Marty Allen, Emilio Castillo
Oct. 15, 2015
Audio of interviews are posted below
Comedy Legend Marty Allen & Co-Star, Karon Kate Blackwell, guest on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong. Marty Allen is from the famous comedy team, Allen & Rossi.
In the 1970s and 80s, Allen made hundreds of television appearances, becoming a regular on “Hollywood Squares.” He also appeared on “Circus of the Stars,” in a cameo on “The Mario Brothers Show,” as a guest star on game shows such as “Password”, and in ten made-for-television movies.
At only 91 years of age, Allen has no intention of retiring and still works a full year and runs two miles on a treadmill daily.
“I feel like the Energizer Bunny. I just keep going,” Allen remarks. “I enjoy it. I can’t stop. People ask me where I get all the energy from to keep going and I joke that I’m on the pill. They believe me and want to know where to buy it for themselves.”
Allen met his co-star Blackwell in the mid-1980s, and the duo began performing together, combining his comedy with her music.
Emilio Castillo, founder and leader of Tower of Power
Emilio Castillo, Founder and Leader of Tower of Power guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong in Las Vegas and The Web.
Tower of Power’s musical odyssey began in 1968 when tenor saxophonist/vocalist Emilio Castillo met baritone sax player Stephen “Doc” Kupka in July of that year. Originally named The Motown’s, the guys paid homage to the R&B sound that influenced them while adding their own personal twist. In 1970, the now renamed Tower of Power landed its first record deal with Bill Graham’s San Francisco Records. Their next album, Bump City, was recorded on Warner Brothers and produced a string of hits giving the band its first national exposure. At least 60 talented musicians have toured or recorded with the band in its 45 years and they have been featured with artists as diverse as Aerosmith, Elton John, Little Feat, Phish, Santana, Heart, and many others, forever infusing the radio airwaves with Tower’s musical DNA. Each year Tower of Power tours the United States, Japan and Europe, playing sold out shows all over the world. Recent releases include “Great American Soulbook”, a collection of classic soul tunes, and the 40th Anniversary Concert DVD. Tower has never been busier or more in demand.
For more: www.towerofpower.com
Tower of Power is appearing at The South Point Showroom on Oct.17 & 18 at 7:30pm
TweetAug. 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.
Show-biz Legend Steve Rossi
June 26, 2013- 6-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
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 with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230am in Las Vegas and The Web.
In one of his first interviews Steve shared his many amazing experiences, lessons, and stories in his fifty-five year career in show business covering everything from what it was like what to room with Howard Stern many years ago when he was managing the frequently fired “Shock Jock,” to the real reason he and Marty Allen couldn’t get back together for even one TV Special last year that offered over a million plus dollars.
Steve Rossi was half of the world famous comedy team of Allen and Rossi. At the age of six he appeared in ‘Going My Way’ with Bing Crosby, ‘The Johnson Story’ and over thirty movies. At the age of 16, Steve received a scholarship to The University of Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles and received a BA in communication, arts and theatre and in Latin and Greek. In 1954 Steve co-starred with Mae West in her sold out concerts all over America.
Steve teamed up with Marty Allen in 1957 and soon became America’s #1 comedy team. They Appeared in over 7000 television shows including frequent appearances on the ‘Ed Sullivan Show’, and hold dubious honor of having to go on stage right after the Beatles created pandemonium on the show. They also guest starred on Perry Como, Dean Martin, Dinah Shore, Merv Griffin, Mike Douglas and the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Allen and Rossi were also regular guest stars on ‘What’s My Line, Hollywood Squares, Password and numerous other game shows.
Allen and Rossi starred in several Paramount films, most notably ‘The Last of the Secret Agents’ with the guest stars Nancy Sinatra and Ed Sullivan.
Steve also produced and starred in ‘The 25th Anniversary Allen and Rossi Special’ with guest stars Engelbert Humperdinck, Jerry Lewis, Sammy Davis Jr., Don Rickles, Phyllis Diller, Redd Foxx, Martin Sheen, Ernie Borgnine, Rich Little, Jack Jones and Tony Orlando. Steve has produced 11 comedy albums and eight singing albums on such labels as RCA and Columbia. He sold 2 million copies of his hit record “More”, which was nominated for an Academy Award.
Steve Rossi also wrote and produced “Jimmy Stewart & Friends” starring Rich Little that was appearing at The Las Vegas Hotel.
On May 20th 2009, Steve Rossi was inducted into Show Business Legends hall of fame at the Tropicana hotel in Las Vegas.
At the end of his life Steve was diagnosed with cancer which had spread to several areas of his body. Due to his age and weakened condition there were no treatment options available. Steve reached the brave decision with the support of his wife, family, and friends to enter hospice care. He lived only 10 days after his diagnosis.
From: Mr. Rossi’s Personal Assistant, Christine Kramar:
Please join us as for a memorial service for Mr. Steve Rossi. This event will be open to the public. Steve’s life will be celebrated with his personal Priest Father Ron at St. Joseph Husband of Mary Catholic Church. Signing up for a ticket does help the organizers of this event prepare for how many people will be attending, however we will not shut out…Share this event on Facebook
> and Twitter
> Event Details:
> ——————————
>
> Celebration of the Life of Steve Rossi Please join us as for a
> memorial service for Mr. Steve Rossi. This event will be open to the public.
> Steve’s life will be celebrated with his personal Priest Father Ron at
> St. Joseph Husband of Mary Catholic Church. Signing up for a ticket does help the organizers of this event prepare for how many people will be attending, however we will not shut out friends or fans who do not have a ticket. The tickets are a way for us to communicate to the church and the cemetery how many people to expect. It also gives us your email address to update you immediately should anything change regarding his services.
> Event: Memorial Celebration for Steve Rossi
> Date: Friday, June 27, 2014 from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM (PDT)
> Location: St. Joseph Husband of Mary Catholic
> Church 7260 W Sahara Ave. Las Vegas,
> NV 89117
> Schedule of Events
> 1:00 – 1:45 Visitation Presentation of memories from
> dear friends of Steve Rossi
> 1:45 – 2:00 Reflection and Prayer
> 2:00 – 3:30 Celebration of Life with Father Ron
> Steve had spoken with his Priest Father Ron about his final wishes for his service and sought a traditional Catholic service.
> 3:30 – 4:00 Travel to Graveside Service Steve’s
> final resting place is at Palm Eastern Cemetery
> 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123 (702)
> 464-8500
> 4:00 Graveside Service
>
> Due to limited financial resources the family will be unable to host a
> reception after the graveside service. In the near future there will
> be a benefit to help support Mr. Rossi’s widow and offset his final expenses. Donations in lieu of flowers toward his final expenses may be made through the funeral home Kraft Sussman at (702) 485-6500 Donations are accepted through this website as well.
> Please direct further questions about this event to:
> LegendarySteveRossi@gmail.com or call (702) 606-2618. Due to the volume of calls your message will be answered most quickly via email or text.
April Las Vegas Backstage Talk column by Michele LaFong
April Las Vegas Backstage Talk column in Casino Player Magazine, and Gaming Today.
(click on article to read)
Remembering David Brenner
It doesn’t get much than better listening to show-biz stories from David Brenner and Shecky Green in a Las Vegas coffee shop. It wasn’t that long ago I was doing just that. I was shocked when I heard that David Brenner lost his battle with cancer at age 78. II was fortunate enough to have interviewed him when he was promoting his last engagement at The Suncoast Showroom. In that interview Brenner talked about how his father taught him to always leave the audience laughing. And he did…even till the very end. I reran that interview on March 20, in David’s memory. The audio is archived on lasvegasbackstagetalk.com.
After interviewing countless comedians and singers on LVBST for almost three years and following up to watch their shows, I started to realize that artists and audiences often have very different agendas. Audiences always want to be entertained and look forward to hearing their favorite bits or hits of the artist that they pay to go see…and artists want to entertain but also want to grow and continue to evolve, develop and explore. With the double-edged sword of name recognition and fame come expectations from fans of what that artist often perceives as keeping them stuck in the past, and pigeon-holed. Finding that perfect balance of “old” and “new” is the answer to satisfying both the audience and artist whether a comedian, or singer. Tom Jones is a perfect example of someone who has mastered not only combining old with new, but also in re-inventing his band and updating his bluesy arrangements, keeping his material fresh yet in-step with his brand which also keeps him relevant. A crowd-pleaser like Tony Orlando, who is known for opening his show with his biggest hits right off the bat then following up with everything from Led Zeppelin, to The Beatles, always delivers a feel-good contemporary show, is always “on,” and has that special connection with his loyal audience which explains his lasting popularity and sell-out performances. Bill Maher, and Jerry Seinfeld are examples of comedians that are committed to keeping their material updated, presentation smooth, and take pride in the quality of their shows without sacrificing laughs. Paula Poundstone, Chuck Negron, Mickey Gilley, Marty Allen, Rich Little, Gallagher, Gary Puckett, Carlos Mencia, and Judy Tenuta are all examples of artists that not only embrace their audience but also include a Meet & Greet following every show. Another performer that is very pro-audience and eager to please was Burton Cummings, former lead singer for The Guess Who. Cummings sang hit after hit when headlining at The Orleans in January, and received several standing ovations throughout. He even allowed flash photography during his performance and went as far as inviting fans to videotape the show! However not all artists are even close to being as giving and grateful on and off stage, committed to taking the audience up as high as they can. 70’s Pop Star Helen Reddy had a packed house. Before the show began at The Orleans Theatre, I over-heard audience members anticipating which hit Reddy might open with. But no one called it right! She didn’t sing any hits until forty minutes into the show. Although her voice sounded as good ever, the fans that came out expecting to hear her many, many hits were clearly out of luck, as I counted three hits in total including the iconic and mandatory “I am Woman.” Oh…And of course, no pictures, nor autographs for anyone with no exceptions, and certainly no backstage passes! I can’t say I was that surprised because when I interviewed Reddy a couple of weeks prior to the show, and asked her why she had quit the business and stopped singing for over ten years, her reply was “I was bored. I was tired of singing the same songs over and over again.” I asked why she decided to return, her reply was “I was at my older sister’s 80th birthday party, and she asked me to do her a favor and sing a duet with her …and you don’t turn down your big sister…so I sang… got a huge standing ovation, and I heard my voice coming out of the monitor and thought “gee, that’s not so bad…maybe I should go out and do that again…and here I am.” Before my interview, I asked her if she will be gambling while in Vegas? Her reply? “I don’t gamble, I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, and I’m a celibate!” (Not exactly what I was expecting!) I immediately recalled a videotaped interview I did with Comedian Sal Richards in which I asked if there was a celebrity he worked with that wasn’t what he expected them to be. His immediate reply was “yes Helen Reddy!” And the story he told about her was pretty outrageous and shocking! It really shows what can go on behind the scenes in Show Business. It is posted on casinocenter.com and promises not to disappoint!
Singing funnyman Michael Shane was such a hit at Bootlegger Bistro on Thursday nights that he is “back by popular demand” on every Friday & Saturday in April from 6:30PM on. He will be taking your requests and is very difficult to stump! The food is great, especially the pizza, and you’ll be thoroughly entertained.
My picks for April are Ray Romano/Kevin James, April 4 & 6, Mirage, Brian McKnight, April 5, Eastside Cannery, Rob Thomas, April 4, Palms, DL Hughley, Orleans, April 4 & 5, Palms, Gary Lewis & The Playboys, April 4 & 5, Suncoast, Jeff Ross, April 5, Mirage, Olivia Newton-John, April 8- 12, Flamingo, Jason Alexander, April 11-May 4, Harrah’s, Wayne Brady, April 11, Mirage, Bryan Ferry, April 12, Palms, Jay Leno, April 12, Mirage, Foghat, April 12, Cannery, Las Vegas Soul Festival, April 12, UNLV, Megadeth and Motorhead, April 17, Palms, The Bronx Wanderers, April 18-20, South Point, Gabriel Iglesias, Mirage, April 18 & 19, Jim Belushi & Chicago Board of Comedy, April 18 & 19, Venetian, Robert Cray, April 18, Cannery, Restless Heart/Sawyer Brown, April 19, Eastside Cannery, Jeff Tracta, April 24, LVH, Tony Orlando, April 25-27, South Point, Bobby Rydell, April 25-27, Suncoast, Tracy Morgan, April 25, TI, Little River Band, April 26, Cannery, Temptations, April 26 & 27, Orleans, Rod Stewart, April 30-May 17, Caesars Palace
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Dec. Las Vegas Backstage Talk column by Michele LaFong
Dec. Casino Player Magazine– LVBST by Michele LaFong
The last couple of months have been extremely exciting and surreal for LVBST. We have been fielding a lot of questions regarding the video cameras that have been following me with my “stud-puppet” Paco, and LVBST around town.
All I am at liberty to reveal at the moment, is that we are under development for our own unscripted reality series that is unlike any other. A short edited clip of me & Paco, with my neighbor, Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, Al Bernstein, can be viewed on casinocenter.com
Currently, my biggest beef with reality TV is that it is not real. The main characters often conjure up conflict and drama that is superficial, one dimensional or more fake than all the boobs and lips in Hollywood combined together!
For some strange reason…with my life nothing ever needs to be made up nor exaggerated for the sake of television cameras. Off-beat characters, unforeseen conflict and ridiculous storylines continue to play out in the “World of LaFong,” rarely taking a full day off!
Too bad that the cameras were not yet rolling when I went to see Ray Romano backstage at The Mirage last month. It was “de ja vu” for me. Not only was Ray pretty much the same, nice, unassuming, really funny guy that I had once hand-picked to open for me in the late 80’s, but it wasn’t ‘til after our visit that it dawned on me just how much Ray is the exact same guy on and off screen in the “Everybody Loves Raymond” television series.
On NOV 24th, fellow comics pitched in to do a benefit for Singing Impressionist Pam Matteson at the PLAZA HOTEL. Pam has brain cancer, no health insurance, and the medical bills are piling up. Amongst the special guest stars were Louie Anderson, Gordie Brown, Rich Little, Clint Holmes, The Coasters, The Michael T Band, and Budd Friedman, original founder of The Improv, and many more. If you missed the benefit but still would like to make a donation of any kind, go to Pam’s husband, Tim Biddle’s facebook page; scroll down and you’ll find a connection to a website that says DONATE NOW.
Legendary music icons and Grammy Award winners, Brian Wilson (co-founder The Beach Boys) and Jeff Beck (Yardbirds) performed at The Pearl inside Palms Casino Resort as part of a co-headlining North American Tour. The show was nothing short of spectacular!
Towards the end of the show they were all on stage performing together! It was a sight to behold, and truly unforgettable.
Speaking of unforgettable, Comedy Legend, Marty Allen finally made it in to the studio with his co-star and wife, singer Karon Kate Blackwell. They were promoting their then upcoming shows at The Plaza Showroom. It was great to see them again. I’ve had the pleasure of working with them several times on different cruise lines over the years. Not that I performed on so many…it just so happened that the majority of the time when I was booked … so were they! We also performed in Atlantic City together when Marty hosted Senor Wences’ 100th Birthday Tribute at Bally’s Hotel & Casino with Special Guest Mickey Rooney. Marty Allen is best known however, for being half of the Legendary Allen & Rossi comedy team. Together, they appeared on over 700 television shows including 44 appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show. They recorded 16 comedy albums, the title of one using their signature catch phrase of “Hello Dere!” Allen said “We were into the act and I just went blank… and I looked at Steve and said, ‘Hello dere . . . hello dere.’ Then suddenly everyone in the club was saying it – hello dere.”
Now, at 91 years of age, Marty Allen has 91 reasons to go blank on-stage, but doesn’t… most of the time, and even when he does… his failing memory turns into a fresh, new, running-gag in the show. His improvisational skills kicked in every time it became obvious to the audience that Karon Kate was correcting him, whispering the jokes into his deaf ear… which got him even bigger laughs! Marty may not always remember every joke but he seems to have no trouble remembering how to make audiences laugh.
My picks for December: Wynonna & the Big Noise, is at The Orleans Showroom Dec. 6 & 7,
Ron White, is at The Mirage Dec. 6 & 7, 13 & 14, The Black Crowes appearing at The Hard Rock, Dec. 13.
Sinbad, is appearing at The Orleans, Dec. 14.
Country superstar Shania Twain who is a headliner at The Colosseum at Caesars will serve as the Grand Marshall of Opportunity Village’s Las Vegas Great Santa Run on Saturday, Dec. 7. Marking the 5k’s ninth year, Twain will join thousands of Kris Kringle’s downtown for the nonprofit’s largest annual fundraiser.
Surfset Las Vegas, the latest revolutionary workout trend from ABC’s hit program “Shark Tank,” will partner with Dress for Success Southern Nevada for a one-day donation drive on Saturday, Dec. 7, when a portion of each $20 class fee will go to the charity. Surfset offers four different styles of classes – Burn, Build, Balance and Blend – call 702-503-4780
Our friend, Comedian/Actor Bill Engvall is returning to The TI, on Dec.6 & 13, after an extremely respectable showing, staying alive in the very competitive ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” Not very much is ever expected from the Celebrity Comics on that show! Bill first made a name for himself as part the Blue Collar Comedy Troupe with Jeff Foxworthy, Ron White, and Larry the Cable Guy. Larry will be appearing at The Pearl Theatre, at The Palms Hotel & Casino on New Year’s Eve.
Jerry Seinfeld always puts on a great show. He is appearing at Caesars Palace, Dec. 26 & 27
Steve Miller Band, the Doobie Brothers, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Dec. 28
Cedric the Entertainer, appearing at The Mirage Dec. 29 & 30, Fleetwood Mac, appearing at MGM Grand, Dec. 30, Kristen Chenoweth is appearing at The Smith Center, Dec. 31.
Another extremely popular headliner, that always sells out is Tony Orlando. Tony is the ultimate showman that always delivers a contemporary, “a feel good” engaging, hard rocking show! He and his wonderful band return to the South Point Showroom on New Year’s Eve.
Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong, wishes you a very Happy New Year!
Your feedback and comments are always appreciated.
TweetMarty Allen, Emilio Castillo-Las Vegas Backstage Talk w/Comedian Michele LaFong
Oct. 24, 2013- 6-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Comedy Legend Marty Allen & Co-Star, Karon Kate Blackwell, guest on LV Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong.
In the 1970s and 80s, Allen made hundreds of television appearances, becoming a regular on “Hollywood Squares.” He also appeared on “Circus of the Stars,” in a cameo on “The Mario Brothers Show,” as a guest star on game shows such as “Password”, and in ten made-for-television movies.
At only 91 years of age, Allen has no intention of retiring and still works a full year and runs two miles on a treadmill daily.
“I feel like the Energizer Bunny. I just keep going,” Allen remarks. “I enjoy it. I can’t stop. People ask me where I get all the energy from to keep going and I joke that I’m on the pill. They believe me and want to know where to buy it for themselves.”
Allen met his co-star Blackwell in the mid-1980s, and the duo began performing together, combining his comedy with her music.
Beginning on Thursday, Oct. 24, legendary comedian Marty Allen and co-star Karon Kate Blackwell will take the stage of the classic showroom at the Plaza Hotel & Casino for a special three-night engagement.
Emilio Castillo
Emilio Castillo, Founder and Leader of Tower of Power guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong in Las Vegas and The Web.
Tower of Power’s musical odyssey began in 1968 when tenor saxophonist/vocalist Emilio Castillo met baritone sax player Stephen
“Doc” Kupka in July of that year. Originally named The Motown’s, the guys paid homage to the R&B sound that influenced them while adding their own personal twist. In 1970, the now renamed Tower of Power landed its first record deal with Bill Graham’s San Francisco Records. Their next album, Bump City, was recorded on Warner Brothers and produced a string of hits giving the band its first national exposure. At least 60 talented musicians have toured or recorded with the band in its 45 years and they have been featured with artists as diverse as Aerosmith, Elton John, Little Feat, Phish, Santana, Heart, and many others, forever infusing the radio airwaves with Tower’s musical DNA. Each year Tower of Power tours the United States, Japan and Europe, playing sold out shows all over the world. Recent releases include “Great American Soulbook”, a collection of classic soul tunes, and the 40th Anniversary Concert DVD. Tower has never been busier or more in demand.
For more: www.towerofpower.com
Tower of Power is appearing at The South Point H&C on Oct.25-27 at 7:30pm
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