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

This week, Ira spoke with country artist Craig Campbell, performing in Gilley's Saloon, Dance Hall & BBQ at Treasure Island December 7-8. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Craig talks about his early years in music; moving to Nashville; what he sees as the worst side of country music; going independent as an artist; working with some of his idols; what The Grand Ole Opry means to him; and the one song that fans expect to hear at all of his live shows.

This week, Ira spoke with Murray Langston, “The Unknown Comic,” performing in the Ahern Live Comedy Showroom at the Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel November 24-25. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Murray talks about why he caught the bug to get into show business by watching Jerry Lewis films as a kid; how he became “The Unknown Comic”; why this may be his last gig; how he learned to leave life modestly; and his prescription for happiness.

This week, Ira spoke with Sky Directs, director of the Las Vegas based urban thriller, “Run Nixon” (which follows a determined mother as she takes drastic measures to save her son's life), releasing in AMC Theaters on November 22. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Sky talks about how he got his start in the film industry; how he came up with the idea for the movie; the crazy challenge of raising money for his film; location scouting in Las Vegas; and the unique deal he worked out with AMC Theaters.

This week, Ira spoke with award-winning writer and nationally touring headliner Noah Gardenswartz, performing in the Comedy Cellar at the Rio through November 11. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Noah talks about starting his career doing open mikes in Atlanta before his senior year in college; his years on the road and ironically not becoming cynical; meeting his future wife on a podcast; joining the writing team of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”; and balancing writing and performing.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with John Bentham, founder of Ivory Star Productions. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” John talks about his early career as a performer before deciding to work behind the scenes; working with David Copperfield before starting his own production company; juggling several shows at one time (the secret is a good staff); working on the upcoming return of “Jersey Boys”; how he involves his whole family in producing the yearly “Glittering Lights”; and how he survives and prospers in a tough Las Vegas entertainment environment.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with singer, songwriter and musician Oleta Adams, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center October 27-28. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” Oleta talks about why passion makes the music worthwhile; how self-respect (as well as her talent) sustains her career over the decades; what the most influential person in her life has done for her over several decades; and how growing up in the church kept her balanced while prospering in the entertainment business.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with saxophonist, recording artist, and composer Dee Lucas, performing in the Copa Room at the Bootlegger Italian Bistro October 20. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” Dee talks about his love of the saxophone along with his self-taught approach; how both saxophone giants and local musicians inspired his artistic spirit; why he believes in “protecting” the music; what he communicates when he plays; and why he is cited as “the hardest working indie artist in the music industry.”

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with international award-winning vocalist Nicole Henry, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center October 14 at 5 and 8 p.m. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” Nicole talks about why her first opportunity to sing on a regular basis was on a drag show; why she first chose the wrong instrument to practice on; when she fell in love with jazz; how she was influenced by many artists but always focuses on her own voice in performance; and why music is part of her family history.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Brent Barrett, performing “Brent Barrett - My 40 Years On Broadway” in Myron’s at The Smith Center October 4. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Brent talks about his first role on Broadway; meeting some of the legendary Broadway composers and lyricists; performing in award-winning musicals; transitioning away from Broadway but keeping the music; how he has structured his “40-year” show; and what he plans for the future.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with multi-award-winning guitar virtuoso Ricardo Cobo and Parsa Sabet, the guitar duo known as Rio Sueño, performing in the Judy Bayley Theatre at the UNLV Performing Arts Center, Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” the duo talk about why they named themselves Rio Sueño; what brought them together as musicians; what Ricardo saw in Parsa as a student and their similar outlooks on life; why rehearsal is always a learning experience; and why classical guitar is important in artistic expression.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Jana Wimer, director and co-writer of “Abandon” at the Vegas Theatre Company in the Las Vegas Arts District, with performances beginning October 5. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” Jana talks about the production, a scary journey through an asylum in 1800s Paris; why horror and theatre are her two loves; why she loves to add humor to her productions; how “Abandon” reflects on the issues of mental health and persecution; and why theatre is always a work in progress.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with John Katsilometes (KATS!), the man-about-town whose column runs daily in the Las Vegas Review-Journal. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” John talks about the most important changes in Las Vegas entertainment; his podcast series, “Mobbed Up”; his goal of eventually writing a book; getting sleep when he can; why what he does is a “participation sport”; and some of his favorite performers.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with The Cowsills (Bob, Susan, and Paul), performing September 8 at The Golden Nugget Las Vegas. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” the trio talk about what keeps them in the game; how they are now introducing songs from their new album when they come to Las Vegas; why performing is an exchange of a great, happy moment with the audience; why they are unapologetically boomers; and why their live show is a lot more than their recorded hits.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Rodney Norman, performing September 1-2 at Wise Guys Comedy (in the Arts District of Downtown Las Vegas). In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” Rodney talks about his background in philosophy and stand-up comedy and how he combines the two on stage; the meaning behind “you’re nothing special”; why you can make happiness your reset; what he learned from Jonathan Winters, Robin Williams, and Bob Newhart; and the importance of embracing all of the ups and downs of your life.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with comedian Mike Saccone, headlining in the Laugh Factory at the Tropicana Las Vegas through August 27. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” Mike talks about his obsession with restoring and collecting pinball machines; his previous life and comedy work in Las Vegas; why he went into semi-retirement after being twice-widowed; exercising the comedy muscle; and his future plans for writing a film.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with saxophonist and vocalist Patrick Lamb, performing at Gambit in Henderson August 19. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” Patrick talks about how he picked the saxophone; why he’s in the business of “connection”; what he shares with Chris Botti; why he loves showing up as a “hired mercenary”; what he loves about touring as a solo artist; and the challenge of a set list.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Emmy-nominated trumpeter and singer, Benny Benack III, performing at Vick’s Las Vegas, August 10-11, at 7 and 8:30. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” Benny talks about his lineage as third in a generational line of Pittsburgh jazz notables; how he incorporates both his father and grandfather’s influences and simultaneously looks to musical giants to add to his approach to music; why showmanship is an important part of his presentation; why he has so much energy on stage; why he concerns himself with quality; his responsibility to the Great American Songbook; and why jazz will always be around.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Wayne Nelson, lead singer, bass player and band leader for The Little River Band, performing at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino August 5. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Wayne talks about the long-time connection between the band and its fans; why they never “phone in" a show; why the band works with so many charities; the fondest memory he has of performing with the group over 43 years; why Little River Band has introduced new music as well as play their favorite hits; and what surprising job he has added to his work with the group.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Banachek, “the world’s greatest mind reader,” who performs “Banachek’s Mind Games Live” at the Strat Hotel, Casino and Skypod. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Banachek talks about coming from a mentalism background first and a magic background second; his experiences as a kid fooling scientists; his friendship with The Amazing Randi; his meeting with Uri Geller (and how he fooled him); his ethical approach to his act; why he enjoys working with kids on stage; why he performs “jazz” mentalism; why mentalism as entertainment is so different from magic; and his most dramatic effect.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Chef Alicia Shevetone, Las Vegas pop-up chef, television personality, and creator of Dink Cuisine, a food and entertainment organization that curates culinary experiences across print, digital, social, and live media. She is also author of " Italian Cookbook for Two" and "Vegetarian Ketogenic Cookbook for Beginners." In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” Alicia talks about her transition from high-tech Silicon Valley to food in Las Vegas; how Dink Cuisine works; her decision to write recipes for DINK (dual income, no kids) based on “eating for the moment”; where she developed a taste for cooking; how she puts together her line of spirit-infused seasonings that are available nationwide; and what her new cookbook, "Food with Spirit," will deliver.