============================================= *** 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 January 2009 Editor: Emily M. Parris ================================================ http://www.rockymtnhigh.org * emily@parris.net ================================================ Table of Contents January 2009 - Issue #177 John Denver Events......................................2 JD Event Reviews: Pacific Grove Tribute to John 10-12-08 by Debra Sanderson...................................3 John Denver Solstice Tribute in Kennecott, Alaska.......5 "Music to your ears: Listening to John Denver classics can improve your heart"..............................6 John Denver's Faith In The Environment Sunset Magazine - November 1991.....................7 Poetry Corner: "Echoes of a Life" by Carole Romanowski...............8 John Denver Notes.......................................9 John Denver Want Ads...................................10 ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R E V E N T S ======================================= February 27, 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 March 21, 2009 – Frederick, MD – “Friends With You” band in Concert / Weinberg Center for the Arts / 20 W. Patrick St. 7:30pm (301) 788-7090 http://www.friendswithyouband.com March 21, 2009 – UK – John Adams Concert for Friends of John Denver will follow the spring Denver Day / Christine Moon fojdclub@fojd.org.uk * http://www.fojd.org.uk April 3, 2009 - Netherlands - John Adams concert in Hendrik Ido Ambacht (near Rotterdam) in Cascade theater. Tickets go on sale 9-8-08. 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 24, 2009 – Independence, KY – John Denver Tribute Concert By Mark Cormican / Kenton County Library 7:00pm (859) 962-4030 http://www.markcormican.com May 2, 2009 – Atlanta, GA – “Friends With You” Band (678) 576-0269 http://www.friendswithyouband.com June 13, 2009 – Hamilton, OH – “Friends With You” Band (859) 567-2955 http://www.friendswithyouband.com 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 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 July 14, 2009 - Estes Park, CO - "John Denver Tribute Concert" - TropiCowboy Band / Brad & Kathy Fitch October 9, 2009 - Aspen, CO - Pine Creek Cookhouse III event with new DVD premier. 10:30am - 3:00pm "Friends With You" Band will perform. Jennifer windwalker@samsco.org October 11, 2009 - Pacific Grove, California - John Denver Tribute - Info: pixiedmyr@aol.com 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 <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> Pacific Grove, California Tribute to John Denver October 12, 2008 by Debra Sanderson < pixiedmyr@aol.com > Friends: The event on October 12th was very successful! We had perfect weather for the clean-up, warm and a little breezy at noon. We gathered on the beach at low tide, when we had more beach to clean up, and people set off in both directions. We had about a dozen participants, and collected more cigarette butts than any other kind of trash, yet again. The annual Coastal Cleanup is held every September, so we benefited from their cleanup a few weeks prior. But somehow, no matter how short the time between cleanups, there is still trash dumped out on the beach, in the parking lot, and along the paths. After the cleanup, we had people bring out their instruments, and we started the singalong. We had many folks returning this year, several brand-new faces joined in the remembrance, and there were some old friends who were not able to make it this year. We welcomed all who made their way to the beach, and we missed those who could not be there for whatever reason. The wind picked up and the temperature dropped at around 5pm, so it was a short and cold tribute this year. But after 11 years, what is there left to say? We’re family now. We gather for our annual reunion on the beach, and we are thankful that John Denver brought us all together, hearts and minds in unison singing the songs he sang, and remembering the moments in our lives that were defined by his music. We miss him, and his absence is a void that can never fully be healed; and yet without his loss, none of us there on the beach that Sunday would have known the others on that beach. And how much poorer would our lives be if none of us had met? We’ve experienced joys and sorrows together, and over the last 11 years, one day at a time, we’ve shared almost two weeks of Sundays together. When the rest of our friends and family can’t understand why we tear up when we hear “Take Me Home Country Roads” unexpectedly in a supermarket when we’re on vacation, we know that our family standing there on John’s Beach in Pacific Grove will understand. We had hoped that the plaque which Cindy Doe dedicated last year would be installed in time for the October event, but there had been delays while a couple of factual errors were corrected. The rock has been prepped for the plaque, and we’re confident that it will be in place next October! For everyone with Internet access, Bear has posted an album of his photos of the event online at: http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/553565156yEMCSX His photos are always well done, and please go visit – and leave some comments! If anyone wants a full-size copy, please contact Bear directly and he will send it to you. After the event we adjourned to Gianni’s for dinner. There were more of us than expected (we thought there might be 10-15 people – we were closer to 25-30 for dinner) so we couldn’t all sit at the same table. But the food was hot, and we all got a chance to warm up, and then cool down with gelato for dessert. We will gather again next year, on the second Sunday of October, October 11, 2009. The beach clean-up time will depend on the high tides on that day, and weather permitting, we will again have a sing-along, read the campfire letters, and observe a moment of silence at 5:28pm PT. Many thanks to all who attended the event; and to those who wanted to attend the event but couldn't, we hope to see you next year! Peace, Love and Understanding John Denver: The Legacy Continues <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> JOHN DENVER SOLSTICE TRIBUTE KENNECOTT, ALASKA Fan Club Release: John Denver Solstice Tribute in Kennecott, Alaska The communities of McCarthy and Kennecott, Alaska will host a homespun John Denver tribute starting 6 p.m. on Friday, June 19 with live music, video, potluck dinner social and storytelling. “FAR OUT in the Wrangells,” is part of the Summer Arts and Lecture Series sponsored by the Wrangell Mountains Center and National Park Service. John visited the remote, wildly spectacular area in 1976 for his filming of “Alaska—America’s Child.” For several days he stayed, worked and played with McCarthy residents, and also filmed a comic chase scene in the historic Kennecott copper milling town where the Solstice Eve tribute will be staged Scenes of John’s movie featuring the Wrangell Mountains will be shown, and local residents will share remembrances of his visit. Following a potluck dinner in Kennecott’s restored Recreation Hall, professional and amateur musicians will perform John’s music. Guest performers are welcome. The evening will conclude with a sing-a-long medley, including “Wrangell Mountain Song,” with lyrics inspired by the grandeur of the Wrangell Mountains and John’s experiences with the “strong and gentle people” of McCarthy living “beside the glacier.” Although there is no admission charge, donations are appreciated. For more information contact WMC at info@wrangells.org. or call (907) 554-4464. The Wrangell Mountains Center is a non-profit organization supporting environmental education, research, and arts in Alaska's Wrangell - St. Elias National Park and Preserve, www.wrangells.org. Music to your heart: Listening to John Denver classics can improve your blood flow By Daniel Martin Joyful: The sounds of country singer John Denver increased blood flow to the heart of volunteers. Listening to your favourite music can improve the health of your heart, a study has shown. Scientists have found that happy music causes the lining of blood vessels to expand, increasing the amount of blood flow. And the benefits of joyful music are even greater than that of laughter, according to the researchers from the University of Maryland. But listening to 'stressful' music such as heavy metal can cause the vessels to contract - which can have a bad effect on the heart. They say the effect could be down to the release of endorphins, which are released by the brain to induce the feeling of well-being. Their study asked 10 healthy volunteers to bring in recordings of music that made them feel joyful. As the research was being carried out in the US, most brought in John Denver-style country music. They were also asked which music made them anxious, and most chose heavy metal. Ultrasound was used to test the functioning of an artery in the upper arm. When blood flow increases through a healthy artery, it dilates to allow for the greater pressure. Unhealthy arteries fail to react to such changes in the way they should, putting a strain on the cardiovascular system and possibly damaging the heart. The test involved tightening a cuff around the forearm and then releasing it while measuring the artery's dilation with ultrasound. A good reaction indicated that the cells lining the blood vessels, which regulate blood flow and respond to stimuli ranging from exercise to emotions, were healthy. After listening to joyful music, volunteers' arteries opened 26 per cent wider on average during the cuff test than they did when no music was played. Playing music that participants said made them 'anxious' caused the blood vessels to narrow by 6 per cent. Scientists then compared the results with the effect of laughing and comedy shows, and listening to relaxation tapes. Relaxing melodies Laughing at the videos led to a 19 per cent increase in dilation, while 'relaxation' sounds raised it by 11 per cent - both less than the effect of uplifting music. Study leader Dr Michael Miller said: 'We had previously demonstrated that positive emotions, such as laughter, were good for vascular health. 'So, a logical question was whether other emotions, such as those evoked by music, have a similar effect. 'We knew that individual people would react differently to different types of music, so in this study, we enabled participants to select music based upon their likes and dislikes.' The type of music did not matter, as long as it made the listener 'feel good', he said. He added: 'We're all wired differently, we all react differently. I enjoy country music, so I could appreciate why country music could cause that joyful response. 'We don't understand why somebody may be drawn to certain classical music, for example. There are no words in that, and yet the rhythm, the melody and harmony, may all play a role in the emotional and cardiovascular response. 'Needless to say, these results were music to my ears because they signal another preventive strategy that we may incorporate in our daily lives to promote heart health.' The findings were presented yesterday at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions meeting in New Orleans. <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*><*> <*> <*> Sunset Magazine November 1991 "John Denver's faith in the environment - My Favorite Place" John Denver: It is difficult for me to identify only one favorite place on Earth. There are so many places in the world that I truly enjoy. I'd like to share a few of them with you. Any time I can spend in the desert, especially springtime, is a powerful teacher for me. I am reminded of nature's resilience and magic when I am in the desert. For most of the year, the land is dry and vegetation is sparse. But when I see how water works its magic in the desert landscape, I am filled with wonder. Water is scarce and precious. Thankfully, sometimes there is enough rain in early spring to bring the desert floor to life with color. The parched land changes and becomes blanketed with life in subtle shades of green, purple and blue. The stately saguaro cactus stands proudly, crowned in glistening white flowers. The prickly pear and cholla bloom in glorious yellows and vibrant pinks. It is a flower of faith to me when I see a blossom in the desert. I pause and am enriched by its strength and vulnerability. At these times, nature reminds me what it means to be vital and alive. I feel most at home in the mountains. There is a place in Colorado, in a seven-mile box canyon that, to this day, remains the most beautiful place I have ever hiked in the world. In this area, there is a small alpine lake I remember fondly. It is where I first began to write the song "Rocky Mountain High." It was on a magnificent night in August of 1971, during a stunningly memorable Perseid meteor shower. All the seasons in the Colorado high country inspire me. In summer, when the columbine and ferns are nestled in moist earth at the feet of aspen trees, I feel renewed. After the first snowfall, it looks like there is powdered sugar on the mountaintops. The pristine white is so beautiful against autumn's deep blue skies, the golden aspens and dark evergreens. Winter's pure-white snowscape against the skies is breathtaking. My favorite color is that special blue of the winter sky that can only be seen at high altitudes. The winter also brings us the wonder of rainbows when the rays of the rising sun dance on ice crystals. As I think of these and so many other special places, my heart turns to Alaska. It embodies everything that nature means to me. Alaska is the wildest place I know of on this Earth. There is wisdom in nature's untamed power I have clear images of the times I have spent in the land of the midnight sun. I can still see the rich colors of twilight and the lasting dawn light of the summer hours. My whole being remembers the golden intensity of a wolf's eyes. I find myself without adequate words for describing the vital, raw power of the massive polar bear and the grizzly. The grizzly is a master at fishing. In fact, the grizzly is a master at catching, which is more than I can say for myself, even though you can count on catching something, since nature provides in abundance. In Alaska's wildness, there is a precious legacy -- a vital key to continuing life on this planet. Alaska epitomizes our environmental challenge: How do we find a balance between people and nature? In Alaska, we see the need to conserve and protect our greatest natural treasures -- even to the extent that we may have to sacrifice some of the technology the human mind has given us. To completely control the untamed part of nature is to irreparably damage ourselves as humans. While wild places are precious, there are other natural places that give us a special connection to the living world. Neighborhood parks, window boxes in cities and flowering backyards -- any place that brings us in touch with nature is special and to be cherished. Any place. =============== POETRY CORNER =============== Echoes of a Life by Carole Romanowski If I could change the hands of time And deem destiny's delay There'd be more reasons for the rhyme For John would still be here today. Mother Nature's devoted son A loving steward of the earth Wearing sunshine on his shoulders And Windstar's dream 9 years from birth. A husband, dad, brother and son Eagle's friend, he soared in flight Claiming the Rockies as his high And Hunger Project for wanting plight. A poet, musician, writer of song Filling our senses with his voice To represent Citizens in Space And children with little choice. Light-hearted John would cry "Far out!" Alone, find "kin" in Yellowstone Now his footsteps echo "...down country roads" 'Neath "... the wings that fly us Home." (copyright by Carole Romanowski -whispjesse@ aol.com) <*> <*> <*> ==================================== J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ==================================== John Denver has been inducted into the "Hit Parade Hall of Fame"2008. http://www.hitparadehalloffame.org/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Chris Nole on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrzsYuYMZUA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ======================================== J O H N D E N V E R W A N T A D S ======================================== Craigslist: John Denver Ltd Edition 24kt Gold Record "Take Me Home, Country Roads",framed - PostingID: 978444013 - Ends 2-24-09 Kevin de la Paz http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/clt/978444013.html - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Looking for a copy (or photocopy) of the "Vis a Vis" Magazine that features John Denver on the cover. The date was November 1987. Please email me at mazeckenrode@gmail.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I am looking for someone who has either VHS, DVD or computer video files of any of the following: Redrocks Concert 1982; JD on Tonight Show; 1977 Australia Tour Concert; LA Concert 1979; "Time and Again" Special. Will pay for the media the footage is on. David Stemple dstemple@cstone.net - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Mary Ledford has some JD Videos/CDs for sale. Email her for information. < eagleshorses@yahoo.com > - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Peaceful Blue Planet http://www.peacefulblueplanet.org 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 January 2009 * Issue #177 * Editor: Emily M. Parris *************************************************************