============================================= *** 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 2010 Editor: Emily M. Parris ================================================ http://www.rockymtnhigh.org * emily@parris.net ================================================ Table of Contents April 2010 - Issue #192 John Denver Events................................1 Potluck in the Wrangell Mountains.................4 Diana Taylor: My Unforgettable meeting with John Denver..............................5 John Denver Notes.................................7 Poetry Corner "A Rocky Mountain Day" by Emily Parris.........8 ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R E V E N T S ======================================= April 10-11, 2010 - Pacific Grove, Monterey, California John Denver PLAQUE CELEBRATION weekend, April 10 and 11th. Music by Ellen Stapenhorst and others. Info: Judy Therrien (831) 373-7780 John’s actual photo will be in bronze on the plaque with the words underneath that Cindy Doe created to honor him. April 10, 2010 - Doylestown, PA - Charlie Zahm in concert with fiddler, Tad Marks. The first set is a tribute to John Denver and the second set is a mix of American and Celtic folk music. 7:30 pm Salem United Church of Christ / 186 East Court Street / Doylestown, PA Info: pahough@aol.com www.charliezahm.com April 10, 2010 - UK - Spring Denver Day and concert by Timberwolf (Neil and Gill Sharman) at Blaby Social Centre, Leicester Road, Blaby, Leicester LE8 4GQ 10:30 am Drinks and biscuits included in the price of your ticket, but please bring your own packed lunch. http://www.fojd.org April 17, 2010 - Santa Rosa, CA - Jim Curry with the Santa Rosa Symphony "A Tribute to John Denver" 8:00 pm http://www.santarosasymphony.com http://www.jimcurrymusic.com April 17, 2010 - Bristol, PA "Earth Day Every Day!" Christopher Westfall at the Silver Lake Nature Center 1306 Bath Road / Bristol, PA pacutter@co.bucks.pa.us (215) 785-1177 www.silverlakenaturecenter.org April 18, 2010 - Santa Rosa, CA - Jim Curry with the Santa Rosa Symphony "A Tribute to John Denver" 3:00pm http://www.santarosasymphony.com http://www.jimcurrymusic.com May 8, 2010 - Frederick, MD - Friends With You Band 7:30 pm Weinberg Center for the Arts http://www.friendswithyouband.com May 11, 2010 - Rockville, MD - Chris Collins presents "A Tribute to John Denver" - Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville / 100 Welsh Park Drive / Rockville, MD $15 - Advance tickets - Paypal and Focus Members $18 at the door * Info: Karen penguins51@aol.com www.focusmusic.org or www.chriscollinsmusic.com May 14, 2010 - Vevay, IN - Friends With You Band at the historic Hoosier Theater 7:00pm http://www.friendswithyouband.com May 15, 2010 - Covington, KY - Friends With You Band 7:00 pm Carnegie Visual and Performing ARts Center http://www.friendswithyouband.com May 22, 2010 - Toledo, Ohio - Jim Curry with the Toledo Symphony - "A Tribute to John Denver" 8:00 pm Stranahan Theater / 2245 Monroe St. / Toledo, OH (419) 246-8000 http://www.toledosymphony.com http://www.jimcurrymusic.com May 22, 2010 - Aspen, Colorado - "Journey to Center: A Workshop with Tom Crum and Ali Crum 9 am - 4 pm $125 per person Gant Conference Room / Aiki Works (585) 924-7302 tom@aikiworks.com May 25, 2010 - Elmsford, NY - Jim Curry's "John Denver Tribute Show" - Westchester Broadway Theater / 1 Broadway Plaza / Elmsford, New York 10523 Tickets $75 plus tax includes dinner June 4-5, 2010 - Phoenix, AZ - Jim Curry with the Phoenix Symphony - "Rocky Mountain High - A Tribute to John Denver" Lee Holdridge conducting 8:00 pm http://www.phoenixsymphony.org * http://www.jimcurrymusic.com June 18, 2010 - Kennecott, Alaska - "Far Out" in the Wrangells - John Denver Tribute III 6:00 - 10:00 pm Potluck dinner and social / Movie clips from "Alaska - America's Child" / Live concert with local performers info@wrangells.org * www.wrangells.org June 19, 2010 - Denver, CO - Roy Rivers at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre "John Denver - The Tribute" http://www.royrivers.com July 3, 2010 - UK - The "Poems Prayers & Promises Picnic", at the John Denver Bench in the Dersingham National Nature Reserve in Norfolk. http://www.fojd.org August 7, 2010 - UK - Mack Bailey and Rachel Levy at the Rugby Club, Crediton, Devon. http://www.fojd.org August 27, 2010 - Mount Holly Springs, PA - Chris Collins in Concert 7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m Holly Inn / Mount Holly Springs, PA www,hollyinn.com / Chris shares his renditions of familiar songs, cover tunes, and his own great originals! Info: Suzanne srose312@embarqmail.com or Patty pjspiker@verizon.net. August 28, 2010 - Hesston, PA - Friends With You Band: A Tribute to the Music of John Denver 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Raystown Lake Seven Points Amphitheater Hesston, PA http://raystown.nab.usace.army.mil/WhatsHappening/2010/august.htm Info: Suzanne srose312@embarqmail.com or Patty pjspiker@verizon.net September 4, 2010 - Estes Park, CO - Brad and Kathy Fitch and the TropiCowboy Band will present their Seventh Annual John Denver Tribute Concert in Estes Park, Colorado The concert will be sponsored by and is to benefit the Estes Park Lions Club and their programs. The concert will feature John Denver's most loved songs and greatest hits, performed by Brad and Kathy and their band. It will take place in the newly-remodelled rodeo arena at the Stanley Park Fairgrounds in Estes Park during Labor Day weekend. www.estesparklionsclub.org or www.cowboybrad.com September 18, 2010 - UK - A Concert For Jean and Joyce Featuring Timberwolf 7:00pm Start (Doors Open 6:30pm) At The Gatty Hall, Ecclesfield (Near Chapeltown) Sheffield South Yorkshire. October 8, 2010 - Aspen, CO - "CHILL THE DRILLS", a program by the Sierra Club about drilling in Alaska - 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ASPEN/PITKIN COUNTY LIBRARY, lower level conference room FREE for everyone to attend The library is located "kitty-corner" from the Hotel Jerome at Mill & Main St. Info: Jennifer windwalker@samsco.org October 7, 2010 - Aspen, Colorado - "Doin' Their Own Thing" Wheeler Opera House October 8-9, 2010 - Aspen, Colorado - 13th Annual Musical Tribute to John Denver - Wheeler Opera House October 9, 2010 - Aspen, CO Pine Creek Cookhouse IV -- 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Ashcroft, CO. Join us for another wonderful luncheon event at the Pine Creek Cookhouse. Music provided by the Friends With You Band, a great lunch, and special guests. Full details to follow. Please contact Jennifer at: windwalker@samsco.org for more information. 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 <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> Wrangell Mountains Center 907-244-7717 • info@wrangells.org Summer: P.O. Box MXY, McCarthy #20 Glennallen, Alaska 99588 Winter: 2104 Lincoln Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99517 www.wrangells.org Understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of wildlands and mountain culture in Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 31, 2010 Seeking musicians for 3rd annual John Denver Tribute Concert in Kennecott The communities of McCarthy and Kennecott, Alaska will host their third annual John Denver Tribute starting 6 p.m. on Friday, June 18, 2010. The event is part of the Summer Arts and Lecture Series sponsored by the Wrangell Mountains Center and National Park Service. Denver visited the remote, wildly spectacular area in 1975 for his filming of the feature length documentary Alaska—America’s Child. For several days he stayed, worked and played with McCarthy residents. Denver also filmed a comic chase scene in the historic Kennecott copper milling town where the Solstice Eve tribute will be staged. Following a potluck dinner in Kennecott’s restored Recreation Hall, scenes from the film featuring Denver in the Wrangell Mountains and Kennecott will be screened and local residents will share remembrances. Then local musicians and vocalists will present about two hours of Denver’s music. Performers of Denver’s music interested in donating their talents are invited to audition for the tribute. They should contact the Wrangell Mountains Center before June 1 at info@wrangells.org to sign up. The evening will conclude with an audience sing-a-long medley, including the “Wrangell Mountain Song,” inspired by the grandeur of the Wrangell Mountains and John’s experiences with the “strong and gentle people” of McCarthy living “beside the glacier.” A $5 donation per person is suggested and additional support is welcome. For more information contact Jeremy at info@wrangells.org or call (907) 244-7717. The Wrangell Mountains Center is a nonprofit organization which fosters understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of wildlands and mountain culture in Alaska through artistic and scientific inquiry in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. Learn more at www.wrangells.org. Terry Blosser and Dave Hollis, two backpacking buddies and long-time fans of the famed musician, planned the first event while backpacking in the Wrangells during the summer of 2007. <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> Diana Taylor: My unforgettable meeting with John Denver Ever since I first hear John sing way back in the late '60's it was my hearts desire to someday meet him. In July of '89, my wish was fulfilled. In May of '89 my father had passed away. I had such a terrible time dealing with it that I went into sort of a depression. I couldn't shake it, no matter how hard I tried. A few weeks later, I got a call from one of my dear friends, Cathie Marx. We had met years earlier through her mother in law. Cindy Marx ran the John Denver fan club, "The Higher We Fly". Cathie and Dave were involved in the Chicago Windstar Connection. She excitedly told me that John was coming to Chicago for a symposium. AND that for a mere donation of $50.00 each, we could go to a reception afterwards. Normally I would have leaped at the chance, but the timing was off for this. After much persuasion from Cathie, I gave in. She can really work on a person! Arrangements were made and on July 18, we were headed to Chicago via a small commuter plane, American Eagle. We arrived at O'hare International Airport with Cathie and Dave waiting. We all hugged, of course (haven't met any JD family, that didn't). We were to meet Patty and her hubby, Robin later on. They had rented a car at the airport and would drive to Cathie and Dave's apartment. I was a nervous wreck! What would they think of me? I mean here was the famous Patty and Robin Peavey that I had heard so much about. I mean Patty HAD won the Dreamland Express Contest that VH1 had sponsored and she actually had met John up close and personal. What would they think of me? Would they like me? Worry, stew, fret.... In what seemed like HOURS, the phone rang and Robin called Cathie to tell her they were renting a car and would arrive shortly. Now, I was sweating bullets. Oh, man....nail biting time. I looked out the window every few mintues and when a car passed or slowed down, I was sure it was them. Cathie tried to reassure me that both Patty and Robin would LOVE me...and that Patty was shy about meeting new people too. "Yeah, right," I thought to myself. It was growing dusk and I wondered if they would EVER get there. Just as I was beginning to relax a bit, a car pulls up to the apartment. Patty and Robin had arrived. No sooner than you can say, "hi my name is"...Patty was crossing over to me to give me a hug!. The barriers that I had made for myself, were broken down instantly. It was like meeting family, the warmth and love was truly there. No need for the "small talk" or ackwardness that comes from meeting new people for the first time. Dave grilled steaks as we all sat around talking about the next day's events. The Chicago Theater, and John's symposium about the environment. I must have pumped both Patty and Robin a zillion times about stories of John. What was he really like? All the normal questions, or at least normal for me. Soon I had Patty laughing so hard, she had tears. She told me that one of the first things John told her was that she was the first one he had ever met who had won a contest! We all laughed at that and talked for hours until none of us could hold our heads up, we were so weary. The next day as we were eating breakfast, Cathie and Dave told us about an interview John was doing for a local radio station. They set up their tape recorder and we listened intently when John was speaking about the Windstar Connection Group (as I stated earier that Cathie and Dave were members of) that was hosting his symposium. He said that it wasn't a concert and if people were thinking it was, then they would be surprized. He did say, however, that he would be singing some, showing slides, and informing people about ways that they could help their communitites clean up their environments. (Before we went back to our respective homes, Cathie and Dave gifted us each with a copy of the interview.) Soon it was time to get ready. In my haste, I had forgotten my makeup, earrings, and curling iron. I thought I looked a mess, but everyone else said I looked fine. Again my nervousness almost overpowered me. I tried to calm down, but I was shaking like a leaf! We all got ready and headed down to the beautiful Chicago Theater. We waited patiently for the doors to open. We met other JD fans and began talking to them. We were all relieved when the doors opened and we were allowed in. We quickly found our seats and soon music started playing (Higher Ground, of course) and John came out. He put on a wonderful symposium and we discovered so many ways in which to help our environment and we still practice to this day. It's about more than just recycling, it's reading labels on packages and buying recycled items. Picking up trash wherever you find it. Educating your children to become responsible adults. We can all make a difference. All too soon the symposium came to an end. But now was the "icing on the cake". The reception! People who didn't have tickets for the reception were ushered out of the theater and tables were brought in. Trays brimming with cheeses and things were brought in. Fondue pots were placed on the tables along with cherries. As Patty and I were helping ourselves, I was so nervous I dropped a chocolate covered cherry on my blouse. I was horrified! Patty tried to calm me down, and she went with me to the ladies' room to clean up. Thank goodness my blouse was black! When we returned, John had entered the room. He was sort of doing a circle with greeting people. The closer he got to me, the further away I backed up. Of course the room was so filled that he didn't see me. Unfortunatly I ran into Robin and Manuel. Robin, in his most fatherly tone, informed me that he had been speaking with Manuel and how Manuel told him him how this had been a dream come true for me. Robin looked me straight in the eyes and told me that if I didn't go meet John, I may NEVER have another chance (as I look back in retrospect, I never thought how true Robin's words would be). I turned around and slowly made my way through the crowd. I guess I wasn't moving fast enough because I felt someone gently shoving me. I turned around to see Robin. He smiled and as I was turning back around he shoved me almost into John! I looked up at John and he just smiled. He held out his hand to me and said, "And you are?" Believe or not, for an instant (which seemed an eternity) I had a loss of memory. I had forgotten my own name! I soon found my voice and told him my name. I shook his hand and told him what a wonderful program he had given and that from that day forward, I pledged to do all I could do to help my community and the environment. He thanked me and then saw Robin with his trusty camera. John looked at me and asked ME if I wanted a picture with HIM! I sort of nodded or something and he spun me around, put his arm around me and Robin snapped our picture. Soon John was moving around the room onto more people, but it was a meeting I will never forget. My heartfelt thanks go to Cathie and Dr. David Marx and also Patty and Robin Peavey. * * * * * * ============================================ J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ============================================ www.chrisnole.com In celebration of Spring (and the great weather here in Nashville, TN) please accept this complimentary download of "Down Home Time" (funky version) off of my "Little Rum Boogie" cd. This feel good song was co-written with my songwriter friend extraordinaire Stephonie Seekell. Performing with me on this down home track are the monster talents of John Gardner on drums, Jack Pearson on guitar, Dave Pomeroy on bass, and Stephanie Seekell on duet vocals - enjoy! To download the track "Down Home Time" for free go to http://chrisnole.com/dl and enter the code yr9j-ksap - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - New link for the "Friends of John Denver" area of the Rocky Mtn High website: Chris Bannister is playing Village Halls in the North West of England playing the music of John Denver. www.chrisbannister-musicofjohndenver.com www.chrisbannister.co.uk - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Hi friends, You can find our club now on a Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=375764395375&ref=mf -- don't be surprised about the strange name of the group founder --"John Denver Club" or "music and communication" were not accepted by Facebook.. :-D All the best, Inge - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Hi to you all. I only wish to say to you, I have updated 15 new songs wich once were played by John, but this time are interpreted by others. This is the link http://web.me.com/rafarubio/JOHN_DENVER_SPAIN_ENG/World_Sings_John_Denver.html All the best Rafa Rubio JOHN DENVER SPAIN - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Apology: I'm sorry for the lateness of this month's newsletter. I experienced some computer problems. If anyone has a story of meeting John, please send it along to emily@parris.net Poetry, articles and data about John Denver events are welcome as well. Please put "For the RMH Newsletter" as the subject so that I can find it amidst all my other email. Have a wonderful Spring. Emily - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - =============== POETRY CORNER =============== A Rocky Mountain Day by Emily M. Parris Country Roads to Paradise Sweet music takes us home John Denver in the cd player Wherever we may roam He's a friend to take along To keep your mind at ease His gentle, easy music Is always sure to please On a pretty country road His melodies will play To turn the mood so quickly Into a rocky mountain day ________________________________ Copyright 3-7-10 by Emily Parris - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Wrangell Mountains Center http://www.wrangells.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 April 2010 * Issue #192 * Editor: Emily M. Parris *************************************************************