“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…
TweetAnthony Lewis, son of Jerry Lewis
May 9, 2013 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & Web
Anthony Lewis, son of Jerry Lewis is interviewed in-studio, on Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio Show with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM KLAV in Las Vegas, and The Web.
Not unlike his father, Anthony is multi-talented, very knowledgeable, and extremely accomplished.
Lewis was trained in all aspects of video, film and photography, and learned from Jerry himself.
Filmaker/Cinematographer/Videographer
24 years combined experience in all facets of creative and administrative production, post-production, direction, writing, marketing, and distribution. Credits are listed in AVP media syllabus, and include numerous titles in national & international distribution, and contributions to various broadcasters, cable casters, and advertising agencies.
Anthony J. Lewis President and CEO, Airborne Visual Productions
For more about Anthony Lewis, www.AVPmediagroup.com
Jerry Lewis Live, at The South Point Showroom, May 10-12 at 7:30pm at The South Point Hotel and Casino.
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Bill Maher, Scott Record-LVBST w/Comedian Michele LaFong
Nov.1, 2012 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
Comedian Bill Maher, a favorite guest on “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” radio show, with Comedian Michele Lafong which now airs on KLAV, 1230 am in Las Vegas, and The Web, answers questions about his personal experiences on other talk shows, his feelings on Elizabeth Hasselbeck’s treatment of him when he guested on “The View,” and Barbara Walter’s response behind the scenes. He also speaks about the republican party, President Obama, and the upcoming presidential election.
For the last 18 years, Maher has pushed the boundaries of how far political humor and satire can go on American television. First on “Politically Incorrect” (which first aired on Comedy Central before moving to ABC), and for the last seven years on HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher,” Maher’s combination of unflinching honesty and scathing humor have garnered him 21 EmmyR nominations. In October 2008, this same combination was on display in Maher’s swipe at organized religion, “Religulous,” which went on to become the seventh-highest grossing documentary ever.
In addition to his television program-which has featured such regular visitors as Ben Affleck, Robin Williams, Arianna Huffington, Alec Baldwin and Michael Moore-Maher has written four bestsellers: “True Story,” “Does Anybody Have a Problem with That? Politically Incorrect’s Greatest Hits,” “When You Ride Alone, You Ride with Bin Laden” and most recently, “New Rules: Polite Musings from a Timid Observer.”
Bill Maher will be featured in Comedian Michele LaFong’s Syndicated “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” column, in June’s issue of Casino Player Magazine. He will also be LaFong’s Cover/Feature Interview in “Getting Personal with the Stars” in November’s 2013 edition of CP Magazine.
For more about Bill Maher click here.
For more about “Real Time with Bill Maher” click here.
You can catch Bill live at The Orleans
Orleans Showroom, Nov. 3 & 4 – 8:00pm
Comedian / Impressionist – Scott Record
Scott Record, another favorite on Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio Show, with Comedian Michele LaFong, returns live in-studio with his many impressions, and show biz road stories. He shares the story of some friendly, last minute comedy advice that he gave to his “buddy,” Comic Tom Cotter, that ultimately resulted in placing Tom in the finals, on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, 2012.
Scott is one of the most requested headliners on several of the world’s most elite cruise lines. Corporate appearances make up yet another large percentage of Scott’s current schedule. Many Fortune 500 companies such as KMPG, Lucent, Warner Lambert, IBM, ATT, Chrysler, Ford, Isuzu, Phillip Morris, GE, Sunoco, American Airlines, Sun Microsystems, Pfizer, Kraft Nabisco and Motorola have enjoyed Scott’s performances and continually book him for return engagements. Scott has a great web site, check it out especially his great videos.
For more info about Scott, CLICK HERE!
You can catch Scott live at Harrah’s Las Vegas The Improv Comedy Club, Oct. 30-Nov. 4 Showtime:8:30PM, 10:00PM
You can listen to a recording of our show below!
“America’s Got Talent” on NBC, the exclusive “never been told before” behind the scenes story!
June 28, 2011
“Las Vegas Backstage Talk,” with Comedian Michele LaFong, THE radio show that lets you “listen in” on the genuine “greenroom chatter” that takes place between professional performers, and stars, will be airing an exclusive, NEVER SHARED BEFORE with the public, conversation, of the real realities of being a professional performer, appearing on a reality show, and what can happen.
What started out as a casual conversation with Las Vegas’ Magician and illusionist, Murray Sawchuck, (semi-finalist, and 3 time winner of NBC’s AGT ) eventually took a turn, and became somewhat of a bombshell interview where he eventually revealed the truth behind what was his reality, “behind the scenes” on “America’s Got Talent!”
Also on the show is the very talented, and accomplished star and producer of “The Viper Vixens” at O’sheas Casino, on The Las Vegas Strip, Ottavio Guzman, who, to “Las Vegas insiders” knew him as “The Whistle Blower!”
Tune in, and hear the story of how Ottavio changed the face of entertainment in Las Vegas in the late 80’s, and helped animal rights and laws to protect them, in the process! Great stuff!
“Las Vegas Backstage Now,” currently LVBST Radio Show with Comedian Michele LaFong, can be heard on Tuesdays from 6:05-7pm Pacific Time, on 970 KNUU AM, and worldwide on the Internet. Also available by subscription for FREE on iTunes!
(This column was picked up by Robin Leach.)
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