Dreesen returns to host gala
Written by Aya Khalil | | news@toledofreepress.comComedian Tom Dreesen and singing impressionist Scott Record will entertain at The Hylant Group Gala Dinner and Show scheduled to start at 6 p.m. June 30, according to a press release.
The gala is being billed as “An Evening of Laughter” and will be hosted at the SeaGate Convention Centre.
This will be Dreesen’s third time performing as part of the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic — the gala being one of the signature events. Dressen performed at the first and 20th year of the golf classic.
“I love making people laugh, so every time I go on the stage, it’s exciting,” Dreesen said.
Dreesen appeared 61 times on “The Tonight Show” and appears on the “Late Show with David Letterman” every three months. He has hosted the show in Letterman’s absence.
“Hosting the ‘Letterman Show’ was fun, but obviously touring with Frank Sinatra for 14 years was truly exciting,” he said.
Dreesen prepares before a performance by researching the community so he can relate to the audience.
“I’m a veteran standup comedian. I have a lot of material in my brain,” he said. “It always helps any comedian to do research about the area he’s going to appear.”
In September, Dreesen will celebrate his 40th year as a performer.
“I’ve worked with the greatest names,” he said. “All of them have unique personalities.” `
Some of those names include Elton John, Johnny Carson, Smokey Robinson, Jay Leno, Bon Jovi, and Sammy Davis Jr. Although Dreesen is a veteran performer, he still gets excited before a show.
“It’s nice to have a little excitement before a show … I don’t think of it as nerves. I think of it as excitement and anticipation — looking forward to going out there.”
Other than performing, Dreesen has a passion for golf and is looking forward to the Jamie Farr event.
“Jamie Farr is a friend and has been a friend for years,” he said.
Dreesen grew up with eight brothers and sisters and helped support his family by shining shoes and carrying bags for golfers.
“I grew up raggedy poor,” he said. “Golf holds a special place in my heart … I have a fondness for golf events.”
The other gala performer will be Record, a singing comedy impressionist. His versatile acts have set him up to be one of the most requested show headliners in the cruise entertainment industry, a press release stated.
Tickets to the gala, which are $235, can be purchased by calling (419) 531-3277. Proceeds will benefit 12 Toledo area children charities, according to Judd Silverman, tournament director.
The evening beings at 6 p.m. with a cash bar cocktail hour and silent auction and gala. Dinner starts at 7 p.m. with the entertainment set for 8:30 p.m.
