“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…
TweetComedian Gallagher-LV Backstage Talk Radio Show with Michele LaFong
May 16, 2013 6pm-7pm 1230AM PST in LV & Web
Gallagher spends the hour in-studio with Comedian Michele LaFong on Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio Show, from 6pm-7pm PST on 1230 AM KLAV in Las Vegas, and The Web.
After 35 years of non-stop touring, America’s favorite touring comedian is hanging up his Sledge-O-Matic…but not after one last tour. Gallagher’s Last Smash will be his way of saying ‘Thank You’ to his massive audience who has stood by and supported him throughout his career. From the early days of the Comedy Store and the Tonight Show, through all 14 Showtime specials, and his 3,000+ shows – you’ve been with him.See the tour schedule for a show near you. Dates are being added daily.
Gallagher spends the hour in-studio with Comedian Michele LaFong on Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio Show, from 6pm-7pm PST on 1230 AM KLAV in Las Vegas, and The Web.
He will be featured in Michele LaFong’s Syndicated Column “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” in Casino Player Magazine, as well as Michele LaFong’s backstage videotaped interviews with Gallagher posted on www.casinocenter.com, alongside with Impressionist and Poker Champ Kevin Pollak, Tony Orlando, and Melissa Manchester on Bill Cosby.
www.gallaghersmash.com Official site You can listen to a recording of our show below!
TweetTony Orlando, Anthony Cools-Las Vegas Backstage Talk w/Comedian Michele LaFong
Oct. 18, 2012 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Tony Orlando guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Tony Orlando brings to the stage a warmth and exhilarating energy that electrifies an audience. From million selling records (five number one hits), a popular television variety series, movies and Broadway (Barnum and Smokey Joe’s Café), Tony Orlando has conquered every facet of show business.
Through no plans of his own, Tony was coaxed into putting his voice on a demo record for a song titled “Candida” for his friends Hank Medress and Dave Appell at Bell Records. The record was released under the name of the record promotion director’s daughter, Dawn.
“I think it is really the rule of show business that every big break you get you back into it without knowing it at the time. A few weeks after recording ‘Candida’ I had forgotten all about it. And then Hank Medress calls me and says, ‘Hey man, we’ve got a hit!’ The crazy thing was the song kept climbing the charts till it hit number one,” says Orlando.
Hoping lightning would strike again, Medress had Orlando recorded “Knock Three Times.” The song not only became number one, it was the tip song of 1971 selling over six million copies worldwide. The immense popularity of the song is still evident today. Tony’s recording of the song was featured in the hit movie Now and Then.
Realizing it was probably safe to give up his successful career at CBS Records, Tony decided to jump full force into what was already a meteoric rise to the top. Along with Telma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent Wilson, Tony Orlando and Dawn became an international sensation.
Amazingly enough, Tony hadn’t even begun to scratch the surface of his stardom. In 1973 he recorded “Tie A Yellow Ribbon ‘Round The Ole Oak Tree.” The song was number one for the year, became Orlando’s theme song and grew into an American anthem of hope and homecoming, reunion and renewal.
More about Tony Orlando here–>
You can catch Tony Orlando headlining at South Point.
The Showroom at South Point, Oct. 19 – 21 – 7:30pm
Hypnotist – Anthony Cools
World-famous hypnotist Anthony Cools performs at Paris Las Vegas, using his skills for decidedly evil purposes, tapping into the carnal desires and subconscious naughtiness of his audience, shearing off all inhibitions.
Not only is Cools the only hypnotist playing in a casino on the Las Vegas Strip, his show is the longest-running hypnotist show in Las Vegas history, and the longest-running show at Paris Las Vegas.
Signature stunts in his hilarious and interactive 90-minute show include handshakes that induce vocal, sexual responses, as well as several other tricks so shocking, we can’t even print them.
More about Anthony Cools here–>
You can catch Anthony Cools headlines at Paris Las Vegas.
Anthony Cools Showroom, Nightly 9:00pm, Dark Mon & Wed
You can listen to a recording of our show below!
Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio Show, Signed a One Year Deal with 1230 AM KLAV, Bought by Lotus Broadcasting
“Las Vegas Backstage Talk” the only radio show that “Gets Personal with the Stars,” has signed a one year deal with 1230 AM KLAV,
which was recently bought by Lotus Broadcasting.
“Las Vegas Backstage Talk” Radio and Web show will be moving to 1230 AM KLAV starting Thursday, Oct. 18. Their new time slot will be from 4:00pm-5:00pm PST. (Drive time)
Host and producer of “Las Vegas Backstage Talk,” Comedian Michele LaFong, interviewed Dennis Miller, and Tom Cotter, Runner-up on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” this year, for its final show on 970 AM KNUU, which aired on Thursday, Oct. 11, from 6:05pm-7:00pm. All shows are archived on lasvegasbackstagetalk.com
This concludes a very successful year and a half long run for “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” Radio & Web Show on 970 AM KNUU, Las Vegas’ Financial Radio Station.
Tony Orlando who has an upcoming weekend at The South Point Showroom will be our first guest on Thursday, Oct. 18, from 4pm-5pm PST 1230 AM KLAV in Las Vegas, and The Web. Also on the show will be Anthony Cools, who has the longest running hypnotist show in Las Vegas history, on The Las Vegas Strip, at The Paris Hotel & Casino.
“Las Vegas Backstage Talk,” formerly called “Las Vegas Backstage Now,” originally started on 1230 AM KLAV more than a year and a half ago, and only after a few shows moved to 970 AM KNUU.
“We’re finally back to where we started… only much better,” says LaFong. “The studio has been upgraded, and since KLAV has been bought by Lotus Broadcasting, I felt very comfortable in signing a twelve month contract with 1230 AM KLAV.”
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