September 8, 2025 • 28 mins
Photo by Janice Wilkins
This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira welcomes powerhouse jazz vocalist Nancy Kelly, appearing live at Vic’s Las Vegas, September 19–20. Known for her crystal-clear, no-nonsense style, Nancy shares why music—not showmanship—has always been her true love. She dives into the intimate connection between performer and audi-ence, the humor (and humility) that jazz musicians carry, and why swing and bebop re-main at the heart of her artistry.
Nancy also reflects on being groomed for the stage from an early age, the making of her latest album Be Cool, and her belief that jazz must stay rooted in the blues. Beyond performance, she opens up about her passion for teaching—showing young musicians how to truly back a singer—and why rhythm and the Great American Songbook continue to be her guiding lights.
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