Talk About Las Vegas With Ira

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Dray_Gardner_041122.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Dray Gardner (whose back pain led him to Yoga), who teaches “Yoga & Wellness with Dray” at Area 15 (an immersive playground experience in Las Vegas) on select Saturdays. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Dray talks about his life-threatening automobile accident and his desire to avoid back surgery; his discovery of hot yoga; his journey through many types of yoga; why he calls himself the “peaceful pugilist”; how yoga needs to have its “operating system” updated; the importance of persistence and patience; why he teaches from experience, not books; how he is able to relate to all kinds of people; the meaning of 365 “Drayisms.”; and the importance of breath.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Mariana_Alvarado_040422.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Chef Mariana Alvarado, founder of Masazul in Las Vegas (which features artisanal heirloom corn tortillas), who is In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Chef Mariana talks about growing up in Mexico and learning the traditional art of making tortillas; moving to Las Vegas to work in the gaming industry and honing her culinary skills; why the pandemic pushed her to strike out on her own; the niche she created in Las Vegas for her organic corn tortillas; why she likes to source food from local suppliers; and how she got involved with the Food Network and its “Big Restaurant Bet.”

Photo by Edward Foster [audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Pete_Barbutti_031422.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with comedy legend Pete Barbutti. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Pete talks about how he started in music and added comedy to his act; Shecky Greene’s influence on his thinking; why he decided to move to Las Vegas; his first experience on a Las Vegas stage; life on the road; and his relationship with Johnny Carson (and the impact of his Tonight Show appearances) and Steve Allen.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Brian_Forsythe_030722.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Brian "Damage" Forsythe from KIX (who’s performing in The Club at The Cannery Casino March 12). In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Brian talks about getting the rock & roll bug after watching the Beatles perform on the Ed Sullivan show; looking to Keith Richards for style influence; struggling as KIX in the early years with record labels and management; how the group came up with its name; leaving KIX in the 90’s because of a change in the music scene; reuniting with Steve Whiteman ten years later; the challenges of touring and getting clean and sober in 1998; and the release of Midnite Dynamite Re-Lit.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with comedian Jocelyn Chia, performing in the Comedy Cellar at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino through March 6. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Jocelyn talks about her journey from lawyer to comedian; her parents’ reactions to her decision; growing up in Singapore and realizing she was funny as a teenager; her conflict with left brain vs. right brain in writing and performing comedy; developing her comedic voice; who she looked to for inspiration; and performing in her first Las Vegas gig.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Michael_Shnayerson_022122.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Michael Shnayerson, author of Bugsy Siegel: The Dark Side of the American Dream. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Michael talks about how Siegel grew up on the lower East Side of New York; the beginning of his friendshhip with Meyer Lansky when they were kids; the reason Siegel became a major crime figure; the importance of loyalty to Siegel; his life in three parts: the lower East Side of New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas; how he beat back two government agencies while building the Flamingo; his greatest demon; and his biggest mistake with his prized Las Vegas hotel.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Steven_Leckart_021422.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with veteran investigative journalist and Emmy winning filmmaker, Steven Leckart, who wrote, narrated and executive produced a new eight-part podcast series, “Wild Things: Siegfried & Roy,” available now as an Apple Original on Apple Podcasts. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Steven talks about his early interest in Siegfried & Roy as a child; how he jumped at the chance to be involved in this project ,which investigates how and and why Roy Horn was injured on stage during the duo’s performance in 2003 by Montecore the tiger; how the podcast team tracked down witnesses who have never been publicly interviewed and provided information and insight; why Siegfried & Roy still have an impact on Las Vegas and beyond; how the duo’s childhoods had an impact on their lives and careers; how the podcast was structured and why Apple decided to go with the series; and the lesson Steven lear

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Lee_Lanier_020722.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Las Vegas artist Lee Lanier (whose show, “Bold & Beautiful” is at the Sahara West Library through March 5). In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Lee talks about his transition from full-time computer animation to seriously pursuing painting; moving to Boulder City to start a new life; co-founding the Dam Short Film Festival, (which opens February 10); the challenge of films to focus on story rather that just visual elements; how he approaches his art; and how his current exhibit features augmented reality.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Ismo_Leikola_013122.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Finnish comedian (and ultimate observer) Ismo, performing in The Comedy Works at The Plaza, February 4-5 at 9 p.m. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Ismo talks about his obsession with jokes as a kid and mishearing lyrics; how Finns are more sarcastic than Americans; how he learned English at an early age; why his accent is great for his comedy career, but not so great for daily life; performing in English as opposed to Finnish; why he would like to rant, but finds it hard to rant with an accent; how he’s amazed at his success in America; and why he doesn’t think he will go Hollywood!

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Rick_Michel_012422.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Impressionist Rick Michel, who performs "Sinatra Forever” with an all star 12-piece orchestra, February 6 at the Italian American Club. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Rick talks about his earliest memories of wanting to become a performer; developing his talent for mimicking the voices of legendary entertainers; beginning his Las Vegas career; the importance of material in creating an act (impressions by themselves are not enough); his belief that you never stop paying your dues and learning; why he focused on Frank Sinatra and his immense catalog of classics; and why he considers the musicians who work with him as equal partners.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Chris_Barrett_011721.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with interior designer Chris Barrett, who will be a panelist at Design West at the Las Vegas Market in Las Vegas January 23. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Chris talks about her view of Las Vegas design; the future of design (more reusable and digital); how she works with clients; the first commission she received after transitioning from being an actor; her favorite celebrity client; and how COVID has affected thee world of design.

(Photo courtesy of Frank Molnar/Red Rock City Lifestyle) [audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Karan_Feder_011022.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Karan Feder, curator of the new Barbie exhibition, Barbie®, A Cultural Icon: 60 Years of Fashion and Inspiration (located inside The Shops at Crystals). In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Karan talks about how COVID (and her downtime from the Nevada State Museum led her to put the exhibition together; how she met and relied on Las Vegan David Porcello and his extensive collection of Barbie dolls; why the exhibit is a deep dive into fashion; why culture and fashion cannot be separated; why the Ken doll came on the scene; the evolution of Barbie dolls; her favorite fashion year; the surprising discovery about the Mattel archives; and what the 250 vintage Barbie artifacts represent.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Paco_Alvarez_122721.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Brian "Paco" Álvarez, CEO of Psionic Art Works, a cultural and curatorial consultancy in Las Vegas. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Paco talks about how culture has evolved in Las Vegas; why art increases business; the new frontier of computers interacting with the human mind; how public art has a purpose, bringing a sense of place; the experiential appeal of new Las Vegas venues; and why Downtown Las Vegas is leading the way in the cultural revolution; and the future.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/George_Bugatti_120621.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with entertainer/producer George Bugatti, who has written “Trial on the Potomac, The Impeachment of Richard Nixon,” which was staged off Broadway and filmed. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, George talks about his obsession with presidents, and particularly Richard Nixon; his discovery of a book, The Real Watergate Scandal by Geoff Shepard; his decision to write the play based on that book that ponders what would have happened if Richard Nixon had a trial; how he chose Rich Little to play Richard Nixon in the play; the most important thing he learned from writing it; and why he is glad he wrote something that is “bigger than me.”

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Euge_Groove_112921.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Euge Groove, performing at the Santa Fe Station Hotel December 4 at 8 p.m. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Euge talks about his methodical approach to recording jazz and performing live sets; why he writes songs that are natural to him and not necessarily for the radio; how he got from classical music to King Curtis; why he enjoys playing music with other musicians, including Peter White; what the mark of a true artist is; how there is a negative connotation to “smooth jazz” and why he doesn’t object to the term; why he is drawn more to production these days; and the secret life of airline miles!

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Jason_Egan_112221.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Jason Egan, creator of the official SAW Escape Room and Escape Blair Witch Escape Room in Las Vegas. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Jason talks about his earliest experience with horror, running out of a haunted house in the fifth grade; growing up in the Midwest; how he developed a passion for horror; his one true nightmare (it will surprise you!); why he decided to move to Las Vegas to create horror and immersive escape rooms; the psychology of escape rooms; and why he not only lives his dream, but works his dream.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Gunhild_Carling_111521.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Jazz star and multi-instrumentalist Gunhild Carling, performing at the Italian American Club, November 21 at 8 p.m. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Carling talks about her long family history in music (she started touring at age 7); why the Great America Songbook is her “bible”; how she approaches entertainment and wants the audience to be happy; why she always has to be inspired and why she wants her energy to be contagious; and her dream as a teenager to have a residency in Las Vegas.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Peter_Fand_110721.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira had a quick chat with multi-instrumentalist, song writer, composer, performer and recording artist Peter Fand, who will be leading the Dixie Flats at a New Orleans Dixieland Brunch presented by Reflection Bay and Chef Scott Commings, November 14. Peter talks about performing around the world, including the Kremlin Palace in Moscow; moving to Las Vegas; forming the Dixie Flats to focus on Trad Jazz, and how he learned to appreciate the greats in music.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Rick_Braun_110821.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with trumpeter, composer and producer Rick Braun, performing (along with Richard Elliot) in the Chrome Showroom at the Santa Fe Station Hotel November 13. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Rick talks about his start in playing the trumpet, finding one left by his brother in the closet; attending the Eastman School of Music for a serious immersion in his future field; his mentors and the people he has encouraged; his professional relationship with saxophonist Richard Elliot; the wise advise given him by George Benson; the inspiration of Miles Davis (“know your limitations”); the “hot” set with a flugelhorn in Las Vegas; and honoring his father by playing at SteelStacks.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Anne_Martinez_110121.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with actor/singer/dancer/aerialist/ and showgirl, Anne Martinez, who (along with Red Penny Arcade) performs at The Space - for Wine Wednesdays - November 3 at 8 p.m. (wine tasting at 7:30). In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Anne talks about getting the performing bug at an early age; the support of her mom (who was a teacher) for a broad and intense education, including obtaining a BFA in Acting from SUNY Fredonia and an MA in Advanced Theatre Practice from London, UK's Central School of Speech and Drama; the hard thing about show business; learning accountability; why she loves the details and process of preparation of performing; and how she ended up as a performer in Las Vegas.