Talk About Las Vegas With Ira

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira chats with comedy-magician Adam London, star of the delightfully quirky “Laughter-noon” show at the Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel, running Thursdays through Mondays from 4 to 5 p.m. Adam shares how his journey began on a farm, where helping his grandfather came with a magical reward—literally. His grandfather taught him magic tricks in exchange for chores, sparking a lifelong passion. Adam reveals the one trick that captivated him as a kid, the teachers who cheered him on, and how he went from a small farming town to the big stage in Las Vegas—with a stop at UNLV along the way. In this lively episode, Adam talks about being a “clean” comedian, how he keeps his act fresh with a balance of structure and improvisation, and why his kids are fans of his career. He also dishes on the duck-filled twist that became a hallmark of his show, the joy of making audiences laugh, and whether being a magician gets you first in line at the buffet. Engaging, heartfelt, and hilari

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with Andrew Davies Gans, director of the new documentary, "Voices: The Danny Gans Story," premiering June 20 at the 28th Annual Dances With Films festival at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The film honors the remarkable yet often overlooked legacy of Danny Gans, a legendary Las Vegas entertainer whose name was once synonymous with the Strip. Though his star burned brightly during his lifetime, his passing on May 1, 2009, left only a fleeting memory in the city he helped define. Andrew shares why now—over a decade later—felt like the right time to tell his father’s story. He opens up about the emotional journey behind the camera, the challenges of wrangling a complex production delayed by COVID, and how a project he thought would take two years turned into a nearly five-year labor of love. Featuring heartfelt interviews with Louie Anderson, Donny Osmond, and Las Vegas entertainment columnists Norm Clarke and John Katsilometes, the film s

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira chats with Pam Ashlund, affectionately known as the “Queen of Swizzle.” Pam will be featured at the Casino Collectibles Association’s 32nd Annual Show, June 12–14 at South Point. In this colorful episode, she stirs up stories about her lifelong fascination—and yes, slight obsession—with swizzle sticks. What began with her mother’s lone swizzle stick from a Chicago lounge has become a sentimental and historic quest to preserve a once-overlooked piece of cocktail culture. Pam dives into the unexpected depth of swizzle stick collecting: from rare airline and alcohol-branded sticks to mid-century Las Vegas treasures that transitioned from (unfortunately) whimsical 3D forms to flat (and cheaply made) designs. She opens up about her passion for preservation, the ingenious ways she stores and categorizes her vast collection (which includes thousands of sticks that “used to be in someone’s drink”), and how she manages the “household rule” that keeps her collecting in

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira catches up with Ryan Duff, the passionate artistic director of the Las Vegas Men’s Chorus. The group is gearing up for its Season 32 finale, “Broadway Our Way,” at UNLV’s Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall on June 29. In this episode, Ryan shares how 100 powerful voices will come together to reimagine beloved Broadway classics—with a twist only the Las Vegas Men’s Chorus can deliver. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the legendary composers whose work has shaped the stage and stirred souls from Broadway to the world. Ryan opens up about his career—from globe-trotting performer to high school music director, and ultimately, to leading one of Las Vegas’ most celebrated vocal ensembles. He dives into what it takes to organize a hundred singers, manage weekly rehearsals, and cultivate harmony among a chorus of dedicated volunteers. He also reflects on how the group navigated an identity crisis when he first came on board, the chorus’ unique buddy system to welcome new membe

(Photo by Matthias Rauch) Fresh off their global tours and headed to the Strip, The Clairvoyants are set to join Shin Lim’s “Limitless” residency at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, May 21-June 29. In this episode, the duo reveals the story of their instant connection, how they built a mind-blowing act that actively involves the audience, and what it’s like performing around the world as a married couple—with their baby and their magically mischievous dog, Mr. Koni Hundini, in tow. Discover how they keep their performances fresh, why no two shows are ever the same, and the bizarre items some fans bring to their performances. They also dive into the curious differences between audiences across continents, the uncanny parallels between their journey and Shin Lim’s, and the personal revelations that came from their performances on “America’s Got Talent.” Plus, they share the romance of getting married in Las Vegas and tease both their world-champion routine and never-before-seen magic created especially for their

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” it’s all about smack talk, storylines, and stand-up. Ira sits down with Mike Krasner (host) and Sean Reddy (co-producer) of Roastlemania 6, coming to Wiseguys Comedy at the Arts District on May 24. In this high-energy episode, Mike and Sean pull back the curtain on the wild world of Roastlemania—from its humble beginnings to the chaotic comedy spectacle it is today. They dive into how they fused their love of professional wrestling with stand-up comedy, crafting outrageous characters, off-the-cuff banter, and full-on roasts that mirror the drama of the ring. They talk about growing up glued to wrestling on TV, the comedians who channel their inner wrestlers, and how battles of wit replace body slams. Hear how this duo built their friendship, developed the show’s over-the-top format, and why Sean proudly wears the title of a “heel” judge. Plus: why it’s more than a show—it’s a full-blown production. From street-level promo-tion to giving rising comics their shot in

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with Oliver Lovat for a wide-ranging conversation on the evolving market of Las Vegas. Oliver breaks down why the city had to change—and how it's pivoted to meet the rising expectations of a younger, more demanding customer base. From navigating a crucial strategic inflection point to the seismic shift triggered by COVID, Lovat explains how Las Vegas went from catering to visitors looking for comps to focusing on full-paying customers who fuel profitability. He dives deep into why Gen Z and mil-lennials now dominate the scene, and what that means for everything from hotel strategy to casino operations. You’ll hear insights on: *Why reducing labor costs has been part of the new Las Vegas economy *How occupancy rates don’t tell the whole story *Why Vegas, despite higher prices, remains a top-value destination *The growing influence of members-only clubs and curated experiences *How sports and time-limited events are reshaping the marketing playbook

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” the spotlight shines on legendary guitarist, arranger, and composer Joe Lano—one of the true masters of the Las Vegas jazz sce-ne. Joe joins Ira ahead of his upcoming performances at the Jazz Society’s 50th Anniversary Jazz Celebration (April 26-27 at the Winchester-Dondero Cultural Center) and at Vic’s Las Vegas (May 2-3), to share the remarkable story of his life in music. From his early days growing up in Philadelphia—playing guitar in clubs by the age of 12—to the glittering stages of Las Vegas, Joe recounts a career filled with iconic mo-ments. He talks about his move from L.A. to Vegas, joining the elite showroom orches-tras, and playing alongside legends like Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, and Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gormé. (Fun fact: Lena never sang a song the same way twice—and was a total sci-fi geek.) Joe also shares the behind-the-scenes of Vegas in its golden age: how he landed gigs straight away, the role of the Musicians Union, getting the nod from Sands

This week, Ira dives into glitz, grit, and glamour with Diane Christiansen—dancer, educator, and author of "The Last Real Showgirl: My Sequined '70s Onstage." (She will also appear on “Ira’s Everything Bagel” this Thursday-https://iraseverythingbagel.com/) At just 13, Diane set her sights on becoming a Rockette. By 17, she nailed the audition and never looked back—rarely needing to audition again, save for a memorable encounter with Jerry Jackson at the Tropicana. From the fine line between dancer and showgirl to becoming one at the age of 18 (no easy feat!), Diane shares how she found joy, strength, and sisterhood in the dazzling world of showbiz. She opens up about her journey from the chorus line to Las Vegas lights, becoming a “swing girl” for the nudes at the iconic Tropicana, and what inspired her to finally pen her memoir—especially after a reunion of showgirls from multiple generations. Diane also reflects on why grand showgirl productions may never return, the essential teamwork behind the sequins,

This week, Ira sits down with Patty Peters, co-owner of Vegas Valley Winery, who shares the origins of the winery, which began with a bold vision and a little place called Grape Expectations. She reveals how new legislation made their dream a reality, and how her husband Charlie, (alongside winemaker Mike Schoenbaechler), took it to the next level — turning passion into award-winning wines. From choosing their home in Henderson’s buzzing “Booze District” to the incredible support of the wine community after Charlie’s passing, Patty opens up about her wine journey with authenticity and humor. She explains the difference between Vegas Valley Winery and Grape Expectations, why word of mouth has been their secret weapon, and what it means to craft wines that win awards on a yearly basis. Patty also talks about their wine blending classes, tastings, tours, workshops, and special events that make them a destination for locals and visitors. Whether you're a wine con-noisseur or just curious about wine, this epis

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with Steve Connolly, the powerhouse behind “Spirit of the King,” the ultimate Elvis tribute show at Notoriety Live every Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 7 p.m. In this engaging conversation, Steve shares his eclectic journey—from playing bass guitar in high school and attending art school to restoring 700 statues and 123 churches. Initially set on becoming a curator, his path took an unexpected turn when a professor encouraged him to embrace both art and music. Steve talks about sneaking into bars with a fake I.D. at just 15 to play music, learning guitar, taking voice lessons, and how an open mic night changed his life forever—setting him on the road to embodying Elvis. He recalls the thrill of stepping in front of an audience, shedding inhibitions, and truly thriving in the spotlight. He recounts how “Legends in Concert” producer John Stuart and Will Collins helped bring him to Vegas, cementing his place as a dedicated student of Elvis. And how

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas with Ira,” Ira sits down with Alan Snel of LVSportsBiz.com for a hard-hitting conversation about the biggest sports stories shaping the city. Alan shares exclusive insights from his candid interview with Emily Prazer, the newly appointed president of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, and unpacks the turbulent first year of the event—filled with controversy, logistical nightmares, and ongoing lawsuits. They dive into the potential legal settlements stemming from decisions made by Clark County and F1, the debate over economic impact reports versus actual costs, and the real toll on resort employees—especially those affected by disrupted commutes during race week. Plus, will F1 secure a seven-year extension after year three? And why did some hotels profit while the wider region saw a less-than-expected economic boost? Beyond F1, Alan and Ira discuss the latest on the Oakland A’s move to Las Vegas, the timeline for their new stadium, and what’s next for sports in the city that never sto

This week on "Talk About Las Vegas With Ira," Ira welcomes Mark Wojtowicz Jr., author of "Vegas: From Fremont to The Strip - How Las Vegas Casinos Evolved." Mark dives into his earliest and most vivid memory of Las Vegas, sharing how his fascination with the entertainment capital led him to take on the ambitious task of writing the book. He reveals why, in an age dominated by digital content, a physical book still holds significant meaning — and why a linear storytelling approach was crucial to making the pieces fit. Mark also discusses which casino left the biggest impression on him, which one surpris-ingly did not, and the stark differences between the Strip and Downtown Vegas. Along the way, he uncovers fascinating Vegas personalities, his personal “bucket list” item, and offers his vision for the future of Las Vegas. Whether you're a Vegas aficionado or just curious about its captivating past, this episode promises a deep dive into the rich and evolving history of Las Vegas. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video

This week on "Talk About Las Vegas With Ira," Ira sits down with Matthew Robinson and Zahrah Hutton of The Mēla Guitar Quartet, who are set to close out the UNLV Performing Arts Center’s 48th Season with a spectacular concert on March 15 at the Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall. In this episode, Matthew and Zahrah dive into the origins of the quartet, revealing how their unique collaboration took shape and why four musicians create the perfect balance of tex-ture and harmony. They discuss the art of dividing musical roles to sustain melody, the fluid and egalitarian nature of a quartet, and how their sound contrasts with a traditional string quartet. They also explore the intricacies of their performances—how selections are chosen, the universal appeal of their music, and the energy of taking an audience on a journey from electrifying highs to tender, intimate moments. Zahrah shares her unique perspective on transitioning from an audience member to a performer within the group, and the duo high-lights the value of

This week on Talk About Las Vegas with Ira, sports fans are in for a treat as Ira sits down with 8NewsNow sports anchor and reporter Ron Futrell. In this episode, Ron takes us on a journey back to April 1984, when he first arrived in Las Vegas and was thrown headfirst into a whirlwind sports scene from day one. From breaking down the Raiders’ current quarterback situation and the impact of salary caps in the NFL to discussing Tom Brady’s influence on the team and the game-changing arrival of Allegiant Stadium, Ron delivers insight like only a seasoned sports journalist can. The conversation also dives into the A’s big move to Vegas in 2028, the possibility of another Super Bowl in 2029, and even the city’s wait for a national college football championship and an NBA team. But that’s not all—Ron explores how legalized sports betting across the country has re-shaped Las Vegas, the emotional power of sports, the legacy of the Speedway, the rise of sports tourism, and what the future holds for the city that’s bec

This week, Ira sits down with multi-award-winning, platinum-selling artist Matt Dusk, who’s bringing “Matt Dusk Sings Tony Bennett: The Best is Yet to Come” to Myron’s at The Smith Center on February 21-22. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas With Ira, Matt shares his unforgettable encounters with Tony Bennett—what he learned from him as both an artist and a person. He reveals why Bennett’s technical brilliance made him a legend, how he “lived within the age of his voice,” and even what Tony’s favorite song was. Matt also opens up about how these timeless songs shaped his own storytelling, why Tony remains a genre unto himself, and how he weaves personal anecdotes into his performances. Plus, he shares one surprising thing he never got to ask Tony. (Photo by Victor Rusu) (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with Micky Dolenz, performing a special Valentine’s Day performance at The Strat, February 14 at 8 p.m. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Micky talks about who influenced him in the world of music before The Monkees (including one surprising choice); moving to England to become a film and TV director; the 1986 reunion that made him aware of the cultural impact of the group; the first time singing live on stage at a press junket for “Circus Boy”); why he doesn’t have a favorite episode of The Monkees’ television show; performing in Broadway shows; how John Lennon said The Monkees are like The Marx Brothers; being larger than life characters for The Monkees TV show; why Peter Tork was the one in the band who had to play a fairly different character from his real life; how his current show structure is a story going into a song; what he discovered about singing non-Monkees’ songs (there’s always a connection); why he performs all The Monkees’ hits in live shows; and his alb

This week, Ira spoke with drummer, vocalist, songwriter, and educator Dave Tull, performing at Vic’s Las Vegas (along with John Belzaguy and Dave Loeb) February 7-8. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Dave talks about starting drum lessons at 10; growing up with music in the house in Berkeley; taking jazz band classes early on; worked with Maynard Ferguson right after college; the change in the recording scene with his generation; the genesis of “The Texting Song”; being known for having songs with humor in them; why he also loves to teach; why he began signing after 15 years of drumming; how singing and drumming are all coming from the same place; how singing and drumming at the same time are like having a fifth limb; “time feel”; working with Jack Sheldon for more than 20 years; drawing a little bit out of every experience you have; leading his own band since 2007; working with Barbra Streisand (2016-19) and her level of performance; and the song he always performs at every venue. (Also Wa

This week, Ira spoke with Valerie Wright, who performs in the standby role of Kimberly in “Kimberly Akimbo” at The Smith Center, February 4-9. (Her featured performance is February 9 at 1 p.m.) In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Valerie talks about growing up in Las Vegas; why she decided to go to Broadway; teaching aerobics and wait-ing tables; staying in the game; waiting 40 years to perform in Las Vegas; raising kids while performing on Broadway; having a tight-knit family; “taking the jobs as they come”; how she sees her role in the musical; researching the role; combining youth and aged in one character; and the thrill of feeling your audience filled with tears or laughter. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with KC Christon, award-winning writer and director of “Dog City.” In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” KC talks about writing books for children; how he segued to filmmaking; why he began acting; finding funding for his picture; how no independent production company is doing a film on gambling; growing up around that element; winning nine awards; how the film got its title; why his film may be the first Las Vegas film on gambling from a black perspective; why he thought there should be an indie crime drama series set in Las Vegas starring local actors; how the film explores the complex relationships between power, greed, and morality in a city built on illusions; wearing many hats during the production; how his character runs a professional organization; why the film is a “show burn”; his success in Europe; and making the film “extremely relatable.” (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)