========================= JOHN DENVER EVENT REVIEWS ========================= "A Tribute to John Denver" Show in Branson, Missouri Imax Lil Opry Theater Reviewed by: Rene Cavett May 2007 - Rocky Mountain High Newsletter To say this show is "Far Out" is a major understatement. James Garrett and his group of multi-talented friends transport you to a place where you can laugh, cry, sing along and most of all... remember. "Rocky Mountain High", "Sunshine on My Shoulders", "Calypso", "Matthew", "Grandma's Feather Bed" and "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" are just a few of JD's songs that the group presents to the audience each morning at the IMAX Theatre in Branson, Missouri. In addition to JD's music, Garrett throws in some Jim Croce, Crystal Gayle, Linda Ronstadt, Merle Haggard, and even some Gospel and mountain tunes. Between songs, James Garrett, a long-time friend of John, shares favorite stories with the audience of days both on and off the road. Garrett recalled the first time he met JD backstage after a concert; He was surrounded by people and he looked up and saw me standing over against the wall trying to stay out of the way. He walked right up to me and stuck out his hand and said, "Hi. I'm John Denver." At that time my brain lost all function and all I could say was "I know." Garrett doesn't try to be JD, he simply pays tribute to a musician, a man and a friend that he still misses and highly respects. James Garrett, is the former lead guitarist for the beloved country artists The Kendalls and is joined by current lead singer for the Sons of the Pioneers, Randy Rudd on vocals and guitar, a member of the legendary Gospel group the Plummer Family, Randy Plummer on vocals and stand-up bass, former Baldknobbers lead singer, Lori Locke on vocals and multi-talented Rick Quincy on "everything else" including vocals, banjo, steel guitar, mandolin and even the hammer dulcimer. (Just a note - Rick also creates and sells the hammer dulcimers!) A gathering in Branson is in the works for June 2007. In addition to the incredible line-up of vocalists and musicians already on hand, James has invited singer/song writer/musician Steve Weisberg to join in. It promises to be a fantastic weekend! We hope you can join us! Rene Cavett < cowboythangs@yahoo.com > ========================================================== The Biggest Little Show in Branson! A Review of the John Denver Tribute Show by James Garrett in Branson, MO at the IMAX Little Opry Theatre ========================================================== by Emily M. Parris The IMAX Little Opry Theatre in Branson, MO is the cutest theatre you'll ever see. It has only 210 seats and it's perfect for the lively sounds of John Denver's music as interpreted by James Garrett. It's a very intimate setting. Every seat has a perfect view, with the very best seats starting on the second row. As James said on stage... "It's the only venue I've played where I can carry on a conversation from the stage with someone in the back row." The small stage has a backdrop of a colorful barn scene with doors opening out to show a country road. This adds a country feeling to the tiny theatre. It's a perfect setting in which to hear John Denver's music. James Garrett sings all the classic John Denver songs with warmth and charisma. You can tell that he really connects with the message in John's music. The show is very professional with a score of talented musicians there to back him up. Rick Quincey plays the hammered dulcimer. He was a member of the "John Denver Lives" show that formerly played at another theatre in Branson, Missouri. Randy Rudd is also a member of the "Sons of the Pioneers." The show also features Randy Plummer. Lori Locke and C.J. Newsom add their voices to the rousing and entertaining show. The songs were intermixed with humor and James' stories about his experiences with John Denver, the man, as well as his appreciation of the legacy John Denver has left to the world. It is very moving and entertaining - a show that no John Denver fan should miss. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Branson, MO - Monday through Saturday 10:00am "A Tribute to John Denver & Country Music Legends" James Garrett sings John Denver's best-loved hits. IMAX Little Opry Theatre / 3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway / Branson, MO 65616 (800) 419-4832 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - http://www.bransonimax.com