============================================= *** 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 O C T O B E R 2008 Editor: Emily M. Parris ================================================ http://www.rockymtnhigh.org * emily@parris.net ================================================ Table of Contents October 2008 - Issue #174 John Denver Events...................................1 Reviews of "Whisper The Wind": "Gardiner Casts His Spell As Denver" Otago Daily Times - New Zealand...............5 Review from Ashburton Event Center..............6 "Denver Tribute Is Extraordinary"...............7 "Dunedin Singer Set to Complete Denver Album" Otago Daily Times - New Zealand.................9 John Denver Notes....................................9 Poetry Corner: "Songs of the Wind" by Emily M. Parris............10 John Denver Want Ads................................10 ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R E V E N T S ======================================= October 5, 2008 - Cedaredge, CO - Cindy Mangsen & Steve Gillette and also Mack Bailey & Rachel Levy will perform at the Applefest * http://www.applefestmusic.com (970) 856-6961 October 8, 2008 - Aspen, CO - "Wake Up Your Possibilities" with speakers Dr. Robert Fuller, Pastor Keith Perry and Chris Collins / 3:00-9:00pm Gourmet Meal served at 6:00pm / Entertainment will include a performance by Jeff Pine. Maroon Bells Lodge at the T-Lazy-7 Ranch / 3129 Maroon Creek Road / Aspen, CO 81611 * $65 For tickets send a SASE and a check made payable to Peaceful Blue Planet Foundation / c/o Hollie Carter / 5044 Southland Drive / Woodstock, GA 30188 * Holliecwoodstock@aol.com * (678) 576-0269 October 9, 2008 - Aspen, CO - Work Detail in the John Denver Sanctuary 9:00 AM. We have a need for 15-20 people. Contact Curtis.Griffy@gnaweb.net to have your name added. 651-261-0814 October 9, 2008 - Aspen, CO - "It's Easy Being Green" workshop #1 10:00 - 11:00am and #2 11:00 - 12:00 noon. Interactive workshop on living more lightly on the planet. $5 donation for one workshop or $8 for both. Reservations: Send SASE and check to AHP, PO Box 1374, Frisco, CO 80443 or email charlotte@colorado.net / Will be held at Aspen Community Church, 200 E. Bleeker, Aspen, CO October 9, 2008 - Aspen, CO - Meet and Greet / John Denver Sanctuary 3:30pm / Deb Perry aspeninoctober@wowway.com October 9, 2008 - Aspen, CO - Worship on the Mountain 4:00pm Christian non-denominational service officiated by Pastor Keith Perry / Deb Perry - aspeninoctober@wowway.com October 9, 2008 - Aspen, CO - "Friends With You" Concert / Aspen Community Church 7:00pm $15 per person Sharon Cormican alaskanchild@msn.com October 10, 2008 - Aspen, CO - Williams Lake Hike - Cost: Share expense of 4-wheel drive to get to the trailhead. Come see where John got inspired to write "Rocky Mountain High." Meet at parking lot at 8:00 AM for departure via 4-wheel drive vehicle. Contact: Curtis.Griffy@gnaweb.net to have your name added to the list for this event. 651-261-0814 October 10, 2008 - Aspen, CO - Steve Gillette and his wife, Cindy, will be presenting a concert at the Aspen Community Church. Ellen Stapenhorst will open. 2:00pm Aspen & Bleeker Streets / Tickets: $15 Send a check plus SASE to: J. Therrien, 12 Dunecrest Ave., Monterey, CA 93940 info: jht2008@pacbell.net $18 at the door ($15 if you come from another country.) October 10, 2008 - Aspen, CO - 11th Annual Musical Tribute to John Denver / Wheeler Opera House / 320 E. Hyman Ave. 7:00pm http://www.expectamiraclenow.org Featuring: Bill Danoff, John Sommers, Gary Muledeer, Denny Brooks, Kenn Roberts, Jim Salestrom, Mollie Weaver, Richie Garcia, Alan Deremo, Chris Nole, Pete Huttlinger and Jim Horn. Steve Gillette will also perform at this show. http://www.wheeleroperahouse.com October 11, 2008 - Aspen, CO - 11th Annual Musical Tribute to John Denver / Wheeler Opera House / 320 E. Hyman Ave. 7:00pm http://www.expectamiraclenow.org Featuring: Bill Danoff, John Sommers, Gary Muledeer, Denny Brooks, Kenn Roberts, Mack Bailey, Jim Salestrom, Mollie Weaver, Richie Garcia, Alan Deremo, Chris Nole, Pete Huttlinger and Jim Horn. http://www.wheeleroperahouse.com October 11, 2008 - Ashcroft, CO - Second Annual Pine Creek Cookhouse event called "Coming Together in Harmony" 11:00am - 3:30pm / Live music with the Friends With You Band / Mr. Wilcox will premier a new dvd of John Denver footage including John singing "The Gold and Beyond" from the 1984 Winter Olympics that will only be available at the event. This event is SOLD OUT. October 11-12, 2008 - Denver, CO - Swallow Hill Festival 3:00pm - Steve Gillette songwriting workship / Saturday evening: Cindy Mangsen, Carla Sciaky and Harry Tuft in a concert of ballads / 3:30 on Sunday, Steve & Cindy have a concert set. * http://www.swallowhillmusic.org www.compassrosemusic.com * steve@compassrosemusic.com October 12, 2008 - Aspen, CO - Snowmass Chapel Service 9:00 AM 5307 Owl Creek Road / Snowmass Village, CO October 12, 2008 - Aspen, CO - A Windstar Celebration on the land 10:00am - 4:00pm / Free to all members of windstar, or you can join that day. Info: Shari apokey1@aol.com October 12, 2008 - Aspen, CO - John Adams at the Wheeler Opera House * http://www.wheeleroperahouse.org 7:00pm $35.00 / Tickets on sale 6-2-08 Wheeler Box Office (970) 920-5770 or (866) 449-0464 October 12, 2008 - Aspen, CO - Join Mack Bailey, Chris Nole and Pete Huttlinger for music at the Aspen Chapel / 77 Meadowood Dr / Aspen, CO 81611 3:00pm Purchase tickets through paypal at mack@mackbailey.com or send a check to Mack Bailey / PO Box 201435 / Denver, CO 80220 $25 www.chrisnole.com * www.mackbailey.com * www.petehuttlinger.com October 12, 2008 - Pacific Grove, California / John Denver Tribute and Beach Cleanup. 12:00 Noon - Beach Cleanup 5:00pm - John Denver Tribute with a minute of silence at 5:28pm Info: Debra < pixiedmyr@aol.com > John Denver Beach in Pacific Grove, California October 13, 2008 - Aspen, CO - It's Goodbye Again 5:00pm Wagner Park on Durant Ave (Ball field across from the Mountain Chalet). Bring kleenex & cameras Deb Perry aspeninoctober@wowway.com October 15, 2008 - UK - "Country Roads: A Celebration of John Denver" - Wayne Denton at Warners Sinah Warren, Hampshire (Tel: 02392 466 421) October 18, 2008 - Albemarle, NC - It will be "Rocky Mountain High... in Carolina" as Pete Huttlinger and Chris Nole join renowned folk artist Mark Bailey for the annual John Denver Tribute at Albemarle's City Lake Park. 3:00pm / Concert $5 / BBQ Meal $10 (Prices higher on the day of the concert. (704) 984-9560 info: Toby Thorpe < tthorpe@ci.albemarle.nc.us > October 19, 2008 - JAPAN - John Denver Tribute Concert in Tokyo - Tanaka Takeru sings John Denver's best-loved hits, joined by Suga Katsutoshi and Sugasawa Mari. / Ginza TACT / 6-19-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN / +81-3-3571-39939 (03-3571-3939) / 1:00pm / 2,800 yen www.bekkoame.ne.jp/~nisenora/e-pineapplers-liveinfo.html nisenora@bekkoame.ne.jp October 25, 2008 - Spokane, WA - Join Jim Curry and band at the Bing Crosby Theater for a Tribute to the music of John Denver 7:00pm / Tickets: www.ticketswest.com (509) 325-7328 http://www.BingCrosbyTheater.com / http://www.JimCurryMusic.com October 25, 2008 - Dousman, WI - Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup / Wisconsin Friends of John Denver / Kettle Moraine Golf Club / 4299 US Hwy 67 / Trash bags & safety vests provided Stick around afterwards for food, fellowship & fun Carolyn Churchill: the_family_churchill@msn.com or (847) 421-4609 October 25, 2008 - Gelsenkirchen-Erle / Germany * Gerhart-Hauptmann-Realschule / John Denver Benefit Concert 8:00pm / Email: Kerstin Siewek - Quimper95@aol.com http://www.kerstinsiewek.de October 25, 2008 - Bristol, PA - Chris Westfall - "Concert in the Woods" at Silver Lake Nature Center / 1306 Bath Road / Bristol, PA 19007 Tribute to John Denver $10 PattiAnn (215) 785-1177 x12 pacutter@co.bucks.pa.us December 23, 2008 - UK - "Country Roads: A Celebration of John Denver" - Wayne Denton at Warners Gunton Hall, Lowestoft, Nr Gt Yarmouth (Tel: 01502 730288) (from the FOJD web page: www.fojd.org.uk) December 26, 2008 - UK - "Country Roads: A Celebration of John Denver" - Wayne Denton at Warners Cricket St. Thomas, Chard, Somerset (Tel: 01460 30111) (from the FOJD web page: www.fojd.org.uk) March 21, 2009 - UK - 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 Guest Conductor: Lee Holdridge / 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 http://www.JimCurryMusic.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 <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> ============================= REVIEWS of 'WHISPER THE WIND' ============================= "Gardiner Casts His Spell As Denver" "Whisper the Wind: The Music and Life of John Denver" Regent Theatre Dundedin 9-20-08 by Dene Mackenzie It would be a surprise if there were not more than a few moist eyes among audience members in the Regent Theatre on Saturday night as they listened to the evocative music of the late John Denver. What made the presentation so special for those in the nearly full theatre was the wonderful performance of Dunedin's Bevan Gardiner (21) as Denver. The partially-sighted Gardiner cast his particular spell over the appreciative audience as they sat back and let the warmth of this young man's voice wash over them. What a triumph for Dunedin that six weeks of rehearsal by a talented cast of musicians and singers came to fruition in the first New Zealand performance of this marvelous show, which was enhanced by the footage of Denver and his family edited by Taylor Made Productions, also from Dunedin. The mainly older audience lapped it up. Gardiner shared the role of Denver with Ron Rich, born in West Virginia, and their talents were complementary. While Gardiner could stand alone in the spotlight and produce some of the most beautiful renditions of Denver melodies and words, Rich could jazz it up and provide a different mood as the songs matched the career. Although most in the audience would have been aware of the Denver story, when it was put together in a two-hour show, it caused some sadness. Denver rode the wave of success but was sidetracked from his music by his anti-war campaign and his passion to end child poverty and preserve his much-loved environment. He went without a record deal for several years and died in a plane accident shortly after signing a new deal. Gardiner and Rich used the songs and words of the singer to great effect, letting the audience feel the happiness and pain as they provided a chronicle of the good times and the sad. And, as they should, the show finished on a high note of performance and mood. Gardiner sang again "Take Me Home, Country Roads", then he and Rich left the audience clapping, tapping and singing with "Grandma's Feather Bed." This show deserves much success. It is wonderful entertainment. * * * "Whisper the Wind - The Music and Life of John Denver Ashburton Event Centre September 23, 2008 New Zealand The audience at Tuesday night's performance in Ashburton of "Whisper the Wind: The John Denver Story", could be forgiven for thinking the legendary country singer was still alive. The stage production, paying tribute to Denver and his songs, had a near full house in the Ashburton Trust Events Centre spellbound. In song and through film clips the story of John Denver, singer, songwriter, humanitarian and environmentalist was told and the audience loved every minute of the two plus hour performance. While Denver was the star, partially sighted Dunedin singer was the leading light. Quite simply, he was outstanding. Close your eyes and he was John Denver. Gardiner's voice was pure, pure magic. Its warmth simply washed over the audience. His role as Denver was shared with Ron Rich, a dead ringer for Denver in looks and voice. Together and solo the pair sang some of Denver's most memorable songs, ranging from pure entertainment to songs that tugged at the heart. Gardiner's beautiful renditions of some of Denver's more though provoking and gentle songs were pure joy, while Rich added life and energy through his true to style versions of some of his lighter music. Gardiner needs a special tribute of his own. The partially sighted man has already established a reputation as a singer of note, and last year sang in the 10th Annual John Denver tribute week in Aspen, Colorado. Denver has been Gardiner's idol since he first picked up a guitar as a six year old. The singer has about 10% vision, and can see colours and shapes and travels with guide dog, Denim. While the show was all about Denver through the voices of Gardiner and Rich, it was very much of a whole crew effort. The backing band and singers were a virtual United Nations with Canadians, New Zealanders, Irish and Australian musicians. All played their part in producing an outstanding show. Denver died in 1997 while flying his aircraft along the California coast. The show features 25 of Denver's songs and family film footage. When the final curtain fell, the audience left the events centre with a song in their hearts and a much greater appreciation of the man John Denver truly was. * * * "Denver Tribute Is Extraordinary" "Whisper the Wind: The Life and Music of John Denver" The Regent on Broadway September 27, 2008 Reviewed by Stephen Fisher. There is no doubt John Denver was one of the finest musicians of his time. His greatest hits album sat at the top of the charts for over three years, so it was inevitable a tribute show would develop around his music. What might be surprising is that this tribute stage production has been developed in New Zealand, with hopes of taking it to the international stage. But when one hears the voice of Dunedin singer Bevan Gardiner, it becomes easy to see why. Gardiner has been a long time fan of Denver's music and he captures the essence of these popular songs extraordinarily well. The show features 25 Denver hits including "Leaving On A Jetplane", "Take Me Home, Country Roads", "Rocky Mountain High", and many others. For part of the show, Denver's music is performed by the lively American tribute artist Ron Rich, but it is Bevan Gardiner's voice that steals the show. These singers are accompanied by an informative video, tracing the ups and downs of John Denver's life, as we discover his work as an environmental activist, his interest in space travel and his meetings with such people as Jacques Cousteau all fascinating and well-supported by the music. The singers were backed by an excellent band of international artists. At the end of the performance, an unsolicited audience member addressed the on-stage company, congratulating them on the excellence of their tribute. The audience obviously agreed, which proves that the music of this much-loved singer, composer and actor still has the power to stir the heart. Event Entertainment Ph: 03 489 8281 Dennis Brown < event@showinfo.co.nz > http://www.showinfo.co.nz Editor's note; The Event Entertainment web page has the entire list of the 25 songs in the show, as well as detailed biographies of the two stars. * * * * * "Denver Comes Back to Life in Vivid Reincarnation on Stage" by Jo Hills I thought at best I would get to enjoy and relive some of the old Denver favourites of my student days when I went along to "Whisper the Wind" in New Plymouth last night. I wasn't disappointed, but I also got so much more. I left the TSB Showplace with a feeling of huge admiration and respect for both Denver and the cast of "Whisper the Wind." It's a show I strongly recommend you attend. There's lots of feel good vibes as you learn of the childhood of Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. (that's John Denver's real name). You are taken on a fascinating journey of his life. Film footage and songs reveal his love of music, his anti-war stance, his concerns about the environment, visiting Jacques Cousteau on Calypso, his marriages and his children, his rise and fall in the recording industry, and his sudden death. You are thoroughly entertained and there's even some magical trick fiddling. All the well known songs like "Thank God I'm A Country Boy", "Country Roads", "Sunshine On My Shoulders" and "Annie's Song" are sung. There are opportunities to sing along, tap your feet, clap and even yodel. This show is not only a tribute to Denver, but is a result of an amazing group of musicians who bring it to life. Partially sighted Dunedin-ite, Bevan Gardiner, and West Virginian, Ron Rich, are totally believable as Denver and wow the audience with their visual and vocal portrayals. The supporting crew show talent aplenty. This is a stunning performance that preserves the legacy of Denver and his music. You can't help thinking Denver would have loved it all. It's for all ages. Don't miss it. <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> "Dunedin Singer Set to Complete Denver Album" by Nigel Benson Otago Daily Times New Zealand 9-30-08 Negotiations are taking place for an album of previously-unreleased John Denver songs to be recorded by Dunedin musician Bevan Gardiner. Gardiner (21) is performing as Denver in a tribute show of the American singer's life, "Whisper the Wind", which premiered in Dunedin this month. "John wrote about 350 songs, but only half were ever recorded. Bevan is going to record the album John never got to do," Dunedin promoter Dennis Brown said yesterday. Denver died on October 12, 1997, when the aircraft he was piloting crashed into the Pacific Ocean off Monterey Bay in California. He was 53. "He was going back into the studio to record a new album when he was killed. All John's stuff was put in a warehouse and it's never been recorded. We're hoping to do a double cd, with his best-known songs on one cd and the other cd of his unreleased songs." United States promoters were also excited about the album concept and plans to tour the show there next year. Aruba Productions president, Ken Denison, flew to Dunedin from New York to see the opening two performances of "Whisper the Wind" earlier this month. "I was absolutely blown away by Bevan," Mr. Denison said at the time. "I couldn't believe what I was hearing." Denver's long-time business partner, Harold Thau, mistook a tape of Gardiner singing for Denver. Mr. Brown will learn about the progress on the record deal in a 10 am (New Zealand time) tele-conference with American promoters today. "When I put Ken on the plane back to New York he was looking at getting the album deal done and working out a recording schedule. There's no ifs or buts. It's going to happen," Brown said. "We'll get Bevan over to New York and get him in the studio with John's original producer, Milt Okun, who was working on a new album with Denver before the singer's death. "I don't know of anybody else...who could do this like Bevan. He's got exactly the same blues note as John Denver," Brown said. "We've been getting emails from all over the world from John Denver fans. Someone came up to me after hearing Bevan the other night and said: 'John Denver isn't dead'." He has won awards singing Denver songs for the past three years at the Gold Guitar Awards and Country Music Awards of Australia. After completing its North Island tour, "Whisper the Wind" returns to the Regent Theatre for a 5:00pm performance on October 19th. ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ======================================= The Kansas City Symphony is performing "The Music of John Denver" at the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas (a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri). They will be joined by Jim Curry and other performers. The concert is at 8:00pm on April 17th, 2009. http://www.kcsymphony.org - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - John Denver singing "Sunshine On My Shoulders" can be heard on a Raisin Bran Commercial on tv in the U.S. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - There is a new Biography about John Denver available at Filter Press Books. It is "John Denver: Man for the World" by John Stansfield. http://www.filterpressbooks.com 888-570-2663 $8.95 plus $1.34 shipping. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Bevan Gardiner wrote a song dedicated to John called "Spirit." He spoke at the "Bayleys Paws For Thought Guide Dog Charity Dinner and Auction" in October of 2005. Bevan enjoys horse riding and has won three ribbons for show jumping and also mountain biking. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R P O E T R Y ======================================= Songs of the Wind A Tribute to "Windsong" by Emily M. Parris You assembled for me the songs of the wind Flying free; soaring over the plain Whenever I want to capture that feeling I listen to them again You were looking for space and you found it In the freedom of the air Your album captured the essence Of the inspiration there ____________________________________ Copyright 12-5-96 by Emily M. Parris ================================================= JOHN DENVER W A N T A D S / F O R S A L E ================================================= Belle Davis < christmas4cowboys@yahoo.com > I have many John Denver DVD's available. They are 2 hours long. http://www.angelfire.com/folk/duncanpumpkin/archive - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I have been cleaning out my JD items and have put together a large quantity of paper memorabilia which I do not want to keep but can't throw out. It includes some newspaper articles, concert programs, magazines from the year he died, a calendar, the Playboy issue with his interview, and more. It's a heavy box. The price is $60 including UPS shipping. Separately, I have a USED Windstar license plate for $8 including shipping. Pat Palka < patpalka@verizon.net > (Put JD as the subject) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Videoclips 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 October 2008 * Issue #174 * Editor: Emily M. Parris *************************************************************