Best Jason Velotta Podcasts (2025)

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Talking With Joey Medina – October 20, 2025 29:25

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8d ago29:25

29:25

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 share…

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Talking With GRAMMY-WINNING CLASSICAL GUITARIST JASON VIEAUX – October 13, 2025 28:20

17d ago28:20

28:20

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 redefi…

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Talking With Travis Cloer – October 6, 2025 29:16

24d ago29:16

29:16

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 convers…

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Talking With Scotty Schuder – September 29, 2025 30:21

1M ago30:21

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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 tik…

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Talking With Richard N. “Rick” Velotta – September 15, 2025 30:21

2M ago30:21

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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 …

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RINGO MAKING VEGAS (AND OTHER) TOUR NEWS 0:32

2M ago0:32

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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…

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Talking With Nancy Kelly – September 8, 2025 28:33

2M ago28:33

28:33

Photo by Janice WilkinsThis 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…

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Talking With Andy James – August 25, 2025 27:07

2M ago27:07

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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 …

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Talking With Greg Adams – August 18, 2025 29:34

2M ago29:34

29:34

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 sk…

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Talking With Dalton Hicks – August 11, 2025 28:06

3M ago28:06

28:06

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.…

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Talking With Fielding West – August 4, 2025 31:38

3M ago31:38

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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-changin…

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Talking With Rae Radick – July 28, 2025 29:27

3M ago29:27

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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 …

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Talking With Clint Carvalho – July 14, 2025 29:55

4M ago29:55

29:55

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 Veg…

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Talking With Alan Snel – July 7, 2025 15:04

4M ago15:04

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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 role…

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Talking With Mark Giovi – June 30, 2025 29:23

4M ago29:23

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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 b…

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Talking With Comedy-Magician Adam London – June 23, 2025 29:10

4M ago29:10

29:10

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 gran…

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Talking With Andrew Davies Gans– June 16, 2025 28:21

5M ago28:21

28:21

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 L…

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Talking With Pam Ashlund, ‘Queen of Swizzle’ – June 9, 2025 29:00

5M ago29:00

29:00

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 stic…

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Talking With Ryan Duff – June 2, 2025 30:30

5M ago30:30

30:30

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 belov…

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Talking With The Clairvoyants– May 19, 2025 28:55

5M ago28:55

28:55

(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’…

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Talking With Mike Krasner and Sean Reddy – May 12, 2025 31:40

6M ago31:40

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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…

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Talking With Oliver Lovat – May 5, 2025 30:55

6M ago30:55

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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 s…

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Talking With Joe Lano – April 21, 2025 28:42

6M ago28:42

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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 …

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Talking With Diane Christiansen – April 17, 2025 29:47

7M ago29:47

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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 ne…

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Talking With Patty Peters – April 7, 2025 28:20

7M ago28:20

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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 …

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Talking With Steve Connolly – March 31, 2025 29:38

7M ago29:38

29:38

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 schoo…

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Talking With Alan Snel – March 24, 2025 29:46

7M ago29:46

29:46

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 o…

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Talking With Mark Wojtowicz Jr – March 10, 2025 27:52

8M ago27:52

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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…

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Talking With The Mēla Guitar Quartet – March 3, 2025 29:46

8M ago29:46

29:46

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, rev…

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Talking With Ron Futrell – February 24, 2025 30:56

8M ago30:56

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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’ curren…

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Talking With Matt Dusk – February 17, 2024 29:37

9M ago29:37

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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 a…

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Talking With Micky Dolenz – February 10, 2025 30:13

9M ago30:13

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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…

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Talking With Dave Tull – February 3, 2025 30:47

9M ago30:47

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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; wor…

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Talking With Valerie Wright – January 27, 2025 22:19

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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 wa…

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Talking With KC Christon – January 20, 2024 29:27

9M ago29:27

29:27

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…

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Talking With John L. Smith – January 13, 2024 30:45

10M ago30:45

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This week, Ira spoke with John L. Smith, co-author of "My Life in Nevada Politics, The Memoirs of Senator Richard H. Bryan." this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” John talks about getting involved in this book project about a major Nevada figure;; what he learned from working with Senator Bryan (“a master class in retail politics”); why …

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Talking With David G. Schwartz – January 6, 2025 25:09

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This week, Ira spoke with David G. Schwartz, author of "Something For Your Money, A History of Las Vegas Casinos." In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” David talks about how his background writing about Las Vegas, casinos, and gambling brought him to this current book; how the title ("Something For Your Money…") came to be; the most …

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Talking With Murray The Magician – December 16, 2024 28:27

11M ago28:27

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This week, Ira spoke with Murray The Magician, performing in his new show, “Hairlarious Deceptions,” at The Strat’s L.A. Comedy Club beginning January 4. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Murray talks about how he survives and prospers in the competitive Las Vegas entertainment market; why he became “that guy”; how he came to Vega…

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Talking With David Garfield – December 9, 2024 30:21

11M ago30:21

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This week, Ira spoke with David Garfield, performing (with the David Garfield Quintet) at Maxan Jazz December 13-14. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” talks about starting early with music (with a Steinway grand piano in the house); how he got bitten by the rock and roll bug; why a trumpet solo in “Spinning Wheel” converted him to…

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Talking With Andrew Kiraly – December 2, 2024 29:30

11M ago29:30

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This week, Ira spoke with Andrew Kiraly, founder and publisher of TheList.Vegas. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Andrew talks about his long career in journalism in Las Vegas; the importance of arts and culture entertainment; providing events information in a timely matter; deciding to become an independent publisher; why it’s f…

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Talking With Alan Snel – November 25, 2024 30:22

11M ago30:22

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This week, Ira spoke with Alan Snel, whose popular website, LVSportsBiz.com, reports the business side of Las Vegas’ expanding sports industry. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Alan talks about the impact of the second F1 event in Las Vegas, the good parts and the bad parts; how a private promoter received access to 3.8 miles of …

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Talking With ArcoStrum – November 11, 2024 31:38

12M ago31:38

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This week, Ira spoke with ArcoStrum (Strauss Shi - violin, erhu, dizi; TY Zhang - classical guitar, electric guitar) performing November 15 in the Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall at the UNLV Performing Arts Center. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” TY and Strauss talk about how they met and became friends before becoming a mu-sical du…

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Talking With Vinnie Favorito – November 4, 2024 30:05

12M ago30:05

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This week, Ira spoke with comedian Vinnie Favorito, headlining at Notoriety Live, November 8-9 at 9 p.m. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Vinnie talks about his new show at Notoriety Live; his long career in Las Vegas; moving back to Boston; why he’s an “intimate-type crowd comic”; how he is politically incorrect, but with like-a…

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Talking With Maren Wade – October 28, 2024 28:38

1y ago28:38

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Photo by Jerry MetellusThis week, Ira spoke with singer, writer and producer Maren Wade, starring in “Confessions of a Showgirl” in Myron’s at The Smith Center November 6. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Maren talks about using the term “Showgirl” in the “modern” sense (for example, she doesn’t meet the height requirements!); ho…

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Talking With Frank Sidoris – October 21, 2024 30:20

1y ago30:20

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This week, Ira spoke with Vegas-born guitarist Frank Sidoris, owner of Las Vegas’ iconic dive bar, Hard Hat Lounge, which hosts its free 3rd annual block party November 1. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Frank talks about the definition of a dive bar (“comes with a bit more grit”); growing up in Las Vegas in a show business fami…

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Talking With Michael Ross Nugent – October 14, 2024 31:01

1y ago31:01

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This week, Ira spoke with Michael Ross Nugent, performing at Maxan Jazz October 19. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Michael talks about his love of big band music as a teenager; when he was 16, he heard Michael Bublé for the first time; why he was an anomaly within his own generation; how he sees himself as an “old soul”; why he…

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Talking With Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling – October 7, 2024 30:49

1y ago30:49

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This week, Ira spoke with Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling, headlining in the A Stars Comedy Show at the Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel, October 10-12. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Jackie talks about why there’s nothing better than an “elevator gig”; his long history with Las Vegas; his success with Cameo; what makes him laugh; hi…

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Talking With Rudy Sarzo and Alex Grossi from Quiet Riot – September 30, 2024 28:49

1y ago28:49

28:49

This week, Ira spoke with Rudy Sarzo and Alex Grossi from Quiet Riot, performing Oc-tober 5 in the M Pavilion at The M Resort. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Rudy and Alex talk about the genesis of heavy metal; the beginning of Quiet Riot; why the band is focused on the “now” and the near future; the new documentary (and certai…

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Talking With John Proulx – September 23, 2024 29:54

1y ago29:54

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This week, Ira spoke with LA-based jazz pianist, vocalist, educator, composer and recording artist John Proulx, who performs at Vic's Las Vegas September 27-28. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” John talks about learning to play by ear; why he loved jazz from an early age, but also folk music; how his early piano lessons were more…

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Talking With Paul Rodriguez – September 9, 2024 31:09

1y ago31:09

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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…