This week, Ira spoke with four-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Ruthie Foster, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center February 22-23. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ruthie talks about her classically trained background; why she loves singing for big bands; her favorite genres of blues and folk music;; why gospel music is the equalizer for her and brings everybody into the room spiritually; her defini-tion of phrasing; singing “above a cold”; feeling grounded when she is on stage; how she is close to her family; the women in her family who were the driving force; the influence of her grandmother; the importance of community; the teacher who had a great impact on her; writing since she was a little girl; the difference between writing (personal) and performing; and separating the personal “Ruthie Foster” from the stage “Ruthie Foster.”

This week, Ira spoke with Bob Anderson, the world’s greatest singing impressionist, performing at the Italian American Club February 16. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Bob talks about his career in Las Vegas; his Frank Sinatra performance at Carnegie Hall; his first impression (Sammy Davis Jr.) and the man responsible for starting him on his career in singing impressions (Merv Griffin); the two new albums coming up as Bob sings as himself; why his act today includes impressions, but is not limited to it; what advice Tony Bennett gave him; why he works out and vocalizes every day; how he is the last guy from an era, a different world of music; and why he wants to keep the greats from that era alive.

This week, Ira spoke with comedian Michael Somerville, performing in Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club at the MGM February 5-8 (and 10). In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Michael talks about his start in stand-up comedy on a dare in college; moving to New York and earning $18,000 gross in an advertising agency; his decision to pursue comedy full time; how he became the original couch surfer; when he knew he had made it as a comedian; why he uses a lot of relationship humor in his act; why he credits Las Vegas for helping him hone his craft over 20 years of appearing here; how he tries to write material every day; the challenges of being on the road and being a father; and why he doesn’t do a “character” on stage.

This week, Ira spoke with Tony Award® winner Santino Fontana, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center February 3. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Santino talks about when he decided to pursue a musical career; how his grandfather was a big influence on him; why he didn’t want a 9-5 job; how he grabbed what work he could, not knowing anybody in show business; the first time he felt he could make it as a performer; why he decided to do as many things as he could in stage, film and recording; why he loves the doing of it; the constants (the doing and the relationships); the impact of COVID and being a father; and his performance at Myron’s that will have the audience involved.

Photo by Shervin Lainez

This week, Ira spoke with Elizabeth Bougerol and Evan Palazzo from The Hot Sardines, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center January 25-26. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Elizabeth and Evan talk about how they first met as fellow musicians and then formed the group; why they didn’t set out to play professionally; their “go for it” moment; how they came up with the band’s name; the importance of jazz to the culture; the Great American Songbook and why musicians give their own interpretation of that music; the group’s golden mix of connection and timing; the importance of the “vibe”; how they view themselves as collaborators, not competitors; the audience coming together for a shared experience; and the enduring nature of the songs they play.

This week, Ira spoke with Oliver Lovat. a leading academic, researcher, writer and president of Denstone Group (which offers consultancy in the fields of strategy, asset management and development, specializing in customer facing real estate). In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Oliver talks about why Las Vegas is built for fun; why, at the end of every recession, something new happens in Las Vegas; the industry’s marketing strategies of tandem experiences and revenue buckets; how Las Vegas holds perishable inventory; the effect of the opening of the Fontainebleau on the North end of the Strip; why the property makes the destination; the effects of paid parking; the latest trend that he sees in Las Vegas; and why he is optimistic about its future.

This week, Ira spoke with Alan Snel, whose popular website, LVSportsBiz.com, reports the business side of Las Vegas’ expanding sports industry. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Alan talks about the biggest sports story of 2023, F1 and its public cost; the restructuring of Endeavor, with UFC and WWE working side by side; more on the A’s stadium plan; the VGK Stanley Cup win; why his website will no longer publish economic impact figures without first meeting with the sports organization to review the methodology and the math; how the Sphere will be hosting a sports event; and why every new major sports venue requires the needs of the public side to be considered.

This week, Ira spoke with comedian Leslie Norris Townsend, performing in the Ahern Live Comedy Showroom at the Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel January 4-7. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Leslie talks about her Hollywood career (including working for Disney), prior to moving to the family farm in Ohio; how she started in stand-up comedy; why she decided to work “clean”; the Six Degrees of (not) Kevin Bacon (but with Ira); the challenges and rewards on working “clean”; her secret to a long marriage; and why she wouldn’t kiss until the seventh dinner date!

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.