Aug. 14, 2014- 6-7pm PST 1230AM KLAV in LV & The Web
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
Comedian Joy Behar, former Co-Host of The View returns to Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Whether Behar is performing standup or interviewing celebrities and politicians, she has been recognized as innovative comedic talent and a leading woman both on television, stage and the big screen. In addition to co-hosting ABC’s Emmy-winning daytime talker “The View” for 12 seasons, Behar hosted “The Joy Behar Show” on HLN and “Joy Behar: Say Anything!” on Current TV.
In the 1980’s, Behar set out to pursue comedy professionally and instantaneously received bookings from famous New York clubs including Caroline’s and Catch a Rising Star. She went on to win three MAC Awards and a CableACE Award later in her career.
Joy will be appearing at The Venetian as part of The Lipshtick series on Aug. 22 & 23
Joy Behar and Colin Quinn remember working for LaFong Productions.
Donny Most
Donny Most guests on LVBST with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Don is probably best known for his co-starring role as Ralph Mouth in the long running television series “Happy Days”. During this time, he worked with such emerging talents as Ron Howard and Garry Marshall. Recently, Don was seen in a recurring role on the hit TV show – “Glee”, as well as starring roles in the indie film – “The Yankles”, and“Chez Upshaw”, starring Kevin Pollack and Illeana Douglas. He just finished starring in “Campin Buddies”, along with a role in the independent film – “Remember Isobel”, and the film short – “Duality.” Most’s other feature film credits include “ED TV”, directed by Ron Howard; “Crazy Mama”, directed by Jonathan Demme, and “The Great Buck Howard”, starring John Malkovich. In television, his other guest starring roles include “Men Of A Certain Age”, “Century City”, ‘Star Trek:Voyager’, ‘Yes, Dear’, ‘The Crow, ‘Sabrina’, ‘Sliders’, ‘Dark Skies’ and ‘The Family Guy’.
Following in the footsteps of some of his peers, Don has now directed three feature films. “His first, “The Last Best Sunday”, had its World Premiere at the Seattle International Film Festival, and was a feature film winner at the Telluride IndieFest. “Moola”, starring William Mapother, Shailene Woodley, Treat Williams, Daniel Baldwin, and Curtis Armstrong, premiered at The Newport
Beach Film Festival, where it earned Most The Outstanding Achievement in Directing Award. Don also directed “Harley’s Hill”, his first family film, which was recently seen on Showtime, Starz and Encore.
In another area, Don has recently gone back to his first love – singing. Don has always loved the standards/swing/big band style of music, and has just mounted his show – “Donny Most Sings And Swings”. He recently performed it at “Vitello’s Jazz Club”, in Studio City, Los Angeles to great acclaim.
Most will be appearing at The Catalina Jazz Club, Aug. 20, 8:30pm
August’s Las Vegas Backstage Talk column in Casino Player Magazine and Gaming Today.
(Click on article to enlarge)
Steve Rossi: May 25, 1932 – June 22, 2014
Show-biz Legend Steve Rossi was a frequent favorite in-studio guest on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show. I first met him in ’94 at my variety show “Vegas Live” starring Michele LaFong, at The Debbie Reynolds Hotel and Casino. He was very supportive, and came in frequently to watch the show, hang-out and schmooze…and what a fun schmoozer he was! Even back then he brought the party with him where ever he went. He is greatly missed. On June 26, in Steve’s honor we replayed his very first LVBST interview. It was incredibly colorful and entertaining. He shared his many experiences, lessons and stories in his amazing fifty-five year career in show business which covered everything from what it was like to room with Howard Stern many years ago when he was managing the frequently fired “Shock Jock,” to the real reason he claimed that he and Marty Allen could not get back together… not even for one last TV Anniversary Special that Steve claimed was offered to them last year for over a million dollars. The show is worth listening to and is archived on Lasvegasbackstagetalk.com.
Clint Holmes returned in-studio live on June 19, to update us on the exciting news of his new CD release, and monthly resident performances at The Smith Center on the first weekend of every month.
Mostly known for being the former co-host of ABC’s The View, Joy Behar will return to Vegas to perform a weekend of stand-up on Aug.22 & 23 as part of the new “Lipshtick Series” at The Venetian. She got nabbed-up pretty quickly after her successful engagement at The Orleans this past January. Apparently much of the general public was unaware of what an accomplished Stand-up Comedian Joy was. Back in the 80’s, when I was a touring headline comedian, I had a business called LaFong Productions. Joy was one of my top go to comedians that I booked in my 21 rooms. Come to think of it many of the comedians that I booked have done incredibly well in their careers including Kevin James, and Comedian and YouTube Sensation Vic Dibitetto, who recently got cast by Kevin in Mall Cop 2, teamed-up with Actor Nick Turturro (mostly known for his role in NYPD Blue.) I recently aired the lively interview with the pair on June 12, and it too is archived on our website. An edited video clip of Nick and Vic is posted on casinocenter.com
Comedian Russell Peters, currently a judge on NBC’s Last Comic Standing with Roseanne Barr and Keenon Ivory Wayans, returned on LVBST and will return to the Pearl at The Palms on Aug. 2 exploring new material and crowd work. “Although the taping for Last Comic Standing has concluded, the competition is still playing out every week on television and even the three finalists do not know the outcome! We taped three different endings and they do not know which one will be aired.”
Jay Leno returns to The Mirage on August 11, and Nov. 21 & 22. He puts on a very strong well-paced, fluff-free show that is definitely worth catching. Last month, I aired Part 1 & 2 of a long interview with Jay covering everything from his comedy writing to why he doesn’t have a team of security escorting him around like most other celebrities.
Jay explained the security question with a great story. “Once I was at one of these hotels, and they insisted on sending two security people to walk me to the showroom…so these two huge goons come up with suits on that look like they are made out of sofa material, and we walk into the casino… and as we’re coming through they were actually pushing people…literally shoving old ladies out of the way…and people were like “screw you Leno!” “and I’m like no let me stop and take a picture, sign an autograph…it takes an extra few minutes but everybody’s happy. Having security walk me to a show was so much worse!
Superstar Al Pacino will bring his “Pacino: One Night Only” show to The Mirage Saturday, Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to step into Pacino’s world as he shares his passion for acting and directing in an up-close-and-personal setting in the Terry Fator Theatre. The evening will explore his life beginning in the 1960s when he performed Off-Broadway and will follow his career to present day. The show will include previously untold stories, never-before-seen clips, and a question and answer session. Pacino is one of the rare winners of the acting Triple Crown: the Oscar, Tony and Emmy Award.
Other Picks: Buckcherry, Otherwise, Hard Rock, Aug. 1, Caroline Rhea, Wendy Liebman, The Venetian, Aug 1 & 2, The Goo Goo Dolls, Daughtry, Plain White T’s, Red Rock Resort, Aug. 1, Herman’s Hermits with Peter Noone, South Point, Aug. 1-3, Journey, Steve Miller Band, Mandalay Bay, Aug 1, Kenny Wayne Shepard, Los Lonely Boys, The Palms, Aug. 1, Lady Gaga, MGM Grand, Weezer, Cosmopolitan, Aug. 1, Aerosmith Slash, MGM Grand, Aug. 2, Jonny Lang, Boulder Station, Aug. 2, Blues Traveler, Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth, Uncle Cracker, Golden Nugget, Aug. 8, Dirty Heads, Pepper, Aug. 8, Lisa Lampanelli, The Venetian, Aug. 8 & 9, Rob Schneider, South Point, Aug. 8-10, Aaron Neville & Dr. John, The Cannery, Aug. 9, Aries Spears, Mandalay Bay, Aug. 9, Kathy Griffin, The Mirage, Aug. 9, Lynard Skynyrd, Golden Nugget, Aug. 9, Counting Crows, Mandalay Bay, Aug. 10, 38 Special, Eastside Cannery, Aug. 10, Cesar Millan, “Leader of the Pack” Palms, Aug. 15, Whitney Cummings, The Venetian, Aug. 15 & 16, Yes, Hard Rock, Aug. 15, The Guess Who, Eastside Cannery, Aug. 16, ZZ Top, Jeff Beck, Hard Rock, Aug. 16, Daniel Tosh, The Mirage, Aug. 22 & 23, Dave Collier, South Point, Aug. 22-24, Rock N Blues Fest with Johnny Winter Band, Edgar Winter Band, Cannery, Aug. 23, John Legend, The Cosmopolitan, Aug. 24, The Summer Nationals Tour, featuring The Offspring, with Special Guests, Bad Religion, Pennywise, Stiff Little Fingers, Hard Rock, Aug. 27, The Adam Carolla Show, Treasure Island, Aug. 29, Bill Medley with McKenna Medley, South Point, Aug. 29-31, Joe Rogan, The Mirage, Aug. 29, Bachman & Turner, Cannery, Aug. 30, Keith Urban, The Cosmopolitan, Aug. 31.
Adam Carolla Al Bernstein Alicia Jacobs Al Jardine Alain Nu Alonzo Bodden Amazing Johnathan Amy Hanley Anjelah Johnson Anthony Cools Anthony Lewis Ariann Black Arnez J Arturo Sandoval Ben Stone Ben Vereen Bethany Owen Bill Bellamy Bill Cosby Bill Engvall Bill Haley Jr. Bill Maher Bill Medley Billy Davis Jr. Billy Garan BJ Thomas Bob Anderson Bob Cowsill Bob Cummings Bobby Figueroa Bobby Kimball Bobby Rydell Bobby Vinton Bob Zany Burton Cummings Carl Labove Carlos Mencia Carnie Wilson Carol Scibelli Charlie Daniels Charlie Murphy Chuck Negron Clint Holmes Cody Collins Cory Wells Coty Alexander Cowboy Bill Martin Crystal Gayle Dana Carvey Dave Attell David Brenner Dave Mason Deana Martin Debbie Reynolds Demond Wilson Dennis Blair Dennis Bono Dennis Miller Desi Arnaz Jr. D.L. Hughley Dom Irrera Don Barnhart Don Barnes Don Brewer Don Felder Don McLean Donny Most Don Rickles Doug Gray Dr. Julio Garcia Dustin Diamond Earl Turner Eddie Money Emilio Castillo Esteban Felicia Michaels Felix Cavaliere Finis Henderson Frank Caliendo Fran Capo Frank Sinatra Jr. Frank Marino Fred Turner Gallagher Gary Owen Gary Puckett Gary Wilner Gerry Bednob Gerry McCambridge Gloria Loring Gordie Brown Graham Russell Grand Funk Railroad Grandma Lee Greg London Gregory Popovich Hal Sparks Harry Basil Heather Marianna Heather McDonald Helen Reddy Henry Fambrough Ian Anderson Jack Jones Jack Walker Jackie Martling Jacob Lusk Jarrett & Raja Jay and The Americans Jay Johnson Jay Leno Jay Leslie Jay Siegal J.Chris Newberg Jeff Capri Jeff Tracta Jeff Richards Jen Kirkman Jennifer Harman Jim Belushi Jimmy Emerson Jimmy Shubert Jo Koy John Basedow John Bizarre John Melendez John Mulaney John Mulrooney John Pinette Jon Manfrellotti Jon Taffer Joy Behar Judy Collins Judy Tenuta Julie Budd Kaci Machacyk Kathy Griffin Kathleen Madigan Kato Kaelin KC & The Sunshine band Kelly Clinton Kelly Hansen Kenny Cetera Kenny Wayne Shepherd Kevin Burke Kevin Cronin Kevin Downey Jr.
Kevin Farley Kevin James Kevin Meaney Kevin Nealon Kevin Pollak Lachlan Patterson Lainie Kazan Larry Chance & the Earls Larry Gatlin Larry Stewart Laura Hayden LeAnn Rimes The Lennon Sisters Lisa Dawn Miller Lisa Gay Lisa Lampanelli Lorna Luft Louise Duart Lou Ragland Luenell Lynda Carter Marc Price Margaret Cho Marilyn McCoo Mark Mayer Marlon Wayans Marty Allen Mary Wilson Mathew Nelson Meat Loaf Melissa Manchester Michael “Wheels” Parise Michael Godard Michael Shane Michelle Johnson Mick Foley Mickey Gilley Mickey Jones Mickey Joseph Mickey Thomas Mike Saccone Mitchell Walters Mitzi Gaynor Monti Rock III Murray Langston Murray Sawchuck Nelson twins Neil Giraldo Neil Sedaka Nick Olate Nick Turturro Norm Johnson Olate Dogs Otis Williams Ottavio Gesmundo Pablo Francisco Paige O’Hara Paul Reiser Paul Rodriguez Pauly Shore Paul Williams Paula Poundstone Pia Zadora Ralphie May Randy Couture Ray Romano Restless Heart Reverend Bob Levy Rhonda Vincent Ricci Martin Rich Hall Richard Hatch Rich Little Rich Natole Richard Marx Richard Olate Ritch Shydner Richard Spasoff Richie Minervini Rick Faugno Rickey Smiley Rick Springfield Rita Coolidge Rita Rudner Robert Klein Rob Schneider Robert Nash Robin Jay Robin Leach Robin Meade Rod Man Ronn Lucas Rudy Ruettiger Russell Peters Sal Richards Sammy Shore Scott Record Shang Forbes Shawn Wayans Shayma Tash Sinbad Sommore Sonny Turner Stephen Sorrentino Steve Byrne Steve Howard Steve March-Torme Steve Mittleman Steve Rossi Steven Wright Sunda Croonquist Susie Essman Ted Lange Three Dog Night 38-Special Teresa Joy Terry Fator Todd Aaron Jenson Tom Cotter Tommy Davidson Tom Dreesen Tom Papa Tommy Roe Tom Stevens Tommy Savitt Toni Braxton Tony Butala Tony Drake Tony Orlando Tower of Power Uri Geller Vic Dibitetto Wanda Sykes Wayans Brothers Weird Al Yankovic Wendy Mazaros Wild Willy Parsons Willie Tyler & Lester Wilson-Phillips Whitney Cummings Wynonna Zan Aufderheide