'Crooners on the Comstock' takes journey to Rat Pack era

The Comstock will step back to the period from the mid-1940s to the mid '60s from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Richie Ballerini and Max Amillion team up to present "Crooners on the Comstock," a show that highlights the classic music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin, Sammy Davis Junior and other greats of the Rat Pack era in a night club atmosphere.

The show is at the Tahoe House Hotel, 164 South C St., Virginia City. Sinatra-appropriate garb is encouraged but not required. A no-host bar will be open, with complimentary hors d'ouvres throughout the evening.

For a while in their hey-day Ballerini booked shows for Sinatra and Martin.

"Frank was Frank," he said. "Around him you walked on egg shells. Dean was the guy next door, approachable, the easiest going guy I ever met. And a practical joker. When they were all on stage together, all eyes were always on Dean because noone ever knew what he was going to do. He'd say something in the middle of a song, something not in script, to bust up the audience or Frank. ...

"We try to bring the feeling, fun and coolness that was the Rat Pack to our show," Ballerini said. "I loved the spontaneity and fun they brought on stage to their shows. That's what made them the Rat Pack."

Ballerini currently performs three nights a week at Pietro's in Sparks. Amillion came out of retirement for this show to support the cause.

The show is a fundraiser in the campaign to prevent pit mines in the Virginia City National Historic Landmark. Proceeds from the performance go to the Comstock Residents Association to help with the cost of the effort.

Tickets are $25 each, $45 per couple and seating is limited.

Go to www.comstockresi dents.org/crooners or call (775) 847-5264 for tickets andmore information.