Gilbert Sun News - 1.16.2022

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | JANUARY 16, 2022

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Barrett-Jackson 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 Mercedes-Benz 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 origiApril Rose is part of the broadcast team at the Barrett-Jackson nal matching-numbers auction. (Special to GetOut) M198 inline-6 engine

paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. Rose slid into Barrett-Jackson’s broadcast team after she and Bob Varsha, a broadcast journalist who covers motorsports, filmed a promotion. During the assignment, Varsha invited Rose to discuss cars at Barrett-Jackson. She fell in love — and earned respect. “When I got there, he said, ‘Wow. You’re really into cars. You know a lot about them, and you love them,’” she recalls. He wrapped up the conversation with, “We’re looking to add someone to our broadcast team.” “It seemed like a dream come true,” she adds. “It was the perfect fit.” She joins a team of automotive experts, including announcers Steve Magnante, Mike Joy and Rick DeBruhl.

“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.” The concert-style show follows Michael’s career through his hits, including those from Wham! and his solo career. “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 Love,’ which was hugely popular. “What I have found challenging was the overall lyrical content—the emotions and 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 channel-

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Upcoming show pays tribute to George Michael 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.

Mitesh Patel

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