The Verizon Wireless Amphitheater helps us keep 
our cool
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 2 years since we’ve performed with the Pacific Symphony on the 4th of July. This year, the holiday is fast approaching and my memories of notable Independence Day celebrations linger on July 4th, 2010.
The venue was the Verizon Amphitheater, formerly known as Irvine Meadows. It was so special to do a John Denver Tribute there because Irvine Meadows was one of the places we saw John Denver perform there when Jim and I were just youngsters. Also, we were going to perform with the Pacific Symphony, a very talented and prestigious organization, under the baton of conductor Richard Kaufman. (Maestro Kaufman had conducted many symphony concerts with John Denver).
Any time you accept a summer concert, you must be prepared for the heat as best you can, but the afternoon sun in Southern California can be a killer. The good folks at the Verizon Wireless have it all figured out though…. They lower a shade curtain across the front of the stage, and then they pump air conditioning in behind the screen to keep everyone cool. This is a huge help, not only to keep the musicians from getting drained before the concert, but also to keep the instruments under reasonable control, as they tend to lose their pitch under extreme weather conditions.
It was a wonderful concert, and now a precious memory. Featured performers were: Diane Ireland on flutes, Alan Deremo on bass, Richie Gajate-Garcia on Drums, Chris Wills on piano, Pete Huttlinger on guitar/banjo, and special guests Mollie Weaver (vocals) John Marshall (fiddle) and Whitney Kaufman (vocals) . The evening ended with the traditional patriotic music played by the symphony and fireworks blasting overhead. Perfect!
Sounds wonderful Anne, so sorry I cannot support you guys and come to some of these wonderfull events,,,AND that I missed the time you w ere on the East Coast. See you in Aspen !
Love your blogs!! It makes me feel like I am with you all, even though I can’t be…unless you are looking for a roadie??
See you in Aspen!
I wish I could meet some old geezer who’ll put up with me………..we both can retire, then following you folks all over the world! Now, how very Cool would THAT be?!!!
I love you all and am honored to be a friend, and grateful to be able to see you in concert any time, anywhere. We are blessed. John has a giant smile at what you do in his honor. Blessings to each of you……………. Always, Peace…beyond all fear. oxoxoxoxo
Well guys, what do you think? BJ is a lovely gal that wants to travel. Maybe I can make a love connection for you BJ! Thanks for being such a great friend, I’ll look out for eligible old geezers for you! : )
Thanks Aileen, pack your bags!!
Okay Kathy we’ll see you in Aspen! Don’t worry, you were one of our first supporters, and we’ll be back on the East Coast soon!
Anne, my wife and I first saw you guys perform at the Coffee Gallery Backstage. I came out side during intermission and spoke with Jim and you about John’s song Grandma’s Feather Bed. This past March on my birthday my wife surprised me with a trip to Palm Desert to see your show there. Wow that was great! Now we are going on vacation to MI to see friends in Grand Rapids. As it turns out I found out you guys are playing at Belmont MI. So we are taking our friends to see you guys on the 27th. We really are not groupies!
Take care, we’ll see you in Altadena in Sept.
Does that make us groupies?
OK ….. I give up …… I just read your newsletter and your fall schedule has “Ottawa, IL” on September 16th. Do you know where you are playing yet in Ottawa ? It’s like the size of a postage stamp and my web searchs are coming up blank for venues. Perhaps you mean Ottawa Iowa ? There are two of them according to Google Maps, in different counties. I’d appreciate it very much if you could point me to the correct Ottawa venue so I can get my FRONT ROW tickets ASAP
You know I always like to be close to you guys 
Thank you and Jim and Anne and Chris and Tom and …. and …. for allowing us to enjoy JD’s music live over and over and over again.
Happy Fourth of July, Anne!
That’s a great “cool” memory to have, especially since you both saw John Denver there
as kids!
Looking forward to someday seeing you guys play again!
Best wishes,
Paula
Carolyn! You caught a mistake!! This City should have read: Ottumwa, Iowa. I don’t know how that happened, but I’m glad you caught it! We would have looked pretty silly going to Ottawa, Ill on the night we were supposed to be in Ottumwa! Sorry for the mistake. You might have to contact me if any of these September concerts are close enough for you to attend. We don’t have the venue contacts yet, and they are all associations (which means they make up their audience by selling season tickets). Sometimes they sell single tickets to one show, sometimes they don’t, but let me know which one you can go to and I’ll find out the info for you. – Anne
No George, you are not groupies……we are stalking you!! See you soon!
Alright Carolyn, The show is actually IN Ottawa, IL at the high school on Main Street. I’ll be finding out this week if they are allowing the public to attend and get the info out ASAP. I’m sorry for the confusion, I was confused too!