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Monday, June 7, 2010

Rocky Mountain High Calypso


A few weeks ago, my sister showed me a reminder card they had received in the mail about an upcoming Phoenix Symphony concert. This particular show was a tribute to John Denver and even had members of his original band playing songs with the symphony. I agreed to go with her, though I was a little skeptical about another singer trying to portray John Denver's songs.

Saturday evening arrived. I think it was my perfect "first symphony" experience since most people were wearing flannel and cowboy boots instead of the traditional tuxedos. We people-watched for a few minutes and both decided to work on our posture so we wouldn't look as stiff and bent-over as some we saw. We were certainly the youngest attendees of such an event!

We found our seats. The symphony tuned up then began its first rendition of a John Denver montage of his greatest hits. It was simply beautiful and gave me goosebumps. The symphony was led by guest conductor Lee Holdridge, who was the very same composer approached by John Denver decades ago to create symphony accompaniment to his songs. After a gorgeous ten-minute summary of John's songs by the symphony, the band came on stage. As soon as the first words were sung by Jim Curry, T'liese and I looked at each other and smiled. He sounded exactly like John Denver. And you didn't even have to close your eyes to imagine him on stage, since Jim Curry was wearing a typical 1970's John Denver outfit. From our seats, he looked like the real thing. And he sounded absolutely incredible! We kept saying to each other that we felt like we were at a real John Denver concert! It was simply beautiful, and I am so glad I got to experience it.

What a great evening of culture and music. Phoenix Symphony sells packages where one can choose four shows during the season. I am thinking I will do it! If John doesn't want to go, my sister is all over it! It was such a treat to spend an evening with my best friend, listening to music on which we grew up. I have been singing John Denver songs ever since our evening out!

4 comments:

  1. That sounds awesome! What a cool performance to go too.

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  2. I totally forgot that you guys were going to this! How fun!

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  3. Looks and sounds like so much fun. I Love reading your blog. Usually I get hungry when I read it, but not this time. Hopefully next time :) LOVE ya

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  4. Phew! All caught up. First, you go girl! I can't believe you have matching bowling shoes. Well, yes I can. I think you're cool like that. Secondly, stainless steel...be still my heart. One thing though, I've heard from a few owner's of the up-right washers that love the washer, but hate how mold/mildew can grow in between the door and the washer causing the clothes to smell sour even fresh from the wash. Maybe they've worked out this kink on the newer models? And lastly, a concert at Phoenix Symphony where jeans and boots are acceptable attire? I think I could actually get a date to something like that!

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