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THE MESA TRIBUNE | JANUARY 16, 2022
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Barrett-Jackson is the perfect job for April Rose BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Editor
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pril Rose likens Barrett-Jackson collector car auction to a theme park. Celebrating its 50th year, the event makes people smile. In lieu of rides, there is a virtual playground of vehicles to view and purchase, and it bustles with anticipation. As the event’s co-host on A+E Networks’ FYI and The HISTORY Channel, Rose witnesses the plethora of beautiful — and sometimes exotic — automobiles passing through the auction block. “You could spend your entire life driving through a city and you’ll never see the variety you see coming through Barrett-Jackson auctions,” said Rose, who hosts a classic rock show on terrestrial radio in Chicago.
She’ll eye and discuss more sleek automobiles when Barrett-Jackson The World’s Greatest Car Collection Auction celebrates its 50th anniversary at WestWorld from January 22 to January 30. Celebrating its 50th year, Barrett-Jackson will feature rare hypercars and customs, as well as a diverse docket that includes a 1955 MercedesBenz 300SL Gullwing that is one of only 855 built in 1955 and one of only 1,400 built from 1954 to 1957. Selling with No Reserve, this highly desirable Gullwing is powered by the original matching-
see BARRETT page 28
April Rose is joining the broadcast team for the Barrett-Jackson auction next weekend. (Special to
GetOut)
George Michael tribute coming to Mesa center BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Editor
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rowing up in the MTV era, Craig Winberry was inspired by George Michael’s looks, moves, attitude and music. “He was not afraid to take risks and had an air of confidence and left a legacy,” Winberry said. The Piggott, Arkansas, native is now starring as the late singer in “The Life and Music of George Michael,” which comes to the Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater on Sunday, January 23. “Now that people are venturing out to concerts and shows, I wanted to be a part of that,” Winberry said, giving an additional reason for joining the show. “I wanted to be a part of that. It’s a great opportunity to get back out. I’m happy to hit the road and share his legacy across America.”
“When I was presented this wonderful opportunity, I was prepared,” he said. “Over the years as a singer, I had been singing some of George’s tracks like ‘Careless Whisper’ and his own spin on Queen’s ‘Somebody to Craig Winberry will be bringing the music of the late George Michael to Love,’ which the Mesa Arts Center next Sunday. (Special to GetOut) was hugely popular. The concert-style show follows Mi“What I have found challenging was the chael’s career through his hits, including overall lyrical content—the emotions and those from Wham! and his solo career. where George was in his life. It’s been so
fascinating. Through the beginning of his career, the middle and up to his unfortunate death, to see the growth of a gay man coming out of the closet and standing in his truth was amazing.” Singing “Jesus to a Child” and learning of the backstory brought Winberry to tears. The song is a tribute to Michael’s Brazilian lover Anselmo Feleppa, whom the singer met while performing in Rio de Janeiro in 1991. Two years later, Feleppa died from AIDS-related brain hemorrhage. During his grieving, Feleppa penned “Jesus to a Child” in about an hour. “It’s sad understanding Anselmo’s tragic death from HIV/AIDS and George taking his pain and sorrow and channeling it into art,” he said. “When you understand what the song was about and what he was going through, it’s tragic. It’s a very intimate story that George was sharing with us.”
see WINBERRY page 28
