The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast

Talking With Grammy® Nominated Singer/Songwriter Clint Holmes– December 1, 2025

(Photo By Jerry Metellus)

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira welcomes Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Clint Holmes, whose new single “A Good Man Now” drops December 6, the same week he brings “Holmes For The Holidays” to Myron’s Cabaret Jazz.

Clint opens up about the energy that fuels his performances (and why he still dislikes the travel), what it means to be fully himself on stage, and why audiences feel at ease with him almost instantly. He shares how preparation frees him creatively, how his long-held song title and idea (an inspiration he drew from artist Seward Johnson and his wife Ce-celia), “A Good Man Now,” sparked his collaboration with Frankie Moreno, and why the song carries a deeply redemptive spirit.

He also talks about running every idea past his wife—the multitalented Kelly Clinton, re-flects on holiday traditions at The Smith Center, memorable advice from Harry Belafonte and Roberta Flack, and the tip from Larry Moss (his acting coach) that continues to guide him: “Give them what they want, but surprise them.”

From multi-generational audiences to his eight-show-a-year residency, a forthcoming documentary, his memoir in progress, and the one-man show he’s developing, Clint shares how every project is anchored by a simple truth: “At some point I’m going to have to walk on stage in front of people and do a show.”
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Talking With Melisa McChesney– November 24, 2025

This week, Ira spoke with Melisa McChesney, newly appointed Director of Lifelong Learning at the Neon Museum.

In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Melisa shares her journey from a museum-obsessed 19-year-old to a seasoned educator shaping how Las Vegas learns its own history. She talks about what drew her to the Ne-on Museum, its uniquely Vegas stories, and how she’s building programs that spark cu-riosity for everyone—from K-12 students and families to older adults exploring “creative aging.”
Melisa reveals how the museum goes beyond its iconic signs, preserving menus, keychains, and decks of cards that capture the city’s cultural DNA. She discusses partnerships with the school district, the growing demand for space, the power of oral histories, and why fun is essential to every learning experience.

Her goal? To create opportunities for people of all ages to connect through the art, design, and history that make Las Vegas truly one of a kind.
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Talking With Yuka Notsuka – November 10, 2025

This week, Ira talks with Yuka Notsuka, ensemble dancer in Disney’s "The Lion King," performing November 19–30 at The Smith Center.
In this lively episode of "Talk About Las Vegas With Ira," Yuka shares her journey from her early dance training in Fukuoka, Japan—where she discovered her passion for dance at just 10 years old—to performing on stages around the world.

She talks about the discipline behind her art, how she learned English, and her love of touring and musical theater.

Yuka also reveals her “soul food,” her secret to staying grounded (hint: it involves a portable bathtub), and how she balances life as a performer and Pilates instructor—all with a great sense of humor and an ever-growing curiosity for acting.
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Talking With David Goldrake, the International Man of Mystery – November 3, 2025

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with David Goldrake, The International Man of Mystery, performing at The Magicians Room at the LINQ Promenade, Fridays through Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m.

In this magical conversation, David reveals the inspiration behind The Magicians Room—developed by Damian Costa—and what makes this intimate venue so unique. He also shares how speaking seven languages helps him connect with audiences (though English has become his favorite), and why passion and responsibility drive every performance.

David opens up about his signature illusion, “The Puzzle of Life,” and the art of setting the right tone onstage—by first learning to truly listen. You’ll hear stories of remarkable people he’s met after shows, his first meeting (and lasting friendship) with Siegfried, and a memorable encounter with David Copperfield.

Plus, he talks about being embraced by Las Vegas’s tight-knit magic community, why there are no days off in show business, and how he keeps his act fresh with brand-new material—all while keeping the focus squarely on you, the audience.
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Sponsor A Vegas Veteran For Lunch at F.I.O.R.E Nov. 13: Nonclubclubfiore.club

The award-winning University of Nevada, Las Vegas Jazz Ensemble 1 performs ten big band arrangements on "Double Or Nothing," available From All Streaming Platforms.

“The Last Show,” a new musical inspired by the true stories of Vegas performers, will present a concert of the script and original musical score as a benefit for The Composers Showcase of Las Vegas at The Smith Center Oct. 26. A VIP meet-the-artists reception follows the performance.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum will host Fiddle & Fern Ensemble for a special “Rhythms of Latin America” concert on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 2 p.m.

Las Vegas visitors and locals alike can expect a haunting good time during the 12th annual HallOVeen at the Magical Forest. Held throughout October, the outdoor theme park opens Oct. 3

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TheList.Vegas is a Las Vegas events calendar created by locals, curated for locals. With an emphasis on the vibrant local arts, culture, and entertainment scene, The List aims to be easy to read and simple to use.