Talk About Las Vegas With Ira

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)

This week, Ira spoke with Miss Melanie Moore, performing at the Maxan Jazz Club June 21. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Melanie talks about growing up in Dayton, Ohio and being influenced by The Supremes; finding every opportunity to sing as a child; studying nightclub singers while attending college; moved to New York and get-ting a job based on her business studies; how she began to perform with The Tymes and first toured Europe; her history with Luther Vandross; why she decided to move to Las Vegas; why she developed her own style and continues to study voice to this day; why the Las Vegas “scene” changes every six months; and her new album, Melanie Moore, Anything You Need. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira spoke with Geno Munari, author of "The Dunes Hotel and Casino: The Mob, the connections, the stories," who will participate in the “Meet & Greet Gaming Education Series” at the Casino Collectibles Association's 31st annual Casino Chip and Collectibles Show, June 13-15, at South Point Hotel and Casino. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Geno talks about moving to Las Vegas in 1964; how he ended up working at the Dunes; why he got into magic and ownership of the Houdini Magic shops; the most interesting character (most memorable guy) at the Dunes; who was the real Las Vegas godfather; the significance of the Dunes; “a city within a city”; and what he will talk about at the Meet & Greet (including the true story of the “chip cup”).

This week, Ira spoke with Al Mancini, co-host of the popular “Food and Loathing” podcast, creator of the Las Vegas dining guide app, “Neon Feast,” and a special guest on "Milk Street Radio" at the Beverly Theater (June 10). In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Al talks about how he started writing about food after moving to Las Vegas; what he discovered about the culinary community; how chefs support each other, both in good times and bad; his famous mohawk; his podcast, which is a “passion project” and no pressure zone; why he started “Neon Feast” as a unique guide; the generational approach to taking pictures of your food at a restaurant; how he got involved in “Milk Street Live”; his neon news.vegas food blog, which also includes the interviews from his podcast ; and how COVID helped develop the local dining scene.

This week, Ira spoke with Award-winning chefs Susan Feniger & Mary Sue Milliken, who just opened their first stand alone and drive-thru concept of their BBQ Mexicana in the Las Vegas valley. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Susan and Mary Sue talk about their long careers in the culinary world; how they first met in a restaurant kitchen and realized how both of them were dedicated to their careers; how they developed their idea for BBQ Mexicana, which blends Mexican and traditional southern flavors, crafted with organic, seasonal, and fresh ingredients; how the first stand alone and drive-thru concept included quick and casual food made to order; why people look at restaurants as entertainment; how executive chef Mike Minor came up with the idea of fusing Mexican and BBQ and introducing the BBQ Smoker; and therir plans for the future.

This week, Ira spoke with Dana Manacher, CEO of Shrtlst, a groundbreaking platform that curates city exploration for travelers by connecting users with locals who know the scene. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Dana talks about growing up in the hospitality industry; how her family started the Guestbook, a platform aimed at enhancing guest experiences at boutique hotels; why she decided to create Shrtlst; why the website uses an intense vetting process for its local experts; how it curates the best of the best (which is not necessarily just luxury experiences or venues); how it’s a resource for locals as well; personalizing the features; her plans to go international by the end of the year; the importance of the “vibe”; her hands-on approach; her roots in Las Vegas (even though her family is from Germany); her short-term and long-term goals, including becoming the global provider for travel and experiences.

This week, Ira spoke with Kenny Shedd, former (Oakland) Raider and current filmmaker, working on “The Next Dana White.” In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Kenny talks about why he decided to become a filmmaker; how he spent 20 years with the San Leandro Police Department; his thoughts on the Raiders moving to Las Vegas; how he came up with the idea for “The Next Dana White,” his first feature film; how he scripted the film to emphasize the characters’ father-daughter relationship more than fight scenes; his development of Las Vegas investors; why he moved his production from the Bay area to Las Vegas; and why attention to detail is important in making movies.

This week, Ira spoke with writer, photographer, artist and philanthropist Michael Shulman. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Michael talks about writing a compre-hensive history of Las Vegas entertainment residency for his website -https://www.shulmansays.com - (a version of this article was published in Business Traveler, August 2023); who the first residency headliner was (and this is going back to 1944); how it was originally an amenity to bring in the high roller; how the Rat Pack played a part; Elvis and his residency; why he (Michael) almost got kicked out of the Liberace Museum; the importance of the resident artist; how Celine Dion changed everything in the world of residencies; why Las Vegas is the residency capital of the world; how a residency is a win-win for both the casino and the entertainer; the audience comes to the entertainer rather than the other way around; what performer might have had “the most wonderful” connection with an audience; the most surprising thing he found

This week, Ira spoke with veteran journalist Ron Futrell, 8NewsNow sports anchor/reporter. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Ron talks about the impending construction of the A’s baseball stadium (which would also serve as a multi-purpose sta-dium); why traveling to Las Vegas for sporting events is becoming a significant part of the new Las Vegas; the reasons he supports the building of the new stadium; how Thomas & Mack is still a viable venue (with the Runnin’ Rebels and National Finals Rodeo); the future of F1 and why it won’t be as disruptive as the initial event; why Las Vegas succeeds with professional sports arenas and stadiums (because of the tourism industry); and the chances of the Vegas Golden Knights winning another Stanley Cup.

(Photo by Roberto Chifarelli) This week, Ira spoke with Russell Ferrante of the Yellowjackets, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center April 20. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Rus-sell talks about when he first got involved with music; the formation of the Yellowjackets; how fortunate he is to continue to play music; how he describes the band’s music, which is original and includes group improvisation; why it’s important to respect the music; striving to be “in the moment”; why the Great American Songbook is a jumping off point for jazz musicians; why the band is leaderless; how the Yellowjackets got its name; what he learned from Clifford Coulter from the South Bay; why he also enjoys classical music and is “in awe” of classical composers; how time stops when the group is playing on stage; not letting perfection overwhelm the soul when recording; and meeting and working with some of his icons.