Talk About Las Vegas With Ira

(Photo courtesy of Frank Molnar/Red Rock City Lifestyle) [audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Karan_Feder_011022.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Karan Feder, curator of the new Barbie exhibition, Barbie®, A Cultural Icon: 60 Years of Fashion and Inspiration (located inside The Shops at Crystals). In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Karan talks about how COVID (and her downtime from the Nevada State Museum led her to put the exhibition together; how she met and relied on Las Vegan David Porcello and his extensive collection of Barbie dolls; why the exhibit is a deep dive into fashion; why culture and fashion cannot be separated; why the Ken doll came on the scene; the evolution of Barbie dolls; her favorite fashion year; the surprising discovery about the Mattel archives; and what the 250 vintage Barbie artifacts represent.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Paco_Alvarez_122721.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Brian "Paco" Álvarez, CEO of Psionic Art Works, a cultural and curatorial consultancy in Las Vegas. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Paco talks about how culture has evolved in Las Vegas; why art increases business; the new frontier of computers interacting with the human mind; how public art has a purpose, bringing a sense of place; the experiential appeal of new Las Vegas venues; and why Downtown Las Vegas is leading the way in the cultural revolution; and the future.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/George_Bugatti_120621.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with entertainer/producer George Bugatti, who has written “Trial on the Potomac, The Impeachment of Richard Nixon,” which was staged off Broadway and filmed. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, George talks about his obsession with presidents, and particularly Richard Nixon; his discovery of a book, The Real Watergate Scandal by Geoff Shepard; his decision to write the play based on that book that ponders what would have happened if Richard Nixon had a trial; how he chose Rich Little to play Richard Nixon in the play; the most important thing he learned from writing it; and why he is glad he wrote something that is “bigger than me.”

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Euge_Groove_112921.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Euge Groove, performing at the Santa Fe Station Hotel December 4 at 8 p.m. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Euge talks about his methodical approach to recording jazz and performing live sets; why he writes songs that are natural to him and not necessarily for the radio; how he got from classical music to King Curtis; why he enjoys playing music with other musicians, including Peter White; what the mark of a true artist is; how there is a negative connotation to “smooth jazz” and why he doesn’t object to the term; why he is drawn more to production these days; and the secret life of airline miles!

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Jason_Egan_112221.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Jason Egan, creator of the official SAW Escape Room and Escape Blair Witch Escape Room in Las Vegas. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Jason talks about his earliest experience with horror, running out of a haunted house in the fifth grade; growing up in the Midwest; how he developed a passion for horror; his one true nightmare (it will surprise you!); why he decided to move to Las Vegas to create horror and immersive escape rooms; the psychology of escape rooms; and why he not only lives his dream, but works his dream.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Gunhild_Carling_111521.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with Jazz star and multi-instrumentalist Gunhild Carling, performing at the Italian American Club, November 21 at 8 p.m. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Carling talks about her long family history in music (she started touring at age 7); why the Great America Songbook is her “bible”; how she approaches entertainment and wants the audience to be happy; why she always has to be inspired and why she wants her energy to be contagious; and her dream as a teenager to have a residency in Las Vegas.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Peter_Fand_110721.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira had a quick chat with multi-instrumentalist, song writer, composer, performer and recording artist Peter Fand, who will be leading the Dixie Flats at a New Orleans Dixieland Brunch presented by Reflection Bay and Chef Scott Commings, November 14. Peter talks about performing around the world, including the Kremlin Palace in Moscow; moving to Las Vegas; forming the Dixie Flats to focus on Trad Jazz, and how he learned to appreciate the greats in music.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Rick_Braun_110821.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with trumpeter, composer and producer Rick Braun, performing (along with Richard Elliot) in the Chrome Showroom at the Santa Fe Station Hotel November 13. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Rick talks about his start in playing the trumpet, finding one left by his brother in the closet; attending the Eastman School of Music for a serious immersion in his future field; his mentors and the people he has encouraged; his professional relationship with saxophonist Richard Elliot; the wise advise given him by George Benson; the inspiration of Miles Davis (“know your limitations”); the “hot” set with a flugelhorn in Las Vegas; and honoring his father by playing at SteelStacks.

[audio mp3=“https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Anne_Martinez_110121.mp3"][/audio] This week, Ira spoke with actor/singer/dancer/aerialist/ and showgirl, Anne Martinez, who (along with Red Penny Arcade) performs at The Space - for Wine Wednesdays - November 3 at 8 p.m. (wine tasting at 7:30). In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Anne talks about getting the performing bug at an early age; the support of her mom (who was a teacher) for a broad and intense education, including obtaining a BFA in Acting from SUNY Fredonia and an MA in Advanced Theatre Practice from London, UK's Central School of Speech and Drama; the hard thing about show business; learning accountability; why she loves the details and process of preparation of performing; and how she ended up as a performer in Las Vegas.

[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.