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

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Scotty Barnhart, director of the Grammy Award -Winning Count Basie Orchestra (performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center July 29-30). In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Scotty talks about why a long line launched his trumpet career instead of a violin career; how jazz came through the church; when he first saw County Basie live when he was 12; how he met the whole orchestra and knew he would be part of the group (and eventually lead them); why the spirit of Count Basie is always with the orchestra; the importance of treating musicians as human beings; how to run a master class for aspiring musicians; and the key reason why the group is successful after the passing of Count Basie (hint: the orchestra is the star).

This week, Ira spoke with comedian/musician Hal Sparks, performing in Nerd Halen at Count’s Vamp’d Rock Bar & Grill as part of “Punchlines and Backline” on July 21. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Hal talks about how he got in involved with Nerd Halen (which combines the music of Van Halen, with the antics of the most staunch nerds, seemingly taken directly out of an 80’s B-movie); the only rule he has for tribute bands; why performances can have both content and entertainment, and why both are needed; his philosophy of art on live stage work, which is that the audience wants to agree with you about who you are; how your nervous system prepares you for comedy (but not immediately - it takes years of performing); and why his ultimate career goal is to be Burgess Meredith.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with comedian Traci Skene, performing in the Comedy Cellar at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino (through July 17). In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Traci talks about discovering sophisticated humor at age ten; being encouraged by her mother to become a comedian; going to comedy clubs at an early age; using humor to cope with pain; why her goal on stage is to make the audience forget its problems; knowing the audience isn’t her therapist; why she and her husband, comedian Brian McKim, like the technical aspect of writing jokes; and writing her new book during COVID.

This week, Ira spoke with Piff the Magic Dragon (performing at the Flamingo Thursdays through Mondays at 7 p.m.) who just premiered his first one hour special, “Reptile Dysfunction,” on his YouTube channel. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Piff talks about his new YouTube show (filmed at the Flamingo and around Las Vegas); his decision to perform magic after getting a degree in computer science; performing in Las Vegas and then staying in Las Vegas to headline his own show, thanks to an appearance on “America’s Got Talent”; who he looked to for magical inspiration; why show business is made up of lucky breaks and he got his biggest break in America; the challenges of moving into a bigger showroom at the Flamingo; and being the first headliner back on the Las Vegas Strip as COVID receded.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with comedian Tom Thakkar, performing in The Comedy Works at The Plaza, July 1-2 at 9 p.m. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Tom talks about growing up in Indiana and making the decision to become a comedian; the challenges of performing comedy during the pandemic; his approach to comedy and audiences; and his decision to move to Los Angeles and get married.

This week, Ira spoke with Brad Sherwood, who (along with Colin Mochrie) will be performing in “Scared Scriptless” at the Pavilion Theater at Tropicana Laughlin June 25. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Brad talks about why he liked being funny as a kid as a way to adjust to new circumstances; taking his first improv class and realizing he had found his career; why it’s important to establish a relationship with the audience; why he doesn’t have nerves before going on stage, but instead has “focused adrenaline”; how he was hired for “Whose Line Is It Anyway”; when he met Colin and how they became an act together; why their act appeals to a wide demographic: and why he considers improv a combination comedy show and a magic act.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Comedy-magician Adam London, performing in the Laughternoon show in the Venue at the Orleans (Thursdays - Sundays at 4 p.m.). In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Adam talks about his start in magic, inspired by his grandfather; his decision to move to Las Vegas; why he chose to work clean and have a family-friendly show; why humor comes before magic; his process for writing material; and his take on the magic competition in Las Vegas.

This week, Ira spoke with comedian Rocky Laporte, headlining in the Laugh Factory at the Tropicana Las Vegas (through June 12). In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Rocky talks about about his style of comedy, which is considered unique but organic; how the negative reaction from family and friends about starting his comedy career drove him to success; how he dealt with COVID as a comedian; why his observations about bits of stuff in everyday life leads him to comedy material; and his decision to work clean.

This week, Ira spoke with Mike Nigro, one of the principals of Nigro Construction, which specializes in non-gaming construction in Las Vegas (including hotels and taverns). Its current project, just completed, is the extended-stay hotel, TownePlace Suites by Marriott®, located in North Las Vegas. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Mike talks about the history of the company as it grew over the decades; finding a non-gaming niche in the valley; why the company both owns and operates its limited-service hotels; why location is key; how the company looks for pockets in the valley that have built-up demand, but limited supply; and how taverns are a different business model.

This week, Ira spoke with Roger Earl, a founding member of the legendary British rock band, Foghat (performing May 27 at The Golden Nugget Las Vegas). In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Roger talks about how the band was formed; the enduring popularity of Foghat; why he reveres Buddy Rich and Miles Davis; the link between bass and drums; and why you need a sense of humor to survive in a rock band.