Talk About Las Vegas With Ira

This week, Ira spoke with Chad Chesmark, performing in “House of Magic,” a family- friendly comedy and magic show residency at The Downtown Grand. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Chad talks about his early start in magic; his decision to commit full time to performing; his training in Neuro-linguistic programming; how a significant book changed his life; how he wrote his own book on a cruise ship during “down” time; why he moved to Las Vegas (hint: Laura is introduced during the show).  

This week, Ira spoke with comedian Tammy Pescatelli, who is headlining in the Laugh Factory at the Tropicana Las Vegas November 3-6. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Tammy talks about how she found her career by accident; how she started as a road comic 28 years ago, and by age 27, had performed in all 50 states; her time as a young comic on the road, experiencing chaos and trying to stay safe; why there’s no maternity leave in comedy; creating “The Cop and the Comedian,” a true friendship crime podcast; expanding her “brand”; and writing a book.

This week, Ira spoke with comedian Butch Bradley, performing Thursdays through Mondays at 10 p.m. at the L.A. Comedy Club inside The Strat Hotel and Casino. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Butch talks about starting out in improv; why his family is funnier than he is; how working internationally has taught him valuable lessons; his long association with Las Vegas, beginning with the Comedy Stop at the Tropicana; the growth of the L.A. Comedy Club and the opportunities he has received from performing there, including a special; and why he thinks comedy is a way to bring people together.

This week, Ira spoke with Spencer Crandall, performing in Stoney's Rockin' Country (at Town Square) Las Vegas October 21 (along with Avery Anna). In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Spencer talks about finding his artistic self -“ always want to sit down with an acoustic guitar and tell a country story”; why he loves experimenting and production from all kinds of genres; why he always fights for the steel guitar in his recording sessions; how, going from album to album, he “transcends and includes”; why he dares to fail; The Grand Ole Opry; and how the Internet changed his life.

This week, Ira spoke with Dan Roberts, publisher and editor of The Vegas Voice, the largest “Age 50+” monthly publication in Nevada. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Dan talks about his move to Las Vegas and his entry into publishing that filled a void in the market; why “senior” is a state of mind; how a cruise turned into a crusade for guardianship reform; why “Death With Dignity/Final Wishes options in Nevada” is important; and the appeal of Las Vegas to seniors.

This week, Ira spoke with veteran journalist Ron Futrell, 8NewsNow sports anchor/reporter. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Ron talks about how the city became a major sports destination; the importance of a Supreme Court decision; the hard news side of sports and a shout out to slain investigative reporter Jeff German; if the Las Vegas Raiders can turn it around; the significance of thee upcoming Formula One Race (the biggest event in Las Vegas); and whether we will get a NBA and/or MLB team here.

This week, Ira spoke with Gloria Day, Las Vegas’ first performing magician, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday and was given the key to the Strip in a special ceremony. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Gloria talks about her father, The Great Leo, who taught her the secrets of magic; becoming a pro at age five; her favorite illusion; how she pursued a Hollywood career and got her first role; her performances in Las Vegas; the headliner entertaining across the street from her at the Last Frontier when she first performed in Las Vegas; and what she sees as the future of magic.

This week, Ira spoke with singer-songwriter and guitarist Jonathan Butler, performing in the Chrome Showroom at Santa Fe Station September 25 at 8 p.m. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Jonathan talks about growing up poor while getting his sense of humor from his family; leaving South Africa to pursue his international musical career; coming to London with a less-than-solid contract; why he focused as a song writer in London; how his second album hit it big in the United States; when he performs on stage, he wants to take people on a journey; how he learned to play music by “stealing” with his eyes and ears; lessons he learned from fame; and why he wants to be accepted as a world music artist.

This week, Ira spoke with Emmy award-winning comedian Craig Shoemaker, headlining in the Laugh Factory at the Tropicana Las Vegas September 15-18. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Craig talks about his difficult childhood and how he worked on his creative self to deal with it; getting arrested at age 13; why he learned to be resilient; how he developed the Lovemaster; why young comedians call him “OG”; teaches “guided laughitation”; when the pandemic caused him to become an even funnier comedian; performing in Harrison Ford’s backyard; and why laughter is essential for society.

This week, Ira spoke with Douglas “Lefty” Leferovich, producer and host of “Late Night Magic,” an adults only magic show, at the Alexis Park All-Suite Resort (Fridays and Saturdays at 11 p.m.). “Late Night Magic” is a magical variety show that features sideshow stunts, mentalism, visual and optical illusions, dirty jokes, and amazing manipulation. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Douglas talks about magic coming to him at an early age; why he’s learned more from defeat than success; how his first foray into Las Vegas was a “Zoomanitizing” experience; how “Late Night Magic” evolved as a show for locals into a show for both visitors and locals; how it succeeded during COVID; and the future of magic in Las Vegas.

This week, Ira spoke with country artist Sam Riddle, performing at The Space LV September 3, with tailgate at 6:30 and the show at 8 p.m. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Sam talks about growing up around music (including Broadway); choosing to become a country artist and finding his voice; how his earliest memories are of playing the piano; why his first years in Las Vegas playing the piano were important years; how he uses all of the influences in his life for his music; why the only thing his dad is mad at him about is not what you think; and why he believes that if you’re real, the commercial success will come.

This week, Ira spoke with Brooklyn Bluesman Emanuel Casablanca, whose debut album "Blood On My Hands," will be featured in an album release show at The Sand Dollar Lounge on Spring Mountain in Las Vegas August 25, and The Sand Dollar Downtown Las Vegas on August 26. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Emanuel talks about his early start in music and financial career; why he decided to follow his heart and go full time into music and performing; why he is a calculated risk taker; the Ronnie Wood influence; the other Wood influence; why he believes in always being a student to your craft; how he views the blues boys club; and why he wants to help bring back blues to the popularity it once enjoyed.

This week, Ira spoke with comedian Brittany Schmitt, performing in The Comedy Works at The Plaza, August 19-20. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Brittany talks about why comedy is cheaper than therapy; conquering her addictions; the best lesson her dad taught her; why comedy saved her; her creative north star and why she doesn’t always listen to advice; and why performing on the road is a necessary evil.

This week, Ira spoke with Singer-songwriter Mark O’Toole, “Singing with the Big Bands” at the South Point Casino August 12-13. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Mark talks about appearing on “Star Search” and how it changed his life; how COVID made him rethink his career; why he took a chance on his career and never regretted it; how he made a choice to live and work in Las Vegas; why he includes the audience in his act more than most entertainers; what the “big bands” represent; the importance of being yourself on stage; and why he is grateful.

This week, Ira spoke with Rick Michel, co-producer/writer of the new show, “Jew Man Group,” at the Tuscany Suites and Casino. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Rick talks about the show paying homage to the Borscht Belt, but not limiting itself to Jewish humor; why it’s important to be politically incorrect for the sake of comedy; why, if you can’t laugh at yourself, laugh at everybody else; the feature of the show, which are the acts; and the science behind jokes.

This week, Ira spoke with Scotty Barnhart, director of the Grammy Award -Winning Count Basie Orchestra (performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center July 29-30). In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Scotty talks about why a long line launched his trumpet career instead of a violin career; how jazz came through the church; when he first saw County Basie live when he was 12; how he met the whole orchestra and knew he would be part of the group (and eventually lead them); why the spirit of Count Basie is always with the orchestra; the importance of treating musicians as human beings; how to run a master class for aspiring musicians; and the key reason why the group is successful after the passing of Count Basie (hint: the orchestra is the star).

This week, Ira spoke with comedian/musician Hal Sparks, performing in Nerd Halen at Count’s Vamp’d Rock Bar & Grill as part of “Punchlines and Backline” on July 21.

This week, Ira spoke with comedian Traci Skene, performing in the Comedy Cellar at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino (through July 17). In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Traci talks about discovering sophisticated humor at age ten; being encouraged by her mother to become a comedian; going to comedy clubs at an early age; using humor to cope with pain; why her goal on stage is to make the audience forget its problems; knowing the audience isn’t her therapist; why she and her husband, comedian Brian McKim, like the technical aspect of writing jokes; and writing her new book during COVID.

This week, Ira spoke with Piff the Magic Dragon (performing at the Flamingo Thursdays through Mondays at 7 p.m.) who just premiered his first one hour special, “Reptile Dysfunction,” on his YouTube channel. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Piff talks about his new YouTube show (filmed at the Flamingo and around Las Vegas); his decision to perform magic after getting a degree in computer science; performing in Las Vegas and then staying in Las Vegas to headline his own show, thanks to an appearance on “America’s Got Talent”; who he looked to for magical inspiration; why show business is made up of lucky breaks and he got his biggest break in America; the challenges of moving into a bigger showroom at the Flamingo; and being the first headliner back on the Las Vegas Strip as COVID receded.

This week, Ira spoke with comedian Tom Thakkar, performing in The Comedy Works at The Plaza, July 1-2 at 9 p.m. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Tom talks about growing up in Indiana and making the decision to become a comedian; the challenges of performing comedy during the pandemic; his approach to comedy and audiences; and his decision to move to Los Angeles and get married.