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 Las Vegas (May 2-3), to share the remarkable story of his life in music.

From his early days growing up in Philadelphia—playing guitar in clubs by the age of 12—to the glittering stages of Las Vegas, Joe recounts a career filled with iconic mo-ments. He talks about his move from L.A. to Vegas, joining the elite showroom orches-tras, and playing alongside legends like Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, and Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gormé. (Fun fact: Lena never sang a song the same way twice—and was a total sci-fi geek.)

Joe also shares the behind-the-scenes of Vegas in its golden age: how he landed gigs straight away, the role of the Musicians Union, getting the nod from Sands bandleader Antonio Morelli, and performing with entertainment royalty like Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin. He even dives into the drama that followed when he began working full-time in town.

And of course, he opens up about his lifelong love for jazz, his connection to the Las Ve-gas Jazz Society, the ego-fueled world of professional musicians, and what it was like working seven nights a week for two years straight.

Don’t miss this intimate, insightful, and often hilarious conversation with one of Las Vegas jazz’s most respected voices.

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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 never looked back—rarely needing to audition again, save for a memorable encounter with Jerry Jackson at the Tropicana. From the fine line between dancer and showgirl to becoming one at the age of 18 (no easy feat!), Diane shares how she found joy, strength, and sisterhood in the dazzling world of showbiz.

She opens up about her journey from the chorus line to Las Vegas lights, becoming a “swing girl” for the nudes at the iconic Tropicana, and what inspired her to finally pen her memoir—especially after a reunion of showgirls from multiple generations.

Diane also reflects on why grand showgirl productions may never return, the essential teamwork behind the sequins, the legacy of legends like Donn Arden and Miss Bluebell, staying grounded and grateful, and her passion for mentoring the next generation (as well as current generation) of actors through the Christiansen Acting Academy.

It’s a glittering, heartfelt, and unforgettable conversation you won’t want to miss.

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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 — turning passion into award-winning wines.

From choosing their home in Henderson’s buzzing “Booze District” to the incredible support of the wine community after Charlie’s passing, Patty opens up about her wine journey with authenticity and humor. She explains the difference between Vegas Valley Winery and Grape Expectations, why word of mouth has been their secret weapon, and what it means to craft wines that win awards on a yearly basis.

Patty also talks about their wine blending classes, tastings, tours, workshops, and special events that make them a destination for locals and visitors. Whether you're a wine con-noisseur or just curious about wine, this episode will lead you to raise a glass to locals doing it right.

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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 school to restoring 700 statues and 123 churches. Initially set on becoming a curator, his path took an unexpected turn when a professor encouraged him to embrace both art and music.

Steve talks about sneaking into bars with a fake I.D. at just 15 to play music, learning guitar, taking voice lessons, and how an open mic night changed his life forever—setting him on the road to embodying Elvis. He recalls the thrill of stepping in front of an audience, shedding inhibitions, and truly thriving in the spotlight.

He recounts how “Legends in Concert” producer John Stuart and Will Collins helped bring him to Vegas, cementing his place as a dedicated student of Elvis. And how a critical letter pushed him to dive deeper into researching the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, refining his performance to a new level of authenticity. The key moment for Steve: before a particularly challenging performance (in front of a goth crowd), he asked for the spirit of Elvis to enter him—a ritual that has since become a pre-show prayer.

Beyond the stage, Steve talks about his deeply personal commitment to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and how his family tragedy formed that commitment.

Tune in for an episode filled with passion, music, and the magic of Vegas entertainment!

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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 of the event—filled with controversy, logistical nightmares, and ongoing lawsuits.

They dive into the potential legal settlements stemming from decisions made by Clark County and F1, the debate over economic impact reports versus actual costs, and the real toll on resort employees—especially those affected by disrupted commutes during race week. Plus, will F1 secure a seven-year extension after year three? And why did some hotels profit while the wider region saw a less-than-expected economic boost?

Beyond F1, Alan and Ira discuss the latest on the Oakland A’s move to Las Vegas, the timeline for their new stadium, and what’s next for sports in the city that never stops evolving.

Don’t miss this must-listen episode packed with sharp analysis, insider details, and bold predictions!

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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 why, in an age dominated by digital content, a physical book still holds significant meaning — and why a linear storytelling approach was crucial to making the pieces fit. Mark also discusses which casino left the biggest impression on him, which one surpris-ingly did not, and the stark differences between the Strip and Downtown Vegas. Along the way, he uncovers fascinating Vegas personalities, his personal “bucket list” item, and offers his vision for the future of Las Vegas. Whether you're a Vegas aficionado or just curious about its captivating past, this episode promises a deep dive into the rich and evolving history of Las Vegas. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

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, revealing how their unique collaboration took shape and why four musicians create the perfect balance of tex-ture and harmony. They discuss the art of dividing musical roles to sustain melody, the fluid and egalitarian nature of a quartet, and how their sound contrasts with a traditional string quartet.

They also explore the intricacies of their performances—how selections are chosen, the universal appeal of their music, and the energy of taking an audience on a journey from electrifying highs to tender, intimate moments. Zahrah shares her unique perspective on transitioning from an audience member to a performer within the group, and the duo high-lights the value of fresh voices joining the quartet.

Plus, they break down an exhilarating example from Flight of the Bumblebee, discuss why a producer becomes the quartet’s “fifth member” in the recording studio, and explain why having both musical and technical ears listening is essential for their craft.

Don’t miss this deep dive into the artistry, collaboration, and passion behind The Mēla Guitar Quartet!

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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’ current quarterback situation and the impact of salary caps in the NFL to discussing Tom Brady’s influence on the team and the game-changing arrival of Allegiant Stadium, Ron delivers insight like only a seasoned sports journalist can. The conversation also dives into the A’s big move to Vegas in 2028, the possibility of another Super Bowl in 2029, and even the city’s wait for a national college football championship and an NBA team.

But that’s not all—Ron explores how legalized sports betting across the country has re-shaped Las Vegas, the emotional power of sports, the legacy of the Speedway, the rise of sports tourism, and what the future holds for the city that’s becoming a true sports capital.

Don’t miss this jam-packed episode full of insider knowledge, bold predictions, and a be-hind-the-scenes look at the ever-evolving Las Vegas sports landscape!

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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 an artist and a person. He reveals why Bennett’s technical brilliance made him a legend, how he “lived within the age of his voice,” and even what Tony’s favorite song was. Matt also opens up about how these timeless songs shaped his own storytelling, why Tony remains a genre unto himself, and how he weaves personal anecdotes into his performances. Plus, he shares one surprising thing he never got to ask Tony. (Photo by Victor Rusu)

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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 reunion that made him aware of the cultural impact of the group; the first time singing live on stage at a press junket for “Circus Boy”); why he doesn’t have a favorite episode of The Monkees’ television show; performing in Broadway shows; how John Lennon said The Monkees are like The Marx Brothers; being larger than life characters for The Monkees TV show; why Peter Tork was the one in the band who had to play a fairly different character from his real life; how his current show structure is a story going into a song; what he discovered about singing non-Monkees’ songs (there’s always a connection); why he performs all The Monkees’ hits in live shows; and his album, "Live At The Troubadour."

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