Scene from Angel and the Badman filmed in Sedona in 1945/46

Sedona AZ (February 15, 2014) – Billed as “The Return of Angel and the Badman Gala and Show,” the Sedona Heritage Museum will host a fundraising gala dinner on Saturday, March 15, 2014, at the Sedona Rouge Resort and Spa.

The evening begins with a happy hour and silent auction at 5:00 p.m. in the resort restaurant and wine bar, Reds, followed by dinner and entertainment. After dinner, actor John Wayne will ride again when Ermal and Patsy Williamson take to the stage. Ermal Williamson, nationally-known impersonator of the famous American icon, will evoke fond memories of the Duke with an evening of classic stories. Williamson’s wife, Paula Cravens, a U.S. Champion yodeler, will entertain guests with a repertoire of Patsy Cline hit songs.

The evening ends with a ‘Raise the Paddle’ live auction of packages and experiences including a trip to Belize, Diamondbacks box seats, other travel and golf packages, and a behind-the-scenes tour of Out of Africa Wildlife Park. Silent auction items include donations of art, jewelry and dining experiences. All attendees will receive a commemorative program and opportunities to be immortalized in a fun photograph with Williamson’s ‘John Wayne.’

Suggested attire is Western casual.

American icon John Wayne rides again during the Sedona Heritage Museum Gala Dinner and Fundraiser, March 15, 2014

Gala proceeds will go toward the Museum’s latest major project – the relocation and preservation of the only surviving section of the Sedona western town movie set, the 100-year-old Telegraph Office building. The Telegraph Office was used in key scenes of ‘Angel and the Badman’ which was John Wayne’s first movie effort as both producer and actor. Of the approximately 100 movies filmed in Sedona, most during the Golden Age of Western films, the western street set is visible in many of the classics.

The old telegraph office was donated to the Sedona Heritage Museum by generous benefactor, John Marmaduke. The museum grounds addition of this historic movie set building will allow the sharing and interpretation of Sedona’s long and colorful movie history.

Gala tickets are $100 per person ($60 may be a charitable tax deduction) and are available by calling the Sedona Heritage Museum at 928-282-7038 or visit the Museum’s website.

Seating is limited!

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