The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast

The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast talks with the celebrities, entertainers, writers, and personalities who make Las Vegas the most exciting city in the world!

Welcome to The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast! Each week, the host Ira Sternberg, talks with the celebrities, entertainers, writers, and personalities who make Las Vegas the most exciting city in the world!

Talking With Peter Laufer – September 2, 2024

This week, Ira spoke with Peter Laufer, author (along with Sheila Swan) of "Neon Nevada," who will be having a book signing for the updated and expanded edition of his book at the Neon Museum, September 7. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Peter talks about how he and his wife first met above a neon sign; what started the couple on their journey of writing a book on the subject; the merging of neon as high and low art; the magic of the light with its flicker, glow, colors and messages; why neon is ideal for drawing attention; why it was in jeopardy; why the new and expanded edition not only shows the historical neon, but also what’s out there now; the joy of walking through the Neon Museum; challenges for existing historical signs; gases and images in motion; the tube benders (craftsman and artists); its commercial value; “Neon means Nevada”; his favorite piece in the Neon Museum; and the future of neon.
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Talking With Anthony Curtis – August 26, 2024

This week, Ira spoke with professional gambler, author and publisher Anthony Curtis, CEO of Huntington Press and the Las Vegas Advisor, a Las Vegas consumer newsletter. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Anthony talks about leaving UCLA to move to Las Vegas and pursuing opportunities; beginning his career in Las Vegas and get-ting into the business originally as a player and then publisher; trying to stay on top of the gaming wave; technology as a double-edged sword; deciding on a subscription-based Las Vegas Advisor; working with a small but great staff; his favorite compliments; why he is not beholden to the casinos; his induction into the Blackjack Hall of Fame; dealing with a new generation of marketing executives; the return of the shrimp cocktail (?); the greatest high-end casino on the Strip; and the future of Las Vegas.(Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

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Talking With Mike Dawes – August 12, 2024

This week, Ira spoke with Mike Dawes, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center, August 17. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Mike talks about when he knew the guitar would become his life; why he loves the free-styling method; how his guitar playing brings his music into a more “contemporary realm”; how he worked on projects in Las Vegas; why he uses humor in the show and makes his performance an immersive show; the British guitar invasion; the social connection with music; how we have lost our attention span; his new album Galactic Acid; the importance of “Cloud Catcher,” his lead tune; his love of vinyl; why he records his albums in a castle; why producer Josh Clark is his “third hand”; why he loves performing live shows; how he “mics” his acoustic guitar; and his “rock show” using one guitar. (Photo by Sham Hinchey) (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

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Talking With Steve Gadd – August 5, 2024

This week, Ira spoke with Steve Gadd, who (along with The Grammy®-winning Steve Gadd Band) will be performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center August 10. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Steve talks about not remembering when he never played drums; his move to Las Vegas; how he got into studio work; what works in the studio vs. live performing; his experience working with Frank Sinatra; why his ears go to the drums when listening to music; how his creativity was increased during COVID; writing Gaddiments, a book about the rudiments of drumming; always learning; how the industry keeps evolving; the joy of performing with his son; and doing more live playing than recording. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

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