Talk About Las Vegas With Ira

This week, Ira 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 that was an immersive experience; and why everyone in the band has to be a lead singer.

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 timeless and universal; the contribution of technology to both spread the message and comfort people; the lessons he learned while writing each week and why the book spoke to him as well as to other people; and why it’s important to choose life, choose love.

This week, Ira 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 “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” 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 was for making the film; her philosophy of “art with a heart”; and her securing the cooperation of “Miranda’s Victim” in the making of the film.

This week, Ira spoke with Eric P. Endy, author of "Paul S. Endy Jr. Las Vegas Casino Gaming Legend " In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” 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 his father produced, including dice and casino chips; how his father standardized the colors of chips; and why casino chip collectors are an important part of the gaming economy.

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 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 tourism; and the competition of the ballpark with other venues (nonsports) on the Las Vegas Strip.

This week, Ira spoke with Giada Valenti, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center May 24 at 7 p.m. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” 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 Vegas, but performing around the world; why she sees herself as a storyteller; and the surprising country artist she idolizes.

This week, Ira 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 “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Kevin talks about defining yacht rock; why he loves the genre; what establishing a residency in Las Vegas means to him; why he only wanted top-notch musicians for his band; and his favorite song (hint: Kenny Loggins).

This week, Ira 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 “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” 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; and using humor to survive.

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 Coffee Bar; his decision to open an Italian restaurant with some unique features and cuisine; and his favorite dish.

This week, Ira spoke with Scott Roeben, founder of the “Vital Vegas” blog. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” 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.

Photo by Maurice Jerry Beznos This week, Ira spoke with GRAMMY® -Award winning pianist Emanuel Ax, performing in the Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall at the UNLV Performing Arts Center April 20 at 7:30 p.m. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas,” Emanuel talks about when he decided to live the classical life; how to make classical music more accessible to people; why there is a misperception about classical music; why he’s a sports nut; how the listener is just as much a part of the performance as he is; the musical “battle” between the orchestra and the piano; and who he considers the greatest pianist of the 19th century.

This week, Ira spoke with jazz trumpeter, vocalist, and composer Jumaane Smith (performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center April 15) as he celebrates the origins of jump blues and jazz in LOUIS! LOUIS! LOUIS! In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Jumaane talks about why music was a source of inspiration to him after the trials and tribulations of his early years; his four years at Julliard; working with Michael Bublé for the last eighteen years; why live music is a shared moment with the audience and why he considers himself a vessel for the music; his fascination with the Great American Songbook; his albums as timestamps; why he chose to highlight Louis Armstrong, Louis Pri-ma, and Louis Jordan; and what he learned from Michael Phelps.

This week, Ira spoke with John O’Hurley, performing a 90-minute retrospective on songs from The Great American Songbook (along with musings from his eclectic life and ca-reer) at the Italian American Club April 13. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, John talks about growing up surrounded by the melodies of the Great American Songbook; how he knew he was an actor at age three; the most impactful song of his life; the night he met Frank Sinatra and what he learned from him about stage presence; why his one-man show has many laughs, but only one tear; how he has lived his career listening to his imagination; why he’s earned the right to be silent; and why he wants his audience to consider their time with him as well spent.

This week, Ira spoke with Keith Thompson, Founder/Host of The Composers Showcase, which is celebrating its 17th anniversary on April 5 in Myron’s at The Smith Center. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas,” Keith talks about the beginnings of the showcase; how it grew over the years; his process for auditioning talent; why the showcase has become an important part of his life; and how he balances it with his own career.

This week, Ira spoke with Las Vegas based comedian Lindsay Glazer. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Lindsay talks about why she became an attorney and then decided to become a comedian; why she thinks she’s the only comic who didn’t move to Los Angeles for comedy; the recording of her new album, "Thanks, Dad."(which comes out April 14); her decision to make Las Vegas a permanent home; and how she got her 10,000 hours of performing done without staying at a comedy condo!

This week, Ira spoke with Colin Cloud, known as a “Real Life Sherlock Holmes,” starring with Shim Lim in “LIMITLESS” at The Mirage (Mondays and Thursdays through Sundays at 7:30PM). In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Colin talks about why he developed an interest in Sherlock Holmes at an early age; how he realized that stand-up comedians are the real Sherlock Holmes; why he creates the illusion that he can read someone’s mind; his first mentors, who were comedians more than magicians; why his show is fast and high energy; his need to be challenged; and why he won’t enter the World Series of Poker!

This week, Ira spoke with Storm Large, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center March 10-11 at 7 p.m. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Storm talks about developing a sense of humor at an early age to cope with her environment; how she came to write her memoirs at a relatively young age; why performing gave her value (and was a form of self-defense); what is the king of all candy bars (and the first song she ever wrote); why she was told she would be a huge success “just as soon as you aren’t you”; her choice to be homeless a lot as a kid; what she likes about the great American songbook and what she doesn’t like about it; what she likes about Las Vegas audiences; why she doesn’t believe you have to suffer for your art; and who inspired her to perform by telling her she had value.

This week, Ira spoke with Rob McCoy, chief executive officer of the Atomic Museum in Las Vegas. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Rob talks about joining the museum (open since 2005) and beginning to repurpose, rebrand and reimagine it; creating the right mix of exhibits, artifacts, and programming; the history and importance of the Nevada Test Site (928 nuclear tests) and its role in the Cold War; why his mission is to expand the museum to include the atomic age and pop culture; the new exhibit, “Spy”; and the most significant exhibit since the opening of the museum.

This week, Ira spoke with award-winning illusionist Rick Thomas, who will be performing at the South Point Casino February 24-26. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Rick talks about his long career in magic; how he maintains his passion for performing; why he always aimed to perform in Las Vegas; how he sees the beginning of the show as the most nerve-wracking; why his show has a theme; why he has a fondness for the grand illusion; and his favorite Las Vegas story (hint: he married her!).

This week, Ira spoke with crooner Matt Dusk, performing “Matt Dusk Sings Sinatra” in Myron’s Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center, February 18 (at 6 and 8:30 p.m.). In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Matt talks about his earliest memories of hearing Sinatra; why Sinatra still matters; why the audience is what makes the show great; the challenges of touring; why COVID taught him plans are just a guide; and the best advice he ever re-ceived (and it came from Paul Anka!).