante Casino on Sept. 13, at 8pm, & 10:30pm in Last Comic Standing with winner Rodman.
For more go to Lachlanpatterson.com
Tweet
Ralphie May, Richie Minervini-Las Vegas Backstage Talk
May 22, 2014 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & Web
Comedian Ralphie May guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM in Las Vegas and streaming live in a backstage interview at The South Point Hotel and Casino. Ralphie addresses some of the obstacles and behind the scenes’ “going-ons” that are realities in”the business” of show business. He also speaks about his very first gig. Opening for Sam Kinison.
Veteran comedian Ralphie May’s popularity exploded after the success of the first season of NBC’s hit reality series, “Last Comic Standing”. Long-time fans of Ralphie’s stand-up were joined by countless new fans when America thought he was robbed of the winner’s title. Despite the show’s outcome, Ralphie’s special brand of comedy combines the familiar elements of hip-hop and topical comedy with a dash of southern down-home flavor and quick wit making Ralphie May one of the most popular comedians in the country. His first DVD, appropriately titled “Just Correct,” went PLATINUM!
His special brand of humor and incredible timing has allowed him to cross social, cultural, and ethnic barriers and has earned him roles in such films as FOR DA LOVE OF MONEY and GAS, to name a few of several independent productions. Ralphie has worked as an actor, writer and producer on ESPN’s Mohr Sports starring Jay Mohr and had four appearances on CBS’s The Late Late Show w/ Craig Kilborn as well as eleven appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live. He has been seen on Tough Crowd, The Man Show and MTV’s Bash as well as in guest-starring roles on numerous television shows including NBC’s Whoopie. In an appearance on The Tonight Show w/ Jay Leno he received a standing ovation, the first comedian in 10 years to receive this honor. The New York Times raves, “Ralphie is phenomenal…”The Washington Post describes his comedy style as a “Tour de Force.” At the age of seventeen, Ralphie entered a talent show, to which the winner would get to open for Sam Kinison. A dream came true… Ralphie won the contest and after the show, Sam turned to Ralphie and said, “That was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Will soon be featured in Michele LaFong’s Syndicated “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” Column in Casino Player Magazine, and Gaming Today.
Ralphie is performing at South Point Showroom May 23-25 For more go to ralphiemay.com
Comedian Richie Minervini
Comedian Richie Minervini guests on LVBST in a backstage interview from The Wynn Theatre, the set of Mall Cop 2. Richie is Kevin James stand-in, and has been Kevin’s opening act for over 15 years at The Mirage.
Richie Minervini is a seasoned entertainer and actor. A veteran of standup comedy, Richie is the former owner of Long Island’s premier comedy club, The East Side Comedy Club. His stage is where celebrities, Rosie O’Donnell, Jay Leno, Eddie Murphy, Kevin James, Ray Romano and Michele LaFong started their standup careers.
Comic / Actor Richie Minervini, from the movie “Zookeeper” with Kevin James, Richie is opening for Kevin James at The Mirage on June 7. He is the voice of Elmo the Ostrich in “Zookeeper.”
Click here to watch the trailer for “Zookeeper.”
TweetGerry Bednob, Jeff Capri, Laura Hayden-LVBST w/Comedian Michele LaFong
July 19, 2012 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Gerry Bednob guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong. LV Backstage Talk radio show is the only show that “Gets Personal with the Stars.”
Gerry currently appears as Bling Bling Shelton in Free Radio on Vh1. He had a role in the 2010 film Furry Vengeance, with Brendan Fraser and Brooke Shields, playing Mr. Gupta. He is also the uncle of Michelle Jhagroo.
He will soon be featured in Michele LaFong’s monthly syndicated column “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” in Casino Player Magazine, as well as LaFong’s monthly syndicated “Getting Personal with the Stars” column in Gaming Today.
Gerry is appearing at Rivera Comedy Club 9:00pm through Sunday July 22nd
Comedian / Headliner – Jeff Capri
Welcoming back Jeff Capri, son of Dick Capri from “Catskills on Broadway.”
Jeff covers everything from pop-culture, biographical and political twists as well as a silly pun or two. A world traveled comedian, Jeff has worked a variety of audiences. Comedy clubs, cruise lines, military tours, and corporate events. Considered a consummate professional; his strong improvisational ability enables him to adapt to any crowd. Jeff’s television appearances, include Comics Unleashed, Last Comic Standing, Ed McMahon’s Next Big Star has enabled him to work alongside respected entertainers, including Ellen DeGeneres, Joy Behar, Rich Jeni and Adam Sandler.
For more about Jeff Capri, click here.
You can catch Jeff at The Orleans, Wednesday, July 18th through Sunday July 22nd at 8:00pm
Big Al’s Comedy Club-now at The Gold Coast H&C
Comedian – Laura Hayden
Laura is like radioactive plutonium; calm, cool and collected until comedy took over her life. A very introverted child all through school, it wasn’t until graduate school for physical therapy that she realized her comedic potential. It’s always the quiet ones! She has the ability to make anything funny, even spinal meningitis. This talent caused her class to overwhelmingly select her to give their commencement speech. That was the catalyst. Receiving several applause -laughter breaks during her speech, she thought “maybe I’m funny”. Having an unquenchable desire to try or learn anything. As long as it is not illegal or immoral, well maybe that was being a bit hasty. But on a whim, she took a comedy class and people have been laughing at her ever Since.
For more about Laura Hayden, click here.
You can catch Laura w/ Jeff Capri at The Orleans
Thursday, July 18th through Sunday July 22nd at 8:00pm
You can listen to a recording of our show below!
