Toni Braxton, Steve Rossi-LVBST w/Comedian Michele LaFong
August 8, 2013 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM & Web
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
Tony Braxton guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM KLAV in Las Vegas and The Web. In a special national media conference, Braxton promoting her first national tour in five years, took on questions from everything from her bout with Lupus to her struggles with divorce, kids, and her huge success with her Braxton Family Values reality show on the WE network where the show, which is in its 3rd season.
Toni Braxton’s distinctive sultry vocal blend of R&B, pop, jazz and gospel became an instantaneous international sensation when she came forth with her first solo recording in 1992. Today, with more than 40 million albums sold worldwide and six Grammy awards, Braxton is recognized as one of the most outstanding voices of this generation.
Her talent was recognized by Antonio L.A. Reid and Kenneth Babyface Edmonds and soon her solo recording career was launched. Her music first came to widespread popularity on the soundtrack of the Eddie Murphy film “Boomerang.” The resulting self titled album sold ten million copies worldwide, spawning the classics “Another Sad Love Song” and “Breathe Again.” The album also resulted in her first two Grammys in 1993 as Best New Artist and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for “Another Sad Love Long” and another Grammy in the same category in 1994 for “Breathe Again.” In 1997, she garnered Grammys in Best R&B and Best Pop Female Vocal Performance categories.
The acclaim for her second album Secrets continued her mega success, selling more than 13 million copies in the U.S. and abroad following its July 1996 release. “You’re Makin’ Me High” became her first across-the-board No. 1 pop and R&B hit single and garnered another Grammy for R&B vocal performance. Release of “Unbreak My Heart” followed in the fall of 1996 and was recognized with the coveted Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. It has become her signature song and ranks as the second top-selling single of all time by a female artist. The next album, The Heat, sold 2 million copies and brought her another million-selling single and best R&B Grammy with “He Wasn’t Man Enough.”
Braxton had successful runs on Broadway starring in “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aida.” In 2006, she headlined her own show, “Toni Braxton Revealed” at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas. The show which ran through April 2008, was a smash, but in the middle of the extended run she was diagnosed with micro vascular angina causing her to cancel the remaining dates. After a recovery period, she took time in 2008 to fulfill her big dream of appearing on the top-rated television series “Dancing with the Stars.”
Toni is appearing on Aug. 9, at 8pm at The Pearl Theatre, at The Palms H& C
To purchase tickets, please visit the Pearl Box Office, call 702-944-3200, visit any Ticketmaster location, call 1-800-745-3000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com
The Legendary Steve Rossi
Steve Rossi guests in-studio on Las Vegas backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong.
He is 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 apperances 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 Cumo, Dean Martin, Dinah Shore, Merv Griffin, Mike Dougas 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 lables as RCA and Coumbia. 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 currently 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. Steve in celebrating his 55th year in show business and Is young enough to look forward to the next 55 years.
More about Steve Rossi here–>
TweetLas 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
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…
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The Wayans Brothers, Pablo Francisco-LVBST w/Comedian Michele LaFong
July 25, 2013 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV&Web
![Shawn-Marlon-Wayans-2-263x200[1]](https://www.lasvegasbackstagetalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Shawn-Marlon-Wayans-2-263x2001.jpg)
The Wayans Brothers return on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM in Las Vegas, and The Web.
This time around I got to interview Shawn and Marlon separately, and it was very telling how different their answers to the same questions were. Actually quite comical!
The Wayans family is filled with talented members, so there is no surprise that the two youngest brothers, Shawn and Marlon Wayans, have followed in their family’s footsteps as Hollywood icons. So far in their relatively short careers, these two comedic prodigies have topped box offices and toured successfully around the country.
Both Shawn and Marlon made their acting debut in 1989 in their brother Keenen Ivory Wayans’ feature film “I’m Gonna Get You Sucka.” Immediately following their feature film debut, they joined the cast of the Emmy Award-winning comedy series “In Living Color.”
“The Wayans Bros.” sitcom, which Shawn and Marlon created and starred in, was the first WB show to be sold into syndication after heading up the WB network lineup for five years. Shawn and Marlon’s past film credits include the hit comedy “Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in The Hood,” which they co-wrote, produced and starred in together.
More recently Shawn and Marlon starred in the box office hits “Little Man” and “White Chicks,” both of which they also co-wrote and produced. The brothers began co-writing this string of blockbusters with the smash “Scary Movie,” where they also starred along side each other, and was directed by their brother Keenen Ivory Wayans. Co-written, produced and starring Shawn and Marlon Wayans, “Scary Movie 2” was the only sequel in the “Scary Movie” franchise with direct Wayans involvement. Shawn and Marlon were next seen on the big screen in “Dance Flick,” the comedy co-written with brother Keenen Ivory, which premiered in May 2009.
Shawn and Marlon, along with their brothers and sisters, created “Thugaboo” and the subsequent “Boo Crew” animated specials for Nickelodeon, which began premiering in August 2006. In addition to creating, the Wayans are also writing, directing and voicing the series which takes a humorous look at the trials and tribulations of nine inner city kids. TheBooCrew.com was released in fall 2009 and plans are underway to turn The Boo Crew into a daily comic strip. Marlon also starred in the 2009 blockbuster “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.”
In January 2013, Marlon wrote, produced and starred in the comedy hit, “A Haunted House,” an outrageous send up of the “Paranormal Activity” movie which also stars Cedric The Entertainer and Essence Atkins. Additionally, Marlon executive produced a comedy series, “Second Generation Wayans” starring his nephews, Damon Jr. and Craig which debut on BET Networks in January 2013.
When not on the road performing standup, Shawn and Marlon can be found hard at work in the “lab” where the Wayans siblings are busy concocting their next project.
Doors at the Pearl will open at 7 p.m. and show time is 8 p.m. The Pearl Box Office is open daily from noon until 7 p.m. with extended hours on select event days. The Pearl is now on Twitter. Follow @PearlatPalms for concert announcements and event information.
Pablo Francisco
Comedian Pablo Francisco guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM KLAV in Las Vegas and The Web.
Pablo continues to bring his audiences to their feet with boisterous laughter and applause. He weaves together his arsenal of characters, spontaneous outbursts, and clever insights to create a stand-up show that more resembles an hour-long comedic jazz
riff. He is an off-the-wall, animated character that points out the absurdity in an illogical, pop-culture obsessed world.
His unmatched take on all things pop culture has taken him into the ranks of the most popular touring comedians worldwide. Pablo’s enormous popularity continues to sour driving his Myspace Comedy page into the top three most visited on the site. His outrageously funny material has hooked millions of viewers on his YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/pablofranciscocomedy.
South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on May 25 – 27th
TweetKathy Griffin-LV Backstage Talk w/Comedian Michele LaFong
Kathy Griffin
I interviewed Kathy Griffin today of Bravo’s talk show “Kathy,” and “My Life on the D List.” LOVE her!!!
Breaking the record for the comic with the most comedy specials EVER…
Kathy is appearing at The Mirage with a brand new show on Aug.2, & Sept.7, at 10pm for more info: www.kathygriffin.net
Portions of the interview will be aired on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM KLAV in Las Vegas, and The Web on Thursday, July 25, and Aug. 1, from 6-7pm PST. Stream live.
Aside from featuring Kathy in “Getting Personal with the Stars,” my Monthly Syndicated Column in Gaming Today, I will also feature her in my Syndicated Column in Casino Player Magazine, in Las Vegas Backstage Talk, Sept. edition, because she is so much fun to talk to!
Also coming Thursday, 25 is The Wayans Brothers, with an upcoming appearance at The Pearl Theatre, at The Palms H & C, and “You Tube Sensation,” Pablo Francisco, one of the most popular comics from Comedy Central, appearing at The South Point H & C.
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