Adam Carolla, Kevin Nealon, Kevin Farley on LVBST with Comedian Michele LaFong
Feb. 20, 2014- 6-7pm PST 1230am KLAV in Las Vegas & streaming live
Adam Carolla, Kevin Nealon, and Kevin Farley guest on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Comedian Adam Carolla brings his popular live podcast, “The Adam Carolla Show,” to Treasure Island Theatre for one night only on February 21 at 9 p.m.
The show will feature Carolla with co-hosts Alison Rosen and Bald Bryan performing fan favorite segments including “Blah Blah Blog,” “GayWalking” and “The News” featuring pictures and video of the most current news topics. Also headliner Jo Koy.
Carolla co-hosted the syndicated radio program “Loveline” from 1995 to 2005, as well as the show’s television version on MTV from 1996 to 2000. He was the co-host of the popular Comedy Central series “The Man Show” from 1999 to 2004, and a regular performer on “Crank Yankers” from 2002 to 2007. Carolla has also appeared on several reality shows including “Dancing with the Stars” and “Celebrity Apprentice.”
“The Adam Carolla Show” is the Internet’s most downloaded daily broadband show and has held that position since its debut in March 2009.
For more about Adam Carolla, go to www.adamcarolla.com
Kevin Nealon
Kevin Nealon returns on Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio Show with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM KLAV in Las Vegas and The Web. Former Star of “SNL,” Kevin is mostly known for “Subliminal Man,” “Hans and Franz,” Weekend Update, and he just finished his last season on Showtime Series “Weeds.”
Kevin is appearing at The Suncoast Showroom on Feb. 22 & 23.
For more on Kevin Nealon: www.kevinnealon.com/about-me
Kevin Farley
Kevin Farley, who is appearing this week at the Laugh Factory, inside the Tropicana Hotel, has truly established himself as a comedic presence on the big screen and television. He appeared with Adam Sandler in “The Waterboy” and also starred in the films “Black Sheep” and
“Beverly Hills Ninja.” Farley can be seen in numerous hit TV shows such as “That ‘70s Show,” “3rd Rock from the Sun,” “Joey,” “Just Shoot Me,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “United States of Tara,” “True Jackson, VP” and many more. Farley is headlining this week, Monday to Sunday, Feb. 17-23, along with Jeff Richards and Jay Reid. Show times are 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. nightly
Las Vegas Backstage Talk column in Casino Player Magazine-Nov.
Nov. edition-by Michele LaFong
Longevity, and the ability to stay relevant in the ever-changing music business has always proved challenging for even the most talented of artists. Some however, have been able to transcend, and maintain their popularity throughout their careers despite taking a long hiatus. One such example is three-time Grammy Award winner Harry Wayne Casey, KC for short, of KC & The Sunshine Band. Their recent sold out performance at The M Resorts & Casino had the audience on their feet and dancing in the aisles.
KC also proved to be quite “the showman” and comic. KC, now 61, and in-spite of his new-found weight-gain, was still able to shake his booty, moving and grooving in-step with his very talented ensemble of singers, and back-up dancers while simultaneously nailing and holding those high notes! It was quite a workout! I was getting winded just watching him! KC was very at ease on stage and demonstrated his sense of humor, often poking fun at himself. “We play a lot of casinos. In fact, I may have had 1 or 1000 too many free buffets!” His smile truly lit up the stage. It was great to see KC shine, and come alive during his performance on stage, as that does not always translate in an interview.
The costuming, wardrobe, choreography, lighting and production were also extremely well executed. There was never a dull moment in this artsy, entertaining and electrifying extravaganza. The show was very well paced, contained many costume changes, and experienced no lulls. It was like a big dance party, a celebration of familiar hits which included; “Boogie Shoes,” “Shake Your Booty,” “Get Down Tonight,” “Give it up,” “That’s the Way (I Like It),” to name a few…as well as some cover tunes from the release of their new album. Celebrating over 40 years of performing together, KC & The Sunshine Band continue to tour all over the world, performing over 100 dates a year.
Another example of staying-power is the group Wilson Phillips. Singer, Talk Show Host, Reality Star Carnie Wilson, daughter of Icon Brian Wilson, one of the original founding members of The Beach Boys, recently guested on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong, to promote her up-coming shows with Wilson Phillips at The Eastside Cannery. Carnie, and childhood friend Chynna Phillips, daughter of Michelle and John Phillips of The Mamas and Papas, co-founded Wilson Phillips with her younger sister Wendy when they were in their teens.
I happened to be sitting directly behind proud mom, Michelle Phillips when Chynna introduced her out of the audience. I loved watching her react to Chynna’s many dramatic vocal runs on-stage. I got a few really good photographs of the enthusiastic crowd on its feet, and the back of Michelle Phillips head!
Towards the end of the show, when Carnie introduced the band members, she also introduced her husband, Musician Rob Bonfiglio, and credited him for many of their arrangements.
Wilson Phillips did not disappoint. They delivered a high energy, “feel good” show. Their hits and harmonies are still in my head! Backstage, I felt like I was at a picnic at my neighbor’s house. Everyone was “down to earth,” and fun to hang out with. Carnie was looking forward to subbing once again as one of the Guest- Hosts of CBS’s “The Talk” that following week.
Grammy Award winner, Meat Loaf guested on LVBST recently to plug his new starring role in “RockTellz” and Cocktails” at The Planet Hollywood Showroom, at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. This is an inter-active show with Q&A sessions about his 47-year music, stage and film career. Performances incorporate his biggest music hits like “I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That),” as well as “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” and “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” from his 1977 classic Bat Out Of Hell – the 3rd best-selling album of all time.
The shows run every Thursday, Saturday and Tuesday, Sept. 26 to Nov. 5. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m.
During my videotaped interview with Meat Loaf, I also asked about his recent stint on Donald Trump’s reality show, “The Apprentice,” on NBC when he lost his temper with Gary Busey. His answer was quite interesting. Excerpts of this video are posted on casinocenter.com
Meat Loaf is another fine example of a star that continues to stand the test of time and always manages to stay relevant.
Speaking of relevant… Bill Maher returns to The Pearl Theatre at The Palms H&C, on Nov.2 & 3. He delivers an entirely new show with every performance. Amazingly, he never seems to lose his place, stammer, nor ask “what should we talk about next…? He generously invited me backstage to show me his “tried and true” way of cueing himself with notes without skipping a beat. I’m really looking forward to that but remain painfully aware that this method may not prove to be as “user-friendly” with me!
TweetRay Romano, Al Jardine-LV Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong
Oct. 17, 2013- 6-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Ray Romano guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong, and gives a candid interview that was also used for LaFong’s “Getting Personal with the Stars” October Cover/Feature in Casino Player Magazine, and Gaming Today column in Gaming Today.
Ray talked about his current relationship with Brad Garrett, the cancellation of “Men of a Certain Age,” how he landed his current role on “Parenthood,” why he is not on Twitter, placing in the World Series of Poker at The Rio, what’s new projects he is working on and more…
OCTOBER with Kevin James – Fri. 10/18/13 at 10 PM Sat. 10/19/13 at 7:30 PM Sat. 10/19/13 at 10 PM
NOVEMBER Fri. 11/22/13 at 10 PM Sat. 11/23/13 at 7:30 PM
Al Jardine- The original Beach Boys
Al Jardine, (“Help help Me Rhonda”,) returns on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong to promote his up-coming gig with Legendary music icons and Grammy Award winners, Brian Wilson (co-founder The Beach Boys) and Jeff Beck (Yardbirds) in Las Vegas as part of a co-headlining North American Tour. Wilson’s other former band mate, David Marks will join Wilson and Beck. The show will make a stop at The Pearl inside The Palms H & C on Oct. 18.
TweetJon Taffer, Sunda Croonquist-LVBST w/Comedian Michele LaFong
Oct. 10, 2013- 6-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Star of “Bar Rescue” on Spike TV
Jon Taffer, Host and Executive Producer, “Bar Rescue,” returns live in-studio on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM, in Las Vegas and The Web.
In the summer of 2011, Spike TV debuted “Bar Rescue,” a documentary-style series spotlighting Jon Taffer as he gives struggling restaurants and bars a last chance to succeed. Focusing on one establishment each week, the series puts Taffer at the heart of the storm: helping to improve every facet of an American restaurant or bar: from its theming to staffing, pricing to promotions, menus to music. If there’s anyone who can save it from going belly-up, it’s Jon Taffer. If not, it’s toast. The series has been renewed and just returned for a third season.
Within the greater nightclub, bar and restaurant industry, there is no greater authority than Jon Taffer. With close to three decades of hands-on experience, Taffer is two-time winner of the Bar Operator of the Year award, among a myriad of other honors, and his renowned method of management, “Taffer Dynamics,” has become the gold standard of the industry. As chairman of Taffer Dynamics and President of the Nightclub & Bar Media Group, Taffer is a highly respected industry expert, management guru and television star as well. Taffer is a coveted keynote speaker at major industry conventions and events.
Jon Taffer will soon be featured in Comedian Michele LaFong’s Syndicated “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” Column in Casino Player Magazine.
For more about Jon Taffer: tafferdynamics.com
Sunda Croonquist
Comedian Sunda Croonquist, recently seen on ABC’s “The View” guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong live in-studio.
She’s been featured on most stand up comedy shows and television’s top talk shows including: “The Today Show”, “Nick Moms”, Entertainment Tonight, Oprah’s, “OWN” “The Doctors” and recently featured on “The View.” Her recent international television appearance on “Sweden’s Next Top Model” was hilarious (when translated!)
Hailed in the NY Daily News as being: “The only female comic that makes Jerry Lewis laugh”, Sunda still performs stand up in her weekly show “All Star Comedy” and hosts “Laugh Factory Moms” Podcast at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood. She is also the radio host of “Mothertainment” on RadioTitans.com. Sunda is appearing at The Laugh Factory Oct. 7-13.
For more about Sunda go to www.sundacroonquist.com
Tweet
Las Vegas Backstage Talk column in Casino Player Magazine-Oct.
Oct. edition-by Michele LaFong
Las Vegas Backstage Talk column
(Click on image below to enlarge)
http://digitaleditions.walsworthprintgroup.com/publication/?i=176433&p=24
Oct. “Las Vegas backstage Talk” column in Casino Player Magazine-Please click here to view it.
The “entertainment pool” in LV this summer has been incredibly rich.
LVBST has enjoyed amazing line-ups all the way through September, and October looks pretty exciting as well!
Margaret Cho was guesting on my radio show recently explaining what we could expect from her “Mother” Tour, at The Mirage. I wrote a little about it in last month’s issue, but wasn’t prepared for what was in store!
Jim Short an Australian comic that tours with Cho led off the evening. He had the audience right out of the gate and just kept the laughs coming throughout his set. The packed house, many in town for “Gay Day,” were now properly warmed-up and ready for “everyone’s Mother,” Margaret Cho.
When Cho hit the stage, the stereo-type of what a “mother” typically would look like disappeared from my mind faster than Miley Cyrus’ past “Disney” image at The VMA Awards! Covered in tattoos almost from head to toe, Cho soon dug deep in her gut, “throwing up” her hilarious impression of her Korean mom, spoke candidly and bluntly about her bi-sexuality, and just “put it all out there” onstage. Her uninhibited honesty throughout coupled with her wild animations was uniquely shocking, as well as visually hilarious, and is what truly sets her apart. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time!
Kathy Griffin made a surprise cameo appearance during Cho’s show. What a treat! Together, they shared a story that I had read in the Review Journal that morning about Kathy wanting Margaret to go halves with her for a private plane. It costs $50,000 to go from LA to Vegas. Margaret’s response was “but… its $50 on Southwest!” In the article, Kathy said she would try to go halves with Bill Maher on it. It was really funny when Kathy announced on-stage that she ended up renting it alone, then later heard that Margaret’s flight had been delayed and in the end she had to call for a car to drive her to Vegas!
Immediately following the show, and falling in step with the theme of Margaret’s tour, “Mother,” I surprised myself when I spontaneously shared something with her, and asked for some personal advice to which she in-turn did answer…but ironically, like all mothers, they rarely get proper credit at the time. I soon came to realize however that “mother” was right!
Both Margaret and Kathy were nice and gracious backstage, and true to character off-stage as well. It was cool to see some of Margaret’s very detailed tattoos up-close, and I couldn’t get over how petite Kathy was.
Little did I realize that my experience backstage that night with both Margaret and Kathy, would prove to be “life-changing” for me, shifting my paradigm, leading me to choose a path that I didn’t have the “inner-fire” in the past to choose. That’s all I am willing to reveal for now. I am very thankful to Margaret’s publicist, Ken Phillips for not only providing me with great seats to Margaret’s sold-out show, but for being really straight forward… A trait that is way too rare these days, especially in this business.
I had a blast interviewing World Renowned Comedian Russell Peters in his suite prior to his sold out performance at his “Notorious World Tour” show at The Palms H & C. Ironically, he is a name that still too many people are not yet familiar with in spite of the fact that his tour has become the highest attended comedy show in the history of the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Lebanon, South Africa, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and his home country of Canada, selling out arenas of up to 16,000 fans. In Dubai, Peters was the fastest selling concert in the history of the Emirate outselling Madonna! With over 60 million views on YouTube, His credits also include selling-out: Radio City Music Hall (twice), Madison Square Garden, and the astounding list goes on and on, both nationally and internationally. It is no surprise that Russell, whose heritage is Anglo-Indian, was ranked by Forbes as one of the top ten highest grossing comics in the U.S., in 2009 and 2010!
Peters is always on-the go, and is constantly late, but always worth waiting for as he was a really fun interview, and one of the quickest “off the cuff” personable comics I’ve come across. The audience was howling throughout his show. Somehow he seems to be able to get away with political correctness being thrown out the window, as exampled in his latest DVD, Red, White and Brown recorded live at Madison Square Garden. His crowd ad-libs that night at The Palms were as on target as his material. He is currently working on a project, writing with Billy Crystal. Edited portions of Russell’s videotaped interview can be seen on casinocenter.com
After his show he invited my husband and me along and about 15 other guests to accompany him to The Ghost Bar, in The Palms where we partied till all hours! “Table service” was on him.
I’m still recovering…
Legendary music icons and Grammy Award winners, Brian Wilson (co-founder The Beach Boys) and Jeff Beck (Yardbirds) will perform live in Las Vegas as part of a co-headlining North American Tour. Wilson’s former band mates Al Jardine, (“Help help Me Rhonda”,) and David Marks will join Wilson and Beck. The show will make a stop at The Pearl inside The Palms H & C on Oct. 18. Al jardine, a return guest on our program gave a great interview which will air on LVBST on Oct. 17, with Ray Romano. (Al Jardine is on far left.)
Comedian Bill Engvall, mostly known for “The Blue Collar Tour” with Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy, and Ron White who has guested on LVBST many times, will be on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” for their new season beginning Sept. 16. He is teamed with Emma Slater, and will be competing against Leah Remeni, Snooki, Elizabeth Berkely, Jack Osbourne, and Valerie Harper. The audience vote counts for 50% of their score. We, at LVBST support him, and encourage all to vote, and keep voting for Bill! Engvall will be in town on Oct.25, appearing at The TI. Video of his Backstage Interview can be seen on casinocenter.com.
TweetKathleen Madigan, Three Dog Night-(Cory Wells)
Sept. 19, 2013- 6-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Comedian Kathleen Madigan guests on Las Vegas backstage Talk 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 Sept. 21
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 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.
Catch Three Dog Night at The Eastside Cannery on Sept. 21
Tweet
