============================================= *** 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 February 2005 Editor: Emily M. Parris ================================================ http://www.rockymtnhigh.org * emily@parris.net ================================================ Table of Contents February 2005 * Issue #130 John Denver Events.........................2 What I Do To Honor John....................3 Letters to the Editor......................5 John Denver CD Reviews: Ellen Stapenhorst CD Reviewed by Emily Parris...............5 John Denver Notes..........................6 John Denver Poetry: "The Seasons Four" by Emily Parris.......8 "Love Is" by Cynthia Gullage.............9 John Denver For Sale/Want Ads.............10 ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R E V E N T S ======================================= Feb 22, 2005 - Berkeley, CA - Blake's / 2367 Telegraph Ave. 8:30pm Kyle Vincent's CD Release party http://www.kylevincent.com March 3, 2005 - Altadena, CA - Christopher Westfall at the Coffee Gallery Backstage / 8:30pm / 2029 N. Lake St. http://www.chriswestfall.com * Info: jht@spamarrest.com 831-373-7780 March 11, 2005 - Aspen, CO - Wheeler Opera House 8:00pm "Rocky Mountain High" - A musical tribute to John Denver. John Adams and Friends $30 and $15 (970) 920-5770 http://www.wheeleroperahouse.com March 4-12, 2005 - Durango, CO - Durango Film Festival - "The Connecticut Kid" features a tribute to one of John Denver's songs. (See "Letters to the Editor" for info) March 6, 2005 - Yorba Linda, CA - Christopher Westfall / Nixon Library Theater 3:30pm / 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd. 714-993-5075 * Info: jht@spamarrest.com March 15-22, 2005 Mack Bailey - 2005 Ireland Trip with Kevin Brooks and John Sommers. Includes St. Patrick's Day in Dublin, tours, concerts, and a fabulous trip around Ireland. http://www.mackbailey.com/Ireland.htm March 19, 2005 - Cottage Grove, Oregon - Peace Cloth will participate in a Memorial Peace Procession and be displayed at the Community Center. www.johndenverpeacecloth.com April 2, 2005 - Hamilton, OH - Mark Cormican Concert - Fitton Center for the Arts. 7:00pm. Free Admission. http://www.markcormican.com * MarkCormican@aol.com April 2-3, 2005 - Lancaster, PA - John Denver Weekend / Highway Cleanup 2:00pm / Potluck Dinner afterwards / Sleeping bags welcome / Breakfast on Sunday / RSVP by March 25 * Pat Liddic < tigersnwolves@comcast.net > April 16, 2005 - Altadena, CA - Coffee Gallery Backstage / Phil Christie with Mike Valentine and Ellen & Steve Stapenhorst 7:00pm $15 (626) 398-7917 2029 N. Lake http://www.philchristie.com April 22, 2005 - Largo, FL - Ron Rich - "A John Denver Tribute" set as the opening act for Lee Greenwood and Don McLean at the Largo Music Fest - Tickets $15 727-587-6793 Larry Vanscoy lvscoy@aol.com 727-398-2649 April 22-24, 2005 Asheboro, NC - Earth Day JD Events in the planning stages http://www.ncfriendsofjd.com Laura Bollinger < countryroadsnc@bellsouth.net > July 4, 2005 - Dillon, CO - Lake Dillon Amphitheatre 6:30pm "Rocky Mountain High" - annual 4th of July concert. Bring your own blanket. John Adams & Friends. Free admission. July 21, 2005 - Estes Park, CO - Second John Denver Tribute Concert sponsored by the Estes Park Arts Council featuring "Cowboy Brad" Fitch. / Performance Park / 7:00pm Free / bring lawn chairs http://www.cowboybrad.com October 10, 2005 - Aspen, CO - "Colors of the Rainbow" presented by Georgiann McDaniel / Mountain Chalet Roof-top Conference Room 9:00am - Noon $20 / SASE to Georgiann McDaniel / 48 E. Tamarack Circle / Battlement Mesa / Parachute, CO 81635 * Info: RockyMtnHaven1@msn.com October 10, 2005 - Aspen, CO - Mt. Chalet 7:30pm - downstairs concert - "New Friends To Find" Steve Brook, Rene Wingelaar and Tim Durnan / John Denver Trivia Contest $12 < jht@spamarrest.com > * * * * * * * * * WHAT I DO IN HONOR OF JOHN DENVER * * * * * * * * * Vicky Patout - St. Martinville, LA I plant trees as a member of the National Arbor Day Foundation. I recycle to help out our Mother Earth. I support the World Wildlife Fund, an organization John supported too. These small acts help me to keep JD's dream alive in our world and his spirit alive in my heart. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Marie Morrissey This past October I stopped at the "Friends of John Denver" Adopt a Highway site and picked up trash along the highway on my way to the tribute concert in Aspen. I plan to make this a yearly event. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Greg Altman - Alpena, Michigan I made the decision shortly after his death to honor John by performing his music at every opportunity. I am known as the 'John Denver' of Northern Michigan. I have performed at benefits for a myriad of causes and always using John's music to garner the support of the people around me. The response is amazing! Every time I perform John's music, I honor him. Every time someone smiles or cries as a result of hearing his music, they honor him. I am resolved to honor him as long as I am able to. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Mary in Illinois I planted a "John Denver" pine tree in my yard in October 1997 to honor his life. The tree is getting bigger and I have put a bird feeder near it so it is quite a busy area. I know John would appreciate a tree in his honor. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Arlene Thompson - Pleasanton, CA I specifically donate to the Wildlife Conservation Society because of John's 1995 concert in support of them. I give to other environmental groups as well, but I initially started to give to WCS because of John. I miss him every day of my life. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Laura & John Meyer - Jefferson, Iowa Two years ago at Christmas my husband and I sang "Silent Night" together in John's honor, for the Christmas Eve church service. We adapted his version from the "John Denver and the Muppets - A Christmas Together" cd, where he explains the story of how the song came to be. The Muppets provide a haunting and amazingly complex harmony, which we two can't begin to copy, but we do our best with my husband (also named John) singing the German lyrics and telling the story, while I play the guitar then sing a verse in Spanish. Finally, we combine to sing English verses, later joined by the congregation. The performance was so well-received that we were asked to do it again this past Christmas Eve. So even though I got very nervous, we re-tuned the guitar and added a little more harmony. Whenever someone comments on the story and the languages, we mention that we adapted our version from JD's and how he was (is) so special to us. I have been surprised how many people quietly nod in agreement or understanding. So one way we honor John Denver is by singing at Christmas in his honor. Thank you for inspiring us to share this story. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Letters to the Editor: February 1, 2005 Dear Emily, Hi. My name is Jack Serino. I am the writer, producer, director and lead actor in a film called "The Connecticut Kid." It's a really good, high quality family feature film. AND in the opening credits I have a wonderful tribute to John Denver using one of his songs throughout the opening credits. It's just a wonderful cinematic tribute to one of his songs. I'm just trying to inform most of your readers that it will be at the DURANGO FILM FESTIVAL in Colorado between March 4 - 12th. My screening times are March 6th at 7:00 pm and March 9th at 4:30pm and March 12th at 9:00am. I'm hoping to get into other film festivals. It's just a really nice family film with a beautiful tribute to one of John Denver's songs. Sincerely, Jack Serino - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ======================= John Denver CD REVIEWS: ======================= REVIEW of Ellen Stapenhorst's CD "COME BACK HOME" by Emily M. Parris < emily@parris.net > Ellen Stapenhorst's cd "Come Back Home" is a relaxing and refreshing musical treat. The album was originally going to be called "Traveler" and the easy-going song of the same name has very nice lyrics: "I am a pilgrim and a traveler. And I love the journey like I love my home." There are very nice fiddle arrangements on the song "Walk On Earth." There is a good variety of instrumentation on all the songs in the album. One of my favorites is "At My Daddy's Side", a sweet and nostalgic song about times with her father. It has good harmonica work as well as great lyrics. The acapella song "Generations" is very striking in its simplicity and the upbeat "Good Enough" has a lovely Spanish guitar sound with a bassanova beat. The flute also sounds wonderful on that song. Some of the songs have dobro, banjo and great 3-part harmony. Another favorite on the album is the beautiful song "Exile", and of course, the touching song, "Come Back Home" which is the title cut. Ellen hails from Snowmass, Colorado and is a frequent singer at John Denver Memorial Events. Ellen's other albums are "The Dance" (1987) which was her first solo album and "Invisible Threads" from 1984. She also has a 2-song cd single called "All of My Skies" which is a tribute to John Denver. It was written by her brother, Steve Stapenhorst. http://www.ellenstapenhorst.net <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ======================================= < jht@spamarrest.com > On Monday evening at 7:30pm on October 10, 2005, Singing Skies will present a downstairs concert at the Mt. Chalet called "New Friends To Find" featuring the music of Steve Brook from England and Spain, Rene Wingelaar from Holland, and Tim Durnan from Sacramento. Included will be a John Denver Trivia Contest. $12 donation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To all Canadian John Denver fans! A Canadian Windstar Connections group is forming, initially in Ontario but all Canadians are welcome to join. Pre-requisite is a Windstar Membership. Liz lizzys54@yahoo.com Put "Canadian Windstar Connection Group" in the subject line. Liz Seger, 99 Victoria Street, Apt. 2, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada L3K 2Y5 To join the Windstar Foundation go to http://www.wstar.org - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Susan Leaver < susanleaver@yahoo.com > The essence of John Denver is still very present in New Zealand. Two weeks ago I received a postcard from a new member who was very excited in regards to the CD I sent her. She said "I started singing all the songs all Christmas day and I was surprised I knew all the words. The words were edged with love coming to my heart." Then a week later I took a risk and showed the video "John Denver Remembered" to members of my church. They loved it, voicing it gave them inspiration! Far Out! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Bombardier 2-11-05 "Queen Latifah will both host and perform at the 47th Grammy Awards this Sunday. She is also nominated for the Best Jazz Vocal Album, making her the first entertainer to receive this threefold honor since John Denver in 1979." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Lansing State Journal - Lansing, MI On the Grammy's..."The old days were all pop, Cossette grants. "Andy Williams hosted for seven years, John Denver for four, Kenny Rogers did for awhile." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Orlando Sentinel 2-10-05 "The Crystal Cafe will have a grand re-opening between 4 and 8 pm today. There will be free hors d'oeuvres, live entertainment and Tim McGraw and John Denver look-alikes. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - Lakeland, FL - The Online Ledger 2-4-05 "A Marriage of Folk Heritage" - "The husband and wife team of folk singer Cindy Mangsen and renowned songwriter and guitarist Steve Gillette are featured in tonight's house concert at 7:30pm in the Lakewide Music Room in Winter Haven. Mangsen has been called one of the 'finest pure ballad singers in folk music today' and Gillette's music has been recorded by the likes of Garth Brooks, John Denver and Tammy Wynette. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-3-05 In a Denver Post article about the financial status of the Denver Center Theatre Company... "The DCTC again offered 11 productions in 2003-04, but attendance, total performances and, for the first time in three years, operating capital were up from the previous year. That's in small part attributable to the DCTC's modestly successful ongoing revival of its homegrown "Almost Heaven: Songs and Stories of John Denver." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Kyle Vincent: The official US release date for my new album "Don't You Know" is February 8th. http://www.kylevincent.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Article about the Mitchell Trio and the World Folk Music Association in the Washington Times 1-13-05 http://washingtontimes.com/weekend/20050112-100135-7659r.htm - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Detroit News 11-27-04 Article about a baby born with no kidneys ..."Kelly Nickerson spends her days talking to Elijah, singing to him and praying. She tells him his name means 'the Lord is my God.' And she and her 25-year old husband play music for him." "He loves John Denver," she said. "When I play it, he goes right to sleep." http://www.carepages.com/devos "ElijahPraise" You can send them cards or donations at The Nickerson Family (Seth, Kelly and Elijah) 4172 Pine Creek Road S.W. - Apt. 4 Grand Rapids, MI 49418 "An earlier press story said Eli slept best to John Denver music and fans from as far away as Australia have sent greetings. Elijah Praise Nickerson - born 9-30-05 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ann Schnitz < IATJohnDenver@yahoogroups.com > The John Denver Peace Cloth is proud to announce the visit to Cuba by our good friend, Cassandra Delaney-Denver, to perform for the Naval base. Read about it here: www.malibutimes.com/articles/2005/01/27/life_and_arts/art2.prt - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Billy Dean's cd "Let Them Be Little" will be released on March 29, 2005. It has the song John made famous - "Thank God I'm A Country Boy" as one of the cuts. http://www.billydean.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R P O E T R Y ======================================= The Seasons Four by Emily M. Parris The seasons each have a different pace Some plod along while others race Spring starts out slow but soon bounces along As the flowers blossom and birds sing their song The trees turn green; fragrance fills the air As spring comes in with a solemn prayer Than summer races in a joyful dance Full of sunshine days without a backward glance Filled with life complete; so many things to do Stretching out in joy there in front of you Then autumn slows down as the leaves start to fall And the chilly winds make their determined call But the colors are cheerful as they paint the trees With a palette of colors that are sure to please Then the stern winter reclaims the land With icy, cold fingers and a frozen hand Streams and lakes that were flowing free Become stuck in an icy symmetry Time slows down in an icicle way As the landscape turns to shades of grey ____________________________________ Copyright 2-12-05 by Emily M. Parris Love Is by Cynthia Gullage Love is like a river, flowing Ever onward to the sea. Love is music for the senses, Notes in perfect harmony. Love can bridge the greatest distance. Cause two hearts to beat as one. Love is silvered beams of moon light, And the healing balm of sun. Love can be a breath of Springtime, On a cold and snowy day. It's the perfume of a wild rose, Children happily at play. Love is like a precious jewel, Multifaceted and rare. Love can form a lasting circle. Love is peace, we all can share. Love is an uplifting promise, Guiding you to higher spheres. Open wide your eyes in wonder, See that "Love Is Everywhere". _________________________________________ For Susan Hiatt. Peace and Love, Cynthia Copyright 2-6-05 by Cynthia Gullage ================================================= JOHN DENVER W A N T A D S / F O R S A L E ================================================= Peggy Doering < dnvrfan1@hotmail.com > John Denver related items for sale including a copy of John's autobiography, some rare LPs and several magazines including vintage fan club magazines. Please email me for a complete list. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Gill Regan: Some of you who went to Aspen last October will have seen Mark Robinson from England, performing with Mack Bailey, Chris Nole and Mark Cormican. He now has a website address which will have details of his new CD as soon as it becomes available. http://www.markrobinsonmusic.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The April 2nd Mark Cormican Concert will be recorded for a "live" album to be called: "Mark Cormican Live at the Music Cafe". http://www.markcormican.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Faces of North Carolina Friends of John Denver http://www.ncfriendsofjd.com/FacesNCFriends.html ************************************************************* Rocky Mountain High: The John Denver Internet Fan Club emily@parris.net http://www.rockymtnhigh.org February 2005 * Issue #130 * Editor: Emily M. Parris ************************************************************* ^Z [ Part 2: "Attached Text" ] _______________________________________________ Rockymountainhigh mailing list Rockymountainhigh@emissives.com http://emissives.com/mailman/listinfo/rockymountainhigh_emissives.com