Tony Orlando-LV Backstage Talk w/Comedian Michele LaFong
April 18, 2013-6pm-7pm PST 1230AM KLAV in LV & The Web
Tony Orlando, one of our favorite guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio Show with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230am KLAV returns in a hour long “Backstage Interview” from his suite at The South Point Hotel & Casino.
He will also be featured in Michele LaFong’s Monthly Syndicated Columns, “Las Vegas Backstage Talk,” and Getting Personal with the Stars,” in both Gaming Today, and Casino Player Magazine. Tony Orlando & Family, wife, and daughter, also sit down with Comedian LaFong, in a backstage interview that is posted on LV BackstageTalk website, and www.casinocenter.com
Expect many surprises in this very fun and entertaining interview, including Tony’s dead-on impressions of his friends, Jerry Lewis, and Bill Cosby.
His show was surprisingly relevant, with a lot of Beatles music included, and was truly entertaining!
Tony Orlando brings to the stage a warmth and exhilarating energy that electrifies an audience. From million selling records (five number one hits), a popular television variety series, movies and Broadway (Barnum and Smokey Joe’s Café), Tony Orlando has conquered every facet of show business.
Through no plans of his own, Tony was coaxed into putting his voice on a demo record for a song titled “Candida” for his friends Hank Medress and Dave Appell at Bell Records. The record was released under the name of the record promotion director’s daughter, Dawn.
“I think it is really the rule of show business that every big break you get you back into it without knowing it at the time. A few weeks after recording ‘Candida’ I had forgotten all about it. And then Hank Medress calls me and says, ‘Hey man, we’ve got a hit!’ The crazy thing was the song kept climbing the charts till it hit number one,” says Orlando.
Hoping lightning would strike again, Medress had Orlando recorded “Knock Three Times.” The song not only became number one, it was the tip song of 1971 selling over six million copies worldwide. The immense popularity of the song is still evident today. Tony’s recording of the song was featured in the hit movie Now and Then.
Realizing it was probably safe to give up his successful career at CBS Records, Tony decided to jump full force into what was already a meteoric rise to the top. Along with Telma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent Wilson, Tony Orlando and Dawn became an international sensation.
Amazingly enough, Tony hadn’t even begun to scratch the surface of his stardom. In 1973 he recorded “Tie A Yellow Ribbon ‘Round The Ole Oak Tree.” The song was number one for the year, became Orlando’s theme song and grew into an American anthem of hope and homecoming, reunion and renewal.
More about Tony Orlando here–>
You can catch Tony Orlando headlining at South Point.
The Showroom at South Point, April 19 – 21 – 7:30pm
Comedian Gallagher, Monti Rock III-LVBST w/Comedian Michele LaFong
March 14, 2013- 6-7pm PST-1230AM in LV & The Web
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Comedian Gallagher returns in an exclusive behind the scenes interview with Comedian Michele LaFong on Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio Show on 1230AM in Las Vegas and The Web.
Since Gallagher’s last visit not so long ago, he announced that it’s not only his National Geiko Commercial that you will see him on. In fact Gallagher is on his way to NY to Star in a Comedy Pilot Series, named “Stool Pidgeons.” “It’s a bit like “Cheers” but further out,” said Gallagher.
After 35 years of non-stop touring, America’s favorite touring comedian is hanging up his Sledge-O-Matic…but not after one last tour. Gallagher’s Last Smash will be his way of saying ‘Thank You’ to his massive audience who has stood by and supported him throughout his career. From the early days of the Comedy Store and the Tonight Show, through all 14 Showtime specials, and his 3,000+ shows – you’ve been with him.See the tour schedule for a show near you. Dates are being added daily.
Gallagher will be featured in Michele LaFong’s Syndicated Monthly Column, “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” in Casino Player Magazine, June & July editions. Gallagher’s Backstage Videotaped Interviews are posted on casinocenter.com, and lasvegasbackstagetalk.com.
For more about Gallagher: www.gallaghersmash.com Official site
Monti Rock III
Monti Rock III returns on Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio Show with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM in Las Vegas and The Web.
Monti is “finally “hangin’ up his dancing shoes,” at age 75, and concentrating solely on being the biggest and the baddest Gossip Columnist in Las Vegas.
MONTI ROCK III AKA DISCO TEX AND THE SEX-O-LETTES is iconic, legendary, unpredictable, an enigma, undefinable, and a legend in his own mind. The media is having a field day rediscovering Monti – See the Vanity Fair issues for December 2009 and February 2010. Vanity Fair refers to Mr. Rock as one of the architecs of the 1960s; a little known fact is that Monti was THE hairstylist, and was the ceator of the blunt cut and asymetrical style, that has remained in vogue for all of these years. His hair styles appeared on the greatest models and magazine covers of the 1960s.
His television appearances from that era was topped by his multitude of appearances on the Johnny Carson Show (a total of 84 times!!!!) and you would never forget his appearance in the cult classic film, “Saturday Night Fever.”
For more about Monti Rock III, click here.
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Larry Gatlin, Ritch Shydner-LVBST w/Comedian Michele LaFong
March 7, 2013- 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV, & The Web
Larry Wayne Gatlin is an American country music singer/songwriter. He is perhaps best known for teaming up with his brothers Steve and Rudy in the late 1970s, becoming one of country music’s most successful acts of the 1970s and 1980s. Gatlin has had a total of 33 Top 40 singles (combining his solo recordings and those with his brothers). As their fame grew, the band became known as Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers.
Larry will soon be featured in Comedian Michele LaFong’s Syndicated Monthly Column “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” in Casino Player Magazine.
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers will be appearing at The South Point Showroom, at The South Point H & C March 8-10 at 7:30pm
For more about The Gatlin Brothers: http://www.gatlinbrothers.com/
Ritch Shydner (Backstage Interview)
Comedian- Writer- Actor Ritch Shydner guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio Show with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM in Las Vegas and The Web. In a backstage interview, Ritch shared his stories of struggle, and successes in his long career.
Late Night with David Letterman and The Tonight Show with both Johnny Carson and Jay Leno. He did an HBO half-hour special, “One Night Stand.”
He played Al Bundy’s co-worker on “Married with Children”, and made guest appearances on many other TV shows, such as “Designing Women” and “Roseanne.”
Ritch was able to translate his modest success on TV into an obscure film career, appearing in Steve Martin’s, “Roxanne,” and Eddie Murphy’s, “Beverly Hills Cop II,” before moving on to minor roles on smaller pictures.
Ritch wrote for sitcoms such as “Roseanne”, “The Jeff Foxworthy Show,” and HBO’s “The Mind of the Married Man.”
Ritch wrote material for Jeff Foxworthy’s Grammy nominated comedy albums, “Totally Committed,” and “Big Fun.” He also wrote for Ron White and Jay Leno.
In 2010 Ritch produced and performed in an award winning documentary on the world of stand-up comedy, “I Am Comic”.
Jay Leno: “And remember, Shydner, don’t tell anyone you wrote those jokes for me.”
Jerry Seinfeld: “Ritch Shydner is a terrific comedy writer and definitely one of the good guys.”
Jeff Foxworthy: “Ritch helped me write two albums, both of which were nominated for Grammys. I’ve always thought that he was one of the best stand-ups ever.”
Bill Maher: Back in the day, in the dingy ratskellers in which we learned our craft, Ritch Shydner was always the comic the other comics came into the room to watch, because he was the funniest. That hasn’t changed, and I’m afraid neither have the ratskellers.”
Ritch Shydner Laugh Factory at Tropicana through March 10, 8:30pm & 10:30pm
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“Getting Personal with the Stars”-Weird Al Yankovic by Comedian Michele LaFong
Feb. 28, 2013- Gaming Today
Weird Al Yankovic guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio Show with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM KLAV in Las Vegas, and The Web. In a backstage interview at The Cannery H & C, Al was very playful and candid about his family life, and very successful, long career. Weird Al, known for his costumed comedic song parodies, made it clear that he always asks for the green light from the artist before recording a parody of their song for a music video. When asked if he was ever refused permission by anyone, he said “Only Prince has consistantly said “no,” with no explanation given. Whenever possible I try to go to the artists directly because managers often get in the way, as with Lady GaGa.”
The misunderstanding referred to by Al as “The GaGa Saga” explained that managers don’t always consult their clients before turning something down. “Finally it all got straightened out, and I parodied “Born This Way” with a music video that I did in drag called “Perform This Way”, and GaGa LOVED it!” It was also a hit with the 1300 plus screaming fans at The Cannery. “I challenge anyone to find a rock show where you’ll see a wider range of demographics.
It’s because a lot of fans that were into me in the 80’s are still into me, and now they are bringing their kids. It’s become a family bonding experience. Another reason for my popularity with families is my New York Times Best Selling childrens book “When I Grow Up” Some of my fans are hard core! They’ll follow me from one city to the next. Sometimes it’s the same people in the front row city to city even though the shows are hundreds of miles apart.”
Now out on his “Alpocalypse” Tour for his latest album.
Weird Al will be featured in Comedian Michele LaFong’s Syndicated Monthly Column “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” in Casino Player Magazine.
More about Weird Al here–>
Get the “Alpocalypse” album here–>
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Jon Taffer, Dave Attell-LV Backstage Talk-w/Comedian Michele LaFong
Feb. 21, 2013, 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV, & The Web
Star of “Bar Rescue” on Spike TV
Jon Taffer, Host and Executive Producer, “Bar Rescue,” returns on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM, in Las Vegas and The Web.
In the summer of 2011, Spike TV debuted “Bar Rescue,” a documentary-style series spotlighting Jon Taffer as he gives struggling restaurants and bars a last chance to succeed. Focusing on one establishment each week, the series puts Taffer at the heart of the storm: helping to improve every facet of an American restaurant or bar: from its theming to staffing, pricing to promotions, menus to music. If there’s anyone who can save it from going belly-up, it’s Jon Taffer. If not, it’s toast. The series has been renewed and just returned for a third season.
Within the greater nightclub, bar and restaurant industry, there is no greater authority than Jon Taffer. With close to three decades of hands-on experience, Taffer is two-time winner of the Bar Operator of the Year award, among a myriad of other honors, and his renowned method of management, “Taffer Dynamics,” has become the gold standard of the industry. As chairman of Taffer Dynamics and President of the Nightclub & Bar Media Group, Taffer is a highly respected industry expert, management guru and television star as well. Taffer is a coveted keynote speaker at major industry conventions and events.
Jon Taffer will soon be featured in Comedian Michele LaFong’s Syndicated “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” Column in Casino Player Magazine.
For more about Jon Taffer: tafferdynamics.com
Comic/Writer Dave Attell
Dave Attell is currently the creator and host of “Dave’s Old Porn” on Showtime. “Dave’s Old Porn” has featured such talent as Whitney Cummings, Chelsea Handler, Adam Carolla and Daniel Tosh. Season two will be airing this fall.
After four seasons of “Insomniac,” Attell taped several hour-long “Insomniac” specials overseas in Japan, Germany, England and Brazil. Once back in the states, he headed out on a thirty-five city theatre tour ending in Vegas, where he hosted a two-hour special for Comedy Central featuring Sean Rouse, Greg Geraldo and Dane Cook, some of the biggest comics in the country.
Dave Attell has made numerous appearances on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “The Howard Stern Show,” “Last Call with Carson Daly” and “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”. He also appeared in Chris Rock’s cult film “Pootie Tang”. Other television credits include FOX’s “Arrested Development,” NBC’s “Ed,” HBO, Comedy Central’s “Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn” and his own half-hour stand-up special “Comedy Central Presents Dave Attell”.
Comedy Central Presents Dave Attell & Jim Norton at The MGM Grand Hollywood Theatre Feb.22 & 23 For tickets go to: daveattell.com
TweetLisa Lampanelli, The Queen of Mean…is Newly Lean!
By Michele LaFong- “Getting Personal with the Stars” in Gaming Today- Feb. 12, 2013
Lisa Lamanelli, the self proclaimed “Queen of Mean” is returning to The Pearl Concert Theatre on Feb. 16, at 8pm at The Palms Hotel & Casino. “Expect to see a whole new hour of material,”promised Lisa. “Much of it will be about the craziest experience of my life… spending sixteen weeks competing on “Celebrity Apprentice,” Donald Trump’s Reality Show on NBC, “I LOVED it!” Lisa screamed. “I watched myself on TV afterward. I was such a Mental Patient on that show! I got SO much material though, and it’s such great exposure. It raises your profile.
Here’s the only problem. The minute I finished doing The Apprentice, I was getting recognized every single day, in the city of NY, and I was loving it…Then I go and lose 105 +lbs, and no one recognizes me! I’m not getting free coffee anymore… I’m not getting FREE anything! So it’s a double edged sword, this weight loss. I’m less famous, cause I don’t look like me anymore… but maybe now I’ll live till I’m 70, instead of dropping dead.”
Perhaps it was that philosphy that led to Lisa’s decision to get Gastric By-Pass Surgery.
“I just got tied of hating the way my body looked in the mirror!” There were a couple of incidents that happened on The Apprentice that triggered me to want to do something about it. It wasn’t that alone, of course. It was many things over the years, from my past. In fact, we’re working on A One-Woman Broadway, show about my life, and we get into this, and explain how it came about…”
At age 51, Lampanelli, is making the effort to live a life of balance. She takes time off to enjoy her home, on the water in Connecticut, and has three assistants, and has a few dollars!
I really think that comics are afraid to improve themselves, because they’re like: I won’t be funny if I get thinner, or I won’t be funny if I go to the shrink and get more healthy mentally, and emotionally. But there’s always gonna be so much twisted stuff about us, that I don’t think we ever have to worry about being too healthy for comedy.
I’ve been in-therapy for many years. I think I took a cue from Howard Stern. He has become a better human being, and performer by going to therapy three or four times a week. I don’t do that, but I take a lot of workshops, I also have a house at Kenya Ranch Health Spa, in Tuscon, where I work on myself from a spiritual, and psychological point of view. I’m also going to a six day retreat for emotional eating because I don’t want to gain the weight back. Weight is about emotion and not about food.”
Lisa Lampanelli…she’s still a heavy-weight in comedy, and would never be one to be accused of doing a “half-assed” job!
Her full interview can be heard on Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio & Web Show, Thursday, Feb. 14 from 6pm-7pm PST on 1230AM in Las Vegas, or stream live on-line.
Lampanelli is also featured in Michele LaFong’s Monthly Syndicated Column, “Las Vegas Backstage Talk,” in June’s issue of Casino Player Magazine. (CP Magazine.)
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