Las Vegas Backstage Talk column in Casino Player Magazine-Oct.
Oct. edition-by Michele LaFong
Las Vegas Backstage Talk column
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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.
TweetLas 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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DL Hughley, Jo Koy-LV Backstage Talk w/Comedian Michele LaFong
June 7, 2012 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
DL Hughley, and Comedian Jo Koy guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Hughley is well-known for his role in the film “The Original Kings of Comedy”. On television, Hughley was the Producer and Star of “The Hughleys,” which ran on ABC and UPN from 1998 through 2002, and was also a series regular on NBC’s “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.” He has appeared on HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam,” BET’s “S.O.B.: Socially Offensive Behavior” and has filmed several comedy specials, including “D.L. Hughley: Goin’ Home,” “D.L. Hughley Live,” “Shocked & Appalled” and the HBO special “D.L. Hughley: Unapologetic.”
On radio, he is currently a weekly contributor to the nationally syndicated program, “The Tom Joyner Morning Show.” In August, he will release a new book, “I Want You to Shut the F— Up: How the Audacity of Dopes is Ruining America.”
Hughley will soon be featured in Comedian Michele LaFong’s Monthly Syndicated “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” column in Casino Player Magazine, as well as “Getting Personal with the Stars” Syndicated Column in Gaming Today.
You can catch DL Hughley at The Orleans
Orleans Showroom, Fri & Sat June 8th & 9th 8:00pm
Comedian – Jo Koy
From filling clubs across the nation to being seen weekly as a regular guest on Chelsea Lately, Jo Koy has come a long way from his modest start performing at a Las Vegas coffee house. His infectiously explosive energy on stage, insightful jokes and family inspired humor cross all boundaries and led Daily Variety to name him one of the “10 Comics to Watch”.
For more about Jo Koy, click HERE.
You can catch Jo Koy at Treasure Island
Treasure Island Theatre, Friday June 8th 9:00pm
You can listen to a recording of our show below!
Bill Cosby, Graham Russell, Michael Shane-LV Backstage Talk w/Comedian Michele LaFong
May 24, 2012 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
The Legendary Bill Cosby guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Over the past century, few entertainers have achieved the legendary status of William H. Cosby Jr. His successes span five decades and virtually all media, remarkable accomplishments for a kid who emerged from humble beginnings in a Philly project.
In the 1960s, his stand-up act was a coast-to-coast sensation, spawning a string of hilarious, best-selling comedy albums, which went on to win eight Gold Records, five Platinum records and five Grammy Awards. His role on TV’s I Spy made him the first African-American to co-star in a dramatic series, breaking television’s racial barrier and winning three Emmy Awards. In the 1980s, he again rocked the television world with the The Cosby Show, a gentle, whimsical and hugely successful series that single-handedly revived the family sitcom (and rescued NBC).
Bill Cosby will be Michele LaFong’s Cover/Feature Interview in “Getting Personal with the Stars” June 2013 issue of Casino Player Magazine. He is also in LaFong’s “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” Syndicated Column in Casino Player Magazine 2013.
For more about Bill Cosby, click HERE.
You can catch Bill Cosby at Treasure Island, The TI
Treasure Island Theatre, Friday May 25th 8:00pm
Musician / Song-Writer – Graham Russell of “Air Supply”
Australian soft-rock group Air Supply quickly became a staple of early ‘80s radio after their first smash hit, “Lost in Love.” Performing together for more than 30 years, Air Supply returns to The Orleans Showroom for three shows Memorial Day weekend.
Producing 30 albums and more than 15 hit singles, Air Supply is renowned around the world, touring in Australia, Asia, India, the United States and the Caribbean. In 2008, Air Supply was named No. 83 on Billboard’s top 100 musical acts of all time – the only Australian band on the list.
For more about “Air Supply”, click HERE.
You can catch “Air Supply” at The Orleans
Orleans Showroom, Fri-Sun May 25th – 27th 8:00pm
Musician / Entertainer – Michael Shane
Performing professionally since the age of 11, Michael, most recently, was hand-picked by Steve Wynn to entertain his guests at the Las Vegas mega resort Wynn, as in-house entertainer. In his 30 year career, he has performed in thousands of shows with dozens of stars including Wayne Newton, Gallagher, Debbie Gibson, Brooke Shields, Clint Holmes, Kool and the Gang, the Righteous Brothers and countless others.
For more about Michael Shane, click HERE.
You can listen to a recording of our show below!
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