Talk About Las Vegas With Ira

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. (

This week, Ira spoke with Paul Rodriguez, headlining in the A Stars Comedy Show at the Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel, September 16. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Paul talks about his beginnings in show business; growing in comedy; who was responsible for pointing him to performing as a professional comedian; what makes you laugh; the “rantings of an old guy”; his friendship with Cesar Chavez; the first time he performed in Las Vegas; the influence of Freddie Prinze; getting into the Air Force; his new movie, "Holy Cash"; what he loved to do for his parents; and his son, Paul Martin Rodriguez Jr. also known by his nickname P-Rod, an American professional street skateboarder and actor. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with Peter Laufer, author (along with Sheila Swan) of "Neon Nevada," who will be having a book signing for the updated and expanded edition of his book at the Neon Museum, September 7. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Peter talks about how he and his wife first met above a neon sign; what started the couple on their journey of writing a book on the subject; the merging of neon as high and low art; the magic of the light with its flicker, glow, colors and messages; why neon is ideal for drawing attention; why it was in jeopardy; why the new and expanded edition not only shows the historical neon, but also what’s out there now; the joy of walking through the Neon Museum; challenges for existing historical signs; gases and images in motion; the tube benders (craftsman and artists); its commercial value; “Neon means Nevada”; his favorite piece in the Neon Museum; and the future of neon. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with professional gambler, author and publisher Anthony Curtis, CEO of Huntington Press and the Las Vegas Advisor, a Las Vegas consumer newsletter. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Anthony talks about leaving UCLA to move to Las Vegas and pursuing opportunities; beginning his career in Las Vegas and get-ting into the business originally as a player and then publisher; trying to stay on top of the gaming wave; technology as a double-edged sword; deciding on a subscription-based Las Vegas Advisor; working with a small but great staff; his favorite compliments; why he is not beholden to the casinos; his induction into the Blackjack Hall of Fame; dealing with a new generation of marketing executives; the return of the shrimp cocktail (?); the greatest high-end casino on the Strip; and the future of Las Vegas.(Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with Mike Dawes, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center, August 17. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Mike talks about when he knew the guitar would become his life; why he loves the free-styling method; how his guitar playing brings his music into a more “contemporary realm”; how he worked on projects in Las Vegas; why he uses humor in the show and makes his performance an immersive show; the British guitar invasion; the social connection with music; how we have lost our attention span; his new album Galactic Acid; the importance of “Cloud Catcher,” his lead tune; his love of vinyl; why he records his albums in a castle; why producer Josh Clark is his “third hand”; why he loves performing live shows; how he “mics” his acoustic guitar; and his “rock show” using one guitar. (Photo by Sham Hinchey) (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with Steve Gadd, who (along with The Grammy®-winning Steve Gadd Band) will be performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center August 10. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Steve talks about not remembering when he never played drums; his move to Las Vegas; how he got into studio work; what works in the studio vs. live performing; his experience working with Frank Sinatra; why his ears go to the drums when listening to music; how his creativity was increased during COVID; writing Gaddiments, a book about the rudiments of drumming; always learning; how the industry keeps evolving; the joy of performing with his son; and doing more live playing than recording. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with San Francisco based saxophonist, composer, recording artist, and educator Jason Hainsworth, performing with his quintet at Vic’s Las Vegas (August 2-3 at 7 and 8:30.) In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Jason talks about the “efficient” reason why he started playing the saxophone; how he became a band “nerd”; how he started to listen to more jazz music; learning “tricks of the trade”; the influence of legendary jazz educator Ellis Marsalis and saxophonist Victor Goines; the camaraderie of jazz musicians; balancing between performing and musical education; his role as a teacher; working hard but still having fun; how performing jazz is “crafted chaos”; and why the “Great American Songbook” is part of the DNA of jazz. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with Chef Alicia Shevetone (founder), and Librarian Dr. Nichole Beer (curator), who launch America's first cookbook lending library in Las Vegas August 2. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” the dynamic duo talk about their new project, which will be based inside Palate Las Vegas, in downtown Las Vegas; how the books are curated (collection will be separated by geography); how they developed a circulation system; why they want to take this idea on the road; defining patron usage; how the lending library was certified by the American Library Association; why libraries and library collections are living organisms, which need to be tended to (weeding and planting to keep them alive); how this is a free resource for the community with a leap of faith; and why even though this is for the Las Vegas community, they want visitors to take back the idea to their hometowns. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with Michael Sartain, a local celebrity and Vegas lifestyle pro, with years of expertise in the hospitality and entertainment industry. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Michael talks about how he first became enamored with Las Vegas while in the US Air Force and came here for the NBA All-Star game; having more fun with less effort; the benefits of being a local; working as a nightlife host and knowing where the best spots are; the long history of bikini competitions in Vegas; the best time to go to a nightclub; his “Vegas immersion” coaching course; why Vegas is the extreme nightlife scene; how he stays organized; the Michael Sartain podcast, which focuses on evolutionary psychology; why Vegas is the apex of evolutionary psychology; and how he balances the two worlds of Vegas nightlife and mentoring. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with Abingdon Mullin, founder and CEO of the Abingdon Company, based in Las Vegas and the city’s only independent watch brand. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Abingdon talks about why she started the company - getting her pilot’s license and not being about to find a female pilot’s watch; getting together with other women to design such a watch; how she ended up in Las Vegas; why manufacturing and assembly is based in Las Vegas; her philosophy of starting with function; why decent water resistance, high quality materials and durability are the top three things her female customers look for in watches; why she wears two watches; her strategy of slow and steady growth; the creation of the Abingdon Foundation; and analog vs digital. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with mentalist Colin Cloud, headlining the world premiere of “Colin Cloud: Mastermind” in Harrah’s Cabaret at Harrah’s Las Vegas (starting July 2). In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Colin, known as the “closest thing to a real-life Sherlock Holmes,” talks about his decision to headline his own show rather than continue performing with magician Shin Lim (as he had at the Mirage); his background performing solo shows that prepared him for this new show on the Las Vegas Strip; why location is key; being part of a magic show instead of just watching a magic show; why he didn’t enjoy magic as a kid; how his job as a performer is to make the audience members he works with into co-stars; his background as a criminal profiler; why mentalism, like come-dy, is just you and the audience; performing at the Magic Castle at age 21; why the show starts the minute you buy your ticket; the element of fun and play; performing in the mo-ment; and what he says to himself after each performa

This week, Ira spoke with comedian ventriloquist Mark Merchant, headlining in the A Stars Comedy Show at the Ahern Hotel June 27-29. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Mark talks about how he got the moniker of “the comedy of two voices in one”; how he developed an interest in ventriloquism as a kid in Atlanta, Georgia; getting a Danny O’Day dummy and record from his parents; the funny story about meeting his wife in 1986; getting married on stage at a convention where he was performing; memories of the godfather of ventriloquism, Jimmy Nelson; his “characters,” Baby Big Ears and Zelda Rose; his prized Johnny Carson possession; and the fulfilling of one of his two dreams. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)