============================================= *** 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 October 2005 Editor: Emily M. Parris ================================================ http://www.rockymtnhigh.org * emily@parris.net ================================================ Table of Contents October 2005 * Issue #138 John Denver Events.............................1 Aspen in October.............................4 "Bay Area Is 'Almost Heaven' for John Denver Musical" from "Inside Bay Area"..............6 John Denver Notes..............................8 Poetry Corner: "Eyrie" by Cynthia Helen Gullage.............9 "Our Guiding Light" by Emily Parris..........9 John Denver Want Ads/For Sale.................10 ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R E V E N T S ======================================= September 8 - October 8, 2005 - Walnut Creek, California Center Repertory Company - West Coast Premiere of "Almost Heaven" 925-295-1422 * http://dlrca.org/rep.html October 7, 2005 - Carbondale, CO - Mark Robinson Concert has been canceled. www.markrobinsonmusic.com October 7-9, 2005 - Australia - Higher Ground Australia will be hosting the 2005 JD Tribute weekend in Old Mogo Town, Mogo, near Bateman's Bay, NSW Australia. $60 per person for accommodation and $30 for food. Janette Frawley < jfrawley@telstra.com > http://www.highergroundaustralia.com October 7-9, 2005 - New Zealand - Members of The International John Denver Foundation are "down on the farm" at Fred's Place, Oruanui Road, Taupo, New Zealand to hold a special memorial weekend in honour of John - all are welcome. SusanLeaver@yahoo.com October 9, 2005 - Pacific Grove, California at the John Denver Beach (Ocean View Blvd. at the turnout between Acropolis and Asilomar) 10:30am - Beach Clean-up 5:00pm Candlelight Tribute to John Denver PixieDmyr@aol.com October 15, 2005 - Pennsauken, NJ - The "Proud to be American Patriotic Salute to the USA" will feature several singers, along with Ron Rich who will be singing "I Want to Live", "Eagles & Horses" and "Back Home Again" with the Haddonfield Symphony and chorus. 7:30pm / Pennsauken High School, Route 73 / Pennsauken, NJ * Tickets: $20 (856) 317-9052 October 15, 2005 - Centerville, TN - Kenny Durham John Denver Tribute Concert - Molly's Place / 110 S. Central Ave. http://www.kennydurham.com * kenny@kennydurham.com October 20, 2005 - Chicago, IL * JD Tribute at the Uncommon Ground Coffeehouse / 3800 North Clark Street 773-929-3680 8:00pm Travis Dow is hosting this night of Denver songs featuring several different artists. www.uncommonground.com/index.htm / www.travisdow.com October 22, 2005 - Doylestown, PA - Christopher Westfall will present an 8pm concert titled "I'm Coming Home." / Salem United Church of Christ / 186 East Court Street. Chris will sing many songs honoring John Denver both as a singer and songwriter, and his own songs with guitar, piano and vocal accompaniment. 8:00pm Info: PAHough@aol.com October 23, 2005 - Elgin, IL - Jim Curry and special guests Diane Ireland and Deb Perry / King of Glory Lutheran Church / 36 W 720 Hopps Road (847) 931-1520 Two seatings: 5:00pm concert followed by a 7:00pm dinner or a 5:30pm dinner followed by a 7:00pm concert. $30 adult / $10 children http://kogonline.org October 27, 2005 - Reading, PA * John Denver Music Extravaganza III / 5:00 - 10:00pm at Casa Grande / Sponsored by the "Earth Song Environmental Foundation / earthsongfdn@comcast.org * http://www.earthsongfdn.org October 28, 2005 - Germany - Kerstin Siewek - Concert for Children with cancer * http://www.kerstinsiewek.de Gerhart-Hauptmann-Realschule in Gelsenkirchen-Erle 20:00 H / Information under "Next Benefit-Concert" October 29, 2005 - Annapolis, MD - 5th Annual "Music From the Mountains" - The Hard Travelers and Friends - Chris Nole, Jim Horn, Jim Salestrom, Bill Danoff, Mollie Weaver, Mack Bailey, John Sommers - and full symphony orchestra. Maryland Hall Center for the Performing Arts 8:00pm / Tickets $37.50 / $125 VIP (410) 923-6816 http://www.musicunites.com/Schedule.htm October 30, 2005 - Columbia, MD - "Music from the Mountains" Encore performance to benefit the Columbia Orchestra 3:00pm Jim Rouse Theatre / http://www.musicunites.com 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 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 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 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." 7:30pm Salem United Church of Christ / 186 East Court Street < jht@pacbell.net > December 31, 2005 - Haddonfield, NJ - Christopher Westfall will play at the First Night town celebration. 7:00pm < jht@pacbell.net > 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 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 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ================ ASPEN IN OCTOBER ================ October 5, 2005 - Aspen, CO - Chris Nole and Pete Huttlinger performing a piano and guitar duo show. 8:00pm Main Street Bakery & Cafe / 201 E. Main Street 970-925-6446 * http://www.chrisnole.com October 6, 2005 - Aspen, CO - Work detail at the John Denver Sanctuary 8:30am - Noon / < Curtis.Griffy@guidant.com > October 6, 2005 - Aspen, CO "Meet and Greet" at the John Denver Sanctuary 3:00pm / Worship on the Mountain 3:30pm Paster Keith Perry / Deb Perry < aspeninoctober@wowway.com > October 6, 2005 - Aspen, CO - "Friends With You" featuring Mark Cormican and Chris Collins and the Boulder Canyon Band - Aspen Community Church 7:00pm $10 APokey1@aol.com October 7, 2005 - Aspen, CO - Singalong at the Pitkin County Assisted Living Center - World Family of JD Singers / Rehearsal at Wagner Park at 9:00am < apokey1@aol.com > October 7, 2005 - Aspen, CO - Mt. Chalet Ballroom - 333 East Durant, Peace Cloth Event 1:00pm - 4:00pm Chris Collins and the Boulder Canyon Band, Mark Cormican, Ken Dravis and Tim Durnan. Presentation of The Vision Award Tickets $20 eve@johndenverpeacecloth.com October 7, 2005 - Aspen, CO - Wheeler Opera House / 8th Annual John Denver Tribute Concert / Concert benefits Challenge Aspen. Tickets $45 & $75 VIP $125 7:00pm Special Guest: Mike Taylor, one of JD's first original band members and co-author of "Rocky Mountain High." www.wheeleroperahouse.com * info@wheeleroperahouse.com October 8, 2005 - Aspen, CO - Wheeler Opera House / 8th Annual John Denver Tribute Concert / Concert benefits Challenge Aspen. Tickets go on sale July 1st. 7:00pm Special Guests: Chad Mitchell Trio in honor of the 40th Anniversary of John joining the trio. www.wheeleroperahouse.com * info@wheeleroperahouse.com October 8, 2005 - Aspen, CO - Mt. Chalet Ballroom - "Let This Be A Voice" Auction/lunch/concert 10:30am - 3:30pm with registration beginning at 10:00am. Mark Cormican, Keeper Koplinger, Kevin Demolino, Roy Rivers and Jim Salestrom. Christopher Canyon will showcase the new book "Take Me Home, Country Roads." $25 or $15 for just the concert/auction. Check/M.O. payable to Pamela Beasley / 721 Ravencroft Dr. / Garland, TX 75043 (SASE) pamela.beasley@airmail.net or eagleshorses@yahoo.com October 8, 2005 - Snowmass, CO - Third Annual Windstar Connections Conference. 9:00am to 5:00pm on the Windstar Land. Featured speaker/entertainer Kyle Vincent. Also Cottonwood Stone, Michael Snovak and Barbara Davis. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. $100 for Windstar Members. ($135 for non members includes a Windstar Membership) http://www.wstar.org October 9, 2005 - Snowmass Village, Colorado - A Special 9:00am Memorial Service honoring the life of John Denver will be held at the Snowmass Chapel. After the service, a rededication will be held in the John Denver Garden adjacent to the chapel. 5307 Owl Creek Road (970) 923-6192 * http://www.snowmasschapel.org October 9, 2005 - Snowmass, CO - A Windstar Celebration! Windstar Foundation - All Windstar members, old and new, are invited to a special day celebrating and thanking you for all you do to support The Windstar Foundation Musical performances by Mark Cormican, John Adams, Paul Swanton & Diane Ireland, Chris Collins and the Boulder Canyon Band. Light refreshments served. < Windstar Membership $35 > http://www.wstar.org 9:00am - 4:00pm * Campfire 6:00pm / < Apokey1@aol.com > October 9, 2005 - Aspen, CO - A Special Concert with Mack Bailey & Friends featuring Chris Nole and Pete Huttlinger. Mountain Chalet Ballroom (lower level) / 333 E. Durrant 8:00pm $25 includes a dessert buffet and beverages (7:30pm) Send a $25 check payable to Mack Bailey with a sase to: Mack Bailey Concert / c/o Karen Tupek / 6300 Wynkoop Blvd. / Bethesda, MD 20817 * or (Paypal: mack@mackbailey.com) www.mackbailey.com / More info karen@mackbailey.com October 10, 2005 - Aspen, CO - "Colors of the Rainbow" presented by Georgiann McDaniel / Mountain Chalet Roof-top Conference Room 9:00am - Noon $20 / SASE to Georgiann McDaniel / 48 E. Tamarack Circle / Battlement Mesa / Parachute, CO 81635 * Info: RockyMtnHaven1@msn.com October 10, 2005 - Aspen, CO - Lunch at the John Denver Sanctuary - Noon - Bring lunch and enjoy music by Mark Cormican and others. October 10, 2005 - Aspen, CO - Mt. Chalet 2:00pm downstairs concert - "New Friends To Find" Steve Brook, Rene Wingelaar, Judy Lunn, Arno Cornelissen, and Tim Durnan / John Denver Trivia Contest $12 < jht@spamarrest.com > www.timdurnan.com / www.judylunn.com / www.stevebrook.com (Arno Cornelissen) http://www.nickels-and-dimes.com Event is produced by the Singing Skies Foundation. October 10, 2005 - Aspen, CO - "It's Goodbye Again" 5:00pm Wagner Park on Durant Avenue. < aspeninoctober@wowway.com > October 10, 2005 - Aspen, CO * John Adams "Rocky Mountain High" Concert / Wheeler Opera House 7:00pm with Guido Bos, Tom Paxton, Rusty Speigle, Diane Ireland, Dave Harding and Randy Utterback. 7:00pm Tickets $35 & $20 (970) 920-5770 www.wheeleroperahouse.com * www.johnadams-music.com October 12, 2005 - Aspen, CO "In the Quickening Light" 10:00am - 2:30pm Chalet Lisl meeting room, 100 East Hyman $20 / Call for more information: seestheeagle@yahoo.com October 12, 2005 - Aspen, CO / Maroon Bells East Portal 6:00pm * 8th Annual John Denver Campfire Info: Harold Simpson < skyking@cell1net.net > <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> "Bay Area is 'Almost Heaven' for John Denver Musical" "Inside Bay Area" September 9, 2005 by Chad Jones He was A grateful country boy, a friend of God (as played by George Burns) and an environmentalist when it wasn't cool to care. Now John Denver is going to be a Broadway star - sort of. Denver's manager and friend Hal Thau has spent the last few years assembling a team to create "Almost Heaven: John Denver's America," a celebration of Denver's life and music that heads to Broadway after a stop in Walnut Creek. "John always wanted to do a theater piece," Thau says from the Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, where "Almost Heaven" is in previews. "It would have been magnificent. We were always looking for him to do something like that, whether it was his own music or someone else's. He got close. He was supposed to do the music and star in 'The Will Rogers Follies.' That's a story in itself, and it was before Tommy Tune got involved. I must say, the music would have been better if John had written it." Denver's untimely death in a 1997 plane crash when he was only 53 ended any hope of an original Denver Broadway show. But Thau, who was Denver's manager from the post-Chad Mitchell Trio days, decided he wasn't ready to let that particular dream die. "When John passed, I really decided I was going to do a show about him and his music," Thau says. "I had produced before, so it wasn't just about doing a tribute but about doing a really good theatrical piece. And it wouldn't just be for Denver fans. It would also be for people who love Broadway shows." Thau assembled a team that included Peter Glazer as writer, Randall Myler as director, with musical duties covered by Charlie Alterman (musical direction) and Jeff Waxman (orchestrations and vocal arrangements). The show debuted at the Denver Center Theatre Company (in Denver the city and not affiliated with Denver the man) in 2002 with a different subtitle: "The Songs and Stories of John Denver." That initial run was so successful that the show became the longest-running show in the 30-year history of the DCTC. Thau explains the title change by emphasizing that though the show is about Denver, it's also about what was going on in the country in the 1970s at the height of Denver's popularity with hits like "Sunshine on My Shoulders," "Rocky Mountain High" and "Annie's Song." "We use videos in the show to enhance and introduce material," Thau explains. "It's not 'Beatlemania.' There's not video with every song. It's tasteful and provides a context. When an actress is singing 'Take Me Home Country Roads,' the video shows Vietnam soldiers reading letters from home." Because it uses existing songs in new, theatrical context, "Almost Heaven" could be described as a "jukebox musical," a new form of theater taking over Broadway ever since the mammoth success of "Mamma Mia!" Recent seasons have seen shows featuring music by the Beach Boys ("Good Vibrations"), Elvis ("All Shook Up") and John Lennon ("Lennon"). None of these shows has fared terribly well. "Lennon," which had its world premiere earlier this year in San Francisco, was savaged by critics and is playing to about 50 percent capacity on Broadway. In addition to the Denver show, the coming season may also see the arrival of Johnny Cash and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons musicals. Thau is perfectly aware that he's entering risky waters, but he's confident. "I started this project four years ago before a lot of those other shows," Thau says. "And frankly, some of them are not good. What can I say? They're following me. I wasn't following them." The production team is already scouting New York theaters, and Thau says one of the most satisfying aspects of the show so far is that it reacquaints people with Denver, whom Thau calls one of his best friends. <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ======================================= John Denver fans get a 30% discount on the beautiful new children's book "Take Me Home, Country Roads" from Dawn Publishing. To make sure you get your discount go to... www.dawnpub.com/shopping_cart/index.cfm?do=List&categoryID=23 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Chad Mitchell Trio song "A Mighty Day" is about the 1900 Galveston hurricane where 6,000 people died. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For a complete list of the activities at Aspen in October: http://www.john-denver.org/default.asp?nc=9545&id=6 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - There is an e-mail discussion list for the Aspen in October events aspeninoctober@yahoogroups.com or send an email to aspeninoctober-subscribe@yahoogroups.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Christine Moon < president@fojd.org.uk > The Associated Press reports that Ellen DeGeneres "was planning to star in a remake of the 1977 comedy 'Oh, God!' but backed off because the script didn't meet her expectations." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Jean Kendle < jbk944@yahoo.com > I was listening to our Golden Oldie station the other day and the DJ was interviewing Andy Williams. Andy told him he included in his shows a beautiful song by John Denver called "Fly Away". I thought that was so nice. I sent Andy a thank you card and suggested a few more of John's songs he could sing like "My Sweet Lady" and "Like A Sad Song." I have a cd with Andy singing "The Jet Plane Song." We saw Andy twice in the last few years down in Branson, MO. At his age, he can still do a great show. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R P O E T R Y ======================================= We Interrupt This Broadcast by Cynthia Helen Gullage "We interrupt this broadcast. A plane went down today. Into the crashing, booming surf That batters Monterey..." The world has lost a great man, The singer and the friend. Why did Nature have to Treat him, cruelly, in the end? He never compromised his thoughts, His dreams or his ideals. "Blessed are the peacemakers" For him, this truth is real. Up, up he soared, on eagle's wings, Much higher than before, Reached out and took the hand of God, Found PEACE for evermore. "We interrupt this broadcast. A plane went..." __________________________________________ Copyright 8-29-05 by Cynthia Helen Gullage * * * Our Guiding Light by Emily M. Parris John Denver - a friend with a guiding voice Giving inspiration in a musical score Though you've been gone these many years The life you lived, we adore You were our hero; our guiding light A person who always would care Telling us of the life you led With music to float through the air Sometimes you were happy and sometimes sad That's the human side we understood In your music you showed it all - A person so loving and good The years matter not - your voice lives on In your music it rises once more Tears and happiness blending again In John Denver, the man we adore ____________________________________ Copyright 10-1-05 by Emily M. Parris ================================================= JOHN DENVER W A N T A D S / F O R S A L E ================================================= Katie < rockymtnkt@aol.com > I'm looking for 3 tickets to the John Denver Tribute Concert at the Wheeler (preferably on the 10th) or on the 9th. If you are unable to use your tickets please get in touch with me. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Gwen O'Donnell - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho I have John Denver record albums for sale. Please email me at aspenglo@adelphia.net - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Tela Fankhauser < tfankhauser@usa.net > I am looking for any John Denver t-shirts for sale, preferably with his picture on them. All my old JD t-shirts are getting so worn out. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "Rocky Mountain Minstrel" - a book of poetry dedicated to John Denver is available for $5 postpaid in the US. Check or M.O. check payable to Emily Parris / 608 E. 96th St. / Kansas City, MO 64131 or paypal to emily@parris.net - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Pat < aspenglo@prodigy.net > I have two tickets (2 for each evening) to the John Denver Tribute at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen. They are in the balcony - 3rd row. I'm unable to attend this year. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Veronika: Veronika@supanet.com would like to make contact with other 'John Denver' People. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Chris Westfall's cd "I'm Coming Home" is now available. www.chriswestfall.com / $17 postage paid in the U.S. / Send check to: Chris Westfall / Box 345 / Berlin, NJ 08009 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Christine Egli < ausjdclub@hotmail.com > 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. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Emily Parris < emily@parris.net > If you are in the Kansas City area please email me to be added to our local Metro area mailinglist for events here in town. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Web pages... Aspen in October Events http://www.john-denver.org < click on "Aspen in October" > Kris O'Connor http://www.krisoconnor.com Kyle Vincent http://www.kylevincent.com * * * 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 October 2005 * Issue #138 * Editor: Emily M. Parris *************************************************************