============================================= *** 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 A P R I L 2 0 0 7 Editor: Emily M. Parris ================================================ http://www.rockymtnhigh.org * emily@parris.net ================================================ Table of Contents April 2007 * Issue #156 John Denver Events................................2 "John Denver's 'Rocky Mountain High' Adopted as Colorado's Second State Song"................5 "Colorado Clarifies the 'High' Celebrated in State Song"..................................6 Pacific Grove to have a John Denver Plaque........7 Event Reviews... Carnegie Hall by Pete Huttlinger................7 Rocky Mtn High-JD Tribute - Branson, MO.........8 Poetry Corner: "A Rocky Mountain Mile" by Emily M. Parris......8 John Denver Notes.................................9 John Denver Want Ads/For Sale....................10 ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R E V E N T S ======================================= April 1, 2007 * Largo, Florida - "Rocky Mountain Memories" Concert, a Tribute to John Denver featuring Ron Rich and the Stone Tree band, shows at 2pm and 7pm at the Largo Cultural Center. Tickets $22 (727) 587-6793 www.largoarts.com April 14, 2007 * Houston, Texas * The "Friends With You" Band will perform a Tribute to John Denver. For more information contact Hollie Carter holliecwoodstock@aol.com April 21, 2007 - Denver, CO - Come celebrate Earth Day at Red Rocks Park with the Windstar Colorado Connection. John Adams, Brad & Kathy Fitch, Diane Ireland and Jon Darling will perform the music of John Denver. The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center as well as the Friends of Red Rocks will be there. 10:00am - 4:00pm The Pavilion * Apokey1@aol.com http://windstarcoloradoconnection.org highpeak_99@yahoo.com April 27, 2007 - *Webcast* - Graceful Guidance radio talk show will interview Tom Crum at 8:00pm pacific time on 4-27-07. Tom will be discussing his new book "Three Deep Breaths." To listen live via web cast http://www.kxam.com For info on the show go to www.gracefulguidance.net April 28, 2007 - Altadena, CA - "The Earth Day Concert 2007" featuring Phil Christie, Mike Valentine, Ellen & Steve Stapenhorst 7:00pm - The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N. Lake / Altadena, CA $15 (626) 398-7917 www.philchristie.com * www.coffeegallery.com April 28, 2007 - Churchville, PA - "An Evening of John Denver and Chris Westfall Music" $10 requested donation Churchville Nature center / 501 Churchville Lane / Churchville, PA (215) 357-4005 http://www.churchvillenaturecenter.org April 28, 2007 * UK * In Concert: "Nickels & Dimes" from Holland at Walton Village Hall, Walton on the Hill, Stafford 7:30pm Tickets: L10 (including light refreshments) For tickets please send a sae and a cheque made payable to R. Gwilt to 29 Oldcroft Road, Walton on the Hill, Stafford ST17 OLS * < info@nickels-and-dimes.com > http://www.nickels-and-dimes.com May 2, 2007 - Pacific Grove, CA - Ellen Stapenhorst - House concert 7:30pm $12 * http://www.ellenstapenhorst.com Judy Therrien (831) 373-7780 or jht@spamarrest.com May 4-5, 2007 * UK * Pete Huttlinger, Mack Bailey & Chris Nole in a 2-night special John Denver Tribute / Tickets: Check or cash to Jackie Freeman, Feet First, 53 High St., Stokesley, North Yorks, TS9 5AD include SAE Venue is Kirkby Church Hall, Kirkby in Cleveland, North Yorkshire (Near Stokesley) Info: 01642 713575 or 714061 May 12, 2007 - Atlanta, GA - The "Friends With You Band" has added a new concert to the tour. 7:30pm. Chris, Mark, Paul and Kevin will perform for the benefit of "Spirit of a Child Foundation." $20 UU Metro Atlanta North Church / 11420 Crabapple Road / Roswell, GA 30075 holliecwoodstock@aol.com or stephdubick@aol.com May 25, 2007 - Londonderry, NH - "Friends With You: A John Denver Tribute" 8:00pm Chris Collins, Mark Cormican, Kevin Delmolino and Paul Swanton will perform many of Denver's tunes as well as their own compositions. $15 Tupelo Music Hall * http://www.tupelohall.com * 888-688-7356 Info: Richard info@nhfjd.org August 18, 2007 * Estes Park, CO * Fourth Annual Estes Park John Denver Tribute Concert / Estes Park Fair Grounds / Fiddlin' Foresters 5:30pm / Brad and Kathy Fitch and the TropiCowboy Band 7:00pm $15 in advance $20 at the door Children 10 and under free http://www.cowboybrad.com August 18, 2007 - Peterborough, NH * Annual New Hampshire Friends of John Denver barbecue / Cleanup at 1:00pm followed by barbecue at McDowell Lake Richard info@nhjfd.org http://www.nhfjd.org August 31, 2007 - Vancouver, WA * Jim Curry's "Alaska and Me Cruise - 2007" * Join Jim and his guests (original JD band members and tour managers) on Holland America Line's Volendam sailing August 31, 2007 from Vancouver north to Anchorage, Alaska. debbie@odonnelltravel.com (800) 274-2453 / http://www.odonnelltravel.com http://www.john-denver.org/default.asp?nc=35868&id=507 September 1, 2007 * Fort Collins, CO / Brad and Kathy Fitch and the TropiCowboy Band 7:00pm Fort Collins Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Drive near the intersection of Drake and Shields. $15 (970) 221-6645 http://www.cowboybrad.com September 22, 2007 - Carmel, CO * Chris Collins and Mark Cormican will present a concert honoring John Denver through his music / UU Church of the Monterey Peninsula, 490 Aquajito Road 7:30pm $15 Send SASE to Tickets, JD Weekend Concert, Judy Therrien, 12 Dunecrest Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940 September 22, 2007 - UK - Concert by Neil & Gill Sharman plus Special Guest "10 Years On - Remembering John Denver" at the Wheatsheaf Co-Operative Theatre, Wyken, Coventry http://www.timnberwolf-studios.com October 10, 2007 * Aspen, CO * "Friends With You" Concert * Aspen Community Church / 200 E. Bleeker St / Aspen, CO 81611 * 7:30pm Tickets: $10 Send a check & SASE to Sharon Carr / PO Box 912 / Yucaipa, CA 92399 Band members: Mark Cormican, Chris Collins, Kevin Delmolino, Paul Swanton & Dave Howard. Info: alaskanchild@msn.com October 11, 2007 * Aspen, CO * John Willcox will present his 1970's John Denver video "Alaska: America's Child" and share photos taken during the filming at a fund-raising luncheon Pine Creek Cookhouse www.pinecreekcookhouse.com / Note: ** This event is SOLD OUT ** October 11-13, 2007 - Aspen, CO - 10th Annual "A Musical Tribute to John Denver" - Wheeler Opera House Thursday, Friday, Saturday October 12, 2007 - Aspen, CO - Assisted Living Center SingAlong. Rehearsal at Wagner Park at 9:00am and then meet at Pitkin County Assisted Living Center at noon to sing. To sign up email Shari at apokey1@aol.com October 13, 2007 * Aspen, CO * "Let This Be A Voice" Concert / Lunch / Auction 9:30am - 2:30pm at the Mt. Chalet $25 for the lunch/concert/auction or $15 for just the auction and concert. eagleshorses@yahoo.com Send a check/m.o. & SASE to Pam Beasley / 721 Ravencroft Dr / Garland, TX 75043 Pam's email: firendsky@mac.com October 14, 2007 * Aspen, CO * John Adams and Friends - "Rocky Mountain High" - Wheeler Opera House 7:00pm Tickets: $20.00 and $35.00 (on sale July 2, 2007) at the Wheeler Box Office (970) 920-5770 Band members include: Guido Bos, Tom Paxton, Diane Ireland, Rusty Speigle, Dave Harding, and Randy Utterback. www.wheeleroperahouse.com October 14, 2007 - Aspen, CO - Christopher Westfall presents "A John Denver Musical Retrospective" - Mt. Chalet Ballroom 8:00pm For tickets send SASE to: Tickets, CRW Concert c/o Judy Therrien / 12 Dunecrest Avenue / Monterey, CA 93940 * jht@spamarrest.com * www.chriswestfall.com October 14, 2007 - Aspen, CO - "Coming Home - A Windstar Celebration". Celebrate John Denver's legacy at the Windstar Land Conservancy from 10:00am - 4:00pm. Music, history, fun and a few surprises! Free concert. If you're not a member you can join at the event. http://www.wstar.org Contact Shari or Dreaux for more info cominghome@wstar.org October 26, 2007 * Annapolis, MD - "John Denver Musical Tribute Show to benefit Maryland Therapeutic Riding http://www.horsesthatheal.org * mtrinfo@mtrinc.org December 15, 2007 - UK - FOJD "Denver Day" at Pershore, between Worcester and Evesham. http://www.fojd.org.uk Branson, MO - Monday thru Saturday 10:00am * NEW * "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 <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> John Denver's Rocky Mountain High adopted by Colorado as 2nd state song DENVER (AP) - "Rocky Mountain High," the late John Denver's love letter to his adopted state, became Colorado's second official song Monday. Legislators passed a resolution that puts Denver's 1972 anthem alongside the lesser-known "Where the Columbines Grow." Senator Bob Hagedorn, who pushed for the second tune, said "Rocky Mountain High" has been an unofficial state song for years and has introduced many people around the world to Colorado. He said West Virginia adopted Denver's song "Take Me Home, Country Roads" - with its opening line of "Almost heaven, West Virginia" - as a second song in addition to an older state tune. "Even if John Denver thought West Virginia was almost heaven, he chose Colorado to live," said Hagedorn, a Democrat from the Denver suburb of Aurora. The move came nearly 10 years after Denver died in a plane crash near Monterey, Calif. Hagedorn said some people believe the song is about drug use, but he disagreed. Hagedorn, who said he is a recovering alcoholic and serves on the board of the state's largest drug treatment facility, said he wouldn't promote a song that encouraged drug use. Senator Dave Schultheis, R-Colorado Springs, said he didn't think the state should have two songs. "If we don't like 'Where the Columbines Grow' the legislature should remove it and replace it," said Schultheis, who admitted he didn't know the words to the original state song. Denver's brother, Ron Deutschendorf, told the Aspen Daily News earlier this month that Denver would have been "proud and honored" to have his tune designated a state song. Deutschendorf didn't immediately return a call. <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> "Colorado clarifies the 'high' celebrated in state song" It lauds a natural lift, not illicit drugs The News & Observer Raleigh-Durham NC 3/18/07 DENVER - The Colorado General Assembly wants to be quite clear on this point: When the singer-songwriter John Denver praised the joys of Colorado and sang about "friends around the campfire, and everybody's high," in 1972, he was not referring to illicit drugs. Definitely not. Don't even think it. The high in question, lawmakers say, is really about nature and the great outdoors -- the tingly feeling you get after a nice hike, perhaps. "A high is medically the releasing of endorphins in the brain -- yes, drugs cause it, but so do lots of other things," said state Sen. Bob Hagedorn, a Democrat from the suburbs of Denver who successfully led the drive on Monday to make Denver's anthem "Rocky Mountain High" Colorado's second state song. The tune will have joint status with "Where the Columbines Grow," which pretty much everyone agrees is about flowers. "We could be talking about guys who've been fishing all day, or kids pigging out on s'mores, with the chocolate," Hagedorn said, referring to other endorphin-producing activities. "If I thought there was anything in that song about the use of drugs or encouraging the use of drugs, I would never have run the resolution." What the designation of Denver's song as "official" might actually mean -- for the song or the state -- remains unclear. The history of official state objects around the country is quite mixed. Maryland lawmakers, for example, voted in 2003 to make walking the official "state exercise," but the measure walked only as far as the governor's desk, where it was vetoed. And many people probably sing "Yankee Doodle" without getting a sudden urge to visit Connecticut -- it's the official state song there. But politicians still keep trying. The governor of New Mexico, Bill Richardson, signed a measure into law just last week making the bolo, or string tie, the state's official neckware. In any case, John Denver lovers and state tourism promoters say that "Rocky Mountain High" is different. The song has Colorado prominently in the chorus and it sold millions of copies. And there seems little doubt that Denver genuinely loved Colorado, too. "A lot of people probably think it's already the state song," said Richard Grant, a spokesman for the Denver Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau. The bureau is already planning how to use "Rocky Mountain High" in promotional materials, Grant said, adding that he also hears no drug references in the lyrics. "It's certainly going to appeal to a lot of young people," Grant said. "It's just a cool thing to take a rock song and make it the official song." <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> John Denver to have a Commemorative Plaque in Pacific Grove, California ------------------------------------------ On March 7, 2007, the City of Pacific Grove's City Council has approved the California Friends of John Denver's request to place a "John Denver Commemorative Plaque" in a ceremony on September 23, 2007 at 12 Noon. Ron Deutschendorf was invited to unveil the plaque. It will be a bronze sculpture showing John Denver's face from a photograph of his family's choice with words that will be shown the day of the event. ========================= JOHN DENVER EVENT REVIEWS ========================= Carnegie Hall P-Newsletter by Pete Huttlinger Pete Huttlinger, Chris Nole and Mollie Weaver appeared at Carnegie Hall on March 3, 2007. Pete reports on the concert in his P-Newsletter: Well the gig at Carnegie Hall with my friends, Chris Nole and Mollie Weaver was fantastic. It was truly an unbelievable night. Playing in one of the most famous concert halls in the world was a huge opportunity for all of us and we all left feeling like we'd hit a home run. Yes, we were a little nervous and Mollie even mentioned something to the audience about wanting to vomit. But she and the audience all agreed that it would be best if she did not. So instead she went ahead and sang her butt off! One of my favorite moments of the evening was when Mollie and I did an Italian song together called "Con Te Partiro." I played classical guitar behind her vocal and neither of us used microphones. You could hear a pin drop during the quiet parts and at the end you could feel the roof shake when she hit the final high notes. Whew! We brought along our friend Byron House to play bass. He did an excellent job and we made sure he got featured in the show. When he had his moment he took it and ran it in to score. The audience loved his work almost as much as we did. http://www.petehuttlinger.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rocky Mountain High - John Denver Tribute Show Imax Lil Opry Theater - Branson, MO Branson, Missouri has a new John Denver show. It's at the IMAX Entertainment Complex on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. It stars James Garrett, the former guitarist and vocalist for the two-time Grammy award-winning group "The Kendalls." They are best known for their mega hit "Heaven's Just A Sin Away." This review of the show was found on the internet... "There is a new show at the Imax Lil Opry Theater. It is Rocky Mountain High - John Denver Tribute Show. The Mrs & I went to this Friday night at 8:00pm. This is the best new show I have attended in awhile. James Garrett is the feature singer/guitarist. He does the John Denver tribute part. He does not 'imitate' John, but does a fantastic job with John's songs. James was with the Kendals until 3 years ago. He is joined by Randy Plummer on the bass. Rick joins in on fiddle and other instruments. If you are a John Denver fan, do not miss this show. They also add a few gospel songs for the thumpers. Being in this theater gives just the right intimate setting. The 3 guys really have a fun time bringing you the show. It is a must see. AAAA++++" ======================== J O H N D E N V E R P O E T R Y ======================== A Rocky Mountain Mile by Emily M. Parris Over many a rocky mountain mile Your songs came along to cheer Songs of nature and conservation You created year by year They are a legacy of the mountains Of the beauty that we can see How you encouraged humanity To be all that we can be Down many a country road Your songs ring out from a car Where a true and loving JD fan Knows that you are the star Over many a rocky mountain mile Your memory lingers still For we heard your message loudly We love you and we always will _____________________________ Copyright 12-31-06 by Emily Parris =========================== J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S =========================== - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - John Denver's PBS special, "Let This Be A Voice" was filmed at the Little Mulchatna Lodge in Alaska. http://www.littlemulchatna.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - April 2007 marks the 32nd Anniversary of JDMAS Australia as the official club for John Denver in Australia. It began as the John Denver Music Appreciation Society and is now known as JDMAS Australia. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - In 1949 John Denver lived in Tucson, Arizona and attended school while his father was stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. He sang in the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A duo called Sasha & Shawna has a new album out called "Siren". It has a cover of John's song "For You." You can heart a portion of the song on their website... http://www.sashaandshawna.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - There is a nice article about Pete Huttlinger and another musician called "Let The Masters Work". It is in the News-Enterprise. You can read the article at www.newsenterpriseonline.com/articles/2007/04/06/features/ pulse/pulse01.txt - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - John Denver Articles about the State Song: "Colorado Adopts John Denver's 'Rocky Mountain High' As second State Song" - Canton Repository - Canton, OH "Colorado Makes Denver's 'Rocky' Its Own - Sarasota Herald-Tribune - Sarasota, FL (also Times Picayune - New Orleans, LA - same title) "State Songs and More" - Montrose Daily Press - Montrose, CO "Colorado Adopts John Denver's Song" - Wilmington Morning Star - Wilmington, NC "Colorado: Why not be twice as nice?" - Pueblo Chieftain - Pueblo, CO "'Rocky Mountain High' Point" - Aspen Times 3-13-07 "The Highs Have It, Our New State Song" - YourHub.com "Lawmakers High on John Denver" Aspen Daily News - Aspen "Legislature High on John Denver Tune" - Longmont Daily Times 3/13/07 "Getting High On Colorado" 3-15-07 www.csindy.com "'Rocky Mountain High' now 2nd State Song" - Denver Post 3-13-07 "Everybody's High" - Colorado Confidential 3-12-07 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To hear a recording of Colorado's First State Song "Where The Columbine Grows" visit: http://www.50states.com/songs/colorado.htm - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Article about the Pacific Grove JOHN DENVER Memorial Plaque: "Debate Over JD Memorial" - Carmel Pine Cone 3-9-07 http://www.carmelpinecone.com/070309-6.html - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The "Alaska:America's Child" DVD will not be available until next November. Jennifer Moore requests that you not write to her regarding the DVD since it is not yet available. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ================================================= JOHN DENVER W A N T A D S / F O R S A L E ================================================= John Denver Band and the Columbia Orchestra - CD recorded at Maryland Hall in Annapolis, MD. $20 + $2.50s/h The address to order the cd is... "Flying Again" 827 Coachway Annapolis, MD 21401 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "Rocky Mountain Melody" - a book of Poetry by Emily M. Parris. (2007) Paperback, 24 pages $5.00 + $1.00 s/h Check to Emily M. Parris / 608 E. 96th St. / Kansas City, MO 64131 or via paypal at emily@parris.net - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "Songs That Speak To Me" - Judy Lunn sings a Tribute to John Denver. Recorded in Nashville, TN with Chris Nole, Pete Huttlinger, Jim Horn and Tom Roady (760) 250-7917 $20 http://www.judylunn.com * judysings@dc.rr.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> New Hampshire Friends of John Denver http://www.nhfjd.org JD Video Clips http://www.higherground.nl/tenbrug/JohnDenver/ Eagle Cam http://www.wvec.com/cams/eagle.html <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> 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 2007 * Issue #156 * Editor: Emily M. Parris *************************************************************