Las Vegas Backstage Talk

Kevin Nealon, Jack Jones

Nov. 13, 2014 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & Web

 Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)

Comedian/Actor/SNL Alumni-Kevin Nealon and Singer Jack Jones 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.”

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.

More about Kevin Nealon here–>

Singer – Jack Jones

Jack Jones is live in-studio with Comedian Michele LaFong.

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–>

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Lorna Luft, Ventriloquist Ronn Lucas

Nov. 6, 2014-6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web

 Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)

LornaLuftColorLorna Luft

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Singer Lorna Luft, guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong.

On Saturday Nov. 8, the children of some of the biggest names in entertainment will come together for a special history-making performance at the M Resort Spa Casino. An Evening with The Next Generation will showcase the extraordinary musical talents of Ricci Martin, son of Dean Martin, Lorna Luft, daughter of Judy Garland, Lena Prima, daughter of Louis Prima, and Steve March-Torme, son of Mel Torme, as they celebrate their legendary parents. Anthony Lewis, son of comedian legend Jerry Lewis, will host the event as the Master of Ceremonies.

“We are incredibly excited about getting everyone together for this rare performance,” says Anthony Lewis. “Through incredible music, audiences will get to experience a rare glimpse into the lives of these iconic legends as told through the eyes of their kin. It will be a musical phenomenon, unlike anything we’ve ever done before.”

For more about Lorna go to www.lornaluft.com

Ronn Lucus

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Comic/Ventriloquist Ronn Lucas returns on LVBST.

Ventriloquist Ronn Lucas and his cast of characters will perform a mix of stand-up comedy and improvisations at the Suncoast Showroom on November 8 and 9.

Lucas is recognized as the first ventriloquist to headline a long-running show in Las Vegas and has received numerous awards for his performances, including being termed “The World’s Best Ventriloquist” by The New York Times and The London Times.

During his show, Lucas voices his characters Scorch the Dragon, Buffalo Billy and Chuck the Disposable Punk Rocker. In 1992, Lucas voiced Scorch the Dragon in Scorch’s self-titled television show on CBS.

Throughout the years, Lucas has appeared on numerous television sitcoms, including “Nip Tuck,” “L.A. Law” and “Night Court.” In 1990, he starred in his self-titled program “The Ronn Lucas Show,” broadcast in the United Kingdom. In 2009, he was featured in the documentary “I’m No Dummy,” which explored the world of ventriloquism through various clips and interviews.

For more go to www.ronnlucas.com

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Luenell, Arnez J, Ricci Martin

Oct. 30, 2014-6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web

Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)

  • Luenell - new press photoWendy Williams

 

 

 

 

 

 


Comic superstar Luenell, Comedian Arnez J, and Singer Ricci Martin, son of Legend Dean Martin, guest on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong.

Luenell will be a featured guest for Wendy Williams, and is Wendy’s stand-up comedy coach in the Lipshtick Comedy series at The Venetian Oct. 31 & Nov. 1.

With initial appearances in films So I Married An Axe Murderer, The Rock, Never Die Alone and television shows “Nash Bridges” and “The Tracy Morgan Show,” it was Luenell’s breakout performance as the ‘hooker with a heart of gold’ in the blockbuster 20th Century Fox film Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (starring Sacha Baron Cohen) that truly brought her international fame. The demand for Luenell was never greater. Combining her love of acting with stand-up, Luenell was soon segueing her standup into television/video appearances of her act, with guest appearances on “BET’s Comicview”, “Jamie Foxx’s Laffapalooza”, “Comedy After Dark “and “Martin Lawrence’s 1st Amendment Stand Up.” Katt Williams tapped Luenell to join his two-year tour and DVDs, “Katt Williams’ American Hustle.” “It was the tour of a lifetime” recalls Luenell. “We went from a tour bus and commercial flights and shows at the Improv to selling out Radio City Music Hall and flying on a G5.”

With her schedule busier than ever, this sought after performer has also appeared in such television series’ as Starz’ “Head Case,” “Chocolate News” (with David Alan Grier), “Californication,” “The Boondocks,” “The Middle,” “Breaking In” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” as well as stand-up appearances in “Snoop Dogg’s Bad Girls of Comedy” on SHOWTIME and “Stand-up In Stilettos” on the TV Guide Network. And her presence on the big screen is continuous, with appearances in the films Spring Breakdown (with Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch and Parker Posey), All About Steve (with Sandra Bullock and Bradley Cooper), the # 1 (for 2 weeks) comedy Think Like A Man (with Meagan Good, Kevin Hart and Taraji P. Henson) and two back-to-back films with Adam Sandler in 2012: That’s My Boy and Hotel Transylvania, as well as the sequel blockbuster with Liam Neeson, Taken 2.

Luenell continues to tour internationally with her stand-up, and between working in various television and film roles, she hosts a regular spot called “Between The Sheets With Luenell” on the Cannon’s Countdown Radio Show.

For more go to www.heyluenelle.com

Arnez J

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Arnez J guests on LVBST with Comedian Michele LaFong.

Described as a “whirling dervish” onstage, Arnez J will bring his expressive stand-up routine to the Suncoast Showroom on November 1 and 2.

Recognized for his high-energy routines, Arnez J. has emerged as one of most talked-about comics. An Atlanta native, Arnez began working the comedy circuit in Georgia and climbed the ranks as one of “Hotlanta’s” funniest newcomers.

A finalist in the “Bay Area Black Comedy Competition,” he was noticed by the entertainment industry and invited to make his first television appearance on Showtime’s “Comedy Club Network.” Soon after, Arnez J. served as a for two seasons, joining the ranks of former hosts D.L. Hughley and Cedric the Entertainer.

Additionally, Arnez J. has made appearances on “The Keenan Ivory Wayans Show,” “Louie Anderson’s Comedy Showcase,” Comedy Central’s “Make Me Laugh,” NBC’s “Friday Night Videos,” “The Mo’Nique Show”, and Russell Simmons’ “Def Comedy Jam,” along with starring in his own BET “Comic View Grandstand Hour Special” and “Comedy Central Presents: Arnez J.”

He recently headlined Showtime’s “Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam,” and starred in his new comedy special, “Racially Motivated.”

Ricci Martin

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Singer Ricci Martin guests on LV Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong.

On Saturday Nov. 8, the children of some of the biggest names in entertainment will come together for a special history-making performance at the M Resort Spa Casino. An Evening with The Next Generation will showcase the extraordinary musical talents of Ricci Martin, son of Dean Martin, Lorna Luft, daughter of Judy Garland, Lena Prima, daughter of Louis Prima, and Steve March-Torme, son of Mel Torme, as they celebrate their legendary parents. Anthony Lewis, son of comedian legend Jerry Lewis, will host the event as the Master of Ceremonies.

“We are incredibly excited about getting everyone together for this rare performance,” says Anthony Lewis. “Through incredible music, audiences will get to experience a rare glimpse into the lives of these iconic legends as told through the eyes of their kin. It will be a musical phenomenon, unlike anything we’ve ever done before.”

For more about Ricci go to www.riccimartin.com

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Jay Leno Part 2, Cory Wells

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July 10, 2014- 6-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web

 Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)

Jay Leno guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong.  Part 2 will be aired tonight.

JAY LENO
Emmy Award-winner Jay Leno will perform his witty stand-up comedy act inside the Terry Fator Theatre at The Mirage Friday, July 11. Leno’s comedic style and generous personality have earned him millions of fans worldwide.

Date: Friday, July 11
Time: 10 p.m.
Prices: $59.99, $69.99 and $79.99 (not including applicable service charges and taxes)
Buy: Tickets can be purchased at the Terry Fator box office, online at mirage.com or ticketmaster.com, or by calling (800) 963-9634 or (702) 792-7777.

Cory Wells-Founder of Three Dog Night

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Cory Wells guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong.

Cory Wells, (far right) founder of Three Dog Night guests on LV Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong.  LVBST is the only show that really “Gets Personal with the Stars.”

With hits like Mama Told Me (Not To Come), Joy to The World, Black And White, Shambala, Easy To Be Hard, An Old Fashioned Love Song, The Show Must Go On, One,  Never Been To Spain, Liar, Eli’s Coming, The Family Of Man, Out In The Country, Try A Little Tenderness, are just a few reasons why this band has stood the test of time, and attracting new fans, recording new music, but still playing the hits.

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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.

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Nick Turturro, Vic Dibitetto

June 12, 2014- 6-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web

Nick Turturo & Vic Dipetetto(Nick Turturro, Left)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actor Nick Turturro partners up with Comedian Vic Dibitetto in Mall Cop 2.  They both guest on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong together, and separately.

Nicholas Turturro, Jr. was the youngest of three children born to carpenter Nicholas Turturro, Sr. and his wife, Katherine. Following in his brother John’s footsteps, Turturro majored in theater at Adelphi University but dropped out after two years to marry the mother of his child. While working as a hotel doorman in the late 1980s, Turturro was introduced by his brother John to Spike Lee, while the soon-to-be-famous director was shooting “Do the Right Thing.” Taking a liking to the young actor, Lee wrote the younger Turturro a part alongside his brother John in his next project, “Mo’ Better Blues” (1990). Lee would subsequently hire both the Turturro brothers for his next two follow-up projects, the controversial “Jungle Fever” (1991) and the well-received biopic “Malcolm X” (1992).

The actor’s greatest success, however, would come on television. In 1993, Turturro won the role of the good-natured Detective James Martinez on “NYPD Blue.” Though originally written for a Latino actor, the Italian-American Turturro made the character his own; immersing himself deeply in the “Nuyorican” (slang for New Yorkers of Puerto Rican descent) culture and adopting mannerisms appropriate for the character. Paired alongside Gordon Clapp’s bumbling Detective Greg Medavoy, Turturro and Clapp brought the usually somber “NYPD Blue” a welcome lightness and spark of humor. A tough cop with a true heart of gold, Turturro’s quiet and dependable performance earned the actor two Emmy nods – first in 1994; then again in 1997 – for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. In 2000, however, Turturro decided that the Martinez character had run its course. Written out of the show with an off-screen promotion, Turturro left “NYPD Blue” after its seventh season; while, leaving the door open for a possible return.

Post-“Blue,” Turturro remained quite busy with steady, if unremarkable work as a guest star on such shows as “The Twilight Zone” (UPN, 2002-03), “Tremors: the Series” (Sci-Fi Channel, 2003-04) and “Third Watch” (NBC, 1999-2005). In 2006, Turturro revealed his ruthlessly competitive side when he appeared as a contestant on “Celebrity Fit Club 2” (VH1, 2005- ). Later that year, Turturro returned to the big screen with a feature role in director Oliver Stone’s “World Trade Center” (2006). Turturro popped up the following year with a turn in the fireman-posing-as-gay-couple comedy “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (2007). After a small appearance in the Ice Cube-Tracy Morgan comedy “First Sunday” (2008), the actor played the trainer of controversial boxing legend Sonny Liston (Ving Rhames) in the sports biopic “Phantom Punch” (2008). For a more personal project, Turturro co-wrote and starred in the immigration comedy-drama “The Deported” (2009) alongside his young son, Nicholas Turturro III. There was another supporting role in the heist movie “Takers” (2010), in addition to portraying Sgt. Anthony Renzulli, the partner of rookie cop Jamie Reagan (Will Estes) in the police-drama series “Blue Bloods” (CBS, 2010- ). Turturro turned in a pair of quick cameos for his pal in the Sandler produced comedies “Zookeeper” (2011) and “Bucky Larson: Born to be a Star” (2011), then joined the cast of the slasher flick “Nurse 3D” (2012), starring Paz de la Huerta as a dedicated by deadly caregiver.
Comedian Vic Dibitetto

Comedian Vic Dibitetto has been headlining comedy clubs around the country for over 30 years.  He became an internet sensation when he posted a comedic video on YouTube that went viral and caught the attention on Comedian Kevin James.  He called Vic personally to ask him to be in Mall Cop Blart 2 teamed-up with Actor Nick Turturro.  He is currently filming at Wynn through next week.

Featured in Kevin James’ new movie Mall Cop: Blart 2 coming out in April 2015

Writing and Producing his Ticked Off Vic segment for WPLJ in New York City (reaches 3 million people)

an Internet Sensation with over 20 million YouTube views and his now famous Bread and Milk rant

Featured in a video roll-in segment in the play Italian Bred currently in LA and coming to Broadway (Fall 2014)

Starring in an untitled prime time Hulu Original scripted sit-com Fall 2014

Featured performer on the online Funny For Money site (Comedy Central and YouTube venture)

For more info go to http://vic-comedy.com/Bio.html

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