Cottonwood AZ (January 26, 2012) – Cowboy singer, humorist, storyteller and Arizona State Historian, Marshall Trimble will be on hand to help celebrate the State of Arizona’s 100th Anniversary on Saturday, February 4th at 7:00 PM at Old Town Center for the Arts. Trimble who has been called ‘Arizona’s Will Rogers’ will perform this special concert as part of a series of special centennial events, brought to you by the City of Cottonwood, Old Town Association and Old Town Center for the Arts. Known throughout Arizona, Marshall Trimble brings history to life with his music and storytelling, delving into the fascinating tales of Arizona and the west. The Marshall Trimble concert is sponsored by the historic Cottonwood Hotel.
Opening for Marshall Trimble is Cottonwood’s own renaissance man Dan Engler, editor of the Verde Independent, known for his talents as a writer, photographer, singer-songwriter and storyteller. Dan will lend a unique perspective about Cottonwood and Arizona, through song, from his years of involvement with the ‘town newspaper’ and his life in Arizona.
Arizona became a state on February 14, 1912. It was the last of the 48 contiguous states to be admitted to the union. Centennial festivities for the City of Cottonwood will begin earlier in the day, on Saturday, February 4th at 3:00 pm with the ‘Centennial Birthday Party’ at Old Town Civic Center, that will include an historic information booth and activities planned for this special ‘birthday’ event.
Marshall Trimble has performed throughout Arizona for decades and has become well known across the United States as an ambassador of good will for the State of Arizona. Who would have ever thought that a drop out from Phoenix College would become the Arizona State Historian? What a fascinating life, through the back roads of Arizona! This multi-talented historian has been called the “Will Rogers of Arizona.” He can deliver anything from a serious history lecture to a stage concert of Western folk music and stories with his guitar. Trimble has received many honors both as a historian, writer and performer. In 1997, the governor of Arizona appointed him Official State Historian. In 2000, he was selected as one of Arizona’s representatives in the Library of Congress’ “Local Legacies.” Two years later he received the first “Copper Star Award” from the State Society of Arizona in Washington D.C. In 2003 he received the Scottsdale Jaycees “Distinguished Service Award,” That same year he was named a Charter Member of the Arizona Culturekeepers. Marshall was inducted into the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in February 2011.
In February 1957 Trimble dropped out of college and joined the Marines. Inspired by a Marine buddy, he purchased his first guitar in 1958 and taught himself to play while listening to records by Johnny Cash and Buddy Holly. His motivation for learning the guitar was to overcome shyness and to attract girls. He returned to college and graduated from Arizona State University in 1961. Two years later Trimble was touring with the Gin Mill Three, a folk group performing Kingston Trio inspired music. During his travels he took the opportunity to visit a variety of historical sites and museums. While visiting the Little Big Horn Battlefield in Montana in 1968 Trimble made up his mind to become a western historian and write. He returned to Arizona State University taking every available course in Arizona and Western history. In 1969 he began teaching Arizona and Southwest History at Coronado High School. As part of his teaching style, he played his guitar and sang old Johnny Cash songs to demonstrate how folk music and history were interrelated
In 1972, Trimble was asked to create an Arizona history class at Scottsdale Community College and in 1977 began serving as director of that school’s Southwest Studies program. After publishing his first book in 1977, he used his guitar and songs to liven up promotional book readings. Since then he has hosted several radio shows, including Trimble’s Tales and The Emmy award-winning television show, Arizona Backroads. Additionally he has appeared on CBS This Morning, Good Morning America, KAET-TV at ASU and the Nashville Network.
Old Town Center for the Arts is honored to present Marshall Trimble, a living legend in Arizona, in celebration of Arizona’s Statehood. Come be entertained and reminisce about our state’s great history. Following the concert residents and visitors are encouraged to explore Old Town and participate in the ‘Bootlegger’s Crawl’ where local food and beverage establishments will offer special discounts, to celebrate the centennial.
Get your tickets early for Marshall Trimble, performing on Saturday, February 4th at 7:00 pm at the Old Town Center for the Arts. Old Town Center for the Arts is located at 633 N. 5th Street (5th Street & Main) in Old Town Cottonwood. Tickets for Marshall Trimble are $18 advance, $20 door, $25 reserved seating. Tickets are available online at showtix4u.com, and also available in Cottonwood at Jerona Java Café and Desert Dancer, and in Sedona at Crystal Magic, and Golden Word Bookstore. For more information about upcoming events, visit www.oldtowncenter.org. For further information, contact Elena Bullard at 928-634-0940.
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