Carnie Wilson, Willie Tyler-Las Vegas Backstage Talk
June 5, 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 returns on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Carnie is promoting her upcoming show with Wilson Phillips at The Eastside Cannery on June 7. She updated us on her guest hosting The Talk, 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
Willie Tyler & Lester
Willie Tyler and Lester guests live in-studio.
Willie Tyler has appeared in many television commercials, sitcoms, and movies. He got his first big break in 1972 on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.
Tyler has had guest roles in The Parent ‘Hood, Pacific Blue, What’s Happening Now!!, The White Shadow and The Jeffersons, as well as serving as host of the popular Saturday morning children’s anthology series The ABC Weekend Special throughout the early 1980s. He appeared in the 1978 film Coming Home. In addition, he has appeared in television commercials in the 1980s for McDonald’s and Toyota.
He appeared as himself in the 2004 BET Comedy Awards, Frank McKlusky, C.I., For Da Love of Money, In the House, the 4th Annual Black Gold Awards, The 1st Annual Soul Train Music Awards, Motown Returns to the Apollo, Lou Rawls Parade of Stars, Powerhouse, The White Shadow, American Bandstand, Vegetable Soup, The Flip Wilson Show, The Statler Brothers Show, The Hollywood Palace and Match Game. On September 18, 2006, Tyler was the first ventriloquist to appear on the Late Show with David Letterman’s Ventriloquist Week.
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Larry Stewart, John Pinette-LVBST w/Comedian Michele LaFong
April 10, 2014 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Larry Stewart, Lead Singer of Restless Heart guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong to promote their upcoming engagement with Sawyer Brown on April 19, at The Eastside Cannery.
With over 27 years of musical history to their credit, the 5 original members of Restless Heart continue to thrill audiences nightly with their award-winning talent, showmanship and flawless harmonies on hits including “I’ll Still Be Loving You”, “Why Does It Have to Be (Wrong or Right)”, “Bluest Eyes in Texas”, and “Dancy’s Dream,” to name a few.
Led by Larry Stewart, with Dave Innis on keyboards, Greg Jennings on lead guitar, Paul Gregg on bass and drummer, John Dittrich, they brought a new, contemporary sound to Nashville—a sound with a touch of pop and country rock—the sound which so strongly influences popular country acts of today, including Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, and Little Big Town.
Gold became the standard for the group with the release of their self-titled album. Three more gold albums followed between 1986 and 1991. With an additional six albums released through the years, Restless Heart has put 26 hits on the country charts with six climbing to #1 and nine others in the Top Ten. Cross-over success, rare in the music world, was also theirs with six songs making the adult contemporary charts. “When She Cries”, named BMI Song of the Year in 1993, was followed by another top ten crossover single, “Tell Me What You Dream”. Early career Grammy, CMA and ACM nominations culminated in Restless Heart being named ACM’s Vocal Group of the Year.
John Pinette
John Pinette, a favorite recurring guest on Las Vegas Backstage Talk passed away on April 5, in Pittsburgh. He was 50.
The apparent cause was a pulmonary embolism, his manager, Larry Schapiro, said. Mr. Pinette, who had homes in Philadelphia and Los Angeles, was found dead in a hotel room in Pittsburgh, where he was attending a family function.
Known for his high-pitched voice, broad Massachusetts accent and trademark two-word condemnation (“Nay-nay!”) of all manner of deplorable things, Mr. Pinette toured widely and was a guest on “The Tonight Show” and “The View.” He dealt most often in comedy rooted in his own life — “the funniest thing that I can think of,” he often said.
He was also known for his brief but memorable turn in the series finale of “Seinfeld” in 1998 as the hapless victim of a carjacking. In that episode, seen by an estimated 76 million viewers, Mr. Seinfeld and his friends observe the crime but do nothing, leading to their arrest on charges of violating good Samaritan laws.
Mr. Pinette, whose first comedy album, “Show Me the Buffet,” was released in 1998, stood about 5 feet 11 and weighed, at his heaviest, some 450 pounds.
“I don’t do fat jokes per se,” he told The St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 2001. He added, “I’d rather talk about the trials and tribulations of a large mammal in our society.”
He was due to return on LVBST to promote his engagement at The Orleans Showroom next month. John will be greatly missed.
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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!
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
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Kevin Pollak, Little Anthony-LV Backstage Talk w/Comedian Michele LaFong
August 29, 2013 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM & Web
Actor-Impressionist- Comedian-Producer, Writer-Director returns on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM KLAV in LV and The Web. LaFong interviewed Pollak on-location at last years WOP, World Series of Poker at The Rio, where he was the only celebrity that placed in the competition. He was featured in “Getting Personal with the Stars”, LaFong’s syndicated column in Gaming Today 2012. (Article top left.) Michele also featured Kevin in August’s edition of Las Vegas Backstage Talk, LaFong’s monthly entertainment column in Casino Player Magazine.
This year, he placed again, right behind Actor-Comedian Ray Romano, who will be my Cover/Feature Interview in “Getting Personal with the Stars”, section in October’s issue of Casino Player Magazine, a Gaming Lifestyle Magazine, with over 88,000 paid subscribers nationally.
Kevin Pollak began performing comedy at the age of 10 and was touring by age 20. In 1988, shortly after he filmed his first HBO Special, Pollak had his acting debut in “Willow.” However, it was his role in Rob Reiner’s “A Few Good Men” that proved his ability to stand out while sharing the big screen with some of acting’s greatest. When the 20th Century came to a close, Pollak was named one of the top ten actors of the century by Variety. Pollak has starred in two of his own HBO stand-up comedy specials and was named one of the “Top 100 Comedians of all Time” by Comedy Central.
Kevin Pollak’s 2012 WOP interview at The Rio is posted under VIDEOS on menu (across top of site) where he reveals his best Poker-face tricks.
August 30 – September 1 at The Improv at Harrah’s 8:30pm & 10:30pm
Little Anthony-Backstage videotaped interview
at The Eastside Cannery
Little Anthony returns on LV Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong in a backstage videotaped interview that is posted on casinocenter.com. He is also featured in Sept. edition of LaFong’s Las Vegas backstage Talk-monthly syndicated column, where he talks shop, from Little Anthony & The Imperials on The Ed Sullivan Show, to learning comedy from his good friend Redd Foxx. The video is also posted below.
Link http://youtu.be/8jKJVPugvEY
TweetKathy Griffin, Little Anthony-LVBST/w Comedian Michele LaFong
August 1, 2013 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV&Web
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
Kathy Griffin guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM KLAV in Las Vegas, and The Web.
Kathy first made a name for herself on Bravo’s two-time Emmy Award Winning Reality Series, “My Life on the D List,” and recently had her own talk show “Kathy” on Bravo, has broken the record for having the “Most Comedy Specials, Male or Female,” with her latest Special called “Calm down Gurrl,”. She is appearing at The Mirage August 2, & September 7, at 10pm and her pre-recorded interview will air in full on August 1, on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show at 6pm PST.
Little Anthony & The Imperials
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Little Anthony guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM in Las Vegas and The Web.
Little Anthony and the Imperials were one of the finest vocal groups to emerge from the talent-rich New York scene. Moreover, they enjoyed unusual longevity for an act of that type, having hits in both the doo-wop Fifties and the soul-music Sixties. They outlasted their peers by virtue of “Little Anthony” Gourdine’s powerful, beseeching vocals and the consummate professionalism of the Imperials, who mastered a broad range of material and knew how to work a stage.
“Tears on My Pillow,” their first single as the Imperials, was released on End Records. This classic vocal-group ballad was one of the biggest hits of 1958, reaching #2 on the R&B chart and #4 on the pop chart. Little Anthony and the Imperials were suddenly stars. The story might have ended there, with “Tears On My Pillow” fondly recalled as a vocal-group classic from one of the many one-hit wonders from that era. In fact, some of their followup singles did flop, strong as they were. But the group rebounded with an uptempo number, “Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko Bop,” that capitalized on a dance craze.
Other hits include “Hurt So Bad,” and “Going Out of my Head.”
They received the Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation and have been inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. In 2008, Little Anthony and the Imperials released You’ll Never Know, an album of new songs and rerecorded oldies to celebrate their 50th anniversary as a group.
Little Anthony & The Imperials will be appearing at The Eastside Cannery on Aug. 3.
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