Tommy Davidson, Kevin Meaney
July 23, 2015
Audio posted below except on Internet Explorer
Comedians Tommy Davidson and Kevin Meaney guest on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Tommy will be appearing at Treasure Island with David Alan Grier on July 24.
Tommy’s elasticity as a performer has led him through a diverse array of roles including the lead in the Disney animated series The Proud Family and his hilarious character in Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls. Tommy has starred in four successful Showtime specials to date (On Strength of New York, Illin’ in Philly and Takin’ it to DC and Chocolate Sundaes). Most recently, Tommy has been working on the just-renewed second season of his hit series, Black Dynamite, Adult Swim’s #1 top-rated show. Next up on the feature film front is the extraordinary story of the international celebrity Sammy Davis Jr. whose outsize talent couldn’t save him from himself in, “Deconstructing Sammy,” which Tommy bought the rights to last year and is in development on.
Known for the indelible characters he created on the iconic variety show and spot-on impersonations from iconic figures like Sammy Davis Jr. and President Obama, Tommy is truly the ultimate all-around performer. Selling out every venue in which he performs, Tommy Davidson promises an unforgettable in-studio of incisive wit, hilarious panel, memorable takeaways and big laughs.
Kevin Meaney
Kevin Meaney guests on LVBST radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Kevin has been one of the country’s most popular standup comedians for more than 25 years. Tom Shales of the Washington Post said, “Picture the precocious love child of Jonathan Winters and Ethel Merman and you have some idea of Kevin Meaney’s act.”
His first HBO special in 1986 catapulted him to the forefront of the comedy scene. In 1987, Kevin made his debut appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and was invited by Johnny to join the guest panel. Since his first appearance, Kevin has returned to the show a dozen times. He was a special guest on Saturday Night Live and has appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, Regis, Oprah and Late Night with Conan O’Brien.
Kevin also starred in the CBS sitcom Uncle Buck which ran for a full season. In addition, he has done numerous guest appearances on both sitcoms and dramas. He also had a featured role in the movie Big.
Known for drawing upon his family relationships for much of his material, Kevin has made such lines as “That’s not Right” and “We’re Big Pants People” and “We’re going to lose the house” (delivered in the tremulous voice of his mother) catch phrases for hilarity. An evening with Kevin is a trip to the funhouse and one laugh escalates into a bigger one and good-hearted humor prevails.
Kevin is also a successful writer and producer. He wrote and produced and starred in a one-man autobiographical play titled Wedding Vows in Vegas which premiered at the prestigious U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado before going on to
a successful summer run in Boston at the Hasty Pudding Theatre. Steve Martin called it, “The most innovative, heart-rending and funny show I’ve seen in along, long time.”
In 2002, Kevin moved home to NY from Los Angeles and began working on Broadway in the hit musical, Hairspray. Hairspray
has been a life changing experience for Kevin and during an interview on XM Radio’s Stand Up Sit Down on May 28, 2008, Kevin told the host that he was gay.
It’s been a big transition but he’s seemed to find humor in how this all happened.
So, Big Pants People of the world unite… your leader is here,his name is Kevin Meaney and he’s on a mission of mirth.
Kevin is currently living in New York with his daughter.
TweetKathleen Madigan, Cory Wells
June 4, 2015
Audio of interviews are posted below (except on Internet Explorer)
Comedian Kathleen Madigan, and Cory Wells, founding member of Three Dog Night, guest on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Over Madigan’s 25 year career she has performed on nearly every standup television show ever made. Leno, Letterman, Conan, Ferguson and so on. She’s had 2 HBO specials, 3 Comedy Central specials, 3 CMT Salute to the Troops specials with Ron White and her last hour-long special, Gone Madigan, is currently in rotation on Showtime and CMT. She’s released 4 CDs and 2 DVDs and filmed a new one hour special this past spring to air in the fall as a Netflix Original.
She’s won the American Comedy Award for “Best Female Comedian” and the Phyllis Diller award for “Best Female Comedian.” Although she’s turned down many writing jobs because she enjoys performing more, she has written and produced for Lewis Black’s “Root of all Evil” on Comedy Central and for Gary Shandling’s Emmy monologues. She’s done two USO tours to Iraq and Afganistan with pals Lewis Black, Robin Williams, John Bowman and musicals acts Kid Rock, The Zac Brown Band, Kix Brooks and Kellie Pickler. “There’s no better show on earth than a show for the troops. Trust me, no crowd is as happy to see a show as 1000 soldiers in Kabul. I do USO shows at home here in the US too but the further people are away, the more they appreciate it. I don’t think they get paid enough for a hard job so I like to do something for free when I can.”
Kathleen is appearing at The Mirage June 12
For more information go to www.KathleenMadigan.com.
Three Dog Night-Original Founding Member-Cory Wells
Cory Wells, (far right) founder of Three Dog Night guests on LV Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong. LVBST radio show 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.
Catch Three Dog Night at The Cannery on June 27
TweetDon Brewer, Al Bernstein…
Jan. 1 & 3, 2015 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & Web
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
Grand Funk Railroad
Don Brewer, original founding member, co-lead singer and drummer for Grand Funk Railroad guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Known as “The American Band,” the high-energy five-piece group will play forty shows all over the USA this year. Grand Funk Railroad includes original founding member Don Brewer (vocals and drums, writer and singer of the multi-million selling hit, We’re An American Band) and bassist Mel Schacher, “The God Of Thunder.” Joining Don and Mel are true “All Stars.” Singer Max Carl is a rock veteran from 38 Special. Max penned and sang 38’s biggest hit “Second Chance” and was co-founder of California’s legendary Jack Mack and the Heart Attack. Don refers to Max as “the best blue-eyed soul singer on the planet.” Lead guitarist Bruce Kulick is best known for his 12 years with KISS and also has credits with Michael Bolton, Meatloaf and Billy Squier. (KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley were influenced early on by Grand Funk.) Keyboardist Tim Cashion has a master’s degree in music from the University of Miami. Affectionately called “Dr. Tim,” his credits include stints with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band and English soul man Robert Palmer.
Grand Funk Railroad is appearing at Orleans Showroom Jan. 10 & 11
Kevin Downey Jr.
Comedian Kevin Downey Jr. guests on LVBST radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Kevin has headlined clubs everywhere in the U.S., and can be heard regularly on “The Bob and Tom Show”, as well as, Sirius and XM Satellite radio. He is also a proud member of Armed Forces Entertainment and he travels the world performing for the troops. Some of the bases he’s been to include Pearl Harbor, Guam, Roi-Namur, Kwajalein Atoll, Singapore, Diego Garcia.
Kevin has also appeared on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, “Comedy Central”, “What Not to Wear” and “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.” Kevin appears at the Trop’s “Comedy Stop” in Las Vegas at least four times a year. He truly appreciates his ever-growing fan base. Kevin authors a column called, Drinking on $11 a Night, which can be read in “Bachelor Pad Magazine” and “GC” magazine, and online at usedwigs.com. Kevin’s song, “Secret Garden of Dirty Little Whores (who think they’re better than me)”, can be heard on college and traditional radio stations throughout the country. His nationally-released DVD called, “I’m not Gay, but Don’t Stop” can be found on both Amazon.com and Netflix.
Legendary “Voice of Boxing” Al Bernstein
2012 International Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee
Al Bernstein returns on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM KLAV in Las Vegas, and The Web.
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 has written a new book, “30 Years, 30 Undeniable Truths about Boxing, Sports and TV,” and has already received a great reception. People from the sports, entertainment and media world are talking about this book.
TweetBJ Thomas, Jackie Martling
Nov. 27, 2014 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Happy Thanksgiving!
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
Singer BJ Thomas guests on “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” radio Show with Comedian Michele LaFong. LVBST radio show is the only show that “Gets Personal with the Stars.”
Five-time Grammy® Award winning hit-maker BJ Thomas will perform at the Suncoast Showroom.
In 1966, Thomas released his first hit record, a cover of Hank Williams classic, “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” From 1967 to 1975, Thomas charted numerous hits, including: “The Eyes of a New York Woman,” “Hooked on a Feeling,” “It’s Only Love,” and “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song.”
Thomas is perhaps best-known for “Rain Drops Keep Fallin’ On My Head,” featured in the 1969 movie “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and winner of an Academy Award® for “Best Original Song.” Since then, the song has been featured in numerous movies, including “Forrest Gump,” “Clerks II,” “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” and “Spider-Man 2.”
During the ‘80s, Thomas’ music crossed over to the country charts with “Whatever Happened to Old-Fashioned Love,” “New Looks from an Old Lover” and “Two Car Garage.” He became the 60th member of the Grand Old Opry in 1981.
In 1985, Thomas recorded “As Long As We’ve Got Each Other” which was later used as the theme song for the hit ABC sitcom, “Growing Pains.”
In 2007, he released his fourth holiday album, “Home for Christmas.”
BJ will be featured in Comedian Michele LaFong’s Monthly Syndicated “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” column in Casino Player Magazine, and will soon be featured in LaFong’s Syndicated “Getting Personal with the Stars” column in Gaming Today.
More about BJ Thomas here–>
Comedian – Jackie ‘The Joke Man’ Martling
Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling guests on LVBST and will talk about his experiences on “The Howard Stern Show,” and his life on stage, and off, since leaving.
While touring as a national headliner, Martling released three comedy lp’s, 1979’s “What Did You Expect?,” 1980’s “Goin’ Ape!,” and 1981’s “Normal People Are People You Don’t Know That Well.” He blindly sent the three LP’s to Howard Stern upon Howard’s arrival at WNBC-AM in New York City in 1982, and Howard called him to make a guest appearance on his radio show. in 1986, Jackie became a full-time cast member and the head writer of Stern’s show.
Jackie left the show in 2001 after fifteen-year run as head writer of the radio show, four television series, and three Pay-Per-Views.
He still works all around the country, performing his solo act of rapid-fire filthy jokes and the classic finale, “Stump The Joke Man,” is about to release a CD of his original music entitled “Happy Endings,” and is currently doing his own radio show on Sirius Satellite Radio 101, “Jackie’s Joke Hunt.
Jackie Martling’s videotaped interview on LVBST with Comedian Michele LaFong is posted on lasvegasbackstagetalk.com
More about Jackie Martling here–>
TweetDana Carvey, Rhonda Vincent-LVBST w-Comedian Michele LaFong
Jan. 30, 2014- 6-7pm PST 1230am in Las Vegas & The Web
Dana Carvey returns on Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio Show with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM KLAV in Las Vegas, and The Web. LVBST radio show is the only show that “Gets Personal with the Stars.”
Carvey rose to national prominence during a six-year run as a cast member of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” where he created memorable characters “Church Lady,” “Garth” and “Hans” and spot-on impersonations of President George H.W. Bush, Johnny Carson, Ross Perot and Regis Philbin. Carvey’s work on “SNL” garnered him six Emmy Award nominations, including a win in 1993 for “Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program.” He also received multiple American Comedy Awards.
On the big screen, Carvey appeared in supporting roles in “This Is Spinal Tap,” “Racing with the Moon” and “Tough Guys.” He starred in films “Opportunity Knocks,” “Wayne’s World,” “Wayne’s World 2,” “Clean Slate,” “The Road to Wellville” and “Master of Disguise.” Most recently, he had a cameo appearance in “Jack and Jill.”
Dana is featured in LaFong’s Monthly Syndicated “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” column in Casino Player Magazine, and Gaming Today, Feb. edition.
For more about Dana Carvey here.
You can catch Dana Carvey live at The Orleans
Orleans Showroom, Jan.. 31 & Feb. 1, 8:00pm
Rhonda Vincent
RHONDA VINCENT SET TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM
ONLY ME THIS WEEK
Vincent duets with Willie Nelson on new project;
set to appear on The Today Show on February 1 & 2
the fiery vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter dubbed “the new queen of bluegrass” by the Wall Street Journal – is set to release her new two-disc album Only Me on January 28, 2014. In addition to receiving an unprecedented seven consecutive “Female Vocalist of the Year” awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), being named IBMA’s 2001 “Entertainer of the Year,” and being the co-author of the 2004 IBMA “Song of the Year,” Vincent was nominated for a 2006 Grammy® award for “Best Bluegrass Album” for Ragin’ Live, as well as a double nomination in 2007 for “Best Bluegrass Album” for All American Bluegrass Girl, along with “Best Country Collaboration with Vocals” for Midnight Angel featuring Bobby Osborne.
Joining her on the album is Willie Nelson on the title track, Daryle Singletary featured on “We Must Have Been Out of Our Minds”, and members of Diamond Rio.
“God gave Rhonda an unbelievable voice and I am so thankful that we get to enjoy it. I love her like a sister and enjoy her music as her biggest fan,” says Dolly Parton.
Currently nominated for six SPBGMA awards including Entertainer of the Year, Rhonda continues to be a trailblazer for the genre. Rhonda Vincent & The Rage are the most awarded band in bluegrass history with 88 industry awards.
As part of the promotional blitz for Only Me, Rhonda will be featured in a special two-part Today Show segment that was taped in Nashville (not sure which day Rhonda appears, as of press time), as well as RFD’s Cumberland Highlanders, GAC Top 20 Countdown, RFD’s Rural Evening News, CMT.com, Country Weekly, Bluegrass Unlimited, Huffington Post, the Tennessean, Woodsongs, Billboard, The Boot, Bluegrass Today, AOL, and much more.
Learn more about Rhonda Vincent at http://www.rhondavincent.com
TweetLas Vegas Backstage Talk column-Casino Player Magazine by Michele LaFong
Sept. edition
Online version: http://digitaleditions.walsworthprintgroup.com/publication/?i=172620
Casino Player-Las Vegas Backstage Talk
What a great summer this has been for entertainment in Las Vegas! Last weekend I did a backstage interview at The Eastside Cannery with Little Anthony. What fun! We both played The Catskill circuit for years, and one time were even billed together on a show. I thought only comedians had “nightmare stories” about their first experiences playing to that tough “seen it all,” aloof, Catskill crowd, but according to Little Anthony, he was not at all spared! “It took some getting used to…” but all pros find a way to adapt, and luckily Little Anthony Gourdine was no exception. Having learned about comedy timing from his good friend Comedian Redd Foxx, he had no trouble adding a little “shtick” together with Jewish songs which he learned phonetically, and sandwiched them between his hits, “Tears on my Pillow,” “Hurt So Bad,” “Going out of my Head,” and “Shimmy Shimmy Ko-Ko Bop.” Can you imagine a sprinkle of Halvah Nah Gila in that mix? What’s really scary is I’m sure it seemed very normal to me at the time!
Now, at 73, this Vocal Group Hall of Fame inductee sells out in casinos nationally. I never expected to enjoy their music as much as I did! Their contemporary musical arrangements and great choice of covers keep the show relevant. (Edited portions of our backstage interview will be posted on casinocenter.com.)
Mickey Thomas, legendary singer from Starship, known for hits including “We Built this City,” “Jane” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” was another fun guest on my radio show. He was promoting his stint as “special guest performer,” in RAIDING THE ROCK VAULT, at The LVH. Following the interview, I went to see the show, and I’m really glad I did. It was impressive with an all-star lineup, consisting of original members of various known bands, they featured classics from The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, the Eagles, Queen, Van Halen, AC/DC, Journey, Free, Bryan Adams, Supertramp, Toto, Deep Purple, and more. This show had great energy, but the only problem was it was too loud; however it was still a terrific presentation none the less and had a really entertaining storyline. Mickey Thomas, added even more excitement and authenticity to the show. Singer Stephanie Calvert joined him on-stage. It was simply fantastic! Mickey will also be at The Silverton on Sept. 13.
I went to see YouTube Sensation, Comedian Pablo Francisco’s sold-out show, at The South Point Showroom, and I must say, The South point Casino seems to be successfully drawing a younger crowd. I’ve never seen so many loyal fans, lined-up to buy things following a headliner’s performance at The South Point Casino! Not bad for a comedian that many people are still not familiar with. Yet, he is a popular ticket especially with young people in the casino circuit. His brand of comedy consists mostly of high energy, characters, impressions, and sound effects. He’s like a wind-up toy that never stops! Having a serious conversation with Pablo during my interview proved to be almost impossible, but funny… as he seems to be one of those performers that are always on! If he doesn’t have ADD…he should! However he was entertaining, and a really nice guy.
Two comics that I was really excited to finally get on LVBST radio show were Kathy Griffin and Margaret Cho, who not surprisingly are friends. Kathy, who recently had her own talk show, “Kathy,” on Bravo, was promoting her up-coming performances. “I just love Las Vegas,” “I love everything about it…slots and all! She was constantly promoting…”If you come see me at The Mirage, you will hear different material than you’ve heard any time before. If you come see me a month later, you’re going to hear different material than last time.” I let her know that I was a big fan of her reality show “My Life on the D List,” “Thanks,” she replied…but was quick to correct me… “It’s “Two-time Emmy Award- Winning- My Life on the D List! I’ve also just broken the record for having the most comedy specials, male or female, with my latest Special called “Calm Down Gurrl.” Boy was she “working it,” and sure knows how. I just love her. Kathy will return to The Mirage on Sept.8. If you missed the interview, the audio is archived on lasvegasbackstagetalk.com
![Kathy_Griffin_100x[1]](https://www.lasvegasbackstagetalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Kathy_Griffin_100x1.jpg)
Margaret Cho’s interview was much more low-key and cerebral. Promoting her Stand-up Tour “Mother,” she had this to say about what can be expected from her Sept. 6 date at The Mirage. It’s different every day. With stand-up comedy, you really have to change with the audience, and change the way it’s done, taking into consideration the way things are happening in the news. The “mother” in the title, refers to “I’m like the mother of comedy now…I’m like everybody’s mom. It’s kind of like achieving mastery in the art form, where you can do a lot…it’s almost like you’re giving birth to it. Margaret’s full interview will air on Sept. 5.
Tony Orlando, my friend, as well as one of my favorite performers is returning to The South Point Showroom on Sept 20-22. I never miss his show when he is in town. Tony is an “old school” showman that simply knows how to entertain, still has great chops, uses killer musicians, and consistently delivers a “feel good,” up-beat, contemporary show. I also love that he incorporates blues, country, and Led Zeppelin in his repertoire. Believe me… there is a reason his show is always sold out.
Watch for Heather Marianna, Host of” Beauty Kitchen”-An extremely popular and successful internet show, that specializes in teaching us how to use food combinations that double as Beauty Products. She has generously donated gift bags made exclusively for our celebrity guests, made from her own Beauty Line of products without the spa prices. Heather and her products have been extremely well received. Marianna is scheduled to host the Pool Party at The Luxor, on “Gay Day,” on Sept. 6, 10am-6pm. She is destined for big things!
As always, I look forward to your feedback at Michelelafong@gmail.com
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