============================================= *** 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 JUNE 2004 Editor: Emily M. Parris ================================================ http://www.rockymtnhigh.org * emily@parris.net ================================================ Table of Contents June 2004 * Issue #122 John Denver Events..........................2 Review of "Almost Heaven" - Arrow Rock, MO by Emily M. Parris........................5 "Calypso's Future in Doubt".................6 "Appeal to Chirac to Save Cousteau Ship"....7 John Denver Notes...........................7 Poetry Corner: "Rocky Mountain Minstrel" by Emily M. Parris.....................8 CD Reviews: Chris Nole's cd "Fly Away" Reviewed by Stephanie Dubick...........9 John Denver Want Ads.......................10 ==================================== On June 16, 2004 we drove 100 miles to Arrow Rock, Missouri to see "Almost Heaven: Songs and Stories of John Denver." See my review in this issue. ==================================== ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R E V E N T S ======================================= June 5, 2004 * Baltimore, MD "Nightingala: A Musical Tribute to John Denver" / Peabody Concert Hall / One Mount Vernon Place / The Hard Travelers / 8:00pm $40 (410) 955-4284 www.son.jhmi.edu / M.U.S.E. Foundation & KO Productions / Benefit for Johns Hopkins School of Nursing June 9-20, 2004 - Arrow Rock, Missouri - Missouri Premier of "Almost Heaven: Songs & Stories of John Denver" / http://www.lyceumtheatre.org / Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre / High Street / Arrow Rock, MO 65320 / $30 / 660-837-3311 June 19, 2004 * Ormond Beach, FL * Rocky Mountain Memory Show, A John Denver Tribute concert with Ron Rich and the Stone Tree band 7:00pm Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 339 N. US1 * $15 (386) 676-3375 * Info: lvscoy@aol.com June 25-27, 2004 - Snowmass, Colorado - 2004 Windstar Colorado Connection Summer Retreat "Restoration & Renewal" on the Windstar land in Snowmass. Registration $40.00 Dreaux: dreuxdog@comcast.net June 25-27, 2004 - Virginia - Joint Campout - NC Friends of John Denver and the PA Friends of John Denver - Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park / 16 Recreation Lane / Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579 $25 per night / 1-800-258-9532 http://www.campnbr.com Pat Liddic < tigersnwolves@comcast.net > July 24, 2004 - Princeton, NJ * Christopher Westfall - Cafe Improv, 102 Witherspoon St. http://www.cafeimprov.com John Irving: (609) 921-3857 July 29, 2004 - Estes Park, CO - "John Denver Tribute Concert" Brad Fitch. 7:00pm - Performance Park in Downtown Estes Park. http://www.tropicowboy.com/gigschedule.htm Info@TropiCowboy.com August 1, 2004 - Snowmass, CO - Snowmass Chapel Benefit Concert / Snowmass Village Rodeo Grounds / Mack Bailey with John Sommers, Twirp Anderson, Tom & Julie Paxton 11:00am http://www.mackbailey.com August 5, 2004 - Banning, CA - Jim Curry & Friends at the "Laura May Stewart Bowl Building Concert Series" http://www.jimcurrymusic.com (909) 922-3243 Banning, CA Web Page: http://www.ci.banning.ca.us/ August 14, 2004 - Hesston, PA - "Rocky Mountain High in the Alleghenies: A Musical Tribute to John Denver" Seven Points Amphitheater Ribbon Cutting ceremony and tree dedication 7:00pm Raystown Lake / Tim & Amy Dabbs and Ray Erhard will perform. Spirit Windstar Connection: spiritwsconnections@yahoo.com http://www.geocities.com/spiritwsconnections August 15, 2004 * NH Friends of John Denver Barbecue and Highway Cleanup / Cleanup 1:00pm / Barbecue 3:00pm Diane dnilsson@tellink.net / Barbecue will be at McDowell Lake in Peterborough, NH / gerrich@crosswinds.net http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/recreati/eml/emlhome.htm Paul Swanton & Friends will perform. September 11, 2004 - South Lake Tahoe JD Tribute Event is being Organized. Bill Templin 916-601-9954 For information: kingsriverwet@hotmail.com September 19, 2004 * Spring Grove, IL / "John Denver Tribute" at the Shades of Autumn Music Festival / "Will Kruger & Cross Roads" 12:00 Noon / Info: wilbil@quixnet.net September 24, 2004 * Snowmass, CO * Windstar Foundation: NEW Choices for Your Future Symposium http://www.wstar.org WindstarCO@wstar.org September 25, 2004 * Annapolis, MD / 4th Annual "Music From the Mountains - A Tribute to John Denver" Maryland Hall Center for the Performing Arts / Tickets & Ordering information to be announced. JOHN DENVER TRIBUTE EVENTS: October 1-3, 2004 - Salida, CO - John Denver Celebration / Seating limited to 200. $65 christinesmith@amigo.net Check or money order payable to "JD Celebration LLC - Christine Smith / 1115 E. Rainbow Blvd. / Suite 206 / Salida, Colorado 81201 http://www.johndenverlegacy.com October 3-17, 2004 - U.K. "Friends of John Denver" Trip to Aspen, Colorado * http://www.fojd.org.uk janet.wakeman@ntlworld.com / Janet Wakeman / 93 Woodlands Avenue / West Byfleet / Surrey / KT14 6AP October 7, 2004 - Aspen, CO - Aspen "Meet & Greet" / Worship Service / More information as it becomes available. October 7, 2004 - Aspen, CO - "Rocky Mountain Memory", a John Denver Tribute Benefit concert starring Ron Rich and his band. Aspen District Theater 8:00pm $20 (970) 920-5770 Benefits the Windstar Foundation / lvscoy@aol.com http://www.wheeleroperahouse.com October 8-10, 2004 * Aspen, Colorado - "A Musical Tribute to John Denver" at the Wheeler Opera House (970) 920-5770 Fundraiser for Challenge Aspen. Tickets on sale 7-1-04. http://www.wheeleroperahouse.com October 8-10, 2004 * Australia * John Denver Memorial sponsored by Higher Ground Australia / Boonah http://www.highergroundaustralia.com Janette Frawley < jfrawley@highergroundaustralia.com > October 8-9, 2004 * Blackhawk, CO * Rocky Mountain Memory Show, a JD Tribute concert with Ron Rich and the Stone Tree band / Mountain High Casino Info: lvscoy@aol.com October 8, 2004 - Aspen, CO / Peace Cloth Concert, Silent Auction and Presentation of 2004 Vision Award / Mountain Chalet 1:00pm / with Chris Collins and others to be announced. $20 / Eve Kleinfeld < EEEEEKL@aol.com > October 9, 2004 * Aspen, Colorado * "Let This Be A Voice" Auction/Lunch/Concert 11:30am - 3:30pm Mt. Chalet Ballroom $20 (or $10 for just the concert/auction) Check/M.O. payable to Pamela Beasley / 721 Ravencroft Drive / Garland, TX 75043 Performers include Mark Cormican, Mack Bailey, Pete Huttlinger and Chris Nole. Mary < eagleshorses@yahoo.com >, Pam < pamela.beasley@airmail.net > October 10, 2004 - Denver, CO - Rocky Mountain Memory Show, a JD Tribute concert with Ron Rich and the Stone Tree band / Swallow Hill Music Hall, 71 E. Yale Ave, Denver, CO 80210 / 3:00pm (303-777-1003 $20 Info: lvscoy@aol.com October 11, 2004 - Aspen, CO - Mack Bailey Concert with Chris Nole and other guests. Mountain Chalet Ballroom 1:00pm Karen (301) 229-9191 * Email: penguins51@aol.com http://www.mackbailey.com/schedule#Aspen October 16, 2004 * Wilmington, NC - "A Musical Tribute to John Denver" - Hard Travelers & friends / Thalian Hall / Benefit for Yahweh Center Children's Village / (410) 825-6873 http://www.musicunites.com November 13, 2004 - Flanders, NJ - Christopher Westfall at Crossroads Coffeehouse 8:00pm http://www.crossroadsmtolive.org/coffeehouse.htm November 13, 2004 - U.K. - Autumn Denver Day at the Avenue Bowling Club, Gaveston Road, Coundon, Coventry. http://www.fojd.org.uk <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> REVIEW of "Almost Heaven: Songs and Stories of John Denver" Arrow Rock, Missouri June 16, 2004 by Emily M. Parris < emily@parris.net > It was with much joy that we set out to see the musical "Almost Heaven: Songs and Stories of John Denver." The venue was the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theater in Arrow Rock, Missouri. It is about 100 miles from Kansas City so we left early to catch the 2:00pm matinee with time to drive home the same day. We started out at about 8:00am and had our lunch in Marshall, Missouri; arriving in Arrow Rock at about 1:00pm. There were 3 tour busses already in the town and people were milling about everywhere. Antique Shops, restaurants and a historical book store were there on the planked-sidewalk streets. As we got to the lobby there were posters listing all the plays that had been shown at the historic theater since 1961. It seemed odd to have such a treasure as the Lyceum Theatre tucked away in such a remote spot in Missouri. In Kansas City I had never even been aware of its existence until now. The stage was on 3 levels with steps leading to each of them. Wooden logs framed the stage and a screen at the back which gave it all a rustic cabin look. There were 6 singers in the production and 4 musicians. The musicians were set up on the left and right sides of the stage. Two of the singers also had guitars. The actor/singers were Daniel Black, Josh Culpepper, Giorgio Litt, Melanie Penn, Jenn Seracuse and Nell Teare. The "Almost Heaven" Band consisted of James Woodland (Conductor/Keyboards), Buddy Green (Bass), Will Green (Percussion) and Julia Immel on the Fiddle. The musical was written and adapted by Peter Glazer with orchestrations and vocal arrangements by Jeff Waxman. The first song was "All Of My Memories." Then one of the ladies recited a letter that Beth Jacobs had written to John. "For Bobbie" was next with three of the cast doing the singing and a solo of "Poems, Prayers and Promises" by one of the girls. This was followed by the "Draft Dodger Rag" from John's Mitchell Trio days. A long version of "Wish I Could Have Been There" was accompanied by photos on the screen behind the actors, with a reprise of "Poems, Prayers and Promises" afterwards. One of the things I was most impressed with about the musical was the intricate interweaving of different songs into a complete, cohesive whole. It was quite impressive. One of the actors quoted that John was called "The poet of pastoral escape" just before they started to sing "Take Me Home, Country Roads." This was followed by a reprise of "Poems, Prayers and Promises" - once more the interweaving of songs. "Fly Away" took the stage then with one of the girls doing the singing in a fine soprano voice. They sang a lot of songs and it was a fine tribute to John and his music. Throughout the musical the actor/singers moved from one part of the stage to another and formed various poses as they sang. Most of the actors were in their twenties and it was good to see them putting excitement and enthusiasm into this tribute to John. One really nice medley was an interweaving of the songs "Matthew" and "What Are We Making Weapons For?" It was really amazing. They presented "Eagles and Horses" as a duet. "Thank God, I'm A Country Boy" was done in a rousing version. Then they sang "Grandma's Feather Bed" with a mandolin added to the mix. It had a really cute ending where the actors were lined up along the steps with the women sitting there and the men with their legs kicked up in the air. "How Can I Leave You Again" was sung a little too fast but the medley of "Annie's Song" and "Goodbye Again" was wonderful. "Leaving On A Jet Plane" was sung as a round with different singers singing different parts of the song. It really was very amazing. In the finale they showed John singing "Yellowstone: Coming Home" from the PBS Special. Then the cast launched into the song as well. There were views of scenery behind on the screen. It was a perfect ending. I stood up to start a standing ovation and the audience, who were mostly senior citizens, stood up as well. The cast responded with an enthusiastic version of "Rocky Mountain High." It could not have been more well done. As I left the theater I overheard some comments from the other theater-goers. One woman said "It made tears come to my eyes," and the other woman responded, "It was touching." I would highly recommend this production to anyone who is able to attend. _____________________________ http://www.lyceumtheatre.org For a complete list of all the songs in the production, in the order they were sung, send an email to emily@parris.net <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> "Calypso's Future in Doubt" The Coffee Break (UPI) 5-18-04 Jacques Cousteau's ship, Calypso, introduced television viewers to the mysteries of the undersea world, but now it is rotting in a French port. The multi-millionaire grandfather of Loel Guiness owned the Calypso and leased it to Cousteau for the symbolic sum of 1 franc a year, reports the Daily Telegraph. However, in 1996, one year before Cousteau died at age 87, the Calypso was in an accident in Singapore and was shipped to France, where it was neglected for two years and then moved to dry dock. The widows of Guinness and Cousteau, who control the rights to it, have not agreed on the fate of the boat. - - - - - - - - - - - "Appeal to Chirac to Save Cousteau Ship" May 6, 2004 Bordeaux, France (AFP) A French underwater association has sent an open letter to President Jacques Chirac urging him to save legendary French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau's ship, Calypso, languishing in a French port. The French Federation for Underwater Studies and Sports (FFESSM) said Thursday it hoped to raise funds to save the boat and called on Chirac to salvage the Calypso as part of France's "cultural and historical heritage." Since June 1998, the US-built minesweeper has been the centerpiece of the maritime museum in the western French port of La Rochelle, allowing visitors to discover the ship used by Cousteau for his ocean adventures for more than four decades. But the Calypso has fallen into disrepair after years of neglect sparked by a long-standing dispute between the Cousteau Society and the ship's owners over how and where it should be refurbished. In 1950, Cousteau acquired the 139-foot (42-meter) ship, used by the British in the Mediterranean during WWII and later retired, with financial help from wealthy British MP Loel Guinness. Cousteau transformed the ship into an exploration vessel, mapping out cabins for 27 crew members. Loel Guinness owns the boat, but the Cousteau Society, run by the navigator's second wife Francine, holds the rights to exploit its image. Cousteau died in June 1997 at age 87. ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ======================================= Cancellation of the Aug 6-8, 2004 Jim & Anne Curry Concert in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Silverton Casino: Jim & Anne Curry: EEEKKK!! The Silverton made a big mistake with us and booked another band (a KISS tribute) on the weekend they promised us. http://jimcurrymusic.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Steve Brook now has a web page with a link to his John Denver tribute "On Angel's Wings". The cd was reviewed in a past issue of the Rocky Mountain High Newsletter. http://www.stevebrook.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The John Denver Memorial Peace Cloth is available for all John Denver related events. Please email peaceclothinfo@yahoogroups.com for more information. http://www.johndenverpeacecloth.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A newsletter dedicated to exploring spirituality with JD can be found at... http://www.higherground.de - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Emily Bauer (who starred in "Almost Heaven: Songs and Stories of John Denver") has a website: http://emilybauer.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Original Cast Recording of "Almost Heaven: Songs and Stories of John Denver" is now available at http://www.naturemusic.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Karen MacKay, a singer from West Virginia, sings a song called "West Virginia Woman." In the lyrics to the song she calls herself the "real mountain mama", referring to John's song, "Take Me Home, Country Roads." She also has a cd by the same name which came out in 2001. Karen sings and plays piano, guitar, banjo, fiddle, dulcimer and autoharp. For more information about MacKay's performances call (610) 544-5602 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R P O E T R Y ======================================= ROCKY MOUNTAIN MINSTREL by Emily M. Parris Once upon a time there was a man Who sang of love, and joy and life Of the joys of raising a family And of cherishing a wife He sang of the Rocky Mountains Of the moon and stars above He sang a simple, country song Of happiness, peace and love His voice was a clear, sweet tenor His heart was immense and true If you're lucky perhaps he'll sing A country song for you For the Rocky Mountain Minstrel Has a voice and the songs to inspire My Rocky Mountain Minstrel's songs Can take me higher, higher... Into a pleasant paradise Of Rocky Mountain peace Where everything is wonderful And all my troubles cease ____________________________________ Copyright 6/24/89 by Emily M. Parris ====================== John Denver CD Reviews ====================== Review of Chris Nole's new CD, "Fly Away - Piano Perspectives - The Music of John Denver" Review by Stephanie Dubick May 18, 2004 "Fly Away" is an intimate and emotional portrait of some of John Denver's best loved melodies. Pianist and composer, Chris Nole, who recorded and toured with John for the last several years of his life, not only exhibits the passion he has for John's music, but also carries the harmonies into another realm that sparks a flame and warms the soul. Nole takes these timeless songs and turns them into an unforgettable journey with the power and grace of a lone piano. The record opens up with the title song, "Fly Away", immediately pulling you into Nole's world, and the spirit feels like it is flying away into that space. The fact that the music was originated by John Denver is set aside - overcome by the personal intensity of Nole's interpretation. The song that John Denver notes as starting it all for him, "Leaving On A Jet Plane", continues Nole's theme of taking you to another place. His arrangement of this song captures the romanticism that only a piano solo can accomplish. It gives the popular song a whole new emotional feel that can only be accomplished by someone who has experienced the energy of John Denver firsthand. One of the most extraordinary pieces on this record is the ever famous "Sunshine On My Shoulders." Never being one of my particular personal favorites, Nole solidifies the fact that John Denver's songs shine brightly in different light. "Sunshine on My Shoulders" radiates as one of the most vibrant musical flights on this collection. Nole, an accomplished songwriter, includes one of his own original compositions on "Fly Away." "Woods Lake", whose title comes from a special place in the Colorado Rocky Mountains that John loved so much, has a melody that dances like an Aspen leaf in the wind. The only arrangement on "Fly Away" that John Denver specifically composed for piano, "For You", captures the essence and spirit of a simple love song. The first dozen or so notes of "For You" are all it takes for it to become a part of you. Whether hearing it for the first time or the 1000th time. Nole does not let this song leave your heart (but why would you want it to?) "Fly Away" is what great music should be all about - penetrating deep into the soul and becoming a part of you. This recording, although being the music of John Denver, is not about him at all. Instead it is just as the title says - Nole's perspective of the songs. He has exquisitely composed an incredible array of songs from simple and beautiful melodies that are meant to fill up your senses. With "Fly Away" Chris Nole has undoubtedly turning music into magic. Stephanie Dubick < mountainspirit@sopris.net > - - - - - - - - - - - - - Editor's Note: "Fly Away" contains the following tracks: "Fly Away", "Rocky Mountain High", "Leaving On A Jet Plane", "Annie's Song", "Calypso", "Matthew", "For You", "Woods Lake", "Sunshine On My Shoulders", "I'm Sorry", "Take Me Home Country Roads" and "Poems, Prayers and Promises" Chris Nole's Website: http://www.chrisnole.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ================================================= JOHN DENVER W A N T A D S / F O R S A L E ================================================= From: Erin Morris - Same Wave Management Pete Huttlinger's new cd "The Santa Rita Connection" will be available soon. It contains 13 tunes - most composed by Pete - including "Tommy In The Morning", "The Santa Rita Connection", "Hortensia", "Superstition" and many more. Advance orders for the cd will be signed and numbered copies. http://www.petehuttlinger.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Emily < emily@parris.net > "Rocky Mountain Minstrel: A Book of Poetry" by Emily M. Parris contains 21 poems dedicated to John Denver. $5.00 postpaid in the US / Email for foreign rates. Send check, cash or m.o. to Emily Parris / 608 E. 96th Street / Kansas City, MO 64131 / Or Paypal at emily@parris.net - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ************************************************************* Rocky Mountain High: The John Denver Internet Fan Club emily@parris.net http://www.rockymtnhigh.org June 2004 * Issue #122 * Editor: Emily M. Parris ************************************************************* ^Z _______________________________________________ Rockymountainhigh mailing list Rockymountainhigh@emissives.com http://emissives.com/mailman/listinfo/rockymountainhigh_emissives.com