============================================= *** 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 2005 Editor: Emily M. Parris ================================================ http://www.rockymtnhigh.org * emily@parris.net ================================================ Table of Contents November 2005 * Issue #139 John Denver Events.............................1 "Almost Heaven: the Songs of John Denver" opens on November 9 in New York City.........4 John Denver Legacy Continues – Pacific Grove, California – Debra Sanderson..4 Letter from Kenn Roberts.......................5 John Denver Sanctuary – Curtis Griffy..........5 John Denver Notes..............................6 Poetry Corner: "Singing Skies Too Soon" by Carole Romanowski....................7 “John Denver’s Forever Smile” By Karen Young..........................8 John Denver Want Ads/For Sale..................9 ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R E V E N T S ======================================= November 4 & 5, 2005 - Pennsauken, NJ - The Rocky Mountain Memory show, a "Tribute to John Denver" starring Ron Rich and the Stone Tree Band * 7:30pm Central Center for the Performing Arts / 2300 Merchantville Ave., Pennsauken Tickets: $15 (856) 317-9052 November 7, 2005 - Pacific Grove, California - Mack Bailey will be performing at St. Mary's-By-The-Sea, corner of Central and 12th St. $10 donation 831-373-7780 For info and to RSVP: jht@spamarrest.com http://www.mackbailey.com Afterward, come along with us to Clint Eastwood's Mission Ranch, where Mack will again, sing some of our favorites. November 9, 2005 - Opening Date of "Almost Heaven: Songs of John Denver" Promenade Theatre / 2162 Broadway / New York City 8:00pm (Matinees on certain days) 800-432-7250 $51.25 - $69.50 212-239-6200 http://www.almostheaventhemusical.com November 11 & 12, 2005 - Pennsauken, NJ - Pennsauken Alliance for the Performing Arts is holding a John Denver Tribute concert featuring Ron Rich 7:30pm Central Center for the Arts / 2300 Merchantville Avenue $15 in advance / $20 at the door. $10 for students or seniors. 856-317-9052 / http://www.papashows.org November 12, 2005 - UK - Friends of John Denver's annual "Denver Day" - Avenue Bowling Club, Gaveston Road, Coundon, Coventry CV6 1GZ * 11:00am < president@fojd.org.uk > http://www.fojd.org.uk November 13, 2005 - Minneapolis, MN - Orchestra Hall / Chad Mitchell Trio Reunion Concert / Tickets $20 - $45 Mini folk-festival with the Chad Mitchell Trio, The Kingston Trio and Tom Paxton. 1-800-292-4141 November 19, 2005 - Silverthorne, Colorado "A Platinum & Gold Evening of John Denver" 7:00pm Chris Collins & the Boulder Canyon Band with Mollie Weaver. 7:00pm $18 / $35 vip * 970-453-5970 Silverthorne Pavilion / Sponsored by the Summit Foundation / Info: tsfevents@summitfoundation.org http://www.summitfoundation.org December 3, 2005 – England – Songs for Christmas 2005: A John Denver Style Christmas Show / Part one will be John Denver Christmas songs and Part two will be a selection of John Denver songs with a festive finale 3:00pm Chapeltown Scout Hall, Burncross Road, Chapeltown, Sheffield, South Yorkshire / (0014) 246 1463 www.timberwolf-studios.com Email: neilandgill@timberwolf-studios.com December 3-4, 2005 - Annapolis, MD - Hard Travelers Annual Christmas Show at the Rams Head Concert Hall in Annapolis. Saturday, 12-3-05 show at 7:00pm / Sunday 12-4-05 show at 6:00pm * http://ticketing.ramsheadtavern.com 410-268-4545 December 9 & 10, 2005 - Newcastle England * "An Evening With John Denver Music" - A Tribute Concert performed by Steve Kern 7:00pm / Kirkby Church Hall / Kirkby-In-Cleveland 01642 714061 or 01642 713575 for tickets Steve Kern: http://JohnDenverTribute.com December 17, 2005 - Doylestown, PA - Christopher Westfall will present "Sounds of the Season", an evening of holiday music you love; sing-a-long! 7:30pm Salem United Church of Christ / 186 East Court Street Info: < PAhough@aol.com > December 21, 2005 – Rahway, NJ – Christopher Westfall Christmas Concert 7:30pm St. Mark’s Church, 287 Hamilton Street $14 732-382-3108 December 31, 2005 - Haddonfield, NJ - Christopher Westfall will play at the First Night town celebration. 3 Performances beginning at 7:00pm http://www.firstnighthaddonfield.org January 21, 2006 – England – Steve Brook will be playing an afternoon Concert at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Coventry. Further details to follow Christine Moon < president@fojd.org.uk > January 23, 2006 - Largo, FL - The Rocky Mountain Memory Show, a "Tribute to John Denver" starring Ron Rich and the Stone Tree Band / Shows at 2:00pm and 7:00pm Largo Cultural Center / 105 Central Park / Largo, Florida Tickets: $15 (727) 587-6793 April 28-30, 2006 - PA Friends of John Denver - Annual Spring Retreat - Bitter Goose Lodge $55 - Deposit of $20 required. Make checks or money orders payable to Susan Spohn / 628 Hemlock Street / Pittsburgh, PA 15202 Info: < spohn@infionline.net > June 17, 2006 - Baltimore, MD * 2nd Bi-Annual "Nightingala" "A Musical Tribute to John Denver" Concert for John Hopkins School of Nursing. / Peabody Conservatory of Music / 1 Mount Vernon Place / Peabody Concert Hall 8:00pm / 6:00 - VIP "Great Chefs" Reception in the Peabody Library * http://www.musicunites.com/Schedule.htm July 15, 2006 Princess Cruise to Alaska with Christopher Westfall http://www.newbeginningtour.com Weekends - Every Friday & Saturday - Branson, MO * "John Denver Lives" - Dinner 5:00pm & performance 5:30pm-6:30pm $24.95 Hillbilly Inn & Dinner Theatre / Hillbilly Inn Motel / 1166 West Highway 76 / Branson, MO 65616 info@hillbillyinn.com * 1-800-535-0739 www.johndenverlives.com * rodphil549@aol.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Almost Heaven: The Songs of John Denver to Play Off-Broadway's Promenade by Broadway.com Staff October 14, 2005 Almost Heaven: The Songs of John Denver will be the next jukebox musical to hit New York. The tuner, directed by Randal Myler, is scheduled to begin performances at the Promenade Theatre on October 28. Almost Heaven weaves together the songs of Denver to create a theatrical narrative that reflects upon the country during the years in which he wrote them. Twenty-nine of Denver's songs--including "Rocky Mountain High," "Sunshine on My Shoulders," "Annie's Song," "Leaving on a Jet Plane" and "Calypso"--are featured, performed against a backdrop of visual images of late '60s and early '70s America. Originally conceived by Harold Thau, Almost Heaven was adapted by Peter Glazer, with orchestrations, vocal arrangements and music supervision by Jeff Waxman. Almost Heaven, which originally featured a book and direction by Peter Glazer, premiered in 2002 at the Denver Center Theatre Company. The music and arrangements received positive reviews; the story did not. A revised version of the tuner, directed by Randal Myler, returned to the Denver Center Theatre Company in 2003. The show ran at the Center Repertory Company in Walnut Creek, California from September 8 through October 8 of this year. Jennifer Allen, Terry Burell, Valisia Lekae Little, Lee Morgan, Jim Newman and Nick Rodriguez, who all appeared in the show's recent California mounting, will reprise their roles off-Broadway. Almost Heaven is scheduled to open at the Promenade on November 9. In the Wings, the theater's current tenant, is scheduled to close on October 16. <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> Friends:   The October 2005 gathering at Pacific Grove, California was another glorious day with friends!  We met some new friends, caught up with old friends, sang a lot of songs, and cleaned the beach!  There wasn't as much trash lying around as there has been in years past, but as always, cigarette butts were the biggest offenders.   The weather cooperated by being clear and (mostly) warm, if a bit windy.  We were a small but enthusiastic group, and it was great to catch up with what people had been doing since last we met, and where peoples' lives were taking them.   As always, it was a bittersweet reunion.  As much as we enjoy being together,  the truth is that we wouldn't all know each other if we hadn't lost John, and his loss is still an ache that will never completely go away.  People have had difficult years in many ways, many of us lost loved ones, some are having medical and other life difficulties, and those life difficulties kept some of our friends from attending the event this year and they were greatly missed.    However, even though only 35 of us attended the event this year, we were able to raise $250.00 for Friends of the Monarchs and their care of the John Denver bench and the Butterfly Grove habitat.  Another $250.00 that got added to the kitty went to the Red Cross for hurricane relief efforts (Katrina, Wilma, others).   As always, stay well, and we'll see you in Pacific Grove next October! Peace, Love and Understanding -  John Denver: The Legacy Continues...   Debra Sanderson < pixiedmyr@aol.com > <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+>   Dear John Denver Friends, Thanks to everyone who participated in the 8th Annual "A Musical Tribute to John Denver" wonderful concerts in Aspen, CO. It was certainly fun seeing so many of you return again this year. There seems to be a misunderstanding concerning the plaque removed from the "Rocky mountain High" ski run sold at auction this weekend. Numerous people approached me concerned with the removal of the plaque. They were afraid the run was being abandoned as far as its tribute to John Denver. This is not the case. Please be aware that as part of the donation from the Aspen Ski Corporation, they are in turn erecting a new plaque to be in place prior to the start of ski season. I personally plan to ski that run early in the year. One of the first things I plan to do is observe the new plaque. Rest assured, John's memory has not been removed from Snowmass Mountain. Kindest Regards, Kenn Roberts Founder & Concert Chairman <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> John Denver Sanctuary Aspen, Colorado October 6, 2005 Dear John Denver Fans, John said numerous times “You do what you can do; I’ll do what I can and together we can save ourselves” or slight variations of this. I am happy to report the volunteers came to join in on the work detail on October 6, 2005 from various states of the United States, Australia, Germany and England for example. The Parks Department had 52 trees for us to plant, and light duty work such as weeding and dead heading the perennials. As usual, we amazed the Parks department with the passion to complete the work that they needed to be completed. Each of the last 5 years that I have organized this project with the City of Aspen Parks Department we have had global participation. This clearly shows that John’s music and what he took a stand for touched all peoples from this planet that we call mother Earth. On behalf of Mother Earth, I thank you for helping to make a difference in the John Denver Sanctuary and planet Earth. I look forward to continue this important work that we do next year. Sincerely, Mountain a.k.a Curtis Griffy < curtisgriffy@earthlink.net > <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ======================================= - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - At http://www.half.com there is a huge selection of John Denver items. 81 videos, 174 cd's and 113 books (some out of print). All are very inexpensive. Editor's note: Christine Egli doesn't have these items. They are at http://www.half.com / Sorry for the confusion. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - John Sommers and Mack Bailey will be touring in New Zealand in the Spring with John's band "Heart of the Rockies" (Twirp Anderson, Cash Cashman and Randy Utterback). The trip leaves from Los Angeles on April 10, 2006 and returns on April 24. For details of the itinerary and cost, please contact John at info@johnsommers.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Tom Crum has a new book coming out in May 2006. It is called "Three Deep Breaths: Finding Power and Purpose in a Stressed-Out World." Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers http://www.aikiworks.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Mack Bailey has released his first Christmas cd entitled "Star Light - A Christmas Collection." It was recorded in Nashville with Chris Nole producing. www.mackbailey.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Emily < emily@parris.net > The Rocky Mountain High Fan Club Currently has 7488 members who receive the monthly newsletter via email. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Mary Ellen Hunt wrote a review of "Almost Heaven" www.geocities.com/maryellenhunt/reviews/200509DA-JohnDenver.htm - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Neltha Adkins: I wanted to let you know that www.3Gupload.com has John Denver ring tones that are actually John singing. Being from West Virginia, I downloaded "Country Roads, Take Me Home." Every time I get a call of my cell phone I hear John singing. What a kick! They also have "Annie's Song", "Rocky Mountain High", "Mr. Bojangles", and "Leaving On A Jet Plane." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Judy Lunn has the first all-female tribute cd to John Denver. It Is called “Songs That Speak To Me”. http://www.judylunn.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Michelle Labonte < fortiers@megalink.net > I would like to go on a mission to get John Denver on a U. S. Postage Stamp. How can I get this started?  I've contacted my local post office to find out and they are unsure also.  Does anyone have information on how to do it? Please email me. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A new album released in the UK is called “The Only John Denver Album” and it has the following John Denver songs: “Annie’s Song”, “Leaving On A Jet Plane”, “Take Me Home, Country Roads”, “Follow Me”, “Goodbye Again”, “Rocky Mountain High”, “Starwood In Aspen”, “Windsong”, “Some Days Are Diamonds”, “Sweet Surrender”, “Sunshine On My Shoulders”, “Seasons of the Heart”, “Love Again”, “I’d Rather Be A Cowboy”, “This Old Guitar” and “Thank God I’m A Country Boy”. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Kevin Stohl: I work at Brigham Young University in Idaho. I have been given The rights by Steve Gillette and Tom Campbell, the writers of “Darcy Farrow”, To write four Romance Novels based on the song. My first book “Darcy Farrow” Will be out summer 2006 as soon as I find a publisher. http://www.darcyfarrow.com ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R P O E T R Y ======================================= "SINGING SKIES" TOO SOON by Carole Romanowski Sometimes I ponder why John was taken What was the purpose for him to die? I don't believe things just happen. Instead, there must be a reason why. I believe God gives us a job to do So that we can prove our human worth. And the Master doesn't call us Home 'Til we've finished this job on Earth. I also believe there is right and wrong, And man has the freedom to choose. And I feel that we are blessed when good, And when bad, we pay our dues. For John, he chose the path of love And of peace and truth and beauty. And then he instructed us through song To fulfill our earthly duty. John completed his job in such a short time, And then one day he was gone. The Master was pleased and took him Home Because John's work was done. _____________________________________________________ Copyright by Carole Romanowski < whispjesse@aol.com > > > > > > o o o < < < < < John Denver's Forever Smile by Karen Young There is a place in my heart, I never knew was there Until I almost lost it when I heard the news Anyone who loved him seems to recall where they were What was happening when we felt the blues. It's hard not to remember things that just happened It seems harder to recall things as time goes by Yet things seem to settle and become part of you They mark a deep etching way inside I have to smile because no matter what happened I can't seem to remember not knowing JOHN We met when I listened to Sunshine on My shoulders We parted when I woke up one fateful dawn. See all of my memories whether his music was playing Will always be brought back in a song of this man He writes of all of the things I have felt for He lived to make others live strong in their lands. For the day is as new knowing my life would not be Filled with his emotion; and his strumming; his smile I would be another person had I not known his song Life would have carried dreary miles. People in my life I knew because I listened Joy in my life now defined by his song The sad part about not being with him Is the journey itself will have to be long Someday he'll reach to us in a light that is new His guitar in his hand like the warmth of a child And it will be then we will be on his journey together Forever we will be part of John Denver's smile   __________________________________ Copyright Karen Young, Manchester, NH ================================================= JOHN DENVER W A N T A D S / F O R S A L E ================================================= Larry VanScoy < Lvscoy@aol.com > Wanted: DVD or VHS copy of John Denver's Rocky Mountain Christmas TV Special. Please email with cost and shipping charges. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - German JD fan Gisela would like to heart to heart with other fans. Email gisivan@hotmail.com - interested in horses, learning Japanese, and biking. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Mary Kushneir < mmk@twcny.rr.com > I have an extra VHS tape of "John Denver: A Song's Best Friend." It includes John singing in a lot of his specials and interviews with Annie. I would like to trade or sell for $20-includes postage. (USA please) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Kyle Vincent < kyle@kylevincent.com > My new album, "Gathering Dust", has arrived! You may order it by clicking on the link below. Hope you like it. http://cdbaby.com/cd/kylevincent4 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Christopher Westfall has a new Music Cruise to Alaska from Vancouver. July 15-22, 2005. It will feature a lot of sing-a-longs, including many favorites sung by John Denver. http://www.newbeginningtour.com 732-282-3108 (Tony or Maureen) Hear Christopher on his web page at www.chriswestfall.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Jean Kendle < jbk944@yahoo.com > There is a new Christmas John Denver cd at www.heartlandmusic.com / It is called "John Denver Christmas Celebration Concert" and has 10 songs. $9.95 DKBSP76792 The songs are "Whispering Hope", "I'll Fly Away", "Scarlet Ribbons", "May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You", "It is No Secret", "My Cathedral", "Padre of Old San Antone" and 2 others. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Almost Heaven: Songs of John Denver http://www.almostheaventhemusical.com Almost Heaven article in Playbill http://www.playbillcom/news/article95620.html Almost Heaven article in Broadway World http://broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=5345 John Adams http://www.johnadams-music.com Colorado Rocky Mountain High - Laura Bollinger http://www.ncfriendsofjd.com/2005-October-Newsletter.html Mack Bailey http://www.mackbailey.com John Denver Sings Album http://www.jdshigherground.homestead.com/1966JohnDenverSingsAlbum.html Stop Global Warming http://www.stopglobalwarming.org 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 November 2005 * Issue #139 * Editor: Emily M. Parris *************************************************************