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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

November 2004

Editor: Emily M. Parris

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

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John Denver Event Reviews
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"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

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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.
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There is poetry dedicated to John Denver at
http://www.vicpicgam.com/denver.htm
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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/
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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.
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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/
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John's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" is ranked #4 in CMT's
20 Top Road Songs of All Times http://www.cmt.com
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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John Denver's "Ancient Rhymes" from Dawn Publishing
http://www.dawnpub.com
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The Higher Ground Australia Cookbook is on sale now.
http://www.highergroundaustralia.com/cookbook.html

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Higher Ground Australia
http://www.highergroundaustralia.com
Mack Bailey
http://www.mackbailey.com/
Sweet Dream's Place
http://www.freewebs.com/sweetdreamsplace/dreamtime.html

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Rocky Mountain High: The John Denver Internet Fan Club
emily@parris.net http://www.rockymtnhigh.org
November 2004 * Issue #127 * Editor: Emily M. Parris
***************************************************

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