The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast | a podcast by Ira Sternberg

This week, Ira spoke with award-winning comedy magician Fielding West, performing at the A-Stars Comedy Show at the Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel, April 11-13. In this epi-sode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Fielding talks about how he was discovered as a magician; how his act has currently changed by adding storytelling to his magic; why he incorporates his oxygen concentrator into his act; hi...

This week, Ira spoke with magician Will Bradshaw, bringing “Will Bradshaw’s Wonderground, The Underground Magic Show,” to Area 15 on April 9. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Will talks about growing up in Minnesota, having a father as a magician; studying the arts in New York and performing in musical theater; how he ended up apprenticing with magician Jeff McBride; performing...

This week, Ira spoke with Richard Gubbe, author (along with Robert Lawson) of "Vegas Hockey, Vegas Strong." In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Richard talks about the early days (and teams) of hockey in Las Vegas; what happened to the proposed hockey team that was going to be brought in by producer Jerry Bruckheimer in 2008; why promotion can help a team even if it’s poorly manage...

This week, Ira spoke with Lauri S. Thompson, who will be performing in “Follies,” the Broadway musical (with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim), April 11-14 at the Aliante Casino Hotel. “Follies” features 45 dazzling performers, a 30-piece orchestra and 12 legendary Las Vegas showgirls. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Lauri talks about how the special show came into being; p...

This week, Ira spoke with Jazz pianist/composer Yuko Mabuchi, performing with the Yuko Mabuchi Quartet in Myron’s at The Smith Center March 16 (at 5 and 8 p.m.). In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Yuko talks about improvisation; how jazz musicians communicate and collaborate; being exposed to all kinds of music in Japan; her decision to move to the United States to study; her firs...

This week, Ira spoke with Irish tenor Paul Byrom, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center March 17. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Paul talks about his long career in music; his eighth studio album ("By Contrast"); adapting to and evolving with changes in the music industry; why he delights in performing on St. Patrick’s Day in America; why he stays physically fit (and enjoy...

This week, Ira spoke with Casey Abrams, performing at Vic’s Las Vegas March 1-2. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Casey talks about his early years in Idyllwild, California; learning from Marshall Hawkins, the jazz bass maestro, at the Idyllwild Arts Academy; why he loves jazz and how it gives just a plot, not the whole story; why he was attracted to the bass; the benefits of th...

This week, Ira spoke with four-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Ruthie Foster, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center February 22-23. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ruthie talks about her classically trained background; why she loves singing for big bands; her favorite genres of blues and folk music;; why gospel music is the equalizer for her and brings everybody int...

This week, Ira spoke with Bob Anderson, the world’s greatest singing impressionist, performing at the Italian American Club February 16. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Bob talks about his career in Las Vegas; his Frank Sinatra performance at Carnegie Hall; his first impression (Sammy Davis Jr.) and the man responsible for starting him on his career in singing impressions (Merv...

This week, Ira spoke with comedian Michael Somerville, performing in Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club at the MGM February 5-8 (and 10). In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Michael talks about his start in stand-up comedy on a dare in college; moving to New York and earning $18,000 gross in an advertising agency; his decision to pursue comedy full time; how he became the original couch su...

This week, Ira spoke with Tony Award® winner Santino Fontana, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center February 3. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Santino talks about when he decided to pursue a musical career; how his grandfather was a big influence on him; why he didn’t want a 9-5 job; how he grabbed what work he could, not knowing anybody in show business; the first time he...

This week, Ira spoke with Elizabeth Bougerol and Evan Palazzo from The Hot Sardines, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center January 25-26. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Elizabeth and Evan talk about how they first met as fellow musicians and then formed the group; why they didn’t set out to play professionally; their “go for it” moment; how they came up with the band’s nam...

This week, Ira spoke with Oliver Lovat. a leading academic, researcher, writer and president of Denstone Group (which offers consultancy in the fields of strategy, asset management and development, specializing in customer facing real estate). In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Oliver talks about why Las Vegas is built for fun; why, at the end of every recession, something new hap...

This week, Ira spoke with Alan Snel, whose popular website, LVSportsBiz.com, reports the business side of Las Vegas’ expanding sports industry. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Alan talks about the biggest sports story of 2023, F1 and its public cost; the restructuring of Endeavor, with UFC and WWE working side by side; more on the A’s stadium plan; the VGK Stanley Cup win; why...

This week, Ira spoke with comedian Leslie Norris Townsend, performing in the Ahern Live Comedy Showroom at the Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel January 4-7. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Leslie talks about her Hollywood career (including working for Disney), prior to moving to the family farm in Ohio; how she started in stand-up comedy; why she decided to work “clean”; the Six Deg...

This week, Ira spoke with singer, songwriter, and producer Dave Damiani, performing in the New Year’s Eve Countdown Party at Vic’s Las Vegas. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Dave talks about how he came to embrace jazz; the musicians who inspired him; his friendship with Joe Piscopo; how he made “bending the standard” his trademark; and what music and musicians mean to him.

This week, Ira spoke with comedian Bob Zany, performing in Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club at the MGM through December 23. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Bob talks about growing up in a funny family; the two comedians he looked to for inspiration; why he adds three new jokes every time he performs; how he and Brad Garrett started out at the Ice House together as emcees; his Dry Bar...

This week, Ira spoke with Latin GRAMMY® Award winner, Brazilian guitarist, composer, and arranger Sérgio Assad and GRAMMY®-nominated composer Clarice Assad, performing (along with Third Coast Percussion) at the UNLV Performing Arts Center December 13. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” the Assads talk about their family’s deep history with music; Sergio’s surprising view of jazz;...

This week, Ira spoke with veteran journalist Ron Futrell, 8NewsNow sports anchor/reporter. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ron talks about the burgeoning sports tourism in Las Vegas; the success of Formula 1 in its first year; the A’s coming to Las Vegas; future prospects of Rebel football; can an NBA team find a home here?; and prospects for a third championship for the Las Ve...

This week, Ira spoke with country artist Craig Campbell, performing in Gilley's Saloon, Dance Hall & BBQ at Treasure Island December 7-8. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Craig talks about his early years in music; moving to Nashville; what he sees as the worst side of country music; going independent as an artist; working with some of his idols; what The Grand Ole Opry means to...

This week, Ira spoke with Murray Langston, “The Unknown Comic,” performing in the Ahern Live Comedy Showroom at the Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel November 24-25. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Murray talks about why he caught the bug to get into show business by watching Jerry Lewis films as a kid; how he became “The Unknown Comic”; why this may be his last gig; how he learned t...

This week, Ira spoke with Sky Directs, director of the Las Vegas based urban thriller, “Run Nixon” (which follows a determined mother as she takes drastic measures to save her son's life), releasing in AMC Theaters on November 22. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Sky talks about how he got his start in the film industry; how he came up with the idea for the movie; the crazy chal...

This week, Ira spoke with award-winning writer and nationally touring headliner Noah Gardenswartz, performing in the Comedy Cellar at the Rio through November 11. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Noah talks about starting his career doing open mikes in Atlanta before his senior year in college; his years on the road and ironically not becoming cynical; meeting his future wife on...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with John Bentham, founder of Ivory Star Productions. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” John talks about his early career as a performer before deciding to work behind the scenes; working with David Copperfield before starting his own production company; juggling several shows at one time (the secret is a good staff); working on the upcoming retur...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with singer, songwriter and musician Oleta Adams, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center October 27-28. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” Oleta talks about why passion makes the music worthwhile; how self-respect (as well as her talent) sustains her career over the decades; what the most influential person in her life has done for her over seve...