The man who saved fireworks in Seattle is venturing south to Burien May 15 and 16 to create some musical sparks in Choral Sounds Northwest's "Red, White and Musicals."

The Burien-based choral group's spring production is billed as a reflection on the impact of political and social discourse in musical theater through the years. They'll cover late 1800s British theater through such American Broadway standards as "Show Boat" and "South Pacific."

Dave Ross, veteran Seattle radio talk-show host and one-time political candidate, guest stars.

Ross' specialty is Gilbert & Sullivan. He'll perform a sampling from three of the British comic operas.

His interest in G&S started as a sophomore member of the Cornell University glee club. The college Gilbert and Sullivan society recruited him. Actually, Ross joked, "They come and kidnap you at midnight."

When Burien Lions stalwart and Tape Ministries Northwest director Bill Wippel brought him to Seattle to anchor KIRO radio news in 1978, Ross quickly joined the Seattle Gilbert & Sullivan Society. He has performed in all 13 of the duo's operas.

Out in the community, he's also hosted art group auctions and narrated Aaron Copeland's "Lincoln Portrait."

"Occasionally, they let me sing," Ross added.

His other musical specialty is clever parodies with updated lyrics tied to the news of the day.

He'll offer some of those in Burien, too.

The latest Seattle icon after Ivar Haglund to save fireworks in Seattle, Ross said his rescue effort was spontaneous.

He heard the new stories that the organizing group could not find a sponsor for the Fourth of July display.

"It seemed ridiculous that in a town this size, we wouldn't have a fireworks show," Ross said.

The first caller on his show after the announcement was noted Seattle restaurateur Tom Douglas, who said he would donate $5,000. So Ross called up the group's spokeswoman. She was doubtful that after their year long sponsor search, the money could be raised in a short time. Ross asked her if he raised $500,000 in pledges would they go ahead with the show.

"We were live on the air, what could she say? Ross observed. "She said yes."

Later that day, Ross went on the afternoon Ron and Don Show to pitch for pledges.

I expressed surprise the two would let him on their show since fundraising is their shtick.

"Ron and Don are good team players," Ross observed.

By the next morning, Ross reported Microsoft, Starbucks and Paul Allen's Vulcan had jumped in with big bucks along with many small contributors. And that is how Ross raised a half million dollars in 24 hours.

"Quite frankly, I was surprised, Ross said. "I've done some fundraising and first you have to pre-plan the big donations, so you can keep the energy up."

Speaking of fundraising, in 2004, Ross went from spending three hours a day on the air to 4-5 hours a day on the phone seeking money for...himself.

Democrats, wanting a moderate to run in the eastside suburbs, recruited Ross to run for an open Congressional seat.

I told him I still remembered a visual from the TV ad the Republicans repeatedly ran against him. It was a stark post-apocalyptic view of a tilting Space Needle covered in snow.

The image was so overpowering, I forgot the words used in the ad against the mild-mannered guy known as the "crusader for common sense."

However, Ross recalls the words vividly: "NOBODY WOULD WANT TO LIVE IN DAVE ROSS' AMERICA."

He notes ruefully, "In politics, lying is expected. It's all part of the game."

Ross figures he did respectably against former King County Sheriff Dave Reichert. But he adds, "A recount was not necessary."

Although he doubts he will run again, Ross said the campaign actually made him respect the political process more and it clearly changed how he does his show.

"Politicians understand that every word you say will be recorded and used against you. They don't want to offend the voters or their donors," Ross said. "I am amazed they talk at all. I respect them. It's not easy to get elected and it's way too easy to blame politicians."

So Ross continues doing what he does best- a radio talk show.

But how much longer can he buck the talk show tide to go nasty?

Radio godfather Pat O'Day opined recently on the BlatherWatch blog that Mount Vernon native Glen Beck, along with sportscaster Keith Jackson and Chicago superjock Larry Lujack, are the only local broadcasters to rocket to national fame.

Responds Ross, "If I'm fired tomorrow, Hey, I've had 32 years on the air.

"I can't do a Glen Beck or Rush Limbaugh type show. I can't put on an act for three hours a day. I have never found name-calling interesting to do."

Of course, these days, one person's moderate is another person's Socialist Communist Fascist.

"Some people must see passion in me, judging by some of the e-mails I receive," Ross said. "But all I care about is that they find the show interesting enough."

Despite our political differences, I think we can unite in expecting a fun show from ChoralSounds Northwest and Dave Ross.

ChoralSounds Northwest-"Red, White & Musicals," Special guest KIRO radio host Dave Ross . A reflection on political and social discourse through British and American musical theater. May 15, 8 p.m. May 16, 2 p.m. Highline Performing Arts Center, 401 S. 152nd St. Reserved seating $15- $25, 17 and under free with adult. www.nwassociatedarts.org or 206-246-6040.