============================================= *** 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 November 2004 Editor: Emily M. Parris ================================================ http://www.rockymtnhigh.org * emily@parris.net ================================================ Table of Contents November 2004 * Issue #127 John Denver Event Reviews: "Benefit Concert Full of Old Favorites" by Jane Elin New Zealand JD Memorial Event by Susan Leaver Pacific Grove Events by Debra Sanderson John Denver on Television in the US John Denver Events John Denver Notes Poetry Corner: "Always There" by Cynthia Gullage "Come Fall" by Morgan Sanderson John Denver Want Ads / For Sale * * * ============================= John Denver Event Reviews ============================= "Benefit Concert Full of Old Favorites" by Jane Elkin 9/29/04 "The Capital" - Annapolis, MD Folk, bluegrass and country music lovers were treated to a very special performance for a very special cause Saturday night at the fourth annual "Music from the Mountains - Tribute to John Denver." Former members of Mr. Denver's band and colleagues from such groups as The Starland Vocal Band, The Hard Travelers and Limelighters came together at Maryland Hall for the popular concert that benefits Maryland Therapeutic Riding. Producer/singer Kenn Roberts really knows how to put on a show. The old-fashioned variety format featured everything from foot-stompers to comedy and a string quartet that enhanced some of the more mellow ballads. Mr. Roberts is an accomplished performer as well as founder of the M.U.S.E. Foundation, an organization that produces concerts for charitable causes. It is through his connection to local singer/guitarist Mack Bailey that MTR first came to his attention. MTR is a Crownsville-based nonprofit that puts the healing energy of horses to work for more than 160 special needs riders ranging in age from 2 to 76. Mr. Bailey has been an ardent supporter of the group ever since they adopted his stirring ode, "Eagles and Horses," as their unofficial theme song six years ago. [Editor's note: "Eagles and Horses" was written by John Denver and Joe Henry] Mr. Bailey is a phenomenal guitarist with a full, mellow voice that is exquisitely suited to Mr. Denver's repertoire. He was complemented by the lovely Mollie Weaver, a velvety-toned mezzo who harmonized beautifully with him in such showstoppers as "Sweet Surrender," "Shanghai Breezes" and "Fly Away," to name but a few. Keyboardist Chris Nole, a member of Mr. Denver's band for three years, demonstrated an easy familiarity with this style of pop-country music, which set the tone for a relaxing and nostalgic evening of old favorites. Rounding out the core band were performers who are stars in their own right: bassist Ira Gitlin, for example, who also is a former National Bluegrass Banjo champion, and the multi-talented instrumentalist John Sommers on banjo, mandolin and fiddle. Mr. Sommers composed "Thank God, I'm A Country Boy," which was a hit for Mr. Denver and has since become the Baltimore Orioles' seventh inning stretch theme. It was naturally received with enthusiastic audience participation. Singer/songwriter Bill Danoff hails from Washington, D.C., and it was there that he co-wrote Mr. Denver's first smash hit, "Take Me Home, Country Roads" 33 years ago. He also penned "Afternoon Delight," and both pieces were wildly popular with the crowd at Maryland Hall. Another of his hits, "I Guess He'd Rather Be in Colorado," which was used extensively in tourism promotions, served as comic fodder for a hilarious monologue on his failed attempts to write a similar song touting Washington, D.C. tourism. Gary Mule Deer, the "clueless country boy," slipped into his routine so smoothly that the audience didn't realize until several jokes had passed that his fine singing and picking would only come as a complement to his wit. His delivery was so perfect that it didn't matter if some of his material wasn't original. I would hesitate to say he stole the show, because there was just so much to enjoy, but he could have if he wanted to. The beauty of this venture was that all the artists worked together so perfectly to re-create music that can never again be heard live in its original context. It has been seven years since Mr. Denver's flying accident abruptly halted a remarkable career, but for one night it all came together again, just the way we remember. NEW ZEALAND JOHN DENVER TRIBUTE by Susan Leaver < SusanLeaver@yahoo.com > I have just returned from the annual tribute to John Denver held at Taupo, for the third year in a row. There is always so much preparation for these occasions that often I have wondered if they will turn out successfully - the DO perfectly if you let Spirit take charge. Members who came from different points of the north Island to connect at a national retreat center named Tauhara. Like Windstar, the centre is dedicated to achieving and maintaining global harmony and balance in the universe - even the buildings look similar! Situated on the shores of Lake Taupo the surroundings transmitted a strong pure energy. On the edge of the cliff overlooking the lake is a special stone carved by a Maori person to celebrate mother earth. I couldn't help bursting into "the earth is our mother just turning around...". Later, Fred, who owns a farm in the wilderness came to transport us to his and wife Liz's home. We've had a lot of rain here recently so the earth shined like a jewel. For the rest of the day we watched videos of John's movies, listened to the Wheeler Opera House tribute CD, and ate large. Liz is an excellent cook. In between a few of us viewed Fred's handiwork as an international western saddle maker. We were truly having many "heart to heart" conversations - John would be happy. This morning we met by Lake Taupo (the largest lake of the southern hemisphere) to walk and reflect on the main reason we have traveled to gather in the middle of the North Island. Occasionally we burst into song "Thank you for this precious day, these gifts you give to me," "Oh, I love the life within me, I feel a part of everything I see." As we walked onto one of the lake's many jetties we noticed that many of the royal blue ducks were still asleep - and this was 8:00am!! After a period of silence we made a wreath of native flowers and leaves. The dedication was as June so aptly put it, "Giving thanks for John and all the others who work for a better world." Susan Leaver http://www.IJDMF.org - - - - - - - - - - - John Denver Memorial Events Pacific Grove, California by Debra Sanderson < PixieDmyr@aol.com > Once again, the weather was gorgeous for the Sunday event. We had a fog bank move through, but the morning was clear and mild, perfect for a beach cleanup. The cleanup group collected 60 gallons of trash. Our enthusiastic group of raffle participants raised $160 that we split between Friends of the monarchs and Plant-It 2020. Not bad for an afternoon's work in Lover's Point Park! During the tribute that afternoon we listened to John Denver CDs on the boombox, and Marie Falcone read the letter she wrote to share with the Aspen group at the campfire. Weather in Los Angeles grounded our Long EZ pilot, but we got our flyby after all - from a pelican squadron, flying in formation over John Denver Beach and out toward the water! We sang along with John Denver, we cried, we shared stories, we laughed and chatted with people who have become friends over the last 7 years, and met more people for the first time. <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> JOHN DENVER ON TELEVISION "The Christmas Gift" on tv 1:00pm November 26, 2004 - Lifetime / Christmas Movie from 1986 that stars John Denver and Jane Kaczmarek. "Higher Ground" on tv Nov 14 4:40am - Encore Action Channel Nov 23 5:50am - Encore Action Channel Nov 23 12:20pm - Encore Action Channel Movie from 1988 that stars John Denver, Meg Wittner, David Renan, Brandon Marsh and John Rhys-Davies. "Wildlife Concert" - November 30, 2004 - PBS Stations. 8:00pm - Check your local listings. <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> J O H N D E N V E R E V E N T S November 1, 2004 - December 15, 2004 * Branson, MO - "John Denver Lives!" at the Artfolk Theatre in Engler Block Mall. 1320 Highway 76 - Branson, MO * Rod Phillips & Rick Quincey 12:00 Noon * $15 or $20 with lunch / Special JD Christmas Show now playing / JD Lives (417) 334-2100 November 6-7, 2004 - Scottsdale, AZ * Making the Connection Symposium sponsored by the Arizona Windstar Connection. $50 480-600-8924 azwindstar@yahoo.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 November 28, 2004 - Bunnell, FL - "Rocky Mountain Memory" - A John Denver Tribute concert starring Ron Rich and the Stone Tree Band. 3:00pm Flagler Auditorium $10.00 Toll Free 1-866-352-4537 December 11, 2004 - Haddon Heights, NJ - Christopher Westfall 8:00pm Mary's Place Coffeehouse at St. Mary's Episcopal Church http://www.marysplacemusic.org/ December 31, 2004 - Scottsdale, AZ - John Denver Benefit New Year's Eve Concert at the Casa / 5802 E. Lincoln Drive / Scottsdale, AZ 85253 < casa@thecasa.org > 800-356-3247 http://www.thecasa.org * 480-948-7460 $100 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 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 J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S Mary Kushneir < mmk@twcny.rr.com > I'm an administrative volunteer for the "Sainte Marie Among the Iroquois" - at Onondaga County Park in Liverpool, NY. We usually have the radio on in the office. All of a sudden "Some Days Are Diamonds" was playing today on a country station. It was "Far Out" - I couldn't believe it. It is once in a lifetime that you hear John Denver today on the radio. I guess his spirit was saying "hi" to me at work. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - There is poetry dedicated to John Denver at http://www.vicpicgam.com/denver.htm - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Charlie Rich Jr. makes excuses for his father's infamous "envelope burning" incident on this web page: http://www.charlierichjr.com/controversy/the_envelope_burning/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Peg Lockman < denver@wctc.net > I fell in love with John and his music at the age of 11, and would only listen to his music over many years. Well, when it came time to raise my kids, that's pretty much what they heard growing up. My second daughter, Melissa, was wed on September 18th of this year, and after she and her husband said their vows to one another, she gave me a white rose, and they played "Annie's Song" right after that. It meant so much to me, and talk about making a Mom cry big crocodile tears!! It truly was a wonderful day to see my daughter marry the man she so deeply loves, and to continue to have the music in my life that has meant so much to me. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On the website from Rafael Rubio of the Spanish John Denver club there is a new videoclip called "A Wild Heart Looking For Home" http://www.johndenverclub.com/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - John's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" is ranked #4 in CMT's 20 Top Road Songs of All Times http://www.cmt.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Mary < eagleshorses@yahoo.com > I found out that the new DVD - "John Denver Remembered" will not be out for another 2 or 3 weeks. It had been scheduled for release on 10/5/04. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Zachary Deutschendorf married Jennifer Johnston on September 25, 2004 at the Elk Mountain Lodge in Aspen, Colorado. John's "Sunshine On My Shoulders" was played at the wedding. The couple met while studying at Fort Lewis College. http://www.highergroundaustralia.com/News.html - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - J O H N D E N V E R P O E T R Y ALWAYS THERE By Cynthia Helen Gullage A Tribute to John Denver Seek me in a columbine, Face uplifted to the sun Find me in a pine wood, Where ripplin' waters run, In colours of the sunset, Songs the night birds sing, Clouds filled up with rain drops, The snow that Winter brings. Speak my name, if all alone, Or, if you're feeling sad. I'll be with you in good times, And see you through the bad. Remember words I told you, 'There's promise with new dawn.' I've only left you for a while. I am not really gone. I'm up there on the mountain, An eagle poised for flight, Or, on high in the sky above, When stars appear at night. Wherever sun is shining Upon this glorious land, I am always there for you. Reach out and take my hand. Copyright by Cynthia Helen Gullage * * * COME FALL by Morgan Sanderson In blazing glory, shimmering colors explode like fireworks It surrounds me in warmth reminding me of the arms of my Alaskan love Mother Earth beds down preparing for the long winter Below me the brilliant Gold, green and brown crunches under my feet Above me, the red waves light up the sky Around me the squirrels skitter quickly as if to say "Let's go now! the white cold is coming!" A hint of bitter cold fills me and I'm thrilled at what's to come Knowing that at every turn mother nature will share her ever changing display. ______________________________________________ Copyright Morgan Sanderson; North Pole, Alaska Moe < americanchild25@yahoo.com > JOHN DENVER W A N T A D S / F O R S A L E http://www.cduniverse.com has John Denver "Greatest Hits" (release date 9-21-04) Import for $16.09 They also have "Definitive All-Time Greatest Hits" - John Denver for $13.29 "Song's Best Friend: The Very Best of John Denver" (release date 9-27-04) for $19.99 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Michael Tiderman < michael.tiderman@alaskaair.com > Does anyone out there have a songbook for "I Want To Live"? I would be interested in trading a "Spirit" and/or "John Denver Songbook" for "I Want to Live" songbook. Email or call (480) 452-4907 Thanks, Mike - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - John Denver's "Ancient Rhymes" from Dawn Publishing http://www.dawnpub.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Higher Ground Australia Cookbook is on sale now. http://www.highergroundaustralia.com/cookbook.html - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Higher Ground Australia http://www.highergroundaustralia.com Mack Bailey http://www.mackbailey.com/ Sweet Dream's Place http://www.freewebs.com/sweetdreamsplace/dreamtime.html *************************************************** Rocky Mountain High: The John Denver Internet Fan Club emily@parris.net http://www.rockymtnhigh.org November 2004 * Issue #127 * Editor: Emily M. Parris *************************************************** ____________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Rockymountainhigh mailing list Rockymountainhigh@emissives.com http://emissives.com/mailman/listinfo/rockymountainhigh_emissives.com