J~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~J O R O C K Y M O U N T A I N H I G H O H =============================================== H N The John Denver Internet Fan Club N D D E M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T T E R E N N V S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 0 V E E R Emily Parris emily@sky.net http://www.sky.net/~emily R ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Table of Contents September 2000 * Issue #77 John Denver Events......................................2 JD Event Reviews: JD Honored at the EEA Fly-In - Oshkosh, WI by Carolyn Churchill............................3 JD Event in Archdale, NC 8/5/00 Review by Debora Richey.........................4 New Zealand Workshop 8/27/00 by Susan Leaver.................................5 "John Denver Park Takes Shape" by John Colson / Aspen Times 6/22/00..............5 JD Stories: Virginia Cowie........................................6 Cyndee Yeater.........................................6 Vickie Hersh..........................................7 CD Reviews: "The Short Brother's Band Tribute CD" Reviewed by David Stemple........................7 Changes in Rocky Mountain High Radio by Emily M. Parris...............................7 JD Poetry: "I Dream" by Virginia Butchart Cowie..................8 John Denver Notes.......................................9 John Denver Want Ads...................................10 * * * ============================================ J O H N D E N V E R E V E N T S ============================================ September 17, 2000 - Lake County, CA - Tribute to John Denver concert by Kurt Johnson / Ployez Winery / 11171 S. Hwy 29 Shows at 1:00pm & 4:00pm * Email: September 18, 2000 - Long Beach, CA - Joe Frazier with the Midshipmen at the Queen Mary September 19, 2000 - New York, NY - One World Peace Cloth Ceremony - United Nations Bldg. Debra September 22, 2000 - Seneca Falls, NY * Montazuma Wildlife Refuge concert 4pm - 8pm <112002.3523@compuserve.com> September 23, 2000 - Canastota, NY * Canastota Great Lakes Conservatory Concert /11:00am <112002.3523@compuserve.com> September 23-24, 2000 - Hermosa Beach, CA - Joe Frazier will perform at his parish - St. Cross By the Sea Episcopal Church, 1818 Monterey Blvd. / with his group "Eskaton" Sept 30-Oct 1, 2000 * John Denver Weekend / Sinzig near Bonn, Germany / Info: Gabi Oct 6, 2000 * Minneapolis, MN * Concert with all John Denver songs in memory of the third anniversary of John's crash. Dunn Bros. on University and 6th St. SE - Bob Louisell Oct 7, 2000 * Carmel, CA - Jim Curry and Friends will sing JD songs at the Universalist Unitarian Church of the Monterey Peninsula / 490 Aguajito Road. 7:30pm Oct 8, 2000 Pacific Grove, CA * John Denver Memorial Beach Cleanup & Tribute / Lovers Point Park / Tribute 5:00 pm Cleanup 10:30am Info: Debra Oct 8, 2000 Birmingham, AL / Musical Tribute to John Denver / Linn Park / Performer: Jim Aycock http://www.jimaycock.com Oct 11, 2000 John Adams JD Tribute Concert * Aspen, Colorado Wheeler Opera House $15.00 * http://www.johnadams.nl 8:00 pm More info: Oct 12, 2000 Aspen, CO * Campfire * Harold Simpson October 12, 2000 * Aspen, CO - Earth and Spirit Sunset Ceremony - 4:00pm-7:00pm with a moment of silence at 6:27pm MDT. Near Maroon Bells Info: http://www.johndenver.de/sunset.html Oct 12, 2000 - Pacific Grove, CA * JD Memorial Tribute 5:00pm - 6:00pm Info: PixieDmyr@aol.com Oct 12, 2000 - Sarasota, FL - Siesta Beach 4:00pm-10:00pm picnic/sing-a-long Info: Sherry Oct 12, 2000 - New Zealand / Int'l JD Memorial Foundation - Community Grants Awards Dinner - Langtons Restaurant, Mount Eden $25.00 Info: Susan Oct 13-15, 2000 - Aspen, CO / Wheeler Opera House - 3rd Annual Musical Tribute to John Denver 7:00pm $40 Oct 13, 2000 "Dancing with the Mountains" - Aspen, CO 10:00 - 1:00am * Keith Perry Oct 13, 2000 * Tapestry in Aspen * Aspen, CO 11:00am / $7.00 Email: - Sold Out http://members.xoom.com/tapestry2000/index.html Oct 13, 2000 CO Friends of JD Highway Cleanup 10:00 am Info: Carole Oct 14, 2000 4:00 pm * Aspen, CO - Dinner at the Tower Restaurant $26.00 * Checks to: Vickie Wells / 420 SW 38th Street / Cape Coral, FL 33914 Email: Oct. 14, 2000 * Aspen, CO * Auction - Mountain Chalet Ballroom 11:00am-2:00pm / Performers Mack Bailey, Pete Huttlinger, & Ken Covington. / Deli Lunches / $5-$10 at the door. More info: Mary Ledford Oct 14, 2000 Salida, CO * John Denver Celebration * (Christine Smith) * Noon-2:00 pm * SOLD OUT Oct 15, 2000 - Snowmass, CO * Worship service at Snowmass Chapel 9:00am / Mack Bailey will sing * re-dedication of the Memory Grove/reception follows. Info: hrt2hrt95@hotmail.com> Oct 15, 2000 Aspen, CO - Worship Service on the Mountain / Difficult Campground 9:30am Deb Perry Oct. 15, 2000 Aspen, CO - Aspen Photowalk 2000 / A Tribute to John Denver * Info 10:30am following worship service listed above at Difficult Campground Oct. 15, 2000 Snowmass, CO - Open house at the Windstar Land Conservancy 1:00pm - 5:00pm Info: Oct. 15, 2000 * Snowmass, CO - "Wisdom from the Wild Things" Workshop facilitated by J.P. McDaniel / Windstar Foundation $40 2:30-5:30pm (303) 978-9865 Email: J.P. McDaniel / 9552 W. Capri Dr. / Littleton, CO 80123 Oct. 15, 2000 * Aspen, CO - Pete Huttlinger - Guitar Clinic 2:00 - 4:00 pm http://john-denver.org/web/events/aspen2000 Registration is necessary / Info: Oct 16, 2000 Aspen, CO "Let This Be A Voice" Concert has been canceled. Contact Pam Beasley for refunds. Mail: 721 Ravencroft Dr / Garland, TX 75043 Oct. 16, 2000 Aspen, CO * Potluck Picnic at JD Sanctuary 11:00am * Info: Christine November 4, 2000 - Altadena, CA - Phil Christie in Concert with Michael Valentine & Steve Stapenhorst 7:30pm (626) 398-7917 $8.00 Coffee Gallery ============================================ JOHN DENVER E V E N T R E V I E W S ============================================ From: Carolyn Churchill There was a tribute concert to John performed at the EAA Fly-In in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on July 26th. John's songs were sung by Cookee, a very popular local fellow. (His website is at http://www.stjohn-artists.com/cookee/ if you want to see what he looks like). I wasn't there to hear him, but my two sons were. My sons helped their dad work the Warbirds area at the Fly-In this year and were very surprised to hear John's music coming from the Theater in the Woods stage. They were so sweet, they just had to tell me about it, so a few days later I received cards in the mail from them detailing the songs that were sung and everything. So there you have it, more proof that John Denver's music lives on. Friends With You, Carolyn - Lake Villa, Illinois - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Debora Richey Subject: John Denver Music Celebration A tree-lined road leading to Creekside Park in North Carolina on August 5, 2000, took us back to a 70's moment in time with the music of Chris Westfall, Kevin Yeargin and Darryl Clark. The NC Friends of John Denver Club founders, Greg Lemons and Charles Paschal hosted the event that lasted from noon until 8pm. The afternoon was a mixture of John's videos, looking through scrapbook memorabilia, pizza, meeting internet friends and finally putting faces together with names. Hearts in Harmony, the long established JD Fan Club, Editor, Carol Blevins, President, Dottie Honer and former staffer, Donna Pinto drove in from Pennsylvania to beautiful Carolina for the special JD Music Celebration. It was quite exciting finally getting to meet these ladies who have worked tirelessly over the years to bring the fans news updates and general information about John Denver. When the evenings first chords of acoustic guitars echoed across the Recreation Center we all knew this would be one very special night. Opening up the concert was Billy Gardner and his nephew from Hampton, Virginia who shared two songs inspired and written about the influence John had on Billy's life. You could easily hear the John Denver guitar style on these eloquently written songs. You will be hearing more about Billy's CD which is sure to be a pleaser among John Denver fans. An extensive list of John Denver favorites done impressively well by Chris, Kevin and Darryl touched hearts covering a broad spectrum of emotions. One might even close their eyes at times and believe they were actually hearing John's clear voice hauntingly reminding us of what is most important in life. A poignant highlight of the evening was Chris' outstanding performance on "The Wings That Fly Us Home." Even John himself must have smiled down on that one! Kevin's reigning moment was definitely his rendition of "Carolina In My Mind," sounding unbelievably like it's writer, James Taylor. Darryl brought humor to the equation and did several Jimmy Buffett songs adding a festive touch to the evening. Songs of nature, reflections of love and one man dedicated to reaching all those who would listen summed up a life worthy of a such a glorious celebration. Written By: Debora Richey - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - International John Denver Memorial Foundation workshop on John Denver's 1984 address "On Being Human" 8/27/00 - Epsom Community Centre / Auckland, New Zealand by Susan Leaver This was our third meeting, and we hit the jackpot with the resource material used, and with whom we drew to the meeting - what a caring, aware bunch of people! We were honoured, too, to have Mark Hornblow of "the Hunger Project" and Pam Garlick of "Save the Children" with us. I was deeply touched by Mark's description of how much the Hunger Project has actively achieved towards the end of world hunger. We all discussed the feasibility of following up in the lifestyle of the 2000's, John's encouragement "to actively remember in each and every relationship we have that we are first human beings with other human beings." How could we do this in today's fast paced environment? New member, Rosie, I believe said it all. "When we have learned to love, accept, and be secure in ourselves, we will not be afraid to share with others." <<<<<<<<<<<<<<< o >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> "John Denver Park Takes Shape" by John Colson - Aspen Times - June 22, 2000 City crews are busily working on the second phase of the John Denver Sanctuary, a small park established to commemorate the spirit of the deceased singer-songwriter near Rio Grande Park. Denver, who died in October 1997, had lived in Aspen since the early 1970s. As he achieved fame as a musician and wrote about his adopted home in many of his songs, his name became synonymous with Aspen and the Colorado Rockies. A number of fans and family members have contributed to the development of the sanctuary, and continue to work with city officials on the project. The sanctuary, which is the main part of the city parks department project that will ultimately cost $250,000 runs along the edge of the city kayak course between the Rio Grande Trail and the Roaring Fork River adjacent to the Theater in the Park tent. Originally dedicated in the summer of 1998, the sanctuary is to be a passive place of boulders, wildflowers and solitude said Parks Director Jeff Woods, designer of the sanctuary. Although the area currently looks like a moonscape, Woods said this phase of the project is expected to be done within a couple of weeks after which it will be reopened to the public. Boulders have been brought to the site from other parts of the city. Two massive rocks have been split down the middle and will stand on either side of sections of a path through the sanctuary. One will also provide a kind of frame for looking back up from the water's edge toward Aspen Mountain. Woods said there will be inscriptions on some of the rocks, including a "vision quest" statement that Denver reportedly wrote shortly before he died when his private plane crashed off the coast of California. In addition, a large spruce tree was being planted on Wednesday. The rest of the grounds will be covered in wildflowers and other plantings, Woods said. Woods denied a citizen's complaint that the earth moving work at the park was fouling the Roaring Fork River with silt, pointing to a special plastic "silt screen" set up at the river's edge to prevent dirt from getting into the water. The final phase of the project, Woods said, will take place next year. At that time, city crews will restore two drainage ponds on the property, and use them as part of the landscape of the small park. ============================================== J O H N D E N V E R S T O R I E S ============================================== Virginia Cowie The end of last month my youngest daughter got married out in the mountains in Colorado where she lives. Both my daughters were literally "weaned" on John and his music and grew to love him as well. So one of the songs played during the ceremony - by violin and guitar - was "Annie's Song." I knew about this but no one expected what happened. After the song was played, just as the groom was saying his wedding vows an eagle appeared as though out of nowhere and flew not all that far above and behind where the bride and groom were standing. It glided ever so gracefully from the groom's side to the bride's as part of the incredible backdrop of scenery there. You could hear people suck in their breaths...and I just sobbed like crazy! I had no doubt whatever that it was a blessing from John. No greater gift could have been given! * * * Cyndee Yeater - West Virginia I wanted to write and tell you about the Country Roads Music Festival that I was so fortunate to attend. I can't even express in words how wonderful that day was. The most incredible thing happened. It had been a partly cloudy day, threatening rain throughout. When the tribute to John started with a familiar tune "Welcome to My Morning", I looked up at the sky. The clouds began to part, and the most beautiful scene appeared before us, as though the heavens were opening up to receive the music being played on the stage. I felt as though John was looking down on us, and was humbly pleased by what he saw and heard. As I looked around the crowd, I felt a kinship with these people, and with the performers on the stage. These were not strangers, but lovers of the same music that I, myself, adored. Isn't that what John's music was all about, and the causes that he stood for? I look forward to going and sharing that special time again next year. * * * * * * From: Vickie In my heart is a garden where only John lives. He has lived there for over 25 years now, all the while planting seeds of love, consciousness, total awareness and respect for life, the earth, and all who live here. With every beat of my heart flows nourishment from the seeds grown in that precious place that sustains me. Nothing will ever change that. And now through him is born a whole new garden of friendship and love like I've never known. Thank you John for the gift that never stops giving. You are in my heart and living there. Peace, Vickie Hersh ========================== REVIEWS of John Denver CD'S =========================== Review of "A Tribute to John Denver - The Short Brothers Band" (1997) by David Stemple The first of two songs "Dear John" 3:36 - features a guitar, a second guitar and a mandolin. Awesome lyrics. On the final chorus, great harmonies. The second song, "Country Roads" opens with voices only, then almost too fast a chorus comes in and the song continues. Instruments are fiddle, guitar, banjo, bass and drums. The drum set plays in double time most of the song. It is so awesome to hear others sing his music and put their spin on it. Thought you might want to know this cd is out there. The back cover says fifteen percent of all proceeds will go to Plant-It 2000, a non-profit organization founded by John Denver. ========================================================== Changes in "Rocky Mountain High Radio" by Emily M. Parris ========================================================== Rocky Mountain High Radio was one of the most praised projects I have ever undertaken. But alas, the airwaves did not last. On about August 10th I received an email from Live365 saying that my channel was not in compliance with RIAA rules. Apparently there were too many John Denver songs. They needed my station to have more of a mix to be in compliance with the rules of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). I have put considerable time and energy into updating my online music library and the result is a great new sounding station called "Song of Wyoming." It doesn't have as many John Denver songs, but I have tried to include songs about love, and songs containing some of the same themes that John sings about such as home, family and the importance of caring about the environment and our fellow man. It has a mix of country artists, popular, John Denver, and the artists who sing John Denver Tribute songs, along with some very mellow new age songs as well. The RMH Radio Station will also be put back online within the next week or two. My plan is to have the station air songs that are environmentally oriented; such as John's "Whalebones and Crosses", "To the Wild Country" and other works inspired by nature. Click on the url below to go to the "Song of Wyoming" Radio Station. For questions write to jimkc@sky.net or emily@sky.net. To go to the "Song of Wyoming" Radio Station go to....... http://www.live365.com and or follow the link on the Rocky Mountain High Web Page: http://www.sky.net/~emily/RMHRadio.html * * * ====================================== P O E T R Y C O R N E R ====================================== I DREAM by Virginia Butchart Cowie I dream of golden Colorado skies and Denver west of here it lies beneath the twilight's setting sun, when day is nearly done and memories that touch my heart with golden spurs of sundrenched light into the night will carry me so gently, with reverie. I dream of John, of golden song and flaxen hair so free... so near to me, his heart and mine conjoin and dance among the stars and fly so free... just him and me. Eternal love imparts its magic deep with my heart and sings a melody of love Divine until the end of the illusion that is time. ____________________________________________ Copyright 12/1998 by Virginia Butchart Cowie ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ======================================= This month the John Denver movie "Oh, God" is playing on the Encore Channel 7 times and on Encore's Movie Plex channel on 9/26/00 at 5:15pm. The movie "Walking Thunder" is playing 5 times on the Animal Planet Channel. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sally Davies The brilliant John Denver tribute song "The Final Goodbye" written and sung by Australia's Mark Tempany was announced Song of the Year at the glittering music industry awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in Brisbane, Australia on Tuesday night. Mark was also awarded Male Vocalist of the Year for "Far Away", the title track of the album featuring "The Final Goodbye." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ruth The travel feature in the paper today had a piece about New Mexico and John was mentioned as a famous person from New Mexico. Then this evening the following question was asked on a quiz show: "Which of the following songs was written on a ski lift?" The choices were "Annie's Song", "Rocky Mountain High" and "Take Me Home, Country Roads." The contestant got it right! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Christine Moon Our "Friends of JD" club is taking a party of 25 people from the UK to this year's Aspen events, plus there will be around a dozen of us traveling independently. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Patricia A few weeks ago the Lancaster New Era had a large article entitled "Remember Me As You Pass By." The story was about grieving in America and how it has become more public with various signs cropping up everywhere; from little white crosses to flowers placed near the scene of an accident. one of the pictures they used was of our "Adopt-A-Highway" sign; "PA Friends of John Denver". - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Susan Haymore This is a VHA webpage for an upcoming awards event. They are allowing fans to suggest categories and awards. I voted for JD for a lifetime achievement award. http://www.vh1.com/mymusic/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Constance Biltz Here are some websites where you can visit to contribute for free to some of John's causes: http://www.therainforestsite.com and http://www.thehungersite.com / Also, when you send an e-card at http://www.e-cards.com/site/home.pl this site makes a donation to the World Wildlife Fund or the Nature Conservancy. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Nora The "National Examiner" September 5, 2000 issue has a picture of John in it on page 29. It is the usual garbage but the picture of John is pretty good. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Joan Kurtz: I love these surprises...Just downloaded a new crossword puzzle and there, on 20 Across, 6 letters, was "Rocky Mountain High" singer." Put a smile right on my face! :-) =================================================== JOHN DENVER W A N T A D S / F O R S A L E =================================================== Cathy I'm looking for the JD movie of the week Video ("Take Me Home: The JD Story"/CBS). - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Michael Johnson I have a new CD called "Michael Johnson - Live at the Bluebird Cafe." $14 /cd See my web site at: http://www.mjblue.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Pat I'm taking orders for a large Cardboard Figure of John and I need a minimum of 500 orders. The figure will be between $22 & $30 dollars with 10% of the profit going to one of John's charities. Shipping $6 to $12. Email me if you will place an order or write to me at Patricia Sweetland / JD Cutout / 1 Midway Drive / West Warwick, Rhode Island 02893 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Larry I still have some John Denver cd's and lp's for sale. Email me for a list. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Blossom Foundation for Children and the Environment, inspired by John Denver and others, was created by Carol Sullivan to be a clearinghouse for information related to adoption of hard-to-place children and global environmental issues. http://www.blossomfoundation.org The website has info about an interview Carol recently had with Hal Thau. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Michael Eck I'm looking for a copy of John's tv movie "Higher Ground." I have worn out my copy and would really like to see it again. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Tela Fankhauser I'd love to get a copy of John's speech "On Being Human". - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Paula I'm looking for the songbook for John's album "Spirit". - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Cathy I'm looking for a video of "Take Me Home: The John Denver Story". - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Trish Doll We're looking for advertisers for Mountain Folk Music, a nationally syndicated Radio & Web show hosted by East Side Dave. The music is kick-off-your-shoes, down-home bluegrass, folk, outdoor and mountain folk music. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Emily More web sites have been added to the JDFriend document. http://www.sky.net/~emily/jdfriend.html Also, if you have any mp3's that you would like to send for the RMH/Song of Wyoming Radio stations just email them to me at: "SongofWyoming@yahoo.com". Also, any time you are sending me attachments this is the best email address to use. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Windstar Products are available for sale. This includes back issues of the Windstar Journal, videos and the famous Windstar cookbook. For more information see the Windstar Website: http://www.wstar.org ....From: Jeanne Tomlinson - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Colleen I'm looking for a video of "Sunshine", the made for tv movie from the 70's. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Aspen in October Url http://www.onelist.com/group/AspeninOctober Hawk Mountain - John Denver Bench http://members.aol.com/tybrenn/hawkmtn/hawkmtn.html Blossom Foundation http://www.blossomfoundation.org Michael's John Denver Page http://www.geocities.com/mkr73jd/theme.html Sony Music's Celebrity Purchase Web Site http://www.signaturesuperstars.com John Denver Friends of Nature (New url) http://www.jdfriendsofnature.com John Denver, From Beginning to End (New url) http://www.btejd.org New Yahoo JD Club http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/windsongreflections Arctic Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Info http://www.northern.org/refuge/html/refuge.htm ************************************************************* Rocky Mountain High: The John Denver Internet Fan Club emily@sky.net http://www.sky.net/~emily September 2000 * Issue #77 * Editor: Emily M. Parris *************************************************************