Carnie Wilson, Don Barnes-38 Special-LVBST
Oct. 3, 2013- 6-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
Singer, Talk Show Host- Carnie Wilson, Reality Star, and one of the original founding members of Wilson Phillips guests onLas Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Carnie is promoting her upcoming show with Wilson Phillips at The Eastside Cannery on Oct. 5. She shared what it was like now that she’s married and what it’s like being a mom, her relationship past and present with her father Brian Wilson, her weight struggles, and future career plans.
The daughter of American 1960s pop icon Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, and his first wife, former singer Marilyn Rovell of The Honeys, she co-founded Wilson Phillips with her younger sister Wendy and childhood friend Chynna Phillips when they were in their teens. They released two albums, Wilson Phillips and Shadows and Light, sold 12 million albums, and charted three No. 1 singles and six top 20 hits before breaking up in 1993. For more:wilsonphillips.com
Wilson Phillips appearing at The Eastside Cannery on Sat., Oct. 5
Don Barnes-Founding member of 38 Special
Founding member of 38 Special, Don Barnes, guests on LV Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong.
After more than three decades together, 38 SPECIAL continue to bring their signature blast of Southern Rock to over 100 cities a year. And at each and every show, thousands of audience members are amazed by the explosive power of the band’s performance.
Their many Gold and Platinum album awards stand in testament to the endurance of a legendary powerhouse.
With sales in excess of 20 million, most associate the band with their arena-rock pop smashes, “Hold On Loosely,” “Rockin’ Into the Night,” “Caught Up in You,” “Fantasy Girl,” “If I’d Been the One,” “Back Where You Belong,” “Chain Lightnin’,” “Second Chance,” and more – Timeless hits that remain a staple at radio, immediately recognizable from the first opening chord, and paving the way to their present-day touring regimen. For more: 38special.com
38 Special is appearing at The Cannery on Sat., Oct. 5
Tweet“Las Vegas Backstage Talk” Column in Casino Player Magazine-by Michele LaFong
July edition
“Las Vegas Backstage Talk”- July online version
http://t.co/kvLJjkxwe7
Last month, we started putting up edited footage of some of my Backstage Interviews on Casinocenter.com. That footage included an edited interview with Tony Orlando, Melissa Manchester, and Myself on the topic of Bill Cosby.
This month, we will be featuring some very candid clips from different interviews that I did with my new friend, “Comedian Icon,” Gallagher, with topics that deal that with everything from fame & fortune, riches to rags, partying, health scares, divorce, kids, grand-kids, his new image, his early career as Road Manager of Country & Novelty Singer Jim Stafford, the invention of his new “Gallagher slot machine,” and finally…the real story behind his younger brother Ronny, who went out on the road, performing Gallagher’s Signature Comedy Act, billing himself as “Gallagher 2,” which lead to much public confusion, lost ticket sales, and damage to Gallagher’s brand. Videotaped footage of this exclusive, “never been told before” story of what really happened… will not disappoint!
Gallagher, mostly known for incorporating “watermelon smashing” in his comedy show, and fitted the audience in the first few front row seats with “protective bib gear,” was also recently featured in a successful, popular, National Geico Television Commercial.
This “Jack of all trades,” master of all, is a true genius, and completely out of his mind! Still full of energy, extremely creative, and always unpredictable, Gallagher has recently dusted off his engineering degree that he earned at USF many years ago, and finally put it to good use when he developed and patented Gaming Software for Slot Machines that is much more innovative, imaginative, and engaging than the slot machines that are currently in the casinos. This software incorporates the technology of computerized video games that are available online, and on cell phones, which Gallagher claims will leave the casino slot machines in the dust, if they don’t do something now to start to improve it, and compete in a much more entertaining, interactive, and contemporary way.
Gallagher, a truly experienced, all-around talented entertainer, and comedy writer, ranked in the top 100 on Comedy Central’s poll of the 100 Greatest Stand-ups of all Time, taped 14 Specials for Showtime during his 40 year comedy career…and isn’t showing signs of slowing down anytime soon! On June 17, Gallagher opened a show on the Las Vegas Strip, with little lead-in notice, taking over the 7pm time slot, that RoseAnne Barr had left vacant back in May, after closing her successful, five month run at The Laugh Factory, at The Tropicana H & C.
Aside from the staple headliners, July seems to be a ripe month for great name talent in the Casino Market.
Mathew Nelson, of The Nelson Twins, co-star of RICKY NELSON REMEMBERED FEATURING MATTHEW & GUNNAR NELSON, guested on my radio show last month, promoting their… (what turned out to be) “sold out weekend,” at The South Point Showroom, at The South Point H & C. They are now returning by popular demand, to Laughlin, NV, at the Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino’s Don’s Celebrity Theater, July 2-3 and 5-7.
Comedian/Actress, Wanda Sykes, was in Vegas last month performing at The TI. It’s hard to believe that she was my Feature Act, back when I was touring, and headlining Comedy Clubs. Even then, Wanda was a tough act to follow! She is a very strong stand-up comedian, and is definitely worth seeing. She has upcoming shows in Reno, and Atlantic City in November.
Paula Poundstone, is performing at The Orleans Showroom, on July 5 & 6 at 8pm, (immediately following her almost two hour show… she does a Meet & Greet.)
Comedian Carlos Mencia, a frequent recurring and LV favorite returns to The TI, on July 5. His fans “can never get enough” because Mencia always delivers laughs, with his consistent command of the stage, timing, and physical comedic sensibilities.
Speaking of which…Bill Cosby returns to Vegas, at The TI on July 19, His cerebral comedy, and slow story-telling technique require much more thought, and focus from the audience than most, as his “pay-off punch lines,” can literally often be located in the long pauses he takes when telling a story. His slow, annunciations, and hilarious facial expressions… really aid in getting his point across… (Getting sauced before seeing his show is not recommended!)
Another exciting, edgy performer that should not be missed is Comic/Actress Sarah Silverman. In between her busy taping schedule, she is squeezing in a performance at The Palms Hotel & Casino, on July 20, but if you’re more into nostalgia, and “Old Vegas,”…Singer, Deana Martin returns to The South Point Showroom on July 20, & 21 at 7:30pm. Deana has guested on my show several times, has many great and interesting show-biz stories about growing up around Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and her “Uncle Jerry” (Lewis.) She has many more tales to tell, in her multi-media show, complete with cool family footage, and of course… “Surprise celebrity guests” can always be expected. Or if Bobby Vinton is more your speed, he is also in Vegas on July 20, at The Eastside Cannery. I opened for him many years ago at Mystic Lake Casino in Minnesota. There’s no doubt about it. Bobby is a pro and puts on a great show!
Last but not least, the still very popular, and not so weird, Weird Al Yankovik, returns to Vegas once again… this time on July 6, at The Smith Center. He is a master entertainer that manages to stay relevant, and is committed to putting on an exciting, long crowd pleasing show for all the generations of his loyal fans!
Other interesting Headliners in town performing in July are: Ian Anderson, Joe Rogan, The Love n’ Spoonful, The O’Jays, Kellie Pickler, Yes, Jim Gaffigan, Craig Shoemaker, Sara Evans, Dion, Pablo Francisco, and The Wayans Bros.
I’m always open to comments, feedback, and questions.
Please stay in touch via facebook, twitter, or email…. ’Till next month…
TweetBobby Rydell, Rich Hall-LV Backstage Talk w/Comedian Michele LaFong
Jan. 10, 2013 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Former Teen Idol, Singer
Bobby Rydell guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio and Web Show with Comedian Michele LaFong this Thursday from 6:00pm-7:00pm PST on 1230am KLAV in Las Vegas and The Web.
Bobby Rydell “beats the odds” and overcomes a liver, and kidney double transplant. He is performing with a Big Band at The Suncoast this weekend.
This will be the first full show Bobby has performed in a year! Comedian Michele LaFong is his Special Guest Star. LaFong will be appearing with Bobby, and will be performing her Tribute to Señor Wences, with the original “Johnny,” the lipstick hand-puppet that Wences “handed off” to her as documented in LIFE Magazine.
Original Teenage Idol Bobby Rydell Brings the Music of a Generation to the Suncoast Showroom January 11-13 Las Vegas-Bobby Rydell, the international teenage sensation of the Baby Boom era, performs his carefree chart-toppers at the Suncoast Showroom January 11, 12 and 13. With good looks, fame and talent, Robert Ridarelli –better known as Bobby~–is considered an original American idol. After a teenage gig as drummer for Rocco and the Saints, where he played with trumpet player Frankie Avalon, Rydell launched his successful solo act in 1959. The hits flowed as Rydell rocked up the charts with “We Got Love,” “Kissin’ Time,” “Wild One,” “That Old Black Magic,” “I’ll Never Dance Again” and “Forget Him,” among others. Rydell recorded 34 Top 40 hits, and is recognized by Billboard as one of the Top Five Artists of the early ’60s.
Beyond selling millions of records, Rydell enjoyed fame as a regular on 1960s television, appearing on “American Bandstand,” “The Red Skelton Show” and “The Milton Berle Show.” In 1963, Rydell was also featured in the classic film “Bye Bye Birdie” as Ann-Margret’s boyfriend, Hugo Peabody.
Bobby will be featured in Michele LaFong’s “Getting Personal with the Stars” column in Gaming Today, and will soon be featured in LaFong’s “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” column in Casino Player Magazine.
More about Bobby Rydell here–>
You can catch Bobby Rydell headlining at Suncoast Hotel & Casino
Suncoast Showroom, Fri – Sun, Jan. 11th – 13th 7:30pm
Comedian – Rich Hall
Rich Hall did a videotaped backstage interview with Comedian Michele LaFong, after his first show on Monday night at The Laugh Factory at The Tropicana H & C.
As he said “No two shows are the same.” Rich shared his philosophies on his approach to comedy, and other things that you normally would not hear on stage that will give you insight into his psyche, and his approach to life.
Hall shot to prominence as a cast member of Saturday Night Live. He also gained fame in the US with numerous appearances on Not Necessarily the News, The David Letterman Show, Fridays, Sniglets and the Johnny Carson Show. Hall’s brand of humor spread across the pond making him a top selling and in demand comedian in England, regularly performing to sold out crowds.
Critics have hailed Hall as one of the best acts in comedy and David Letterman says, “Rich Hall is the real thing.” No target is safe, from religion to politics to Tom Cruise
You can catch Rich Hall at Tropicana Las Vegas
Laugh Factory Las Vegas, Mon – Sun, Jan. 7th – 13rd 8:30pm & 10:30pm
You can listen to a recording of our show below!
Frank Marino, Tom Stevens-Las Vegas Backstage Talk w/Comedian Michele LaFong
Jan. 5, 2012 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Frank Marino, Star & Producer of “Divas Las Vegas” guests on LVBST Radio Show w/Comedian Michele LaFong.
From “Divas Las Vegas”, we welcome Frank Marino, who is featured in an all star cast of superstar female impersonators who not only recreate but almost uncannily duplicate the likenesses of stars ranging from Britney Spears to Cher and Diana Ross to Beyonce even Madonna and Dolly Parton have been known to stop by. Meanwhile, Marino in his role as the show’s emcee and star changes between every act bringing an international whirlwind of couture to the stage with each spectacular entrance.
Frank will soon be featured in Comedian Michele LaFong’s Monthly Syndicated Column, “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” in Casino Player Magazine, and “Getting Personal with the Stars” Syndicated Column in Gaming Today.
For more info about Frank Marino, click here!
You can catch “Divas Las Vegas”live at Imperial Palace, now The Quad
At Imperial Theatre
Showtimes:10:00pm Nightly – Dark Fridays
Singer, Impressionist – Tom Stevens
In honor of Elvis Presley’s 77th birthday, applauded singer-impressionist and comedian Tom Stevens brings his Elvis tribute show to the Suncoast Showroom for two performances, January 7 and 8, each evening at 7:30 p.m.
While Stevens is well-known for impressions of a wide range of celebrities – including Jerry Lewis, Jimmy Stewart, Bill Clinton, George Burns, Paul Lynde, Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, Carol Channing, Bill Cosby and Robert DeNiro – his Suncoast performance will be all Elvis. Walking, talking and dressing like The King himself, Stevens will perform many of Elvis’ hits, including gospel and country songs.
For more about Tom, click here.
You can catch Tom bringing his Elvis tribute showto The Suncoast
Suncoast Showroom, Jan. 7 & 8, 7:30pm
For reservations
You can listen to a recording of our show below!
Debbie Reynolds, Steve Mittleman-Las Vegas Backstage Talk w/Comedian Michele LaFong
Dec. 22. 2011 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Debbie Reynolds guests on LVBST radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong. LV Backstage Talk is the only show that “Gets Personal with the Stars.”
For over six decades, our lives have been enriched by the talents of a singer, dancer and actress we know as Debbie Reynolds. With a rich life in talent and skills, she is a must see at The South Point Showroom.
Debbie Reynolds gave LaFong her first running-show in LV- “Vegas Live” starring Comedian Michele LaFong at The Debbie Reynolds Hotel & Casino on The LV Strip.
Debbie will soon be featured in Comedian Michele LaFong’s Monthly Syndicated “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” column in Casino Player Magazine, as well as LaFong’s Syndicated “Getting Personal with the Stars” column in Gaming Today.
Too much to list about the life and history of Debbie Reynolds here. For more about Debbie, click HERE.
Comedian, Actor, Speaker – Steve Mittleman
Steve started touring in 1980 and has kept audiences laughing ever since.
One of the rare comics that has appeared on The Tonight Show with both Johnny Carson & Jay Leno… Letterman.. Showtime Laugh-Off Special, HBO, Extreme Makeover and on almost every show out there. Also in film he co-starred in Roxanne, featured in Radio Days, Beer, Rich Boys, and Out-of-towners.
For more info about Steve, CLICK HERE!
You can catch Steve live at Harrah’s Las Vegas
The Improv Comedy Club, Dec. 20th – 25th
Showtime: 8:30PM, 10:30PM
Dennis Miller, Deana Martin, Kelly Clinton-LV Backstage Talk w/Comedian Michele LaFong
Apr. 26, 2012 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & Web
Comedian, Radio Show Host, Commentator Dennis Miller, Singer Deana Martin, daughter of Dean Martin, and Singer Kelly Clinton, guest on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Celebrated as a witty comedian with an entertaining and intriguing stand-up routine, Miller keeps audiences laughing with his irreverent observations. A favorite of the public and critics alike, The New York Times said, “Mr. Miller is exquisitely attuned to contemporary foibles … his material can be scathing, his delivery low key … Mr. Miller reaches a bit farther than most comedians for the scorching comment … this smart aleck has an uncommonly sharp eye.”
Called “one of the premiere comedy talents in America today,” Miller emerged on the national scene in as the “Weekend Update” correspondent on NBC’s Saturday Night Live. After leaving SNL in 1991, Miller moved to HBO, where he hosted the critically acclaimed talk show Dennis Miller Live for nine seasons. No stranger to television talk shows, Miller is a regular on Fox News Channel’s Hannity and The O’Reilly Factor. He was also host and executive producer of CNBC’s Dennis Miller, which featured conversation, opinion and humor.
Dennis Miller will be featured in Comedian Michele LaFong’s Monthly Syndicated “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” column in June 2013 edition of Casino Player Magazine, as well as LaFong’s “Getting Personal with the Stars” and “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” Syndicated Column in Gaming Today.
For more about Dennis and his radio show, click here.
You can catch Dennis live at The Orleans
Orleans Showroom, Apr. 27 – 28th 8:00pm
For reservations
Singer / Entertainer – Deana Martin (Daughter of Dean Martin)
Deana Martin is appearing at Regis Galerie Las Vegas for a special grand unveiling of the exclusive art bronze “The King of Cool”. Dean’s daughter approved design!
Los Angeles-based artist, Lance Richlin, was commissioned to design the limited edition sculpture that depicts a young Dean Martin performing on a marble staircase. Richlin specializes in sculptures, drawings and paintings and has created several pieces for Regis Galerie over the years. Only 300 sculptures will be made in this series and will retail for $6,500, $5,500 the day of the unveiling. Ten percent of sales made at Regis Galerie that day will be donated to the American Lung Association.
Deana Martin, daughter of Dean Martin, will personally travel to Las Vegas to celebrate her father’s contributions to Las Vegas and the sentimental tribute that Regis Galerie portrays in the statue.
Deana Martin is featured in Comedian Michele LaFong’s “Getting Personal with the Stars” Monthly Syndicated Column in Gaming Today.
More about the very talented singer / entertainer, Deana Martin here.
SPECIAL EVENT!!! You can catch Deana Martin on April 21 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., at Regis Galerie, a high-end art collections boutique located in The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian.
Singer / Entertainer – Kelly Clinton
Las Vegas entertainer Kelly Clinton may be best described as “a kaleidoscope of talent.” No matter which performing direction she turns — singer, actress, comedienne, impressionist, television personality, MC or events host — her charismatic rays always shine through.
The New Jersey-born performer is performing her one-woman show at the Suncoast and has appeared in many of the Strip hotels for special events performances. Her celebrity nights at the Bootlegger Bistro and other local hot spots in town have been a big hit for many years.
Her one-woman show, “Freckled for Life” will be performed.
More about Kelly Clinton here.
You can catch Kelly Clinton live at Suncoast Hotel & Casino: Suncoast Showroom, Apr. 28 & 29 7:30pm
For reservations
You can listen to a recording of our show below!