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

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with saxophonist, recording artist, and composer Dee Lucas, performing in the Copa Room at the Bootlegger Italian Bistro October 20. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” Dee talks about his love of the saxophone along with his self-taught approach; how both saxophone giants and local musicians inspired his artistic spirit; why he believes in “protect...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with international award-winning vocalist Nicole Henry, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center October 14 at 5 and 8 p.m. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” Nicole talks about why her first opportunity to sing on a regular basis was on a drag show; why she first chose the wrong instrument to practice on; when she fell in love with jazz; how she...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Brent Barrett, performing “Brent Barrett - My 40 Years On Broadway” in Myron’s at The Smith Center October 4. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Brent talks about his first role on Broadway; meeting some of the legendary Broadway composers and lyricists; performing in award-winning musicals; transitioning away from Broadway but keeping the music...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with multi-award-winning guitar virtuoso Ricardo Cobo and Parsa Sabet, the guitar duo known as Rio Sueño, performing in the Judy Bayley Theatre at the UNLV Performing Arts Center, Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” the duo talk about why they named themselves Rio Sueño; what brought them together as musicians; what Ricardo saw...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Jana Wimer, director and co-writer of “Abandon” at the Vegas Theatre Company in the Las Vegas Arts District, with performances beginning October 5. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” Jana talks about the production, a scary journey through an asylum in 1800s Paris; why horror and theatre are her two loves; why she loves to add humor to her pro...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with John Katsilometes (KATS!), the man-about-town whose column runs daily in the Las Vegas Review-Journal. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” John talks about the most important changes in Las Vegas entertainment; his podcast series, “Mobbed Up”; his goal of eventually writing a book; getting sleep when he can; why what he does is a “participation...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with The Cowsills (Bob, Susan, and Paul), performing September 8 at The Golden Nugget Las Vegas. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” the trio talk about what keeps them in the game; how they are now introducing songs from their new album when they come to Las Vegas; why performing is an exchange of a great, happy moment with the audience; why they a...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Rodney Norman, performing September 1-2 at Wise Guys Comedy (in the Arts District of Downtown Las Vegas). In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” Rodney talks about his background in philosophy and stand-up comedy and how he combines the two on stage; the meaning behind “you’re nothing special”; why you can make happiness your reset; what he learne...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with comedian Mike Saccone, headlining in the Laugh Factory at the Tropicana Las Vegas through August 27. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” Mike talks about his obsession with restoring and collecting pinball machines; his previous life and comedy work in Las Vegas; why he went into semi-retirement after being twice-widowed; exercising the comedy...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with saxophonist and vocalist Patrick Lamb, performing at Gambit in Henderson August 19. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” Patrick talks about how he picked the saxophone; why he’s in the business of “connection”; what he shares with Chris Botti; why he loves showing up as a “hired mercenary”; what he loves about touring as a solo artist; and the...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Emmy-nominated trumpeter and singer, Benny Benack III, performing at Vick’s Las Vegas, August 10-11, at 7 and 8:30. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” Benny talks about his lineage as third in a generational line of Pittsburgh jazz notables; how he incorporates both his father and grandfather’s influences and simultaneously looks to musical gi...

This week, Ira spoke with Wayne Nelson, lead singer, bass player and band leader for The Little River Band, performing at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino August 5. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Wayne talks about the long-time connection between the band and its fans; why they never “phone in" a show; why the band works with so many charities; the fondest memory he has of p...

This week, Ira spoke with Banachek, “the world’s greatest mind reader,” who performs “Banachek’s Mind Games Live” at the Strat Hotel, Casino and Skypod. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Banachek talks about coming from a mentalism background first and a magic background second; his experiences as a kid fooling scientists; his friendship with The Amazing Randi; his meeting with U...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Chef Alicia Shevetone, Las Vegas pop-up chef, television personality, and creator of Dink Cuisine, a food and entertainment organization that curates culinary experiences across print, digital, social, and live media. She is also author of " Italian Cookbook for Two" and "Vegetarian Ketogenic Cookbook for Beginners." In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with pianist, composer, producer and two-time Grammy Nominee Greg Manning, performing at Gambit in Henderson July 15. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” Greg talks about his decision to pick jazz as his musical path; how life influences music; his musical heroes; why improvisers are composers in real time; the love and mystery of art; and how he de...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Jeffrey Bryan, bringing “The Totally 70s Show” (starring The K-Tel All-Stars) to Notoriety Live in Neonopolis, July 6 at 7:30. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Jeffrey talks about why the 70’s were a unique blend of songwriting, vocals, lyrics and production; how he came up with the name for the group; why he wanted to create a rock concert th...

This week, Ira spoke with Rabbi Sanford Akselrad, author of "Love in the Time of Corona." In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Rabbi Akselrad talks about the impact of the virus on his congregation and his decision to write a sermon each week about it (of which 100 turned into this book); why he believes his book has a message about both the time of Corona and simultaneously is time...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Michelle Danner, whose courtroom drama, “Miranda’s Victim,” will screen at the 9th Annual Nevada Women’s Film Festival in Las Vegas June 22-25. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” Michelle talks about why the story interested her; why nobody had explored this victim of a rape, whose torment continued with the Miranda Decision; what the process...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Eric P. Endy, author of "Paul S. Endy Jr. Las Vegas Casino Gaming Legend " In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” Eric talks about why he wrote the book about his father’s legacy; how his research included both internal documents and speaking with old-timers who worked with his dad; why his book also includes the history of gaming products that hi...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Alan Snel, whose popular website, LVSportsBiz.com, reports the business side of Las Vegas’ expanding sports industry. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” Alan talks about the probable move of the Oakland A’s to Las Vegas and the ramifications of building a stadium here; the financing involved (including partial public funding); the effects on t...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Giada Valenti, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center May 24 at 7 p.m. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” Giada talks about why her grandmother was her guide through life; how cooking is part of her life, along with performing; why some songs that are thought to be American or British are actually Italian; how she ended up living in Las Veg...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with three-time Grammy nominee Kevin Sucher, leader of Las Vegas' favorite yacht rock band, The Docksiders (performing every Thursday night at 7 at Notoriety Live in Neonopolis, Downtown Las Vegas). In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” Kevin talks about defining yacht rock; why he loves the genre; what establishing a residency in Las Vegas means to h...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Jack Russell, who performs with his group, Jack Russell’s Great White, this Friday, May 12 at 8 p.m. in The Golden Nugget Las Vegas. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” Jack talks about his early years in rock; how the band found its niche; what has happened to rock; what drives him to perform; the importance of loyalty and his long-time fans;...

This week, Ira spoke with architect Windom Kimsey, who has opened Azzurra Cucina Italiana on Henderson’s reimagined Water Street. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas,” Windom talks about his background as an architect; moving to Las Vegas and working on major projects here; his discovery of historic Water Street in Henderson; developing a multi-use facility there and opening the Public Works...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Scott Roeben, founder of the “Vital Vegas” blog. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” Scott talks about his start in Las Vegas blogging; how he gets his scoops (many of which make the national media); his nontraditional approach to writing about Las Vegas news; how he cultivates sources; his biggest scoops; and the importance of having fun.