Talk About Las Vegas With Ira

This week, Ira spoke with John Katsilometes (KATS!), the man-about-town whose column runs daily in the Las Vegas Review-Journal. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” 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 sport”; and some of his favorite performers.

This week, Ira spoke with The Cowsills (Bob, Susan, and Paul), performing September 8 at The Golden Nugget Las Vegas. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” 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 are unapologetically boomers; and why their live show is a lot more than their recorded hits.

This week, Ira spoke with Rodney Norman, performing September 1-2 at Wise Guys Comedy (in the Arts District of Downtown Las Vegas). In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” 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 learned from Jonathan Winters, Robin Williams, and Bob Newhart; and the importance of embracing all of the ups and downs of your life.

This week, Ira spoke with comedian Mike Saccone, headlining in the Laugh Factory at the Tropicana Las Vegas through August 27. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” 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 muscle; and his future plans for writing a film.

This week, Ira spoke with saxophonist and vocalist Patrick Lamb, performing at Gambit in Henderson August 19. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” 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 challenge of a set list.

This week, Ira 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 “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” 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 giants to add to his approach to music; why showmanship is an important part of his presentation; why he has so much energy on stage; why he concerns himself with quality; his responsibility to the Great American Songbook; and why jazz will always be around.

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 performing with the group over 43 years; why Little River Band has introduced new music as well as play their favorite hits; and what surprising job he has added to his work with the group.

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 Uri Geller (and how he fooled him); his ethical approach to his act; why he enjoys working with kids on stage; why he performs “jazz” mentalism; why mentalism as entertainment is so different from magic; and his most dramatic effect.

This week, Ira 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 “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Alicia talks about her transition from high-tech Silicon Valley to food in Las Vegas; how Dink Cuisine works; her decision to write recipes for DINK (dual income, no kids) based on “eating for the moment”; where she developed a taste for cooking; how she puts together her line of spirit-infused seasonings that are available nationwide; and what her new cookbook, "Food with Spirit," will deliver.

This week, Ira spoke with pianist, composer, producer and two-time Grammy Nominee Greg Manning, performing at Gambit in Henderson July 15. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” 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 defines “smooth jazz.”

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.