Don Felder, Kelly Hansen, Henry Fambrough
January 25, 2018
Audio is posted below
Singer/Songwriter Don Felder, guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Don Felder is appearing with Styx at The Venetian on Jan 26-Feb. 3.
Best-known for his years as lead guitarist for the Eagles, during which time he co-wrote such classic tracks as ‘Hotel California,’ ‘Victim of Love’ and ‘Those Shoes.’ His outro solo with Joe Walsh on ‘Hotel California’ is widely considered one of the most important guitar solos of the rock era.
Felder was fired from the group in 2001 after a number of disputes with Don Henley and Glenn Frey. He later sued the group and recounted his experiences with the Eagles in a best-selling autobiography.
Last year he released a solo album titled ‘Road to Forever,’ which included an all-star cast of guest stars and saw the musician moving forward musically and personally.
After years of relative backstage secrecy, the Eagles officially sanctioned a documentary titled ‘The History of the Eagles‘ that premiered on Showtime.
Kelly Hansen
Lead Singer for Foreigner, Kelly Hansen guests on LVBST with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Answering an ad seeking a lead vocalist, Kelly joined Hurricane in 1985. Signed to Enigma/Capitol during the late eighties and early nineties, Hurricane recorded three critically acclaimed albums, racked up five Top 20 MTV videos and landed the top 35 single, “I’m On To You”.
After Hurricane disbanded, Hansen worked in a group with Poison guitarist C.C. DeVille, toured as a vocal group arranger and backing vocalist with Liane Foly for her album, Caméléon and composed music for television.
As the new lead singer in Foreigner, Hansen explains, “the best part about being in this band is getting the chance to do something I feel I was meant to do. I feel extremely fortunate to be given this wonderful opportunity to play with such a substantial group of people, and it just keeps getting better. I think there are times in life where the right combination of people come together at the right time, through luck, timing or for some other unknown reason to create something magical. What happens onstage with this group of guys is something that is rare and palpable. It’s like the old saying, “if I have to describe it, you wouldn’t understand.”
For more go to http://www.foreigneronline.com/kellyhansen.html
Henry Fambrough-original vocalist with The Spinners
Henry Fambrough is an original vocalist and current member of the R&B quintet The Spinners (aka The Detroit Spinners). He is the last surviving original member of the Spinners.
During the group’s heyday from the early to mid-1970s, Henry served as one of the group’s lead singers (along with Philippe Wynne and Bobby Smith ) and his rich baritone provided lead vocals for the Spinners classic, “I Don’t Want To Lose You,” as well as co-lead vocals with Wynne on “Living A Little, Laughing A Little.” He also was in a duet with Dionne Warwick on the Spinners’ “Just As Long As We Have Love,” from their album “Pick of the Litter,” and also sang lead on the classic album cut, “If You Can’t Be in Love,” from the album “Happiness Is Being with the Spinners.” Henry was noted for the handlebar mustache he wore at that time.
Lisa Lampanelli, Crystal Gayle
June 11 2015
Audio of interviews posted below (Except on Internet Explorer)
Comedian Lisa Lampanelli, and Grammy Award-winner Crystal Gayle, guest on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Lisa Lampanelli is Comedy’s Lovable Queen of Mean. Heralded as “more than a standup — a standout,” by comedy legend Jim Carrey, Lampanelli is a cross between Don Rickles, Archie Bunker, and a vial of estrogen. She has won accolades from The King of All Media Howard Stern, who called her “a true original and a brilliant comedy mind who’ll steal the show every time.”
This equal opportunity offender is a regular on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and Howard Stern’s Sirius satellite radio shows. And she has appeared on “Late Show with David Letterman,” “Lopez Tonight”, “Chelsea Lately”, and “Jimmy Kimmel Live”. And, she made a “big splash” when she joined the cast of NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice,” Season 5.
Lisa is starring in Lipshtick at The Venetian Hotel & Casino on June 13.
For more about Lisa Lampanelli: lisalampanelli.com
Crystal Gayle
Grammy Award-winner Crystal Gayle talks to Comedian Michele LaFong about what it was like to start out in the shadows of her sister Loretta Lynn, and many other things that are not the normal struggles of every singer.
In the wake…her hit list of platinum and gold record sales was to be matched only by her awards and accolades. CMA’s “Female Vocalist Of The Year,” for two consecutive years, she became a Grammy Award Winner for “Best Female Vocal Performance,” thanks to her beloved “Brown Eyes” – a song that she today admits she has never grown tired of singing. Crystal swept the Academy Of Country Music Awards for three of their “Top Female Vocalist” statuettes. As her music and her career path widened to mainstream audiences—so did her accolades. She is the recipient of three “American Music Awards” –voted by the nation as America’s “Favorite Female Artist.”
The glamor and the mystique of the Crystal Gayle phenomena made her an instantly “ in demand” artist. From symphony halls to Carnegie Hall…from the best kept stages in Las Vegas to the prestige of the London Palladium… one word—“Crystal”—crossed musical genres and oceans. When in Vegas, Crystal plays at The South Point H & C.
For more about Crystal Gayle: crystalgayle.com
TweetDec. Las Vegas Backstage Talk column
by Michele LaFong
Las Vegas Backstage Talk syndicated column in Casino Player Magazine and Gaming Today.
Dec. LVBST column 2014
It was obvious from the over 1400 people that turned out for The Next Generation show at The M Casino last month that this multi-media production show concept starring sons and daughters of show-biz legends backed by a big band shows promise of being a winner if built upon correctly, the casting played with and is executed a little more creatively. Since this was a first-time effort by Producer Patty Asher, I’m sure many lessons were learned, and adjustments will be made as with any new first time production. The order for the line-up of the evening went as follows: Lena Prima, daughter of Louis Prima, Steve March Torme, son of Mel Torme, Ricci Martin, son of Dean Martin, and Lorna Luft, daughter of Judy Garland. Anthony Lewis, son of Jerry Lewis was cast as the Master of Ceremonies, and this could not have surprised me more because several months ago when Anthony Lewis guested live in-studio on Las Vegas Backstage Talk, he had made it quite clear then that he was strictly a “behind the scenes production guy,” and had zero aspirations of being a performer or being in front of the camera, or crowd…and that’s still the impression that he left even after watching him host this show.
A very crucial yet common mistake that many producers make is in thinking that anyone can emcee an event if the line-up is good… “All they have to do is introduce the acts.” This cannot be less true. The Last Comic Standing show at The Aliante Casino made this same mistake in having the road manager for Last Comic Standing’s road shows emcee their show of headliners last September.
The master of ceremonies makes the first impression of the evening’s presentation and is responsible for setting the tone, warming-up the crowd, establishing a rapport with the audience, and taking charge of the pacing of the show. This means that they need to have the skill and ability to ad-lib comfortably and tune-in to what the audience needs and is experiencing…all of which requires a certain amount of comfort and confidence on-stage, good timing, experience, artfulness, preparation, and a sense of humor. And that’s just for starters. Hence the “master” in the title- Master of Ceremonies which was obviously extremely overlooked or misunderstood in Patty’s casting of her husband, Anthony Lewis in the MC role in which he appeared uncomfortable and unprepared for when he hit the stage and immediately started reading the show introduction off a card. This not only set the wrong tone to the packed pavilion right off the bat, but also made it difficult for his fellow co-stars to build any kind of momentum when one by one they were thrown to an un-warmed up, now skeptical crowd. A much better and obvious choice for the emcee position would have been veteran performer Steve March-Torme, who comes off warm and inviting and connects well with audiences with humor and ease. Comedian Sandy Hackett, son of Buddy Hackett, would have also been another good choice as he specializes and has a passion for emceeing, and should be considered for future shows. Adding a comedian to this line-up would also add a little more variety to the mix. Desi Arnaz Jr., and sister, Lucy Arnez are also other stars worth pursuing for future shows, and I can only imagine the footage and creativity that they could bring to this type of production.
The beauty of this show concept is that the cast can be interchangeable, and with the help of the stars’ respective rare personal footage integrated on the large video screens, I believe this show can have broad national and international appeal. In future productions, I would hope to see more moving personal stories integrated into the artists’ sets, father/son/ daughter duets, (like the “Unforgettable” duet with Nat King Cole and daughter Natalie,) some running gags, and for the finale… all the artists on-stage singing and interacting together with a close that allows them to shine individually as well as together to a carefully picked song with lyrics that are relevant and capture the spirit of The Next Generation. In the meantime unless Anthony Lewis makes the decision that he would like to be in front of an audience and is willing to commit to putting the time into working out material and to getting experience on different stages, I’m sure with his extensive background in production he can contribute much more behind the scenes than in front of the audience while still utilizing his name in the credits.
Television talk show Host Wendy Williams is another one that decided to step out of her comfort zone and try stand-up comedy as she announced on her Talk show several months ago. At that time, her intent was to go to small clubs and try out material but before she could even do that she was invited by The Venetian to make her comedy debut on their weekend female comedy series Lipshtick. I finally went to see Wendy’s show which was sold-out for the second time. I loved that she had her comedy coach Luenell open for her as she is simply a laugh-riot. I think Wendy is on the right track with her story-telling style and I’m sure will develop many more needed punchlines and running-gags as she matures in her comedy, and very strongly prefer her to stay away from raw low-level comedy or bathroom humor, as it just doesn’t seem to fit with her already established persona. She is passed that and doesn’t need to go there. I would leave that very blue humor to Luenell, as she pulls it off quite masterfully.
One never knows what to expect on a live show. Last month we aired Singer Jack Jones’ interview and have a short video clip posted on casinocenter.com of Jack in-studio taking a cell phone call while in the middle of a live radio interview!
Singer Jack Jones takes personal cell phone call on live radio
My picks: Hank Williams Junior, Golden Nugget, December 4- 6, Heart, Mandalay Bay, December 5-7, Train, Better Than Ezra, Matt Nathanson, Hard Rock Hotel, December 5, Amy Schumer, Cosmopolitan, December 6, Merle Haggard, Golden Nugget, December 7 & 8, Olivia Newton John, Flamingo, December 9-13, December 30-January 3, Alabama, Golden Nugget, December 11 & 12th, The Shirelles, M casino, December 13, Tears For Fears, Palms, December 13, Three Dog Night, Eastside cannery, December 13, Tony Orlando Christmas show, South point, December 19- 21, Michael McDonald, Eastside Cannery, December 20, Jerry Seinfeld, Caesar’s Palace, December 26 & 27, Chris D’Elia, Mirage, December 27, Joe McHale, Mirage, December 29 & 30, Maroon 5, Mandalay Bay, December 30 and 31, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, The Cosmopolitan, Dec. 31
TweetLuenell, Arnez J, Ricci Martin
Oct. 30, 2014-6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
Comic superstar Luenell, Comedian Arnez J, and Singer Ricci Martin, son of Legend Dean Martin, guest on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Luenell will be a featured guest for Wendy Williams, and is Wendy’s stand-up comedy coach in the Lipshtick Comedy series at The Venetian Oct. 31 & Nov. 1.
With initial appearances in films So I Married An Axe Murderer, The Rock, Never Die Alone and television shows “Nash Bridges” and “The Tracy Morgan Show,” it was Luenell’s breakout performance as the ‘hooker with a heart of gold’ in the blockbuster 20th Century Fox film Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (starring Sacha Baron Cohen) that truly brought her international fame. The demand for Luenell was never greater. Combining her love of acting with stand-up, Luenell was soon segueing her standup into television/video appearances of her act, with guest appearances on “BET’s Comicview”, “Jamie Foxx’s Laffapalooza”, “Comedy After Dark “and “Martin Lawrence’s 1st Amendment Stand Up.” Katt Williams tapped Luenell to join his two-year tour and DVDs, “Katt Williams’ American Hustle.” “It was the tour of a lifetime” recalls Luenell. “We went from a tour bus and commercial flights and shows at the Improv to selling out Radio City Music Hall and flying on a G5.”
With her schedule busier than ever, this sought after performer has also appeared in such television series’ as Starz’ “Head Case,” “Chocolate News” (with David Alan Grier), “Californication,” “The Boondocks,” “The Middle,” “Breaking In” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” as well as stand-up appearances in “Snoop Dogg’s Bad Girls of Comedy” on SHOWTIME and “Stand-up In Stilettos” on the TV Guide Network. And her presence on the big screen is continuous, with appearances in the films Spring Breakdown (with Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch and Parker Posey), All About Steve (with Sandra Bullock and Bradley Cooper), the # 1 (for 2 weeks) comedy Think Like A Man (with Meagan Good, Kevin Hart and Taraji P. Henson) and two back-to-back films with Adam Sandler in 2012: That’s My Boy and Hotel Transylvania, as well as the sequel blockbuster with Liam Neeson, Taken 2.
Luenell continues to tour internationally with her stand-up, and between working in various television and film roles, she hosts a regular spot called “Between The Sheets With Luenell” on the Cannon’s Countdown Radio Show.
For more go to www.heyluenelle.com
Arnez J
Arnez J guests on LVBST with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Described as a “whirling dervish” onstage, Arnez J will bring his expressive stand-up routine to the Suncoast Showroom on November 1 and 2.
Recognized for his high-energy routines, Arnez J. has emerged as one of most talked-about comics. An Atlanta native, Arnez began working the comedy circuit in Georgia and climbed the ranks as one of “Hotlanta’s” funniest newcomers.
A finalist in the “Bay Area Black Comedy Competition,” he was noticed by the entertainment industry and invited to make his first television appearance on Showtime’s “Comedy Club Network.” Soon after, Arnez J. served as a for two seasons, joining the ranks of former hosts D.L. Hughley and Cedric the Entertainer.
Additionally, Arnez J. has made appearances on “The Keenan Ivory Wayans Show,” “Louie Anderson’s Comedy Showcase,” Comedy Central’s “Make Me Laugh,” NBC’s “Friday Night Videos,” “The Mo’Nique Show”, and Russell Simmons’ “Def Comedy Jam,” along with starring in his own BET “Comic View Grandstand Hour Special” and “Comedy Central Presents: Arnez J.”
He recently headlined Showtime’s “Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam,” and starred in his new comedy special, “Racially Motivated.”
Ricci Martin
Singer Ricci Martin guests on LV Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong.
On Saturday Nov. 8, the children of some of the biggest names in entertainment will come together for a special history-making performance at the M Resort Spa Casino. An Evening with The Next Generation will showcase the extraordinary musical talents of Ricci Martin, son of Dean Martin, Lorna Luft, daughter of Judy Garland, Lena Prima, daughter of Louis Prima, and Steve March-Torme, son of Mel Torme, as they celebrate their legendary parents. Anthony Lewis, son of comedian legend Jerry Lewis, will host the event as the Master of Ceremonies.
“We are incredibly excited about getting everyone together for this rare performance,” says Anthony Lewis. “Through incredible music, audiences will get to experience a rare glimpse into the lives of these iconic legends as told through the eyes of their kin. It will be a musical phenomenon, unlike anything we’ve ever done before.”
For more about Ricci go to www.riccimartin.com
TweetJoy Behar, Donny Most
Aug. 14, 2014- 6-7pm PST 1230AM KLAV in LV & The Web
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
Comedian Joy Behar, former Co-Host of The View returns to Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Whether Behar is performing standup or interviewing celebrities and politicians, she has been recognized as innovative comedic talent and a leading woman both on television, stage and the big screen. In addition to co-hosting ABC’s Emmy-winning daytime talker “The View” for 12 seasons, Behar hosted “The Joy Behar Show” on HLN and “Joy Behar: Say Anything!” on Current TV.
In the 1980’s, Behar set out to pursue comedy professionally and instantaneously received bookings from famous New York clubs including Caroline’s and Catch a Rising Star. She went on to win three MAC Awards and a CableACE Award later in her career.
Joy will be appearing at The Venetian as part of The Lipshtick series on Aug. 22 & 23
Joy Behar and Colin Quinn remember working for LaFong Productions.
Donny Most
Donny Most guests on LVBST with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Don is probably best known for his co-starring role as Ralph Mouth in the long running television series “Happy Days”. During this time, he worked with such emerging talents as Ron Howard and Garry Marshall. Recently, Don was seen in a recurring role on the hit TV show – “Glee”, as well as starring roles in the indie film – “The Yankles”, and“Chez Upshaw”, starring Kevin Pollack and Illeana Douglas. He just finished starring in “Campin Buddies”, along with a role in the independent film – “Remember Isobel”, and the film short – “Duality.” Most’s other feature film credits include “ED TV”, directed by Ron Howard; “Crazy Mama”, directed by Jonathan Demme, and “The Great Buck Howard”, starring John Malkovich. In television, his other guest starring roles include “Men Of A Certain Age”, “Century City”, ‘Star Trek:Voyager’, ‘Yes, Dear’, ‘The Crow, ‘Sabrina’, ‘Sliders’, ‘Dark Skies’ and ‘The Family Guy’.
Following in the footsteps of some of his peers, Don has now directed three feature films. “His first, “The Last Best Sunday”, had its World Premiere at the Seattle International Film Festival, and was a feature film winner at the Telluride IndieFest. “Moola”, starring William Mapother, Shailene Woodley, Treat Williams, Daniel Baldwin, and Curtis Armstrong, premiered at The Newport
Beach Film Festival, where it earned Most The Outstanding Achievement in Directing Award. Don also directed “Harley’s Hill”, his first family film, which was recently seen on Showtime, Starz and Encore.
In another area, Don has recently gone back to his first love – singing. Don has always loved the standards/swing/big band style of music, and has just mounted his show – “Donny Most Sings And Swings”. He recently performed it at “Vitello’s Jazz Club”, in Studio City, Los Angeles to great acclaim.
Most will be appearing at The Catalina Jazz Club, Aug. 20, 8:30pm
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Aug. Las Vegas Backstage Talk column
by Michele LaFong
August’s Las Vegas Backstage Talk column in Casino Player Magazine and Gaming Today.
(Click on article to enlarge)
Steve Rossi: May 25, 1932 – June 22, 2014
Show-biz Legend Steve Rossi was a frequent favorite in-studio guest on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show. I first met him in ’94 at my variety show “Vegas Live” starring Michele LaFong, at The Debbie Reynolds Hotel and Casino. He was very supportive, and came in frequently to watch the show, hang-out and schmooze…and what a fun schmoozer he was! Even back then he brought the party with him where ever he went. He is greatly missed. On June 26, in Steve’s honor we replayed his very first LVBST interview. It was incredibly colorful and entertaining. He shared his many experiences, lessons and stories in his amazing fifty-five year career in show business which covered everything from what it was like to room with Howard Stern many years ago when he was managing the frequently fired “Shock Jock,” to the real reason he claimed that he and Marty Allen could not get back together… not even for one last TV Anniversary Special that Steve claimed was offered to them last year for over a million dollars. The show is worth listening to and is archived on Lasvegasbackstagetalk.com.
Clint Holmes returned in-studio live on June 19, to update us on the exciting news of his new CD release, and monthly resident performances at The Smith Center on the first weekend of every month.
Mostly known for being the former co-host of ABC’s The View, Joy Behar will return to Vegas to perform a weekend of stand-up on Aug.22 & 23 as part of the new “Lipshtick Series” at The Venetian. She got nabbed-up pretty quickly after her successful engagement at The Orleans this past January. Apparently much of the general public was unaware of what an accomplished Stand-up Comedian Joy was. Back in the 80’s, when I was a touring headline comedian, I had a business called LaFong Productions. Joy was one of my top go to comedians that I booked in my 21 rooms. Come to think of it many of the comedians that I booked have done incredibly well in their careers including Kevin James, and Comedian and YouTube Sensation Vic Dibitetto, who recently got cast by Kevin in Mall Cop 2, teamed-up with Actor Nick Turturro (mostly known for his role in NYPD Blue.) I recently aired the lively interview with the pair on June 12, and it too is archived on our website. An edited video clip of Nick and Vic is posted on casinocenter.com
Comedian Russell Peters, currently a judge on NBC’s Last Comic Standing with Roseanne Barr and Keenon Ivory Wayans, returned on LVBST and will return to the Pearl at The Palms on Aug. 2 exploring new material and crowd work. “Although the taping for Last Comic Standing has concluded, the competition is still playing out every week on television and even the three finalists do not know the outcome! We taped three different endings and they do not know which one will be aired.”
Jay Leno returns to The Mirage on August 11, and Nov. 21 & 22. He puts on a very strong well-paced, fluff-free show that is definitely worth catching. Last month, I aired Part 1 & 2 of a long interview with Jay covering everything from his comedy writing to why he doesn’t have a team of security escorting him around like most other celebrities.
Jay explained the security question with a great story. “Once I was at one of these hotels, and they insisted on sending two security people to walk me to the showroom…so these two huge goons come up with suits on that look like they are made out of sofa material, and we walk into the casino… and as we’re coming through they were actually pushing people…literally shoving old ladies out of the way…and people were like “screw you Leno!” “and I’m like no let me stop and take a picture, sign an autograph…it takes an extra few minutes but everybody’s happy. Having security walk me to a show was so much worse!
Superstar Al Pacino will bring his “Pacino: One Night Only” show to The Mirage Saturday, Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to step into Pacino’s world as he shares his passion for acting and directing in an up-close-and-personal setting in the Terry Fator Theatre. The evening will explore his life beginning in the 1960s when he performed Off-Broadway and will follow his career to present day. The show will include previously untold stories, never-before-seen clips, and a question and answer session. Pacino is one of the rare winners of the acting Triple Crown: the Oscar, Tony and Emmy Award.
Other Picks: Buckcherry, Otherwise, Hard Rock, Aug. 1, Caroline Rhea, Wendy Liebman, The Venetian, Aug 1 & 2, The Goo Goo Dolls, Daughtry, Plain White T’s, Red Rock Resort, Aug. 1, Herman’s Hermits with Peter Noone, South Point, Aug. 1-3, Journey, Steve Miller Band, Mandalay Bay, Aug 1, Kenny Wayne Shepard, Los Lonely Boys, The Palms, Aug. 1, Lady Gaga, MGM Grand, Weezer, Cosmopolitan, Aug. 1, Aerosmith Slash, MGM Grand, Aug. 2, Jonny Lang, Boulder Station, Aug. 2, Blues Traveler, Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth, Uncle Cracker, Golden Nugget, Aug. 8, Dirty Heads, Pepper, Aug. 8, Lisa Lampanelli, The Venetian, Aug. 8 & 9, Rob Schneider, South Point, Aug. 8-10, Aaron Neville & Dr. John, The Cannery, Aug. 9, Aries Spears, Mandalay Bay, Aug. 9, Kathy Griffin, The Mirage, Aug. 9, Lynard Skynyrd, Golden Nugget, Aug. 9, Counting Crows, Mandalay Bay, Aug. 10, 38 Special, Eastside Cannery, Aug. 10, Cesar Millan, “Leader of the Pack” Palms, Aug. 15, Whitney Cummings, The Venetian, Aug. 15 & 16, Yes, Hard Rock, Aug. 15, The Guess Who, Eastside Cannery, Aug. 16, ZZ Top, Jeff Beck, Hard Rock, Aug. 16, Daniel Tosh, The Mirage, Aug. 22 & 23, Dave Collier, South Point, Aug. 22-24, Rock N Blues Fest with Johnny Winter Band, Edgar Winter Band, Cannery, Aug. 23, John Legend, The Cosmopolitan, Aug. 24, The Summer Nationals Tour, featuring The Offspring, with Special Guests, Bad Religion, Pennywise, Stiff Little Fingers, Hard Rock, Aug. 27, The Adam Carolla Show, Treasure Island, Aug. 29, Bill Medley with McKenna Medley, South Point, Aug. 29-31, Joe Rogan, The Mirage, Aug. 29, Bachman & Turner, Cannery, Aug. 30, Keith Urban, The Cosmopolitan, Aug. 31.
