============================================= *** 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 J U L Y 2 0 0 6 Editor: Emily M. Parris ================================================ http://www.rockymtnhigh.org * emily@parris.net ================================================ Table of Contents July 2006 * Issue #147 John Denver Events..............................1 John Denver Notes...............................6 "A Nightingala to Remember" by Roger Baumgarten.......................7 Bio of Mardy Murie, The Murie Center and Alaska Websites..........................8 Poetry Corner: "A Song" by Morgan Sanderson.................10 "Gratitude" by Cynthia Helen Gullage..........1 Gratitude by Cynthia Gullage Welcome the morning. Dance in the sun. Seek solace in places, Where wild ponies run. Hope for tomorrow. Let peace be the way. Give thanks for each blessing God grants you today. ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R E V E N T S ======================================= July 1, 2006 - UK - Country Roads Walk - 6 mile walk in Haworth Yorkshire. 10:00am Meet at the car park at the Haworth Church and the Bronte Parsonage Museum. http://johndenverlookingforspace.com/welcome.htm rockymountain.high@ntlworld.com or 01485 570911 July 2-9, 2006 Cruise Alaska with Jim Curry / "Alaska & Me Cruise" - Jim Curry will perform John Denver's Alaska songs and hits in concert with a full band. 800-826-6732 http://www.cruisemust.com / http://www.jimcurrysmusic.com July 7-8, 2006 - Steamboat Springs, CO - Brad Fitch and the Yampa Valley Boys performing the songs of John Denver. (970) 846-0578 http://www.steamboattheater.com www.cowboybrad.com * www.yampavalleyboys.com July 14-15, 2006 - UK * John Denver Tribute nights featuring Mack Bailey, Pete Huttlinger and Chris Nole in Kirby, North Yorkshire 7:30pm / Kirkby Village Hall / Kirby-in-Cleveland, North Yorkshire, England http://www.fojd.org.uk / Look under Events Telephone: 01642 714061 or 01642 713575 July 15-22, 2006 Princess Cruise to Alaska with Christopher Westfall http://www.newbeginningtour.com It will feature a lot of sing-a-longs, including many favorites sung by John Denver. 732-282-3108 http://www.chriswestfall.com July 29, 2006 - Dousman, WI - Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup - Helpers needed and wanted! / Meet 10:30am at Kettle Moraine Golf Club / 4299 US Hwy 67 / Join the Wisconsin Friends of JD group afterwards for food, fellowship and fun. Carolyn Churchill: the_family_churchill@msn.com (847) 421-4609 July 29-30, 2006 Netherlands - Proposed Euro Denver Weekend in Holland. August 4, 2006 * Estes Park, CO * Brad and Kathy Fitch and their band will present a tribute to John Denver. Long's Peak Inn on Colorado Hwy 7, just south of Estes Park. Benefit for the Rocky Mountain Nature Association www.rmna.org * (970) 586-0108 http://www.cowboybrad.com August 12, 2006 - Hesston, PA - "Rocky Mountain High in the Alleghenies - 3rd Annual Tribute to John Denver" 6:00pm - 10:00pm 7 Points Amphitheater / Raystown Lake in Hesston. Performers will include Christopher Westfall, Tim Dabbs, Mark Cormican, Kevin Delmolino, and Paul Swanton. Free, donations accepted. / info: spiritwsconnections@yahoo.com http://www.geocities.com/spiritwsconnections/ August 18, 2006 - Schenectady, NY * Dinner at Darcey's House 209 Gifford Road 6:00pm * darceyfarrow@john-denver.org (518) 346-2510 August 19, 2006 - Saratoga Springs, NY - The 7th Annual John Denver Potluck Picnic Remembrance Day Weekend - Saratoga Spa State Park / 19 Roosevelt Drive / Family Picnic area near bridge 10:00am - 6:00pm $6 Park Fee www.geocities.com/darceyfarrow/JohnDenverPicnic.html darceyfarrow@hotmail.com August 20, 2006 - Peterborough, NH - New Hampshire Friends of John Denver Annual BBQ - MacDowell Lake - Highway Cleanup @ 1:00pm / BBQ @ 3:00pm http://www.nhfjd.org / info@nhfjd.org August 23, 2006 - Liverpool, NY - John Denver Memorial Concert and food Drive 7:00pm - 9:00pm Johnson Park in the center of the Liverpool Village. Alan Taylor will present an evening of John's best loved songs performed live. Free admission - please bring non perishable food donations to benefit the Liverpool Food Pantry guitarman1946@aol.com (315) 299-5512 August 26, 2006 - Blakely Island, WA - John Denver Tribute featuring Mack Bailey, Mollie Weaver, Chris Nole, Pete Huttlinger, John Sommers, Kenn Roberts and Chris Engleman http://www.mackbailey.com/schedule.htm#aspen August 26, 2006 - Lake Tahoe, CA - "Dancing with the Mountains" Celebrating the music of John Denver 8:00am - 10:00pm $15 / Activities/ Concerts / Movies / Camping / Food & Fun. Tahoe Valley Campground / 1175 Melba Drive / South Lake Tahoe (530) 541-2222 * Laurie Kern (916) 416-3547 September 3, 2006 - Fort Collins, CO - Brad and Kathy Fitch and their TropiCowboy Band - Concert of John Denver's music 6:00pm Fort Collins Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Drive / Fort Collins, CO 80526 * (970) 221-6644 www.cowboybrad.com September 16, 2006 - UK - John Denver Music by Neil and Gill Sharman / Arden Hall, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, West Midlands, England / http://www.timberwolf-studios.com Info: neilandgill@timberwolf-studios.com October 28, 2006 / Annapolis, MD - 6th Annual "Music From the Mountains" - a tribute to John Denver / The Hard Travelers and friends / Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts 8:00pm Tickets not yet on sale / www.mdhallarts.org http://www.musicunites.com October 28, 2006 - UK - John Denver Tribute Charity Concert by Neil & Gill Sharman / The Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight, near Birkenhead, Merseyside, England http://www.timberwolf-studios.com / neilandgill@timberwolf-studios.com November 11, 2006 - Vero Beach, FL - "Music From the Mountains" - A Tribute to John Denver / Benefit Concert for Indian River Memorial Hospital / The Wax Lax Center at St. Edwards School / 1895 St. Edward's Drive Tickets: $150 & $250 include a reception, dinner, silent and live auctions (772) 567-4311 http://www.irhf.org Indian River Hospital Foundation * http://www.musicunites.com/Schedule.htm November 11, 2006 UK "Denver Day" - Coventry / Performances by Brad & Kathy Fitch / Info: president@fojd.org.uk http://www.fojd.org.uk 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 ===================================== JOHN DENVER EVENTS in ASPEN, COLORADO ===================================== October 11, 2006 - Aspen, CO - "Friends With You" Concert at the Aspen Community Church - Mark Cormican, Chris Collins and the Boulder Canyon Band 7:00pm * apokey1@aol.com October 12, 2006 - Aspen, CO - Meet and Greet - John Denver Sanctuary 3:00pm * aspeninoctober@wowway.com October 12, 2006 - Aspen, CO - "Worship on the Mountain" John Denver Sanctuary 3:30pm Christian non-denominational service officiated by Pastor Keith Perry * aspeninoctober@wowway.com October 12, 2006 - Aspen, CO - 9th Annual John Denver Campfire at Maroon Bells East Portal 6:00pm * skyking@cell1net.net October 13, 2006 - Aspen, Co - Assisted Living Center Sing-along. Meet in Wagner Park at 9:00am / Singalong at noon * Shari Sullivan: apokey1@aol.com October 13, 2006 - Aspen, CO - Peace Cloth Event 1:00pm Mountain Chalet * eve@johndenverpeacecloth.com October 13-14, 2006 - Aspen, CO - 9th Annual "A Musical Tribute to John Denver" - Wheeler Opera House 7:00pm 320 E. Hyman Avenue / John Sommers, Mack Bailey, Chris Nole, Jim Salestrom, Bill Danoff, Mollie Weaver, Pete Huttlinger, Jim Horn, Richie Gajate-Garcia, Herb Pederson and Alan Deremo. Also Wendy Larson conducting "The Symphony In the Valley". The M.U.S.E. Foundation * Tickets: $45, $75 and $125 VIP http://www.musicunites.com * (970) 920-5770 October 14, 2006 - Aspen, CO - "Let This Be A Voice" / Mt. Chalet 10:30am - 3:30pm $25 for concert/lunch/auction; $15 for auction/concert. Send check/m.o. to Pam along with a SASE Pam Beasley / 721 Ravencroft Drive / Garland, TX 75043 * Pam's NEW email: firendsky@mac.com October 15, 2006 - Snowmass, CO - Snowmass Chapel Service in Snowmass Village. Reception in the garden following the service. 9:00am October 15, 2006 - Snowmass, CO - Windstar Celebration at the Windstar Land Conservancy 10:00am - 4:00pm $35 (Windstar Membership) * apokey1@aol.com October 15, 2006 - Aspen, CO - A Special Concert with Mack Bailey, Chris Nole, and Pete Huttlinger / Mountain Chalet Ballroom / 333 East Durant Ave. 5:30pm (reception) 6:30pm Concert / Reception includes a wrap and drink. Tickets $25 * Send check to "Spa Creek Music / PO Box 201435 / Denver, CO 80220 * karen@mackbailey.com http://www.mackbailey.com/schedule.htm#aspen October 15, 2006 - Aspen, CO - John Adams Concert at the Wheeler Opera House 7:00pm with Guido Bos, Dave Harding, Diane Ireland, Tom Paxton, Rusty Speigle and Randy Utterback. (970) 920-5770 www.wheeleroperahouse.com $35 / Children & seniors $20 October 16, 2006 - Aspen, CO - John Denver Sanctuary Picnic and Jam/Sing-along. Bring your own picnic lunch. 11:00am / Jam at noon / Please bring your own instruments. Event will end in time for "It's Goodbye Again" / (Mt. Chalet in case of rain) / Dale: renegadetroutfitter@networld.com October 16, 2006 - Aspen, CO - "It's Goodbye Again" 5:00pm Wagner Park on Durant Ave. (Ball field across from Mountain Chalet). Don't just leave! Come and bid farewell, reflect on the past few days, and look to the future. Bring kleenexes and cameras. Deb: aspeninoctober@wowway.com <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ======================================= Roger Zuehlke < rzuehlke1@netzero.net > I watched a PBS broadcast of the documentary life of Mardy Murie Sunday. It was a very moving moment when John sang to Mardy and talked to her about her and her husband's devotion to Alaska and the Artic. A well worth film to see for anyone who cares about Alaska and the preservation of its beauty and wildlife. "Arctic Dance: The Mardy Murie Story" www.arcticdance.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Branson, MO * "John Denver Lives" show on hold for 2006 pending theatre opening in old downtown Branson, near the new Branson Landing shopping center. www.johndenverlives.com * More info: rodphil549@aol.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Kyle Vincent < www.kylevincent.com > now has a message board. Also... Kyle Vincent After Dark www.myspace.com/kylevincent There is an interview with Kyle at http://www.annex22.com/06.07.06--KyleVincentInt.html - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Roy Rivers has been nominated for "Song of the Year", and "Vocal Collaboration of the Year" for his version of "Thank God, I'm A Country Boy" by the European Country Music Association. Dolly Parton sings with him on the song which is the title cut on his album of the same name. http://www.royrivers.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Promenade Theatre in New York City where "Almost Heaven: Songs and Stories of John Denver" played is closing for business on June 11, 2006. It will be renovated and turned into something other than a theater. It was located at 2162 Broadway and was able to seat 399 people. It opened in 1969. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Brian Portway < one@barpinuk.wanadoo.co.uk > John's "I Want To Live" is the song on a video produced by The Wheelchair Foundation. This is being shown to thousands of Rotarians throughout the UK and is causing a real impact through the combination of the song, the words and the scenes of people regaining their lives. You can download the video from the foundation's website. http://www.wheelchairfoundation.org - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Jennifer Anderson < jenniferanderson812@hotmail.com > There are two different countries that have issued a commemorative stamp honoring John in 2005. Nevis issued a sheet on 2-1-05 and Antigua issued a sheet on 11-1-05. They both are single pages with one large picture and 4 smaller stamps on the page. The Nevis stamps are $3.55 and the Antigua stamps are $4.45 per sheet. S/H is $3.00 per order. http://www.stampcenter.com / 1-800-245-7597 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - * * * "A NIGHTINGALA TO REMEMBER" by Roger Baumgarten OK. I confess. I was predisposed to enjoy "Nightingala 2006: A Musical Tribute to John Denver", a June 17th fund-raiser for the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing in Baltimore. First, I've been a John Denver addict for 30 years, having attended eight concerts over twenty years (1976, 1978 at Madison Square Garden, 1980, 1982 in Providence, RI, 1981 at the then Brendan Byrne Arena in New Jersey Meadowlands, 1984 at Radio City Music Hall, 1990-front row!-in Hershey, PA, and December 1996 Christmas concert in Washington with the National Symphony). Second, my step-mom-in-law was on the planning committee for Nightingala. So I just HAD to be there! But my anticipation wasn't worry-free. Would hearing John Denver's music performed by others bring back great memories of concerts past? Would the musicians try "too hard" to duplicate John and, in the process, fall short? Or would they so overwhelm his music with their own "far out" interpretations that I wouldn't recognize what I was hearing? Happily, my worries were completely unfounded, and I offer this simple advice to my fellow John Denver junkies. If the MUSE Foundation schedules a JD tribute concert in your area, buy your tickets today. Buy them yesterday. But buy them, listen, and enjoy. The performers were old-timers John Sommers, Jim Horn, and Bill Danoff and "next generation" John Denver colleagues Chris Nole, Mack Bailey, Jim Salestrom, and Mollie Weaver. Add the musical and production contributions of the MUSE Foundation's Kenn Roberts and Larry Kushner, and the rich sound of the Columbia Orchestra. All combined their considerable talents into an evening that was as satisfying as any John Denver concert I attended. They remained true to the "core" sound and emotion of John Denver's songs while providing their unique-but-respectful-and immensely talented-interpretations. The song selections were outstanding, combining the famous favorites with the less-than-commercially successful songs that were among my favorites. I Want To Live (JD singing over video produced by Johns Hopkins School of Nursing) Columbia Orchestra played "Overture" Back Home Again Fly Away Shanghai Breezes Annie's Song Wish You Were Here (Postcard From Paris) Afternoon Delight (performed by Bill Danoff, of course!) I Guess He'd Rather Be in Colorado I Want to Live Perhaps Love Down Home Time - A Chris Nole Tribute to JD Calypso Whispering Jesse Sunshine On My Shoulders In the Grand Way I'd Rather Be A Cowboy Matthew Poems, Prayers & Promises Potter's Wheel Flying For Me Wings That Fly Us Home Eagles and Horses Thank God I'm A Country Boy (led by John Sommers on the fiddle, of course!) Take Me Home, Country Roads Rocky Mountain High (encore) Happily, the MUSE folks allowed me to photograph the concert. www.kodakgallery.com/baumgarten/main/nightingala_2006_tribute_ to_john_denver Go to www.musicunites.com check out the schedule and buy your tickets to an upcoming JD tribute concert. It's that good. Finally, looking beyond the music...if you attend a MUSE Foundation benefit concert, you'll be doing good, too! Nightingala raised over $300,000 for the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. Not THAT is far out! Roger Baumgarten rogerbaumgarten@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------- * * * Biography of Margaret (Mardy) Murie from Wikipedia Margaret "Mardy" Thomas Murie (August 18, 1902 - October 19, 2003) was the enabling force behind the Wilderness Act in the United States, and the protection of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. She was known as the "Grandmother of the Conservation Movement." Mardy was born in Seattle, Washington in 1902 and then moved to Fairbanks, Alaska in 1911. Murie was the first woman to graduate from the University of Alaska in 1924. She met her husband Olaus Murie in 1924. They took a honeymoon on a dogsled trip on Alaska's Koyukuk River. This area was later incorporated into the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Mardy and Olaus moved to Moose, Wyoming in 1927, where they built a lot cabin and raised three children. Due to the efforts of the Muries (as leaders of the Wilderness Society), the US Government protected the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in 1960. The Wilderness Act was passed by the US Congress in 1964. The Wilderness Act protected millions of acres of wilderness across the country. Bill Clinton awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Mardy Murie in 1998 for her work in protecting wilderness areas. Mardy was also an author who wrote about her Alaska and Wyoming adventures in books such as "Two In The Far North" and "Wapiti Wilderness." * * * "The Murie Center" in Moose, Wyoming continues her work. http://www.muriecenter.org "Arctic Dance: The Mardy Murie Story" is a 128 page photo-essay of Mardy's life by Charlie Craighead and Bonnie Kreps. It has been made into a movie called "Arctic Dance: The Mardy Murie Story" and it is available on DVD and is being shown on PBS Stations around the US. John Denver appears in the movie as well. John's song "A Song For All Lovers" is dedicated to Mardy and Olaus. ALASKA Web Sites: * Alaska - State Symbols and Information www.50states.com/alaska.htm * Alaska Wildcard Free Wildlife E-cards www.alaskawildcard.com * Wild-Eyed Alaska www.hhmi.org/alaska * Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center www.alaskawildlife.org * Alaska Wilderness League www.alaskawild.org * Alaska Conservation Foundation www.akcf.org * Alaska Wildlife Alliance www.akwildlife.org ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R P O E T R Y ======================================= A Song by Morgan Sanderson What's that sound? That whisper? The wind blowing? No... A lone voice In the universe it floats Searching for a heart One who cares Hoping against hope Will someone hear? What is that?? Do you hear it? Another sound A low hum Alone in the vastness Seeking out then touching One voice plus one voice Together They harmonize We listen But, do we care? _____________________________________ Copyright 6-12-06 by Morgan Sanderson Moe - North Pole, Alaska - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sing Australia http://www.freewebs.com/sweetdreamsplace/singaustralia.html Aspen Times - Recycling Center near John Denver Memorial Park http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20060625/COLUMN/60624013 John Denver Espana Club http: 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 July 2006 * Issue #147 * Editor: Emily M. Parris *************************************************************