=============================================== *** R O C K Y M O U N T A I N H I G H *** =============================================== The John Denver Internet Fan Club Monthly Newsletter April 2009 Editor: Emily M. Parris ================================================ http://www.rockymtnhigh.org * emily@parris.net ================================================ Table of Contents April 2009 - Issue #180 John Denver Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 “Garrett’s ‘A Tribute to John Denver” is a Branson Gem” – Branson Courier. . . . . . . . .5 “KC Symphony Offers Debut of John Denver Orchestral Score – Again” – Kansas City Star. . . . . . . . . .6 “John Denver: Pop Icon’s Music has come back to the Symphony in a most unusual way. . . . . . . . . . . 7 Poetry Corner: “Springtime In April” By Emily M. Parris. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 John Denver Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R E V E N T S ======================================= April 2-4, 2009 - West Palm Beach, FL - Concert Series titled "Country Roads" is being presented at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. It will feature the music of John Denver and Dan Fogelberg - performed by Bob Stillman http://www.kravis.org April 3, 2009 - Netherlands - John Adams concert in Hendrik Ido Ambacht (near Rotterdam) in Cascade theater. Tickets go on sale 9-8-08. April 6, 2009 - Altadena, CA - "A Tribute to the Music of John Denver" - Jim Curry - Coffee Gallery Backstage $15 2029 N. Lake / Altadena, CA 91001 * 8:00pm Reservations: (626) 398-7917 http://www.coffeegallery.com April 17, 2009 - Kansas City, MO - "The Music of John Denver" will be performed by the Kansas City Symphony at 8:00pm at the Church of the Resurrection / 5001 W. 137th Street / Leawood, KS 66224 http://www.kcsymphony.org Jim Curry will be joined by his band as well as former John Denver band members Alan Deremo, Ritchie Gajate Garcia and Pete Huttlinger. (816) 471-0400 / www.JimCurryMusic.com Guest Conductor: Lee Holdridge April 18, 2009 – Austin, TX – “Friends With You” band in concert. (301)788-7090 http://www.friendswithyouband.com April 18, 2009 - Churchville, PA - Earth Day Celebration Concert with Chris Westfall 7:30pm. "Earth Day Every Day!" The evening will include a wide variety of music. Tickets: $10/person. Please call the Nature Center for tickets. Churchville Nature Center 501 Churchville Lane Churchville, PA 18966 215-357-4005 or churchvillenaturecenter@co.bucks.pa.us www.churchvillenaturecenter.org Info: pattiannctr@verizon.net April 18th, 2009 – Denver, CO - Earth Day Rocks at Red Rocks.... Celebrate Earth Day with the Windstar Colorado Connection at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater pavilion on April 18th. Music from 10-4 provided by Brad & Kathy Fitch, “Aspen Meadow”, Susan Kay, Amanda Reyes-Rist, and our own Jon Darling. Displays from groups like Defenders of Wildlife, Hawkquest, Denver Botanical Gardens, US Solar, and many other like-minded organizations. Free Face Painting and craft projects for the kids. Sponsored by Windstar Colorado Connection in cooperation with the City of Denver! For more information visit http://www.windstarcoloradoconnection.org April 24, 2009 – Independence, KY – John Denver Tribute Concert By Mark Cormican / Kenton County Library 7:00pm (859) 962-4030 http://www.markcormican.com April 25 ,2009 – Shelton, WA, "A Tribute to the Music of John Denver" starring Jim Curry and his Band 8:00 pm at the Little Creek Casino, 91 W State Route 108 Shelton, WA 98584 http://www.theparamount.net, http://www.JimCurryMusic.com May 8 & 9, 2009 – Las Vegas NV. "A Tribute to the Music of John Denver" starring Jim Curry and his Band 8:00 pm at the Silverton Hotel and Casino, Silverton Casino Lodge 3333 Blue Diamond Road, Las Vegas, NV 89139, (866) 946-4373, (702) 263-7777 http://www.JimCurryMusic.com May 2, 2009 – Atlanta, GA – “Friends With You” Band (678) 576-0269 http://www.friendswithyouband.com May 9, 2009 - Mandello Del Lario (Lake Como)ITALY - Mack Bailey, Chris Nole, and Pete Huttlinger in concert. Teatro San Lorenzo Via XXIV Maggio 8pm info@chrisnole.com May 11 & 12, 2009 - St. Gallen SWITZERLAND - Mack Bailey, Chris Nole, and Pete Huttlinger in concert. Kellerbuhne Das St. Galler Kleintheater. info@chrisnole.com http://www.kellerbuehne.ch/seiten/spielplan.php#Anker4 May 16, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. - Mt Holly Springs, PA - Christopher Westfall - "An Evening of Acoustic Music" - Will include Chris'original songs, covers by various artists, and some patriotic songs to honor Armed Forces Day. Holly Inn, 31 Baltimore Ave., Mt. Holly Springs, PA in their banquet room - srose312@embarqmail.com or http://www.hollyinn.com. May 23, 2009 - North Yorkshire, UK - Ray and Jackie are putting on a concert by Mack Bailey and Rachel Levy at Kirkby Church Hall, North Yorkshire, Tickets are £10.00 and doors open at 7.30pm. Send a cheque payable to Jackie Freeman to Feet First, 53 High St. Stokesely, North Yorkshire. TS9 7AN (include SASE) Telephone number is 01642 713575 Ray & Jackie’s website http://www.freewebs.com/feet-first-stokesley-north-yorkshire-uk/ May 30, 2009 - Bristol, PA ~ Charlie Zahm at the Silver Lake Nature Center: Charlie Zahm songs celebrating Nature, the Earth, and the Great Outdoors. Join him at Silver Lake Nature Center's beautiful outdoor amphitheater (indoors if inclement weather). 7:30pm Silver Lake Nature Center 1306 Bath Rd, Bristol, PA 19007 Come early to enjoy the trails and exhibits. Tickets: $10/person. Call 215-785-1177 or pacutter@co.bucks.pa.us http://www.charliezahm.com June 13, 2009 – Hamilton, OH – “Friends With You” Band (859) 567-2955 http://www.friendswithyouband.com June 13, 2009 - Liberty, NC - Christopher Westfall Presents: John Denver - A Musical Retrospective Liberty Showcase, Liberty, North Carolina 7:30pm Join Chris for a splendid evening of music in this theater located in the Piedmont area of North Carolina. Chris will be doing a comprehensive review of John Denver's music, as well as original pieces. Tickets are $12 in advance Or $15 at the door. Please call: 1-336-622-3844 or go to www.libertyshowcase.com June 14, 2009 - JAPAN - John Denver Tribute Concert in Ginza, Tokyo - Tanaka Takeru sings John Denver's best-loved hits, joined by Suga Katsutoshi and Daniel Clay Idol / Ginza TACT / 6-9-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN / +81-3-3571-3939 (03-3571-3939) / 1:00pm / 2,800 yen http://www.bekkoame.ne.jp/~nisenora/e-pineapplers-liveinfo.html June 19, 2009 - Kennecott, Alaska - "John Denver Solstice Tribute 6:00pm Recreation Hall / Live music, video, potluck dinner and storytelling info@wrangells.org (907) 554-4464 http://www.wrangells.org June 26, 2009 - Medford, NJ - Chris Westfall in Concert 7:00pm Village of Taunton Forge Summer Concert Series Taunton and Tuckerton Roads, Medford, NJ Come on out and join Chris for an evening of music under the stars in Taunton Forge's beautiful pavilion. Bring a chair and dust off the vocal chords. This is a free outdoor concert nestled in the village. http://www.chriswestfall.com June 27, 2009 - Denver, CO - "John Denver - The Tribute" with Roy Rivers, featuring Steve Weisberg. 8:00pm $25 Red Rocks Amphitheater http://www.john-denver-tribute.com June 27, 2009 - JAPAN - John Denver Tribute Concert in Komae, Tokyo - Tanaka Takeru sings John Denver's best-loved hits. / add9th / 1-2-6 Nakaizumi, Komae-city, Tokyo, JAPAN / +81-3-3480-4996 (03-3480-4996) / 7:30 pm / 2,000yen http://www.bekkoame.ne.jp/~nisenora/e-pineapplers-liveinfo.html July 11, 2009 - Modesto, CA - "A Tribute to the Music of John Denver" starring Jim Curry and his band. Gallo Center for the Arts Mary Stewart Rogers Theater (209) 338-2100 toll free: 1-877-488-3380 http://www.galloarts.com http://www.jimcurrymusic.com July 14, 2009 - Estes Park, CO - "John Denver Tribute Concert" - TropiCowboy Band / Brad & Kathy Fitch http://www.tropicowboy.com July 25, 2009 - Hesston, PA - "Headin' To The Mountains II": An Evening with Christopher Westfall! 7:30pm Seven Points Amphitheater, Raystown Lake, 7 Points Road, Hesston, PA. srose312@embarqmail.com * http://raystown.nab.usace.army.mil/. August 1, 2009 - Hesston, PA - "Friends With You Band - Tribute to John Denver 7:00 - 10:00pm / Seven Points Amphitheater - Raystown Lake Seven Points Road - Hesston, PA / Free admission but donations accepted. Suzanne < srose312@embarqmail.com > or Patty < pjspiker@verizon.net > http://raystown.nab.usace.army.mil/ August 2, 2009 - Dana Point, CA - "A Tribute to the Music of John Denver" starring Jim Curry and his band - City of Dana Point, Heritage Park 34400 Old Golden Lantern (949) 248-3530 http://www.danapoint.org * http://www.jimcurrymusic.com August 7, 2009 - Holly Springs, PA - Chris Collins and friends in Concert 7:00 p.m, Tickets: $15.00 Holly Inn, 31 Baltimore Ave, Mt. Holly Springs, PA Info: srose312@embarqmail.com or pjspiker@verizon.net, www.hollyinn.com or the Holly Inn 717-486-3823. August 14, 2009 – Van Wert, Ohio – Tribute to John Denver starring Ted Vigil and his band. Fountain Park – Van Wert, OH September 5, 2009 - Big Bear Lake, CA - "A Tribute to the Music of John Denver" starring Jim Curry and his Band. (909) 866-3437 http://www.bigbeardiscoverycenter.com http://www.jimcurrymusic.com September 12, 2009 - Claremont, CA - " A Tribute to the Music of John Denver" starring Jim Curry Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden (909) 625-8767 http://www.rsabg.org http://www.jimcurrymusic.com September 18, 2009 - Charlottesville, VA - "A Tribute to the Music of John Denver" will be performed by Jim Curry, his band, and special guest Jim Connor 8:00pm at the Paramount Theater, 215 East Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 979-1333 http://www.theparamount.net http://www.JimCurryMusic.com October 8, 2009 - Aspen CO - Wheeler Opera House – THE JOHN DENVER ALL STAR TRIBUTE BAND IN CONCERT "Doin' Their Own Thing" Featuring the original music of: MACK BAILEY - DENNY BROOKS - BILL DANOFF - ALAN DEREMO – RICHIE GAJATE-GARCIA - PETE HUTTLINGER CHRIS NOLE - HERB PEDERSEN - KENN ROBERTS JIM SALESTROM - JOHN SOMMERS - MOLLIE WEAVER Tickets go on sale June 2009! http://www.wheeleroperahouse.com/wheeler/ OCTOBER 9th & 10th, 2009 – ASPEN, CO - THE WHEELER OPERA HOUSE 12th Annual JOHN DENVER TRIBUTE CONCERTS Celebrating the Man and his Music MACK BAILEY - DENNY BROOKS - BILL DANOFF ALAN DEREMO - RICHIE GAJATE-GARCIA - PETE HUTTLINGER - DON GROVE MICHAEL JOHNSON (special guest - both nights!) GARY MULE DEER - CHRIS NOLE - HERB PEDERSEN - KENN ROBERTS JIM SALESTROM - JOHN SOMMERS - MOLLIE WEAVER Tickets go on sale June 2009! http://www.wheeleroperahouse.com/wheeler/ October 10, 2009 - Ashcroft, CO - Pine Creek Cookhouse Luncheon 11:00am - 3:00pm / Tickets $50 includes a gourmet lunch. A DVD from the film libtrary of Mr. John Wilcox will be available for purchase at the event. It is not included in the admission price. "Friends With You Band" will perform. Email Jennifer at windwalker@samsco.org October 11, 2009 - Pacific Grove, California - John Denver Tribute - Info: pixiedmyr@aol.com October 11, 2009 – Aspen, CO - Jim Connor and Ellen Stapenhorst will present a FUN concert at the Aspen Community Church, 200 E. Bleeker St in downtown Aspen. 3:00pm Donation, $15 if ordered with SASE before October 1, or $20 at the door. To order send a SASE (self-addressed-stamped-envelope) to J. Therrien, 12 Dunecrest Av, Monterey, CA 93940. Info: jht2008@pacbell.net October 11, 2009 – Aspen, CO – Mark Cormican – A Concert for Vital Ground / Mark will perform original and cover songs in this environmentally themed Concert. 7:00pm Tickets $15 – Location to be announced. Sharon Cormican alaskanchild@yahoo.com http://www.vitalground.org 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 <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> Garrett's "A Tribute to John Denver" is a Branson "Gem" By Gary Groman Mar 25, 2009 James Garrett performing on stage during his "A Tribute to John Denver" show at In the Little Opry Theatre. Branson Courier As Branson, Missouri celebrates 50 years of live music shows this year it offers almost 100 different shows of just about every type and music genre. James Garrett's “A Tribute to John Denver” is a show that doesn't have the marketing, star power, or “big” production style of some Branson's better known shows, but what it does offer is two plus hours of some of the most enjoyable entertainment in Branson. “A Tribute to John Denver” is presented in one of Branson's smallest theaters, the “Little Opry Theatre” in the IMAX Complex, Monday through Saturday at 10:00 a.m. It stars James Garrett, who sang with the Grammy Award winning group the “Kendalls.” Garrett is supported by an additional cast of four, a great three piece band made up of Randy Plummer, Base Fiddle, Rick Quincey, Mandolin, Steel Guitar, and Hammered Dulcimer, and Jim Glaspy. Banjo and Guitar and the vocal talents of Miss C. J. Newsom. From Garrett's first Denver number, “Hey It's Good to Be Back Home Again,” until his last, “Calypso,” over two hours later, each word of the lyrics was clearly heard as he beautifully sang his way through a “portrait” of Denver's music. As would be expected he sang most of Denver's hit songs such as “Leaving On A Jet Plane,” “Rocky Mountain High,” “Sunshine On My Shoulders” “Annie's Song,” and many more. Two things however, might not be expected. The first becomes important when one considers that Denver wrote over 140 songs during his career. Garrett points out that even though a lot of them never became known as Denver hits, he considers some of them “gems.” Some of the “gems” included in the show are “Matthew,” Grandma's Feather Bed,” and “Whispering Jesse.” The second is Garrett's ability to weave his personal relationship with Denver, and his extensive knowledge about his career, into interesting introductory vignettes for just about each piece of Denver’s music in the show, hits as well as the “gems.” The insight he shared about the guitar Denver was referring to in the song “This Old Guitar,” what it meant to him, its loss, eventual recovery and what happened to it after Denver’s death is, but one poignant example. Another was when Garrett was talking about Denver's ability to be simple and profound at the same time. He had asked Denver how he wrote so many songs and Denver replied that a song would just drift by and he would grab it. Even with all the shows in Branson, this show is a memorable entertainment “gem” that is a true tribute to John Denver and his music. It is an entertainment experience that one might not want to let drift by, whether a John Denver fan or not. <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> KC Symphony offers debut of John Denver orchestral score — again By Aaron Barnhart The Kansas City Star Valerie L. Nestrick For more than a decade, singer Jim Curry has been selling out performances of the classic hits of John Denver. The untimely death of John Denver in 1997 has done very little to stem interest in his music. For more than a decade, singer Jim Curry has been selling out performances of the classic hits of “America’s troubadour” in a voice that unapologetically matches Denver’s own. Curry has chosen the Kansas City Symphony to play the world premiere of Denver’s orchestral arrangements, which were recently reconstituted by the Grammy-winning composer Lee Holdridge. The concert, at 8 p.m. Friday at the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, reunites Curry and Holdridge, who did the music for the 2000 CBS television film on Denver’s life. Holdridge scored much of the Denver songbook more than 20 years ago, and he would often lead orchestras in performances. After Denver’s death, the scores were unaccountably destroyed. However, the pencil originals remained in Holdridge’s vault, and Curry commissioned Holdridge to use them to bring the works back to life. Friday’s concert will feature not only Curry and Holdridge but also original Denver band members Richie Gajate Garcia and Pete Huttlinger. Tickets are $42 to $65 and are available through www.kc symphony.org or by calling 816-471-0400. <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> John Denver: Pop Icon’s Music Has Come-Back to the Symphony in a Most Unusual Way Mar 23, 2009 by Aria Munro eNewsChannels KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The music of the late John Denver is like an old friend, outlasting trends and standing the test of time, but that’s not the case with the original John Denver orchestrations, says Jim Curry Music. More than a decade has passed since the music of American composer John Denver has graced the stage of a symphony orchestra with the original orchestrations used by John himself. The reason for this long absence was that the original orchestration parts had all been destroyed after John’s death in 1997. The only remaining parts left were the original composer scores, written in pencil and safely kept in a vault in California by the composer and arranger, Lee Holdridge. What would posses someone to destroy hundreds of pages of American music history? Especially works that were hand written in the 1970’s at a time when computer written music was not available. One can only guess that the people managing the John Denver estate did not know what they had or how valuable it was. Not all is lost! When the acclaimed John Denver tribute artist Jim Curry learned that the scores had been destroyed he embarked on a project together with Lee Holdridge that would take nearly eight months. Curry, whose voice was heard in the CBS-TV movie “Take Me Home: The John Denver Story,” has performed Denver’s music in sold out shows throughout the country and has emerged as today’s top performer of Denver’s vast legacy of multi-platinum hits. To fulfill his desire for John’s music to live again in a symphony performance, Jim had commissioned the orchestra parts to be meticulously extracted from the penciled originals and readied for performance this April 17th 2009 in a world premiere with the Kansas City Symphony. This unique come-back of America’s Troubadour goes beyond just another tribute. Lee Holdridge himself will be guest conducting the orchestra. The concert will include large screen projections of photos of John Denver’s life and nature scenes to accompany popular songs like “Sunshine On My Shoulders,” “Annie’s Song” and “Country Roads.” John’s original music videos, provided by photographer Lowell Norman will accompany hits like “Calypso,” “Eagle and the Hawk” and “Matthew.” Special songs like “Yellowstone: Coming Home,” the last known song to have been written by John, will be performed with Lee’s original arrangement. This incredible song had only been performed by John in live performances and to this day has never been recorded. In addition, as if that were not enough, Jim is bringing in John Denver’s band members; world renowned percussionist Richie Gajate Garcia and world champion finger style guitarist Pete Huttlinger. Garcia and Huttlinger will join Jim as part of the six piece band that will perform with the Kansas City Symphony in what is sure to be an amazing moment in music history. The popularity of this news has spread across the country and Jim will be performing this concert with the Santa Rosa symphony in California, the Phoenix Symphony in Arizona, and the Toledo Symphony in Ohio in 2010. Other symphonies are already lining up into year 2011 to bring in this show to their patrons. Interest has been shown by some prominent Canadian symphonies as well. “It is a testimony to the universal appeal of John’s music all over the world,” Curry said. “From China to England and from the Netherlands to Australia, John’s music is loved by millions.” Kansas City Symphony: Friday, April 17th, 2009 at 8:00pm www.kcsymphony.org. More information about Jim Curry: www.jimcurrymusic.com. =============== POETRY CORNER =============== Springtime In April by Emily M. Parris April is the month of springtime With fresh spring rain in the air Tulips waving in the breeze Nature springing to life everywhere April is the month of daisies, Of lilies and the daffodil As the vibrant green of the grass Spreads out over every hill In April the trees turn to green As each bud begins to bloom The world is soft and fragrant With springtime's sweet perfume ________________________________ Copyright 4-4-07 by Emily Parris ==================================== J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ==================================== From: Marie Morrissey “New” John Denver DVD A ‘new” import John Denver DVD recently was released Called “John Denver: An Intimate Performance.” However, this DVD is not actually new at all. It is actually “The Wildlife Concert”. I wanted to clarify this with club members so they Don’t mistakenly buy it thinking it is something they don’t Already have. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - John was mentioned in an article called “Spirituality in Pop Music” by Kevin Sedelmeier at www.Examiner.com “All This Joy - John Denver: This hidden gem is found on a lesser known Denver album called Higher Ground released after he left RCA. It tugs at your heartstrings. The sorrow and joy of life intertwined in its simple yet effective lyrics. For younger people, if you even know who John Denver is, he deserves more credit than many smarmy music critics want to give him. He's much more than the guy in Oh God! or the ol' country boy.” - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Plant It 2020 http://www.plantit2020.org Peaceful Blue Planet http://www.peacefulblueplanet.org Todd Smith - John Denver Videos from YouTube http://www.mogulus.com/johndenvertv Michiel's web site http://www.tenbrug.nl/JohnDenver To subscribe: rockymountainhigh-subscribe@emissives.com To unsubscribe: rockymountainhigh-unsubscribe@emissives.com ************************************************************* Rocky Mountain High: The John Denver Internet Fan Club emily@parris.net http://www.rockymtnhigh.org April 2009 * Issue #180 * Editor: Emily M. Parris *************************************************************