(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.
Talking With Fielding West – April 8, 2024
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.
Talking With Will Bradshaw – April 1, 2024
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.
Talking With Richard Gubbe – March 25, 2024
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.