This week, Ira spoke with Dana Manacher, CEO of Shrtlst, a groundbreaking platform that curates city exploration for travelers by connecting users with locals who know the scene. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Dana talks about growing up in the hospitality industry; how her family started the Guestbook, a platform aimed at enhancing guest experiences at boutique hotels; why she decided to create Shrtlst; why the website uses an intense vetting process for its local experts; how it curates the best of the best (which is not necessarily just luxury experiences or venues); ho ..read more

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 t ..read more

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 Libera ..read more

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 ..read more

(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 leaderl ..read more

This week, Ira spoke with award-winning comedy magician Fielding West, performing at 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 ..read more

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 inspi ..read more

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 ..read more

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 work ..read more

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 ..read more