============================================= *** 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 January 2005 Editor: Emily M. Parris ================================================ http://www.rockymtnhigh.org * emily@parris.net ================================================ Table of Contents January 2005 * Issue #129 John Denver Events...................................................2 "Wanna Be Startin' Something with these Songs" MSNBC 9-8-04......................................................3 CD Reviews: Mark Cormican's "Hourglass" Reviewed by Emily M. Parris................................3 Tim Durnan's "Solace" Reviewed by Laurie Olson....................................4 Poetry Corner: "Poems, Prayers & Rhyme" by Emily Parris..............5 "Rainbow" by Cynthia Gullage...................................6 "Denver Does Disney" from HIH Magazine....................6 John Denver Notes.....................................................7 John Denver Want Ads/For Sale..................................9 * * * ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R E V E N T S ======================================= January 14-15, 2005 * Alexandria, VA - 20th Annual World Folk Music Association Benefit Weekend / The Birchmere Music Hall / The Chad Mitchell Trio will appear on Friday. http://www.wfma.net/con05.htm 888-843-0933 $42.50 January 15, 2005 * Largo, Florida - "Rocky Mountain Memory", a John Denver Tribute concert, starring Ron Rich and the Stone Tree band, Largo Cultural Center 4:00pm & 8:00pm Tickets: $15 (727) 587-6793 January 29, 2004 * Monterey, CA - Tim Durnan will give a house concert of John Denver Songs / 98 Seafoam Ave. 7:30pm http://www.timdurnan.com Seating is limited, so reservations are a must. Judy T < jht@spamarrest.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 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 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 * * * * * * * * * "'Wanna Be Startin' Something' with these songs" MSNBC Web Page 9-8-04 This article had the following comments about "Take Me Home, Country Roads: "When my Honda Civic was broken into this January, the thief stole my stereo and even the cheapie silver shifter knob my husband bought for $14 at GI Joe's. One thing the crook did not take was my double disc "Best of John Denver" CD set, which he or she left prominently on the driver's seat in a pile of shattered glass, as if to say "Come on, lady, even criminals don't want this." Can I help it if criminals have no taste? I've always been drawn to Denver's romantic lyrics, gentle music and liberal views on protecting the environment. I loved even his more obscure tunes - "Rocky Mountain Suite", "Matthew", "60 Second Song for a Bank." I was shocked to hear that he and his first wife, the Annie of "Annie's Song", had divorced - when someone wrote you a song that beautiful, how could it not work out? She filled up his senses, like a night in the forest! Like a mountain in springtime, like a walk in the rain! Plus, he hung out with the Muppets - a true marker of coolness. When Denver's experimental plane crashed in Monterey Bay in 1997, I felt as if I'd lost a brother. And while I might hide his CDs in the glove compartment most of the time, if you see me driving alone and belting like Pavarotti, it's probably not opera I'm singing but "Take Me Home, Country Roads". - Gael Fashingbauer Cooper http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5405143 <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> ========== CD REVIEWS ========== Mark Cormican's CD "HOURGLASS" Reviewed by Emily M. Parris Like a John Denver album, the songs on "Hourglass" are inspiring and filled with themes of family and home. "I'll Be There" is a beautiful song and "Night Song" evokes images of nature with sound effects and words. "Once Upon A Time" is a sad and thoughtful song about lost love. The song "Hourglass" is about Mark's children and the "Late Riser's Lament" is a funny song about sleeping late. Another funny song on this album is the "Ballad of Bill Clinton" based on the "Ballad of Gary Hart" by Tom Paxton that John sang sometimes in concert. It has very clever lyrics. On the album Mark plays 6 and 12 string guitars in addition to the lead and harmony vocals. Rick Marksberry plays electric and acoustic guitars and the mandolin and fiddle. Tracy Ann does Harmony vocals. Greg Slone on percussion; Diane Ireland on the flute, John Orchard on the piano, Randy Marksberry on the bass guitar and Bud Walls on the banjo and lebeda dobro round out the album. It was recorded in 2004 at Rooftop Recording in Independence, Kentucky. The album has a very good mix of different types of songs. One of my favorites is the very inspiring song, "Up There." Mark is a very good songwriter. I like his lyrics and his homespun songs. John Denver fans will love this album because the songs are so thoughtful and inspiring with themes that are similar to John Denver songs. I highly recommend the album. http://www.markcormican.com * * * Tim Durnan's cd, "SOLACE" Reviewed by Laurie Olson Have you ever heard a voice singing clearly on a warm September night? Tell me, have you ever been sure in that single moment, that a blessing had touched your life? Those words came to mind after I was introduced to the music of Tim Durnan, a Sacramento singer/guitarist who primary musical influence was John Denver. The lines I used to begin this story are reminiscent of one of Tim's most melodic and insightful songs, "Have You Ever." Much as John would have, Tim uses music to remind us to be aware of and enjoy the simple pleasures in life - autumn leaves, a falling star, a sunset on the ocean, a storm in the desert, the company of a good friend. I first heard Tim perform at a John Denver tribute hosted by CA Windstar at South Lake Tahoe on September 11th. He did an awesome job with some of John's most beloved songs and tossed in a few of his own. Soon after, I bought Tim's 2001 cd, "Solace," which is a mixture of spiritual celebrations and romantic yearnings. The third track on the album, "It Made Me Think of You," uses vivid autumn imagery and musings about a baby's smile as an anthem for someone special. When I first heard it, I thought of John because he left us in autumn, but it's one of those wonderfully universal songs that a listener can relate to his or her own life. For me, it has become a poignant remembrance of a cherished friend who lives in a foreign land. The title song on Tim's album "Solace" employs sailing metaphors to capture the journey of the soul and takes advantage of the same kind of percussion and yodeling that made John's "Calypso" such a vibrant piece. Every song on the album highlights Tim's amazing ability to arrange and present a highly professional composition. Tim is in the process of finishing his second cd, which will focus on songs of hearth and home. We'll see him in Aspen in October 2005. In the meantime, Tim has a website that shares his personal story, an opportunity to listen to tracks from "Solace," a photograph album, and information about how to purchase his first cd. http://www.timdurnan.com ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R P O E T R Y ======================================= POEMS, PRAYERS and RHYME Dedicated to John Denver by Emily M. Parris There's a place I go to in my mind Where John Denver taught me to go From years of listening to his music All the "greatest hits" I know With an eagle soaring off in flight To a rocky mountain high Each song became a new delight That would make my spirit fly "Windsong" was my inspiration Like the wind it whispered by Each new album beckoned me To dream, like a lullaby "Seasons of the Heart" - so gentle It was John Denver at his best So much emotion dwelling there With inspiration it was blessed The songs are all like photographs Each with a memory of that time A musical encapsulation of His poems, prayers and rhyme _____________________________________ Copyright 12-16-04 by Emily M. Parris RAINBOW by Cynthia Gullage Where columbines are blooming, And snow caps kiss the sky There's a place that I am longing for, A rocky mountain high. Sunshine on my shoulders, A verdant dewy knoll, Aspens whisp'ring softly O'er tumbling waterfalls, An eagle's soaring splendour, Pink the sky at dawn, Paradise on earthly soil, A rainbow-coloured song. Springtime's promise whispered, Summer's sweet reply. Autumn's harvest given, Winter's frosty ploy. Country roads well traveled, And just around the bend, A vista of cathedrals Leads back home again _______________________________________ Copyright 2004 by Cynthia Helen Gullage * * * "Denver Does Disney" Reprinted from "Hearts in Harmony" Journal, Issue 42, Fall/Winter, 96-97) September 29, 1996 - John Meets Mickey: Our journey started with an email flash bulletin from Emily Parris on our computer. It said "John Denver will put his hands in cement at 2 pm on September 29th, in front of the Chinese Theater at Disney MGM Studios, as part of the Disney World 25th Anniversary Celebration. He will also give a talk at the new Disney Institute on October 1st." We were off the next morning. When we got to MGM we were early and took some time to look around as we had never been in that part of the park before. We didn't take in much of the entertainment because were there for a specific reason - to cover John's induction into the Disney World Family of Stars. Soon the announcement came over the PA "Ladies and gentlemen, world famous recording artist and actor....John Denver!" John was in a motorcade preceded by a marching band and accompanied by none other than Mickey Mouse himself! He waved at cheering multitudes while holding daughter Jesse Belle's hand. When the car stopped he walked up the red carpet, and after a brief talk with the MC he placed his hands in the cement and signed it. He tried to get Jesse Belle to put her hands in but she refused causing laughter from the audience. They got back in the motorcade and left with the marching band, Mickey Mouse and all; laughing all the way. What a great scene it was! - - - - - - - - ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ======================================= The Detroit News in their "New on Video" section lists John Denver and the Muppet's "A Christmas Together" as one of the top 5 cds for kids. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - John Denver's "Perhaps Love" was played at the memorial service for Jerry Orbach held on 12-31-04 at the Riverside Memorial Chapel in New York City. He was best known for playing Detective Lennie Briscoe on tv's "Law and Order." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ellen Stapenhorst's new cd "Come Back Home" will be reviewed in the February 2005 issue of the RMH newsletter. http://www.ellenstapenhorst.net - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - An article from the man who helped John Denver buy his Long EZ Plane: http://www.ecobb.net/Denver.htm - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Chuck Munson: I went to the Dolly Parton concert in Spokane, WA on December 18. She sang an energetic rendition of "Thank God, I'm A Country Girl" and afterwards yelled out a "Thank God for John Denver!" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - First 2005 Aspen Event Announcement: "Colors of the Rainbow" Presented by Georgiann McDaniel, Reiki Master, CMT "Come share with us the music of the mountains and the colors of the rainbow. A special presentation combining John Denver music with a discussion on how music and color can improve your well-being. Special music with Ken Dravis. A portion of profits to be donated to Windstar. (See details in the "Events" section of the newsletter) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Annalisa Berns has made the suggestion that we include a "What I do in honor of John Denver" section in the newsletter. So send in your thoughts on the subject to emily@parris.net Netty Verburg and Michiel ten Brug have adopted a parcel of Bearforest in John's honor. I received this from Netty: Bearforest Project Has Succeeded "A few months ago Michiel ten Brug and I started a project to help save bears and to take care of them after their ill-treatment. The bears who are saved have found a new home in a Bearforest, a part of Ouwehands Zoo, Rhenen, The Netherlands. To keep John's legacy, vision and his love for every breathing thing here on earth alive we wanted to buy a parcel of the Bearforest in honor of John Denver. It makes me glad to announce that, thanks to the help, support and donations of many John Denver fans from foreign countries and from the Netherlands, we have bought a parcel of the Bearforest. The parcel of land has the number 1231, John's birthday. Last week we received the certificate of "ownership" of this parcel. You can watch the certificate on the website: www.higherground.nl/BerenbosKavelVoorJohnDenver/index-EN.htm On the billboard at the entrance of the Bearforest will be written the following line: "Together we can make a difference" - John Denver" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Helen Stanford < hstanford@tscnet.com > John Denver is alive and well in the Seattle area! An AM station, KIXI 880, plays him fairly often - at least once or twice a day! It's a station aimed at older folks, in their 60's and up, but it's still a fun station to listen to for the great variety they play. A local alternative newspaper, aimed at the 20- and 30- somethings, even encouraged young adults to listen to this station, to hear some REAL classics! I've heard "Sunshine on My Shoulders", "Looking For Space", "Thank God, I'm A Country Boy", "Annie's Song" and many others. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "The Tower Restaurant and Magic Bar" in Snowmass, Colorado closed in April 2004. Michael Shore was the co-owner with John Denver. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Denny Brooks has a section called "John Denver... A Friend Remembers" on his website... "John and Denny grew up playing music together, beginning in 1964. Denny was John's background singer and guitarist from 1976 to 1986. Denny's stories and songs of John's recording and touring years, along with songs of those years by James Taylor, Jimmy Buffet, and the like, bring a show for all ages." http://www.dennybrooks.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sue DiCicco has a picture of the John Denver Sculpture on her website at http://www.diciccostudios.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "Country Weekly Magazine" - January 3, 2005 has a one page article celebrating John's 35th Anniversary of his solo debut. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To Join the North Carolina Friends of John Denver email Laura Bollinger at < countryroadsnc@bellsouth.net > - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Netty: Rafael Rubio, the webmaster of the Spanish John Denver club has uploaded a new clip of John on his site. John sings a medley of Christmas songs with Reba McEntire and Aretha Franklin. http://www.johndenverclub.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Cassandra Delaney-Denver won the "Complete Package of the year" award at the 2003 LA Music Awards. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ================================================= JOHN DENVER W A N T A D S / F O R S A L E ================================================= 2005 John Denver CALENDARS $24.00 for one / $44.00 for two. Check or M.O. payable to Carol Blevins / 1213 River Road / Quarryville, PA 17566 < blevins@epix.net > (717) 548-2457 Prices include postage in the U.S. Overseas please email. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Teresa Burnett < Tesatweety@aol.com > has an extensive list of John Denver LP's for sale. Email her for details. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Micki < speechtherapist@juno.com > John Denver albums for sale to a fan. Unfortunately, I have to downsize and I'm willing to part with my JD albums. They are all original, in great shape. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Peggy Doering < dnvrfan1@hotmail.com > I've decided to pare down the scope of my JD collection. I have a lot of rare items, memorabilia, magazines, books, fan club publications, posters, a few videos and other items related to JD that I need to sell. Please email for a list. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sherry Cook < backhomagain@yahoo.com > Did you ever have something so simple that you had never thought of just hit you right out of the blue? Last night while discussing my Mary Kay business, a realization hit me just like that. For over a year now I have been a Mary Kay consultant, but it has been one part of my life and carrying on John Denver's legacy has been another. The two didn't seem to harmonize, but with this idea, they are! If you will visit my website and place an order, I will donate a portion of my proceeds to Windstar. That way, whatever you purchase will help my business grow, and more importantly to me, Windstar grow! www.MaryKay.com/scook2426 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Andrea Kusten < ajk18@comcast.net > I was luck enough to purchase a number of rare John Denver acetates (test pressings) from a Hollywood Estate recently. I will be auctioning them off individually on Ebay. My EBAY seller id is... bigmamafreak - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - New Releases at CD Universe Denver, John "Back Home Again" (Remastered) cd Japanese Import $29.59 Denver, John "Rhymes & Reasons" (Remastered) cd Japanese Import $29.59 Denver, John "Windsong" (Remastered) cd Japanese Import $29.59 www.cduniverse.com * They have 104 listings for John Denver - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The John Denver Memorial Peace Cloth is available for all JD-related events. Email peaceclothinfo@yahoogroups.com for more information. http://www.johndenverpeacecloth.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From Pam... Wanted acoustic guitar player/vocalist who does JD tunes. I've played flute for 25+ years and want to jam with someone. I live in Raleigh, NC. (919) 821-4020 Thanks - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Pete Huttlinger < info@petehuttlinger.com > I have finally put out a complete transcription book with both standard notation and TAB for my album, "Catch and Release". http://www.petehuttlinger.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - New John Denver Posters from 1976 Photos http://www.posters.picturethistoday.com Defenders of Wildlife http://www.wildlifeadoption.org Watch an Eagle Fly http://snipurl.com/eagle_eye ************************************************************* Rocky Mountain High: The John Denver Internet Fan Club emily@parris.net http://www.rockymtnhigh.org January 2005 * Issue #129 * Editor: Emily M. Parris ************************************************************* ^Z [ Part 2: "Attached Text" ] _______________________________________________ Rockymountainhigh mailing list Rockymountainhigh@emissives.com http://emissives.com/mailman/listinfo/rockymountainhigh_emissives.com