Entertainer Rick Michel joins New Philharmonic to honor Frank Sinatra

A concert program called “Sinatra Forever: A Salute to Frank Sinatra” will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 4, and at 3 p.m. on Sun., Nov. 5.

Photo: Rick Michel. Photo owned by Carol Fox and Associates Public Relations

“I would like to be remembered as a man who had a wonderful time living life, a man who had good friends, fine family - and I don't think I could ask for anything more than that, actually,” said famous American singer and actor Frank Sinatra. He is remembered as a good man, and New Philharmonic is happy to present a concert program called “Sinatra Forever: A Salute to Frank Sinatra.”

Popular Las Vegas entertainer Rick Michel will join Maestro Kirk Muspratt and the New Philharmonic to honor Sinatra at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 4, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 5 at the McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn.

Frank Sinatra lived an extraordinary life. He was born to Italian immigrants in New Jersey in 1915 and died in Los Angeles in 1998. His incredible personality and colossal input into the musical and entertainment industry can’t be overestimated.

Incredible talent, charisma, unforgettable voice with warm timber, and pleasant appearance contributed to Sinatra being considered one of the most popular entertainers of the mid-20th century. He is one of the world’s best-selling music artists. In the span of over 60 years, it is estimated that 150 million of his records have been sold.

His nickname was the “Chairman of the Board,” and later it was “Ol’ Blue Eyes.” This incredible man was married four times with the most beautiful women of the day, had friendships with American presidents, and was also an Oscar-winning Hollywood film star. Yet, his main talent was to share the warmth of his soul and the light of his heart with his audience. Sinatra was and still is well-known and popular even in Eastern Europe, where I came from. People of different ages and nationalities still love him and his songs. He seemed like a man from next door, a man who could easily talk to anyone and become a good friend. And he did become our close friend – through his songs, his unforgettable voice, and his talent.

Photo: New Philharmonic and Maestro Kirk Muspratt. Courtesy of the McAninch Arts Center

You could say that it’s impossible for another performer to get even close to Sinatra’s charm and charisma, but you would be wrong. Famous entertainer Rick Michel has been hailed for “The finest impression of Frank Sinatra I have ever heard” (Variety). He has been performing since 1981 in Las Vegas and has shared the stage with many legendary celebrities including Rich Little, Mickey Rooney, John Byner and Sherman Hemsley.

Michel started his career when he developed his first one-man-show. It set the stage for a multi-faceted, successful career that has spanned over fifty years. He is a well-recognized master impressionist who demonstrated his talent to such esteemed guests as Frank Sinatra himself, President Gerald Ford, Bob Hope, Tony Curtis, and Steve Allen. Michel has also been the opening act for comedians such as Rita Rudner, Bobby Collins, and George Wallace.

Rick has been performing in Las Vegas since 1981, and now he produces his own shows, such as “Sinatra Forever,” “Frank A Musical Journey,” and “Drinkin’-Singin’-Swingin’ Salute to Frank Sinatra-Sammy Davis Jr.-Dean Martin.” Michel is also actively involved in various charity events and community activities.

The concert program featuring such a great performer as Michel is greatly anticipated by the MAC patrons and lovers of Frank Sinatra. Under the baton of Maestro Muspratt, the New Philharmonic will join Rick to present Sinatra’s best songs such as “New York, New York,” “My Way,” “Luck be a Lady” and “Summer Wind,” among many other classics. Being the only professional orchestra based in DuPage County, New Philharmonic is ready to inspire music enthusiasts once again, but this time it will share with its audience the spirit of Frank Sinatra, one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century.

With the incredible voice of Rick Michel and his amazing impressionist talent, this concert program will be a success.

Everyone is welcome to attend this event! I want to finish this article with Sinatra’s words: “If you don't know the guy on the other side of the world, love him anyway because he's just like you. He has the same dreams, the same hopes, and fears. It's one world, pal. We're all neighbors.”

Let’s all of us be good neighbors, and let’s together enjoy these beautiful Sinatra hits! They unite us and make us stronger, kinder, and happier.

For tickets or more information visit https://www.atthemac.org/events/sinatra/ or call the MAC Box Office at 630.942.4000. Tickets are $67-$77. A limited number of $10 tickets are available for students with valid ID. The Box Office is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. and two hours prior to performance.

Season support for New Philharmonic is provided in part by the JCS Fund of the DuPage Foundation; Anonymous, Brookdale Glen Ellyn; a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency; WDCB 90.9 FM; Frank Modruson and Lynne Shigley; Sullivan Taylor Family Trust and the College of DuPage Foundation.

Natalia Dagenhart

10/07/23