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.
“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…
TweetKevin Nealon, Jack Jones-LV Backsyage Talk w/Comedian Michele LaFong
Aug. 23, 2012 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & Web
Comedian/Actor/SNL Alumni-Kevin Nealon guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio Show with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Kevin is best known for his nine-year stint as a cast member of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” and has received critical acclaim for his role in the current Showtime series “Weeds” – now entering its final season.
As one of the longest running cast members on “SNL” (1986-1995), Nealon created some of the show’s most memorable characters, including “The Subliminal Man” and “Hans and Franz. He was also well-known for his recurring role as an anchor on “Weekend Update.” In 1988, he earned an Emmy Award® nomination as part of the “SNL” writing team.
In 2008, Nealon released his first book, “Yes, You’re Pregnant, But What About Me?” – a comical look at the male perspective of pregnancy.
Kevin will soon be featured in Comedian Michele LaFong’s Syndicated “Las Vegas backstage Talk” column in Casino Player Magazine, and “Getting Personal with the Stars” in Gaming Today.
More about Kevin Nealon here–>
You can catch Kevin Nealon at The Orleans
Orleans Showroom, Aug. 24 & 25 – 8:00pm
Singer – Jack Jones
Jack Jones will be live in-studio at 970 am KNUU, in Las Vegas, and the segment will also be videotaped.
With a disarming smile, an effortlessly engaging wit and a vocal style that stands alone, Jack Jones is one of the greatest singers ranking with the legendary Mel Tormé, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra and Vic Damone. A true Singers’ Singer. A double Grammy winner, Jack performs around the globe to sold-out audiences in venues ranging from Jazz clubs to the London Palladium. Whether he performs with his trio or full Symphony orchestra, his musical perfection and vocal passion unfailingly illustrate why he stands with the luminaries. From the thematic threads of his shows to his ability to make the largest halls intimate, Jack Jones is the very definition of a complete and total entertainer. The New York Times raves, “he is arguably the most technically accomplished male pop singer…” . There is only one Jack Jones. I love that he was the one that sang the Boat.”
More about Jack Jones here–>
You can catch Jack Jones at South Point.
The Showroom at South Point, Aug. 24 & 25 – 7:30pm
You can listen to a recording of our show below!
