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Warrant singer says nostalgia leads to success

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Foothills Focus Executive Editor

Valley resident and Warrant singer Robert Mason says hometown shows mean one thing: nonstop calls and texts.

“Seriously, it’s cool to see familiar faces in the audience,” says Mason, whose band will play the Pool at Talking Stick with Skid Row and Winger on Saturday, January 29.

“I get to sleep in my own bed, if I choose. There’s always a weird pressure but no pressure. I feel like I’m in this traveling circus and I’m always playing these other cities. Very rarely do we come home; probably six or eight times in the 13 years I’ve been in the band. There’s a little more mayhem because it’s a hometown show.”

With a pair of double-platinum albums and three top 10 singles, Warrant inked a deal with Columbia Records in January 1998 and released “Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich” one year later.

The album spawned the singles “Down Boys,” “Sometimes She Cries” and “Heaven,” the latter of which reached No. 2 on the U.S. charts. Warrant’s follow-up album, “Cherry Pie,” featured the singles “I Saw Red” and “Cherry Pie,” eclipsing the band’s previous effort.

The key to Warrant’s longevity are those songs and the corresponding nostalgia. Mason says the tracks recall a simpler time.

“I think there’s a strong nostalgic pull for that era and these songs,” he says. “The demographics are not only the people who lived through it the first time, but a generation or two later are able to have fun.

“They recognize the ‘fun’ factor and the recklessness these songs have. It’s tongue-in-cheek sometimes, romantic and nostalgia at other times. The ballads hold up and stood the test of time because people loved them so much back then.”

Mason says the songs have been given a second life in videogame, movie and TV placements, introducing a new generation to the songs.

“It transcends the ’80s, early ’90s, Sunset Strip hair rock or whatever bad moniker you want to put on that time period and musical style,” he says. “I just call it good rock music.”

For the 2022 tour, Warrant is revamping its set, thanks to a discussion between Mason and guitarist Joey Allen.

“We’re going to do a little block of (the 1992 album) ‘Dog Eat Dog’ songs,” he Warrant will play hits from their 1992 album “Dog Eat Dog” with additional performances by Skid Row and Winger at the Pool at Talking Stick on Saturday, Jan. 29. (Photo by Stephen Jensen)

see WARRANT page 19

Tax, exercise programs featured at library

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Desert Foothills Library has scheduled a multitude of interesting adult events for February at its building, 38443 N. School House Road, Cave Creek. All programs are free.

For more information, call 480-4882286 or visit dfla.org to RSVP for all free programs unless otherwise noted. Library is closed on Monday, Feb. 21, for Presidents Day.

Featured programs VITA Tax Program 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays from Feb. 1 to April 15

The IRS and Masters of Coin-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help for low- to moderate-income families, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.

To make an appointment, call 480-4882286. Forms to be filled out are available for pick up prior to appointment. Participants are asked to bring Social Security card, all 2021 tax forms, 2020 tax return, and photo identification card.

For more information, visit mastersofcoin.org.

Estate Planning Made Simple 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5

Stephanie and Mike Maloney will cover the basics of estate planning. They have been educating the public on estate planning for about 35 years. Reservations required; call the library.

French Class 10 a.m. to noon Fridays Feb. 11 to April 1

This beginner class meets once a week for eight weeks. The focus is on conversation, using practical vocabulary for everyday situations. Handouts will be provided. Those with questions can email dominique.flamm@gmail.com. To reserve one of the eight spots, visit the website. Cost: $80.

Advanced IRA Strategies: Secrets of Roth, Multigenerational and Self-Directed IRAs 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 19

Discover rarely used advanced strategies to optimize IRAs. Discover how Roth IRA conversions can produce unlimited earnings and multigenerational IRAs can multiply income for heirs. Reservations required.

Welcome to Desert Foothills Library Happy Hour 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22

Learn more about the library and meet neighbors. This is a family-friendly event and refreshments will be served.

Bikers Against Child Abuse 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25

Bikers Against Child Abuse will discuss how they empower children to not be afraid of the world, the requirements to be a member, and how to help. Woodstock has been a patched member since January 2017. As the chapter’s agency liaison, he contacts agencies and therapists who have been in contact with abused children. Woodstock has presented to various audiences of various sizes and backgrounds.

Weekly programs eBook and Online Database Help 11 a.m. to noon Tuesdays

Each week is an informal drop-in class for anyone with questions about Libby, Cloud Library or any apps the library offers. Volunteers will show visitors how to download the apps to a phone or tablet and how to navigate the digital collection.

see LIBRARY page 17

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LIBRARY from page 16

Mahjongg 103: Unsupervised Play 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays

Groups, individuals and recent students of Mahjongg 101 and 102 looking for a place to come and enjoy playing with people in the community. This group is unsupervised. Participants must bring their own sets. Cost is $5.

Alcoholics Anonymous 5 to 6 p.m. Thursdays

AA meetings are held at Desert Foothills Library on Thursdays.

Craft N Chat 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays

Knit, crochet and practice other table crafts with fellow enthusiasts.

Monthly programs Death Café 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2

Death Café is a gathering to talk about death and dying. The aim is to increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their lives. More than 7,000 Death Cafés have been held in 63 countries. Death Café does not promote beliefs, agendas or products, nor is it a bereavement or grief support group. Info: deathcafe.com.

Music at the Movies 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10

Celebrate “The Pink Panther” with music enthusiastic Annis Scott.

Chapter2Books Monthly Sale Friday, Feb. 11, and Saturday, Feb. 12

Monthly book sales give patrons the chance to purchase quality books and other media at low prices. The monthly book sale is throughout Chapter 2, the Jones/ Coates Room, and the patio, weather permitting.

International Film Series: Women Directors with Gary Zaro 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11

The International Film Series offers a glimpse into other cultures. This month’s movie is 2012’s “Wadjda” (PG) from Saudi Arabia.

Topics include: the correct time to enroll in Medicare; what Medicare does and does not cover; Medicare Advantage; Medicare Supplement insurance; Medicare review for post 65 beneficiaries and Medicare Part D. RSVP: Derrick Cooper at 480-6485052 or derrick.cooper@ascinsuranceaz. com, or Michael Smith, 602-793-1925 or mpsmith.benefits@gmail.com.

Puzzle Exchange 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25

Drop off gently used puzzles and pick out a new one for free.

Literary programs Memoir & Essay Writers’ Group 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3

Novice and seasoned writers meet monthly to read aloud stories and receive constructive feedback. Participants can bring one to two pages of humorous or serious prose to share.

Writer’s Connection 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4

Write the memoir to remember with Patricia Brooks, who will inspire writers to complete their manuscript, and discuss why they should keep a writing journal, do the necessary research, write goals and make no excuses about writing. Learning objectives: understand the real theme of the memoir; learn to dig deep to get to the soul of the story; discover the depth and challenge of the memoir; and speaking the truth. RSVP required.

Literate Foodie Club 12:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7

This month’s discussion focuses on “Vegetables Unleashed” by chef/restaurateur Jose Andres. His World Central Kitchen brings nutrition to victims of natural disasters worldwide. Questions: Dana Rakinic, danarakinic@gmail.com or Jan Kruse, jankruse@cox.net. $10.

Get Lit Book Club 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8

This happy hour book clubwill focus on “Yale Needs Women” by Anne Gardiner Perkins at Oregano’s. RSVP required. Free; charge for drinks/food.

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NVSO celebrates 10-year anniversary with ball

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

North Valley Symphony Orchestra will host its annual gala fundraising event on Saturday, Feb. 12.

The Black & White Ball will be held at Sheraton Crescent, Phoenix, 2620 W. Dunlap Ave, Phoenix.

The event has a twofold purpose. Besides raising funds, the NVSO will celebrate its 10th season with dancing and dining. NVSO is a nonprofit community orchestra encompassing an adult orchestra and three youth ensembles. All NVSO musicians are volunteers who share a passion to rehearse and perform orchestral music for the North Valley.

The party will feature performances by the NVSO and entertainer Brian Foley. Black-and-white-themed dress is encouraged. Attendees will have a variety of silent auction items to consider, including spa packages, wine-tasting courses, original artwork and themed baskets.

NVSO’s Black & White Ball begins with cocktails at 5:30, giving guests the opportunity to peruse silent auction items and listen to NVSO musicians.

Tickets are $100, which includes one cocktail, dinner and one raffle ticket. For reservations, visit northvalleysymphony. org.

Several levels of sponsorship for this event are available.

The North Valley Symphony Orchestra performs Scandinavian

music. (Photo by Pete Schulte)

LIBRARY from page 17

Library Book Club 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Feb. 10, and Tuesday, Feb. 22

This month’s focus at this Zoom get-together is “The Soul of an Octupus” by Sy Montgomery. RSVP required.

Literary Salon 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 17

Discussion focuses on cookbooks with facilitator Jay Keene.

Health and wellness programs Tai Chi, Qigong for Everyone 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays

Tai Chi and Qigong improve balance, flexibility, brain plasticity, inner peace and overall wellness. This class is offered every Tuesday and Thursday. Bina Bou is a senior trainer at IIQTC. To learn more about her classes, visit mindfocusbodyqi.com. Questions: Bina Bou, bina. b75@gmail.com. Cost is $10 paid to instructor.

Gentle Yoga 11 a.m. to noon Wednesdays

Strengthen the heart, bones, balance and sharpen the mind. Marina Kachur started practicing yoga in 1995. Marina also offers chair yoga at 11 a.m. Mondays. Bring a yoga mat and blanket. Questions: Marina Kachur at 480-510-6572, yokama14@gmail.com. Cost is $10 paid to instructor.

Meditation with Reiki Healing 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesdays Feb. 2 and Feb. 16

Experience meditation with guidance and discuss the experience. Questions: the Rev. Dr. Karen Cimaglia at rockinvibs21@ gmail.com. Cost is $10 paid to instructor.

Yoga Fusion Noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays

Join Elizabeth Boisson for an intermediate-level course of Yoga Fusion. The class starts with breathing exercises and continues with stretching movements and vinyasa or flow yoga and several standing sequences. They finish with 5 minutes of Savasana. Questions: Elizabeth Boisson at evboisson@yahoo.com or 480-363-5275. Cost is $10 paid to instructor.

Caring for the Caregiver 10 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 7

Hospice of the West facilitates this support group.

Gentle Chair Yoga 11 a.m. to noon Mondays

Guests will strengthen their heart, bones, balance and sharpening the mind. Chairs are provided. Questions: Marina Kachur, 480-510-6572 or yokama14@ gmail.com. Cost is $10 cash, paid to instructor.

Reiki Healing 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesdays Feb. 9 and Feb. 23

Learn and explore through a variety of energy healing methods, including reiki. Healing is the focus of reiki. Questions: the Rev. Dr. Karen Cimaglia at rockinvibs21@gmail.com. Cost is $10 cash, paid to instructor.

The Healing Pathway 9:30 to 11 a.m. Mondays Feb. 14 and Feb. 28

The open-ended group provides guests with practical tools and supportive conversation as they process grief.

Longevity, Healthy Aging, and Regeneration 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 18

Learn the habits of those in extreme old age.

Nutrition Over 50 Noon Friday, Feb. 18

Learn and discuss nutrition and how it changes with age. Discuss healthy food options and a menu for a week. Learn the philosophy behind fasting and intermittent fasting, create a plan to change your eating patterns. Questions: the Rev. Dr. Karen Cimaglia at rockinvibs21@gmail. com, 602-721-7714. Cost is $10.

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JANUARY 26, 2022

FEATURES 19 ••

Watch Wyatt Earp come alive in Scottsdale

BY SCOTT SHUMAKER

Foothills Focus Staff Writer

On Sunday, Jan. 30, the Fellowship Center of the Desert Hills Presbyterian Church in Scottsdale will host a one-man play about Wyatt Earp performed by … Wyatt Earp.

The Earp who will embody the famous lawman in “Wyatt Earp: A Life on the Frontier” said he descends from one of the Wild West Earp’s uncles. Though the connection is distant, the actor bears a family resemblance to the frontiersman.

While the modern Earp was growing up in Indianapolis, he said his family didn’t talk much about their Western connection, even though his mother named him Wyatt in honor of it. The name came in handy, he said, as an insurance agent for New York Life, where he worked for 50 years before retiring.

“(The name) made me a little more memorable to my clients than other people,” he said.

Then in 1978, Earp met Phoenix playwright and theater owner Terry Tafoya Earp. Her passion for Arizona history drew Earp deeper into his historical connection. After pursuing her dream of playwriting in the late ’80s, Tafoya Earp wrote “Wyatt Earp: A Life on the Frontier,” a play about her husband’s famous namesake.

The play is set in 1928 and features an elderly Earp telling his story to a reporter in Los Angeles, where the lawman, bodyguard, miner, saloon keeper and buffalo hunter, to name just a few job titles, died in 1929. Earp is probably most famous for the Tombstone shootout that killed three outlaw cowboys, but Wyatt and his wife, Sadie, traveled throughout the West during their 47-year life together, from Prescott to Alaska. The play aims to present a view of Earp that goes beyond the Hollywood legend.

“A Life on the Frontier” and other plays proved successful for Tafoya Earp. She died in 2019, following years of medical battles after an accident in 2006 that left her quadriplegic. Wyatt Earp, who today splits his time between Tombstone and Phoenix, said he has performed “A Life on the Frontier” 1,049 times. He’s also branched out into other historical characters, including Doc Holliday, Will Rogers and the Western photographer Edward Curtis. He’s giving weekly performances as Curtis at the Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West during its “Light and Legacy: The Art and Techniques of Edward S. Curtis” exhibit.

But it’s the Wyatt Earp show that has taken the actor to 22 states and five countries. People around the world are entranced by the stories — some true, many dubious — that have grown around the Tombstone lawman.

“I never dreamed that Wyatt would have so much wattage,” he said.

The historic Wyatt Earp’s life has become woven into the mythology of the United States, surrounded by apocryphal stories and freely embellished by Hollywood. There’s fierce debate among Western history buffs about “the real” Earp and his legacy. Any claim about the historic Earp is likely to be met with a challenge.

For his interpretation of the lawman, Earp said he relies on friend and historian Ben Traywick, who served as official historian for the town of Tombstone for 39 years before he retired in 2010. Earp views his famous namesake’s career in the West as a search for prosperity.

“He and the likes of him, they were just chasing the opportunity for economic prosperity,” Earp said. “He wasn’t interested in law enforcement. He was an entrepreneur. … They were all in search of the bucks.”

But Earp doesn’t have a problem with the Hollywood versions of the Earp brothers. His favorite is the 1993 film “Tombstone” starring Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp.

“Movies are criticized inappropriately. A movie is not a documentary,” he said. “‘Tombstone’ has a lot of untruths in it, but who cares.”

His upcoming Scottsdale performance of “A Life on the Frontier” will be his 1,051st show. After so many shows, he said he’s fine tuned his interpretation of Earp, but said “I try to stay very loyal to the historical authenticity of the script.”

“I give every performance everything I have,” he said. “There will be every human emotion involved.”

Wyatt Earp, a great grandnephew of the famous Tombstone lawman, will perform the one-man play “Wyatt Earp: A Life on the Frontier” at the Fellowship Center of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church on Jan. 30. The play was written by Earp’s late wife, Phoenix playwright Terry Tafoya Earp. (Photo courtesy of Wyatt Earp)

WARRANT from page 15

says. “That record deserves attention and, 30 years later, it’s remembered fondly by enough fans. The songs have great energy, and the band was on fire musically. It may not have blazed a trail in the charts the way ‘Heaven’ or ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ did. But it definitely deserves attention, and we love it.”

The band will also talk about “Dog Eat Dog.” The rest of the show will feature hits.

“It’s all the songs you know and love by heart and want to sing,” he says. “Our show is pretty heavy on the first three records. That’s where the nostalgia and biggest success of the band lies. Obviously, we feel some sort of obligation to play those songs. Basically, it’s just a bunch of high-energy rock by guys who are happy to be out and doing what we do. Hopefully it shows.

“I like inciting a little mayhem and excitement in the audience. We want them to stare at our shows, not stare into their phones. Rock is heart, rock and a little south of the belt buckle. It’s supposed to be all those things. It’s how I grew up and I’m proud to be able to bring that.”

Skid Row, Warrant and Winger

WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, January 29 WHERE: The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale COST: Tickets start at $25 INFO: 480.850.777, talkingstickresort.com