Las Vegas Backstage Talk

Paula Poundstone, Mickey Thomas, Dr. Julio Garcia

February 23, 2017

Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comedian Paula Poundstone,  Starship’s Mickey Thomas, and Dr. Julio Garcia, Plastic Surgeon to the stars, guest on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong.

Paula Poundstone began nurturing her stand-up comedy talent in 1979 on the Boston comedy scene before moving to San Francisco. She starred in multiple HBO comedy specials and appeared on “Saturday Night Live.” Poundstone received a Cable ACE Award for a comedy special for her one-hour HBO special “Cats, Cops, and Stuff.” She received her second Cable ACE Award for her self-titled HBO talk show series.

Continuing with many successes throughout the 1990s, Poundstone starred in “The Paula Poundstone Show” on ABC and many other television appearances, including an HBO Special. Poundstone is the recipient of an Emmy Award for her field pieces on the PBS program “Life & Times.”

For more about Paula, click HERE

Mickey Thomas legendary singer from Starship

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Known for the unforgettable hits that defined the decade, including “We Built this City,” “Jane” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” Thomas will perform for five special shows, before continuing his national tour with Starship.  For more go to

http://www.starshipcontrol.com/ 

 

Dr. Julio Garcia, “Plastic Surgeon to the Stars”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Julio Garcia, Plastic Surgeon to the Stars, returns on Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio Show with Comedian Michele LaFong.

Dr Garcia speaks about what’s new, and now available, as well as affordable not just to the stars, and Elvis Impersonators, but to 9-5 people competing to stay competitive, and stay working in corporate America.For over 24 years, Dr. Garcia has provided incomparable aesthetic surgical support to Las Vegas valley residents. He also has had the privilege of caring for patients from around the country and around the world, from places such as Alaska, the U.S. east coast, to as far away as Israel, Italy, and Great Britain. As a full-service cosmetic enhancement facility, available treatments ensure patient’s confidence in having found a home for all their elective surgery needs. Specializing in BOTOX Cosmetic, Dysport Injections, laser toning, laser surgery, permanent makeup, filler injections, sculptra injections and tattoo removal.

For a limited time only, Dr. Garcia is offering our audience at Las Vegas Backstage Talk a free consultation, if you mention our show or code: lafong

You can find out more about Dr. Julio Garcia’s services, click here!

0:00

June-Las Vegas Backstage Talk syndicated column

by Michele LaFong

June-Las Vegas Backstage Talk syndicated column in Casino Player Magazine and Gaming Today.

ayout 1Layout 1G.T.6-3-14(Click on article)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 2014 marks Las Vegas Backstage Talk’s one year anniversary in Casino Player Magazine.  Along with the debut of my column, I was also asked to write the Cover/feature for that issue.  Because I remembered how excited I was to have Bill Cosby guest on my radio show, I really wanted to use his interview for my first Cover/feature for June 2013 edition… And it’s a good thing I did because now he’s really hard to catch up with!  Last November Cosby performed his first TV concert special in 30 years, appropriately titled Far From Finished, which debuted on Comedy Central and is now sold on DVD.  He continues to make regular appearances on the Late Night Talk Show circuit, and his touring schedule is quite hectic. Bill Cosby will return to the TI on July 18.

Many of our past guests are also experiencing an exciting year since they were last on LVBST.

Jon Taffer, the guru, who helps revive bars that are on the verge of bankruptcy, has been a favorite recurring guest on my radio show since his very first season on reality TV.  Not only has “Bar Rescue” been renewed for its fourth season, which will begin airing in the fall but in addition, Jon landed another reality series on Spike TV produced by “Bar Rescue” producers Eyeworks USA called Hungry Investors, featuring celebrity chef John Besh and “Top Chef All-Star” vet Tiffany Derry.The trio seek out and help ‘diamond in the rough’ failing restaurants meet their potential.  Each week, the ‘Hungry Investors’ team puts two struggling restaurants to the test to prove they deserve a second chance at success. The enterprise that shows the most promise of turning things around earns significant cash investment. Both establishments seek to prove to the expert team that the only thing keeping them from financial fortune and success is finding an investor who believes in them.

In my last interview with Comedian Adam Carolla, Adam casually mentioned that he had a new reality series debuting on Spike TV called To Catch a Contractor. Prior to Adam’s success in comedy, he earned his living as a master carpenter. “I take it personally when contractors pass off their subpar work on average citizens and leave homeowners holding the bag.”

Each episode follows Carolla, along with no-nonsense contractor Skip Bedell and his wife, investigator Allison Bedell, as they seek retribution for wronged homeowners, whose construction nightmares range from the laughably incompetent to frighteningly hazardous homes that have been left completely torn apart. Carolla and the Bedells hunt down and confront unscrupulous builders, drag them back to their construction disasters, and make them finish the job right. Carolla and his expert team share their knowledge and ingenuity with the builders – not only in an effort to deliver homeowners the job they paid for, but also to give these suspect contractors the opportunity to redeem themselves.  Personally, I find this new series to be as entertaining as “Catch a Predator” on Dateline.  The only thing missing from it is the under-aged girl or guy using the old but reliable iced tea lure to get the unsuspecting predator comfortably seated in the house prior to the big confrontation!  Obviously, this series is catching on quick because Catch a Contractor has already been renewed for a second season. Adam Carolla will be returning to The TI August 29 to tape another podcast.

Comedians Wanda Sykes and Russell Peters also have a new reality series since last guesting on LVBST.  Wanda is one of the executive producers of NBC’s new Last Comic Standing, and Russell Peters is a judge alongside with comedy icons Roseanne Barr, and Keenen Ivory Wayans.

HBO recently renewed Real Time with Bill Maher for a 13th season since his last appearance on LVBST and continues his residency at The Palms H & C. I could not be happier for him!

I too have recently been cast on a new docu-series pilot that is being produced by NBC’s Univision. Hopefully, this new off-beat reality series will make air! I will keep you posted…

“Plastic Surgeon to the Stars,” Dr. Julio Garcia, recently returned on LVBST to update us on the latest treatments to shave off years of aging.  Usually when I ask him “what new cutting-edge treatments are available that you would recommend?” he replies “not much.” However, on this visit, his answer was quite different.  “I now offer a new, exciting, FDA Approved skin tightening procedure called ThermiTight which reduces wrinkles and tightens loose skin in the lower face and neck.  It’s also is good for double chins.  The results are natural looking, and continue to improve over time. It also has been proven to work on frown lines and reduce cellulite.

Normally, Dr. Garcia does not offer free consultations however, if you mention Casino Player Magazine when making an appointment, not only will he give a free evaluation but will also apply a 10% discount towards the treatment needed.

Thursday, June 5, is the Scleroderma Research Foundation’s flagship fundraiser at the Las Vegas House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. Bob Saget hosts an evening of delicious food, wine and comedy with Jay Leno and special musical guest Ben Folds. This is the SRF’s inaugural Las Vegas event.

It’s a night of gourmet food featuring the “hot cuisine” of Top Chef Masters Susan Feniger, Mary Sue Milliken and Rick Moonen.

The evening includes a small number of exclusive live auction packages. Attendees include stars from the worlds of television, film, music and business—and many others who have been directly or indirectly affected by scleroderma.

Call 800-441-2873. A limited number of reserved tables and General Admission seats are available. This event typically sells out in Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco.

Wilson Phillips returns to the Eastside Cannery on June 7, and always delivers a very entertaining, crowd-pleasing show.  If you love Southern White Rock, treat yourself to see Gregg Allman at The Palms H & C on June 21.  Bobby Vinton returns to Eastside Cannery on June 28.   I was his opening act over ten years ago, and remember Bobby stopping at nothing to entertain… that included standing on tables while singing from the audience!

Other Picks for June: Jay Leno, June 6, Mirage, Lionel Richie, June 6, Mandalay Bay, Kid Rock, June 6, Cosmopolitan, Billy Joel, June 7, MGM, Kevin James, June 7, Mirage, Stained, June 7, Palms, James Darren, June 7 & 8, South Point, Steve Winwood, June 13 & 14, The Linq, Kathleen Madigan, June 14, Mirage, Chelsea Handler, June 13 &  14, Cosmopolitan, Junefest with Creedence Clearwater Revisited and Loverboy, June 14, Sunset Station, Rick Springfield, June 14, Primm Valley Resorts,  William Shatner, June 19-21, MGM, Jay Mohr,  June 21& 22, South Point, Jeff Bridges and The Abiders, June 21 & 22, Red Rock Resorts, Tamar Braxton, June 20, Mandalay Bay, Natalie Cole, June 28, Primm Valley Resorts.

 

Las 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

ayout 1Layout 1Layout 1Layout 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

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…

 

Paula Poundstone, Mickey Thomas, Dr. Julio Garcia-LVBST w/Michele LaFong

July 4, 2013 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & Web

Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)

Paula Poundstone, returns on Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio Show, with Comedian Michele LaFong, on 1230 am KLAV in Las Vegas and The Web.  Michele LaFong also featured Paula in July’s issue “Getting Personal with the Stars,” Feature Column, as well as “Las Vegas Backstage Talk’s”  Monthly Syndicated Column, both in Casino Player Magazine.

From discussing her cats, working on the road, or her kids, she’s always engaged, and quick with the come-backs!

Poundstone began nurturing her stand-up comedy talent in 1979 on the Boston comedy scene before moving to San Francisco. She starred in multiple HBO comedy specials and appeared on “Saturday Night Live.” Poundstone received a Cable ACE Award for a comedy special for her one-hour HBO special “Cats, Cops, and Stuff.” She received her second Cable ACE Award for her self-titled HBO talk show series.

Continuing with many successes throughout the 1990s, Poundstone starred in “The Paula Poundstone Show” on ABC and many other television appearances, including an HBO Special. Poundstone is the recipient of an Emmy Award for her field pieces on the PBS program “Life & Times.”

For more about Paula, click HERE

You can catch Paula live in Michigan

Fri-Feb. 8th Kalamazoo State Theatre MI  7:30pm

For Reservations

Mickey Thomas legendary singer from Starship, joins Raiding The Rock Vault


Starship Live ! 033

Known for the unforgettable hits that defined the decade, including “We Built this City,” “Jane” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” Thomas will perform for five special shows, before continuing his national tour with Starship.

Mickey Thomas, legendary singer from Starship, joins RAIDING THE ROCK VAULT. The lead vocalist will bring his rousing sound to the show as a special guest performer, July 5 – 9. Tweet it! Voice of @starshipcontrol @Mickey_Thomas joins @Rock_Vault for … Continue reading →

Dr. Julio Garcia, “Plastic Surgeon to the Stars” 

dr_garcia

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Julio Garcia, Plastic Surgeon to the Stars, returns on Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio Show with Comedian Michele LaFong, on 1230AM KLAV, in Las Vegas, and The Web, for an on-location interview in his office.  Dr Garcia speaks about what’s new, and now available, as well as affordable not just to The Stars, and Elvis Impersonators, but to 9-5 people competing to stay competitive, and stay working in corporate America.For over 22 years, Dr. Garcia has provided incomparable aesthetic surgical support to Las Vegas valley residents. He also has had the privilege of caring for patients from around the country and around the world, from places such as Alaska, the U.S. east coast, to as far away as Israel, Italy, and Great Britain. As a full-service cosmetic enhancement facility, available treatments ensure patient’s confidence in having found a home for all their elective surgery needs. Specializing in BOTOX Cosmetic, Dysport Injections, laser toning, laser surgery, permanent makeup, filler injections, sculptra injections and tattoo removal.

For a limited time only, Dr. Garcia is offering our audience at Las Vegas Backstage Talk a free consultation, if you mention our show or code: lafong

You can find out more about Dr. Julio Garcia’s services, click here!

0:00

Sept. 1, 2011: Paul Rodriguez, Dr. Julio Garcia

Comedian/Actor – Paul Rodriguez

Paul Rodriguez has been making audiences laugh all over the world (in Spanish and English) for nearly three decades with his unique brand of humor that is a perfect blend of his Latin heritage and the American dream. As an actor and comedian Paul Rodriguez’s multi-faceted career includes starring roles and featured appearances in over 45 films and countless television series and comedy specials.

For more info about Paul, click here!

You can catch him live at Riviera Hotel & Casino 8/31 – 9/11 7:30 p.m. (Dark Monday and Tuesday) at Starlite Theatre

For reservations

 

Plastic Surgeon to the Stars – Dr. Julio Garcia

For over 22 years, Dr. Garcia has provided incomparable aesthetic surgical support to Las Vegas valley residents. He also has had the privilege of caring for patients from around the country and around the world, from places such as Alaska, the U.S. east coast, to as far away as Israel, Italy, and Great Britain. As a full-service cosmetic enhancement facility, available treatments ensure patient’s confidence in having found a home for all their elective surgery needs. Specializing in BOTOX Cosmetic, Dysport Injections, laser toning, laser surgery, permanent makeup, filler injections, sculptra injections and tattoo removal.

You can find out more about Dr. Julio Garcia’s services, click here!