Recommendations
Hello Dean,
I wanted to say a personal thank you for being here for our Holiday Tea. Everyone enjoyed the music and we would love to have you again this year. Once I know the date of the our Holiday Tea in December, I will let you know. Best wishes on your upcoming performances.
Thank you,
Christina Patterson
Librarian II, Branch Manager
Rancho Santa Fe Branch
San Diego County Library
17040 Avenida de Acacias
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
858-756-2512
2-14-23
Hi Dean and Valli,
I just wanted to send you a note to thank you for a great show on Saturday. I got 14 surveys back and they all rated you as excellent and/or exceeding expectations. Some of the comments were, "unexpected treat," "great horn player-fun concert!" "My what a versatile musician" "warm welcoming personality" "great music" & "great performance." You were definitely a hit. I will make a note on my spreadsheet and look forward to booking you again in the future. Have a great Valentine's Day!
Kate
Kate Colvin (she/her)
Adult Services Librarian
Escondido Public Library
760.839.4214
239 South Kalmia Street
Escondido, CA 92025
escondidolibrary.org
Subject: "Swingin' With Dean" Hits of Great American Artists '40s - '60s
Date: January 6, 2020 3:34:31 PM PST
From: Terry.Wallace@rshaz.com
I had many compliments about the performance and we would love to have you back. I would like to have a time in November. Maybe the third week. Please let me know some free dates you have.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Terry Wallace
Grandview Terrace
Director of Special Events
623-975-8020
Subject: Re: "Swingin' With Dean" Performance.
Date: December 11, 2019 11:49:45 AM PST
From: Katrina Sturgis
To: Dean Ratzman
Mr. Ratzman,
Thank you once again for performing at our holiday party on Thursday, December 9th! We were all very impressed with your talent and your song selection was perfect for our party. Thanks again! Happy holidays.
Best regards,
Katrina Sturgis
Operations Manager
Museum of Making Music
katrinas@museumofmakingmusic.org
Subject: Re: "Swingin' With Dean" Performance.
Date: September 13, 2019 11:49:45 AM PST
From: cheryl.Cosart@sdcounty.ca.gov
Re: The "Swingin' with Dean" Show.
To: Dean Ratzman <meandean@ratzpack.net>
Hi Valli, It’s good to hear from you again! Santee Library patrons had a great time dancing and singing with Dean in May, and I hope to have you back soon. I should have a better idea how to balance my events by Thanksgiving…I hope. I’ll let you know when I can sponsor another visit next year. Many, many thanks for Dean’s outstanding performance for our patrons, Valli. He put smiles on a lot of faces that day. 😊 Have a great summer!
Cheryl Cosart Branch Manager
San Diego County Library Santee Branch
9225 Carlton Hills Blvd
Santee, CA 92071 619-448-1863
Subject: Re: "Swingin' With Dean" Performance.
Date: June 7, 2019 at 11:02 AM
jomike6rvm1@gmail.com
Regarding your program last evening.
To: Dean Ratzman <meandean@ratzpack.net>
Dear Dean,
The Rogue Valley Manor Entertainment Committee wishes to thank you for the fun program you gave us last evening. You started with an introductory medley of piano music and then played and sang a crowd pleasing variety of old favorites. As we listened to your singing, piano, trumpet and trombone playing, we were taken down “memory lane” with so many old, familiar songs. We heard songs from the “Big Band Era”, jazz, popular hits like “Route 66”, a Beatles song, and many other old well known tunes. What a surprise to have one of our residents share the stage with you for a nice duet of Andy Williams’ Moon River!
At RVM, we always appreciate entertainment from the outside community. You have an easy relaxed style, and you are fortunate to be multi-talented and able to perform for your audiences with such energy and enthusiasm.
Sincerely,
The RVM Entertainment Committee,
Jo Ann Basin, Bert Chumbler, Bob Buddemeier, Mary Jane Morrison and Ollie Sontag
Article:
A Twilight Dinner to remember at the Bell Tower Community Center
by: Stacy Flier
5/3/2019
On April 23, I had the privilege to attend the monthly Twilight Dinner held in the William Lyons Ballroom located at the Bell Tower Community Cente
This event is held every 3rd Thursday of the month from 4:30pm to 6:30pm exclusively for seniors. The night was filled with glamorous women and handsome gents, all dressed beautifully for the occasion. The Twilight Dinner offered a beautiful array of appetizers, with scrumptious chicken Florentine, rice, vegetables, and last but not least, dessert!
The evening included dinner, dancing, socializing and just plain fun. Dean Ratzman, who was the entertainer, is a fabulous musician with a great voice. He performed on keyboard, trumpet, and trombone. I loved every minute of it. What really amazed me was how these delightful guests could dance. They were graceful and full of energy.
After my evening at the Twilight Dinner, I have decided to take up ballroom dancing; which is offered at the Bell Tower Center. Now all I have to do is get my husband off the couch!!!
4-6-19
Hi, Dean & Valli: It was great meeting you two, and Dean did such a fantastic job that we are hoping to have you guys come again next year (or maybe next New Year’s Eve)!! Vicki is checking to see if maybe that will work, so we’ll keep you posted on that. Have a safe trip on all of your travels elsewhere, and keep in touch!! Thanks, again, for a great performance, Dean, and if you ever need a reference, let us know! Inagaddadavida, Baby!!
Joyce Schmidt Leasing Consultant
(480) 827-0407
Mesa Royale Active Adult Apartments
1825 N. Stapley Drive, Mesa, AZ. 85203
From: HMB@Touchmark.com
Subject: RE: "Swingin' With Dean."
Date: February 6, 2019
From Heather, Activity Director
Waterford Terrace, Vancouver, WA.
A Touchmark Community.
Dean,
How about 3:30 pm. (He's sooooo worth it!!!)
You may also stay and dine in the dining room for dinner, on us, if you'd like!
So excited to see you both again!!
Heather
From: CAB@Touchmark.com
Subject: RE: "Swingin' With Dean."
Date: April 22, 2018 9:44:25 AM PDT
To: meandean@ratzpack.net
Hi Valli ~
I spoke with Michelle Swantek and she says they really enjoyed having you all there recently! We would be happy to have Dean perform at Touchmark at Coffee Creek on Tuesday, September 30th in the evening ~ either starting at 6:30 or 7:00 if that works with your schedule.
Please let me know. Thanks! :)
Cathy Bird
Life Enrichment/Wellness Director
Touchmark at Coffee Creek
2801 Shortgrass Road
Edmond, OK 73003
(405) 340-1975 Ext. 5916
Subject: RE: Rebooking "The Swingin' With Dean Show".
Date: March 28, 2018 10:15:32 AM PST
From: Martha Inman To:
Dean Ratzman
Hi, from Tallahassee...I was thinking you were coming sometime this year...anyway, Feb. 9 is a Saturday night ...Westminster Oaks would like to book that for a 7:00 p.m. show in our new auditorium, the Maguire Center....we know you are one performer, but with your wife very involved in booking, set-up, and staging, plus you have RV gas! ...we will also throw in guest meal tickets. I think this is what we have done in the past. We have always enjoyed your programs in the past and am sure we will again. Thanks, Martha
Re: "The Swingin' With Dean Show".
Date: January 6, 2018 8:00:25 AM PST
From: Samantha West
To: Dean Ratzman
Good Morning! Wanted to thank you Dean, for performing for our residents here at the Chateau on New Years Eve! Everyone had a blast! Thanks again, and Happy New Year!
Sam Samantha Russell,
Director of Fitness & Leisure Services
Chateau Lake San Marcos
(760)761-4647
Subject: "Swingin' With Dean" Hits of Great American Artists '40s - '60s
Date: November 6, 2017 3:49:21 PM PST
From: Myra Rubin
To: Dean Ratzman
yes, I'd like to rebook....the residents loved the program.........for Dean's next visit, I have 4/1 or 5/6, and then 10/21 or 11/11.........please let me know which 2 dates will work best.......thank you very much.......Myra.
Dean and Valli, Thank you both for coming to Atria Bell Court Gardens! The residents very much enjoyed your performance, Dean! Here are the pictures I took of your performance. Safe journey and see you next year,
David, Tucson, AZ
From Las Villas de Carlsbad
em: jillyan9802@lasvillasdecarlsbad.com
Subject: Re: Performance '40s Swing on Tour
Date: Sept 14, 2017 6:26:54 PM PST
Hi Dean and Valli,
Thank you so much for coming in today. The residents just loved Dean. He is a wonderful entertainer.
We look forward to having you here in 2008.
Thanks
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Jillyan
Subject: RE: Village Green Retirement for July 4th
Date: July 4, 2017 1:39:10 PM PDT
From: Trish Prebilsky
To: Dean Ratzman
Valli and Dean!
We thank you so much for a great afternoon of outstanding entertainment at Village Green Retirement Campus for our 4th of July Party. Many compliments are sent to you from our residents and maybe next year you will come back for the 4th of July. Thank you so much and have a great summer in the Northwest!
Trish Prebilsky
Activities Director
Village Green Retirement Campus
Trish@VillageGreenRetirement.com
From: Croxton, Trudy
Sent: June 09, 2017 2:47 PM
To: Joiner, Jan
Subject: RE:
Dean Ratzman “Swingin’ with Dean” was a very popular program. The residents loved him. I had him play on my day off, but he received high praise from staff as well as residents. I rebooked him for 2010.
Trudy Croxton
Wellness Director
Oakmont Gardens
Santa Rosa, CA
From: cascadesactivities@yahoo.com
Subject: Cascades of Tucson
Date: February 6, 2017 12:18:03 PM PST
Residents are still talking about last nights performance! We all look forward to seeing you next year! Ann
Subject: Re: Performance
Date: September 26, 2016 6:15:31 PM CDT
From: sfaulkner@holidayhealthcare.com
Hello! Just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed having you two at
the Village! Dean's performance was awesome. If you are ever in the area
again, keep us in mind! Stay safe and happy!
P.S. Thanks for what you are doing for others!
Blessings!
Shelley
Evansville, IN
Subject: RE: "Swingin' With Dean" Hits of Great American Artists. '40s - '60s
Date: June 20, 2016 1:26:01 PM PST
From: afundingsland@heritagehighlands.com
To: meandean@ratzpack.net
I love the sounds of Dean. The residents greatly enjoyed him, also.
Thank you for a wonderful performance.
Aileen Fundingsland
Activities Director
520-579-9574
Heritage Highlands 55 + Comm
Marana, AZ
April 2, 2016
Maureen McDonald
Dupuis Restaurant
256861 Highway 101 East
Port Angeles, WA 98362
To Whom it May Concern,
I am writing this letter of recommendation for Dean Ratzman. Dean played his solo act at Dupuis Restaurant for three years. Dean has done an outstanding job at our place, and has always been extremely dependable. He played holidays, weekends, and special events whenever asked. He helped build our business tremendously.
Dean's manner is always professional towards guests, as well as fellow employees. His appearance is very personable and professional. He plays music appropriate for all range of ages, such as swing tunes from the 40's, jazz standards, and up to 60's and 70's rock and roll.
Dean will be a wonderful asset for any company he plays for. I was truly saddened to hear that he was moving to San Diego, and have not found a replacement that has all his qualities. There will always be an opening at our establishment for him to return.
Maureen McDonald
Subject: "The Swingin' With Dean Show".
Date: November 7, 2015 8:56:43 AM PST
From: Kate Geraghty
To: Dean Ratzman
Is there still time to book you on Memorial Day? We loved you!
Kathryn Geraghty
Byron Park, Wellness Director
1700 TiceValley Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94595
Subject: Thank you!
Date: August 23, 2015 10:52:41 PM PDT
From: Melissa Taylor
To: Dean Ratzman
Dear Mr. Dean Ratzman,
I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your gift of music to anyone who will listen! I appreciated your performance today (August 23, 2013) at the Renton library. Idk if you remember me, but I was the black girl with glasses, wearing a white henley. Unfortunately, I had to leave during your last song to run an errand, so I didn't get a chance to thank you or say goodbye. Anyway, It's so nice to see someone with a genuine appreciation for the songs of Nat King Cole, Santana, and yes, Chris Botti :) Keep on keepin' it real. I hope to see you perform again sometime.
Sincerely,
Melissa Taylor
Subject: RE: Thank you!
Date: July 24, 2015 9:45:00 AM PDT
From: Laurie Finlayson
To: Dean Ratzman
Hi Dean and Valli,
Thank you for sending this comment—we always like to hear back from people to know what they think of our programs. Most of all, thank you for coming to Renton and putting on such a great show. It seemed that everyone—even those reading or working on computers—enjoyed the music, and it livened up the atmosphere in the library in a very nice way.
I enjoyed meeting you both in person. It was our pleasure to have you. Thank you again,
Laurie
