============================================= *** 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 D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 6 Editor: Emily M. Parris ================================================ http://www.rockymtnhigh.org * emily@parris.net ================================================ Table of Contents December 2006 * Issue #152 John Denver Events............................2 "John Denver Comes Home at Rubicon"...........3 John Denver Notes.............................4 Book Review: "The Littlest Cowboy's Christmas" Reviewed by Carole Romanowski......4 Poetry Corner: "Dear John" by Cynthia Gullage.............5 "Alfie's Dilemma!" by Carole Romanowski....6 Concert Reviews: Christopher Westfall Concert 10-21-06 Reviewed by Charles Paschal............6 "Sounds of the Season" 12-2-06 Reviewed by Carole Romanowski..........8 Letter Day in Georgetown, Colorado...........9 John Denver Want Ads/For Sale...............10 ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R E V E N T S ======================================= December 2, 2006 - Hillsborough, NJ "Sounds of the Season with Christopher Westfall" Neshanic Reformed Church 715 Amwell Road / www.neshanicreformedchurch.org $10 neshanic.reformed@patmedia.net (908) 369-4542 December 2-24, 2006 - Ventura, CA - "Back Home Again: A John Denver Holiday Concert" / Ventura Rubicon Theater 1006 E. Main Street / Ventura, CA 93001 (805) 667-2900 www.rubicontheater.org * info@rubicontheatre.org December 3-10, 2006 - Richard Hatch's Jammin' Jamaican Adventure Cruise / From Miami, FL to the Cayman Islands, Jamaica and back. * http://www.richardhatch.com December 9, 2006 - UK - Neil & Gill Sharman's annual songs for Christmas Show. The Scout Hall, Chapeltown, Sheffield, South Yorkshire. http://www.timberwolf-studios.com 3:00pm neilandgill@timberwolf-studios.com December 9, 2006 - Gwynedd, PA "The Magic of Christmas with Christopher Westfall" at the Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse 8:00pm $5 suggested donation US Route 202 and Swnneytown Pike in Gwynedd, PA December 16, 2006 - Lebanon, PA "Sounds of the Season" Christopher Westfall concert is a benefit for the "Relay for Life Breast Cancer Survivors" includes dinner 6:00pm Coleman Chapel off Route 422 * imbodens@comcast.net www.colemanchapel.net $20 Donna (717) 926-2614 http://www.freewebs.com/survivorandfriends December 31, 2006 - Haddonfield, NJ "First Night" Christopher Westfall will do 3 shows in this Family-oriented celebration at Grace Episcopal Church 19 Kings Highway East There are many other venues as well. Buttons are $10 www.firstnighthaddonfield.org joinus@firstnighthaddonfield.org December 31, 2006 - Kernersville, NC - "Folkin' New Year's Eve" - Patti's house. 7:00pm Bring munchie/snack to share with the gang. Plan to stay all night. Mark (Scoobie) and Ed will perform on the guitar. Info: countryroadsnc@bellsouth.net December 31 - John Denver was born in Roswell, New Mexico in 1943. January 5, 2007 Netherlands - John Adams and Guido Bos will perform. Information - Lia: w-helmink@hetnet.nl March 3, 2007 New York City - Carnegie Hall "Three Artists, Three Instruments, One Evening at Carnegie Hall" - Pete Huttlinger, Chris Nole and Mollie Weaver http://www.petehuttlinger.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 / More info - Jennifer: windwalker@samsco.org <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> "John Denver Comes Home At Rubicon" Broadwayworld.com 12/8/06 by James Sims Pull out the fiddle and rosin up the bow, because we all might just be able to go home and discover we are a country boy, or girl, at heart after seeing "Back Home Again: A John Denver Holiday Concert" making its world premiere at the Rubicon Theatre in Ventura, California. It is not a newfound trend to turn the life or music of a musician into a theatrical show, as has recently been done with the works of Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, and John Lennon, yet with "Back Home Again", it is the spirit of Denver that takes center stage, avoiding the pitfalls of artistically interpreting the vision of his music. "Back Home Again" does not pretend to be anything but a night of Denver adoration, put together to resemble his famed television holiday specials, mixing some of his timeless melodies including "Thank God I'm A Country Boy", "Back Home Again" and "Matthew," with such perennial holiday favorites as "Deck the Halls", "First Noel" and "Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer." All nearly blend seamlessly together, although certain moments tend to border on preachiness with continued religious references, which could be rectified by billing the show as a "Christmas" concert as opposed to using the generically used moniker, "holiday." Sentimentality is never lacking in this concert style evening, created by Tony nominees Randal Myler and Dan Wheetman, with musical direction by Wheetman and direction by Myler. Wheetman has a rather kindred connection with Denver, as he was a member of his band for eight years, which explains the overwhelming sense of fondness for the material in "Back Home Again", with the evening playing like a cozy gathering around the fire and hearth, intertwined with stories of Denver's country-style living and love for nature. Denver had a far-reaching career, working as a songwriter, performer, actor, environmentalist, humanitarian and even photographer, which is made abundantly clear through the use of Denver's personal photos of mountains, horses in snow and aspens aglow. The beauty of the scenery of which Denver lived wonderfully compliments the twanging and picking of the world-class three-person band on stage (Wheetman, Douglas Clegg and David P. Jackson, Jr.). No stranger to Denver's music on stage, Jim Newman, who recently portrayed the country singer in the off-Broadway production of "Almost Heaven: Songs of John Denver", reprises the role, albeit in a more reserved performance that hit all the right notes. Newman said at the age of 5 he saw his first Denver concert, and his love of the music is still present. Joining Newman in vocals is Gail Bliss, who was last seen on Broadway in the Johnny Cash musical, "Ring of Fire." Aside from a handful of awkward transitions between song and exposition, "Back Home Again" proves a well-deserved tribute to Denver, and would surely make a great addition to the Rubicon's annual line-up, as audiences are bound to all come back now, you hear. "Back Home Again: A John Denver Holiday Concert" continues through December 24, 2006 at the Rubicon Theatre, located at 1006 East Main Street in Ventura's Downtown Historic Cultural District. Tickets can be ordered at 805-667-2900. For more information visit http://www.rubicontheatre.org <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ======================================= John Denver is listed in the Dutch Radio Top 2000. You can vote for him again at http://www.radio2.nl - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Correction from the October 2006 RMH Newsletter: "Music and Communication" is the German Fan Club and they have been going 25 years - from 1981 to 2006 http://www.johndenverclub.org The other German website listed was a personal tribute to John Denver page and not a fan club. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - John is listed in "Heroes for a culture of Peace" http://www.people4peace.net/heroes/colorme-d.htm - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Review: "The Littlest Cowboy's Christmas" by Michael Chandler Reviewed by Carole Romanowski whispjesse@aol.com Michael Chandler's book, "The Littlest Cowboy's Christmas", is a delightful and heartwarming account of a very special Christmas Eve memory Michael and his young son, Preston, experienced with friends - John Denver and Joe Henry - to name a few! This book, in my opinion, is adapted for the reading enjoyment of children of all ages, and adults alike can enjoy its warmth. Praise must also be given to Terry Jacobsen who beautifully illustrated the book in a colorful and professional manner! Plus a bonus - a CD by John Denver singing all three stanzas of "Silent Night" - is included in the book and completes the warm holiday spirit of this story. I am sure "The Littlest Cowboy's Christmas" will elicit in each one of us a special holiday memory from long ago we tucked away. Michael Chandler's book can be ordered through www.amazon.com and is truly a holiday treasure! Illustrated by Terry Jacobsen 32 pp 8 1/2 x 11 ISBN: 1-58980-381-7 <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R P O E T R Y ======================================= Dear John by Cynthia Gullage The seasons come, and gently flow Unto the shores of time. But we, your friends, will not forget Your melodies and rhymes. Our memories send images Cascading down the years. We laugh with you. We sing along. We share your joys and tears. A child was born on New Year's Eve, A new beginning in the end. You grew to be someone we love, And we are proud to call you friend. You taught us to preserve the Earth, That peace should always be the way. That "One World" is attainable. We foster these ideals today. We sense your presence everywhere, Cathedral mountains, tow'ring high, In timeless tides that ebb and flow, And bright stars in the midnight sky. We know you did not wish to leave, When there was so much yet undone. You looked toward a better day, When all mankind would stand as one. This night, we'll light our candles bright, In sweet remembrance of you. God grant that peace will light your way. And have a blessed birthday, too. In loving memory of John Denver December 31, 1943 - October 12, 1997 Cynthia Helen Gullage December 31, 2005 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Alfie's Dilemma! by Carole Romanowski < whispjesse@aol.com > Alfie, the Christmas Tree Sighed on December 31st "For today's John Denver's birthday And a last minute gift's the worst!" John had, well, just about everything Oh, Alfie's thinker got so stuck! But by mid-day Alfie's head quite cleared And with glee he laughed "what luck!" "As my gift I'll pray for the "wind..and wood." Oh, Alfie's eyes gleamed with such joy! And because John "kept a memory" He'd present the "Marvelous Little Toy" So on the last eve of 2006 Extending outstretched branches toward Heaven Alfie carolled a "Happy Birthday, John" And "Happy New Year 2007!" * * * CONCERT REVIEWS... Christopher Westfall Concert 10-21-06 - Pilot Mountain, NC Reviewed by Charles Paschal oopsetter1@aol.com On October 21, 2006, singer/songwriter Christopher Westfall performed in concert at The Sawbriar Acoustic Stage in Pilot Mountain, NC. It was a beautiful, crisp autumn evening in the foothills of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, a perfect setting for a magical evening of acoustic music. Chris was introduced by local radio personality Bruce Hodges, "The Night Rider", of WBRF FM 98.1 in Galax, Virginia. Chris' music has been featured recently on WBRF, and he had done a live interview via telephone with Bruce Hodges just a few nights before the concert. After the introduction, Chris began the first set with a very moving and heartfelt performance of "Trail Of Tears", and then moved on to an energized version of "Eagles And Horses". From the beginning of the show, Chris created a very intimate and personal setting, giving the listeners a glimpse into his life, his love of performing for others, and an understanding of why he writes and sings the songs that he does. He performed "We'll Be There By Morning" early in the show, a song which is getting him airplay across the nation, and has actually been recently recorded by another artist as well. While performing "Leaving On A Jet Plane", the audience began singing along. From that point onward, the artist and the audience were as one...uniquely connected by melody and song...on a level that is so rarely found these days. That is a huge part of the magic that is Chris Westfall...the gift of reaching out to his audiences, sharing his innermost feelings while inspiring and captivating the listener, and making each person feel as if he is singing directly to and only for them. Next was "I'd Rather Be A Cowboy", which showcased his tremendous vocal range and guitar skills. Then, Chris took us all on a journey back to our individual childhood days, with "Only The Wind". A rare treat for this listener was Chris playing "Love Is The Master", one of those gems that are so often overlooked. Whenever Chris covers a song by another artist, he truly makes the song his own giving it a very personal and individual feeling making it seem that the listener is hearing an old, familiar tune for the very first time again. Later, he shared the story of his cruise to Alaska last summer, where he performed several shows. The inspiration and awe of the natural beauty there moved him so deeply that it led to the birth of his newest song, "Alaska (The Last Frontier)". Such a special gift from Chris, performing a song that was literally only a few weeks old. A very special, personal, and what I consider to be his signature song, "I'm Coming Home", the title track from his new CD, was next. Chris has actually sent a number of copies of his new CD to the troops serving overseas. "I'm Coming Home" is garnering rave reviews, and is probably Chris' most well known song. It certainly demonstrates his amazing talent as a songwriter, and his ability to create a melody that is both beautiful and memorable. He closed the first set with "Running River", a great song that is included on his new CD and is played often by Bruce Hodges on WBRF. After a short intermission, Chris returned to the stage and began the second set with a very touching version of "Howl At The Moon", a wonderful song by Cheryl Wheeler. Chris' delivery brought tears to the eyes of this old dog lover. Next was a lively, wonderful cover of "Brown Eyed Girl", followed by a superbly performed "The Wings That Fly Us Home". Chris brings his magic to those old familiar tunes, giving the audience a treat by performing songs that they know and can sing along with yet giving each song a new feeling of freshness with his very personal treatment. One of the high points of the evening was "The Waking Of The Day", an instrumental written by Chris and performed on 12 string guitar. His talent on both guitar and piano are simply awesome. He truly needs no band to back him. His ability to move from guitar to piano - from 6 string to 12 string - with ease and grace is amazing. Chris moved to piano to perform a few songs, including "Run For The Roses" and the beautiful "For You", which totally captivated and moved the audience. Following were "Lighthouse On The Shore" and "Alice". Chris closed the second set with a very lively performance of "Wild Montana Skies". With some urging by Bruce Hodges and the audience, Chris was kind enough to do an encore, including "Mrs. Pinocci's Guitar". What a magical evening. Chris has an amazing ability to connect one on one, heart to heart, with each member of the audience. The music, mixed with his personal stories about his experiences while traveling, songwriting, and performing and mixed with some humor along the way creates a rapport with the audience that few artists can achieve. He is such a gifted artist, with a gentle, melodic, and soaring tenor...the immense talent demonstrated on both acoustic guitar and piano...and the ability to write beautiful melodies matched with moving and stirring lyrics. Each person in attendance left with the feeling of being connected with Chris, after enjoying an evening of music that seemed almost as if he had performed just for you, sitting in your living room by a gentle, warming fire. Such a talent...such a gift...such an amazing artist. If you ever have a chance to see Chris perform in your area, don't miss the opportunity. Chris' music will become ingrained in your very being, and it will certainly be a great experience and a journey that you will remember for many, many years. Please check out Christopher Westfall, and his music, at http://www.chriswestfall.com. In addition, his new CD, "I'm Coming Home", may be purchased at cdbaby.com. * * * * Chris Westfall Christmas Concert NJ "Sounds of the Season: A Celebration in Song" Neshanic, NJ 12-2-06 Reviewed by Carole Romanowski whispjesse@aol.com My family and I had the pleasure to meet with and hear Chris Westfall sing live at the Neshanic Reformed Church in Neshanic, NJ at his "Sounds of the Season: A Celebration in Song" 2-hour concert on December 2, 2006. Monies raised from the concert were donated to a parish family who tragically lost their house in a fire. Chris held the audience's attention with his beautiful voice singing to a full church a medley of songs from his cd's "I'm Coming Home", "We'll Be There By Morning", plus John Denver songs - "Sweet Surrender", "My Sweet Lady", and Christmas carols - "Oh Holy Night", "Winter Wonderland" - to name a few. Amid amusing and personal anecdotes of his own life and experiences between songs, his rich and powerful voice was accompanied by his skillful playing of 4 guitars and an electric piano/organ. Chris welcomed and encouraged audience participation at times during the concert, and we all enjoyed singing along and being a part of this musical entertainment. I understand Chris Westfall had an awesome year in 2006 with his singer/songwriter endeavors and was able to share his music internationally as well. He's "on his way"! This concert was an early Christmas present from Chris to me and to all who attended - for Chris Westfall is a treasure and the concert was pure magic! * * * "Remembering a Locally Filmed Holiday Movie" by Matt Renoux - QNews Mountain Reporter - KUSA-TV 11/25/06 Georgetown, Colorado - Call it life imitating art. On the streets of Georgetown, residents and visitors are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the John Denver movie "The Christmas Gift" by reliving parts of the film. Back in the 1980's, "The Christmas Gift" was shot in Georgetown, and today the streets and buildings are decorated with ribbons and bows much like it looked in the movie. The busy bee cab, which was used in the movie, was even brought back to drive the streets of Georgetown again. In the downtown park many are sitting down to re-enact one of the principle elements of the movie, letter writing day, where everyone in town prints their wish list to Santa. For Joanne Swearingen it's been a long time since she's written a letter to Santa. "You know it's been so long I can't remember, many, many years ago", says Swearingen. None-the-less, with a pen in her hand she is scribbling out a Saint Nick note. It reads, "Dear Santa, I believe. Please bring much love, joy, and happiness for young and old. We need snow, please bring snow." Joan is not alone; Hanna Voth and her three brothers are putting down their Christmas wish lists too. Hanna's reads, "Dear Santa, first of all I would like peace on earth Merry Christmas. I want a new car for Christmas. If not a car I would like some clothes or a shopping spree would be nice. Good will towards men and let it snow, Merry Christmas." The point of the movie is to keep believing in Santa. Event organizer Linda Edmondson said, "20 years ago John Denver was in Georgetown and was the star of the film "The Christmas Gift" and we are here to celebrate that and part of "The Christmas Gift" was letter day and the letters to Santa Clause." If Joanne's letter is any indication, the message is alive and strong today. "I think it brings out the good in everyone. It brings out happiness and it's just a nice feeling," said Swearingen. Just like in the movie, town residents gathered for a tree lighting celebration this weekend. The Post Office in Georgetown will be open on a Sunday to mail all of the letters collected to Santa. BJ's Illustrated Chronicle of a trip to Letter Day: http://www.john-denver.org/events/letterday/page1.html Georgetown's Letter Day http://tinyurl.com/yddhp3 <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> ================================================ JOHN DENVER W A N T A D S / F O R S A L E =============================================== John Denver cd "Rare and Unreleased" is now available on Amazon.com. It is a six song cd that was recorded live on 12-10-87 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. John sings one verse of "Annie's Song" in Russian. http://www.amazon.com $9.95 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I was wondering if anyone would be interested in riding the rails on Amtrak this coming 2007? I live on the East Coast in Upstate, NY and would be leaving on 10-9-07 #49 train at 7:30pm heading towards Chicago. Contact me at darceyfarrow@john-denver.org * http://www.amtrak.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "Friends With You" a Tribute Concert to John Denver (with Chris Collins and Mark Cormican) recorded 10/11/06 in Aspen is available on DVD/VHS for $23.00 (includes s/h). Contact Sharon Carr at alaskanchild@msn.com for more information. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CD - Merry Christmas Aspen is available from http://www.paxtonmusic.com It includes a 5-page booklet recounting the making of the record. $15 + $2.35 s/h - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "The Littlest Cowboy's Christmas" by Michael Chandler and illustrated by Terry Jacobsen is available for $12.74 from http://www.amazon.com / It includes a music cd of John Denver performing the song "Silent Night". - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ann Hession has some JD vinyl records for sale. For more information email her at irishqueenann@msn.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Fall Tribute to John Denver http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nbokt7_ycQI JD Song Lyrics with chords http://spikesmusic-folk.spike-jamie.com/John-Denver.html Aspen in October Photos http://www.ncfriendsofjd.com/AspenOctober20064.html John's Ancestry Info http://wargs.com/other/denver.html Denver & Dintorni Records http://www.denveredintorni.com 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 December 2006 * Issue #152 * Editor: Emily M. Parris *************************************************************