Talk About Las Vegas With Ira

This week, Ira spoke with Andrew Kiraly, founder and publisher of TheList.Vegas, a new Las Vegas events calendar created by locals and curated for locals. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Andrew talks about why he wanted to create a website devoted to events in Las Vegas, especially in a post-COVID world; how he curates the information; why the key to the calendar is simplicity; the unique 24-hour nature of the town and the potential vibrant cultural life it offers; and future plans for the website.

This week, Ira spoke with The Cowsills (Bob, Susan, and Paul), performing January 27 at The Golden Nugget Las Vegas. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, the trio talk about the origins of the Cowsills name; why they recorded a new album, Rhythm Of the World, after waiting 30 years; why the group had such an impact in the 60’s; connecting with fans of multiple generations; and where they see themselves in pop music history.

This week, Ira spoke with Alain Nu, “The Man Who Knows” (Thursdays - Saturdays at the Notoriety Theater). In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Alain talks about the area of the unexplained; the importance of hope; taking the preconceived notions of magic and turning it upside down; why connection is his message; and why his show is a new take on the classic mentalist act.

This week, Ira spoke with comedian Greg Hahn, headlining in the Laugh Factory at the Tropicana Las Vegas through January 15. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Greg talks about how the Marine Corps helped his comedy career; why he modeled his comedy ca-reer on a famous drummer; why he thinks getting older only makes you funnier; how he wins over an audience; and why “funny” is the prime directive.

This week, Ira spoke with Alex White, founder of Yukon Pizza. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Alex talks about the sourdough starter that has been in his family for five generations; how he took some of it to college when he left home; how it lead him down the pizza path; why he chose to make pizza making his life choice; why sourdough is good for the gut; how “feeding” the starter made him shorten his date nights (and yet he still got married!).

This week, Ira spoke with Richard N. “Rick” Velotta, gaming-tourism reporter and assistant business editor for the Las Vegas Review-Journal. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Rick talks about why this is the best news town in the country; the impact of the Hard Rock coming to the Las Vegas Strip; the biggest change in Las Vegas; the develop-ment of an underground transit system; the impact of COVID; the most significant tech-nological advance to benefit the casino industry; and the top Las Vegas news story for 2022.

This week, Ira spoke with Leo Flowers, performing in the Comedy Cellar at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino through December 18. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Leo talks about transitioning from inmate counseling to stand-up comedy; why story telling is integral to his comedy; how he became a life coach and works with high-achieving women; what it means to “get back to neutral”; his podcast and finding “your chicken”; his favorite comedian; and flying to close to the sun.

This week, Ira spoke with country artist Ned LeDoux, who will be performing a free concert in the Veil Pavilion at the Silverton December 1&2 at 9 p.m. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Ned talks about being “bitten by the beat” as a kid; how he started playing drums at the age of six; why his dad, singer-songwriter and rodeo champion Chris LeDoux, had a big impact on his musical decisions; when he sang for the first time in public; his association with singer/songwriter/guitarist Mac McAnally; why Charlie Daniels was a big influence on him; when he decided to write songs; how he comes up with ideas for songs; and what he sees doing in the next five years.

This week, Ira spoke with comedian (and motivational speaker) Guy Fessenden, performing in the Delirious Comedy Club at the Downtown Grand. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Guy talks about the challenges of becoming a comedian at age 63; why he decided go go into comedy after years of pain and tears; how he runs a not-for-profit agency during the day and performs at night; the obligations of an “opener” in a comedy club; why, once you do stand up, you “don’t have to fear anything in life”; how he uses humor in his public speaking; why mental illness is an important subject for his public speaking as well as part of his family life.

This week, Ira spoke with Jim Caruso, bringing “Jim Caruso’s Cast Party” (with Billy Stritch on piano) to Myron’s at The Smith Center November 18 at 7 p.m. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Jim talks about his Cast Party that features an impromptu open mic/variety show where stars and up-and-comers deliver music and dazzle dazzle; his career in show business; how he came up with the idea of a cast party; why he loves traveling the world, celebrating talent; how the show is successful due to the high-end venues, Billy Stritch and the musicians, and great lighting and sound; why he’s not a snarky host; why it’s a very democratic show; and the party’s most unusual acts.

This week, Ira spoke with Chad Chesmark, performing in “House of Magic,” a family- friendly comedy and magic show residency at The Downtown Grand. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Chad talks about his early start in magic; his decision to commit full time to performing; his training in Neuro-linguistic programming; how a significant book changed his life; how he wrote his own book on a cruise ship during “down” time; why he moved to Las Vegas (hint: Laura is introduced during the show).  

This week, Ira spoke with comedian Tammy Pescatelli, who is headlining in the Laugh Factory at the Tropicana Las Vegas November 3-6. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Tammy talks about how she found her career by accident; how she started as a road comic 28 years ago, and by age 27, had performed in all 50 states; her time as a young comic on the road, experiencing chaos and trying to stay safe; why there’s no maternity leave in comedy; creating “The Cop and the Comedian,” a true friendship crime podcast; expanding her “brand”; and writing a book.

This week, Ira spoke with comedian Butch Bradley, performing Thursdays through Mondays at 10 p.m. at the L.A. Comedy Club inside The Strat Hotel and Casino. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Butch talks about starting out in improv; why his family is funnier than he is; how working internationally has taught him valuable lessons; his long association with Las Vegas, beginning with the Comedy Stop at the Tropicana; the growth of the L.A. Comedy Club and the opportunities he has received from performing there, including a special; and why he thinks comedy is a way to bring people together.

This week, Ira spoke with Spencer Crandall, performing in Stoney's Rockin' Country (at Town Square) Las Vegas October 21 (along with Avery Anna). In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Spencer talks about finding his artistic self -“ always want to sit down with an acoustic guitar and tell a country story”; why he loves experimenting and production from all kinds of genres; why he always fights for the steel guitar in his recording sessions; how, going from album to album, he “transcends and includes”; why he dares to fail; The Grand Ole Opry; and how the Internet changed his life.

This week, Ira spoke with Dan Roberts, publisher and editor of The Vegas Voice, the largest “Age 50+” monthly publication in Nevada. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Dan talks about his move to Las Vegas and his entry into publishing that filled a void in the market; why “senior” is a state of mind; how a cruise turned into a crusade for guardianship reform; why “Death With Dignity/Final Wishes options in Nevada” is important; and the appeal of Las Vegas to seniors.

This week, Ira spoke with veteran journalist Ron Futrell, 8NewsNow sports anchor/reporter. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Ron talks about how the city became a major sports destination; the importance of a Supreme Court decision; the hard news side of sports and a shout out to slain investigative reporter Jeff German; if the Las Vegas Raiders can turn it around; the significance of thee upcoming Formula One Race (the biggest event in Las Vegas); and whether we will get a NBA and/or MLB team here.

This week, Ira spoke with Gloria Day, Las Vegas’ first performing magician, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday and was given the key to the Strip in a special ceremony. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Gloria talks about her father, The Great Leo, who taught her the secrets of magic; becoming a pro at age five; her favorite illusion; how she pursued a Hollywood career and got her first role; her performances in Las Vegas; the headliner entertaining across the street from her at the Last Frontier when she first performed in Las Vegas; and what she sees as the future of magic.

This week, Ira spoke with singer-songwriter and guitarist Jonathan Butler, performing in the Chrome Showroom at Santa Fe Station September 25 at 8 p.m. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Jonathan talks about growing up poor while getting his sense of humor from his family; leaving South Africa to pursue his international musical career; coming to London with a less-than-solid contract; why he focused as a song writer in London; how his second album hit it big in the United States; when he performs on stage, he wants to take people on a journey; how he learned to play music by “stealing” with his eyes and ears; lessons he learned from fame; and why he wants to be accepted as a world music artist.

This week, Ira spoke with Emmy award-winning comedian Craig Shoemaker, headlining in the Laugh Factory at the Tropicana Las Vegas September 15-18. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Craig talks about his difficult childhood and how he worked on his creative self to deal with it; getting arrested at age 13; why he learned to be resilient; how he developed the Lovemaster; why young comedians call him “OG”; teaches “guided laughitation”; when the pandemic caused him to become an even funnier comedian; performing in Harrison Ford’s backyard; and why laughter is essential for society.

This week, Ira spoke with Douglas “Lefty” Leferovich, producer and host of “Late Night Magic,” an adults only magic show, at the Alexis Park All-Suite Resort (Fridays and Saturdays at 11 p.m.). “Late Night Magic” is a magical variety show that features sideshow stunts, mentalism, visual and optical illusions, dirty jokes, and amazing manipulation. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Douglas talks about magic coming to him at an early age; why he’s learned more from defeat than success; how his first foray into Las Vegas was a “Zoomanitizing” experience; how “Late Night Magic” evolved as a show for locals into a show for both visitors and locals; how it succeeded during COVID; and the future of magic in Las Vegas.