J~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~J O R O C K Y M O U N T A I N H I G H O H =============================================== H N The John Denver Internet Fan Club N D D E M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T T E R E N N V A U G U S T 1 9 9 9 V E E R Emily Parris emily@sky.net http://www.sky.net/~emily R ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Table of Contents August 1999 * Issue #64 John Denver Events....................................2 Review of the OHIO JD SUMMER CELEBRATION: Hollie Carter.......................................3 Donna Pinto.........................................5 Reviews of "Take Me Home" by John Denver..............6 BMG Australia Contest.................................7 John Denver CD's......................................7 John Denver Stories: Patricia Brown.....................................8 Poetry Corner: "My Tribute to John Denver" by John Rowe...........8 John Denver Notes / Want Ads..........................9 * * * ASPEN TIMES: "Anna Kate Deutschendorf (Denver) earned a degree in English from Dartmouth University in Hanover, N.H. She is the daughter of Ann Marie Denver of Aspen, Colorado."... and the late John Denver. * * * ===================================== JOHN DENVER EVENTS / JOHN ON TV ===================================== Aug 18-19, 1999 Tribute to John Denver / Breckenridge, CO 7:00 pm / Riverwalk Center $12.00 / Jim Salestrom, Pete Huttlinger, John Sommers, Molly Weaver, Don Garber, Kip Kuepper, Steve Ivy and Ken Roberts / (970) 547-3100 Aug 20, 1999 - "John Denver: True Hollywood Story" - E! Entertainment Television 8:00 PM (Central Time) Aug 21, 1999 2nd Annual JD Summerfest - Kansas City, MO Potluck Picnic/BarBQ - Food, Swimming, Music / Bring a covered dish or food to BBQ / emily@sky.net (816) 943-0330 Aug 24, 1999 - "Walking Thunder" (1997) - Movie starring John Denver / MAXE2 - Cinemax #2 4:20 AM - (Central Time) Aug 26, 1999 Tribute to John Denver / Arvada, CO 7:00 pm Arvada Center for the Arts / Tickets:(303) 424-0313 Jim Salestrom, Bill Danoff, Jim Horn, Pete Huttlinger, Steve Ivey, Don Garberg and Mary Hickins Info: Sarah Heil September 25, 1999 - 2nd Annual JD Vision Walk / Stokes State Forest / Branchville, NJ $10.00 (Check to NY Windstar) Mail To: Kim Faley / 510 Davina Ct. / Lakewood, NJ 08701 njplantit2000@webtv.net (732) 367-0587 Oct 2, 1999 - "A Musical Tribute to John Denver" - Washington, D.C. / George Mason University Center for the Performing Arts / Tickets: (800) 657-8444 Oct 2, 1999 - A private luncheon for JD Fan Club members Only at the Starland Cafe in Washington D.C. Attendance is limited and reservations are necessary (202) 244-9396 October 2-3, 1999 - Sinzig near Bonn, Germany "Music and Communication's" Denver Weekend * Gabi October 9-10, 1999 "A Musical Tribute to John Denver" / Wheeler Opera House / Aspen, Colorado All proceeds to benefit Challenge Aspen (970) 923-1128 October 9, 1999 Snowmass, CO - Dinner at the Tower Restaurant $23.00 per person - Debbie Wood http://john-denver.org/web/events/aspen99/tower.html Debbie Wood 8284 Tarragon Dr. / Mechanicsville, VA 23111 October 10, 1999 Aspen, CO 11:00 am - 6:00 pm $55.00 "A Celebration of Life" sponsored by HEARTS IN HARMONY Dottie Honer / 5214 Stump Road / Pipersville, PA 18947 (215) 766-7363 October 10, 1999 - Pacific Grove, CA - JD Memorial Beach Cleanup and Tribute Concert. Also other events. For more info: Debra Sanderson October 11, 1999 World Family Event - Inn at Aspen / Aspen, CO $50.00 9:00am - 10:00pm w/3 hour break / For tickets write Pam Beasley / 721 Ravencroft / Garland, TX 75043 Info: Mary Ledford October 12, 1999 - Snowmass, CO - Tower Restaurant Dinner $26.00 Debbie See Oct. 9th for more info. October 12, 1999 - Salida, CO - Christine Smith's John Denver Celebration. $23 covers live music, food & gratuity. 11:00-2:00 Mary (719) 942-9620 http://john-denver.org/web/events/aspen99/smith.html October 12, 1999 - Utica, New York - "An Evening with John Denver" $12 tickets - All money goes to Plant-It 2000 3 hour show on a 12 foot screen with actual JD concerts. Bill (315) 797-1334 / 797-8747 or Cindy November 1-5, 1999 "Calypso Cruise" aboard the M.S. Ecstasy 4 days/3 nights Deb Perry / P.O. Box 42 Carver, MN 55315 (612) 368-7550 NOTES ON EVENTS: The John Denver Monterey Bay Memorial Project is planning a Second Annual Beach Clean-up and mini-concert on October 10, 1999 in Pacific Grove, CA at the two year date of John's death. There will also be quiet memorial services at the crash site at Acropolis and Ocean View on both Sunday, Oct 10th and Tuesday, October 12th surrounding 5:28pm the actual time of the accident. For more info: Debra - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Last year in Aspen, CO, the late John Denver's band came together for a concert titled "A Musical Tribute to John Denver." The tradition will continue this year when the band performs the tribute in Aspen, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles for a total of five concerts. Funds generated from the shows will benefit different charities. The series will kick off October 2nd in Fairfax, VA at the George Mason University Center for the Performing Arts. "I think John would have enjoyed seeing everyone play together again," said Kris O'Connor, the late singer's tour manager. "This is a way for all of us to deal with his passing. It's a way to keep his music alive for the fans and for us." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Mary Ledford Note: The October 11, 1999 World Family Event has been changed from the Hotel Jerome to the INN AT ASPEN. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Emily Parris Last year we had a wonderful JD Summerfest at a park in Kansas City (MO) north of the river. As well as the locals, we had people from Columbia & St. Louis, MO as well as from Texas and Arkansas. Wonderful music was enjoyed by all and we sang 'til the light had faded. We're looking forward to another nice get together this year. * * * REVIEWS OF THE OHIO JOHN DENVER SUMMER CELEBRATION ============================================= From: Hollie Carter ("Windstar List") Subject: Columbus Windstar (WOW!) WOW is a good word. Congratulations to all of the Ohio Windstar folks. You did an awesome job. I knew it would be great from all of the talk about the symposium last year, but I had no idea I would come away this inspired. I have already made calls to my Senators to begin new projects. Let me explain...We learned about saving existing forests, eating the right foods to feel healthier, planting more trees in our own community, helping the hungry learn how to feed their families, acting from center, letting your heart work with your mind, and so much more. The Ohio Connection kept us busy the entire weekend. One of the most inspiring sessions was from a man who had walked around the world. It took him four years. He was a great speaker. We learned new things about our universe, too. The music was non-stop and absolutely wonderful. The Native American rituals were so inspiring and having the children participate really made a nice closing. I will never forget the Earth Circle and the Sweat Lodge. Both made a big difference in the way I am now looking at the beginning of a new school year. I feel at peace and am now ready to make some much needed changes. For those of you who may be thinking of attending next year, it is well worth it. I was so happy to meet so many of my Internet friends. Corinne, Tanya, Judy, Sherryl, John, and everyone else, you are special people. I can't end this synopsis without saying that my friendship with Diane Novak has grown deeply. We laughed and cried together throughout the whole trip. I will never forget the moment when all of the Windstar folks were sitting on the front row listening to Ellen Stapenhorst singing "All of My Skies." Thank you, Ellen, for making that special moment for all of us. OK, so we were all in tears, holding hands, and staring at the most awesome picture of our sweet JD above the fireplace. It was a true moment of connection between us and the person who is the driving force of action in our lives. Thank you, John Denver, for sending us your spirit and blessings to move on and take action. And, of course, thank you all for making and keeping Windstar's vision alive. Windstar is very alive and healthy. We are making a difference. Peace! Hollie = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = From: Donna Pinto OHIO SYMPOSIUM WEEKEND...Jersey Homegrown Tomatoes On the Road Again: It was hot hot hot. I went with my friend and fellow New Jersey tomato Chris Westfall, who was one of the performers at the weekend. Chris was planning to play a two hour set with his North Carolina friend, Kevin Yeargin. Then, 5:30 on the day before the event, Kevin called Chris to say he couldn't make it because he was too backed up at work. Besides having to "do" the entire two hours, this meant that there were no monitors for any of the musicians; Kevin was supposed to bring them. No one would be able to hear themselves perform. Oh, well, we made the best of things and left New Jersey around 8:00 AM. The ten hour drive went pretty well (thanks to lots of JD tapes). We arrived there around 6:00, checked in, ate dinner, then went to the camp to hear Rainbow Eagle tell some wonderful stories for about an hour. Then Tim Dabbs and Mark Cormican started their concert outdoors under an entertainment tent. There was a lovely breeze that helped fight off the extreme heat. About four songs into their set, Chris asked me, "Is that rumbling I hear?" "It can't be," I wished. Another song and it was obvious we were in for a heck of a storm... lightning started! Then one of the organizers went up to the guys on stage and said, "The metal pole holding this tent up isn't grounded..." you never saw JD fans move so fast in your entire life! They set the stuff up inside, which Mark & Tim liked much better anyway! Although they couldn't hear themselves, they could at least see the audience, unlike outside! They did a few more songs, then opened it up for requests. Truly wonderful magic... it was clear how much the guys loved the music and enjoyed playing together. It was pouring rain, thundering and lightening the entire time... it only stopped as we closed the car doors back at the hotel. Despite the heat, lack of monitors, lack of accompaniment, and repetition of some songs, Chris' show went well. He really "warmed up" (pardon the expression) about five songs into it... He was on for about one hour, 50 minutes. He cut one song from his list because he was just too hot, then it was requested as an encore! There were two (wow) standing ovations. The crowd was rather small but very spirited! Chris called up any volunteers for a couple of songs and that was nice... "Healing Time" really had us all crying! The magic and spirit were, as usual, there :) The people were really nice! And very organized. Quite impressive. Chris went back to the hotel and I watched another speaker and met lots and lots of "Hearts In Harmony" members and old friends! The very talented Val Cooper was there (we didn't get to see her sing as she was performing for the opening and closing ceremonies only). Ellen Stapenhorst, the Aikido Works presenter and folk singer who did "Heart to Heart" at the Snowmass dedication ceremony last October, was there. She did about 70-90 minutes that evening... she was GREAT live! Sort of like Joan Baez / Judy Collins / Doris Justis with a really wacky sense of humor! I don't know what was more scary, the fact that Ellen constantly referred to hearing guiding voices or the fact that everyone in the audience agreed that they heard the same things! The "I couldn't love you more if you could walk on the water" song was a highlight of her set. She also did killer versions of "Heart to Heart" and "Eagles & Horses." Ellen was tremendously fun! Then it was time for the "open mic" night... We just relaxed to the music. They had everything from guys who built their own guitars, ladies singing about driving from the Pennsylvania Turnpike to the Jersey Shore, to the beautiful tape of the World Family tribute "My Sister, My Friend" by Paul Swanton, to Native American flute players, to kids doing karoke. It was worthwhile, to say the least. We left around 11:30 because we were leaving at 6 AM the next morning. Extensive appreciation to Marilyn, Bob, Sandy, George, and all of the outstanding organizers of the Ohio John Denver Summer Celebration! * * * REVIEWS OF "TAKE ME HOME" by John Denver ======================================== John Denver's Autobiography TAKE ME HOME is reviewed on Amazon.com's www page. Here is what some of them had to say: MICHELE RAMSEY May 18, 1998 Great personal insight into the man and the music. Any time an individual takes the risk of putting so much of his personal life on paper for all to read, he is to be commended. Although I first came to admire John Denver in the early 70's for his music, it was his work later as a naturalist, environmentalist and advocate for children that will remain with me as well. After reading his book, I had a better understanding of the events in his life that may have lead him in this direction. A look at his video self-portrait will also help fans learn more about him and the thoughts behind some of his most popular hits. - - - - - - - - - - DONNA March 14, 1999 "Take Me Home" allows a look into John Denver's soul. "Take Me Home" delves deeply into John Denver's music, life and relationships with his family and friends. As John Denver the musician, he addresses where many of his songs were coming from and what was going on at the time. John, the man, however, opens himself up for all the world to see, exposing not only his triumphs, but his shortcomings, insecurities and pain as well. It was a pleasure following John's road of experience with him. May God Bless You, John--thank you for sharing your life and music with us. - - - - - - - - - - LAURIE OLSON January 10, 1998 This book is a must-read for those who hunger to learn about the human side of a man who, in the 1970's, captured millions of hearts through soaring music that celebrated life, love and nature. The story shines a revealing light on John Denver. It is most interesting that he's holding the flashlight himself. What he paints is a picture of an honest and earnest, sometimes sad, man who loved music, life, his children, the earth and his fellow man. He doesn't whitewash problems he experienced, but the reader also learns of the great environmental and humanitarian works that went largely unnoticed during his lifetime. When you close the cover on the last page, you feel as though you knew the man. Now, that's what makes a good autobiography! * * * BMG AUSTRALIA <<<<< C O N T E S T >>>>> From: Christine Egli, President/Editor JOHN DENVER MUSIC APPRECIATION SOCIETY - AUSTRALIA I have been asked by "BMG AUSTRALIA" to help them run a competition to find a suitable title name for the Newcastle, Australia video/cd (video computer disc) which will be released at a later date. **It is important to note that BMG has already chosen the bi-line: "John Denver - Live in Newcastle, (Australia) 1994" and what is required are some suitable words to follow this bi-line. A PRIZE of a gold plaque of the album will be awarded to the person who finds the title name which BMG decides is the most suitable. All responses must be forwarded Only to me - NOT TO BMG....from there I keep the title-names/entrants name, etc. on file and forward entries to BMG in batches. All entries will receive a response from me as this confirms the person's entry into the competition, as well as what their submitted title name is. <<<< JOHN DENVER CD'S >>>> =========================================================== From: Randy Cecil I just found a CD titled "Relaxing Interpretations of JOHN DENVER with Nature." It is by NatureQuest and contains "Piano and Guitar solos with nature" sounds. The running time is 57 minutes and it contains ten of John's songs. Here are the album notes: "ALWAYS ONE of Mother Nature's strongest voices, John Denver used his gifts to speak out for the earth and its resources. Here are some of John's most loved melodies, re-interpreted in intimate piano and guitar arrangements, with Steve Williams on the keyboard and Tim Pierce on the guitar. Naturally relaxing, refreshing and soothing, this collection will take your spirit home again. And, best of all, it will reintroduce you to the true joy in life...the joy that is John Denver's legacy." It has a beautiful album cover of the Rockies and purple spring flowers. The ten songs are "Take Me Home, Country Roads", "Back Home Again", "I'm Sorry", "Thank God, I'm A Country Boy", "Poems, Prayers & Promises", "Sunshine on My Shoulders", "Rocky Mountain High", "Leaving On A Jet Plane" and "Annie's Song." =========================================================== ============================================== J O H N D E N V E R S T O R I E S ============================================== From the RMH Guestbook: Patricia Brown Dearest Friends - I just returned from a week's vacation in California. In addition to visiting long lost relatives in San Francisco and Oakland, I made a point to visit Pacific Grove. I wasn't sure what my feelings would be when I got there but as I sat on a rock overlooking the spot where John went down, I got a peaceful feeling knowing that in the last moments of his life John was enjoying a spectacular and panoramic view of the Monterey coastline. I had brought along a portable cd player. I propped it up on the rocks and played selection #12, "The Wings That Fly Us Home." A lady who had been sitting down from me came over, tears were in her eyes, and when the song ended she just said "Thanks", and walked away. I sat on that rock for fifteen minutes more, thinking about John and the gifts he had given me through the years. Then it was time. I got in my car, took one last look back, and headed down the coast. Love to you all.....Patricia Brown (Florida) ====================================== P O E T R Y C O R N E R ====================================== My Tribute to John Denver by John Rowe As I walk along this path And look up at the sky Thinking of a Great man's death I cannot help but cry It's hard to fathom a tougher loss Than the one I felt that day When a singer that I knew so long Was abruptly taken away I can feel selfish that I'm deprived More of his tender songs But knowing he's in a better place Has made me feel strong Failing in the Industry Had been his greatest fear But it's amazing what He had in store For all the world to hear In death he's made me realize The beauty all around The meanings that he gave to us Were the greatest ever found We have shared our love for him And together we have cried As we remember that October 12th Was the day the Music died Copyright John Rowe, October 16, 1997 ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ======================================= Jan McReynolds John is mentioned on page 25 of the July 26, 1999 issue of PEOPLE Magazine under the title: People 25 Years (Ago)> There is a 70's era picture and this paragraph: "'Annie's Song,' John Denver's tribute to his wife, the former Annie Martell, now 52, was this week's top tune. He wrote it while separated from his spouse. And though they divorced in 1983, Denver sang the lyrics until his death in a 1997 plane crash at age 53. The song is one of the five most requested at U.S. weddings." - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Kathleen Gallagher A local convenience store chain had billboards in the area that showed a chocolate-covered ice cream cone. The caption was "Country cone, take me home." I believe that if John saw these, he'd probably laugh. For me it reminded me of a good friend whenever I drove by one of those billboards. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - KIDS CAMPAIGN TO PLANT TREES Melissa Poe and Tara Church together have created a campaign called "One In A Million". It's goal? To have one million kids planting one million trees by the year 2000. More info: http://www.kidsface.org - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - There is a site called "The Hunger Site" that is donating money to hunger relief organizations. Every time you click on the "Donate Free Food" button 2.58 cents is sent to an international relief organization. http://www.hungersite.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To get information on John Denver on TV anytime go to: http://www.tv-now.com/stars/denver.html (Updated monthly) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - =================================================== JOHN DENVER W A N T A D S / F O R S A L E =================================================== From: Rosemarie Hinzmann I would like to play "Annie's Song" and "For You" on the flute at my sister's wedding in February. I'm looking for the sheet music to those songs arranged for flute. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: IATMail@aol.com (It's About Time JD Fan Club) Cyber Cookbook - The Sequel is done. We are now accepting orders for this compilation of recipes from all our friends. The original 1998 Cyber Cookbook netted almost $500 for the Hunger Project. The cookbook is $5.00. To order make the check out to "The Hunger Project" and mail it to: IAT Cyber Cookbook / P. O. Box 47 / Medfield, MA 02052 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Jan McReynolds This treasure was on eBay - a JD light switchplate. The address is c/o Steve $15 plus $2 shipping. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Donna Pinto August Charity video offer is another "Man and His Music" tape compilation. Email me for details. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Mintz Looking for the piano songbook "The Flower That Shattered the Stone" or the sheet music for "The Gift You Are." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Joan Kurtz On Long Island is a conservation/environmental group called The Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference. They have benches ($300) and Kiosks ($500) that can be dedicated to any person. So I thought we should get one with John's name on it. Donations to: Joan Kurtz / 7 Villett Drive / East Setauket, NY 11733 Or Email me or write for more information. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: John Lowe There are John Denver Summer Celebration T-shirts from this year available. They have four hands of different colors holding an oak seedling with oak leaves. There is also the HOWC logo. $20.00 plus postage. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ************************************************************* Rocky Mountain High: The John Denver Internet Fan Club emily@sky.net http://www.sky.net/~emily August 1999 * Issue #64 * Editor: Emily M. Parris *************************************************************