Marshall Trimble in concert
Arizona’s Will Rogers
Cowboy singer, humorist, storyteller
Concert sponsored by the historic
Cottonwood Hotel
special event celebrating Cottonwood’s 50th Anniversary
with special appearances by Dan Engler and Karen Leff
November 12, 7:30 pm
$18 advance, $25 priority seating, $20 door
Arizona State Historian ‘Marshall Trimble’
Here in Cottonwood to Perform for City’s 50th Anniversary
While enjoying the reputation of being one of America's most popular raconteurs of this nation's colorful folk history, Marshall Trimble is also considered the dean of Arizona historians. Marshall is heard daily on radio around the state on several radio stations spinning history and folklore on his popular show, "Trimble's Tales." He also hosted a local television show, " Arizona Backroads."
Trimble answer's questions about the Old West from readers all over the world in "True West Magazine’s" popular column, "Ask The Marshall." Marshall bought a used Gibson guitar for $5 in 1958 and learned to play while listening to Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and Johnny Cash records. A year later he traded the Gibson and $25 for a well-worn Martin guitar. In 1959, he attended a Kingston Trio concert and was hooked for life on folk music. Today he performs frequently with Arizona State Balladeer, Dolan Ellis, an original member of the New Christy Minstrels.
Cowboy singer, humorist, storyteller and State Historian, Marshall Trimble will be on hand to help celebrate Cottonwood’s 50th Anniversary on Friday, November 12th at 7:30 PM at Old Town Center for the Arts. Marshall who has been called ‘Arizona’s Will Rogers’ will perform this special concert as part of a weekend celebration for the City of Cottonwood. Known throughout Arizona, Marshall brings history to life with his music and storytelling, delving into the fascinating tales of Arizona and the west.
Joining Mr. Trimble for this anniversary event will be invited guests: Mayor, Diane Joens, Chamber President Lana Tolleson and other local dignitaries. Third generation Arizona native Margie Beach will add anecdotes and memories of Cottonwood’s past five decades. Karen Leff, proprietor of the historic Cottonwood Hotel, will also reminisce and talk about Saturday’s special ‘Walkin’ On Main’ event in Old Town and the historic tours she leads throughout the year. If all that’s not enough, renaissance man Dan Engler, editor of the Verde Independent, known for his talents as a writer, photographer, and storyteller will lend a unique perspective, from his years of involvement with the ‘town newspaper’ and showcase his talents as a singer-guitarist-songwriter.
If you love Cottonwood like we do, you’ll want to come and celebrate in the music, stories, memories, and little known facts of “The Biggest Little Town in Arizona.”
Let’s learn a little more about featured performer Marshall Trimble, who 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 Backroads 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 has been selected as one of ten to be inducted into the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in February 2011.
Trimble was born in Mesa, Arizona, and moved to Ash Fork when he was 8. Following high school, Trimble enrolled at Phoenix College, and played on the basketball team. During those same years he played for the semi pro Glendale Greys baseball team. The 1956 Greys were runner-up for the Arizona State Semi-pro Baseball Championship.
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. He appears several times a year on stage at Prescott's Historic Palace Restaurant and Saloon on Whiskey Row.
Old Town Center for the Arts is honored to present Marshall Trimble, a living legend in Arizona, in celebration of Cottonwood’s 50th. Come be entertained and remember back when you could buy a 58’ Chevrolet for $625 at Vincent Ford-Mercury, or a house at the Grandview Terrace subdivision for $11,500.
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