=============================================== *** 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 9 Editor: Emily M. Parris ================================================ http://www.rockymtnhigh.org * emily@parris.net ================================================ Table of Contents July 2009 - Issue #183 John Denver Events............................1 Steve Weisburg Visits James Garrett's "A Tribute to John Denver" in Branson.......5 Jim Curry Biography...........................6 John Denver Notes.............................7 Poetry Corner: "Memories" by Cynthia Gullage..............8 John Denver Want Ads..........................9 ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R E V E N T S ======================================= July 11, 2009 - Modesto, CA - "A Tribute to the Music of John Denver" starring Jim Curry and his band. Gallo Center for the Arts Mary Stewart Rogers Theater (209) 338-2100 toll free: 1-877-488-3380 http://www.galloarts.com http://www.jimcurrymusic.com July 14, 2009 - Estes Park, CO - "John Denver Tribute Concert" - TropiCowboy Band / Brad & Kathy Fitch http://www.tropicowboy.com July 25, 2009 - Hesston, PA - "Headin' To The Mountains II": An Evening with Christopher Westfall! 7:30pm Seven Points Amphitheater, Raystown Lake, 7 Points Road, Hesston, PA. srose312@embarqmail.com * http://raystown.nab.usace.army.mil/. July 31, 2009 - Breckenridge, CO - John Adams & Friends play the music of John Denver 7:00pm Riverwalk Center $15 August 1, 2009 - Hesston, PA - "Friends With You Band - Tribute to John Denver 7:00 - 10:00pm / Seven Points Amphitheater - Raystown Lake Seven Points Road - Hesston, PA / Free admission but donations accepted. Suzanne < srose312@embarqmail.com > or Patty < pjspiker@verizon.net > http://raystown.nab.usace.army.mil/ August 2, 2009 - Dana Point, CA - "A Tribute to the Music of John Denver" starring Jim Curry and his band - City of Dana Point, Heritage Park 34400 Old Golden Lantern (949) 248-3530 http://www.danapoint.org * http://www.jimcurrymusic.com August 7, 2009 - Holly Springs, PA - Chris Collins and friends in Concert 7:00 p.m, Tickets: $15.00 Holly Inn, 31 Baltimore Ave, Mt. Holly Springs, PA Info: srose312@embarqmail.com or pjspiker@verizon.net, www.hollyinn.com or the Holly Inn 717-486-3823. August 14, 2009 – Van Wert, Ohio – Tribute to John Denver starring Ted Vigil and his band. Fountain Park – Van Wert, OH August 15, 2009 – Saratoga Springs, NY – The Upstate New York John Denver Potluck Picnic 10am – 6pm Family picnic area near the playground / 16 Roosevelt Drive / Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 www.geocities.com/darceyfarrow/JohnDenverPicnic.html darceyannefarrow@yahoo.com August 21-22, 2009 – South lake Tahoe, CA – 6th Annual “Dancing With the Mountains: A Musical Tribute to John Denver” featuring the “Friends With You Band” as well as “Aspen Meadow” Tickets $15 – Tahoe Valley RV Resort / 1175 Melba Drive / South lake Tahoe, CA Laurie Kern lkern@sbcglobal,net 916-416-3547 www.dancingwiththemountains.info September 5, 2009 - Big Bear Lake, CA - "A Tribute to the Music of John Denver" starring Jim Curry and his Band. (909) 866-3437 http://www.bigbeardiscoverycenter.com http://www.jimcurrymusic.com September 12, 2009 - Claremont, CA - " A Tribute to the Music of John Denver" starring Jim Curry Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden (909) 625-8767 http://www.rsabg.org http://www.jimcurrymusic.com September 18, 2009 - Charlottesville, VA - "A Tribute to the Music of John Denver" will be performed by Jim Curry, his band, and special guest Jim Connor 8:00pm at the Paramount Theater, 215 East Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 979-1333 http://www.theparamount.net http://www.JimCurryMusic.com September 26, 2009 - UK - Friends of John Denver's Autumn "Denver Day" Histon & Impington Royal British Legion Club, Saffron Road, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9LJ. 11:00am / More info on the "Events Page" at http://www.fojd.org.uk An evening concert will feature Rene and Thomas from "Nickels & Dimes" October 7, 2009 - Aspen, CO - Chris Collins in Concert at the Aspen Community Church 7:00pm Tickets: $15 Jeff Pine will also perform. Chris and Jeff will perform original music along with a few John Denver tunes. Hollie: holliecwoodstock@aol.com (678) 576-0269 Doors open at 6:30pm October 8, 2009 - Aspen CO - Wheeler Opera House – THE JOHN DENVER ALL STAR TRIBUTE BAND IN CONCERT "Doin' Their Own Thing" Featuring the original music of: MACK BAILEY - DENNY BROOKS - BILL DANOFF - ALAN DEREMO – RICHIE GAJATE-GARCIA - PETE HUTTLINGER CHRIS NOLE - HERB PEDERSEN - KENN ROBERTS JIM SALESTROM - JOHN SOMMERS - MOLLIE WEAVER Tickets go on sale June 2009! http://www.wheeleroperahouse.com/wheeler/ October 8, 2009 - Aspen, CO - "Friends With You Band Tribute to John Denver" Chris Collins, Mark Cormican, Kevin Delmolino, Paul Swanton, Bill Powell and Mark Nelson perform at the Aspen Community Church 2:00pm Tickets: $15 Sharon alaskanchild@yahoo.com Doors open at 1:30pm OCTOBER 9th & 10th, 2009 – ASPEN, CO - THE WHEELER OPERA HOUSE 12th Annual JOHN DENVER TRIBUTE CONCERTS Celebrating the Man and his Music MACK BAILEY - DENNY BROOKS - BILL DANOFF ALAN DEREMO - RICHIE GAJATE-GARCIA - PETE HUTTLINGER - DON GROVE MICHAEL JOHNSON (special guest - both nights!) GARY MULE DEER - CHRIS NOLE - HERB PEDERSEN - KENN ROBERTS JIM SALESTROM - JOHN SOMMERS - MOLLIE WEAVER Tickets go on sale June 2009! http://www.wheeleroperahouse.com/wheeler/ http://www.aspenshowtickets.com (866) 449-0464 October 9, 2009 - Aspen, CO - "Chill the Drills" in Alaska - An afternoon of music and information about Alaska's resources. 2:30pm For more information, contact Jennifer windwalker@samsco.org October 10, 2009 - Ashcroft, CO - Pine Creek Cookhouse Luncheon 11:00am - 3:00pm / Tickets $50 includes a gourmet lunch. A DVD from the film libtrary of Mr. John Wilcox will be available for purchase at the event. It is not included in the admission price. "Friends With You Band" will perform. The event is sold out but a waiting list will be kept. Email Jennifer at windwalker@samsco.org October 11, 2009 - Pacific Grove, California - John Denver Tribute - Info: pixiedmyr@aol.com October 11, 2009 – Aspen, CO - Jim Connor and Ellen Stapenhorst will present a FUN concert at the Aspen Community Church, 200 E. Bleeker St in downtown Aspen. 3:00pm Donation, $15 if ordered with SASE before October 1, or $20 at the door. To order send a SASE (self-addressed- stamped-envelope) to J. Therrien, 12 Dunecrest Av, Monterey, CA 93940. Info: jht2008@pacbell.net October 11, 2009 - Aspen, CO - "Coming Home - A Windstar Celebration" Windstar Land Conservancy / 2317 Snowmass Creek Road / Old Snowmass, Colorado 10:00am - 4:00pm Live music, new Windstar products, silent auction, Environmental presentation by John Fielder / Special Windstar History Presentation featuring rare photos / Q&A's with President Ron Deutschendorf / JD Memorial Peace Cloth Display / EARTHcamp and Connections Presentations History walk / Hike to the Meditation Platform / Refreshments ComingHome@wstar.org October 11, 2009 – Aspen, CO – Mark Cormican – A Concert for Vital Ground / Mark will perform original and cover songs in this environmentally themed Concert. 7:00pm Tickets $15 – Location to be announced. Sharon Cormican alaskanchild@yahoo.com http://www.vitalground.org October 11, 2009 - Aspen, CO - "Rocky Mountain High John Denver Tribute Concert" with John Adams and Friends. Wheeler Opera House 7:00pm. (970) 920-5770 Reserved seating $35 http://www.JohnAdamsMusic.com * www.youtube.com/JohnAdamsMusic http://www.wheeleroperahouse.com The band will consist of John Adams; Guitars and lead vocals, Tim Stroud, piano, keyboards and vocals; Keely Brown, Accordian and vocals; Randy Utterback, Mandolin, Fiddle and Dobro; Dave Harding, lead Guitar; Willie Hoevers, Percussion; Salena Castleberry and Sally Peterson, Vocals Branson, MO - Monday through Saturday 10:00am "A Tribute to John Denver & Country Music Legends" James Garrett sings John Denver's best-loved hits. IMAX Little Opry Theatre / 3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway / Branson, MO 65616 (800) 419-4832 <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> Steve Weisberg Visits James Garrett's " A Tribute to John Denver" in Branson, Missouri James Garrett honors the memory of his friend, John Denver, 6 days a week in Branson, Missouri. His tribute has been awarded "Best Morning Show in Branson" two years in a row. For three days in June, Steve Weisberg, John's original lead guitarist, joined John on stage. Watching and listening to Steve on stage was a remarkable experience. "A Tribute to John Denver" is performed in a small, intimate, 208-seat theater. James enjoys engaging the audience and keeping the atmosphere relaxed, comfortable and friendly. Steve called the theater "Magic" and fit in perfectly with the band and flow of the show. The fact that they had never rehearsed is powerful proof that these are two extraordinarily talented professionals with a detailed knowledge and love of John's music. Steve delighted the audiences with his own personal stories of John, his sense of humor, and his magnificent guitar playing. James is known for having the longest two-hour show in Branson because he seldom finishes in less than 2 1/2 hours. Each day Steve performed, the show went over 3 hours, and no one got up to leave! One of the many highlights of the show was hearing Steve sing "Christmas for Cowboys", which he wrote for John and is on John's "Rocky Mountain Christmas" album. He told us that John needed one more song for the album and wanted a cowboy Christmas song. The two of them had a contest to see who could come up with a song. Steve completed his first. John liked it, and they went into a recording studio to record it. John sang, Steve played guitar, and they did it in one take. In 1974 I attended John's concert at the Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles. It would be the first of many John Denver concerts for me. I remember John introducing Steve and calling him "Pokey", exactly as heard on the "An Evening With John Denver" album. All these years later to actually meet Steve Weisberg, visit with him, watch him play, listen to his guitar, and hear his stories has been an amazing experience. Steve also graciously autographed my original "An Evening With John Denver" album cover and the record sleeve with his picture from the "Spirit" album. James met Steve in 1974 and they have stayed in touch all these years. What a wonderful way for James to start his third summer season in Branson, and what a wonderful, wonderful treat for any John Denver fan. We look forward to Steve's return in the fall. Sue Callison IMAX Theater 3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway Branson, MO 65616 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Jim Curry Biography Born into a military family in Newport Rhode Island, Jim is the fifth born of nine children. His family moved from Newport to Texas, then to New Orleans, then to California, where he learned to play the guitar, and sing. It was at a Boy Scout pot luck dinner with a banjo, singing Sunshine On My Shoulders, that Jim was first noticed by Anne. Jim & Anne dated for three short months and in the summer before his twelfth grade in high school his father retired from the Navy and again they moved back to Texas. "Annie's Song" was at the top of the charts but their hearts were broken by the separation. It was in the small town of Dickinson, Texas that Jim found the music and the friends that would ease the pain of lost love. He was asked to write a song and perform it for that year's school play "The Time of Your Life" by William Saroyan. The students voted it to be the class song for 1975. The Rotary Club awarded Jim with a full two-year music scholarship. While in college Jim performed light opera roles in Hansel & Gretel, Mid Summer Nights Dream, and was the Lead in Bastein & Basteina. While Jim enjoyed music he also was a talented artist and studied commercial art and drafting. After two years of college and one year of working as a designer for an outdoor advertising firm in Houston, Jim went back to California to find Anne and see if she still loved him. On October 20, 1979, Anne & Jim were married. Their Honeymoon was a road trip to Aspen. Following his art career Jim began his own business painting signs. Anne joined him and helped to build a business. Over fourteen years Jim & Anne had built the little sign company up to twenty employees manufacturing neon signs and storefront signs. They also began their family. Brian was born in 1987, and Matthew was born in 1994. Music had faded into the background and business had taken it's toll on their life. Work was all there was. Anne wanted out, and the economy was poor. Jim was offered a management position at a custom exhibit company. He took the job and over the next 8 years the music gradually came back into their lives. On Jim and Anne's 20th anniversary they went back to Aspen Colorado and celebrated with other John Denver fans, singing once again. Jim then landed the part of singing the voice of John Denver for the CBS Made for TV Movie "Take Me Home, The John Denver Story". Although, only a small part of the movie required Jim's voice, it was the break that would give Jim the recognition as a serious singer and allow him to step closer to his dream of being a full time musician. In 2002 Jim left the exhibit company to pursue his music full time. Since then Jim has surpassed all expectations of his career goals. Performing often in Las Vegas and is a popular hit in California concert venues. Jim Curry is in good company performing in season concert series venues, lined up with greats like: Herman's Hermits, Davey Jones, Chubby Checkers, and many more! His skills as a performer delight everyone; even the seasoned pros say he is fresh and honest. Jim Curry is sure to leave you smiling and in love with this music all over again. <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> ==================================== J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ==================================== From: Friends of John Denver Hi Emily, and all Friends of John Denver, News of a new recording (cover) of John’s Back Home Again: Springsteen Joins Fogerty on New Studio Album by Jay Lustig The Star-Ledger June 09, 2009 Bruce Springsteen will make a guest appearance on John Fogerty's upcoming album, "The Blue Ridge Rangers Rides Again" (yes, that's "Rides," not "Ride"). The two will duet on the Everly Brothers hit "When Will I Be Loved." The album, consisting mostly of covers, is due to be released in late summer or early fall. It is designed as a tribute to Fogerty's musical roots, and is a sequel to his 1973 album, "The Blue Ridge Rangers." The album will also feature Don Henley and Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles, on Rick Nelson's "Garden Party." Other songs Fogerty will perform include John Prine's "Paradise," John Denver's "Back Home Again," Buck Owens' "I Don't Care (Just As Long As You Love Me)" and his own "Change in the Weather," originally recorded for his 1986 album, "Eye of the Zombie." Friends of John Denver * www.fojd.org.uk - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - IAT John Denver is now on Facebook: Please come find us at "IAT-John Denver" http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=100472756285 Ann, Mary and Sandy - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - =============== POETRY CORNER =============== Memories by Cynthia Gullage Sometimes, of an evening, As dusk paints the sky, My thoughts wing me backward To days long gone by. I remember a young man, Who sang of the seasons. Who purported peace, Gave us his rhymes and reasons. He spoke of one world, And the battles that raged. We each grew to love him, Through all of his days. He filled up our senses, Imparted his dreams, In a voice golden hued, Clear as pure mountain streams. We laughed and we cried As the years drifted by. He opened our eyes, Lifted each spirit high. Too early he left us. Still we carry on The work that he started, Our 'Far Out" friend,John. ____________________________________ Copyright June 11, 2009 by Cynthia Gullage ======================================== J O H N D E N V E R W A N T A D S ======================================== WINDSTAR PRODUCTIONS is looking for high quality concert & candid photographs of John Denver, for a soon to be released DVD box set of unreleased John Denver concerts from around the world. All photographs must have been filmed by the submitter who owns the copyright, we cannot accept photographs from you taken by other photographers. We are also looking for high resolution scans of any concert memorabilia, such as tickets, posters, hand bills, newspaper advertisements, etc. There will be no payments, but we will send a free box set to whoever submitted accepted and used material. While we cannot promise it, if the DVD label includes a thank you section, we will also put your name there. Please send an email that clearly states that you give Windstar Productions permission to use your submissions, along with your name & address to: johndenver@enliven.tv - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Mary Kushneir 7999 Spruce Hill Drive Clay, NY 13041 Email: mmk@twcny.rr.com John Denver VHS Video Tape available: "Higher Ground" Cost: $15 includes postage (U.S.A.) Please write or email. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ATemple816@aol.com I would like to trade JD concert cds (have over 450). Peace Alfie - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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 2009 * Issue #183 * Editor: Emily M. Parris *************************************************************