Wynonna-LV Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong
Dec. 5, 2013- 6-7pm PST 1230am in Las Vegas & The Web
Country Music Superstar Wynonna guests on LVBST with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM KLAV in LV and The Web.
Five-time Grammy® Award winner Wynonna first rose to fame in alongside her mother, Naomi as the country music duo The Judds in the 1980s. In all, the duo released seven albums and charted 26 singles, 14 of which were No. 1 hits.
In 1991, Wynonna pursued a solo career, and her first four singles, “She Is His Only Need,” “I Saw the Light,” “No One Else on Earth” and “My Strongest Weakness”, reached No. 1 on the U.S. country singles chart. In all, Wynonna has released nine albums, a holiday collection and two compilation albums as a solo artist.
On the small screen, Wynonna has guest starred in numerous shows including “Touched by an Angel,” “Hope & Faith,” “Kath & Kim” and “Army Wives.” She was a contestant on season 16 of “Dancing with the Stars.”
Wynonna & The Big Noise Band are appearing at The Orleans Showroom on Dec. 6 & 7 at 8 p.m.
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Las Vegas Backstage Talk column in Casino Player Magazine
August edition: by Michele LaFong
Digital edition of Las Vegas Backstage Talk column http://digitaleditions.walsworthprintgroup.com/publication/?i=169821
Hi again!
Last month, on casinocenter.com, we featured some short, edited, backstage interviews. Thanks so much for all your feedback. It is very much appreciated, and we are paying attention to your comments.
Update: I passed on every lead that came in from all of you to Gallagher regarding interest for his Gaming Software gambling technology that he invented to keep slot players in casinos as entertained as they are with online. I will keep you posted, especially if history is made, as a result of your interest and responses.
I was at Gallagher’s new show at The Laugh Factory at The Tropicana last night, and was stunned that he had such a packed room on a Sunday night. Word must be getting out fast that he is still very funny even without smashing water-melons! He seemed fearless about trying new material on stage, and is masterful at working the crowd. He will continue to perform his 7pm show, at least through the summer.
Another very popular Headliner on the “casino circuit” is Pat Benatar/Neil Giraldo. I was blown away with their performance at The Pearl Theatre, at The Palms H & C last month. After my interview with Singer/Songwriter Neil Giraldo, Pat Benatar’s long-time “hit-writing” husband, visionary, and co-star of over 30 years, I felt like I knew them both for years. I never considered myself a real fan of their music, but after seeing them live…I guess I am, and I cannot recommend their show enough!
Another star that didn’t at all disappoint in his performance was The Legendary Dave Mason, who was performing at The Pearl Theatre, the following week. When I interviewed him by phone, he seemed a little low key, but on stage he came out strong and sustained interest and energy throughout. I also liked that he explained how his hit songs came about. It was truly hilarious when Dave after singing a couple of songs revealed that he was not making a “fashion statement” by wearing shorts on stage… rather it’s that he forgot to pack his pants! (I can relate to that.)
Comedian/Actress Wanda Sykes also put on an excellent show at The TI, and had the packed room in stitches throughout. I am still laughing about her reference to what happens to a woman “downstairs” after menopause…“that no one ever warns us about!” I was very surprised when backstage, immediately following the show, Wanda told me that some of the material she did, was being tried out for the very first time. (No one would ever have known!)
Dr. Julio Garcia, Plastic Surgeon to the Stars, returned on LVBST to warn us about the many new in-office procedures, which promise us a look of “instant youth,” but may not necessarily make us look better. He gave some great tips on the best way to find a really qualified plastic surgeon, and the many ways we can shave-off years instantly, even without surgery. He has agreed to offer free consultations for “CP readers” for the month of August providing you mention CP Magazine at the time that you make the appointment.
August’s line-up of popular headliners appearing in Las Vegas includes Grammy® award-winning singer-songwriter Rick Springfield, mostly known for “Jessie’s Girl,” and his acting role on “General Hospital.” When he guested on my radio show last year, the response was amazing. Springfield was so popular with our listeners, that WROM Radio, one of our affiliate stations in Michigan reported that after 400,000 listeners clicked in …it shut down their entire site! Rick is performing at The Orleans Showroom, August 3 & 4.
Another recommended Headliner is Five-time Grammy® winner BJ Thomas, mostly known for the hits “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” and “Hooked on a Feeling.” BJ was one of the most genuine, unassuming, “down to earth” Stars that I’ve ever met. He is genuinely shy, has never been comfortable with his fame, and still always gets nervous when performing. It’s adorable! I witnessed him being really hard on himself last year back-stage, following a stellar performance, in which he received three standing ovations! Thomas is returning to The Suncoast Showroom on August 10 & 11, and plans to come in early to do a videotaped interview with me.
Another exciting show coming in is The Monkees. I was lucky enough to have opened for them on their first re-union tour at The Sands H & C, in Las Vegas back in ’94. It was only Davey Jones, and Mickey Dolenz that were from the original group but it was still a great show, and the crowds just loved it! It will be interesting to see all the remaining members of the original line-up, Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork perform together. It’s such a shame that Davey Jones is no longer with us. He will always be loved and missed. The Monkees will perform at the Grand Events Center inside Green Valley Ranch Resort on Aug 10.
“Gregory Popovich’s Comedy Pet Theatre,” has returned to the “V” Theatre at Planet Hollywood with daily performances at 2:30pm. This Veteran of The Russian Circus, was a finalist on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” He is the only one I’ve ever seen that has so many trained cats doing amazing things in his show. He is scheduled to return on our program, and this time around bring some of his trained animals.
Actor- Impressionist Kevin Pollak, is headlining The Improv, at Harrahs, H& C, on Aug. 30 & 31. What a treat! I interviewed him last year at The World Series of Poker Tournament, at The Rio. Kevin was playing poker against Carl Reiner, and many other celebrity, and non-celebrity Poker-champs. (He is the only celebrity that placed in last year’s competition!) Pollak shared tips on having “the best poker-face,” and explained how different the game of poker is in tournaments. Some real good, and entertaining advice. Kevin Pollak’s edited video and others are now posted on casinocenter.com.
I’m always open to comments, feedback, and questions. Please stay in touch via facebook, twitter, or email. ‘Til next month…
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“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…
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!
John Pinette, Bill Medley-Las Vegas Backstage Talk w/Comedian Michele Lafong
Nov.8, 2012 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
John Pinette returns on “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” Radio Show with Comedian Michele LaFong, and updates us on the latest drama in his life. He also speaks of his dealings with Frank Sinatra, and other celebrities that he has had the pleasure of knowing, including Joan Rivers.
Pinette, a former American Comedy Awards Stand-up Comedian of the Year, received his big break in 1991 when he was asked to tour with the legendary Frank Sinatra. Since then, Pinette has starred as Edna Turnblad in the hit Broadway musical “Hairspray,” opposite Gwyneth Paltrow in the movie “Duets,” alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in “Junior,” and with John Travolta in “The Punisher.”
On the small screen, Pinette has guest-starred on numerous television shows, including “Parker Lewis Can’t Lose,” “ALF,” “Seinfeld” and “Vinnie & Bobby.”
In January 2007, his Comedy Central stand-up special and DVD, “I’m Starvin,” was released as a follow-up to his successful CD, “Show Me The Buffet.” His most recent one-hour Comedy Central special, “John Pinette: Still Hungry,” premiered in July 2011 and is available on DVD.
More about John Pinette here–>
You can catch John Pinette at The Orleans
Orleans Showroom, Fri – Sat, Nov. 9th & 10th – 8:00pm
Singer / Songwriter – Bill Medley
Bill Medley speaks to LaFong on LVBST Radio Show with Comedian Michele LaFong about the details of his long, blessed career as both a solo artist, and his early success as being half of The Righteous Brothers.
Medley is a seminal figure in the history of American music. He is perhaps best known as half of the unmistakable duo, The Righteous Brothers. Their raw emotional rhythm and blues sound essentially created the genre “blue-eyed soul.” In the mid-1960s, the Righteous Brothers became a fixture on Top Forty radio with hits like “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin,” “Just Once in My Life,” “Unchained Melody,” and “(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration,” creating an ultra- dramatic take on Sixties pop romance.
As Medley segues into a new portion of his career, he’s also performed duets publicly on occasion with his daughter, McKenna, who has her own show in Las Vegas. But he has no plans to find another permanent singing partner. Instead, Medley expects to strike out one more time on his own, with the stage serving as a safety net from which he’s still able to make a connection-with the fans who continue to adore both The Righteous Brothers and Medley’s powerful bass, but also with his own passion for music. Not that his rare gift makes him any different from the people who inhabit the audience. “My friends that I see on a daily basis are guys I went to junior high and high school with,” he notes. “It just has kept me very, very sane. So when I go out on stage to perform, I really feel like I’m one of those fans. I understand how they feel.”
More about Tony Bill Medley here–>
You can catch Bill Medley with McKenna Medley headlining at South Point.
The Showroom at South Point, Fri. – Sun., Nov. 9th – 11th – 7:30pm
You can listen to a recording of our show below!
Otis Williams, Olate Dogs-Las Vegas Backstage talk w/Comedian Michele LaFong
Oct. 25, 2012 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Otis Williams, original founding member of The Temptations, guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio Show with Comic Michele LaFong on 1230 am KLAV in Las Vegas, and The Web. Hear the stories behind the hits in this very candid interview.
For more than 40 years, The Temptations have shined as pioneers of popular music, with decades of smash hits and sold-out performances. An essential component of the original Motown machine invented by Berry Gordy, The Temptations began their musical career in Detroit in the early ‘60s. In 1964, Smokey Robinson wrote and produced “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” the first major hit for The Temptations. An avalanche of hits followed, including “My Girl,” “It’s Growing,” “Since I Lost My Baby,” “Get Ready,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “Beauty Is Only Skin Deep” and “I Wish It Would Rain.”
For more about Otis Williams, click here.
For more about The Temptations, click here.
You can catch Otis Williams w/ The Temptations at The Orleans
Orleans Showroom, Oct 27th & 28th 8:00pm
For reservations
NBC’s America’s Got Talent Winner 2012 – “Olate Dogs”
For more about Olate Dogs, click here.
Live in-studio, on Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio Show with Comic Michele LaFong are Richard and son, Nick Olate, and four of the Star Olate Dogs that won the million dollar prize this year on NBC’s America’s Got Talent.
Richard Olate is from Chile South America. He is the second youngest in a family of 22 children. His family was very poor. There were many times when they would not have enough to eat for days at a time. His story is not a sad one though. At age 12 he got a dog from the street. He loved the dog and found that he might have a feel for training. There are many dogs roaming the streets in Chile, so guess what……? When he had put together a routine, he, with his mother’s help, booked his amateur act at schools and small circuses. He quickly got a regular performance schedule but needed more help. His older brother soon joined him and together they decided they could do something special. They were right! They worked hard creating a very unique dog act. They spent the next few years traveling with different circuses throughout South America and in 1989 they premiered in the United States of America. They have been here ever since. Richard has appeared with his dogs in many television shows, made commercials, been in a movie, and worked in stage, night club and circus performances. A true testament that, no matter where you come from, hard work and determination makes dreams come true.
Hear what Richard, and Nick have to say about their experience on NBC’s America’s Got Talent Reality Show, and what they have to say about the other acts on the show with them, runner-up, Comic Tom Cotter, and judges Howard Stern, Sharon Osbourne, and Howie Mandel.
See breathtaking performances of NBC’s #1 hit television show in America’s Got Talent LIVE!
Olate Dogs preforms in this exclusive live show at The Palazzo Theatre NOW though Nov. 17th, and features the season seven winner and top fan-voted performers. Bringing the variety show format back to the forefront of American culture each week, the show features a colorful array of hopeful future stars — singers, dancers, comedic performers and unique acts of all ages.
You can catch Olate Dogs in America’s Got Talent LIVE! at The Palazzo,
The Palazzo Theatre, NOW though Nov. 17th 7:30pm, Dark Fridays
Reservations
You can listen to a recording of our show below!
