The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast | a podcast by Ira Sternberg

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with jazz pianist, vocalist, and bandleader Danny Sinoff, performing at Vic’s May 1–2. With a style rooted in tradition and driven by storytelling, Danny is part of a new generation keeping the Great American Songbook alive—and swinging. In this engaging conversation, Danny shares insights into his upcoming album "Make Someone Happy," including his collaboration with Benny Benack III and working with three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning drummer Ulysses Owens Jr. He talks about his early shift from classical music to jazz, influenced by legends like Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin—and h...

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with actress and singer Ashley Loren, who brings her powerful voice and deeply personal story to Myron’s at The Smith Center April 25. Best known to theater lovers for her acclaimed run as Satine in “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” Ashley's journey is anything but typical. Growing up in New Jersey, she jokes she preferred animals to people (even spending time at farm camp) and discovering that art—especially music—would become both her passion and her refuge. In this candid and inspiring conversation, Ashley shares how being diagnosed with Lyme dise...

This week, Ira welcomes Joe Mikulich, co-founder of EDO Hospitality, the restaurant group behind some of Las Vegas’ most talked-about dining destinations, including EDO Tapas, Anima by EDO, and Braseria by EDO. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Joe shares the story of how a Las Vegas native worked his way up from food runner to sommelier to restaurant entrepreneur, building a hospitality brand that celebrates bold flavors and adventurous dining. Joe explains what “EDO” really stands for—and why the concept resonates so deeply with people in the hospitality industry. He also talks about growing up in Las Ve...

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with acclaimed singer-songwriter Jon McLaughlin, who performs April 11 at Myron’s at The Smith Center. In this engaging conversation, Jon reflects on a lifelong relationship with music that began at the piano as a child. Coming from a musical family—his father and grandfather were musicians—weekly lessons were simply part of growing up. Now a father himself, Jon shares why he won’t push music on his daughters, even though they already love the pi-ano. Jon also talks about the professor (Jonathan Brooks) who profoundly influenced his musical thin...

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with legendary Las Vegas bookmaker Art Manteris, author (with Matt Birkbeck) of "The Bookie." For more than four decades, Art helped shape the modern sportsbook while running operations at iconic Las Vegas properties including the Stardust, Caesars, and the Hilton. In this fascinating conversation, he shares why he decided to write "The Bookie" and reflects on a career spent at the center of one of Las Vegas’s most exciting—and closely watched—industries. Art talks about arriving in Las Vegas before he ever entered the race and sportsbook...

In this episode of "Talk About Las Vegas With Ira," Ira sits down with comedian and actor Mike E. Winfield, headlining at the Laugh Factory at Horseshoe Las Vegas March 23–29. Mike talks about the story behind his “E.”, why so many people think they’re funny—but few are willing to take the stage—and what it really takes to succeed in stand-up comedy. He shares insights from his time on "America's Got Talent," including what audiences don’t see behind the scenes. The conversation also explores his journey from Baltimore to Hollywood, his passion for stand-up, and the importance of authenticit...

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with Roger Gros, editor-at-large of "Global Gaming Business" and host of three industry podcasts. Roger shares his unlikely journey into the gaming world—starting out as a musician before heading to Atlantic City to perform. That trip led him to a job dealing cards at Caesars Atlantic City, a move that eventually launched a decades-long career covering the casino industry as one of its most respected journalists. In this episode, Roger discusses how dramatically the media landscape has changed over the years and reveals the most surprising transformation he’s w...

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with veteran political journalist Jon Ralston, founder and CEO of The Nevada Independent and author of "The Game Changer: How Harry Reid Remade the Rules and Showed Democrats How to Fight." In a candid and fascinating conversation, Jon reflects on his complicated, sometimes turbulent relationship with legendary Nevada senator Harry Reid—a political powerhouse who rose from humble beginnings in Searchlight, Nevada to become one of the most in-fluential figures in Washington. Jon shares why he once doubted Reid could win a Senate seat—describing him as having “no charism...

This week, Ira sits down with Patrick Lindsey, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, for a high-octane conversation about one of the city’s most electrifying weekends of the year. With the Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube roaring into town March 15, along with the LiUNA NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race on March 14, Patrick shares what makes race weekend in Las Vegas unlike anywhere else. From his 20-year career in the golf world to re-learning the fast-paced culture of NASCAR, Patrick talks about the evolution of the sport, the massive and immersive Speedway property, an...

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira welcomes Nashville-based singer-songwriter Phillip-Michael Scales, performing at Myron’s at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts on February 27 at 7 p.m. In this engaging conversation, Phillip-Michael opens up about the work ethic he describes as “born out of impatience”—a relentless inner drive that pushes him to keep creating, evolving, and refining his craft. Part methodical, part soulful storyteller, he shares how that balance shapes both his music and his career. From his blues-infused debut album Sinner-Songwriter to the vibrant bounce and soul of Good to Be Here, Phillip-Michael explains his...

This week, Ira sits down with Gerry McCambridge, better known as The Mentalist, now performing at the V Theater inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas. What started as a three-week contract turned into one of the longest-running mentalism shows in Las Vegas history. In this revealing episode, Gerry explains exactly why the show works — and why every performance is completely unique. With as many as 75 audience members participating each night and nothing set up in advance, Gerry’s show is built on authentic, personal interaction. “Stick to what you do best,” he says — a philosophy that helped sha...

This week on "Talk About Las Vegas With Ira," Ira sits down with comedian Jonathan Kite, who brings his sharp wit and high-energy stand-up to Chinita’s Venue in Henderson on February 19 at 7 PM. Born and raised in Skokie, Illinois, Jonathan traces his creative roots back to childhood—when his father introduced him to classic films that sparked a lifelong love of storytelling. From the vibrant Chicago theater scene to performing throughout school, Jonathan always knew the stage was home. After college, he made the leap to Hollywood, where a key mentor—comedian Max Alexander—helped him find his footing, includin...

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with internationally ac-claimed comedian Tom Rhodes, now performing at the Comedy Cellar at the Rio through February 8 (and The Laugh Factory at the Horseshoe, March 2-8) Tom traces his comedy origin story back to age 11, when his father took him to see his uncle perform stand-up—an experience that lit a spark that never went out. From that moment on, Tom knew he wanted to do comedy because, as he puts it, “you are talking to the world.” In this wide-ranging and thoughtful conversation, Tom shares the pivotal advice he...

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with Alan Snel, founder and writer of LVSportsBiz.com, the insider source tracking how sports, business, and politics collide in Southern Nevada. Alan takes us inside the controversial world of public-private partnerships, where taxpayer funding helps build private sports palaces — and sparks big questions about priorities. Should public money go to stadiums when schools, roads, and transportation need funding too? From the moment Las Vegas turned into a major-league sports capital, Alan has been riding the wave — and reporting every twist. He breaks down the arrival of Major League B...

Las Vegas wasn’t just a stop on Johnny Carson’s itinerary — it was his second home. This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with Mark Malkoff, co-author (with David Ritz) of "Love Johnny Carson: One Obsessive Fan’s Journey to Find the Genius Behind the Legend," for a fascinating deep dive into Carson’s unique and lasting bond with Las Vegas. Drawing from hundreds of interviews and years of research, Mark reveals previously un-known stories about Carson’s life and career, including who persuaded Johnny to first perform in Las Vegas and why his debut at the Sah...

Photo by Uriel Moreno Grammy, Latin Grammy, and Juno Award–winning Cuban-Canadian singer-songwriter Alex Cuba brings his signature blend of Latin soul, pop, jazz, and heartfelt storytelling to Myron’s at The Smith Center on January 16 at 7 p.m., and he joins Ira for a revealing conversation on this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira.” Born in Cuba and shaped in Canada, Alex opens up about what it means to carry Latin culture inside you, even when you live far from a traditional Latin music hub. He shares how moving to Canada gave him the creative freedom to become t...

Ira sits down with powerhouse vocalist and performer Syndee Winters, currently starring in “Syndee Winters Sings Lena Horne: The Makings of a Lady” in Myron’s at The Smith Center on January 10. Syndee shares her unique and deeply personal journey—from growing up in Queens as a first-generation American with Chinese-Jamaican roots, to discovering jazz through reg-gae, thanks to an uncle with a record label in Jamaica. With a background that spans musical theater, dance, and Broadway (including making a dream come true in “The Lion King”), Syndee’s artistry defies easy labels. In this conversation, she opens up about being compared...

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with Ron Futrell, 8NewsNow sports anchor and reporter, for a wide-ranging, no-spin conversation about one of the biggest years in Las Vegas sports history. From Major League Baseball officially coming to Las Vegas, Ron breaks down why locals were skeptical, what went wrong in Oakland under owner John Fisher, and why Vegas operates with a very different mindset: “Let’s make things happen.” They dive into the Formula 1 race, the Raiders’ on-field struggles, UFC turning Allegiant Stadium into a boxing venue, and how the new baseball stadium could double as a...

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas,” Ira sits down with Earl Turner—singer, song-writer, musician, dancer, and master storyteller ahead of his holiday show (joined by Elisa Fiorillo and Ken Young), “Another Very Soulful Christmas” lighting up Myron’s at The Smith Center, December 17–18. In this episode, Earl reflects on a life shaped by music—from picking up the guitar at age 10 to learning a lesson (involving music) while preparing to perform in New Orleans. He opens up about what keeps the spark alive on stage, why music is such a powerful and personal art form, and how performers truly serve thei...

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This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira”, Ira welcomes world-renowned vibraphonist and drummer Chuck Redd, bringing his acclaimed holiday show, “A Redd Christmas,” to Vic’s Las Vegas December 12-13. Chuck shares remarkable stories from a life surrounded by jazz legends—including the great Red Norvo, who once had dinner at Chuck’s home and even gave him a private lesson. He reflects on his musical relationship with Barney Kessel, and the unforgettable lesson that who you are as a person is directly mirrored in your music. Chuck also talks about the influence of Milt Jackson, his work with Monty Ale...

This week, Ira talks with Yuka Notsuka, ensemble dancer in Disney’s "The Lion King," performing November 19–30 at The Smith Center. In this lively episode of "Talk About Las Vegas With Ira," Yuka shares her journey from her early dance training in Fukuoka, Japan—where she discovered her passion for dance at just 10 years old—to performing on stages around the world. She talks about the discipline behind her art, how she learned English, and her love of touring and musical theater. Yuka also reveals her “soul food,” her secret to staying grounded (hint: it involves a portable bathtub), and how she bala...

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with David Goldrake, The International Man of Mystery, performing at The Magicians Room at the LINQ Promenade, Fridays through Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. In this magical conversation, David reveals the inspiration behind The Magicians Room—developed by Damian Costa—and what makes this intimate venue so unique. He also shares how speaking seven languages helps him connect with audiences (though English has become his favorite), and why passion and responsibility drive every performance. David opens up about his signature illusion, “The Puzzle of Life,” and the art of setting the...

This week on "Talk About Las Vegas With Ira," Ira steps into the ring—metaphorically—with comedian, filmmaker, and former Arizona Lightweight Boxing Champion Joey Me-dina (appearing with Lisa Alvarado, the Latin Queen of Comedy), October 30 at Chinita's Venue in Henderson at 7:00 & 9:15 PM. In a raw, revealing, and hilarious conversation, Joey shares how growing up as a shy, latchkey kid in the Bronx—and navigating life without a father—pushed him toward the boxing gym, where he trained daily with relentless discipline. That same fight-for-survival mentality would later shape his approach to comedy: “Mentally, it’s the same thing,” he says. But befo...

This week, Ira talks with Grammy-winning classical guitarist Jason Vieaux (during the UNLV Performing Arts Center’s 49th Season) in the intimate lobby of the Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall. Jason shares his remarkable journey — from “goofing around” with a guitar as a kid to winning his first major competition at 19 and launching a career that’s redefined what classical guitar can be. He talks about the instrument’s unique sound (yes, those nylon strings!), the thrill of connecting emotionally with audiences, and how his playing evolved from proving his technical chops to simply playing what moves him. In this conversation...

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with Travis Cloer — the longest-running “Frankie Valli” in the Tony and Grammy Award-winning phenomenon “Jersey Boys.” Now, he’s stepping into the spotlight as himself, bringing The Frankie Valli Songbook to life in the Access Showroom at Aliante Casino on October 18. In this lively conversation, Travis shares how he managed to keep his own identity while performing one of the most iconic roles in musical theater; his deep love for the music that shaped a generation; and the lasting influence Frankie Valli has had on him personally and professionally. ...

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” I sit down with world-renowned bartender Scotty Schuder, the creative force behind Paris’ legendary Dirty Dick tiki bar. Scotty is bringing his globally celebrated cocktails to Petite Bohème for a one-night-only takeover, Thursday, October 2. In our conversation, Scotty dives into the rich history of tiki culture—from its 1934 origins with Don the Beachcomber, through its decline, and into today’s vibrant neo-Tiki revival. He shares how his own journey began here in Las Vegas, the city where he first fell in love with tiki, before spending 27 years in Paris and eventually...

This week on "Talk About Las Vegas With Ira," Ira sits down with Richard N. “Rick” Velotta, Assistant Business Editor at the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Rick shares his insid-er’s perspective on the forces reshaping our city—from the explosion of professional sports teams, and the real possibility of an NBA franchise, to how the resort community may have pushed pricing a little too far. We dig into the future of transportation with the underground Loop system and the long-awaited high-speed rail, plus how “speed dating” between airlines and destinations in an upcoming conference helps fuel growth. Rick also breaks down the top...

PLUS ART, ALBUM AND BOOK! QUICK CLIP (Ringo on performing in Vegas through the years): Ringo and the All Starrs - Steve Lukather, Colin Hay, Hamish Stuart, Warren Ham, Buck Johnson and Gregg Bissonette - joined by musical director Mark Rivera - zoomed in from Riverside Theater in Milwaukee today where they are rehearsing for the Ringo & His All Starr Band Tour, which kicks off September 10 at the Chicago Theatre. Watch Full Podcast Video Fall Tour Dates for September: 10 The Chicago Theatre, Chicago, IL 12 Miller High Life Theater, Milwaukee, WI 13 Bourbon & Beyond, Louisville, KY 17 The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV 19 The...

Photo by Janice Wilkins This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira welcomes powerhouse jazz vocalist Nancy Kelly, appearing live at Vic’s Las Vegas, September 19–20. Known for her crystal-clear, no-nonsense style, Nancy shares why music—not showmanship—has always been her true love. She dives into the intimate connection between performer and audi-ence, the humor (and humility) that jazz musicians carry, and why swing and bebop re-main at the heart of her artistry. Nancy also reflects on being groomed for the stage from an early age, the making of her latest album Be Cool, and her belief that jazz mu...

This week on "Talk About Las Vegas With Ira," Ira welcomes jazz artist Andy James, whose latest album, “Happy People” (Le Coq Records), blends the fire of flamenco with the soul of jazz. Andy began her artistic journey as a flamenco dancer, studying in Australia and Spain before performing worldwide. She talks about her family’s musical roots, the challenges of injuries, and meeting her husband—a classically trained pianist and former ballet dancer—during a rehearsal for "Carmen." Now based in Las Vegas, Andy shares how she draws inspiration from Chick Corea, crafts songs through collaboration, and recorded her new album...

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Grammy and Emmy-nominated trumpeter and arranger Greg Adams joins the conversation ahead of his August 22nd performance with East Bay Soul in Myron’s Cabaret at The Smith Center. From picking up the trumpet at an early age to taking over his high school band, Greg shares how his self-taught arranging skills led him to become a founding member of Tower of Power. He takes us behind the scenes of iconic moments—joining Elton John for the legendary Caribou sessions, working in the storied Capitol Records building, arranging with Quincy Jones, collabor...

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with rising country artist Dalton Hicks, performing at Stoney’s Rockin’ Country on August 15. Dalton opens up about the stories and grit behind his latest single, "Day By Day"—a song shaped by his rough life, self-reliance right after high school, and a “get up and keep moving” philosophy. He shares how picking up a guitar at 17 turned a dream of becoming a marine biologist into a career as a songwriter and performer—without any studio backing. Raised a self-described “redneck,” Dalton was first inspired by his grandmother’s church music, even t...

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira welcomes award-winning magician and showbiz veteran Fielding West, fresh from being honored at the inaugural Global Magicians Hall of Fame ceremony in Las Vegas. In this revealing and entertaining conversation, Fielding shares how his magical journey began at the age of nine—sparked by a life-changing gift from his grandfather to help him overcome learning disabilities. That spark eventually led to a bold decision: dropping out of graduate school after a chance encounter with none other than Steve Martin. After driving the comedy icon to a gig and watching him perfor...

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira is joined by Nashville-based singer-songwriter Rae Radick, performing “Iconic Women of Music” at Backstage Bar & Billiards on September 17. Rae’s journey is as bold as the voices she honors—from singing and dancing at age three to releasing her first album at fifteen. After a decade of performing in New York, she followed her heart to Nashville, just as the world started reopening post-COVID. Now, she’s living her dream—and inviting us all along for the ride. In this episode, Rae opens up about: *How performing keeps her fit (yes, it's her wo...

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira dives into the colorful world of Clint Carvalho, a multifaceted entertainer whose life story is as vivid as the exotic parrots he performs with. Clint opens up about two deeply personal Facebook posts—one about staying true to yourself, the other about the shifting entertainment landscape in Las Vegas—and why he felt compelled to write them. A Las Vegas resident since 1986, Clint shares how the city is more than a place—it's a relationship. Known originally as a “specialty act,” he reflects on the evolution of audiences, who now chase discount...

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira welcomes veteran journalist and founder of LasVegasSportsBiz.com, Alan Snel, who dives into the high-stakes world where sports, politics, and business collide. Alan unpacks the ongoing saga of the A’s stadium project—from the controversial decisions of team owner John Fisher, to the over-lap of roles held by Steve Hill, the LVCVA CEO, who also chairs the Stadium Authority. He also shares insights into the often opaque world of public financing, and why some government agencies are more cooperative than others when it comes to Freedom of Information requests. Alan als...

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira welcomes the multi-talented Mark Giovi, performing live at Maxan Jazz on July 3. In a powerful and heartfelt conversation, Mark opens up about his remarkable journey—from fronting heavy metal bands to mastering opera, and from vocal coach to tour manager. He shares how growing up in the restaurant business sharpened his instincts for success, both onstage and behind the scenes. Mark also candidly discusses his courageous battle with spasmodic dysphonia, a condition that silenced his voice for a year, and the overwhelming support he received from the Las Vegas community during...

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—...

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 lik...