This week, Ira spoke with writer, photographer, artist and philanthropist Michael Shulman. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Michael talks about writing a comprehensive history of Las Vegas entertainment residency for his website - (a version of this article was published in Business Traveler, August 2023); who the first residency headliner was (and this is going back to 1944); how it was originally an amenity to bring in the high roller; how the Rat Pack played a part; Elvis and his residency; why he (Michael) almost got kicked out of the Liberace Museum; the importance of the resident artist; how Celine Dion changed everything in the world of residencies; why Las Vegas is the residency capital of the world; how a residency is a win-win for both the casino and the entertainer; the audience comes to the entertainer rather than the other way around; what performer might have had “the most wonderful” connection with an audience; the most surprising thing he found in his research (and it has to do with Elvis); how strong country has become; the importance of production designers; the criteria for a residency; and the future of residencies.
Michael Shulman proudly professes that like virtually everything else in his life, he fell ass-backwards into his loves of writing, photography and music. Prior to launching ShulmanSays.com in September 2009, he worked in various capacities (writer, photographer, consultant, editor, DJ, what-have-you) for many of the world’s best known publications, including Vanity Fair, Ocean Drive, PAPER, Condé Nast Traveler, W, BlackBook, US Weekly, BPM, CardPlayer, Los Angeles Confidential, and VEGAS – the last being home to his wildly popular “Diva Las Vegas” column (a name bestowed upon him by nightlife doyenne Amy Sacco, herself). His vast knowledge in the fields of popular culture, luxury, nightlife, travel, consumerism and Las Vegas, as well as his immensely quotable humor have resulted in Shulman’s being cited in publications ranging from The New York Times (“Style” and “Travel” sections) and Departures to gear and The Village Voice. Additionally, Shulman (a veritable walking sound-bite) has become sought-after as a “talking head” on Vh1 (I Love the New Millennium) and Travel Channel (21 Sexiest Vegas Hotspots, America the Wright Way, and Vegas Revolution).
Michael’s artwork can be found in the collections of Vanessa/Tom Breitling, Greg Calejo/Thom Filicia, Donna D'Cruz/Tom Silverman, Billy Erb, Robin/Danny Greenspun, Heather Harmon, Sally Horchow/Christopher McCaully, Susan Jansen, Sir Elton John/David Furnish, Alan Mace, Timothy Poster, Camille/Larry Ruvo, Nicole Ruvo, Amy Sacco, Alison Sarofim, Amy Sedaris, and Reagan Silber. Shulman’s latest works find him transferring his photos onto a large-format canvas. He then “paints” over parts of that canvas using an array of MAC Cosmetics (including eye-shadow, eye paint, glitter-infused dusting powder, nail polish, and body glitter). Shulman’s work has been sold at auction at both Christie’s and Phillips de Pury & Co. in New York.
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