Talk About Las Vegas With Ira

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Ross_Bennett_102521.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Ross Bennett, who will be performing in The Comedy Works at The Plaza, October 29-30. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas (Ross originally appeared on the Ira’s Everything Bagel podcast May 27 https://iraseverythingbagel.com/noshing-with-ross-bennett-may-27-2021/), Ross talks about leaving West Point for a career in comedy; how “Saturday Night Live” and Steve Martin influenced his decision to perform comedy; why he knew at the beginning that the important thing was to get stage time; where his comedy journey began; why he was both blessed and cursed by the fact that he was naturally funny; why his goal was to become a headliner in a comedy club; and why he started teaching stand-up comedy and coaching (and why writing is just the beginning.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Angie_Pontani_101821.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with award-winning burlesque performer Angie Pontani, “The Italian Stallionette” (at the NoMad Library Oct. 21-24). In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Angie talks about how she discovered burlesque; the art as “the journey of the tease”; the ability to be fearless on stage; why burlesque gives performers the ability to break the “fourth wall”; what brought the art back; why it’s inclusive and simultaneously a reclamation of femininity; some of her favorite Las Vegas stories; cooking as a passion project; burlesque’s roots in American history; and why ”burlesque is best served live.”

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Tim_Molyneux_101821.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with actor, producer, writer and director Tim Molyneux, performing in "Swoon, Croon, and Boom, The Songs of Love," at The Nevada Room, October 19 & 22. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Molyneux talks about his dream of becoming a producer in Las Vegas; creating Las Vegas’ first and only vampire show, “BITE”; why he is returning to singing; the importance of an intimate venue for performers; who he looked to as role models (the contrast between the two role models will surprise you!); and the importance of being vulnerable on stage and expressing who you are.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with John Katsilometes (KATS), the man-about-town, whose column runs daily on page 3A in the Las Vegas Review-Journal. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Katsilometes talks about the effect of COVID on the Las Vegas entertainment scene; how Las Vegas deals with the protocols and messaging for visitors; why small-capacity entertainers have found a way to continue to perform; how Las Vegas expands the rules for entrainment; why he believes it’s important to embrace pushing the boundaries; how entertainment is in transition; why Las Vegas allows you to grow as a professional and as a person; and why social media allows journalists another set of options to tell stories.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Ron_Futrell_100421.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with veteran journalist Ron Futrell, 8NewsNow sports anchor/reporter. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Futrell talks about his love of sports and why he never gets bored; why the Vegas Golden Knights lost their heart with the departure of Marc-Andre Fleury and how to fix it; the three criteria that Las Vegas needed to meet in order to have professional major league sports here; why basketball and baseball will be the next big sports for Las Vegas; how the UNLV football team will fare in the new Allegiant stadium; the challenge of parking at the stadium; and the impact of COVID on all Las Vegas sports now and in the immediate future,.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Rob_Paulsen_092721.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with voice actor Rob Paulsen, appearing at Unicon in Las Vegas, Oct. 1-3. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Paulsen talks about becoming a voice artist and discovering the joy it gives to people; why he’s in “the happy business”; his battle with throat cancer and what he learned from his doctors, including the admonition to not discount the power of joy; his realization that the desire to create is no different at 65 than it was at 15; why humor is boundless; and why it’s important to maintain a sense of proportion.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Michelle_Johnson_092021.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Michelle Johnson, “Las Vegas’ First Lady of Jazz,” performing in “Home! – A Return to Broadway” in Myron’s Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center, September 26 at 6 p.m. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Johnson talks about decision to become a performer full time and the deal she made with her parents; her move to Las Vegas, which started out as temporary and is now permanent (and the reasons why); the challenge of performing in the midst of COVID; and her decision to not only perform, but to operate a successful entertainment production company.

Photo by Kyle Thowsen [audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Diana_Brier_091321.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Diana Brier, owner and director of cheese for Valley Cheese and Wine (and one of only 45 certified cheese sensory evaluators in the United States). In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Brier talks about her journey to cheese; moving to Las Vegas and making her dream come true; why she is also studying to be a sommelier; how chocolate pairs nicely with cheese; why she pays homage to old world cheese while also touting new world cheese; how a different version of a cheese you dislike may actually train your palate to eventually like that cheese; and how some types of cheese have more protein than eggs!

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Mark_Shunock_090621.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Mark Shunock, founder of The Space, Vegas’ community driven, charity-based arts complex. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Shunock talks about The Space’s new event, Wine Wednesdays, featuring a variety of programming complete with wine tastings (sommelier-led tasting experiences) from Foley Family Wines; the 8th anniversary of Mondays Dark,Vegas’ premiere variety show for a cause (twice a month a local non-profit benefits from an eclectic cast of performing guests, including musical acts and stars from Hollywood and The Strip); how the complex was built and became a magnet for all kinds of shows; why they were able to live stream during the pandemic and keep performers working; and its future plans, including possible expansion.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Art_Alexakis_083021.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Art Alexakis, singer/songwriter and front-man for Everclear, performing at the M Resort Pavilion, September 4 at 8 p.m. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Alexakis talks about why the Beatles (and Ed Sullivan) were responsible his decision to make music his career; the challenges (and opportunities) of dealing with MS; why he is retraining his mind; his most memorable experiences in Las Vegas; why he is grateful to still be performing rock & roll with Everclear and living his dream at age 59; the importance of being present in performance and in life; and why tenacity helps lead to success.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Alan_Snel_082321.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Alan Snel, whose popular website, LVSportsBiz.com, reports the business side of Las Vegas’ expanding sports industry. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Snel talks about the effect of requiring vaccinations for fans attending Raiders games at Allegiant Stadium; why the first fans to see a sports event at Allegiant Stadium were not Raiders fans; how a major soccer team could conceivably happen in Las Vegas; why parking at Allegiant Stadium is a work in progress; the mystery behind Marc Badain, the Raiders president, stepping down; the emotional connection of the Vegas Golden Knights with Las Vegas and the departure of Marc-Andre Fleury; and how Snel’s news site is dedicated to writing compelling stories without an agenda.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Michael_Mack_081621.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Michael Mack, a fourth generation pawnbroker and owner of Max Pawn, a pawn & jewelry store specializing in luxury designer goods. He was recognized in July as “Pawnbroker of the Year” by the National Pawnbrokers Association. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Mack talks about challenging the old image and “stigma of pawn”; how he considers his business “the people’s bank”; why he specializes in luxury goods; where he stores his large items, such as automobiles; what is the most expensive item he has sold; why the industry is highly regulated in Las Vegas; how technology has transformed the buying and selling of goods, which includes maintaining a large online presence; and why he thinks Rick Harrison and the “Pawn Stars” show is great for everybody in the business.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Brian_Newman_080921.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Trumpeter and singer Brian Newman, back with his late-night Vegas residency, “Brian Newman: AFTER DARK, “ at the NoMAD Library (August 12-14 and August 19-21). In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Brian talks about his passion for live performing; having a good time in life and music; opening jazz to the world; why he loves the late-night hang; how he met his wife Angie Pontani, the Italian Stallionette, dancer and burlesque sensation; why he surrounds himself with people who are better than himself; when he realized he could create his own melodies; why he considers The Great American Songbook an essential part of his performances; his amazement about working with great singers and musicians; and being part of the historic Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett show at Radio City Music Hall for Bennett’s last public performance.

This week, Ira spoke with caricature artist Neal Portnoy. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Portnoy talks about his move (along with his wife, Dorothy) to Las Vegas, working for the Las Vegas Review-Journal as a cartoonist; his decision to go full time as an artist, including portrait illustration; his acceptance by the Las Vegas entertainment community; how “Portnoyed” became a verb; his unique style of drawing caricatures of local and national celebrities using only felt-tip magic markers; his involvement with the Las Vegas Raiders and working with non-profit organizations; and his plans for the future.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Bill_Blagg_072621.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Illusionist Bill Blagg, performing “The Magic of Bill Blagg Live!” at the South Point Casino, July 30 - August 1. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Blagg talks about his early interest in magic; his breakthrough, winning the Abbott Magic Get Together as the youngest contestant to enter the competition; his approach to magic; why this is his first time performing in Las Vegas; and why his dad is his secret weapon.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Miljenko_Matijevic_071921.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Miljenko Matijevic, lead singer and founder of Steelheart. The band is on their 30th anniversary tour and will be performing this Friday, July 23 at The Golden Nugget Las Vegas. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Miljenko talks about the fire inside of him and his work ethic; his new song for World Peace Day (with a chorus of 350 fans); his massive popularity in Asia; his hunt for a recording studio; the accident that sidelined him for months; re-recording some of the the group’s hits in an acoustic setting; and accepting who he is as an artist.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Anthony_DiMaria_071221.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Anthony DiMaria, producer of "Jay Sebring....Cutting to the Truth," a feature-length documentary about his uncle, famed hair stylist Jay Sebring. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, DiMaria (born and raised in Las Vegas) talks about the the horrific murders of Sebring, Sharon Tate, Abigail Folger, Wojciech Frykowski, and Steven Parent and the subsequent diminishing of his uncle’s reputation by the media and the glorification of the killers by pop culture; his long journey in making the documentary; the surprising material he found about his uncle’s life; his influence on what is now a multi-billion dollar industry; and why he felt it important to remind people about his uncle and bring some comfort to living family members.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Eve_Golden_070521.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Eve Golden, author of the new book, Jayne Mansfield, The Girl Couldn’t Help It, published by the University Press of Kentucky. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Golden talks about the unique life of Jayne Mansfield, the larger-than-life sex symbol and actress; her determination to succeed in films (using Broadway as a stepping stone; her starring role in “The Girl Can’t Help It ; her decision to take roles that her advisers warned her about accepting; her marriages; her relationship with Las Vegas entertainer (and resident) Nelson Sardelli; her performances in Las Vegas; and her impact on American pop culture.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Shin_Lim_062821.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Shin Lim, currently performing in “LIMITLESS” at The Mirage (Mondays & Thursdays through Sundays at 7:30). In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Lim talks about his journey from music to magic; his challenges with carpal tunnel syndrome and dyslexia; his close family ties, both in his personal life and his career; his dream to perform in a residency on the Las Vegas Strip; how he developed his magic after first being shown an illusion by his older brother; and why he continues to learn and loves performing.

This week, Ira spoke with Eric Gladstone, author of Anything But Nirvana: Other Heroes & Happenings From Rock's Last Great Era. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Gladstone talks about his former career as a music journalist, covering bands in the 90’s and writing about them on a national level; getting inside bands’ experiences and interviewing them on the road; his big story on Smashing Pumpkins; why he tried to interview bands he was genuinely interested in; why the project took six years to compile, organize and edit from his interviews from that time; how the bands interacted with each other; why some of the stories don’t have happy endings; his reasons for writing about the bands; how he looks back at these stories from today’s vantage point (slightly cynically, but positively) ; his Las Vegas story (it involves Imagine Dragons!), which capped his music journalism career; the bands from that era that still survive (and thrive) today and why he doesn’t trust computers!