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Visitors from around the Tri-State Area, the nation and the world are gathering in Steubenville this week to celebrate the memory of Dean Martin.
His name still carries that touch of magic, and will forever be associated with the cocktail-cool era.
And, while the world remembers him as one of the greatest performers of all time, residents of our area still sometimes think of him as Dino Crocetti, the guy who was born in Steubenville on June 7, 1917.
Martin, and his pals in the Rat Pack -- Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford -- helped set the tone for American culture and entertainment in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Their efforts helped transform what was then the sleepy little town of Las Vegas into one of the largest tourist destinations in the world, a place where things that happen there stay there.
He remains one of the most versatile entertainers of all time, spending his career at the top of his profession, whether on stage or recording as a singer, in front of a movie camera, performing comedy with Jerry Lewis or working on television. While many of today's celebrities and stars are dominant in one aspect of the entertainment industry, Martin was one of those rare personalities who was able to do it all.
It's that legacy, that larger-than-life persona that made him so popular and has allowed his works to remain top draws long after his death on Dec. 25, 1995, that will be remembered this week during the annual Dean Martin Festival.
The Spot Bar on South Fourth Street will be the center of activity, with owner JoJo DiAlbert having assembled an impressive lineup beginning at 8 p.m. Thursday with the annual karaoke contest. On Friday, Russ Loniello will take to the stage at 8 p.m. with a Tribute to Dean Martin, with an admission charge of $20. There will be two free shows Saturday, with Dave Salera performing as Frank Sinatra at 1 p.m. and Bob Morelli starring as Dean Martin at 2 p.m. At 8 p.m. Saturday, Joe Scalissi will take center stage to sing Dean Martin. The evening show has a $20 cover charge.
There will be plenty of other activities this week, beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday when the Fort Steuben Concert Series offers up a Martin-themed evening of entertainment.
Taking the stage at the Berkman Amphitheater will be Morelli, the Vince Villanova Big Band and a Rat Pack Tribute Show, with music starting at 7 p.m.
Saturday activities will include the Dino Dash and a performance by the Nail City Brass Band in Beatty Park; a tour of the Dean Martin Room at the Jefferson County Historical Museum; trolley rides from the Steubenville Visitor Center that will showcase local sites and murals; a display of Martin memorabilia and a video of clips from Martin's movies and television show where he mentions his hometown: "Sweet Memories of Steubenville," at the Visitor Center; and a show and sale of original work related to Martin at the Visitor Center.
Plus, many local businesses will be offering Martin-related specials as well.
The Dean Martin Festival is one of three big events in the city this week -- the list includes the Greek Festival at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, which runs through Friday, and Steubenville's Juneteenth celebration, which runs Friday and Saturday at Second Baptist Church.
We hope everyone who visits this week will have a great time while enjoying our community's rich heritage.