Issue 68

Monkee Shines

Don Hurley on The Monkees, their fans, & The R&R Hall of Fame

Inside:

Issue 68 October 2007

Hazel’s Surprise Birthday Party

First time ever she saw his face! Hannah Rarick meets David!

Interview with

Don Hurley of WIBG

The Words To David’s New Song— Back In Town

50 Ways To Use Your Postcards!

Hazel’s Birthday The Theory Of Evolution

Mike News  Micky News  Peter News David News  Calumet City  ...And much more!

Cele b 20 Y rating Mon ears o f kee Shi nes !

Monkee Shines Table of Contents

Membership dues are $10 (US & Canada) and $15 (Overseas).

Ads are $25 for a full page, $10 for half page, and $5 for a quarter page. Money orders are preferred. Cash at own risk. Make all payments payable to Cindy Bryant NOT the PFG. Mail to: The Purple Flower Gang, 903 East Second Street, 1A Muscatine, Iowa 52761.

Letter From The Editor ...................... 3 Interview with Don Hurley ................. 4 Back In Town ..................................... 6 50 Ways to Use Your Postcards ....... 8 Great Moments In Monkee History ... 9 Davy Jones Signs On As Celebrity Spokesperson For GorillaTrades ...... 12 Hazel’s Birthday Bash ....................... 13 Pen Pals ............................................ 16 E-Pals ................................................ 17 Mike News ......................................... 18 Micky News ....................................... 19 Peter News ........................................ 20 David News ....................................... 21 The Theory Of Evolution ................... 22 Oh...Get Out Of Here! ............................. 24 Memories Are Made Of This .................. 28 Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime. 29 20 Questions—Meet The Fans ................ 30 Peter In The Park...................................... 31 Monkeeing Around in Calumet City ...... 33 Personal Ads ............................................. 36

If you find a stamp in this area, your membership has expired with this issue. Please renew as soon as possible to assure your next issue. This is the only notice you will get.

My sincerest thanks to all who made this issue possible: As always The PFG Road Crew – Bonnie Borgh, Kimmi Wright, Janet Litterio, and Colleen Johnson and their families, Don Hurley and WIBG, Hannah and Cathy Rarick, Pat Smith,

Monkee Shines is printed by Mailboxes & Parcel Depot

pfg@machlink.com http://wwwpurpleflowergang.com

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Monkee Shines

From the Editor! into them as we possible can without busting out our staples!

As always we appreciate your input so we are looking forward to your stories, photos, and your ideas.

It’s been a great summer! In the pages this time we’re going to show you that being a great fan doesn’t mean having the most collectibles or going to the most concerts. Being a great fan means supporting the Monkees in whatever ways you can.

We started the summer with an online party with radio station WIBG. On Saturday July 14th, DJ Don Hurley aired an interview he did with David while taking calls from fans. From all parts of the country we participated in the radio show while simultaneously emailing each other to talk about the show, David, the interview, the things we wanted to say, etc.

What resulted was a lot of fun for everyone. It was like all of us being at the same concert. Don was kind enough to offer to make me a CD of that show to share with all of you, however I never received the CD. I’m sorry I couldn’t share it with you.

Keep Monkeeing around!

Cindy

Dear Gang, I’ve been working hard to improve Monkee Shines. You have all been so very patient with our newsletters and I want to thank you all so much.

Starting with this issue of Monkee Shines, our newsletter will be mailed on these dates: The last week of October The last week of January The last week of April The last week of July If for some reason a newsletter is going to be late you will get a postcard telling you so.

The magazine will also have a few less pages. We’re going to try to keep it at 36 pages even if some articles have to be continued in future issues so we don’t have to raise membership due to postage increases. Don’t worry! We will still pack as much

Notice We will make every effort to publish Monkee Shines on the last week of October, January, April, and July. If for some reason it is going to be delayed you will be notified by postcard.

As always, if you are unhappy with your membership for any reason, we will be happy to refund the remainder of your membership dues upon request.

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Monkee Shines

DJ Don Hurley talks about The Monkees, The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame and even the PFG! On Saturday July 14th Don Hurley hosted a two hour interview with David Jones, interspersed with David own music and phone calls from the fans. I recently asked Don about the experience and here’s what he had to say.

Don Hurley

CB: Have you seen David perform before...where?

CB: Give us a little bio on Don Hurley....how long have you been working for WIBG...highlights of your career...etc.

DH: I am a retired Police Officer, (believe it or not), with a life-time passion for music and also a Monkees fan from the beginning. I was lucky enough to have family in the radio business and pitched my idea for a Music Show, different from anything that anybody else was doing. (And to my shock they allowed me to do it!)

My whole concept was to really tell an artists story and, of course, mix in the great music that we all love for a complete picture of the whole person. This season I interviewed David Cassidy, BJ Thomas, Donna Summer, Helen Reddy, Gary Puckett, The Buckinghams, The Stylistics, as well as David Jones to name a few. It was a great season for us!

DH: I have been a huge David fan myself from the beginning, (at least my beginning with he and The Monkees in 1966). I've seen David at every venue imaginable: Casinos in Atlantic City throughout Connecticut, as well as the old days of the Steel Pier in Atlantic City, (known as the Playground of the world in the 1940's through 1970. I am also probably among the very few that ever actually saw the Dolenz, Jones Boyce and Hart Tour, when strictly by coincidence I was at Six Flags one spring day, and was shocked to see the entertainment for the day, was "The New Monkees: Dolenz, Jones Boyce and Hart, The Guys Who Wrote 'Em And The Guys Who Sang 'Em. It was a thrill to be right up front in an old rodeo style arena...

(I recall Micky being in a sling and cast, as he had just had a hanggliding accident, I would later learn).

CB: How did the 2 hour show with David come about?

CB: What most impressed you about David in the interview?

DH: I was lucky enough to have a contact, who got me in touch with the right people and the rest was history! (and of course, most importantly David's generosity)

DH: What impressed me most, (having met and interviewed David in the previous years, is I found him so thoughtful (in a serious way) about the world and about life at this particular period of time, and I mean this

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Monkee Shines in the best possible way. It was a very cerebral interview. This interview with David was among the best of the Season of my show.

CB: What surprised you most?

CB: .Do you think whether or not the Monkees played their own music in the beginning is a valid point of contention anymore? Was it ever?

DH: I think it means nothing! Many groups were not playing on all of their albums, most in fact and that remains true today if people are being honest. The Monkees were/are much more musically talented than they've ever been given credit for.

Studio musicians are as old as the business and always will be. So it's no different for The Monkees. Jealousy played a big factor I think too.

The thought by some of "who are these young guys racing right to the top?", etc.

DH: There's not much about David that surprises me, as I have had the pleasure of being in his company many times and know that he is a wonderfully giving individual. But, I would say that how frank and honest he was with his thoughts and opinions this time. No holds barred. I sincerely appreciate that about him.

CB: What did you think of the fans who called in?

DH: I was thrilled with all of the Purple Flower Gang and all of David's fans around the world that called in.

You are among the most passionate and involved fans that any artist could ever hope for!

CB: Any thoughts about the whole Monkees phenomenon, David, and the fans you would like to share?

DH: I think it is amazing that 4 decades later there are so many of us that still keep the flame burning for a group of special guys that were thrust together at an amazing time, and captured the imagination while providing a thrill and hold that has not left us some 40 years later.

Thank you so much, Cindy, and all of the Purple Flower Gang. I sincerely appreciate your participation and support for the show that we did with David.

Please stay tuned....The Best is yet to come!

CB: .Do you think the Monkees should be inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame? Why or why not?

DH: I absolutely KNOW that The Monkees belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. There contributions to the music industry, in terms of sales, influence, the true creation of the Music Video in my opinion, to name a few things.... demand that The Monkees be enshrined. It makes me mindful of that old adage: "No Monkees....No Peace"!

Sincerely, CB: What do you as a DJ think the major contribution The Monkees made to the music world?

Don Hurley Host of Classic Rock Memories WIBG Radio

DH: I would fall back on my answer above. While adding that The Monkees played a huge part of the 1960's and beyond. How many groups from the 1960's still have the level of interest that our 4 Men do?

Thank you Don! We are still talking about how much fun this event was. Please do it again and we’ll be there!

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Monkee Shines

Back In Town This is the new song David has been singing. It was originally done by Matt Dusk in 2006. It’s a great song for David! And...we know you like to sing along!

It seems just like yesterday when we were standing here Yankee's hat upon my head and your voice in my ear I've talked about the future and all the things we'd do I never thought your lovin' words would frighten me from you.

I remember when I sold my car to board that train You said you were sure that I would not come back again And now you see with your own eyes and start to realize I'm not the man I thought I was, so try to sympathize.

The way you think about your life Is gonna change, change tonight Don't even try out that frown 'cuz your man is back in town.

I'm sure you've been thinkin' 'bout just where the hell I've been Painted your own pictures of the trouble I got in There were times I will admit my heart saw better days But I'm the type that has to lose to find I had it made.

No use talkin' too much about things we cannot change I know you think it's crazy but I'm here to set things straight I'm standing here to say that I'll give love a try It's my complicated way to say I'll simplify.

The way you think about your life Is gonna change, change tonight Don't even try out that frown 'cuz your man is back in town Baby it's cool to take your time I was a fool, out of my mind So let's jump off of this merry-go-round 'cuz your man in back in town.

I was drawn away, now I'm back to stay I was wrong to think, there was a better way Now I see with my own eyes, 'bout time I realize I hope in time you will forgive, I'll never leave your side.

The way you think about your life Is gonna change, change tonight

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Monkee Shines Don't even try out that frown 'cuz you man is back in town Baby it's cool to take your time I was a fool, out of my mind So let's jump off of this merry-go-round 'cuz your man in back in town So let's jump off of this merry-go-round 'cuz your man in back in town.

Matt Dusk

David in Calumet City Photo By Hannah Rarick

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Monkee Shines

50 Ways To Use Your Postcards Please bear with us while we take a station break. This particularly ditty was written with one reader in mind….and he knows who he is...

Postcards arriving in the mail Quite simply The answer is easy if you Think illogically It’s “Good Clean Fun” For you and me.

There must be fifty ways To use your postcards

And then we licked another stamp And he realized we probably were right There must be fifty ways To use your postcards Fifty ways to use your postcards CHORUS Keep your lines straight, mate And your words neater, Peter Applications aren’t tricky, Micky Just read and you’ll see Remember to recycle, Michael You can swat a fly, guy You wanna be free David T. Just come and see me.

You know it thrills us to see you On the stage Or in the lobby Conversations to engage But it’s been a while Since you were in our town You need fifty ways To use your postcards Fifty ways to use your postcards.

CHORUS: You make a nice stack, Jack Toss ‘em in the can, Stan You don’t need to destroy, boy Here’s the plan Hop on the bus, Gus Leave the driving us now You wanna be free, David T.?

Just come and see me.

CHORUS Use it as a bookmark, Clarke Decorate your wall, Paul A mosaic tile, Lyle Block out the sun, hon Patch a hole, Lowell Use it as a notepad, lad Cover your face, Grace Use all over the place………..

We said it grieves us so Not to see you play the game We wish there was something we could do It’s really quite a shame He said I appreciate that And would you please explain About the fifty ways We said why don’t you read A few more cards tonight And we believe in the morning You’ll begin to see the light

Now back to your regularly scheduled program!

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Monkee Shines

Birthdays and other special events 12 Neil Young 13 David Jones on "Shindig" on ABC (1965) 13 "The Wild Monkees" (1967) 14 "The Monkees" (Pilot) (1966) 14 Freddie Garity 15 Petula Clark 17 Davy Stars as Fagin in "Oliver!" at the Hirshfield Theatre in Miami Beach, Florida November 17, 1989 through January 14, 1990 19 "Head" premieres Tuesday night at 8:30 pm at the Vogue Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood (1968) 20 "A Coffin Too Frequent" (1967) 21 "Monkees a La Carte" (1966) 22 "I'm A Believer" released (1966) 22 Diane Klosak 24 Davy on "Tennessee Ernie Ford" special on NBC (1969) 24 Jim Yester 26 Tina Turner 26 Bonnie Borgh 27 "Hitting the High Seas (1967) 28 "I've Got a Little Song Here" (1966) 28 Brenda Routh Wylie 29 Denny Doherty 29 Felix Cavaliere 30 Davy on "Love American Style" on ABC (1973) 30 Dick Clark 30 David Jones at Front Street Station, Northumberland, Pennsyl-

November 1

The Monkees begin rehearsal for live stage shows (1966) 2 Davy on syndicated show "Dick Clark's Music Bag" on KTTV in LA (1969) 2 David Jones, Peoria Civic Center Theatre, Peoria, Illinois (2002) 3 Larry Gelman 3 Lulu 5 "Last Train To Clarksville" #1 (1966) 5 Peter Noone 5 Rob Grill 6 "The Card Carrying Red Shoes" (1967) 6 "Head" premieres in NYC (1968) 6 The Monkees (minus Mike) at Five Seasons, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (1986) 6 Colleen Johnson 7 "The Chaperone" (1966) 7 Johnny Rivers 9 Severn Darden 9 Maria Tereza Pinho Gomes Da Silva 10 David Jones in "Grease", Cincinnati, Ohio (1994) 11 Filming of the pilot of The Monkees begins (1965) 11 Micky on "Boy Meets World" (1994) 11 Jack Keller 11 Paul Cowsill

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Monkee Shines vania (1993)

en" (1993) 17 Anita Jones 17 David Jones in "Grease", Shubert Theatre, Chicago, Illinois (1994) 18 A repeat of September 11, 1967 "It's A Nice Place To Visit" (1967) 18 Keith Richards 19 "Too Many Girls" (1966) 19 MFQ records a live album at Club Quattro in Tokyo, Japan 20 Charlie Callas 21 Frank Zappa 21 Carl Wilson 21 James Elswick 22 Davy guest hosts "Music Scene" (1969) 22 Ivan Iannoli-Thorkelson (1975) 22 Robin and Maurice Gibb 23- The Monkees first appearance without Peter. They occupy the middle 27 square on "Hollywood Squares" 25 "The Christmas Show" (1967) 25 Little Richard 25 Phil Spector 26 "Son of A Gypsy" (1966) 27 Davy Jones on "Ben Casey" on ABC (1965) 29 Ray Nitschke 30 Davy on "Make Room For Granddaddy" on ABC 30 David Jones (1945) 30 Michael Nesmith (1942) 30 Red Rhodes 30 Bo Diddley 30 Beverly Ann Clark 31 "I'm A Believer" #1 (seven weeks) (1966)

December 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3

3 4 5 5 3 7 8 9 10 10 11 11 11 11 12 14 15 15 16

David Jones at Shikellamy High School, Sunbury, Pennsylvania (1991) Michael on "Conan O'Brien" (1994) "Daydream Believer" #1 (four weeks) (1967) Michael on "Later" With Greg Kinnear" (1994 Janelle Scott David Jones at Marshall Field's, Chicago, Illinois (1987) David Jones in "Grease", Uihlein Hall, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1994) The Monkees play their first concert ever to a sell-out crowd at the Honolulu International Center Arena in Hawaii David Jones in "Grease", Uihlein Hall, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1994) "Monkees in Texas" (1967) "One Man Shy" (1966) David Jones at Marshall Field's, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin (1987) Len Lesser Peter Tork officially leaves the group after completing production on their TV special (1968) Davy on "Letters to Laugh In with Gary Owens" (1969) Donny Osmond "I'm A Believer receives Gold Record (1966) Davy on "The Brady Bunch" on ABC (1971) Teri Garr Richard Devon "Monkees on The Wheel" (1967) David Jones at Circleville, Ohio (1993) "Dance Monkee Dance" (1967) George Furth Rodney Bingenheimer Dave Clark Micky on "Conan O'Bri-

January 1 1 3 4 5

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The Monkees show premieres in England and Japan (1967) Bobbi Boyce Stephen Stills Michael Stipes The Monkees reunite at the Hard Rock Cafe in LA to receive

Monkee Shines five Platinum Records.

Davy on the Tonight Show (1995) 5 Henry Corden 7 Davy Jones on The Farmer's Daughter on ABC (1966) 7 Kenny Loggins 8 "Fairy Tale" (1968) 8 Ami Dolenz (1969) 8 David (Jones) Bowie 9 Jerry Yester (MFQ) (1943) 9 "The Case of The Missing Monkee" (1967) 9 Bill Cowsill 10 More of The Monkees' album released (1967) 11 Pat Smith 13 Lester Sill 13 Rip Taylor 14 David Jones at Prairie Meadows Racetrack, Altoona, Iowa (1999) 15 More of The Monkees receives Gold Record (1967) 15 "Monkees Watch Their Feet" (1968) 16 "I Was a Teenage Monster" (1967) 17 NBC-TV buys "The Monkees" series (1966) 17 Robyn Millan 19 Phil Everly 19 Janet Carbert 21 DJB&H on "The Dinah Shore Show" (1976) 22 "The Monstrous Monkee Mash" (1968)

23 24 24 24 25 26 27

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28 28 29 29 30 31

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"Find The Monkees" (1967) Neil Diamond Lynda Moore Susan Bragga Hallie Torkelson (1970) Vito Scotti David Jones at Moraine Valley College, Palos Hills, Illinois (2001) The Monkees first appearance on the cover of TV Guide (January 28-February 3, 1967) David Jones in "Rock and Roll Pom Pom Show", Atlantic City, New Jersey (1994) "The Monkee's Paw" (1968) David Jones in "Rock and Roll Pom Pom Show", Atlantic City, New Jersey (1994) "Monkees in The Ring" (1967) Christian Nesmith (1964)

Monkee Shines

Hey! Hey! Davy Jones Signs as Celebrity Spokesperson for GorillaTrades JUPITER, Fla., PRNewswire/ --

Sept.

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/

date for the prom. The rerun continues to be aired frequently for a new generation.

GorillaTrades, www.gorillatrades.com has signed former teen idol, singer Davy Jones, as the company's celebrity spokesperson. Jones' image will appear in forthcoming print and broadcast media advertisements for the company, a new campaign that carries a multimillion dollar price tag. The TV spots will first air on the Bloomberg Network and CNBC.

GorillaTrades is a global online subscriber service providing late- breaking news and professional insight and expertise into the stock market.

GorillaPicks are listed regularly on a "menu" of both new and existing investments offered to GorillaTrades subscribers for consideration, based on their individual investment objectives and risk tolerance. Subscribers are directed to use the portfolio of GorillaPicks and the 5-times-weekly subscriber commentary as guidelines in investment decision-making. More than 6,000 stocks are sifted through daily to match each of the 14 technical indicators for potentially explosive growth.

"The ageless Davy Jones, born in Manchester, England in 1945, is a perfect match for GorillaTrades' growing Baby Boomer clientele," said a company spokesperson. "Not only are The Monkees/Gorilla monikers a natural combo, Davy's energetic personality and enthusiasm mirrors the company's dynamic approach to investing."

GorillaTrades subscribers are now in 55 countries.

Jones was a teen sensation during the 1960s as the lead singer of the Emmy Award-winning television classic, The Monkees, a wholesome weekly comedy that followed the antics of four young musicians -Davy, Micky, Peter and Mike -- making their way in the world. The Monkees' album sales surpassed all previous records and continue to be best-sellers 40 years later. Since The Monkees' heyday, Jones's career has included roles on film and stage, along with numerous personal appearances around the world. Perhaps his most celebrated television appearance was a Brady Bunch episode, "Getting Davy Jones," in which he becomes Marcia Brady's dream

Of his new association with GorillaTrades, Davy Jones said, "The Gorilla certainly seems to be a likeable chap. I'll enjoy hanging around the Wall Street jungle with him!"

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Monkee Shines

Hazel’s Birthday Bash

By Deborah Sanderson

Hazel dancing with son, Robert

Photo by Deborah Sanderson

Another rainy day in the UK? well not quite ANY old day, as Saturday the 18th August was the day I set off for Heathrow airport to get a plane to Manchester. I was traveling to attend a surprise 70th birthday party for Hazel Wilkinson.

house just in time to have a refreshing cup of tea and change for the party.

We were staying opposite the hall so it was just a quick dash over the road in the rain. I met Robert, Hazel's son, at the door and he ushered us inside. The hall was chock full of family, friends, old school chums and Hazel's line dancing troop!! There didn't seem to be a spare seat in the place but we spotted 2 chairs and got ourselves comfy. It was then that I looked up and saw we were sitting with Anita! She hadn't seen me for 17 years! but she said I looked the same ..... aww how sweet!!!. We chatted and hugged and then the birthday girl arrived. Hazel had been taken to the hall not knowing where

I took my friend Joan along for the trip and we set off at about 11 am. When we boarded the plane we thought it was good fortune that we were on time but we must have spoken too soon cos the next we heard the plane had a flat tire! .... Oh well, it was soon fixed and we set off again for Manchester airport.

We arrived quite late for our planned shopping trip but managed a quick sprint around the Trafford centre before another taxi arrived to spirit us off. We arrived at our guest

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Monkee Shines she was going or why and a right old cheer went up from us all as she entered the hall. Her face was beaming as she saw all the old friends and family waiting to celebrate with her. David was unfortunately indisposed which was a great shame. I walked up and said hi and she seemed really shocked to see that I had traveled there.

then. She cut the cake, had a hand in making sure it got to everyone .....

I passed out cake all around the hall while Linda cut it into pieces for me to give out. After all the food was done, the disco took over and the dancing began in earnest. Hazel was up there again starting it all off with a waltz ........ then things got a bit more lively and we even heard one or two Monkees tunes in there at times!!

When she caught her breath it was time for photos for the local papers. The guy on the mic asked for family in front and then others to go in behind so I perched on the side. Don't know if I will be in the pics or not but it was fun anway!!

As the evening began to wind up and people started to leave for their journeys home, Hazel was STILL chatting and laughing, telling her many funny stories to her friends. She even got the better of me as I had to leave before midnight I was so ready for bed ...... but Hazel was still there when I left, being the belle of the ball.

The evening set off with a few speeches and present giving and then we all settled in for a great evening. There was plenty to drink, lovely food had been laid on and music and dancing too. Hazel systematically made her way around the hall during the evening to say hello and thanks to everyone there. That is the kind of lady she is, a real trooper. Shown to her best when, even though she needs a knee operation, she made her way to the dance floor to join in a display of line dancing with her classmates! There was no stopping her

The next day we had a long taxi ride back to Manchester airport and a four hour wait for the flight, but it had all been worth it for me. It was something of an adventure and certainly beat saturday night TV into a cocked hat!!! ; and as we left, yep you guessed it ........ it was still raining!!!!

Flowers for Hazel

Photo by Deborah Sanderson 14

Monkee Shines

Hazel line dancing

Photo by Deborah Sanderson

Deborah with other party guests

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Monkee Shines

Write to your favorite Monkee at: Davy Jones PO Box 400 Beavertown, PA 17180

Kathy Brewer 1198 Turkey Blind Road Crossville, TN 38572

Peter Tork 524 San Anselmo Suite 102 San Anselmo, CA 94960

Colleen Johnson 9104 Lemona Drive St. Louis, MO 63123

Mike Nesmith Video Ranch 8 Harris Court Suite C1 Monterey, CA 93940

Susan Jensen 210 Washington Street Audubon, IA 50025-1133 Barbara Woerner PO Box 5655 Lincoln, NE 68505-0655

Micky Dolenz Paradise Artists 108 East Matilija Street Ojai, CA 93023

Julie Harris PO Box 352 Pine Island, MN 55963

Diane Klosak 2101 Nicholas Ct Bettendorf, IA 52722

Tony Asselta PO Box 1091 Canyon Country, CA 91386-1091

Rick Schwinden 3275 Valley Ridge Drive Egan, MN 55121

Maria Tereza Pinho Gomes Da Silva Praca Cardeal Arcoverde #25 Apt. 802 Rio De Janeiro — RJ CEP 220440-030 Brazil

Ronda Russell 2031 Glen Avenue Beloit, WI 53411 Kim Boatman 6140 Hytrail Ct. Mahtomedi, MN 55115 James Elswick 5017 W 2nd Street South Bloomfield, OH 43103

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Monkee Shines

E-mail Pals

Maria Tereza Pinho Gomes Da Silva:…..terezaharrison@uol.com.br Janet Litterio:…..janet6356@juno.com Barbara Woerner:

…..Wbwoerner@aol.com

Kim Boatman…..KAB571@AOL.COM Julie Harris…..oronocomonkee@yahoo.com If you would like your email address listed in Email Pals please let me know.

Micky and Coco Dolenz in Portage, MI 7/7/07 Photo by Pat Smith 17

Monkee Shines

Mike News IT'S LATE WEDNESDAY MORNING, and First Church of Christ, Scientist in Carmel, California, is empty.

So, naturally, Michael Nesmith wants to fill it with music. He taps on a computer keyboard for a minute and notches up the volume – not quite to 11, but loud enough to feel in your bones. The piece, Tomas Albinoni's Adagio for Strings, is familiar – it was used as theme music in Gallipoli – but Nesmith and Calvin, the virtual pipe organ he designed, have transformed it into something spectacular.

from NDB, a Hungarian company that recorded more than 3,000 tones from two of the world's finest organs, capturing every sound in their Budapest cathedrals, including the reverb of the music off the stone walls.

Teaching Calvin a new piece means matching these organ samples to the original instrumentation. Adagio for Strings is usually played by a 50piece orchestra. To make it work on Calvin, Nesmith programmed a series of digital files that tell the system to select organ sounds that best represent each of those instruments.

Some files for individual instruments are available online, and all Nesmith has to do is rearrange and mix them.

Other times, Nesmith "plays" the information in himself. The result is not quite the same as live music, but it's far better than a CD. Closing my eyes during Calvin's performance of Bach's Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor, I'm briefly transported from this wood-paneled, teal-carpeted church in Carmel to a soaring cathedral in Budapest.

Calvin – short for computer-aided live venue instrument – consists of a Dell computer, six powered JBL speakers, and an 18-inch subwoofer.

Its modest wooden cabinet sits a couple feet from the console of the church's regular organ, with its floorto-ceiling pipes. But Calvin's sonic range dwarfs that of its neighbor. "It sounds like the organ, but it's so much better," Nesmith says, as Albinoni's piece, ethereal and startlingly crisp, swirls around us.

Nesmith – yes, we're talking about the former member of the Monkees – is a bona fide digital media visionary.

A pioneer of music television and an author of early hypertext fiction, he also helped produce the films Repo Man and Tapeheads and started the seminal home video company Pacific Arts. Not surprisingly, his current project has met some resistance.

Most of the Carmel congregation seems to appreciate Calvin (Nesmith says some wept during its first performance of the Adagio), but a few churchgoers have grumbled. Machine-made music in their place of worship? No thanks. Plus, the regu-

Traditional pipe organs are one-man orchestras, versatile instruments that can mimic the sounds of violins, cellos, woodwinds, and brass. But even the most dexterous organist, limited to 10 fingers and two feet, couldn't take on a complex, layered piece like the Adagio. "The organ could play it, but the organist couldn't," Nesmith says.

Calvin, however, can play just about anything, and Nesmith has programmed in church hymns, Mozart, and, for kicks, Sting's "Fields of Gold." Calvin's secret is a database

Visit Mike at www.videoranch.com

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Monkee Shines lar organist feels threatened. "I can't play like that," she told Nesmith after Calvin's inaugural show.

sing and play, that for me turns into church. That's as high as I get."

Nesmith leans back as the opening chords of Ravel's exquisite Pavane pour une infante dĂŠfunte spread through the sanctuary. "At least," he says, "this is played well."

Nesmith doesn't intend to put musicians out of work, but in his softspoken way he is on a mission.

"Typically, church music hasn't been at the top of my list of things that are inspiring," he says, fiddling with Calvin's controls. "If I'm in a good environment where people can really

– Jason Silverman

Micky News And Dates

03/01/08

American Music Theatre 2425 Lincoln Hwy East Lancaster, PA 17602 Visit their site at: http:// www.americanmusicth eatre.com/

Micky Dolenz in Portage, MI

Micky & his sister Coco

Photo by Par Smith

Visit Micky at www.mickydolenz.com for more

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Monkee Shines

Peter News And Dates April 26,2008 8:00 PM Peter Tork and Shoe Suede Blues at The Patchogue Theatre of the Performing Arts Patchogue, NY

"An Apple A Day"

owner Elaine Crooke said.

She worked with the town of Ashford to request that the state acquire the development rights to her 140-acre farm through Connecticut's Farmland Preservation Program.

The farm would remain in private ownership and continue to pay property taxes, but a permanent restriction against nonagricultural uses would be placed on the property.

(from NorwichBulletin.com)

Fund-raiser won't Monkee around with preservation of farmland Former Monkee Peter Tork and his band Shoe Suede Blues will play a benefit concert Thursday at Knowlton Memorial Hall on Route 44 in Ashford. The concert at 8:30 p.m. is preceded by wine and refreshments at 7:30 p.m.

31,782 acres

Proceeds will go toward the purchase of development rights to Crooke Orchard on Bebbington Road in Ashford.

Concert admission is $30 for nonmembers of Joshua's Trust, the concert sponsor.

The trust, a land conservation group which protects more than 3,000 acres in the Windham region, has pledged $15,000 to the Crooke Orchard project.

As of Jan. 1, the state's Farmland Preservation Program had preserved 31,782 acres on 228 farms to "ensure some degree of local availability of fresh farm products," as well as related jobs.

The project requires a local 25 percent match, about $126,000, Ashford First Selectman Ralph Fletcher said.

But, as the town voted "overwhelmingly" to support the project, most of the match will come from the town's

This year the orchard celebrates its 40th anniversary,

Visit Peter at www.petertork.com for all the news

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Monkee Shines

open space acquisition fund.

If you were/are a Beatles fan, you'll remember The Monkees. Michael Nesmith, Davy Jones, Mickey Dolenz and Tork made up the pop rock quartet created in 1965 to compete with the "Fab Four."

on TV. These days, he's enamored with the blues.

As for Crooke, she continues to operate her produce stand at her orchard/farm and tries "to provide a quality service to our customers," she said. "It would break my heart to see the land developed."

When the Monkees' television show ended in 1968, Peter Tork went on to form new bands, write music and make numerous guest appearances

After four decades, the orchard is still the "apple of her eye."

David News And Dates Sat 12/08/07 Findlay, OH The Davy Jones Christmas Show Central Auditorium

Sat 02/16/08 Elgin, IL The Hemmens www.hemmens.org

Mon 12/10/07 The Davy Jones Christmas Show Win River Casino Redding, CA

Sat 04/05/08 The Center for the Performing Arts Punta Gorda, FL

2008 January 19-26th 2008 Caribbean Cruise concertsatsea.com

Visit www.davyjones.net for the latest news!

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Monkee Shines

We haven’t played this little game for a while so for those of you who are unfamiliar with the Theory Of Evolution, here are the “rules.” EVERYTHING can be related back to the Monkees if you follow the steps far enough. You get one point for every step and the more outrageous the better.

Here’s an easy one:

But really….that is much too easy! Try this one:

Britney Spears is Monkees related.

Author J. K. Rowling is Monkees related! It’s true!

1. Britney Spears was a Disney Mouseketeer.

2. Annette Funicello was a Disney Mouseketeer.

1. J. K. Rowlings wrote the Harry Potter books.

2. The Harry Potter books were made into movies.

3. The Harry Potter movies starred Alan Rickman as Severus Snape.

3.

Annette Funicello had a cameo in the movie HEAD. 4.

The movie HEAD was a Monkees’ movie 5. Therefore Britney Spears is Monkee’s related!

4. Alan Rickman also starred in LOVE

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Monkee Shines ACTUALLY. 4. LOVE ACTUALLY also starred Keira Knightly.

Relief.

14. Whoopi Goldberg also co-hosted Comic Relief.

15. Whoopi Goldberg appeared in Television Parts.

16. Television Parts was a Michael Nesmith Production.

5. Keira Knightly also starred in PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN. 6. PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN also starred Johnny Depp.

17. Michael Nesmith is a Monkee.

18. Therefore JK Rowlings is Monkees related!

7. Johnny Depp also starred in the movie FINDING NEVERLAND. 8. FINDING NEVERLAND was based on the life of author J. M. Barrie.

9. J. M. Barrie wrote the book Peter Pan. 10. Peter Pan was made into a movie.

11. The movie PETER PAN spawned a sequel called HOOK. 12. HOOK starred Robin Williams as Peter Pan.

Actually all of these people are Monkees related!

See it’s really pretty easy once you get the idea. Just pick a starting point and start walking towards the Monkees. Or work your way backwards from the Monkees to whatever you are trying to link.

We were playing this game long before 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon showed up on the scene.

Send us your theories and we’ll print them in future issues of Monkee Shines.

13. Robin Williams co-hosted Comic

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Monkee Shines

Who writes this stuff?

By Bonnie Borgh (with a little help from a friend) That’s exactly how I felt as we were sandwiched in traffic on I80 East somewhere near the Indiana border just miles from our intended exit. We needed to exit on North Torrence. Unfortunately, with three lanes of bumper-to-bumper gridlock, a semi directly in front of me and directly behind me, I had a pretty lousy view of whatever...like Exit 161, Essentially, it too us one hour to travel 5 miles. We just assumed everyone was going to see “The Davy Jones” show, too. However, we later learned the traffic delay was not attributed to road construction or an auto accident but rather road closures due to flooding, With a quick inhalation of courage, I jetted into the right vacant lane and discovered it was actually the merging lane to Exit 161! Chicago is a nice place to visit, but, I have limited patience for traffic jams.

and I had not seen David since January 19/20 in St. Charles, IlliNOISE. After seven months we were afraid David might not remember who we were. It’s so remarkable how such impeccable opportunities present themselves. For example, at Walcott Day (July 21), parade spectators were handed new Iowa 2007 road maps. Immediately I thought, “I know just who to give this to!” At any rate, I had to miss my cousins’ 50th wedding anniversary party on August 25 to attend David’s concert in Calumet City. In all fairness, I had made plans months before I learned of their party plans. Besides, we have a mantra, i.e., “No weddings, funerals, school nights, anniversary parties, etc. can pre-empt our travel plans.”

Hannah and I arrived in Muscatine at our scheduled 0900 hours. We packed up the car, and we were “On The Road Again” (imagine that; wrong group!).

We stopped for lunch at a Cracker Barrel in Ottawa (IlliNOISE not Canada). Hannah ordered a cheeseburger. I seem to remember ordering a fried chicken tenderloin, but I got grilled chicken tenders. It was close enough. Besides, who needs all that extra deep fried grease anyway?

Cindy ordered a healthier choice with beef stew.

Our story has an otherwise happy beginning, middle, and ending. Hannah and I left my Mom’s house in Walcott at0815 hours. Craig would have joined us on our journey, but our church had “Rally Day” scheduled for Sunday, August 26.

Being a newly appointed Elder, Craig really needed to be there. I really needed a Close Encounter of The Jones Kind. Hannah said she would rather see “Davy Jones” than be subjected to the “Rally Day” games.

(Unfortunately, I think the concert was the lesser of two evils.) Cindy

We were back on the I80 in “No Time”, and we were sailing past

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Monkee Shines our mile markers until we got to the point where our story began in gridlock. Fortunately, our delay brought is to our designated stop at the Comfort Inn and Suites in Lansing at about 1500 hours. As we pulled into the parking lot, we spied tow women with an Ohio license plate just exiting their vehicle. “Excuse me, but do you know who you are?” It was Hannah and her mother, Kathy. They decided to advance to Calumet City from Lancaster, Ohio. Believe it or not, neither one of them had ever seen David Jones perform.

exact location off Pulaski. We arrived and parked in the North-South-EastWest High School parking lot approximately 15 minutes before the gates officially opened at 1600 hours.

There was a designated VIP section which we were not privy to so we set up camp directly behind the fenced off area. Tom and Janet and their friend, Nancy, arrived shortly afterwards. It was good to see Pat Smith again, too.

The time passed quickly between 1600 hours and 2000 hours simply leaving and entering the grounds in search of modern plumbing facilities. I would have had a very short life span as a pioneer.

We checked into our hotel and settled in for our overnight accommodations. Unfortunately, Hannah’s and Kathy’s room was not ready for them, but at least they had shelter. They safely stowed away their cargo in our room. After a brief costume change, we were ready to rock and roll! They were delighted (I think) to join us in finding the concert venue.

The “Legends” began to play around 1800 hours, and a nice lady came out and handed out free white Davy Jones LIVE in Calumet City t-shirts compliments of Mayor Michelle. What a Girl! How come we don’t have a mayor like that?

It was simple to find the

David came on stage wear-

Bonnie Borgh, Cindy Bryant, Hannah Borgh, Hannah Rarick and Cathy Rarick

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Monkee Shines ing a black shirt and pants at 2000 hours. For the record, he sang:

do we. (Bonnie, it is possible he DOES understand radius, unlike us, and therefore showed surprise in our travels! - Cindy)

I’m A Believer Look Out Here Comes Tomorrow Valleri What AM I Doin’ Hangin’ ‘Round?

Back In Town (agreat new tune) It’s Nice To Be With You Girl I Knew Somewhere Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby?

Consider Yourself (from Oliver!)

Free – Greatest Story Ever Told A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You Let Them Be Little Girl Bright Side Of The Road She Hangs Out I Wanna Be Free (I’ll) Love You Forever Papa Jean’s Blues (I’ Not Your) Steppin’ Stone Daydream Believer Secret Love No Time I’m A Believer

Sometime around 2200 hours David appeared and acknowledged the fans who waited for a Close Encounter of the Jones Kind. It is beyond me how several minutes of conversation can be revisited innumerous times. It is just so hard to remember the exact verbiage. Although, I am able to speak, my heart is usually pounding so wildly I can’t hear myself think. I don’t know what one would term the type of relationship we have with David. David has this incredible ability to make each and every person feel like they are the most important person at that moment. (Now that David is becoming an American citizen, perhaps he will vie for political office. He’s got my vote!) I realize being able to “schmooze” is an important part of being a versatile entertainer. David has the most sincere and intense eye contact of anyone I have ever met. I’ve said it before he could have had a fine career as a snake charmer. I recall the words, “He’s a real down-to-earth kind of guy.” from Grandpa Borgh when he met , and spoke with David for the first and only time at the Ameri-Suites in Arlington Heights in July of 2003. David is so quick witted. I think that’s what makes talking and teasing with him so exciting. David has the unique ability to multi-focus when greeting fans, obliging for pictures, and signing autographs. David has a one-of-a -kind presence about him that almost hypnotically captures new fans and revitalizes us young-and-younger fans. Although Cindy and I had not seen David since January 19/20, it was as if that block of time had been erased. David inspires such unusual forms of creativity within us. Where

It was great to hear David add a new tune to his set list. It was the first time I’d ever heard “Back In Town”. I also like “Let Them Be Little” and “Secret Love”. David has such a great flair with those songs.

All too soon, the bittersweet “Daydream Believer” played. It is such a great Monkees’ classic but it has come to be a trademark of the impending conclusion of the show.

We cleaned up our campsite and prepared to return the lawn chairs, cooler,etc. to the car.

We thought perhaps David might make an appearance after the show so a few faithfuls waited in line. We talked briefly with Dennis, who along with Mayor Michelle, was instrumental in bringing David to Calumet City.

He could not believe we had traveled so far to see David. He obviously does not know about radius. Neither

26

Monkee Shines these ideas originate from is unknown, but we get so much enjoyment out of Good Clean Fun with David. David is so good natured about our multi-decade pleas and ploys to “come to our town.” How David remembers things about so many different people is extraordinary.

Karen Brostrom and Debbie Garey walking towards their cars. It was nice to see them again, too!

At this time, we were in pursuit of something to eat. We tried several fast-food establishments, but either they were closed or they were not equipped to take multiple orders.

We ended up trying to turn around in a vacant parking lot and lo and behind, there was Mama Rigetta’s Pizzaria open for business, We ordered some excellent pizzas and we brought them back to our rooms just down the street.

I was able to give David our new and improved state map along with a recent newspaper clipping about Deana Martin appearing in Maquoketa, Iowa the previous week.

At first David thought I wanted him to autograph the map. Au contraire!

Cindy piped in a supplementary, “We just didn’t want you to forget about us!” (Actually, Bonnie, I said, “We thought you forgot where we lived!” referring to the fact that it has been over 5 years since he was here! The last time he was at the casino in Bettendorf I won $1000 and I could use another $1000!) to which David quickly replied. “Oh, get out of here!”

As Cindy said, “How can he ever miss us if we never go away?!” It seems too trite to say things to him like, ”It’s nice to see you,” but we really mean it. Of course, it would be even nicer to see him in IOWA. Rest assured, we’re working on it!

My Hannah passed out about midnight as it was well past her “normal” bedtime. The rest of us chatted about who knows what...David Jones. I’m sure he would have like to have chatted all about him with us, too!

The next morning we ate continental breakfast in the dining area. After pictures and fond farewells, we were off on our separate journeys back to Iowa and Ohio, respectively.

Several days after our return home Craig and I purchased new cell phones. I discovered the new little models have a “Count Down” feature. Undoubtedly, one can imagine what date I programmed in (February 16, 2008). Now I know exactly how many days it is until David’s next concert we plan to attend. I can almost hear him say now, “Oh, get out of here!”

Hannah and Kathy were on cloud nine just to meet and have a photo taken with David. On the other hand, my Hannah would not entertain the idea of a picture of her with David. I’m quite certain the one of her with David holding her (fast asleep) at eleven weeks of age will be the one and only. David once again reminded Hannah that he has her photo on the refrigerator. Sadly, she is so not impressed. (It must be a dysfunctional gene from Craig.)

We were just leaving the high school parking lot when we saw

27

Monkee Shines The following is an excerpt from Deana Martin’s autobiography:

Memories Are Made of This Deana Martin Another boyfriend was Davey Jones, from the television show and the band of the same name, the Monkees. My agent arranged for us to date, to help publicize my launch as a singer. When Davey came to the house to pick me up, thankfully Dad was well behaved. Davey, who was excited to meet Dad, was wearing tight bell-bottomed pants and high platform boots. We went to dinner and had fun, so we started dating. A few weeks later he came by the house again, when Dad, Claudia, Dino, Ricci, and I were all playing football in the yard.

“Come and join us,” Dad called when he saw him. Davey was a good sport, so he took off his boots and joined in. The trouble was, the lost so much height when his boots came off that he hem of his pants tailed along the ground and kept tripping him. Undaunted, he rolled up his trouser legs and helped us win the game.

Photo By Bonnie Borgh

of the director and the entire crew, everyone assumed I was sleeping with Davey when I wasn’t. I blushed scarlet and almost ran from the set.

I was in a band called the Chromium Plated Streamline Baby, and we played the famous Whiskey a Go Go. Davey and his friends came along to see us, as did Cher, who was really beginning to make a name for herself by them with her singing partner, Sonny Bono.

Photographers were lined up outside, and we posed for photos. I didn’t see Davey much again after that, and a few months later he secretly married his girlfriend Linda Haines. I will always remember our brief time together fondly.

My television debut was with Daveya starring role in an episode of The Monkees, where I played Daphne, a member of an all-girl band. I remember the director being exasperated with me in one particular scene because I wasn’t doing it right.

“Deana, Deana, you’re not getting it,” he told me. “Imagine you’ve just made love to Davey, and let your face express the way that feels.”

Looking at him blankly, I asked, “Well, how does that feel?” I was a virgin, and from the look on the faces

Pages 143-144

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Monkee Shines For someone like you Deana sang this song to David when she appeared on stage with him in St. Charles, Il at the Arcadia Theater earlier this year.

If I had it in my power I’d arrange for every girl to have your charms Then every minute, every hour Everybody would find what I found in your arms

Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime Words and Music By: Irving Taylor and Ken Lane By: Deana Martin To: David Jones

Secret Love

Everybody loves somebody sometime Everybody falls in love somehow Something in your kiss just told me That sometime is now

Words and Music By: Paul Francis Weber & Sammy Fain By: David Jones To: Deana Martin

Everybody finds somebody someplace There’s no telling where love may appear Something in my heart keeps saying My someplace is here

Once I had a secret love That lived within the heart of me All too soon my secret love Became impatient to be free So I told the friendly star The way that dreamers often do Just how wonderful you are And why I’m so in love with you

If I had it in my power I’d arrange for every girl to have your charms Then every minute, every hour Everybody would find what I found in your arms

Now I shout it from the highest hills Even told the golden daffodils At last my heart’s an open door And my secret love’s no secret anymore

Everybody loves somebody sometime And though my dreams were overdue Your love made it all worth waiting

(Repeat*)

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Monkee Shines

20 Questions Meet The Fans

Denise Gauthier 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

Name: Denise Gauthier and my mother, Mrs. Conrad Gauthier Where do you live?: St. Theodore d’Acton, Quebec, Canada Age: October 31, 1955 and my mother—October 31, 1932 When did you become a fan?: Ever since the first episode on TV in 1966.

What is your first Monkees’ memory?: The first episode on TV. What is your favorite Monkees’ memory?: It has always been the same beautiful memories.

How many shows have you been to?: None, unfortunately.

Only in my dreams.

What was your favorite show to date?: I imagine I would have loved each of them, Why was it your favorite?: I am sure they would have all been my favorites.

What is your favorite Monkees’ song?: Anything they sing we love.

What is your favorite episode?: We love them all.

Who is your favorite Monkee?: We really cannot chose. Each one has something really special.

Why?: Because we find them talented, handsome, and one does not take anything from the other.

What do you think makes The Monkees appeal to such a diverse demographics (age

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

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group)?: The music has various styles and is appealing to the whole family, young and old.

If you could say anything to The Monkees or your favorite Monkee what would it be?

(Remember at least one of The Monkees reads the newsletter...and you know who you are!): We love you. Keep on singing. You make everybody happy.

How do you think your life has been affected by Monkeemania?: Every time we talk about them or hear them or see them on DVD we smile and forget oour trouble. They take all the place in our heart; and we do not think about anything else.

What is your favorite piece of memorabilia in your collection?: Our only memorabilia is all the pictures we collected and still collect from different magazines.

Why?: It’s always a joy to look at them.

What would you like to see your favorite Monkee do in the future?: Please make a show together! (All four Monkees) Do you have a favorite photo of you and one or all of the Monkees you would like to share? : No, unfortunately. Maybe we will some day when we get better with the computer.

Monkee Shines

PETER IN THE PARK

By Pat Smith

Peter in his dressing room

Photo by Pat Smith

worth it!

My friend Kathleen called me this summer saying that we "needed a road trip". We NEEDED to go see Peter. We both needed a weekend away and what better way than to go see a Monkee. She said Peter would be in Manhattan, Kansas on August 11th. Kansas! In August! Those who live in the midwest know what I'm talking about. OK. I would be able to leave work early that Friday (as I made up my hours during the week). Kathleen said if I got to her house, she would handle the rest of the trip.

Peter's concert was at 8:00pm. The last night for their "Concert In The Park" series. We got there early so we could sit in the front row. It was now only 96 degrees.

Peter got there just after 7:00pm. He was interviewed by the local radio station for about 5-6 minutes. When they finished, he said "that's all?" I think he had more to say.

I left my house in Grand Rapids MI just before noon. About 8 1/2 hours later I arrived at Kathleen's in Wentzville MO (just west of St Louis). She then tells me that it's ONLY another 5 hours to see Peter.

Saturday morning we head for Kansas‌

People were already trying to get his autograph. He told them he would be signing after the show.

This Shoe Suede Blues Band that he has now is probably the best I've heard. He mixed in 5 Monkees songs into his 2 hour show.

First was "Last Train To Clarksville", "I'm A Believer" and "Your Auntie Grizelda". When he walked over to his keyboard, I knew what would be

On the way through Kansas we had just one detour...to The Wizard of Oz Museum in Wamego KS. "The Road to Oz" Highway took us 9 miles off the freeway, but it was well

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Monkee Shines

Manhattan, KS

Photo by Pat Smith

next. Just then, a guy in the audience yelled "Monkees, Monkees, Monkees!!!"

other bands who had recorded this.

He said Shoe Suede Blues could do it just as raunchy as any of them.

After the show, Peter stayed and signed autographs. He was selling his CD "Cambria Hotel".

Peter said, "just for that I'm not playing any." Then he grinned and started playing "Daydream Believer".

Excellent show. Well worth the 1700 miles I traveled to Kansas and back, in 100 degree weather, in a Camaro with no air conditioning...

That got the crowd singing.

Last Monkee song was "I'm Not Your Steppin' Stone". He talked about

Photo by Pat Smith

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Monkee Shines

Monkeeing Around in Calumet City, IL

By Hannah Rarick (with a little help from Bonnie Borgh and Cindy Bryant

Hannah: Well nobody goes now, I’m going to (Southside branch) attempt to docu… or it could have ment all the good been a gas station, and honest truth your guess is as and detail of my good as mine. Anfirst encounter yways, they told us with the PFG … or how to get back to Cindy and Bonnie the general direcfor that matter. tion that we needHA! I’m not so ed to go. We found Cathy & Hannah Rarick sure I’d be able to it, but then couldn’t capture their true figure out how to personalities on paper, but then, all get to our hotel from there. (Big surof you who have met them underprise) So, we called the Comfort stand completely. ;-) (I kid … a little Suites we were staying at and they joke, about this big.) didn’t know where we were either.

We figured we’d eventually find it if Bonnie: You can read all about us at we drove down the road a bit. So we the Post Office. They have such nice did, and it was nowhere to be found.

8 X10 glossies there, too.

We then turned around and drove back the other direction. Nope, wasCindy: Hey! I resemble that remark! n’t there either. So we turned around again and went back in the direction Hannah: Hmmm, maybe I should we had just come. We did this 5 or 6 start at the beginning. My mom and I times, each time going a bit further started out to Calumet City, IL from than the last. Turns out, that didn’t Lancaster, OH around 8:30 AM. work in our favor and we later found Keep in mind, neither one of us are out … we were still in Indiana! Haha, very good with directions. With all the no wonder we couldn’t find it. rain that we had had, we should have known there would perhaps be Cindy: Hannah, click those ruby areas of flooding. BUT we were too slippers and repeat after caught up with the fact that we were me…”.there’s no place like Jones!” both going to see Davy Jones (*sigh*) for the first time ever, and Bonnie: Radius is not our strong failed to think about it. Oops, our point either. mistake. It turned out a section of highway (that we desperately needCindy: But it’s never stopped us ed because that’s what it gave us on either! mapquest!) was closed. Imagine that! So we pulled off and found Hannah: Finally we got to our destisome little out of the way place that nation (only took us an extra hour or

33

Monkee Shines so) and were getting out of the car when Cindy, Bonnie, and Hannah pulled up.

have made an interesting story though. Ok … we then proceeded to walk over beside the stage (told you it would have been more interesting) and just stood there for a bit (with Davy's trailer in plain view ... just in case, lol) then WHAM! I turned around and had to gasp for air because there, standing in front of the trailer was Mr. David Jones himself, in the flesh! So, when I managed to regain my sense of composure, I snapped a few pictures (all of which his back was turned to me). Then, I met Eric Biondo (who also has great music). We chatted for a little bit and snapped some pictures ... it was a grand 'ole time.

Bonnie: “Hello… Do you know who you are?”

Cindy: Do you know who WE are????

Hannah: Talk about perfect timing!

We all checked in and headed to our rooms where my mom and I discovered ours hadn’t been cleaned…at all Bonnie: That’s Murphy’s Law! .

Hannah: Bleh! So, our PFG friends graciously allowed us to stow our things away in their room (thank goodness they’d come!) and then we were off to the show!

Bonnie: They’ve obviously never traveled with us before! We make up our own driving rules.

Hannah: We were some of the first people there, so we set up our chairs right behind the VIP section (they somehow must have forgotten to give me my VIP ticket, because I just know they wouldn't have excluded me on purpose).

Hannah holding Eric captive

Cindy: Yes and, Hannah, it’s time to give him back….the band misses him.

Cindy: Yeah! How’d that happen?

Hannah: Of course, I had to buy some merchandise ... we had gotten a free t-shirt (compliments of the mayor ... maybe I'll move there, the mayor seems nice.) So, I bought an 8x10 picture and another t-shirt.

Hannah: Anyways, we got there a few hours early and I met Janet and her husband and we all mingled for a while. Then Bonnie and I figured out how to get into unlocked doors … but that’s another story.

Bonnie: I know I know…I wish we had a Mayor like that!

Bonnie: I think you have to be smarter than the door.

Hannah: THEN the concert began and it was absolutely AMAZING! I wish I had a better word to describe it, but in fact, I don't know that there

Hannah: We then proceeded to rush the stage … no, I’m kidding. It would

34

Monkee Shines are any words great enough to describe the entire experience. David is an amazing entertainer, and I honestly don't know how he has so much energy! He danced from one side of the stage to the other, over and over and over again. After the show, he came out and signed autographs (so I asked him to sign my picture ... which I promptly framed when I got home) and got my picture taken with him! (I was in love for the very first time that day.)

which way across the United States.

Bonnie: I’m sure for the longest time David had no idea where we lived because we were everywhere from sea to shining sea.

Cindy: Maybe that explains the “at least you have shelter” remark!!!!!!

Hannah: Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and the next day my mom and I had to return to Ohio. However, it’s definitely safe to say that the Calumet City trip will never be forgotten. Ever.

Cindy: I kept peeking down the row to Hannah and her mom and both of them were transfixed…such a smile on Hannah’s face…..pure bliss!

~Hannah Rarick~

Ah...that’s more like it!

Bonnie: He is a sight for sore eyes.

Hannah: After the show, the gang went to try to find some food. Let me tell you something, fast food joints in the Chicago area aren’t open very late and only allow you 2 orders at a time. Who knew! (Just a little side note in case you’re driving aimlessly around the Chicago area hungry late at night. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!)

Finally we found a pizza joint (which just happened to be quite possibly the best pizza ever. I’m not joking.)

We took the pizza back up to Cindy and Bonnie’s room and they told me the most incredible stories about their journeys following Davy every

No words needed!

35

Monkee Shines Hazel, You’ll be “back upon your feet” with the line dancing girls in no time.

Cindy and Bonnie David, Of course we’re leaving! How can you miss us if we don’t go away!!!!

Cindy and Bonnie

Would the fan who took Eric home please bring him back! It was not Take A Band Member Home night and his band mates miss him!

And you know who you are!

David, Checked your mail lately?

You know who we are!

Please bear with me for the next few months. October 2. I hemorrhaged at home and nearly bled to death.

Not really thinking I drove myself to the hospital and after a touchy night in ICU it was determined that I had a huge tumor. Emergency surgery on October 4 produced a 3 pound tumor the size of a melon (at first they told me it was 10 pounds but the lab said it was only 3). They guessed it had been growing for 10 years! There were concerns that it had caused damage to my kidneys and liver but the surgery went quite well and everything looked good...so they said.

Two weeks later the pathology was back and it appeared there were some cancer cells involved but I was told that it was very early stage cancer and they were pretty sure they had gotten it all. However, my doctors wanted an oncologist at the

University Of Iowa Hospitals to take a look.. He was not so sure and now I am scheduled for more surgery on December 5th with possible radiation to follow. This they tell me will be a CURE. I can’t help but wonder after all the disappointments so far but I am trying to remain optimistic.

This has all slowed me down unbelievably. I have not been to work since October 2nd and I will not be able to return until February at the earliest. That would leave me lots of time to work on the newsletter if it weren’t for the restrictions put on my by the doctors. No driving, no lifting any more than 5 pounds (a gallon of milk is 8 pounds… so please be patient. I apologize for the inconvenience.

Cindy 36