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 ***  R O C K Y  M O U N T A I N  H I G H  ***

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      The John Denver Internet Fan Club

            Monthly Newsletter

 

               April 2009    

 

           Editor: Emily M. Parris

 

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http://www.rockymtnhigh.org  *  emily@parris.net

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              Table of Contents

           April 2009 - Issue #180

 

John Denver Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

 

“Garrett’s ‘A Tribute to John Denver”

    is a Branson Gem” – Branson Courier. . . . . . . . .5

 

“KC Symphony Offers Debut of John Denver Orchestral

    Score – Again” – Kansas City Star. . . . . . . . . .6

 

“John Denver: Pop Icon’s Music has come back to the

    Symphony in a most unusual way. . . . . . . . . . . 7

 

Poetry Corner:

  “Springtime In April”

          By Emily M. Parris. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

 

John Denver Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

 

 

 

 

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         J O H N   D E N V E R   E V E N T S

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April 2-4, 2009 - West Palm Beach, FL - Concert Series titled

   "Country Roads" is being presented at the Kravis Center

   for the Performing Arts.

   It will feature the music of John Denver and Dan Fogelberg -

   performed by Bob Stillman

   http://www.kravis.org

 

April 3, 2009 - Netherlands - John Adams concert in Hendrik

  Ido Ambacht (near Rotterdam) in Cascade theater. Tickets

  go on sale 9-8-08.

 

April 6, 2009 - Altadena, CA - "A Tribute to the Music

  of John Denver" - Jim Curry - Coffee Gallery Backstage $15

  2029 N. Lake / Altadena, CA 91001  *  8:00pm  Reservations:

  (626) 398-7917  http://www.coffeegallery.com

 

April 17, 2009 - Kansas City, MO - "The Music of John Denver"

  will be performed by the Kansas City Symphony at 8:00pm at

  the Church of the Resurrection / 5001 W. 137th Street /

  Leawood, KS 66224   http://www.kcsymphony.org

  Jim Curry will be joined by his band as well as former John

  Denver band members Alan Deremo, Ritchie Gajate Garcia and

  Pete Huttlinger.  (816) 471-0400 / www.JimCurryMusic.com

  Guest Conductor: Lee Holdridge

 

April 18, 2009 – Austin, TX – “Friends With You” band in concert.

  (301)788-7090   http://www.friendswithyouband.com

 

April 18, 2009 - Churchville, PA - Earth Day Celebration Concert

  with Chris Westfall  7:30pm. "Earth Day Every Day!" The evening

  will include a wide variety of music. Tickets: $10/person.

  Please call the Nature Center for tickets. 

  Churchville Nature Center

  501 Churchville Lane

  Churchville, PA 18966

  215-357-4005 or churchvillenaturecenter@co.bucks.pa.us 

  www.churchvillenaturecenter.org

  Info: pattiannctr@verizon.net 

 

April 18th, 2009 – Denver, CO - Earth Day Rocks at Red Rocks....  Celebrate     

  Earth Day with the Windstar Colorado Connection at the famous Red Rocks  

  Amphitheater pavilion on April 18th. Music from 10-4 provided by Brad & Kathy

  Fitch, “Aspen Meadow”, Susan Kay, Amanda Reyes-Rist, and our own Jon  

  Darling. Displays from groups like Defenders of Wildlife, Hawkquest, Denver  

  Botanical Gardens, US Solar, and many other like-minded organizations. Free  

  Face Painting and craft projects for the kids. Sponsored by Windstar Colorado  

  Connection in cooperation with the City of Denver!  For more information visit  

  http://www.windstarcoloradoconnection.org

 

April 24, 2009 – Independence, KY – John Denver Tribute Concert

  By Mark Cormican / Kenton County Library 7:00pm (859) 962-4030

  http://www.markcormican.com

 

April 25 ,2009 – Shelton, WA,

  "A Tribute to the Music of John Denver" starring Jim Curry and his 

  Band  8:00 pm at the Little Creek Casino, 91 W State Route 108
  Shelton, WA 98584  http://www.theparamount.net,

  http://www.JimCurryMusic.com

 

May 8 & 9, 2009 – Las Vegas NV

  "A Tribute to the Music of John Denver" starring Jim Curry and his    

  Band 8:00 pm at the Silverton Hotel and Casino, Silverton Casino 

  Lodge 3333 Blue Diamond Road, Las Vegas, NV 89139,

  (866) 946-4373, (702) 263-7777

     http://www.JimCurryMusic.com

 

May 2, 2009 – Atlanta, GA – “Friends With You” Band

  (678) 576-0269 http://www.friendswithyouband.com

 

May 9, 2009 - Mandello Del Lario (Lake Como)ITALY - Mack Bailey,

  Chris Nole, and Pete Huttlinger in concert. Teatro San Lorenzo Via   

  XXIV    Maggio 8pm  info@chrisnole.com

 

May 11 & 12, 2009 - St. Gallen SWITZERLAND - Mack Bailey, Chris Nole,

  and Pete Huttlinger in concert. Kellerbuhne  Das St. Galler    

  Kleintheater.    info@chrisnole.com

  http://www.kellerbuehne.ch/seiten/spielplan.php#Anker4

 

May 16, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. - Mt Holly Springs, PA - Christopher Westfall    

  - "An Evening of Acoustic Music" - Will include Chris'original songs,

  covers by various artists, and some patriotic songs to honor Armed Forces

  Day.  Holly Inn, 31 Baltimore Ave., Mt. Holly Springs, PA in their banquet  

  room -    srose312@embarqmail.com  or  http://www.hollyinn.com.

 

May 23, 2009 - North Yorkshire, UK - Ray and Jackie are putting on a concert

  by Mack Bailey and Rachel Levy at Kirkby Church Hall, North Yorkshire,

  Tickets are £10.00 and doors open at 7.30pm.  Send a cheque payable to

  Jackie Freeman to Feet First, 53 High St. Stokesely, North Yorkshire. TS9 7AN

  (include SASE)  Telephone number is 01642 713575 Ray & Jackie’s website

  http://www.freewebs.com/feet-first-stokesley-north-yorkshire-uk/

 

May 30, 2009 - Bristol, PA ~ Charlie Zahm at the Silver Lake Nature Center:

  Charlie Zahm songs celebrating Nature, the Earth, and the Great Outdoors.     

  Join him at Silver Lake Nature Center's beautiful outdoor amphitheater

  (indoors if inclement weather). 7:30pm

  Silver Lake Nature Center

  1306 Bath Rd, Bristol, PA 19007

  Come early to enjoy the trails and exhibits.

  Tickets: $10/person.   Call 215-785-1177 or pacutter@co.bucks.pa.us  

  http://www.charliezahm.com

 

June 13, 2009 – Hamilton, OH – “Friends With You” Band

  (859) 567-2955  http://www.friendswithyouband.com

 

 June 13, 2009  - Liberty, NC -   

     Christopher Westfall Presents:  John Denver - A Musical Retrospective

     Liberty Showcase, Liberty, North Carolina  7:30pm  Join Chris for a

     splendid evening of music in this theater located in the Piedmont area of  

     North Carolina.  Chris will be doing a comprehensive review of John  

     Denver's music, as well as original pieces. Tickets are $12 in advance  

     Or $15 at the door.  Please call: 1-336-622-3844 or go to  

     www.libertyshowcase.com

 

June 14, 2009 - JAPAN - John Denver Tribute Concert in Ginza, Tokyo - Tanaka    

  Takeru sings John Denver's best-loved hits, joined by Suga Katsutoshi and

  Daniel Clay Idol / Ginza TACT / 6-9-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN /

  +81-3-3571-3939 (03-3571-3939) / 1:00pm / 2,800 yen

  http://www.bekkoame.ne.jp/~nisenora/e-pineapplers-liveinfo.html

 

June 19, 2009 - Kennecott, Alaska - "John Denver Solstice

  Tribute 6:00pm Recreation Hall / Live music, video, potluck

  dinner and storytelling  info@wrangells.org  (907) 554-4464

  http://www.wrangells.org

 

June 26, 2009  -  Medford, NJ -  Chris Westfall in Concert 7:00pm

  Village of Taunton Forge Summer Concert Series

  Taunton and Tuckerton Roads, Medford, NJ

  Come on out and join Chris for an evening of music under the stars in

  Taunton Forge's beautiful pavilion. Bring a chair and dust off the vocal  

  chords.   This is a free outdoor concert nestled in the village. 

  http://www.chriswestfall.com

 

June 27, 2009 - Denver, CO - "John Denver - The Tribute" with

  Roy Rivers, featuring Steve Weisberg.  8:00pm $25

  Red Rocks Amphitheater http://www.john-denver-tribute.com

 

June 27, 2009 - JAPAN - John Denver Tribute Concert in Komae, Tokyo - Tanaka

  Takeru sings John Denver's best-loved hits. / add9th / 1-2-6 Nakaizumi,

  Komae-city, Tokyo, JAPAN / +81-3-3480-4996 (03-3480-4996) / 7:30 pm /

  2,000yen

  http://www.bekkoame.ne.jp/~nisenora/e-pineapplers-liveinfo.html

 

July 11, 2009 - Modesto, CA - "A Tribute to the Music of John Denver"

  starring Jim Curry and his band.  Gallo Center for the Arts

  Mary Stewart Rogers Theater  (209) 338-2100 

  toll free:  1-877-488-3380  http://www.galloarts.com

  http://www.jimcurrymusic.com

 

July 14, 2009 - Estes Park, CO - "John Denver Tribute

  Concert" - TropiCowboy Band / Brad & Kathy Fitch

  http://www.tropicowboy.com

 

July 25, 2009 - Hesston, PA - "Headin' To The Mountains II":

  An Evening with Christopher Westfall!  7:30pm  Seven Points

  Amphitheater, Raystown Lake, 7 Points Road, Hesston, PA.

  srose312@embarqmail.com  *  http://raystown.nab.usace.army.mil/.

 

August 1, 2009 - Hesston, PA - "Friends With You Band - Tribute to

   John Denver 7:00 - 10:00pm / Seven Points Amphitheater - Raystown Lake

   Seven Points Road - Hesston, PA / Free admission but donations accepted.

   Suzanne < srose312@embarqmail.com > or

   Patty < pjspiker@verizon.net >

   http://raystown.nab.usace.army.mil/

 

August 2, 2009 - Dana Point, CA - "A Tribute to the Music of John Denver"

  starring Jim Curry and his band - City of Dana Point, Heritage Park

  34400 Old Golden Lantern  (949) 248-3530

  http://www.danapoint.org  *   http://www.jimcurrymusic.com

 

August 7, 2009 - Holly Springs, PA - Chris Collins and friends in

  Concert 7:00 p.m, Tickets: $15.00 Holly Inn, 31 Baltimore Ave, Mt.

  Holly Springs, PA  Info: srose312@embarqmail.com or pjspiker@verizon.net, 

  www.hollyinn.com or the Holly Inn 717-486-3823.

 

August 14, 2009 – Van Wert, Ohio – Tribute to John Denver starring Ted

  Vigil and his band.  Fountain Park – Van Wert, OH

 

September 5, 2009 - Big Bear Lake, CA - "A Tribute to the Music of John Denver"

  starring Jim Curry and his Band.  (909) 866-3437

  http://www.bigbeardiscoverycenter.com

  http://www.jimcurrymusic.com

 

September 12, 2009 - Claremont, CA - " A Tribute to the Music of

  John Denver" starring Jim Curry

  Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden  (909) 625-8767

  http://www.rsabg.org

  http://www.jimcurrymusic.com

 

September 18, 2009 - Charlottesville, VA - "A Tribute to the Music

  of John Denver" will be performed by Jim Curry, his band, and

  special guest Jim Connor  8:00pm at the Paramount Theater,

  215 East Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902

  (434) 979-1333

  http://www.theparamount.net

  http://www.JimCurryMusic.com

 

October 8, 2009 - Aspen CO - Wheeler Opera House –

   THE JOHN DENVER ALL STAR TRIBUTE BAND IN CONCERT  "Doin' Their Own Thing"

   Featuring the original music of: MACK BAILEY - DENNY BROOKS - BILL DANOFF -   

   ALAN DEREMO – RICHIE GAJATE-GARCIA - PETE HUTTLINGER

   CHRIS NOLE - HERB PEDERSEN - KENN ROBERTS

   JIM SALESTROM - JOHN SOMMERS - MOLLIE WEAVER

   Tickets go on sale June 2009! 

   http://www.wheeleroperahouse.com/wheeler/

  

OCTOBER 9th & 10th, 2009 – ASPEN, CO - THE WHEELER OPERA HOUSE

   12th Annual JOHN DENVER TRIBUTE CONCERTS

   Celebrating the Man and his Music

   MACK BAILEY - DENNY BROOKS - BILL DANOFF

   ALAN DEREMO - RICHIE GAJATE-GARCIA - PETE HUTTLINGER - DON GROVE

   MICHAEL JOHNSON (special guest - both nights!)

   GARY MULE DEER - CHRIS NOLE - HERB PEDERSEN - KENN ROBERTS

   JIM SALESTROM - JOHN SOMMERS - MOLLIE WEAVER

   Tickets go on sale June 2009! 

   http://www.wheeleroperahouse.com/wheeler/

 

October 10, 2009 - Ashcroft, CO - Pine Creek Cookhouse Luncheon

  11:00am - 3:00pm / Tickets $50 includes a gourmet lunch.

  A DVD from the film libtrary of Mr. John Wilcox will be available

  for purchase at the event. It is not included in the admission price.    

  "Friends With You Band" will perform.

  Email Jennifer at windwalker@samsco.org

 

October 11, 2009 - Pacific Grove, California - John Denver Tribute -

  Info:  pixiedmyr@aol.com

 

October 11, 2009 – Aspen, CO - Jim Connor and Ellen Stapenhorst will

  present a FUN concert at the Aspen Community Church,  200 E. Bleeker St in

  downtown Aspen. 3:00pm Donation, $15 if ordered with SASE before October 1,

  or $20 at the door.  To order send a SASE (self-addressed-stamped-envelope)

  to J. Therrien, 12 Dunecrest Av, Monterey, CA 93940.

  Info:  jht2008@pacbell.net

 

October 11, 2009 – Aspen, CO – Mark Cormican – A Concert for Vital Ground /

  Mark will perform original and cover songs in this environmentally themed

  Concert.  7:00pm  Tickets $15 – Location to be announced.

  Sharon Cormican   alaskanchild@yahoo.com  http://www.vitalground.org

 

Branson, MO - Monday through Saturday 10:00am

  "A Tribute to John Denver & Country Music Legends"

  James Garrett sings John Denver's best-loved hits.

  IMAX Little Opry Theatre / 3562 Shepherd of the Hills

  Expressway / Branson, MO 65616  (800) 419-4832

 

 

   <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*>

 

 

Garrett's "A Tribute to John Denver" is a Branson "Gem"

  By Gary Groman

  Mar 25, 2009

James Garrett performing on stage during his
 "A Tribute to John Denver" show at In the 
Little Opry Theatre.

  Branson Courier

 

As Branson, Missouri celebrates 50 years of live music shows this year it offers almost 100 different shows of just about every type and music genre. James Garrett's “A Tribute to John Denver” is a show that doesn't have the marketing, star power, or “big” production style of some Branson's better known shows, but what it does offer is two plus hours of some of the most enjoyable entertainment in Branson.

“A Tribute to John Denver” is presented in one of Branson's smallest theaters, the “Little Opry Theatre” in the IMAX Complex, Monday through Saturday at 10:00 a.m. It stars James Garrett, who sang with the Grammy Award winning group the “Kendalls.” Garrett is supported by an additional cast of four, a great three piece band made up of Randy Plummer, Base Fiddle, Rick Quincey, Mandolin, Steel Guitar, and Hammered Dulcimer, and Jim Glaspy. Banjo and Guitar and the vocal talents of Miss C. J. Newsom.

From Garrett's first Denver number, “Hey It's Good to Be Back Home Again,” until his last, “Calypso,” over two hours later, each word of the lyrics was clearly heard as he beautifully sang his way through a “portrait” of Denver's music. As would be expected he sang most of Denver's hit songs such as “Leaving On A Jet Plane,” “Rocky Mountain High,” “Sunshine On My Shoulders” “Annie's Song,” and many more.

Two things however, might not be expected. The first becomes important when one considers that Denver wrote over 140 songs during his career. Garrett points out that even though a lot of them never became known as Denver hits, he considers some of them “gems.” Some of the “gems” included in the show are “Matthew,” Grandma's Feather Bed,” and “Whispering Jesse.”

The second is Garrett's ability to weave his personal relationship with Denver, and his extensive knowledge about his career, into interesting introductory vignettes for just about each piece of Denver’s music in the show, hits as well as the “gems.” The insight he shared about the guitar Denver was referring to in the song “This Old Guitar,” what it meant to him, its loss, eventual recovery and what happened to it after Denver’s death is, but one poignant example.

Another was when Garrett was talking about Denver's ability to be simple and profound at the same time. He had asked Denver how he wrote so many songs and Denver replied that a song would just drift by and he would grab it. Even with all the shows in Branson, this show is a memorable entertainment “gem” that is a true tribute to John Denver and his music. It is an entertainment experience that one might not want to let drift by, whether a John Denver fan or not.

 

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KC Symphony offers debut of John Denver orchestral score — again

 

By Aaron Barnhart

The Kansas City Star

For more than a decade, singer Jim Curry has been selling out performances of the classic hits of John Denver.

Valerie L. Nestrick

 

For more than a decade, singer Jim Curry has been selling out performances of the classic hits of John Denver.

The untimely death of John Denver in 1997 has done very little to stem interest in his music. For more than a decade, singer Jim Curry has been selling out performances of the classic hits of “America’s troubadour” in a voice that unapologetically matches Denver’s own.

Curry has chosen the Kansas City Symphony to play the world premiere of Denver’s orchestral arrangements, which were recently reconstituted by the Grammy-winning composer Lee Holdridge.

The concert, at 8 p.m. Friday at the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, reunites Curry and Holdridge, who did the music for the 2000 CBS television film on Denver’s life.

Holdridge scored much of the Denver songbook more than 20 years ago, and he would often lead orchestras in performances. After Denver’s death, the scores were unaccountably destroyed. However, the pencil originals remained in Holdridge’s vault, and Curry commissioned Holdridge to use them to bring the works back to life.

Friday’s concert will feature not only Curry and Holdridge but also original Denver band members Richie Gajate Garcia and Pete Huttlinger.  Tickets are $42 to $65 and are available through www.kc symphony.org or by calling 816-471-0400.

 

 

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John Denver: Pop Icon’s Music Has Come-Back to the Symphony in a Most Unusual Way

 

Mar 23, 2009

by Aria Munro
eNewsChannels

 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The music of the late John Denver is like an old friend, outlasting trends and standing the test of time, but that’s not the case with the original John Denver orchestrations, says Jim Curry Music. More than a decade has passed since the music of American composer John Denver has graced the stage of a symphony orchestra with the original orchestrations used by John himself.

Jim CurryThe reason for this long absence was that the original orchestration parts had all been destroyed after John’s death in 1997. The only remaining parts left were the original composer scores, written in pencil and safely kept in a vault in California by the composer and arranger, Lee Holdridge. What would posses someone to destroy hundreds of pages of American music history? Especially works that were hand written in the 1970’s at a time when computer written music was not available. One can only guess that the people managing the John Denver estate did not know what they had or how valuable it was.

Not all is lost! When the acclaimed John Denver tribute artist Jim Curry learned that the scores had been destroyed he embarked on a project together with Lee Holdridge that would take nearly eight months. Curry, whose voice was heard in the CBS-TV movie “Take Me Home: The John Denver Story,” has performed Denver’s music in sold out shows throughout the country and has emerged as today’s top performer of Denver’s vast legacy of multi-platinum hits. To fulfill his desire for John’s music to live again in a symphony performance, Jim had commissioned the orchestra parts to be meticulously extracted from the penciled originals and readied for performance this April 17th 2009 in a world premiere with the Kansas City Symphony.

This unique come-back of America’s Troubadour goes beyond just another tribute. Lee Holdridge himself will be guest conducting the orchestra. The concert will include large screen projections of photos of John Denver’s life and nature scenes to accompany popular songs like “Sunshine On My Shoulders,” “Annie’s Song” and “Country Roads.” John’s original music videos, provided by photographer Lowell Norman will accompany hits like “Calypso,” “Eagle and the Hawk” and “Matthew.”

Special songs like “Yellowstone: Coming Home,” the last known song to have been written by John, will be performed with Lee’s original arrangement. This incredible song had only been performed by John in live performances and to this day has never been recorded. In addition, as if that were not enough, Jim is bringing in John Denver’s band members; world renowned percussionist Richie Gajate Garcia and world champion finger style guitarist Pete Huttlinger. Garcia and Huttlinger will join Jim as part of the six piece band that will perform with the Kansas City Symphony in what is sure to be an amazing moment in music history.

The popularity of this news has spread across the country and Jim will be performing this concert with the Santa Rosa symphony in California, the Phoenix Symphony in Arizona, and the Toledo Symphony in Ohio in 2010. Other symphonies are already lining up into year 2011 to bring in this show to their patrons. Interest has been shown by some prominent Canadian symphonies as well. “It is a testimony to the universal appeal of John’s music all over the world,” Curry said. “From China to England and from the Netherlands to Australia, John’s music is loved by millions.”

Kansas City Symphony: Friday, April 17th, 2009 at 8:00pm www.kcsymphony.org.

More information about Jim Curry: www.jimcurrymusic.com.

 

 

 

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 POETRY CORNER

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      Springtime In April

 

                 by Emily M. Parris

 

April is the month of springtime

With fresh spring rain in the air

Tulips waving in the breeze

Nature springing to life everywhere

 

April is the month of daisies,

Of lilies and the daffodil

As the vibrant green of the grass

Spreads out over every hill

 

In April the trees turn to green

As each bud begins to bloom

The world is soft and fragrant

With springtime's sweet perfume

 

________________________________

Copyright 4-4-07 by Emily Parris

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 J O H N   D E N V E R   N O T E S

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From: Marie Morrissey

“New” John Denver DVD

    A ‘new” import John Denver DVD recently was released

Called “John Denver: An Intimate Performance.” However, this

DVD is not actually new at all. It is actually “The Wildlife

Concert”.  I wanted to clarify this with club members so they

Don’t mistakenly buy it thinking it is something they don’t

Already have.

-    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

John was mentioned in an article called “Spirituality in Pop Music” by

Kevin Sedelmeier at www.Examiner.com

 

    “All This Joy - John Denver: This hidden gem is found on a lesser known Denver album called Higher Ground released after he left RCA. It tugs at your heartstrings. The sorrow and joy of life intertwined in its simple yet effective lyrics. For younger people, if you even know who John Denver is, he deserves more credit than many smarmy music critics want to give him. He's much more than the guy in Oh God! or the ol' country boy.”

 

 

 

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Plant It 2020

  http://www.plantit2020.org

Peaceful Blue Planet

  http://www.peacefulblueplanet.org

Todd Smith - John Denver Videos from YouTube

  http://www.mogulus.com/johndenvertv

Michiel's web site

   http://www.tenbrug.nl/JohnDenver

 

 

To subscribe: rockymountainhigh-subscribe@emissives.com

To unsubscribe: rockymountainhigh-unsubscribe@emissives.com

 

 

 

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   Rocky Mountain High:  The John Denver Internet Fan Club

   emily@parris.net         http://www.rockymtnhigh.org

     April 2009 * Issue #180        *  Editor: Emily M. Parris

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