============================================= *** 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 December 2003 Editor: Emily M. Parris ================================================ http://www.rockymtnhigh.org * emily at parris.net ================================================ Table of Contents December 2003 * Issue #116 John Denver Events...............................2 CD Reviews: Christine Smith's cd "Feelings Of Love" Reviewed by Carole Romanowski...............4 "Almost Heaven" run extended in Denver, CO.......4 Review of "Almost Heaven" by Ann Hession.........5 Letter from Ron Deutschendorf....................5 John Denver Notes................................6 Poetry Corner: "Poems, Praise, and Prophecies" by Carole Romanowski........................8 "Aspen, Colorado at Christmas" by Emily M. Parris..........................8 John Denver Want Ads/For Sale....................9 John Denver and Christmas by Emily M. Parris...........................9 * * * "Smiling faces all around, Laughter is the only sound, Memories that can't grow old, Winter skol, aspenglow"..... John Denver ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R E V E N T S ======================================= December 5, 2003 * Glenwood Springs, Colorado - John Adams & Friends 7:00pm Glenwood Springs High School Auditorium / Reception following the concert to meet the artists. $10 in advance / $12 at the door / Email: mtnjenny at sopris.net http://www.johnadams-music.com (970) 945-7225 December 12, 2003 * Wilton, NH - It's a Christmas Together with the NH Friends of John Denver, featuring live music with Paul Swanton and friends. 5-9pm at The Fountain House http://www.fountain-house.com/index.shtml This pot-luck affair will be in support of the Open Cupboard Pantry in Wilton. Please bring 2 non-perishable food items per person as a donation. $6.00 admission charge. Richard Holmes (603) 654-2124 gerrich at crosswinds.net December 12, 2003 - Colorado Public Radio feature on "Aspen in October" 10:00am & 7:00pm Mountain Time - Live streaming audio http://www.cpr.org / Click on Colorado Matters December 13, 2003 * Welland Ontario, Canada / "A Rocky Mountain Christmas" JD Holiday Musical Tribute / Welland River Road Lions Club (905) 714-1027 DWMonroe at hotmail.com http://www.DanMonroe.com December 18, 2003 * Hazleton, PA - Kevin Yeargin at the Eagle Rock Ski Resort. No admission, just the cost to buy dinner since it is a restaurant. donnapinto at yahoo.com December 20, 2003 * Annapolis, MD / Hard Travelers Christmas Show / Mack Bailey / Ram's Head Tavern / 33 West Street 7:00pm http://www.ramsheadtavern.com (410) 268-4545 http://www.mackbailey.com December 22, 2003 - "Take Me Home: The John Denver Story" 120 minute Movie (2000) starring Chad Lowe as John Denver and Kristin Davis as Annie. 9:00pm - (Eastern) Lifetime December 25, 2003 - "The Christmas Gift" on Lifetime 120 Minutes (1986) Christmas movie starring John Denver and Jane Kaczmarek. 12:30pm (Eastern) - Lifetime December 31, 2003 * Scottsdale, AZ - A John Denver New Year's Eve Birthday Celebration / Franciscan Renewal Center / 5802 E. Lincoln Drive / Mack Bailey, Jim Horn, Pete Huttlinger, Jim Salestrom, Mollie Weaver & Chris Nole. 7:00pm Tickets: $100 http://www.chrisnole.com December 31, 2003 * Seattle, WA - In Celebration of John Denver's 60th Birthday and the New Year: Songs of... Bryan Stratton performs works of John Denver and others. 10:00pm - Midnight / St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church 3050 California Ave SW / Seattle, WA 98116 Bryan (206) 336-6602 bryan.stratton at seattlesymphony.org December 31, 2003 * Monterey, California / Jim & Ann Curry will be singing three separate 35 minute sets at "First Night Monterey" on John's 60th Birthday / 9:15 - 11:00pm in the Ferrante Room, Monterey Conference Center at the end of Alvarado Street. To get a first night button log on to http://www.FirstNightMonterey.org jtherrien at pacbell.net / Party afterwards for JD folks 11:30pm on at 12 Dunecrest / Monterey, California December 31, 2003 * Kernersville, NC - John Denver Birthday / New Year's Eve Party / Laura: CountryRoadsNC at aol.com http://www.ncfriendsofjd.com January 17, 2004 - Largo, Florida - "Rocky Mountain Memories" - a musical tribute to John Denver performed by Ron Rich / Largo Cultural Center / 8:00pm (727) 587-6793 Tickets: $15 * Info: Larry Van Scoy lvscoy at aol.com February 6-7, 2004 * Las Vegas, NV / Jim Curry's John Denver Tribute Show at the Silverton Casino. 8:00pm Silverton Hotel & Casino / 3333 Blue Diamond Road / Las Vegas, NV 89139 Phone: (702) 263-7777 February 13, 2004 * Daytona Beach, Florida - "Rocky Mountain Memories", a musical tribute to John Denver performed by Ron Rich 8:00pm SMT Downtown, 176 N. Beach Street (386) 252-6200 Tickets $15 / $10 for children 12 and under http://www.cabinsong.com (866) 811-4111 Theatermania.com Email: lvscoy at aol.com March 6, 2004 * Leesburg, FL "Rocky Mountain Memories" - a musical tribute to John Denver performed by Ron Rich 8:00pm Paul Williams Auditorium, Lake Sumter Community College, 9501 US Highway 441 $15 http://www.cabinsong.com (See Ordering information in the listing above) March 19-24,2004 * Join Mack Bailey & Kevin Brooks of "Them Eastport Oyster Boys" on a six day tour of Ireland. www.travelingtroubadour.com / info at travelingtroubadour.com March 27, 2004 * Barton Under Needwood, England - Mack Bailey / Concert for The England Friends of John Denver http://www.travelingtroubadour.com/index.html April 23-25, 2004 * Cassville, PA / Spring 2004 Retreat - PA Friends of John Denver. Bitter Goose Lodge. $45.00 Pat Liddic: tigersnwolves at comcast.net <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> Review of Christine Smith's cd "Feelings of Love" by Carole Romanowski The up and coming, multi-talented new female vocalist, Christine Smith, has just produced her first six-track CD called "Feelings of Love." It is a sensitive and poignant collection of carefully selected songs expressing a gamut of emotions from hope (with John Denver's Around and Around" & "All of my Memories") to inspiration ("Tenderly Calling" which John also sang), and love "Feelings of Love", "You're My Best Friend"). Then she surprises the listener with a change of venue and finishes with a sultry rendition of "Gonna Getcha Good!" What makes this work of art even more noteworthy is that Christine's full-bodied, strong yet tender singing with guitar accompaniment, was recorded in her own home studio with her own equipment and was introduced at her 5th Annual John Denver Celebration in Salida, Colorado on October 4th of this year. Plus there is a bonus - Christine graced her CD with a beautiful insert designed by the recording artist herself. I think the one single factor that stands out in the cd "Feelings of Love" besides Christine's rich voice and innate talent, is that every line she sings comes from her heart. The CD is already a strong seller and I recommend it for easy listening because, just like the singer herself, the cd just makes you feel good. I highly recommend visiting Christine's website http://www.johndenverlegacy.com to listen to sound clips from her cd and obtain information on how it can be ordered. - Carol Romanowski Whispjesse at aol.com <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> "Denver Center's 'Almost Heaven' extended with new weekend schedule and two new cast members" Press Release 12/3/03 Denver: The Denver Center Theatre Company, anticipating a demand for new and repeat visits from audience members with out-of-town holiday guests, has extended the popular new musical "Almost Heaven: Songs and Stories of John Denver" through mid-January. The Company has also changed the performance schedule to Tuesday through Sunday placing new shows on Sunday afternoons in the Ricketson Theatre. Two new actor-singers have joined the cast of "Almost Heaven." Kingsley Leggs comes to the cast directly from Nashville and a successful run of "It Ain't Nothin' But The Blues" at the historic Belcourt Theatre. Mr. Leggs' credits also include leading roles in "Ragtime", "Dreamgirls", "Miss Saigon" and "Violet." Denver's own Laura Ryan performed with Denver Center Attractions as both Patsy and Louise in "Always...Patsy Cline." Regionally, she has performed with the San Bernardino Civic Light Opera as Mary Magdalene in "Jesus Christ Superstar" and Maria in "The Sound of Music", as the Wicked Witch of the West in "The Wizard of Oz" for California Music Theatre and in "Annie Get Your Gun" at Denver's Country Dinner Playhouse. http://www.denvercenter.org (800) 641-1222 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - REVIEW of "Almost Heaven: Songs & Stories of John Denver" by Ann M. Hession I have seen both the first "Almost Heaven" and the most recent one. I was glad to see the Denver Post gave it 3.5 stars even though they criticized the performers in their article. This production was totally awesome and I would recommend it to anyone in the Denver area. We tried to get tickets to go see it a second time but they are only selling them a month at a time since they don't know how long it will be there. They are hoping to keep it through the entire DCPA season but apparently ticket sales are not as great as they were for the first production two years ago. All John Denver fans should make a point of seeing this production. The performers were terrific and sang John's songs with such passion we had chills throughout the production and many songs brought tears to our eyes... Ann Hession irishqueenann at msn.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - <<<<<<<<< Letter from Ron Deutschendorf >>>>>>>>> Margaret Elizabeth Thomas, born August 18, 1902 in Seattle, Washington died recently, or should I say went home finally, to join her family and husband Olaus who passed some forty years before, on October 21. She had been ill for some time and so this would seem to be a blessing now for her to be released from the earthly ties that bind us, and allowed to be free, her spirit soaring with so many others before her. Her friends, like John Denver, who cared equally about the environment, presidents like Lyndon B. Johnson who signed the Wilderness Act in 1964 while she stood by his side having campaigned so hard for the bill. So many others, members of the Walton League, the Sierra Club, the Wilderness Society, all having made trips to her ranch, like many past presidents, having been both enlightened and educated about the environment, the wilderness, conservation, and so much more just by visiting her, by being in her presence, listening and learning from her. President Clinton bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom upon her in 1998 for her work. Her ranch has been designated a National Historic District for its conservation history, and the Murie Center was created in 1997 to carry on the Muries work. Yes, friends Mardy Murie passed recently! I personally am saddened by my loss as I, unlike my brother, never made the trip to the ranch to visit Mardy. I will now at least make the trip to the ranch and I hope others will also, in Mardy's memory. For we at Windstar have lost another friend of the environment who believed as we do. Bless you Mardy Murie on your future travels, and say hello to my brother, John. Tell him we at Windstar will carry on! Ron Deutschendorf CEO/President Windstar Board of Trustees ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ======================================= Guido Bos has recorded his first solo cd with 14 beautiful John Denver ballads played on the grand piano. It is called JOHN DENVER PIANO BALLADS. The songs on the cd are "Flight", "For You", "Perhaps Love", "I Want To Live", "Today", "Annie's Song", "Sunshine On My Shoulders", "Dearest Esmeralda", "Like A Sad Song", "I'm Sorry", "My Sweet Lady", "Leaving On A Jet Plane", "Tools", and "Eclipse". You can hear a sample of several of them on his website: http://tinyurl.com/nfp1 Guido also played piano and keyboards on John Adams' cd "Unexpected Pieces" and has performed at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen. Guido's email: Guido Bos: guidobos at planet.nl - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CHRISTMAS MUSIC - Ron Rich - "Snowflakes, Fireplace, and You" http://cabinsong.com/music.html Ron Rich: Lrop at aol.com Jim & Anne Curry - "Rusty Noel" Jim Horn - "Christmas With Jim Horn" http://www.jimhorn.com 1-877-Get-MyCd Chris Nole - "A Chris Nole Christmas" http://www.chrisnole.com Jim Salestrom - "Rocky Mountain Holidays" (1999) http://www.jimsalestrom.com Charlie Zahm - "The White Snows of Winter" (2001) http://www.charliezahm.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - News from...Roy Rivers http://www.royrivers.com We are proud to announce that Country Music Hall of Fame recording artist Dolly Parton joined Roy in the studio to record "Thank God I'm A Country Boy", the title song of Roy's upcoming cd to be released late December 2003 or early January 2004. Roy Rivers Newsletter: newsletter at royrivers.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Corry Donner / athabasca.cd at wxs.nl There's an interesting paragraph in an article on Musk Oxen farming in the November issue of "Alaska Magazine." The owner of the farm (Roy Corral) is quoted as saying: "There's a song by John Denver called, 'Thank God I'm A Country Boy', and the first line in the song goes, 'Life on the farm is kind of laid back', or something like that," Corral said. "Well, it isn't. There are so many aspects to working on the farm that life on the farm is not laid back at all. I don't think John Denver has ever worked on a musk oxen farm." ........I thought that was kind of funny...Corry Donner - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Christopher Canyon is now working on the second book in the John Denver Series, based on John's song "Ancient Rhymes." http://www.dawnpub.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Kevin Merrit dedicated his latest cd to John and mentions John in the last song on the cd: http://www.kevinmerrit.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Inge Kaminski < ikaminski at t-online.de > The Germany TV Station 3sat will show 45 minutes of the Wildlife Concert on New Year's Eve, at 12 (noon). I have no idea if it is just a coincidence that this is shown on John's 60th birthday, but I was happy to find out he has not been completely forgotten by German TV! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - >From Dreux...Many of you who were not in Aspen, CO this year may not know that a reporter and producer from Colorado Public Radio in Denver spent most of the week coming to events and they are planning a very long feature. So those who have access to the internet can log on and listen and record to their computer. December 12, 2003 - 10am and 7pm - mountain time http://www.cpr.org - Click on Colorado Matters - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Emily: I found a great John Denver Lyrics page where the lyrics are arranged by album. It has the lyrics to some of the earlier albums that are hard to find. http://www.geocities.com/WileyMike/DenverLyrics.html - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - John's song "Rhymes and Reasons" is on the children's album "A Manatee Sneezed on Me" by John Flynn, American folk singer and songwriter. http://www.johnflynn.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R P O E T R Y ======================================= Poems, Praise and Prophecies by Carole Romanowski New Year's Eve in '43 Ushered in the being of John. He grew and sang a prophecy To pattern man's existence on. But as with other prophets, He was ignored, misunderstood. For any change in status quo Is viewed as radical, not good. But those of us who followed John's example, heard his songs, Shed the mantle of complacency, Endeavored to right universal wrongs. Oh pity me if I should turn My back on those in need. Or ravage our dear Mother Earth, Surrendering to corporate greed. Please always let me act with love For a common brotherhood, With all men and creatures seen as one - Let the prophet be understood. And so on New Year's Eve this year Find a star to gaze upon, And in concert, love and honor Sing out a "Happy Birthday, John!" ___________________________________________________ Copyright by Carole Romanowski / whispjesse at aol.com Aspen, Colorado at Christmas by Emily M. Parris Aspenglow - it's a scene of Christmas With snowflakes falling all around A perfect backdrop for the season With fresh snow all over the ground There is laughter and people shopping Finding gifts for their cherished one The mellow feeling of Christmas As the season has begun Aspenglow reminds me of John Denver And the heartfelt glow of his smile The way he brought his music To be here with us awhile Pine trees, always so fragrant Snowflakers falling in the air Aspen, Colorado at Christmas What a perfect time to be there _________________________________ Copyright 2003 by Emily M. Parris ================================================= JOHN DENVER W A N T A D S / F O R S A L E ================================================= David < davidandnicole1 at netzero.com > I have been looking for a video of the 1987 The Sound of Christmas ABC Special that John Denver did with Julie Andrews and Placido Domingo. The original air date was 12/16/87. My mother is very interested in getting this video for Christmas. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Honer at erols.com * Carol Blevins & Dottie Honer are now taking orders for the 2004 John Denver Calendar. Mail a check or money order (made out to Carol Blevins) to: Carol Blevins / 1213 River Road / Quarryville, PA 17566 - $21 for one, $39 for two, or $54.50 for three. Overseas (Int'l Money Order) $24 for one, $44 for two, or $60 for three. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "John Denver: A Portrait" VHS and Dvd is available from... http://www.montereymedia.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On the "Wish You Were Here" cd by Mollie Weaver there are 12 John Denver songs. This album was produced by Kris O'Connor and features Chris Nole, Pete Huttlinger, Brian Fullen, Dennis Belfield and Jim Horn. http://www.mollieweaver.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - JOHN DENVER and CHRISTMAS by Emily M. Parris Christmas and John Denver's music go hand in hand. His description of the idyllic scenes in "Aspenglow" always bring to mind a perfect Christmas with snowflakes, love and laughter. The scene he describes there in Aspen seems so wonderful and perfect for the holiday season. At Christmas I'm always reminded of his TV Specials with friends and family gathered around as he sang the beautiful Christmas songs he wrote and traditional songs as well. Each year it was the highlight of my holiday season to be able to view just one more. And the camera would turn to little Zachary showing him wrapped up in warm blankets. Annie would be there and the warm feeling of family was alive and well in the scene. - - - - - - - - - - In Loving Memory of John Denver - Kerstins John Denver Homepage http://www.kerstinsiewek.de John Denver: Let This Be A Voice http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/shop/denver.html Windstar Foundation http://wstar.org John Denver - the man, the music, the vision http://www.kaibab.org/misc/j_denver.htm * Merry Christmas Zachary...Merry Christmas Everyone * ************************************************************* Rocky Mountain High: The John Denver Internet Fan Club emily at parris.net http://www.rockymtnhigh.org December 2003 * Issue #116 * Editor: Emily M. Parris *************************************************************