For a quarter of a century, Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers have played nearly everywhere in Arizona – but never at a luxury dude ranch like Rancho de Los Caballeros. The group will take over the rustic Wickenburg resort from September 20-22 as part of PHOENIX magazine’s new Escape Series.
“I’d love to see it work in Wickenburg,” Clyne says, fresh off June’s four-day Circus Mexicus event in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico. “I like that ‘burg.”
Ahead of the Wickenburg sleepover, we spoke to Clyne about his legacy and undying love of the Southwest.
Did you ever think that your festival, Circus Mexicus, would be going strong for 25 years?
I had just loved Rocky Point since I was a kid. There is still a lot of liberty to be explored down there. Once The Peacemakers became independent, I didn’t have to worry about management, booking and record companies telling me there was no money down there. I wanted to share those experiences with the fans.
You could have done anything after your former band, The Refreshments, folded. Why did you stay in Arizona?
I’m a third-generation Arizonan. I grew up the son of a schoolteacher and a cowboy. This area of southwestern Arizona, in particular, is a confluence of cultures and history. I feel lucky to be born into this deep, amazing reservoir of history and character that I can choose from, sing about and share.
Is there anything you still want to accomplish?
I want to leave behind a compendium of very good music and memories. We’re just having the best time. As long as I keep doing that and feel confident about the quality of our music and performances, that’s kind of it. I’m not more ambitious than that.
For more information on the Escape Series and to purchase tickets, visit escapeseries.com
