This week, Ira spoke with Kenny Shedd, former (Oakland) Raider and current filmmaker, working on “The Next Dana White.” In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Kenny talks about why he decided to become a filmmaker; how he spent 20 years with the San Leandro Police Department; his thoughts on the Raiders moving to Las Vegas; how he came up with the idea for “The Next Dana White,” his first feature film; how he scripted the film to emphasize the characters’ father-daughter relationship more than fight scenes; his development of Las Vegas investors; why he moved his production from the Bay area to Las Vegas; and why attention to detail is important in making movies.

This week, Ira spoke with writer, photographer, artist and philanthropist Michael Shulman. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Michael talks about writing a compre-hensive history of Las Vegas entertainment residency for his website -https://www.shulmansays.com - (a version of this article was published in Business Traveler, August 2023); who the first residency headliner was (and this is going back to 1944); how it was originally an amenity to bring in the high roller; how the Rat Pack played a part; Elvis and his residency; why he (Michael) almost got kicked out of the Liberace Museum; the importance of the resident artist; how Celine Dion changed everything in the world of residencies; why Las Vegas is the residency capital of the world; how a residency is a win-win for both the casino and the entertainer; the audience comes to the entertainer rather than the other way around; what performer might have had “the most wonderful” connection with an audience; the most surprising thing he found in his research (and it has to do with Elvis); how strong country has become; the importance of production designers; the criteria for a residency; and the future of residencies.

This week, Ira spoke with veteran journalist Ron Futrell, 8NewsNow sports anchor/reporter. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Ron talks about the impending construction of the A’s baseball stadium (which would also serve as a multi-purpose sta-dium); why traveling to Las Vegas for sporting events is becoming a significant part of the new Las Vegas; the reasons he supports the building of the new stadium; how Thomas & Mack is still a viable venue (with the Runnin’ Rebels and National Finals Rodeo); the future of F1 and why it won’t be as disruptive as the initial event; why Las Vegas succeeds with professional sports arenas and stadiums (because of the tourism industry); and the chances of the Vegas Golden Knights winning another Stanley Cup.

(Photo by Roberto Chifarelli)

This week, Ira spoke with Russell Ferrante of the Yellowjackets, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center April 20. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Rus-sell talks about when he first got involved with music; the formation of the Yellowjackets; how fortunate he is to continue to play music; how he describes the band’s music, which is original and includes group improvisation; why it’s important to respect the music; striving to be “in the moment”; why the Great American Songbook is a jumping off point for jazz musicians; why the band is leaderless; how the Yellowjackets got its name; what he learned from Clifford Coulter from the South Bay; why he also enjoys classical music and is “in awe” of classical composers; how time stops when the group is playing on stage; not letting perfection overwhelm the soul when recording; and meeting and working with some of his icons.

This week, Ira spoke with award-winning comedy magician Fielding West, performing in the A-Stars Comedy Show at the Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel, April 11-13. In this epi-sode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Fielding talks about how he was discovered as a magician; how his act has currently changed by adding storytelling to his magic; why he incorporates his oxygen concentrator into his act; his 44 years performing in Las Vegas; touring with master magician Lance Burton; the history of “Bob The Bird”; his plans to write a book; and the biggest highlight in his career.

This week, Ira spoke with magician Will Bradshaw, bringing “Will Bradshaw’s Wonderground, The Underground Magic Show,” to Area 15 on April 9. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Will talks about growing up in Minnesota, having a father as a magician; studying the arts in New York and performing in musical theater; how he ended up apprenticing with magician Jeff McBride; performing on Penn & Teller’s show and performing with Jeff McBride at The Magic Castle; how Wonderground began many years ago and his opportunity to put his own stamp on the unique show; why it was an inspirational part of his growth as a magician and why he wanted to bring it back; and his favorite illusion to perform.

This week, Ira spoke with Richard Gubbe, author (along with Robert Lawson) of "Vegas Hockey, Vegas Strong." In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Richard talks about the early days (and teams) of hockey in Las Vegas; what happened to the proposed hockey team that was going to be brought in by producer Jerry Bruckheimer in 2008; why promotion can help a team even if it’s poorly managed; how there were 30 failed professional teams in Las Vegas until the Vegas Golden Knights came along; how Bill Foley had the combination of skills and resources to establish a team in Las Vegas; why hockey is a sport that crosses genders; the most surprising thing he found out about hockey while writing the book; why the book is not just historical, but fun; how the VGK is a “fellowship”; and why motivation is the key to hockey success.

This week, Ira spoke with Lauri S. Thompson, who will be performing in “Follies,” the Broadway musical (with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim), April 11-14 at the Aliante Casino Hotel. “Follies” features 45 dazzling performers, a 30-piece orchestra and 12 legendary Las Vegas showgirls. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Lauri talks about how the special show came into being; performing on stage after all these years as an attorney; working again with showgirls who she worked with at the Tropicana; how the story mirrors the reality of production shows that used to be staged in Las Vegas; the amount of talent on stage and off who will contribute to this production; why the musical is also a tribute to Las Vegas music legend Bill Fayne; and the special moment of the show for her.

This week, Ira spoke with Jazz pianist/composer Yuko Mabuchi, performing with the Yuko Mabuchi Quartet in Myron’s at The Smith Center March 16 (at 5 and 8 p.m.). In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Yuko talks about improvisation; how jazz musicians communicate and collaborate; being exposed to all kinds of music in Japan; her decision to move to the United States to study; her first time performing in Las Vegas; her high energy performances; how American audience’s response inspired her to play; why she loves the music of Brazil; how music should bring people together; and working on her new album.

This week, Ira spoke with Irish tenor Paul Byrom, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center March 17. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Paul talks about his long career in music; his eighth studio album ("By Contrast"); adapting to and evolving with changes in the music industry; why he delights in performing on St. Patrick’s Day in America; why he stays physically fit (and enjoys it); calculating “Guinness math”; why his vocal coach wanted him to do opera; how to pronounce “Celtic”: why he loves bantering with his audience; why he always has to sing “Danny Boy” at every show; and his surprising experience at his first Las Vegas performance.