A word about "The Classics"

Who are these two guys who make up “The Classics”?

They are a couple of guys who love music—all kinds of music. Ron Christianson, in the role of Dean Martin, and Bob Saulsbury, portraying Frank Sinatra, both began their musical lives by forming rock and roll bands in junior high. However, they were not in the same band as Bob was born and raised in Appleton, Minnesota, and Ron in Willmar, Minnesota.


Throughout their 30’s and 40’s they both continued playing and singing in various local bands—alas, again in separate bands. As they got older they begin to dislike the equipment hauling and late hours that band gigs brought. They both switched their musical talents to early Sunday mornings. Even though they knew each other previously, it was in the contemporary music group, Laudation, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Willmar, where they first performed together. Ron played guitar and Bob played the upright bass, while both provided vocals.


From this blessed start, Bob and Ron found they enjoyed performing together. They decided to work up a musical skit for an evening church fundraiser—they picked the music of Sinatra. The next thing they knew they had purchased their own tuxedos! In order to pay off that bill, they took a few small bookings in Willmar.


They started out small and didn’t even have a name but they had settled on their musical genre—the “Rat Pack” songs as performed by Sinatra and Martin in Las Vegas during the 1960’s. After being asked multiple times for the name of their duo, they settled on “The Classics.” This is a name bestowed on them earlier by a women attending one of their first performances—“You guys are classic!”


Besides performing as “Dino,” Ron loves computers and technology. Because of his talents, “The Classics” have that wonderful, full sound. It is also why their set has that look—that “Vegas” look. In his spare time Ron handles bookings for “The Classics.”


“Old Blue Eyes” Bob has always been involved in theatre and acting and is the producer/director for “The Classics.” He is responsible for writing dialogue and skits and is their performance director. He is also in charge of CD production and sales.


Bob and Ron as “The Classics” have been performing steadily since the fall of 2002 and were featured on KSTP’s (www.kstp.com) “On the Road with Jason Davis” show November 4, 2007, in a segment titled “The Imitators.”


So here they are again—two older, but not much wiser, guys—back to late nights of hauling heavy sound equipment, speakers and light bars. They are doing what they love, enjoying themselves and having a blast! They truly enjoy sharing their unique peek into the “Rat Pack” music and hope you enjoy their performance.

For bookings call: Michael, Melissa, or Steve Baer @ 763-545-9660, 612-799-6049, 1-507-254-9728.