“Don’t quit
your day job.” It’s a joking phrase often used as a jab, encouraging the
listener not to pursue their passions and dreams. But the City of Mesa’s
former risk manager Barry Hegrenes is not interested in that idea. He recently
left his day job in pursuit of fresh risks to manage, in his new role as a touring
performing artist.
Hegrenes, who
goes by Dawgus Bear in his performing life, is a self-taught musician. He is a
songwriter and guitarist, whose songs are inspired by the lives around him. And
when he performs tomorrow night at Mesa Arts Center, the audience can expect to
hear everything from Rock to Country, and Irish-influenced selections to
Reggae.
“Music has
been part of my life for a decade,” Bear said. “But I believe my original songs
and messages speak to Baby Boomers who may be confused about their past and
where they are going.” His show, Dawgus Bear POOF
Tour (Preview Of Oncoming Fame), will be at the Mesa Art Center's
Nesbitt-Elliott Playhouse, tomorrow night (March 28) at 8:15pm.
When asked
about the motivation behind the career transition, Bear said, “At age 40, I
just decided I was going to be a rock star. I called my best friend in Las
Vegas and told him he needed to learn how to play bass guitar. He thought I was
crazy. We were performing with a full band within 6 months.” We don’t think
he’s looking back. And we are behind him 100%!
Would you
have the courage to take the risk? More information about the one-night-only
show is available, here.
