Talking With Chubby Checker – November 15, 2018

11/15/18 • 16 min

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

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

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Talking With Carl LaBove – November 8, 2018

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

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Talking With David Schwartz – November 19, 2018

This week, Ira spoke with David Schwartz. David G. Schwartz is a writer, historian and Director of the Center for Gaming Research at UNLV. He also is a Forbes contributor who recently wrote a column on Circus Circus celebrating its 50th anniversary and what he calls “its long, surprising, and sometimes sordid history.” In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Schwartz talks about the importance of Circus Circus in the scope of Las Vegas history; the enduring theme of being a playground for both children and adults; the life and times of Jay Sarno, who was never a guy to do things small when he could do them big, and who hated Las Vegas when he first arrived; the two surprising people who Sarno considered friends; why long-time employees are proud of their property; and the role of Circus Circus in Las Vegas in the 21st century. Schwartz has written several books, including Grandissimo: The First Emperor of Las Vegas, Roll the Bones: The History of Gambling, and Boardwalk Playground: The Making, Unmaking, & Remaking of Atlantic City. He has been extensively quoted in the media and featured in television programs. Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Schwartz earned his bachelor’s degree (a double major in anthropology and history) as well as his master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania before receiving his doctorate in US History from UCLA. His academic interest in gambling stems from his hands-on experience in the casino industry as a security officer, surveillance officer, and Mr. Peanut. http://www.dgschwartz.comOn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrDave702