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

This week, Ira spoke with singer, songwriter, and producer Dave Damiani, performing in the New Year’s Eve Countdown Party at Vic’s Las Vegas. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Dave talks about how he came to embrace jazz; the musicians who inspired him; his friendship with Joe Piscopo; how he made “bending the standard” his trademark; and what music and musicians mean to him.

This week, Ira spoke with comedian Bob Zany, performing in Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club at the MGM through December 23. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Bob talks about growing up in a funny family; the two comedians he looked to for inspiration; why he adds three new jokes every time he performs; how he and Brad Garrett started out at the Ice House together as emcees; his Dry Bar comedy special; and what he’s doing on Cameo.

This week, Ira spoke with Latin GRAMMY® Award winner, Brazilian guitarist, composer, and arranger Sérgio Assad and GRAMMY®-nominated composer Clarice Assad, performing (along with Third Coast Percussion) at the UNLV Performing Arts Center December 13. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” the Assads talk about their family’s deep history with music; Sergio’s surprising view of jazz; how performing as a father and daughter on stage reflects their closeness as family members; their performance, “Archetypes,” a work inspired by timeless character types that appear in stories, legends, and myths throughout the world; and why connection is what they want the au-dience to take away from their performance.

This week, Ira spoke with veteran journalist Ron Futrell, 8NewsNow sports anchor/reporter. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ron talks about the burgeoning sports tourism in Las Vegas; the success of Formula 1 in its first year; the A’s coming to Las Vegas; future prospects of Rebel football; can an NBA team find a home here?; and prospects for a third championship for the Las Vegas Aces.

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.