Rod Man, Al Bernstein, The Lennon Sisters
Sept. 11, 2014- 6-7pm PST 1230AM KLAV in LV & The Web
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
NBC’s Last Comic Standing winner Rod Man guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Rod’s television appearances include “Def Comedy Jam”, “Bet’s Comic View” and “Showtime at the Apollo”. Most recently, Rod appeared on “Premium Blend” on Comedy Central as well as the dvd’s “Big Black Comedy Show vol. 2” with Monique and “P. Diddy’s Bad Boys of Comedy”. He has been featured in the films “Love Chronicles” and “Player’s Ball”.
Rod has become an award-winning, quintessential entertainer. He has graced the stage at Caesar’s Place, The Gibson Amphitheater, and The Apollo Theater. Comedy Central gave him his own half hour special. And he has made many other television appearances, among them “The Bad Boys of Comedy” for HBO, Martin Lawrence’s “First Amendment” for Starz, Nick Cannon’s “Wild ‘N Out” for MTV, “One Mic Stand” for BET, “The Funny Spot” for TV One, and “The World Stands Up” for BBC America and The Monique Show. Rod can be seen on the big screen in Judd Apatow’s “Funny People” starring Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen for Universal Pictures.He even co-hosted a morning drive-time show in Los Angeles on Stevie Wonder owned KJLH Radio 102.3 FM
Rod Man is headlining at The Aliante Casino in The Comedians from “Last Comic Standing” with runner-up Lachlan Patterson, and Mark Normand on Sept. 13, 8pm & 10:30pm.
Al Bernstein
2012 International Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee Al Bernstein returns on LVBST. He will be covering the Mayweather vs. Maidana fight for Showtime at MGM on Sept. 13.
For just over 30 years, Al Bernstein has been one of the most recognizable and respected sportscasters in America. In those three decades, the “voice of boxing” reported the funny, poignant, and bizarre events that helped shape sports television, ESPN, boxing, Las Vegas, and Showtime. With an eclectic cast of characters that includes every big name in boxing, including Marvin Hagler, Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, as well as such names in the entertainment world as Rodney Dangerfield, Sylvester Stallone, Russell Crowe, and Jerry Lewis, Bernstein’s memoir will have you in stitches.
Al Bernstein’s book, 30 Years, 30 Undeniable Truths about Sports, Boxing and TV,” and has already received a great reception. People from the sports, entertainment and media world are talking about this book. Talks about female broadcasters, tells his “Mike Tyson story,”
The Lennon Sisters
Kathy Lennon, of The Lennon Sisters, guests on LV backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong.
The Lennon Sisters made their TV debut on Christmas Eve 1955 on “The Lawrence Welk Show” when youngest member Janet was just nine years old. Following their successful debut, Welk professionally adopted the girls and The Lennon Sisters became regulars on the program every Saturday night for the next 13 years.
Later, the sisters entered the music scene with their first hit, “Tonight, You Belong to Me” reaching #15 on the charts in 1956. Labeled “America’s Sweethearts of Song,” they recorded their first album, “Let’s Get Acquainted,” in May of 1957.
In 1961, the group’s single “Sad Movies (Make Me Cry)” reached #1, becoming their highest charting record. Other popular recordings include “Scarlet Ribbons,” “Greensleeves,” and Schubert’s “Ave Maria.”
Throughout the ‘70s, The Lennon Sisters toured extensively and made regular performances on “The Andy Williams Show.” The group also appeared on “Family Feud,” “Hollywood Squares” and “Tattletales.”
The Lennon Sisters are comprised of original members Janet and Kathy and younger sister Mimi.
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Aug. Las Vegas Backstage Talk column
by Michele LaFong
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.
Jay Leno Part 2, Cory Wells
July 10, 2014- 6-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
Jay Leno guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong. Part 2 will be aired tonight.
JAY LENO
Emmy Award-winner Jay Leno will perform his witty stand-up comedy act inside the Terry Fator Theatre at The Mirage Friday, July 11. Leno’s comedic style and generous personality have earned him millions of fans worldwide.
Date: Friday, July 11
Time: 10 p.m.
Prices: $59.99, $69.99 and $79.99 (not including applicable service charges and taxes)
Buy: Tickets can be purchased at the Terry Fator box office, online at mirage.com or ticketmaster.com, or by calling (800) 963-9634 or (702) 792-7777.
Cory Wells-Founder of Three Dog Night
Cory Wells guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Cory Wells, (far right) founder of Three Dog Night guests on LV Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong. LVBST is the only show that really “Gets Personal with the Stars.”
With hits like Mama Told Me (Not To Come), Joy to The World, Black And White, Shambala, Easy To Be Hard, An Old Fashioned Love Song, The Show Must Go On, One, Never Been To Spain, Liar, Eli’s Coming, The Family Of Man, Out In The Country, Try A Little Tenderness, are just a few reasons why this band has stood the test of time, and attracting new fans, recording new music, but still playing the hits.
TweetRicky Nelson Remembered starring The Nelson Twins
![RNR_logo(small)[1]](https://www.lasvegasbackstagetalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/RNR_logosmall1.jpg)
The Nelson Twins
Ricky Nelson Remembered, starring The Nelson Twins on LV Backstage Talk Radio Show with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM KLAV in Las Vegas, and The Web.
His father, Ricky Nelson is the only artist to have a No. 1 song, No. 1 movie and No. 1 TV show in the same week. Life Magazine coined the phrase ‘Teen Idol’ after him and he is credited with pioneering the country rock sound. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Ricky Nelson’s life and music touched millions; his twin sons, multi-platinum recording artists, Matthew & Gunnar Nelson, relive the music and memories in their multi-media event, Ricky Nelson Remembered.
Featuring hit songs like “Hello Mary Lou,” “Poor Little Fool,” “Travelin’ Man,” “I’m Walkin’,” “I Gotta Feeling,” “Teenage Idol,” “Garden Party” and many more, RNR showcases his life with never-before-seen interviews from artists he influenced, including Paul McCartney and Chris Isaak. Matthew and Gunnar’s musical event is heartfelt and full of laughter.
Ricky Nelson died in a plane crash on his way to perform a New Year’s Eve concert in 1986. His legacy includes 53 hit singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and nineteen other top-ten hits. He is one of the biggest-selling artists of all time, a Golden Globe winner for his performance alongside John Wayne in Rio Bravo and in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
From Ozzie and Harriet to Ricky to Matthew and Gunnar, the Nelson’s are listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the only family in history with three successive generations of No. 1 hit makers. Matthew and Gunnar are also nephews of NCIS star, Mark Harmon, on their mother’s side.
The Nelson Twins will be starring in “Ricky Nelson Remembered” at The South Point Showroom, at The South Point Hotel & Casino May 3- May5 at 7:30pm
Visit RickyNelsonRemembered.com for additional information.
TweetDustin Diamond, Scott Record-Las Vegas Backstage Talk w/Comedian Michele LaFong
Sept. 22, 2011 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Actor/Comedian Dustin Diamond, “Screech,” returns in-studio on LVBST Radio Show with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Known to many as the nerdy character Screech, Dustin Diamond began playing the quirky role in 1988 on the series Good Morning, Miss Bliss. When the show’s characters graduated from middle to high school, the show came to be known as Saved by the Bell, and Diamond became more well-known than ever. The series ran until 1993, and after it was over, Diamond signed up for the spin-off, Saved by the Bell: The New Class. This time, Screech was part of the school administration instead of the student body, but the character was still iconic. So iconic, in fact, that when The New Class finished its run in 1999, Diamond had a hard time finding new roles. He’d played Screech for more than a decade, and audiences had a hard time seeing him play anyone else. He appeared on reality shows like Celebrity Boxing and The Weakest Link, and in 2007, he also appeared on the show Celebrity Fit Club.
You can catch Dustin live at The Orleans
Big Al’s Comedy Club, Sept.15th – Oct. 1st
Thursday – 1 Show – 7:30pm / Friday & Saturday – 2 Shows Per Night – 7:30pm & 9:30pm
Comedian/Impressionist – Scott Record
Scott returns in-studio on LV Backstage Talk, as Comedian Michele Lafong proves “Getting Personal with the Stars” is always the theme of this Radio and Web show. is one of the most requested headliners on several of the world’s most elite cruise lines. Corporate appearances make up yet another large percentage of Scott’s current schedule. Many Fortune 500 companies such as KMPG, Lucent, Warner Lambert, IBM, ATT, Chrysler, Ford, Isuzu, Phillip Morris, GE, Sunoco, American Airlines, Sun Microsystems, Pfizer, Kraft Nabisco and Motorola have enjoyed Scott’s performances and continually book him for return engagements. Scott has a great web site, check it out especially his great videos.
For more info about Scott, click here!
You can catch Scott live at Harrah’s Las Vegas
The Improv Comedy Club, Sept.20th – 25th
Showtime: 8:30PM, 10:30PM
