A famous visit

The City of Crown Point and Mayor David Uran joined hundreds of fans Sunday, on the steps of the historic Lake County Courthouse, as Australian-born singer Rick Springfield accepted a key to the city.

And, as promised in Monday's column, here's a photo of the big day. (You can see more photos published online at www.nwi.com with the web-version of today's column).

"Rick Springfield has a long history in the business with 17 Top 40 hits and over 18 million records sold worldwide," Uran said. "Not only is he a noted musician but a very talented actor. We are honored to have him visit our great city."

A motorcade consisting of a Crown Point Fire Rescue Ambulance, Crown Point police cars and the 24-person stretch Excursion Limousine led Springfield to the East Courthouse Square for the ceremony. The motorcade actually went around the square twice as the crowd cheered. Springfield is now an honorary citizen of Crown Point.

Despite earlier restrictions because of time, Springfield graciously greeted the crowd and signed autographs and took pictures with fans prior to leaving to go to the Lake County Fairgrounds for his 8 p.m. concert.

Following his concert, he did a meet and greet with select fans and then joined Uran at Bronko's, the now infamous location of Sen. Hilary Clinton's "shot seen round the world," otherwise known as Clinton's campaign stop in Crown Point on April 12, which included a shot of whiskey and beer chaser. That "shot" was replayed over and over by the broadcast media.

Springfield, Uran and 12 guests dined on pizza. The singer had an O'Douls non-alcoholic beer, and passed on the shot he was given as a greeting surprise by his server.

Springfield, considered multi-talented for balancing a career that includes acting and accomplished musician moments in the past three decades, has been wowing millions of fans since the 1980s with high energy performances.

In 1982 he received a Grammy for Best Male Vocal Performance for the number one hit, "Jessie's Girl," as his album, "Working Class Dog" went platinum.

Most recently he has been on a media storm promoting "Venus in Overdrive," while making all the rounds and performing on "Good Morning America," "Regis & Kelly," "Fox & Friends," "The CBS Early Show" and on "General Hospital," specifically to promote the album's first single, "What's Victoria's Secret?"

"Because of all the excitement and hospitality in Crown Point, Rick will perform in the Chicagoland area at the Arcada Theater in St. Charles, Ill. on Aug. 15 and 16," Springfield's tour manager announced last week.

Springfield, who turns 59 this month, has recently been reprising his role of Dr. Noah Drake on "General Hospital," where he first made his doctor rounds in that same role in 1981.

He last performed in our region in October 2006 when he did a concert at the historic Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet.

For more information, visit www.rickspringfield.com.

Besides his music, Springfield is also a history buff who enjoys collecting artifacts, including a nameplate sign from one of the original lifeboats from the ill-fated Titanic luxury liner, which he purchased at an auction a few years ago.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at ppotempa@nwitimes.com or 219.852.4327.

celebBirthdays

Singer Abbey Lincoln ("For Love of Ivy") is 78. Jazz bassist Charlie Haden is 71. Actor-director Peter Bonerz is 70. Actor Dorian Harewood is 58. Actress Catherine Hicks ("Seventh Heaven") is 57. Singer Pat MacDonald of Timbuk 3 is 56. Actress Stepfanie Kramer is 52. Actress Faith Prince and scandalized former New Jersey Governor James McGreevey are 51. Singer Randy DeBarge of DeBarge is 50. Actor Leland Orser ("ER") is 48. Country singers Peggy and Patsy Lynn of The Lynns are 44. Actor Jeremy Ratchford ("Cold Case") is 43. Country singer Lisa Stewart is 40. Writer-director M. Night Shyamalan ("The Sixth Sense") is 38. Actress Merrin Dungey ("Summerland," "Alias") is 37. Singer Geri Halliwell (Spice Girls) is 36. Actress Soleil Moon Frye ("Sabrina The Teenage Witch," "Punky Brewster") is 32. Singer Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes is 27.

Bassist Eric Roberts of Gym Class Heroes is 24.