200 episodes

Each week, Ira David Sternberg talks with the celebrities, entertainers, writers, and personalities who make Las Vegas the most exciting city in the world.

The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast Ira David Sternberg

    • Arts
    • 4.3 • 6 Ratings

Each week, Ira David Sternberg talks with the celebrities, entertainers, writers, and personalities who make Las Vegas the most exciting city in the world.

    Talking With Lauri S. Thompson – March 18, 2024

    Talking With Lauri S. Thompson – March 18, 2024

    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.

    • 30 min
    Talking With Yuko Mabuchi – March 11, 2024

    Talking With Yuko Mabuchi – March 11, 2024

    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.

    • 28 min
    Talking With Paul Byrom – March 4, 2024

    Talking With Paul Byrom – March 4, 2024

    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.

    • 30 min
    Talking With Casey Abrams– February 26, 2023

    Talking With Casey Abrams– February 26, 2023

    This week, Ira spoke with Casey Abrams, performing at Vic’s Las Vegas March 1-2. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Casey talks about his early years in Idyllwild, California; learning from Marshall Hawkins, the jazz bass maestro, at the Idyllwild Arts Academy; why he loves jazz and how it gives just a plot, not the whole story; why he was attracted to the bass; the benefits of the travel bass; his performance in “American Idol”; why he ended up singing and playing bass at the same time; dealing with his ulcerative colitis; deciding to give up sugar and bread; and his sense of joy on stage.

    • 28 min
    Talking With Ruthie Foster – February 19, 2024

    Talking With Ruthie Foster – February 19, 2024

    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 definition 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.”

    • 30 min
    Talking With Bob Anderson – February 12, 2024

    Talking With Bob Anderson – February 12, 2024

    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.

    • 29 min

Customer Reviews

4.3 out of 5
6 Ratings

6 Ratings

Vegas Magic Fan ,

Ira is the Best!

I love listening to Ira! He is funny and smart!

EdRed ,

Ira Rocks

Ira brings to the show the entertainers, movers and shakers that make Las Vegas the destination that it is. It’s always fun and fascinating. The show is never too long and always captivating.

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