The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast | a podcast by Ira Sternberg

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Scotty Barnhart, director of the Grammy Award -Winning Count Basie Orchestra (performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center July 29-30). In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Scotty talks about why a long line launched his trumpet career instead of a violin career; how jazz came through the church; when he first saw County Basie live when he was 12; how he met the whole orchestra and knew he would be part of the group (and eventually lead them); why the spirit of Count Basie is always with the orchestra; the importance of treating musicians as human beings; how to run a master class for aspiring musicians; and the key reason why the group is successful after the passing of Count Basie (hint: the orchestra is the star).

This week, Ira spoke with Monti Rock III. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Rock talks about his life and career; how he survived his early childhood; the insights he’s gained by turning 80; why his popularity was based on personality and character, not talent; his disappointing first appearance in Las Vegas; what his performance in “Saturday Night Fever” gave him; and the hardest thing about being Monti Rock III. Monti Rock III, whose real name is Joseph Moses Montanez, Jr., also performed as Disco Tex and the Sex-O-Lettes. He has been part of the Las Vegas scene for several decades. As Rock puts it, he is iconic, legendary, unpredictable, an enigma, undefinable, and a legend in his own mind. His television appearances from the 60’s were topped by his multitude of appearances on the “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson (a total of 84 times) and his appearance in the cult classic film, "Saturday Night Fever."

This week, Ira spoke with Chubby Checker. Chubby Checker, who changed the dance style of a nation, will be performing at the South Point Casino November 23-25. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Checker talks about this first time performing in Las Vegas; why he owes a debt to Zsa Zsa Gabor: why the Twist was so popular by exploiting sexuality on the dance floor; how he imitates “Chubby Checker”; why he was influenced by the greats, including Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole; his country music roots; and why he appreciates the circle of life. "The Twist" was not only the #1 song, but it introduced the concept of "dancing apart to the beat." Over the next few years, endless songs incorporating "The Twist" into its name sprang up such as "Peppermint Twist," "Twist and Shout" and "Twistin' the Night Away." In addition, each new song brought a new dance involving "dancing apart to the beat" such as "The Jerk," "The Hully Gully," "The Boogaloo" and "The Shake." At the forefront was Checker with "The Fly," "The Pony," and "The Hucklebuck.” http://www.southpointcasino.com http://www.chubbychecker.com

This week, Ira spoke with Carl LaBove. Comedian Carl LaBove is resident headliner, along with pop-in surprise guests, for the famous Midnight Dirty Show in the Laugh Factory at the Tropicana Las Vegas, Fridays and Saturdays. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, LaBove talks about his father’s support for his comedy career; his early years as an actor; the genesis of “The Outlaws of Comedy”; why he is attracted to dark humor; being in the moment of the show; and evolving as a comedian. An original founding member of "The Outlaws of Comedy," his powerful approach to stand-up comedy has been filling theaters and clubs for more than 30 years. LaBove was born in Fort Worth Texas and grew up a military child, which required his family to move all around the world during his youth. At age 19, he discovered stand-up comedy with the man who would become his best friend, Sam Kinison. Together the two founded a Rock & Roll Comedy concept that would earn Billboard Magazine’s "Top Tour" honors by selling out theaters across the country for five straight years. http://www.laughfactory.com/clubs/las-vegashttps://www.troplv.com/On Twitter: https://twitter.com/Carl_LaBove

This week, Ira spoke with Brian Van Flandern. Brian Van Flandern is executive director of mixology, spirit education and special events for Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits in Las Vegas. He also is the author of the new book, “Whiskey Cocktails.” The book is the fifth edition of Assouline’s best-selling cocktail series. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Van Flandern talks about his move to Las Vegas; the explosion in craft cocktails; whisky vs. whiskey; passion in pursuit of excellence; and his plans for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Academy, where industry professionals are invited to learn from master mixologists, spirits experts, master sommeliers and cicerones. Prior to joining Southern Glazer’s, Van Flandern was the president and founder of his own mixology consulting firm, Creative Cocktail Consultants, where he focused on spirits education, innovating cutting-edge cocktail lists and training professional bartenders in the art of mixology, comprehensive spirits education and Michelin three-star hospitality dining and beverage standards. He also designed and implemented successful cocktail programs for luxury properties and prestigious clientele, such as famous chefs Thomas Keller and Geoffrey Zakarian. Throughout his extensive career, Van Flandern has been awarded numerous honors, including “America’s Top Mixologist” by The Food Network, “One of the Top Ten Hotel Bartenders in the World” by Travel + Leisure Magazine and “Top Ten Cocktail Books of the Year” at Tales of the Cocktail for his second book “Craft Cocktails.” He was also appointed by Diageo, the world’s largest producer of spirits, as their first-ever Global Brand Ambassador and is a certified Spirits Professional by the United States Bartending Guild, of which he is a founding board member for their New York Chapter, which is now the largest chapter in the country. http://www.assouline.comhttp://www.southernglazers.com/location/nevada/Brian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianvanflandern