Talk About LasVegas

08/24/2026

FROM A $50 BET TO THE COMEDY STAGE 🎤

What if a $50 bet could change your life?

That’s exactly what happened to comedian Shang Forbes. Raised in Brooklyn and a Carnegie Mellon University graduate who originally wanted to become an illustrator, Shang took the stage at an open mic after a friend challenged him—and won the $50.

He also discovered his calling.

On this week’s “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Shang talks about developing his distinctive avant-garde and socio-political comedy style, why he refuses to be pigeonholed, moving from New York to Los Angeles, meeting George Carlin, performing both edgy and family-friendly material, and why he gives Democrats and Republicans equal time in his comedy.

He also explains why he rarely gets heckled—and how a smile can help sell edgy material.

Shang Forbes performs at the Laugh Factory at Horseshoe Las Vegas, August 24–30.

🎧 Listen/Watch: https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/shang-forbes-from-a-50-open-mic-bet-to-boundary-pushing-comedy-in-las-vegas/ & all your favorite platforms, including (https://youtu.be/7H9Zbzs2kr8).

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08/17/2026

08/17/2026

How does a kid from a small Canadian town go from discovering rock ’n’ roll to becoming the bassist and backing vocalist for Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators?

Ask Todd “Dammit” Kerns.

The multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, producer and front man of The Age of Electric joins Ira on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira” for a fascinating conversation about music, mentors, hockey, growing up in Canada, discovering punk rock, buying his first bass guitar—and the story behind the nickname “Dammit.”

Todd also talks about his philosophy of staying present, adapting to whatever is happening around you, and always moving forward.

And he’s bringing that philosophy—and his music—to Las Vegas with an intimate unplugged performance at Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas on August 22, with proceeds benefiting the Nevada SPCA, a cause Todd has long supported.

🎙️ Listen/Watch: https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/todd-dammit-kerns-on-slash-the-age-of-electric-rock-n-roll-and-giving-back/ & all your favorite platforms, including (https://youtu.be/SsOuVbpttP4)

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08/16/2026

Happy Birthday to a great lady, Anna Bailey, the first Black Las Vegas Showgirl (and so much more), who celebrated her 100th birthday on Saturday (at the Classic Jewel), surrounded by friends, family and the community!

08/10/2026

FROM OCEAN DRIVE TO THE LAS VEGAS STRIP: SAMMY MOUNAYYER’S REDHEAD BURGER JOURNEY

What does it take to build a family-owned burger business and bring it to one of the most competitive restaurant markets in the world?

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with Sammy Mounayyer, Co-Founder of Redhead Burger at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, for a fascinating conversation about family, food and entrepreneurship.

Sammy shares the incredible story of coming to America from Israel, learning English on the flight here while his mother taught him the ABCs, and eventually helping build Redhead Burger in Miami Beach.

We talk about why location and foot traffic matter, what makes Redhead Burger different, the importance of fresh and elevated ingredients, cooking technique, consistency, family decision-making—and why Sammy believes being present in the restaurant is so important.

He also explains the story behind the Redhead Burger name, the specially designed smasher that helps create consistent burgers, his brother Christian’s role in the Florida locations, and why Las Vegas is the perfect place for Redhead Burger’s next chapter.

🍔 Family. Entrepreneurship. Hospitality. And the pursuit of the perfect burger.

Listen/Watch now: https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/from-ocean-drive-to-the-las-vegas-strip-sammy-mounayyers-redhead-burger-journey/ & all your favorite platforms, including (https://youtu.be/pUYxfzO-umE).

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08/07/2026

Nevada ranks high for levels of m**h and fentanyl found in wastewater, according to a federal report. Should have been called wasted water.

08/07/2026

Allegiant Air announced it will be adding new first-class seating in 2027. Since it has a-la-carte pricing, will comfort cost extra?

08/06/2026

Congrats to Alan Snel for 10 years of solid journalism!