Rick Michel's Blog

 There’s a chance for snow in Bettendorf, Iowa this Saturday, December 21, 2013 and that seems like a fitting way, on this longest night of the year, for my Las Vegas show, a Drinkin’ – Singin’ – Swingin’ Christmas to open in Heaven (Is this Heaven? It’s Iowa).

 The Rat Pack’s Frank (Ryan Baker), Sammy (Bryan Clark) and Dean (Rick Michel) have put together a holiday extravaganza of a show and can’t wait to let the audience escape the hustle and bustle this time of year can bring and laugh with us in the Isle Center Ballroom at the Isle of Capri Casino and Hotel.

 One of the reasons I love this time of year is because it allows me the opportunity to sing some of my favorite songs. Songs of hope and happiness have always touched a part inside of me and that’s why numbers like, “It’s Christmas Time All Over the World” and “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” mean so much.

 I feel privileged for the chance to be invited to celebrate this magical season with others and to present to them a little bit of what I believe the holidays stand for. I strive to effectuate my version of a Christmas show through an interpretation of these beloved Rat Pack legends, which, to be honest, isn’t as easy as it sounds because for people at the front of the spotlight, they managed to remain very private. Dean Martin, my character for this show, was particularly adept at wrapping himself up and delivering a persona he thought the public would want.

 So, I, along with Ryan, Bryan and, as a special treat, Michael “Gooch” Gurciullo driving in from Omaha to show off his big band trumpet skills and conduct, wholeheartedly invite you to enjoy our show. We’ll even have some rockin’ stocking stuffers for the Rat Pack fans in your circle.