Talk About Las Vegas With Ira

This week on Talk About Las Vegas with Ira, sports fans are in for a treat as Ira sits down with 8NewsNow sports anchor and reporter Ron Futrell. In this episode, Ron takes us on a journey back to April 1984, when he first arrived in Las Vegas and was thrown headfirst into a whirlwind sports scene from day one. From breaking down the Raiders’ current quarterback situation and the impact of salary caps in the NFL to discussing Tom Brady’s influence on the team and the game-changing arrival of Allegiant Stadium, Ron delivers insight like only a seasoned sports journalist can. The conversation also dives into the A’s big move to Vegas in 2028, the possibility of another Super Bowl in 2029, and even the city’s wait for a national college football championship and an NBA team. But that’s not all—Ron explores how legalized sports betting across the country has re-shaped Las Vegas, the emotional power of sports, the legacy of the Speedway, the rise of sports tourism, and what the future holds for the city that’s bec

This week, Ira sits down with multi-award-winning, platinum-selling artist Matt Dusk, who’s bringing “Matt Dusk Sings Tony Bennett: The Best is Yet to Come” to Myron’s at The Smith Center on February 21-22. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas With Ira, Matt shares his unforgettable encounters with Tony Bennett—what he learned from him as both an artist and a person. He reveals why Bennett’s technical brilliance made him a legend, how he “lived within the age of his voice,” and even what Tony’s favorite song was. Matt also opens up about how these timeless songs shaped his own storytelling, why Tony remains a genre unto himself, and how he weaves personal anecdotes into his performances. Plus, he shares one surprising thing he never got to ask Tony. (Photo by Victor Rusu) (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with Micky Dolenz, performing a special Valentine’s Day performance at The Strat, February 14 at 8 p.m. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Micky talks about who influenced him in the world of music before The Monkees (including one surprising choice); moving to England to become a film and TV director; the 1986 reunion that made him aware of the cultural impact of the group; the first time singing live on stage at a press junket for “Circus Boy”); why he doesn’t have a favorite episode of The Monkees’ television show; performing in Broadway shows; how John Lennon said The Monkees are like The Marx Brothers; being larger than life characters for The Monkees TV show; why Peter Tork was the one in the band who had to play a fairly different character from his real life; how his current show structure is a story going into a song; what he discovered about singing non-Monkees’ songs (there’s always a connection); why he performs all The Monkees’ hits in live shows; and his alb

This week, Ira spoke with drummer, vocalist, songwriter, and educator Dave Tull, performing at Vic’s Las Vegas (along with John Belzaguy and Dave Loeb) February 7-8. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Dave talks about starting drum lessons at 10; growing up with music in the house in Berkeley; taking jazz band classes early on; worked with Maynard Ferguson right after college; the change in the recording scene with his generation; the genesis of “The Texting Song”; being known for having songs with humor in them; why he also loves to teach; why he began signing after 15 years of drumming; how singing and drumming are all coming from the same place; how singing and drumming at the same time are like having a fifth limb; “time feel”; working with Jack Sheldon for more than 20 years; drawing a little bit out of every experience you have; leading his own band since 2007; working with Barbra Streisand (2016-19) and her level of performance; and the song he always performs at every venue. (Also Wa

This week, Ira spoke with Valerie Wright, who performs in the standby role of Kimberly in “Kimberly Akimbo” at The Smith Center, February 4-9. (Her featured performance is February 9 at 1 p.m.) In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Valerie talks about growing up in Las Vegas; why she decided to go to Broadway; teaching aerobics and wait-ing tables; staying in the game; waiting 40 years to perform in Las Vegas; raising kids while performing on Broadway; having a tight-knit family; “taking the jobs as they come”; how she sees her role in the musical; researching the role; combining youth and aged in one character; and the thrill of feeling your audience filled with tears or laughter. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with KC Christon, award-winning writer and director of “Dog City.” In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” KC talks about writing books for children; how he segued to filmmaking; why he began acting; finding funding for his picture; how no independent production company is doing a film on gambling; growing up around that element; winning nine awards; how the film got its title; why his film may be the first Las Vegas film on gambling from a black perspective; why he thought there should be an indie crime drama series set in Las Vegas starring local actors; how the film explores the complex relationships between power, greed, and morality in a city built on illusions; wearing many hats during the production; how his character runs a professional organization; why the film is a “show burn”; his success in Europe; and making the film “extremely relatable.” (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with John L. Smith, co-author of "My Life in Nevada Politics, The Memoirs of Senator Richard H. Bryan." this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” John talks about getting involved in this book project about a major Nevada figure;; what he learned from working with Senator Bryan (“a master class in retail politics”); why it was a real team effort between memory and research; Senator Bryan’s amazing memory for people and stories; hearing the senator’s voice in the book; how Las Vegas and Nevada changed over the decades; themes that run through the book; why he decided now to write the memoir (a sense of legacy?); the fight against Yucca Mountain; his great sense of hu-mor; how the senator could carry every county in Nevada, despite the political divide; his approach as friend and neighbor; bringing ethics to the forefront; the contributions of Bon-nie Bryan with her “own kind of magic”; and why small crowds were important. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with David G. Schwartz, author of "Something For Your Money, A History of Las Vegas Casinos." In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” David talks about how his background writing about Las Vegas, casinos, and gambling brought him to this current book; how the title ("Something For Your Money…") came to be; the most surprising thing he discovered; how one consistent theme was that marketing, promotion and PR grew the town; how innovation and not being sentimental about things also expanded Las Vegas; why gambling kickstarted the development of Las Ve-gas as a tourist area; what casino affected him emotionally when writing about it; and which casino was the first to be globally identifiable. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with Murray The Magician, performing in his new show, “Hairlarious Deceptions,” at The Strat’s L.A. Comedy Club beginning January 4. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Murray talks about how he survives and prospers in the competitive Las Vegas entertainment market; why he became “that guy”; how he came to Vegas in 2002 to work at the Frontier Hotel; how being “real” and not being serious are the elements he uses to distinguish himself; his prank videos on YouTube; the importance of loyalty; and why his future plans include being consistently on TV. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with David Garfield, performing (with the David Garfield Quintet) at Maxan Jazz December 13-14. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” talks about starting early with music (with a Steinway grand piano in the house); how he got bitten by the rock and roll bug; why a trumpet solo in “Spinning Wheel” converted him to jazz; how jazz endures (improvisation makes it timeless); what keeps him laughing and smiling with his music; working with Smokey Robinson; how he looks at jazz today as opposed to 30 years ago; the difference in vibes between jazz and rock musicians; celebrating 50 years of playing music; his six “Outside The Box” CDs; and his future projects. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with Andrew Kiraly, founder and publisher of TheList.Vegas. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Andrew talks about his long career in journalism in Las Vegas; the importance of arts and culture entertainment; providing events information in a timely matter; deciding to become an independent publisher; why it’s fun and scary at the same time; the blessings of online publishing (“you can always fix it”); how TheList.com started out as solely a website, then changed to an all newsletter format; how he sees the new format as being invited into his readers’ living rooms; “the cheese” part of the newsletter; why the grind is also a joy; and why culture off the Strip is underrated. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

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 impact of the second F1 event in Las Vegas, the good parts and the bad parts; how a private promoter received access to 3.8 miles of a public road, otherwise known as the Las Vegas Strip; lawsuits by four businesses affected by the event; the role of Clark County in approving the request for the event; why location became an issue; trying to get an accurate accounting of the net benefit to Las Vegas; access issues; and why 2024 would have been a better year to start the annual event, in-stead of 2023. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with ArcoStrum (Strauss Shi - violin, erhu, dizi; TY Zhang - classical guitar, electric guitar) performing November 15 in the Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall at the UNLV Performing Arts Center. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” TY and Strauss talk about how they met and became friends before becoming a mu-sical duo; how they came from soloist backgrounds; why they decided on no limits to their musical choices and elements; how it all starts with excitement; combining fun with perfor-mance; calling it a show but with a professional level; why everything artistic has a goal (be entertaining); how Strauss got his name; their first concert in China as a duo; how they developed the name ArcoStrum; why their approach (core genre) is “modern traditional”; de-veloping the “ArcoStrum Experience”; and how artist competitions encouraged them to think out of the box. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with comedian Vinnie Favorito, headlining at Notoriety Live, November 8-9 at 9 p.m. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Vinnie talks about his new show at Notoriety Live; his long career in Las Vegas; moving back to Boston; why he’s an “intimate-type crowd comic”; how he is politically incorrect, but with like-ability; his 24-hour energy; how his memory is an integral part of his act; why Jerry Lewis always made him laugh; and why people love to see people “ragged on.” (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

Photo by Jerry Metellus This week, Ira spoke with singer, writer and producer Maren Wade, starring in “Confessions of a Showgirl” in Myron’s at The Smith Center November 6. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Maren talks about using the term “Showgirl” in the “modern” sense (for example, she doesn’t meet the height requirements!); how she started her “Confessions” column in the Las Vegas Weekly; why it took her longer than she thought to write the show; why she has had some fun experiences she wanted to share, as well as emotional ones; collaborating with Keith Thompson, award-winning musical director, arranger, composer and producer; why her show is autobiographical; her personal confessions; taking it on the road; her inspiration for the show, which is that you can create a role for yourself; connecting to your “inner showgirl”; what brought her to Las Vegas; why Vegas is a town like no other; and why it’s a “very tailored show” for the city. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with Vegas-born guitarist Frank Sidoris, owner of Las Vegas’ iconic dive bar, Hard Hat Lounge, which hosts its free 3rd annual block party November 1. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Frank talks about the definition of a dive bar (“comes with a bit more grit”); growing up in Las Vegas in a show business family (his mom was part of “Crazy Girls”); changing out his skateboard for a guitar; how he ended up owning the bar; the Slash surprise performance there; maintaining the tradition of the Hard Hat Lounge; how “Elvis” played a part in his decision to go on tour; what people will experience at the block party (including live music); the “local love” vibe; and his future plans for businesses in Las Vegas. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with Michael Ross Nugent, performing at Maxan Jazz October 19. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Michael talks about his love of big band music as a teenager; when he was 16, he heard Michael Bublé for the first time; why he was an anomaly within his own generation; how he sees himself as an “old soul”; why he loves to sing in retirement communities; his decision to move to Las Vegas; his adventures driving 36 hours from Buffalo to Las Vegas with his sound equipment and suits; why he had only one gig on the books but did it for free; how his band teaches him things; how he would get a chance to introduce his music to his contemporaries at wed-dings; when he performs today, he wants to be nostalgic for the older crowd so they can reminisce, and introduce the music to the younger crowd; why he doesn’t like to stay with a set list; the importance of discipline; and his strategy for performing in the future. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling, headlining in the A Stars Comedy Show at the Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel, October 10-12. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Jackie talks about why there’s nothing better than an “elevator gig”; his long history with Las Vegas; his success with Cameo; what makes him laugh; his famous dirty joke line; why he’s all about the laugh, not being mean; how he had no intention of being a comedian; why he stumbled into comedy; his two different skill sets (telling jokes and writing jokes on the fly for Howard Stern); why he answers all of his emails; and, of course, his famous laugh. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with Rudy Sarzo and Alex Grossi from Quiet Riot, performing Oc-tober 5 in the M Pavilion at The M Resort. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Rudy and Alex talk about the genesis of heavy metal; the beginning of Quiet Riot; why the band is focused on the “now” and the near future; the new documentary (and certain video games) that has helped remind people of the band’s history; the “con-sciousness” of the band; proving themselves in every single show; respecting the stage; why the band gets along; how “meet-and-greets” are important to connect with the audience; why they represent the legacy of the band 24/7; capturing the sound from the Randy Rhoads era to the “Metal Health” era; and why the fans enjoy the genre, not just the band. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with LA-based jazz pianist, vocalist, educator, composer and recording artist John Proulx, who performs at Vic's Las Vegas September 27-28. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” John talks about learning to play by ear; why he loved jazz from an early age, but also folk music; how his early piano lessons were more boogie-woogie; how he liked to improvise; his definition of jazz; why growing up around music does influence you; how his daughter “hipped” him to Brazilian music; why he obtained his academic credentials in music and why he felt it was important to achieve it; his association with PianowithJonny.com, a subscription-based piano teaching site; how writing with Melisa Manchester was a career highlight for him; how jazz vocalist are more conversational (the story, the tone is different as well); the jazz influences of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett; how Nat “King” Cole was one of his first musical idols; the importance of quality in jazz; and his favorite jazz song. (