Talk About Las Vegas Blog
TERRIFYING…BUT TIMELY!
It’s that time of year again, when Freakling Bros. Horror Shows comes back from the dead. And it’s back from the dead for its 29th year, which means you could call it redundant horror. USA Today rated it the scariest haunt in the country, offering a hellishly-curated festival of nightmares - three expertly-crafted haunts in one horrifying location, including Nevada’s first and only R-rated attraction, Gates of Hell, the experimental COVEN of 13 and the classic Castle ... continue reading...
DRINK UP – FOR CHARITY!
The Negroni is a classic cocktail that originated, and is very popular, in Italy. It more recently found popularity in the U.S. as the bartender’s after-shift drink. During Negroni Week (now – Sept. 19), bars (and bartenders) across the country are raising a glass to this classic cocktail, and donating a portion of proceeds from each Negroni sold to charity. This year 100+ Las Vegas bars and restaurants are participating, and each location chooses the charity they wish to support. Venues include ... continue reading...
THROWBACK THURSDAY! – August 19, 2021
The hilarious Don Rickles (performing at the Stardust at the time), was a guest on my show, “Lunchtime With Ira” at the (then) Las Vegas Hilton (3/31/06), where he talked about his first break in show business; how he exaggerates (rather than insults) and not in a mean-spirited way; his friends in show business, including Frank Sinatra, Johnny Carson and Bob Newhart; his first Las Vegas appearance (at the Sahara) and his marriage. And he covers it all in ten minutes! ... continue reading...
THROWBACK THURSday
A thorn among the roses: With REO Speedwagon at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, September 29, 2017. ... continue reading...
THROWBACK THURSDAY!
The wonderful Mary Wilson on "Lunchtime With Ira" (1/29/07) talking about her long career, beginning with The Supremes; the first time the group performed in Las Vegas (and meeting Pearl Bailey); reviewing “Dreamgirls”; saluting Florence Ballard; writing her autobiography; and working on legislation to protect artists from groups claiming to be them. ... continue reading...
THROW BACK THURSDAY!
Boyd Gaming Corporation Executive Chairman Bill Boyd and gaming consultant John Blink were guests on my show, “Lunchtime With Ira” at the (then) Las Vegas Hilton (11/10/08), where they talked about the book. "California Hotel and Casino, Hawaii’s Home Away From Home," the story of the development of the property in Downtown Las Vegas as a magnet for the untapped market in the 50th state. ... continue reading...
Ars Gratia Artis…and Vegas’, too!
What’s “Made in Vegas”? Actually. several products are manufactured here, but now it’s time for art itself to roll off the creative assembly line (decent metaphor?). Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery is on the hunt for Las Vegas' next great artist with their inaugural "Made in Vegas" artist competition. Las Vegas-based artists can submit their original works (through July 25) for the shot at a year-long contract with Park West Gallery, the world's largest art dealer. It’s an ... continue reading...
THROW BACK THURSDAY!
Music icon Tony Bennett appears as a guest on my old show, “Lunchtime With Ira” at the (then) Las Vegas Hilton (10/20/08), where he talks about the composers and lyricists of the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s who created the Great American Songbook, and one of his favorite memories of Las Vegas. ... continue reading...
A PERFECT JULY 4TH!
This represents what America stands for: Two cultures complementing (and complimenting) each other in Las Vegas. Chef Francisco at Downtown Las Vegas' Madero Street Tacos has created these Red White & Blue tortillas to celebrate Independence Day! Since they are closed Sundays, these handmade tortillas will be available one day only, Saturday July 3. ... continue reading...
THROW BACK THURSDAY!
The great Gary Owens (circa early ‘80s) being intensively interviewed (but not from Beautiful Downtown Burbank) by the dapper younger me. ... continue reading...
THROW BACK THURSDAY!
Comedy Magician Nathan Burton appears as a guest on my old show, "Lunchtime With Ira" in the Tempo Lounge at the (then) Las Vegas Hilton. ... continue reading...
THROW BACK THURSDAY!
WHO’S PLAYING SECOND FIDDLE TO WHOM? My starring role in “The Electric Horseman” playing opposite (or should I say behind?) Robert Redford in the convention scene at Caesars Palace. My blink-of-an-eye appearance was highly rated by all who missed it. ... continue reading...
THROW BACK THURSDAY!
WHAT? ANOTHER PODCAST?
Yes, I know it’s self serving, but I have to promote my other show: Ira’s Everything Bagel, where intriguing people talk about their passions, pursuits, and points of view. It debuts today on its own website (https://iraseverythingbagel.com), as well as on Apple Podcasts and other platforms. As I quote myself, “This podcast is dedicated, in spite of its whimsical name, to interesting people who have a commitment to either their art, business, or ideas. Some of these people may live in Las ... continue reading...
throw back thursday
HORSIN' AROUND DOWNTOWN VEGAS--The first NFR was in 1985, and yours truly had the podium on Fremont Street (the Clydesdale Horses were up next to speak). The date? December 12, 1985 ... continue reading...
THROW BACK THURSDAY
A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Hilton-Reba McEntire booked several weeks of concerts at the Las Vegas Hilton in 2005. ... continue reading...
THROW BACK THURSDAY
ONE BEARD, TWO MUSTACHES- Artist LeRoy Neiman was commissioned to create the city's commemorative centennial painting by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Authority, working with the Las Vegas Centennial Committee. Neiman's oil work, "Celebrating 100 years in Neon," was on display at downtown's Ice House Lounge on this date 16 years ago. ... continue reading...