April Las Vegas Backstage Talk column by Michele LaFong
April Las Vegas Backstage Talk column in Casino Player Magazine, and Gaming Today.
(click on article to read)
Remembering David Brenner
It doesn’t get much than better listening to show-biz stories from David Brenner and Shecky Green in a Las Vegas coffee shop. It wasn’t that long ago I was doing just that. I was shocked when I heard that David Brenner lost his battle with cancer at age 78. II was fortunate enough to have interviewed him when he was promoting his last engagement at The Suncoast Showroom. In that interview Brenner talked about how his father taught him to always leave the audience laughing. And he did…even till the very end. I reran that interview on March 20, in David’s memory. The audio is archived on lasvegasbackstagetalk.com.
After interviewing countless comedians and singers on LVBST for almost three years and following up to watch their shows, I started to realize that artists and audiences often have very different agendas. Audiences always want to be entertained and look forward to hearing their favorite bits or hits of the artist that they pay to go see…and artists want to entertain but also want to grow and continue to evolve, develop and explore. With the double-edged sword of name recognition and fame come expectations from fans of what that artist often perceives as keeping them stuck in the past, and pigeon-holed. Finding that perfect balance of “old” and “new” is the answer to satisfying both the audience and artist whether a comedian, or singer. Tom Jones is a perfect example of someone who has mastered not only combining old with new, but also in re-inventing his band and updating his bluesy arrangements, keeping his material fresh yet in-step with his brand which also keeps him relevant. A crowd-pleaser like Tony Orlando, who is known for opening his show with his biggest hits right off the bat then following up with everything from Led Zeppelin, to The Beatles, always delivers a feel-good contemporary show, is always “on,” and has that special connection with his loyal audience which explains his lasting popularity and sell-out performances. Bill Maher, and Jerry Seinfeld are examples of comedians that are committed to keeping their material updated, presentation smooth, and take pride in the quality of their shows without sacrificing laughs. Paula Poundstone, Chuck Negron, Mickey Gilley, Marty Allen, Rich Little, Gallagher, Gary Puckett, Carlos Mencia, and Judy Tenuta are all examples of artists that not only embrace their audience but also include a Meet & Greet following every show. Another performer that is very pro-audience and eager to please was Burton Cummings, former lead singer for The Guess Who. Cummings sang hit after hit when headlining at The Orleans in January, and received several standing ovations throughout. He even allowed flash photography during his performance and went as far as inviting fans to videotape the show! However not all artists are even close to being as giving and grateful on and off stage, committed to taking the audience up as high as they can. 70’s Pop Star Helen Reddy had a packed house. Before the show began at The Orleans Theatre, I over-heard audience members anticipating which hit Reddy might open with. But no one called it right! She didn’t sing any hits until forty minutes into the show. Although her voice sounded as good ever, the fans that came out expecting to hear her many, many hits were clearly out of luck, as I counted three hits in total including the iconic and mandatory “I am Woman.” Oh…And of course, no pictures, nor autographs for anyone with no exceptions, and certainly no backstage passes! I can’t say I was that surprised because when I interviewed Reddy a couple of weeks prior to the show, and asked her why she had quit the business and stopped singing for over ten years, her reply was “I was bored. I was tired of singing the same songs over and over again.” I asked why she decided to return, her reply was “I was at my older sister’s 80th birthday party, and she asked me to do her a favor and sing a duet with her …and you don’t turn down your big sister…so I sang… got a huge standing ovation, and I heard my voice coming out of the monitor and thought “gee, that’s not so bad…maybe I should go out and do that again…and here I am.” Before my interview, I asked her if she will be gambling while in Vegas? Her reply? “I don’t gamble, I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, and I’m a celibate!” (Not exactly what I was expecting!) I immediately recalled a videotaped interview I did with Comedian Sal Richards in which I asked if there was a celebrity he worked with that wasn’t what he expected them to be. His immediate reply was “yes Helen Reddy!” And the story he told about her was pretty outrageous and shocking! It really shows what can go on behind the scenes in Show Business. It is posted on casinocenter.com and promises not to disappoint!
Singing funnyman Michael Shane was such a hit at Bootlegger Bistro on Thursday nights that he is “back by popular demand” on every Friday & Saturday in April from 6:30PM on. He will be taking your requests and is very difficult to stump! The food is great, especially the pizza, and you’ll be thoroughly entertained.
My picks for April are Ray Romano/Kevin James, April 4 & 6, Mirage, Brian McKnight, April 5, Eastside Cannery, Rob Thomas, April 4, Palms, DL Hughley, Orleans, April 4 & 5, Palms, Gary Lewis & The Playboys, April 4 & 5, Suncoast, Jeff Ross, April 5, Mirage, Olivia Newton-John, April 8- 12, Flamingo, Jason Alexander, April 11-May 4, Harrah’s, Wayne Brady, April 11, Mirage, Bryan Ferry, April 12, Palms, Jay Leno, April 12, Mirage, Foghat, April 12, Cannery, Las Vegas Soul Festival, April 12, UNLV, Megadeth and Motorhead, April 17, Palms, The Bronx Wanderers, April 18-20, South Point, Gabriel Iglesias, Mirage, April 18 & 19, Jim Belushi & Chicago Board of Comedy, April 18 & 19, Venetian, Robert Cray, April 18, Cannery, Restless Heart/Sawyer Brown, April 19, Eastside Cannery, Jeff Tracta, April 24, LVH, Tony Orlando, April 25-27, South Point, Bobby Rydell, April 25-27, Suncoast, Tracy Morgan, April 25, TI, Little River Band, April 26, Cannery, Temptations, April 26 & 27, Orleans, Rod Stewart, April 30-May 17, Caesars Palace
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Las 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
TweetShawn and Marlon Wayans, Estaban-LVBST w/Comedian Michele LaFong
Dec. 20, 2012 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Shawn and Marlon Wayans guest together on Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio Show with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230 am KLAV, in Las Vegas, and The Web.
Perhaps best known for their roles in the blockbuster hits “Scary Movie” and “Scary Movie 2,” The Wayans Brothers made their acting debut in 1989 in their brother Keenen Ivory Wayans’ feature film, “I’m Gonna Get You Sucka.” Immediately following their debut, they joined the cast of the Emmy Award® winning comedy series “In Living Color,” and starred in the series until 1994.
Shawn and Marlon created and starred in the hit WB sitcom “The Wayans Bros.,” which was the first WB network show sold into syndication after heading up the network’s lineup from 1994 to 1999.
On the big screen, Shawn and Marlon have starred together in numerous hit films, including “White Chicks,” “Little Man” and “Dance Flick.”
Shawn and Marlon, along with their brothers and sisters, created “Thugaboo” and the subsequent “Boo Crew” animated specials for Nickelodeon, which premiered in August 2006. Marlon appeared in the 2009 blockbuster “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra,” and stars in “A Haunted House,” scheduled for release in January 2013.
You can catch The Wayans Brothers at The Orleans, each performing their stand-up comedy separately.
The Wayans Bros. will soon be featured in Comedian Michele LaFong’s Syndicated Monthly “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” column in Casino Player Magazine.
Orleans Showroom, Sat. & Sun., Dec. 29th & 30th – 8:00pm
Musician “Man in Black” – Esteban
Esteban and daughter Teresa Joy, return to Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio Show on 1230AM KLAV, in Las Vegas, and The Web, to promote their new on-going stint in Las Vegas.
They call him the “Man in Black.” The magical guitar artistry of “Esteban,” will be in Concert, at the LVH (formerly the Hilton) hotel, in the Shimmer Cabaret, opening on Thursday, Dec. 27, and repeating the following night, Friday, Dec. 28. The world famous guitarist has signed a three month contract with LVH, to appear every Thursday and Friday evening, with show time set for 8:30 p.m. The opening of this new show follows a very successful recent engagement at The Smith Center.
A Las Vegas resident, “Esteban” will perform along with his daughter, violinist Teresa Joy, a special selection of music ranging from classical, Flaminco, pop, to Broadway, and beyond.
Esteban’s concerts are memorable moments of the heart and soul. Spending an evening in his audience is an experience of the heart and mind, and one that will remain with you forever.
More about Esteban here–>
You can catch Esteban at the LVH hotel, in the Shimmer Cabaret – Thurs. & Fri. Dec. 27th & 28th – 8:30pm
Reservations
You can listen to a recording of our show below!
Kelly Clinton, Coty Alexander-Las Vegas Backstage Talk w/Comedian Michele LaFong
June 14, 2011 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Kelly Clinton guests on Las Vegas backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong. LVBST Radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong is the only show that “Gets Personal with the Stars.”
Join us for Actress, comedienne, impressionist and singer Kelly Clinton, a kaleidoscope of talent! Everybody loves to come to The Bootlegger Italian Bistro every Monday Night for “Open Mic Cabaret” hosted by Kelly Clinton. We’ll hear all about this great Las Vegas Entertainment tradition from the performers, the fantastic band and how Kelly assembles the amazing talent each week. Plus, Kelly also is one of the stars of NUSENSE appearing at the Las Vegas Hilton…and What Show!
Kelly will be featured in Comedian Michele LaFong’s Syndicated “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” column in Gaming Today and Casino Player Magazine.
Update: Kelly is performing her one-woman show “Freckled For Life” at The Suncoast Showroom.
To find out more about this fabulous entertainer, just click here for Kelly’s website!
To find out more about NUSENSE at the LVH, just click here for the website!
Coty Alexander
Joins us for Coty Alexander from Legends In Concert appearing as Madonna, Lady Gaga, Gwen Stefani, plus Marilyn Monroe and Britany Spears…what a lineup and what a wonderful entertainer. Coty comes froma show business family and started performing at age five. She started her impersonating career playing Shirly Temple on stage. Performing in dance teams nationwide her career as a singer began when se and her sister fromed a duet and did a USO Tour throughout Japan and Korea. You’re gonna love this interview with Coty Alexander.
To find out more about Coty, just go to here website by clicking here!
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