Rick - Short Signature

Rick Michel's Blog

Sinatra Forever at the Ohio State Fair
07/18/2014

Frank Sinatra’s It Might As Well Be Spring opens with the line, “I’m as restless as a willow in a windstorm,” and that describes me well as I finish the preparations for getting Sinatra Forever on the stage at the Ohio State Fair July 29th, 2014. That Rodgers and Hammerstein song is from the movie, State Fair, so it’s a fitting reference to my being a part of one of the largest and historic state fairs in the country.

 The first Ohio State Fair was set to go all the way back in 1849, but an Asiatic cholera outbreak forced its debut to be cancelled until the following year. They changed the dates to avoid another outbreak, but still ended up losing the superintendent of the ground to the disease just two weeks before the opening.

 Over the years, state fairs served to promote the goods of the region and as a source of education on the latest advancements in agriculture. I’m a bit of a historic memorabilia nut and I came across a photo of an early medal from the Ohio State Fair. Of course, they issue ribbons today, but nothing beats a big silver medal in my books.

 Dean Martin’s hometown of Steubenville isn’t too far away and I think that’s part of the reason why an Ohio audience is such a pleasure to perform in front of – they have knowledge of, and an appreciation for, the music I love.

 A lot of huge acts have worked the stage at the Ohio State Fair and I’m thrilled to be a part of the 2014 show. State fairs have been and still are such a vital contribution to the nation and that’s why I’m excited to treat the attendees to my interpretation of another piece of true Americana – Frank Sinatra. We’ll see you in Columbus!