Monkee Shines
The Purple Flower Gang October 2003 Issue 57
Monkee Shines
David with The Litterio Fanily before the show in Lockport, Illinois
Inside: Sweetest Day With Davy Jones Getting Davy Jones In Real Life Birthdays
Pen Pals Davy News Peter News Micky News Mike News And more!
Editor: Cindy Bryant with a little help from my friends, The Road Crew. Monkeeing around since 1987
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, 1803 Lucas Street, Muscatine, Iowa 52761.
Letter From The Editor ............................ 3 Personal Ads ............................................. 4 He Said SLASH She Said ................. ….. 5 Pen Pals ..................................................... 26 Birthdays ................................................... 27 Getting Davy Jones In Real Life ............. 29 David News .............................................. 37 Micky News .............................................. 38 Mike News ................................................ 39 Peter News ................................................ 40 What Is Wrong With This Picture ........... 41 Front Street Station Photos ...................... 42 David’s British Tour Dates 44 Christmas Card From The Wilkinsons 44
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: The PFG Road Crew (Craig, Bonnie, & Hannah Borgh, Shane Worden, Kimmi Janvrin, Colleen Johnson, Tom & Janet Litterio and their understanding (?) families :-), Jan Chilton, Jan Beaudrie, David Jones, (thanks for the very kind words...keep laughing!, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork, Mike Nesmith, and their families …..how much music, fun, travel, and friendship can one person stand!!!
Monkee Shines is printed by Mailboxes & Parcel Depot pfg@machlink.com
http://purpleflowergang.tripod.com/
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From the Editor! are going to try to keep the newsletter down to 36 pages and see how that does. Please bear with us. With that in mind, I would like to invite you to visit the PFG homepage at http:// purpleflowergang.tripod.com where we will try post some of the stuff we might otherwise have put in the newsletter. The page has had a complete makeover in the last few weeks so if you haven’t checked it out lately, stop by. Big thanks to the PFG Road Crew who make a contribution to the AIDS Marathon in LA in Talia Jones’ name. David’s web site posted a notice that Talia was running in the marathon and collecting donations for the cause. The Road Crew thought it was a worthwhile cause and applaud Talia’s effort to raise money to fight AIDS. The biggest thing, at least to all of involved with writing the newsletter, this time is that when we talked with David at the Sweetest Day Show his first words were “I was just going to write to you!” He had been reading the last issue and thought it was so funny. I have always said that what makes our newsletter stand out is our sense of humor and to know that one of the guys thinks so too makes all of our hard work worth it. We all hope you agree too. Enjoy! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Cindy
Dear Gang, I am so sorry that this newsletter is so late. Once again, as John Lennon puts, “life is what happens when you are making other plans.” This one of the reasons your memberships expire with an issue number instead of a date. You will always get your 4 issues whether they are on time or not. That’s a guarantee. We have way too much fun doing this newsletter and we KNOW who’s reading it. Right, David? Among other things I had to have my computer rebuilt this fall...things just slowed me down and I thank you all for your patience. When I picked the last newsletter from the printer I was surprised with a huge price hike. Nearly $1 increase for each newsletter! I really do not want to raise rates, we are all strapped for cash these days, but dues barely cover the cost of postage now, so I am forced to cut back on the number of pages per issue for now. Believe me this hurts us more than it does you because we love doing this and sometimes it is hard to stop adding to each issue. For now we 3
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Monkee Christmas to all! From The PFG Road Crew
“If you are going to be a princess you have to take the tiara with the tabloids. “
Debbie and Cindy, Threatening emails don’t scare me, even IF no one is paying attention;-) Shane
“It isn’t easy being purple!” Mr. Jones, Remember these words:
Circa 21
I just want to wish all my friends in the road crew, all of our readers, and the Monkees and their families a happy holiday season and all the best in the new year. Hope to see you all on the road in ‘04—the year of the monkey, er...Monkee! Shane
The Girls Hey Rocky, Watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat ...a squirrel out of my stove ...a weasel out of my A$$!!! Bullwinkle Bullwinkle, That trick NEVER works! Rocket J. Squirrel
Piglet, $5 in change in one large clump...yuck! Love ya lots! Mumsy!
Susan B., True enough, Nubia’s real...although the tour book says their version is based on present day Aswan. At least someone is reading what I write! Shane
Road Crew, Thanks for another wonderful year! Let’s do it again in 2004! Cindy
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He Said SLASH She Said, XI Alternate Title: “Bullwinkle, That Trick Never Works!” By Bullwinkle Worden, Rocky Bryant, MIA Borgh, and Run MC Litterio
prior to our trip to Lockport was less than thrilling. I arrived home from work that Wednesday afternoon to find my apartment a mess. Lamps tipped over, papers strewn everywhere, curtains hanging askew. The first thought that went through my head was that somebody had broken in and I was robbed. But that wasn't right, everything was still there...and then I learned the truth. Poking his head out from behind my couch was a frightened little squirrel that had managed to eat its way in the house first through a hole in my eaves outside, and then through some insulation paneling in my bathroom. What followed is something that probably would have looked right at home in one of the Monkee romps. It's pretty funny now, but it sure wasn't at the time. And what made matters worse is that it happened TWO days in a row before...um.... steps were taken (yeah, that's it)…
Cindy & Shane Photo by Tom Litterio
Shane… in his best, but now newly tattered and rodent-chewed formal attire, takes the stage. The lights dim.... and he begins. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times... Hey, wait a minute! Haven't we already done this one? I don't suppose it's too early for Ebenezer Scrooge, is it? No? Okay then....forget the classics. Cuz believe me kiddies, there ain't nothin' classic about what happened to me leading up to this road trip!
Cindy: Shanie, what is in that stew?
Cindy: Are you whining AGAIN? Shane: I'll make a long, and sadly brutal story short and say that the week leading up to my departure to meet Cindy in the Quad Cities
Shane: … to take care of the situation. Just don't report me to Bob Barker.... All of this, mind you, while I was trying to pack 5
Monkee Shines totally new meaning. Cindy: You little…uh …weasel! Shane: Saturday turned out to be a picture perfect fall day. MIA (Missing In Action) (AKA - Bonnie): Don’t remind me! Cindy: Oops! Sorry! Shane: Just a bit of a nip in the air, trees turning color all around...I really would have enjoyed taking a stroll through the neighborhood if we would have had more time. Then I remembered Cindy's neighbor, who on a fateful day back in 1997, nearly gunned me down and assaulted me on the spot, as I had "no business being there". Perhaps a stroll is not such a good thing, I think, and resign myself to packing the car and keeping to myself. Cindy, however, happened to be going through a bit of a tough time, as we were getting ready to leave. Not a good omen...(ya sure it wasn't the pizza...or the movie???)
Aviva
for the road and get things squared away here. I wasn't sure whether I wanted to laugh or cry. I also wasn't sure whether or not I wanted to stick around to see what came next, either. But come Friday morning I was found on my old trusty Greyhound bus, cell phone in hand, hoping that problems would clear up at home and that I wouldn't return to find a wildlife preserve in my living room. Most of our usual gang proved unavailable for this adventure, (though we DID miss you, Kimmi, Colleen and Bonnie--at least for a little while), so it was just Cindy waiting for me in the QC upon my arrival that night. After a drive-thru stop at Happy Joe's for pizza in Muscatine, we settled in at Cindy's place for the night for a few Monkee TV appearances, and the latest Stephen King movie. The film that gives the phrase "What's up your a$$"
Cindy: As we were packing the last bit of gear my stomach lurched. Oh, God! I told Shane to go ahead and get in the car and I ran back in the house and proceeded to get sick. I kept thinking I can’t do this, and I have to do this. After all Shane had endured Greyhound for this. By the time I got myself cleaned up and decided I was safe for the moment Shane was coming back to see what had happened to me. I had been work6
Monkee Shines ing 13 day stretches and the stress of everything going on at work was just getting to me I think.
goodness! Shane: The going was really quite smooth for us until we came upon the turnoff on the highway that we needed, where, thanks to some road construction that was going on, slowed things down quite considerably. In fact, there was quite a long line of cars in front of us waiting for the same turnoff. Cindy wondered aloud where all these cars could possibly be going. I remarked that they all must have heard that David was in town.... Once we got into town in Orland Park, just a stone's throw away from the concert in Lockport, (well, according to Map Quest anyway, but more about that later), we found the hotel we were staying at pretty easily. Cindy parked the car in front of the entrance, and while she was getting the trunk unpacked, I went in to check us in and grab a luggage cart. Who would have guessed what happened next?!
Shane: But eventually we get on our way, and after a stop for breakfast....a light breakfast, (a little snack?), at a local restaurant in Muscatine, we make our way over to the florists' in Bettendorf to pick out our customary bouquet of roses to have delivered backstage to David prior to the show. Due to a screw up on my part in regards to the rental car we were supposed to have, (Sorry, Cindy!), we wound up taking Cindy's "new" used car to the show, but it really worked very well for us and the miles flew by on the road, with a generous supply of good music to keep us occupied. On the way, we stopped by a convenience store for soda, where I discovered the latest citrus flavor of Altoids, which kept me stocked up in the sugar department all weekend long.
Cindy: Yeah‌.who?
Cindy: I had just had the oil changed on the car and a new battery put in the week before so I knew it would be okay and a road trip was the perfect way to really test it out. Unfortunately two weeks after arriving home I had the oil checked and found that the guy who had changed the oil had not put the oil pan cap on and it is a wonder we didn’t blow the engine! But God is a Monkee fan and takes care of us all. No damage to the engine, thank
MIA: You got another room with a canopy bed, Shane? Cindy: No! A room with a view! Shane: Let me preface this part of the story by saying that Janet Litterio, organizer extraordinaire of the Lockport show, couldn't have been nicer, Janet: Thank you Shane! I like things well organized, well coordinated and professional. 7
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Shane: or more sly, by directing us towards the hotel that she knew David, the band, Debbie Sunseri (who we hadn't seen in ages), and Susan Gerald would be staying at. She never came right out and told us anything *specifically*‌
nice to stay in the same hotel but that has never been our #1 priority. Somehow it always seems that we do but it is purely by coincidence. Even in Arlington Heights we had our hotel rooms booked over a month before Janet accidentally found out that was where David was staying.
Janet: I told no one.... let me repeat this....I told NO ONE where Camp Jones would be staying. If you attended our show, you saw the school was in more of a rural area and there are not many hotels close by...thus not a lot of lodging to choose from. This establishment was the most convenient, I knew what the scenery would entail, but I told NO ONE where David and company would stay. I remained very professional throughout my endeavor!!!
Shane: but it became pretty obvious through the e-mails that she sent that this was the place she thought we would like the best. Not knowing the general area at all, we were happy to comply with her wishes. Cindy and I had a few sneaking suspicions that this was where Camp Jones was to be located, but we had no idea for sure until we got there...and I checked in.... Cindy: I believe the closest she came to spilling the beans was after Shane told her which one he had picked and Janet said she thought we would like the scenery at this hotel.
Cindy: No you didn’t and to be fair we never asked. It is always
Shane: The first thing that I saw once I entered through the front doors of the hotel was a woman with medium-length black hair checking in at the front desk. I thought to myself as I approached that from the back, she really kind of looked a lot like Aviva Maloney. But don't be ridiculous, I countered in the back of my mind, you're only trying to fool yourself into thinking that everybody's here. That's when I reached the front desk and I nearly stopped dead in my tracks. (And you thought Da8
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vid was the one who got the stars in his eyes!) You guessed it; it was indeed Aviva checking in at the desk. I managed to catch my breath and say hello as I was paying for our rooms, and Aviva was very friendly.... said that she was glad to see us, and asked if we were there for the show. (But of course!) By the time she was on her way, I was checked in, and found a luggage cart for our stuff, there was a big ol' cat who ate the canary grin plastered all over my face.
lobby, most of the band members were starting to check in. In fact, I came across Robey by the elevators. (Missed ya, Kimmi!) After the two of us got settled into our rooms, we figured it was time for a little rest. It had been a busy day thus far, and without a great deal of sleep the night before. MIA: No canopy beds at Cindy’s, huh Shane? Cindy: No but there were no squirrels either!
Janet: Now you know how we feel when we run into David‌ and it truly IS coincidental when we do.
Shane: So, after telling her that if I didn't call her first, she should call me, I headed to my room for a little siesta. It turned out that Cindy was the first one ready to go about 90 minutes later. She asked if I wanted to head down to the restaurant, located across the parking lot from the hotel, for lunch. That sounded like a good idea to me, so I headed over to her room
Shane: Cindy instantly knew that something good had to be going on, and I was all too happy to inform her of what had just happened. By the time we made our way to our own hotel rooms, and returned the luggage cart to the 9
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and proceeded to knock on the door to see if she was ready to go...
give him a quick little, "Hello". MIA: Excuse me, Shane, but none of this would have happened if you would have used the proper syntax in your Emergency Response Plan, i.e.: “Oooh oooh!”
Cindy: I needed some time to recoup. My tummy was still a little on edge but a shower and change of clothes made a big difference. I knew there would be “no time” for dinner so thought maybe we should get a “little snack” for lunch to tide us over. So I called Shane’s room and asked him if he was ready for lunch. He said he would be right over and knocked on the door a few minutes later.
Shane: Now Cindy, who is on the other side of the door, still in her room (but about to open the door), really doesn't realize who I've just seen. Or, more to the point, she doesn't *believe* that I've seen who I have in the hall. At that precise moment, she thought I was trying to goad her, (Now I ask you, would I do a thing like that???)
Shane: That was when I saw somebody coming down the hall. And I'm sure you all have a pretty good idea of who it was.
Cindy: Oh, of course not!
Janet: Aviva?
Shane: … and as she answers the door, she is about ready to call me a lying sack of excrement (to be polite).
Cindy: Robey? Shane: Just as Cindy was heading to the door, I spy David and
MIA: Oh, go ahead, Shane! Say 10
Monkee Shines it!
instant understanding. He was referring to the newsletter, the very publication you now hold in your hands, boys and girls.
Shane: That is when she sees David for herself, realizes I was telling the truth, and in her flustered state, lets her door close behind her without a key on her person to get back in! Too funny!
Janet: The pressure's on now as we KNOW who will be reading this. That's it for my contributions..bye, bye.
Cindy: Of course I was cool about it so David wouldn’t know…or so I thought. Now I know he will know!
Cindy: Chicken! Shane: Cindy thanked him and told him that we have such a good time putting it together.
Shane: Our encounter with David in the hall was pretty short, but very nice, and extremely flattering. I really didn't understand a lot of what was going on, but thankfully Cindy did. David said something to the effect of: "I was going to write to you! I was reading the book, and it's so funny!" I really didn't understand what he meant by the "book"...but Cindy took
Cindy: Just as I opened the door with the intent of questioning Shane’s parentage, David literally stepped around the corner into view. I said, “Oh! Hi David!” He immediately said he had been about to write to me and began to search his memory as to why he was going to write. “Oh!” he said. “The book! The book! I was just reading it... it’s so funny!” David once told Bonnie and I that the newsletter was “really something!” We were never quite sure what he meant by that or that he ever really read it, but we considered it quite a compliment. This took me totally by surprise. Shane: No sooner than that happened, than David's elevator, right outside Cindy's door arrived, and he was off. How exciting was this? He likes us--he REALLY likes us! While Cindy found her composure, I went down to the front desk and got an extra key for her room, only to come back and 11
Monkee Shines find that she had a maid open it for her. Jeesh.
with that smoking thing! Shane: They had heard that he was in town, but certainly didn't expect him to be putting in an appearance at their establishment. It was great fun to see all the people react to his being there. It's part of what makes us fans, I think.
Cindy: Sorry Shanie! Shane: I don't really know if Cindy still felt like lunch after that little encounter, but we did make our way downstairs and through the parking lot to the restaurant. Well, no sooner did we walk in the door than we discovered where David was off to when we saw him. This was deja vu all over again, with shades of our mealtime encounters at Burlington Steamboat Days and the Lady Luck with him instantly coming back to mind. Of course, we were seated about two tables away from him, which didn't help matters, either. We remained calm (slash) quiet (slash) respectful and proceeded to have our afternoon "little snack". The food was actually very good. Probably the only healthful food I had all weekend long. David and his party of assorted band-mates were already eating when we came in, so they of course finished ahead of us, and after a while left without a great deal of fuss. As David was leaving, a couple that was coming in at the same gave him a bit of a double take, and wondered aloud to themselves if that was who they thought it was. We, of course, were happy to let them know it was. It's not often you run into Monkees at lunch… unless you're one of us, of course. The wait staff was pretty stoked to be waiting on David, too.
Janet: I knew I should have joined you for lunch when you called and invited me! Cindy: Janet! Janet! Janet! How many times do I have to tell you…”Ya snooze, ya LOSE!”? There is nothing I enjoy more than just sitting back and watching the dynamics of David’s presence and his effect on people in all sorts of situations. I love the look on people’s faces and the way they react. Shane: Back in the hotel lobby
MIA: There you go again, Shane, 12
Monkee Shines after lunch, we ran into a few old friends. Deb Sunseri, Susan Gerald, photographer Mike Bush and his significant other.
MIA: It’s a guy thing. Shane: After telling everybody that we would catch up with them later at the show, Cindy and I made a little bit of a side-trip to a nearby Wal-Mart for a few last minute items. Cindy picked out the perfect Sweetest Day card to go with the backstage flowers we had gotten in the QC, and I went off to find some film for my camera. With all my squirrel problems before my departure, I didn't have the extra time that I had hoped for to take care of that purchase before I left. Unfortunately, I discovered later that I had picked up the wrong kind of film for my camera. Thankfully, Cindy was able to give me a few extra rolls that she had and saved the day. Thanks again! (Just as a side note--and this is completely off topic--but Janet, we've been to a lot of cities and been in a lot of Wal-Marts, but I have never seen a store that was as completely nuts as that one was. There were people everywhere! What gives?)
MIA: Her name is Beverly. Cindy: Not Susan! Shane: We all shared an elevator, going to our respective rooms. Oh, did I mention that David was there, too? We were all so busy saying our hellos and chatting, that David went almost totally neglected. He just kind of stood at the front of the elevator and looked sort of lost.... it was kind of funny. Cindy: It was actually very funny. We were so excited to see Debbie and Susan! We’ve known them for years and I hadn’t seen Debbie in forever! We got on the elevator chattering and hugging each other, and it wasn’t until the door closed that I even realized David was there too. He stood there in the midst of us like he was invisible… something I am sure doesn’t happen to him often. Out of the corner of my eye I saw him playing with the zipper on his sweater…up and down, up and down … like he was waiting for someone to notice he was there. It was so cute!
MIA: Was there a blue-light special going on or is that K Mart? Janet: That particular Wal-Mart is always as you saw it...completely nuts. Haven't figured WHY it's nuts, must be that people in Orland Park, Homer Glen and Lockport LOVE good deals!!! They roll back the prices ya know!
I mentioned to Debbie and Susan if we had known they were coming in when they did we would have waited and invited them to lunch. Shane said that the restaurant was pretty good and David added that it was reasonably priced.
Shane: Back at the hotel, we chilled out for a little while, wait13
Monkee Shines ing for the time to come to get ready for the show. Cindy had placed a cell phone call in to Bonnie's voice mail, and told her to get back to us as soon as she got the message. Cindy couldn't wait to fill her in on all the details that had happened to us so far. Thank God for cell phones. I honestly don't know what we would do on these road trips without 'em. Cindy: It may seem like a small thing…I’m sure David thought it was…but having David tell me that he read the newsletter and thought it was funny was huge to us, and I wanted so much to share it with my partner in crime, Bonnie Borgh. It is our sense of humor… calls. After about fifteen minutes, Craig came back out to the car. Of course, there were roaming dollar signs in his eyes. Craig said, “Who are you calling?” I said, “Excuse me, but I am missing a very important occasion! I’m talking with Cindy!” With Cindy’s wonderful imagery, I felt as if I were there. You’re not the only one, Shane, who was confused by the term “book”, but I’m glad Cindy understood. I, too, was proud and just a little bit humble to hear that David actually read our newsletter and found it “so funny”. As Cindy said, our stories just write themselves, but it is nice that our humor was publicly acknowledged and appreciated. I also remember verbatim when David said, “Your newsletter is…really something.” At the time, I was not sure if he meant it was “really something”
MIA: ...or lack thereof! Cindy: which brought us together, and we hope you all think we are as funny as we think we are…. but in truth most of this stuff just writes itself. It was wonderful to hear that David thought it was funny also, and I wanted Bonnie to know. MIA: It was so nice of you to leave me a message, Cindy SLASH Shane! I vividly remember checking my voice mail just as we arrived at the reception at 1700 hours. (Are we still on military time?) Hannah fell totally asleep in the backseat, and Craig went in to the reception building. I told him I would be in shortly as soon as Hannah woke up. Meanwhile, I thought it was a great opportunity to see if I had any important phone 14
Monkee Shines good or “really something” uncertain. I love creative writing, and coupled with my passion for The Monkees, it’s just “Good Clean Fun”.
person that there ever could be. His English was poor; his sense of direction even worse. The best I could get out of him was that this was only his 2nd day on the job, and maybe I should look at a map. (Well, duh--we had maps in the car, but little good they were doing US!)
Shane: After Bonnie gave us a return call, and we got our things together to take with us to the show, it was about time to go. Listening to David talk with Mike Bush earlier on, we knew that he and the band were planning on leaving for the venue around 7:00. We wanted to leave about a half hour earlier, so we would be sure to be there when he got there. The main reason being that we wanted our flowers and card to be waiting backstage for him when he arrived. Well, there's an old story about the best-laid plans of mice and men....
Cindy: The longest 10 miles I have ever driven! Maybe it was because we were under the gun. At least we got turned around BEFORE we ran into Lake Michigan! Shane: Frustrated, we turned the car around and headed back the way we came. Our initial plan was to just stop back at the hotel and ask which way we needed to head, when I noticed that the numbered streets were increasing, which was what we wanted, so I convinced Cindy to just keep on going. The biggest problem in finding where we needed to be *this* time was that the directions to the venue that I had looked up on the internet via Map Quest, while accurate street-wise, were not accurate mile-wise...i.e., Map Quest said that it was about a ten mile trip from the hotel to the high school, when in all actuality, twenty still may be an underestimate. A little worried once we passed the ten mile mark in the *other* direction, we stopped at yet another convenience store. But at least this time the people inside were a lot more helpful, and told us that we were indeed heading the right way and told us
We did indeed leave the hotel at 6:30. But we wound up taking the wrong direction on the road we needed to take us into Lockport. After about 20 minutes of aimless driving, and after we crossed Cicero Ave., (a main street in Chicago--not in Lockport), we knew that things were hinkey. MIA: Excuse me? Is that word in Webster’s? Shane: So we stopped off at the nearest gas station for directions. The guy inside couldn't have been less helpful. I don't mean to sound racist, but this guy was the stereotypical middle-eastern "Simpsonesque Apo Quickemart" 15
Monkee Shines what to look for. Much relieved, we kept on going and shortly after found the high school without any trouble. But unfortunately, David and company had arrived way ahead of us by this time, so our plans of having something waiting for him had to be scrapped. Thankfully, though, we ran into Tom Litterio, Janet's husband, almost right away, and he was able to get our stuff back to him just as soon as we got there.
both Cindy and I sincerely realize how crazy busy things had been for her, organizing this concert. Janet: There were few people I actually had an opportunity to chat with. Crazy busy is putting it mildly...but all the work was WELL worth it. I appreciate your understanding my lack of time to chat. Cindy: As my niece observed at age 4, “ A woman’s gotta do what a woman’s gotta do!”
Janet: We had a very clear chain of command when David was present in the building. At that point, none of our volunteers had access to the dressing rooms, so it was up to me to deliver the flowers. Tough job, but hey, someone had to do it! When I gave David the flowers and the card his face lit up like a child on Christmas morning. He was delighted. He opened the card immediately. We chatted briefly, and I am still stunned by some of his very astute observations.
Shane: We did meet some of Janet's close friends and family, seated in our same row, and heard some very interesting stories about her "wild days" as a kid. Three nuns indeed! Janet: I can only imagine what stories they shared with you...you must have paid them some good hush money, as none of them will admit to anything! Cindy: Actually your …ah …”brother” told us HE was the trouble maker and you were a “nun!” I ain’t buyin’!
Shane: Cindy and I met up with a lot of friends, both new and old, before the show. It's always nice to see some familiar faces in the crowd. David has a very loyal following, and after a while, one tends to start seeing a lot of the same people at many of his shows. Shortly after we found our seats, we spied Janet making the rounds with her family and friends close by. We quickly had a chance to say hello to her, and if there is one thing about this trip that I regret, it's that we didn't have more of an opportunity to chat, even though
It was really nice to see some new PFG members and visit with so many new people this time around. Everyone was incredibly nice! As Micky would say there was a broad demographic slice of humanity here… little girls with their mothers and grandmothers and quite a few men. Shane: Then the moment arrived-it was show time! 16
Monkee Shines here. I think these songs...especially "Bright Side Of The Road", really showcases David's taste and stage presence. (How I wish, however, that David will be brave enough someday to try out some more of his own original material.) Jones also did something here that I had only seen one other time before, almost a year ago in Peoria. About halfway through the concert, he decided to have a seat on one of the amplifiers by the edge of the stage and talk with the audience in that manner for a few minutes. It seems kind of simple, or perhaps even odd, to write that down on paper in just that way. But to my mind, words can't express how neat it was to see him do something like that. It gives his entire show a whole different feel, sort of like what it would be like to have a close friend performing for you and talking to you in front of everybody. It's really a nice touch, and I hope that's something he continues to do in his shows.
Janet: See, no one even remembers my feeble introduction...guess I can't quit my day job! Shane: Dave Alexander came out to start the one-by-one band introduction bit that has become a mainstay of the show in past months...and I am proud to say that Aviva *still* does a little bit of everything! <grin> Then David was introduced, which brought the whole house on it's feet, and sent the excitement level into the stratosphere. I'll not recount the entire concert or set list myself, as I know that Cindy and Janet can do a much better job at that than I, but I will recount a few things about the show that stood out for me. It was nice to hear the two "new" songs that we were treated to in Arlington Heights over the summer again
MIA: Perhaps the “Sermon on the Amp” was repeated for the parishioners? Cindy: Bonnie I missed my secretary! The set list was as follows: Band Intro (Listen To The Band) Monkees’ Theme Little Bit Me, Little Bit You Valleri (followed by Aviva’s PMS joke) Look Out Here Comes Tomorrow Papa Gene’s Blues (one of my favorites - David does a really nice 17
Monkee Shines job with this one!) Brady Bunch Theme Girl Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby (another favorite!) She Hangs Out Consider Yourself I Wanna Be Free Love You Forever (Thank you to Janet and Tom Litterio, introduction to the band, Meatloaf and Archie and Edith) Bright Side of the Road (This was the second time we have heard David do this Van Morrison tune, and he has really made it his own. I LOVE this one! David keep doing it!) Nice To Be With You Wasted Days and Wasted Nights (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone Daydream Believer No Time I’m A Believer
have used to host the Host of "Meet the Royals?" It's not easy being purple, you know! Cindy: Yeah, sometimes it’s a “royal” pain! Shane: But for the most part, the audience was very well behaved, and with the exception of a few over-zealous fans who felt it necessary to yell out to him while he was trying to tell stories onstage in between songs, the crowd reactions were very nice, and very respectful of everybody else in the audience. Cindy and I kept a very careful record of the set list, which I am sure you'll find either somewhere in this story or elsewhere in this issue. Cindy: Ahem Shanie! Look up! Shane: I must tell you that it's quite a job taking notes, taking pictures, and enjoying the concert all at the same time. I don't know how Bonnie does it! (Missed you too, Bonnie!)
Shane: Of course, this was Sweetest Day, and there were several points in the show where the lovestruck girls all came up to the stage to hand Jones flowers and cards. Those instances were most prevalent during the more familiar ballads...especially "Girl".
MIA: From what I understood, there was purple everywhere! You Go Girl!
MIA: It’s all in a days work! I have learned over the years not to tap your foot or sing along to the songs whilst you’re trying to take pictures. It’s the quickest way to blur a photo. You don’t know how much I missed being there, too. I’m sorry, Janet! Same Time Next Year! I promise…there will be no weddings, no funerals, no bar mitzvah’s, ZILCH!
Janet: Yes, purple was everywhere! What other color could we
Janet: Even though there wasn't much time to chat with anyone in
Cindy: Thanks to Janet, David was bombarded with purple flowers, which could be bought in the lobby!
18
Monkee Shines particular, I wished you were there Bonnie. However, I did wear the 'Janet' bracelet you sent me, and just when I needed the Altoids you included in my survival package, they were not on my person. I'm not complaining though!!!! Shane: All too soon came the strains of "Daydream Believer". Cindy and I looked at each other when that started, and we really didn't have to say a word. That song always signifies the beginning of the end, and it's always a "sweet sorrow" to hear it at David's shows. This song, combined with the encore of "I'm A Believer" and "No Time", (always a good closing number!), brought the house on it's feet yet again, and sent the masses soaring up to the front of the auditorium. The show ended on a great, upbeat vibe, and I think everybody had to have left that night feeling happy that they had been a part of that evening's festivities.
an opportunity to briefly chat with a very nice older couple making their way to their car, who had seen the show and were absolutely impressed. It's always nice to note all the people, young and old, who enjoy this kind of thing, and appreciate it like we do. As we were making our way out of the parking lot, we noticed the limo outside which was now being filled with the Jones entourage no doubt, and Cindy wondered how funny it would be if it happened to just follow us all the way back. And then, once were within a few blocks of returning, she noticed a funny white car directly behind us, not knowing it was a limo! It turned out not to be HIS limo, (there were a lot of weddings going on in town, as the majority of the hotel's occupancy was a good indication of), but we had a good laugh out of that all the same.
Shane: Following the show, I had a chance to peruse, (had to throw that word in at least once for Colleen, lest she think I didn't care), the merchandise table, where I was able to get my hands on one of only a few autographed posters from one of David's book signings that were being sold. (Nor was that the only signed poster I would walk away from this weekend with, but more about that in a minute.) After a few minutes of milling around and chatting with friends, it was time to reluctantly call it a day and head back to the hotel. As Cindy and I left, we had
Cindy: I am glad it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t his limo. We run into the poor man by 19
Monkee Shines accident so muchâ&#x20AC;Ś. And David if you ARE reading this it truly is by accidentâ&#x20AC;Ś
were too wide-awake and chipper than any human being had a right to be at that time of morning. Even the hotel staff were giving them curious little glances here and there. Thankfully, they moved on soon enough, and left Cindy and I to our own devices until various members of David's band came down and started checking out a short time later. I was discussing my squirrel dilemmas with Cindy when Dave Alexander happened past as he was going through the "chow line" and overhearing, shot me a curious little glance. I explained to him what had happened prior to the trip, and he responded by saying that he knew what that kind of situation was like, too. So Dave, if you're reading this, all's well that ends well, though I hope that never happen again! The band was on their way soon enough, and it was time for Cindy and I to get our things packed up for our return trip home, as well.
Shane: Back in Cindy's room, we chilled out for just a little while, watched a little bit of Ocean's Eleven, (Viva, viva, viva...Las Vegas!), and called it a day. It had been a long, but very thrilling and enjoyable day. Besides, knowing our individual waking habits, (being the early birds that we are because of our jobs), we knew that we would be up and at 'em bright and early the next day. I was actually the first person downstairs at the continental breakfast at about quarter of six, though Cindy joined me soon afterward. For a while, we were treated to the obnoxious musings of a group sitting nearby us who
Janet: I had every intention of meeting you both for breakfast at the hotel. However, I was SO tired, there was little I could do on Sunday except smile:-) Shane: It didn't take me long to get my things together, so after I got myself situated, I went and got the luggage cart again and stopped by Cindy's room. While she was getting her things together in the bathroom, I happened to prop the hotel room door open for no particular reason, and wouldn't you know, shortly thereafter I spy Da-
Photo by Tom Litterio
20
Monkee Shines vid passing by the room on the way to the elevators. I quickly motion to Cindy, thinking this might be our only chance to say goodbye to David, so we quickly had a few words with him in the hallway. Cindy asked him if he was headed back to Beavertown. He said he was, but that one of his horses would be racing in Charlotte, NC (I think that's right), later that week. He seemed very proud that his horse had just finished 3rd in a recent outing. Then Jones was off to the breakfast downstairs, while Cindy and I finished loading the luggage cart.
of the Japanese vinyl albums that I have, it's gotten a little battle weary from all the travel, but it's pretty compact and easy to carry around with me. Plus it has kind of taken on it's own personal challenge over the years as to whether I would ever get it signed. I think I have brought it with me to about 4 or 5 different road trips over the past few years, and each time there hadn't been an appropriate opportunity to get the darned thing signed. But this time, noticing that Jones was alone, and didn't appear to be in a big hurry, and with Cindy's blessing, I walked up to him and asked him for the autograph. And of course, he was happy to oblige. That's when the nice hotel employee took her cue, as well, and got her signed little something. The smile on her face really told the whole story there--that would be something to go home and tell the kids about.
On our way to the front desk to check out, we noticed that David was milling around the breakfast area pretty much unobserved. As I noted earlier, there were a lot of weddings going on at this particular hotel that weekend, and I doubt that too many people even realized that there was a Monkee in house. A few people did, though...one of them was a nice hotel employee who was in charge of keeping the continental breakfast going. We had talked with her briefly earlier that morning, and she had mentioned that she was hoping to get a chance for an autograph. On the way to check out, realizing an opportunity that I didn't have when we were in Arlington Heights earlier this year, I approached Jones about signing a poster that I had been toting around with me. Now let me explain a little something about this poster--it has had quite a history. It's just one of those old fold-in things that came with one
Cindy: Normally I am pretty adamant about not disturbing Davidâ&#x20AC;Śespecially at meals but Shane has been so patient about getting that poster signed, and David had been so nice that I told him to go ahead this time. As we stood there talking to David I saw the hotel employee who had wanted an autograph and told David she had also wanted one and she was off grinning ear to ear to get something for him to sign. Later she told me he was sooooo niceâ&#x20AC;Ś. yeah I know! While she was off David made small talkâ&#x20AC;Śhow far were we from home? I told him it was a two and a half hour drive, 21
Monkee Shines and he didn’t think that was too bad.
we had seen Debbie at a show, so it was wonderful to catch up with her. Both Debbie and Susan have such busy lives outside of this Davy Jones stuff, that I honestly don't know how they do it. After a bit, David's limo pulled up, and we amused ourselves watching a little boy run outside to get an autograph for his "gramma", who was nervously watching from in the lobby. Too cute. Shortly after, David was gone until the next go-round, and then things really did feel like they were winding down.
MIA: Compared to most of our trips! Radius is not a word in our vocabulary! Cindy: I told him it was such a lovely day I would enjoy it immensely. He said he found himself driving more and more these days, too. Hey, David it is only 5 turns from your house to mine! Okay it is about 800 miles too! MIA: I say, “Come on down! The Price Is Right!”
Cindy: Shanie Shanie Shanie! What happened was the GRANDMA ran out and got the autograph for the little boy - that was what was so hysterical. He showed it to his mother and she sent Grandma back out to get one for her! David has always had a soft spot for little old ladies! It was so cute!
Cindy: We said our goodbyes and he said he hoped to see us again soon. MIA: Heavy sigh! Shane: Shortly after that nice little encounter, and after checking out of the hotel, Cindy was nice enough to sit and wait with me in the lobby while I waited for what I thought was the right time to call a cab to take me to the bus station I wanted to start my journey home from. The nearby town of Joliet was only a short ride from our hotel, and I figured that starting home from there would be a lot easier than going all the way back across Illinois again. While we were waiting, we saw Debbie and Susan loading up their things and getting ready to leave, and being the friendly folks that they are, they came and talked with us as well while I waited to call my cab, too. It had been a very long time since
Shane: At about quarter after ten, I had the front desk call my cab. The bus that I needed to get me to downtown Chicago from Joliet was due in at 11:20, so I figured that this was plenty of time to get me to where I wanted to go. But I figured wrong. I knew things were bad when the front desk told me that the cab could take up to 45 minutes to show up. Now, the front desk staff had already told me when I checked in that I would need to give some advanced notice for a cab, but I never realized that I needed that much time! But there was nothing I could do about it by then but sit and wait and hope for the best. So I returned to the lobby 22
Monkee Shines by Cindy, Deb and Susan and waited. And waited. And waited. After a half hour, I really started to get nervous. (Sorry if I looked a little out of sorts, ladies, but I was getting frazzled!) Finally, the darned thing shows up at quarter to 11. After saying some really quick goodbyes to everyone, I hopped in, and we took off.
beggars can't be choosers, so they say. Thankfully, I got to the Chicago station in plenty of time for my connection, and counted myself thankful for that much and just paid the piper. No education is free, and should I find myself in this neck of the woods again, there will definitely be some things I'll do differently.
I have had some good cab drivers in my day, and some bad ones, (just like the Greyhound drivers!). This guy was one of the bad ones...he was constantly smoking some of the worst smelling cigarettes I have ever had the displeasure of dealing with, plus he had an equally foul mouth to go along with it. But what could I do? Demand another cab? Yeah, right. Thinking I still had enough time to make Joliet, I told him where I wanted to go, only to learn ten minutes later that he wasn't familiar enough with the streets in Joliet, and that he would have to radio in for directions to where I needed to go in town. The guy on the other side of the radio wasn't very helpful; he couldn't even find the street on any map. Not a good sign. Plus we were running late as it was. Once we passed a sign that said "Joliet, 15 miles", and it was already past 11, I knew that I was screwed and just had him turn around and take me *all the way* into downtown Chicago to the bus station there. (At least he knew where that was.) This was probably the most expensive cab ride of my life, the cost of which I do not care to relate in these pages, but
Cindy: I am so sorry that your cab ride was such a nightmare Shane! At least you had lots of good memories and a signed poster to show for it! Shane: The rest of the ride home went pretty smoothly. I gave Cindy a couple of calls on the cell phone during the trip home to let her know I was okay, as I know that she was worried about my travels, too, and by early evening I was back at home again in an apartment which thankfully was still rodent-free. It was amazing to me how much we did in such a short period of time this time around. The trip started out on a Friday morning, and by Sunday night I was back home again. Considering that a lot of my time was spent on the road for this outing, it seemed pretty amazing to me. I was certainly glad to have been a part of this show, though, and as always I have my many PFG friends to thank for it. Cindy, of course, Janet (and Tom, too), who worked so tirelessly to put this show together...Debbie and Susan who are always so nice...Kimmi, Bonnie and Colleen, while not with us physically were 23
Monkee Shines there in spirit...and of course David and da band, without whom none of this would be possible. Thanks to one and all--let's see what the New Year brings.
Hannah?!), and spend as much time as you can with the people you love. That’s what it is all about! Thanks David!
MIA: Oh come let us adore him! MIA: That’s what it’s all about, Charlie Brown. I’ve said it time and time again that our love for The Monkees (and each other) is no different than having season tickets to pro football games (all across the country) and tail-gating before or after every game. The only difference is that we do not paint our faces purple. We have had some “Incredible” memories. We have been so blessed to meet each other and share our unique but common interest. People say we Monkee around, but we’re too busy singing, to put anybody down!
Cindy: Whenever 2 or more of us are gathered in his name… Shane: Who knows where we may be going next! MIA: Do you think maybe he’ll be comin’ to our town again?!? Cindy: I have said this before, and I will say it again…now that I know David is reading: The real gift that David has given us…that the Monkees have given us…besides the music and the laughter, is each other. Had it not been for them, Shane would be in Oshkosh, Janet in Chicago, Colleen in St. Louis, Kimmi in Huxley, Bonnie in Bettendorf, and me in Muscatine; and my life would not have been as blessed as it is with such wonderful friends. We would all be so close and yet so far. I cannot imagine life without these dear friends and the memories we have shared because of the Monkees. No, Micky, it is not brain surgery. It’s much much more! I hope that all of you reading this are equally blessed, and when you are out there Monkeeing around, try not to take it or yourselves too seriously. Remember to laugh at the slammed doors and the squirrels, jump on the beds, and eat lots of candy (right Kimmi and
Cindy: Hmmm…… .purple…… paint……
faces…
Janet: I'm the newest member to all this, so I want to add my thanks to David for continuing to share his gifts with all of his fans. And also to thank you for the gift of bringing people together that would not have otherwise met if it wasn't for our common thread of being your fans. I was truly honored to be able to host this show. It was an experience I will remember forever. I'll still be talking about it when we're all in the new rest home "All Jones, All The Time." Thank you David, I will always remember your kindness as well as your music. 24
Monkee Shines Janet Litterio And in absentia …. Bonnie Borgh
Cindy: Until next time….. Cindy Bryant Shane Worden
The Band
Eric ^
Greg ^
Dave & Debbie > Eric, Janet, & Sam v
Aviva v
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Monkee Shines
Celine Allan 9208 Angora Street Dallas, TX 75218
Debbie Kolbaba PO Box 89 Holstein, IA 51025
Beverly Ann Clark 2710 Crestmont Drive Garland, TX 75040
Rachel Walker 1514 Sunnyhills Drive Brandon, Florida 33510
Christina Gautreaux 1221 11th Street Lot 5 Dewitt, IA 52742
Kathy Brewer 1198 Turkey Blind Road Crossville. TN 38572
Diane Klosak 2101 Nicholas Ct Bettendorf, IA 52722
Colleen Johnson 9104 Lemona Drive St. Louis, MO 63123
Joyce Lopez 358 Superior St. Paul. MN 55102
Joe Korowski 6 Bluebird Lane Atkinson, NH 03811
Cyndi Torres 3703 Country Club Drive #11 Long Beach, CA 90807
Shane Worden 306-A Waugoo Avenue Oshkosh WI 54901
Susan Bragga 4222 West Robin Meadows Lane Eau Claire. WI 54701
Write to your favorite Monkee at:
Maria Tereza Pinho Gomes Da Silva Rua Virginia Vidal No 59 Tanque Rio De Janiero RJ Cep22.735-080 Brazil
Peter Tork 524 San Anselmo Suite 102 San Anselmo, CA 94960
Davy Jones PO Box 400 Beavertown, PA 17180
Micky Dolenz DP Productions 15030 Ventura Blvd Suite 812 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Julie Harris 3611 185th Street NW Lot 207 Oranoco, MN 55960
Mike Nesmith Video Ranch 8 Harris Court Suite C1 Monterey, CA 93940
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Monkee Shines
December 2 3 7 8 9 11 14 15 17 18 20 21 22 23 25 27 29 30
January
Janelle Scott Len Lesser Rachel Walker Joe Korowski Donny Osmond Teri Garr Richard Devon George Furth Rodney Bingenheimer Dave Clark Anita Jones Keith Richards Charlie Callas Frank Zappa Carl Wilson James Elswick Ivan Iannoli -Torkelson Robin & Maurice Gibb Cyndi Torres Little Richard Phil Spector Karen Sue Schwalt Ray Nitschke DAVID JONES MICHAEL NESMITH Red Rhodes Bo Diddley Beverly Ann Clark
2 3 4 5 7 8 9 11 13 17 19 24 25 26 31
Bobbi Boyce Stephen Stills Michael Stipe Henry Corden Kenny Loggins Ami Dolenz David Bowie Jerry Yester Bill Cowsill Pat Smith Lester Sill Rip Taylor Robin Millan Phil Everly Janet Carbert Neil Diamond Lynda Moore Hallie Torkelson Vito Scotti Christian Nesmith
February 1 2 4 6
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Don Everly Graham Nash Jonathan Nesmith John London Fabian Forte
Monkee Shines 9
10 11 13 14 16 17 18 19 21 25 26
Deborah Stidham Carole King Barry Mann Jack Winter Beryl Leigh Gerry Goffin PETER TORK Joe Perry Rick Klein Sonny Bono Linda Jones Ronda Russell Gene Pitney Bobby Hart Lou Christie Bob Rafelson George Harrison Johnny Cash Cyrus Faryar
2 7 8 9 10 13 14 15 17 20 23 25 26 30
Happy Birthday!
March 1
John Cowsill Donna Loren MICKY DOLENZ Ceil Cabot Mark Lindsay Dean Torrence Neil Sedaka Carolyn Travis Arch Johnson Mike Love John Sebastian Diane Scharp Bruce Kessler Shane Worden Elton John Diana Ross Eric Clapton
Roger Daltry
Indiantown Jones
Photo by Jan Beaudrie
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Monkee Shines
Getting Davy Jones…..In Real Life
Janet introducing David
I’m not quite sure if the saying is ‘Life Imitates Art,’ or is it ‘Art Imitates Life.’ Either saying will explain why I had been compared to Marsha Brady in the weeks preceding David’s Lockport concert on Oct. 18. We both ‘got Davy Jones’….Marsha in a TV script, and I in real life. Although after listening to people’s comments, some really thought the TV version was indeed ‘real life.’ I’m still shaking my head about that. Granted, the scenarios were different: I am not in high school, David did not come to my prom, he didn’t ring my doorbell to give me his new album, and it didn’t happen in a half an hour, but we both did ‘get Davy Jones.’ We all know Marsha’s story, but here’s my real life version.
after seeing David’s show. How great would it be to have David perform a fundraising event for our church!!! I didn’t share my idea with anyone for several days, and when I did, my entire family thought I had listened to “Daydream Believer” one too many times! Being this was the first show I attended, I had absolutely no idea where to begin. To make a long story short, I wrote letters, ironically when my husband, friends and I went to David’s concerts recently, our paths crossed several times with his, so I was able to share my idea with David. As time passed, I began to feel that this was not one of the brightest ideas I had come up with. However, it was quite fun going to the shows, meeting new friends, and when the opportunity arose, talking with David.
An idea struck me as my brother and I were walking out of Moraine Valley College nearly 3 years ago
At the beginning of this year, I 29
Monkee Shines
Last minute instructions
found out a tiny step had been taken…my invitation had been turned over to the agency which represents David. Again, to keep this article from becoming an epic novel, I will give the ‘Reader’s Digest’ condensed version at this point. We received the fully executed contract days after my birthday, began selling tickets and getting details in order to present this show professionally. Still, I could NOT believe all this was happening! It sunk in just a bit seeing David’s signature at the bottom of our contract.
David’s most loyal fans. In order for this to be a fundraiser for our church, my husband Tom and I worked very hard to get companies, individuals, anyone and everyone to donate to help sponsor this event. When people heard the name ‘DAVY JONES,’ boy…their interest was sparked, their generosity flowed, and everything was very much appreciated!!!! Ok…here it is now, the week before the show. Details were tended to, preparations were firmed up, lots of business….by this time I was more than ready for the fun part of it all!!!! A few newspapers interviewed me…and of course, compared me to Marsha, Marsha, Marsha. I would have definitely drawn the line if the articles referred to me as Janet, Janet, Janet.
The stories people shared with me in calling to buy tickets warmed my heart. According to what many people told me, their dreams were coming true as they were finally getting to see David in person after dreaming and hoping to see him for decades. Notes and emails people shared with me brought tears to my eyes. And of course, it was wonderful hearing stories from
The week of the show was a whirlwind of activity. People would ask me if I was getting excited….they 30
Monkee Shines asked if I could believe it. Truth be told, it still hadn’t sunk in…I was just hoping everything would work out for everyone involved. If it didn’t, it wouldn’t have been for my lack of trying!!!! I tell you, I now have a healthy respect and admiration for anyone involved in putting a concert together!!!
hosting ‘Sweetest Day with DAVY JONES.’ No one was more excited than I….this crazy idea I had was finally becoming reality in less than 24 hours!!!!!! When we arrived at the school on Saturday afternoon, everything on the stage was pretty well set. Lights were in place, the instruments were set up, all we needed was David and his band. I stood in the back of the theater and looked at everything set up on the stage….it was truly overwhelming. I was very proud of what had been accomplished thus far and eagerly anticipated what was to come. We did have a few things to tend to, and before long the time for the sound check was upon us.
David would be arriving in my town the day before the show. When he arrived, he did a studio interview with the Oldies Station in Chicago! I think it all finally sunk in when I heard him on the Chicago air waves!!! Later that evening, the volunteers involved, along with Tom, our two sons, and I set things up at the school so we could have some down time on Saturday. Things were taking shape well at the school; our sound man was a jokester and a half. I think he was looking to be booked as the opening act. I will admit, he really WAS funny!!! Everyone, including the theater manager at the school was SO excited to be
A few of us were getting a breath of fresh air…it was a BEAUTIFUL day (how could it be less than beautiful with Mr. Jones in town)…when the limos rolled up. I greeted the band members and escorted them into their dressing
David greets Janet’s mom
31
Monkee Shines
Welcome Davy Jones! Photo by Tom Litterio
Dave and Sandy
room. We had met some of the guys at other shows we attended, and I introduced myself to the people I had not yet met. Being the professionals they are, they quickly went to work on the stage. The volunteers behind the scenes and I received the necessary instructions and we had a plan not only for the evening, but for David’s arrival a bit later. We met off the stage area but occasionally I would hear the band strike up a tune and I got chills. After the band finished their work, they ate dinner, and headed back to the hotel for a short while. Our volunteers and I had a quick bite to eat, caught our breath, changed our clothes, and shortly thereafter, the doors opened. Oh yea…we did pinch ourselves. This wasn’t a dream or a TV show, this was really happening! Davy Jones was in our town….and on his way!!!!!!
I went out to the lobby area very briefly and had short time to say quick... and I do mean quick… hellos to my family and friends, and to check and see how things were progressing there. Everything looked great!!! Cindy, Shane and I chatted briefly. People from various stages of my life were there…my family, my life-long friends—we used to watch The Monkees together...just a few weeks ago, wasn’t it, friends I had met from going to David’s shows, as well as neighbors. You could feel the excitement in the air… Few people really knew how long and how much effort I put in getting this event to come to fruition. One person in particular had traveled this journey with me nearly every step of the way…and had it not been for her suggestions, I would not have pursued this idea as I did. Finally, after countless emails and several phone conver32
Monkee Shines sations I met Debbie Sunseri. We could have talked for hours, but we both had things to do!
By this time, people arriving were sending gifts backstage for David. I was the messenger to give David the flowers, gifts, etc. Tough job I realize, but someone HAD to do it!!! We did get a chance to chat briefly…very briefly. I was both stunned and flattered about some of the observations David made when we talked. There were still details to tend to, so I am very grateful for the bit of time we were able to talk.
Shortly thereafter, the HUGE, and I do mean HUGE vehicle rolled up to the school. Oh boy….my knees were knocking and I told myself to keep breathing! The school’s auditorium manager greeted everyone as they entered the building. I stood near the door down the hall from the entrance to usher everyone into the dressing room. The area where I was standing was in the dark…so it was a bit difficult to see exactly who was passing by me, but the band members would say something as they went by….that eased the moment. After a moment or two, I recognized a voice familiar to all of us. David had entered the building!!!
I was up and down those stairs time and again. The last few times I went down into the dressing room, as I was walking down the stairs, I heard the most beautiful sound…I just had to stop on the stairs and listen for a few moments. I was glad I was alone…the sound brought tears to my eyes. I don’t know what the professional term is, I’m sure there is one, but it was the sound of David warming up his voice. That was yet another moment where I stopped, listened and just felt SO blessed to witness all this firsthand. David granted an interview with a community cable TV station…after that was finished, it was show time!! We all went upstairs and waited in the wings. It was fun standing amidst the banter of everyone. These people all really do have fun together!!!!
In my mind, I had a scenario set as to how I would introduce myself and thank David for this event. As I said, I was standing in the dark…but soon after I heard the echo of David’s voice down the hall, I heard that same voice in front of me, greeting me by name and taking my hand. I was so stunned, I stood there speechless….which doesn’t often happen to me...being speechless that is, or for that matter, having David stand in front of me calling me by name. We had a short conversation and he went downstairs with the rest of the band. Finally, after months of preparation, it finally sunk in…I realized what was happening, and yet it was still hard to believe.
I had asked several people if they would like to say a few words of welcome before the show started. The people I asked declined, so it was up to me. I was all set to walk out on the stage, when I was called 33
Monkee Shines away to tend to something. When I got back, I lost my nerve and train of thought; however I quickly recovered….walked out in front of the audience and feebly welcomed everyone. Boy, talk about being more than a little bit humbled!!! Hey, it’s tough getting in front of a crowd that hasn’t come to see you….and with Mr. Jones standing feet away from you that adds to the humility. At least I wasn’t booed off the stage, and the fans didn’t throw anything at me. I knew no one was paying attention to me…we all wanted to see the show. But I tried…I don’t plan on quitting my day job any time soon!
truly outdid himself. After the show, David had agreed to meet and greet the sponsors…after all, it was due to their generosity that we were able to have this idea become reality. He was more than gracious meeting and greeting people. It was funny to see people’s reactions when being in the same room as David. The reactions ranged from either feeling like they’ve known and loved him forever…or they would be too timid to actually approach him. It seemed to work out well as far as I was concerned…and judging by David’s reaction when I went up to thank him after the last group left the room, he seemed to be pleased. Another common denominator with Marsha, Marsha, Marsha…I received a hug and kiss. I’m still wondering how I walked out of that room after being hugged and kissed by The Major Babe. I may be visiting my orthopedic surgeon soon to re-scope my knees after all that knocking my knees went through.
I rushed to my seat….the band did their usual introduction…and Mr. Jones walked on stage to a standing ovation!! David and his band truly outdid themselves…the show was phenomenal. There is little I can say to adequately describe one of David’s shows. You must see it for yourself. David worked his usual magic on stage along with his wonderful band of very talented individuals. Sitting there watching the show…seeing the fans go to the stage to give David flowers...purple flowers by the way…watching the joy on their faces as he took the flowers and kissed the fans was wonderful. I know those people will remember those moments forever. ..and to be able to provide those moments to those people was absolutely unbelievable. I am a little biased, but in my opinion, this was the finest performance I had seen. David
David saw some fans standing at the doorway, and true to his style, he went over and signed some things for the people waiting. Soon thereafter, they walked down the long corridor to the waiting car. David has left the building!!!! We all did a quick clean up of the dressing rooms, stopped home momentarily, and went out to meet some friends. Who could possibly think of sleep at a time like this???? Talk about an adrenaline 34
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Purple flowers by the handful!
rush, I didn’t think sleep would be possible until some time mid 2004!! Walking into the building, we saw some very familiar faces…people we had seen on stage just a few hours before. After my friends left, we stood around and chatted a bit with David and the band members. It was funny standing there when new patrons arrived. A few people standing nearby asked ‘that man looks like Davy Jones. is that him?’ We’d answer…nah..that’s not Davy Jones. Several wedding parties came in and it was so funny to see the look of surprise on the bride’s faces when David talked with them. I am sure that was yet another memorable moment in their big day! As all good things must come to an end…this event did too. We went back home but carried some wonderful memories with us that will surely last a lifetime!
Photo by Tom Litterio
still emailing and calling me with thanks and their rave reviews of the show. As I’ve told them, there is no need to thank me…none of this has ever been about me… it’s about the love and loyalty David’s fans have for him. It was very interesting when looking at the audience, the age span of people attending the show. David’s fans span generations…it warmed my heart to see young children and Grandmas singing along! My own Mother now has a severe case of Jones Fever since she met him!! So…in a very, very condensed version, that’s my real life saga of ‘getting Davy Jones.’ Maybe it’s not as dramatic as Marsha, Marsha, Marsha’s version, but for me it was certainly memorable…an opportunity of a lifetime, indeed! I did find the entire process very interesting. I had no idea what went on behind the scenes at a concert…all the planning, the details, etc. All our hard work, as
I’m writing this nearly three weeks after the fact. People are 35
Monkee Shines well as the blood, sweat and tears were well worth it. Ok..I admit there was no blood involved, but lots of sweat, and more than a few tears. Several people made the comment that there was such a warm feeling in the air regarding our show. I took that as the highest compliment one can give.
Being a part of this was such an honor for me, being that I am a first generation fan of David’s. Seeing and hearing people’s excitement over this show was heartwarming for me. As with every show I attend, I am certain the people attending this show will be talking about David’s performance for a long time to come. Seeing the joy on everyone’s faces made all the blood, sweat and tears more than worth it! David, THANK YOU for continuing to share your music with your fans. Your music IS truly magic!
I had never done anything of this magnitude before, it is so much out of the realm of my every day world. At times, it was fun…at times, a bit frustrating. However to be able to host a show starring David was more than a little bit humbling. We raised a good amount of money for our church.
A million Dollar Smile!
Photo by Tom Litterio
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Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s News According to online sources, (and you know who you are!), Jones' horse, Indiantown Jones, came in 3rd place at the Colonial Cup races in Camden, SC on November 16th. Congrats, David! In addition to the horse racing, and the continuing host duties on A&E's "Meet The Royals", David is still finding time to tour, and even has some dates booked on the QE2! Here's a peak at where he's scheduled according to pollstar.com: Wed 12/31/03 Maricopa, AZ Harrah's AK-Chin Casino Sat 02/14/04 Tiffin, OH Ritz Theatre Mon 03/08/04 through Tue 03/16/04 New York, NY QE2 Sat 05/01/04 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Casino David also told us in Lockport in October that there will be some UK dates coming up in March, as well....so those of you overseas, keep your ears open! Monkee Merchandise Update A new Monkees CD called "Extended Versions" has recently been released. This is a "budget" version of the "Live Summer Tour" CD and features 10 songs from the concert at less than $8. The Monkees' 2nd season DVD boxed set is due in stores by the time you read this! There will be a plethora of special features in this issue which, by the way, will include commentaries from ALL four Monkees, (Micky was absent from the Season One set), and the 1969 TV special, "33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee". Other extra goodies include Brian Auger's commentary on "33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee," Bob Rafelson commentary on selected episodes, photo gallery, "Glen Campbell Hour" footage, NBC News archives, Gerry Sheppard interview, episode trivia, and play all romps, as well as bonus material with Butch Patrick, Billie Hayes, Ruth Buzzi and Coslough Johnson. Also, it has been confirmed that Mike Nesmith's commentaries on the set include "Fairy Tale," a classic episode that is widely loved by Monkees fans where Nez dresses in drag as Princess Gwen.
Visit www.davyjones.net for the latest Davy news! 37
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Mickyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s News Hot Off The Presses!!!!! Micky Dolenz heads to Broadway's production of AIDA! from Broadway.com....
Monkees drummer Micky Dolenz is headed to the Great White Way. The star, who recently finished up a stint playing Zoser on the road, will begin performances in Broadway's Aida on January 6. That same day, Lisa Brescia, who performed with Dolenz on tour, will assume the role of Amneris, a production spokesperson confirmed to Broadway.com. Dolenz is best known as the drummer of the Monkees, though he did not know how to play the drums when he was cast in the popular television show of the same name. Dolenz additionally sang lead vocals on numerous Monkees tracks, including the number one hits "Last Train to Clarksville" and "I'm a Believer." After the television show went off the air in 1968, Dolenz continued to act. In 1977, he starred in the musical The Point in the West End. Dolenz, who had directed episodes of The Monkees, produced and directed pieces for the BBC and London Weekend Television. His directing credits also include episodes of Metal Mickey, Luna, No Problem!, Murphy's Mob, Boy Meets World and Pacific Blue. Dolenz and The Monkees (minus Michael Nesmith) reunited for a 1986 summer tour. Ten years later, they again joined together, this time for a "30 Year Reunion" tour. In 1997, there was also a reunion special, Hey, Hey, It's the Monkees, which aired on ABC. Brescia is currently serving as the Amneris standby for the Broadway production of Aida. Her only other Broadway credit is Jesus Christ Superstar. Her regional theater credits include Goodspeed Musicals' productions of A Little Night Music, Actor, Lawyer, Indian Chief and Brigadoon. Dolenz and Brescia will join a cast that includes Michelle T. Williams and Will Chase as star-crossed lovers Aida and Radames. Both current Amneris, Mandy Gonzalez, and current Zoser, Donnie Kehr, will depart the production after the January 4 performance.
Visit www.mickydolenz.com for all the latest news on Micky! 38
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Mikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s News From Videoranch.com: For years now we've been getting requests for a Michael Nesmith Songbook, and we hope to have one available in time for the holidays. In the mean time, we have made a few of the songs that will be in the Songbook available as MP3s. You can go to the Videoranch Products Page and you'll see the new MP3s listed in the MP3 category on the right-hand side. Light, Harmony Constant, and Juliana will all be part of the new Songbook. We no longer have issues of the Tokion Magazine available through Videoranch although you can purchase them directly from the Tokion website if you would like a copy. The September-October issue of Tokion was dedicated to the 'originals,' and Nez finds himself in great company. There were interviews with Stan Lee, Jim Jarmusch, Debbie Harry, and plenty of others. We've transcribed the article and posted it at the ranch for those of you who haven't yet had the chance to read it. We've also begun production of The Television Parts Home Companion DVD, and hope to release the soon DVD very soon.
Visit www.videoranch.com for the latest on Mike! 39
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Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s News This from James Lee Stanley: Just a heads up to let you know that Peter and I (along with my sister Pamela and the estimable Tom Paxton) have created a wonderful twelve song Christmas cd that is now available. Among the mostly new songs are Peter's choral arrangement of Masters in this Hall. He played the harpsichord, the French horn and did all the voices. It's quite a piece of work. And I myself finally recorded my infamous blending of the words from Deck the Halls with the music from the Dance of the Sugar Plum Faeries for a pretty amazing choral piece. Lots of beautiful music and this is a four panel fold out CD. The biggest package that Beachwood has ever released. And there are tons of photos. The price is the usual $15 plus $3.50 s&h. It's easiest to purchase on my website, http: www.jamesleestanley.com. It's on the opening page.
It has also been recently reported that Peter and James have recorded a recent November concert for a possible CD release in the very near future. Tork and Stanley are also working on putting together another joint tour that they hope to commence on the east coast shortly. In the meantime, Peter's band, Shoe Suede Blues, has been performing dates here and there. According to pollstar.com, they'll be in Mount Holly, NY at the Fire and Ice festival on January 24th. Late-breaking Tork/Stanley tour dates: 1/23/04 -- Amenia, NY -- Silo Ridge Country Club 1/24/04 -- Catskill, NY -- Friar Tuck Resort, Spa & Conv. Ctr. 1/25/04 -- Philadelphia, PA -- Tin Angel 1/29/04 -- E. Vienna, VA -- Jammin' Java 1/30/04 -- Pawling, NY -- The Towne Crier 2/1/04 -- Punxsutawney, PA -- TBA 2/5/04 -- Fall River, MA -- Narrows Center for the Arts 2/6/04 -- Boston, MA -- TBA in Boston Area 2/7/04 -- Saratoga Springs, NY -- Caffe Lena
Visit www.petertork.com for the latest news on Peter & Shoe Suede 40
Monkee Shines not believe it! I promised my friend we would go to her daughter’s wedding the same day David Jones was scheduled to come within a two-hour radius! I HATE MATH!
WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE By: Bonnie Borgh
On October 15 as I was driving our daughter, Hannah, to choir practice, I noticed a woman in our church parking lot wearing a black jacket with “David” in huge letters written across the back. I agreed to baby-sit in the nursery that evening, and I was reading a cloth book to a fifteen month old girl. There was a picture of a blue bird sitting on the mailbox, and on the mailbox was written in big letters “JONES”. I threw up my hands.
“The mind is unable to discern between the real and the vividly imagined experience...” ”For where there is choice, there is misery…” Who writes that stuff? There have been innumerable accounts written on my Close Encounters of the Jones Kind. This is my story of NOT seeing David Jones. There were no sightings. There are no pictures. There are no audio or video recordings.
As Craig, Hannah, and I were in the car enroute to the wedding, there was a semi ahead of us with “JONES” written across the back. I thought I was hallucinating.
It all began back in March when my dear friend, Marti, told me her daughter, Tracy, was getting married October 18 in the Twin Cities. She said she would love to have us come, and I accepted thinking it would also be a good opportunity to visit Craig’s father, Grandpa Borgh. Over the course of the next several months, Janet Litterio secured an engagement of “Getting Davy Jones” to perform a fund-raiser for their church in Lockport, Illinois on Saturday, October 18. I could
The wedding was at 3:30 pm. Of course, the bridesmaids were all dressed in royal purple. It was a done deal by 3:47 pm. I thought, “Seventeen minutes? David plays much longer than that!” On the way to the reception, Craig drove right past the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport. It was approximately 5:00 pm. I thought, “I could hop the next plane from Minneapolis to Chicago, and I could be there in one hour. I could take a taxi from there to the show. I could 41
Monkee Shines be there by 8:00 pm. No problem.” As I was contemplating my thoughts, I realized the airport was disappearing from my view. When we got to the reception, Hannah was passed out cold. I decided to check my cell phone whilst Craig went inside. I had a rather urgent message from Cindy to call her on Shane’s phone. I was so pleased to see “The Emergency Response Team” was fully engaged. I returned her call to learn there had been an actual sighting SLASH “Words” exchanged. It was the next best thing to being there.
wrapped with the following inscription. I knew I had done the right thing by going to the wedding despite the fact it killed me “Every Step of The Way”. It helped to have The PFG as my eyes and ears. Besides, I’d
Inside the reception, there were little Hershey’s chocolate favors
Front Street Station Photos by Jan Chilton
Jan Chilton & David
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Last minute news on Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s UK Tour! 27 MILTON KEYNES The Stables 28 Day Off 29 SHEFFIELD Memorial Halls 30 BIRMINGHAM Alexander Theatre 31 Day Off
Just received this schedule for the UK shows from Jan Chilton who received it from Kirk White. Here is an update on the shows David is doing in 2004 - some tickets are on sale already, however some venues do not have him down yet - this is because the contracts are not signed - so you will need to keep calling to check
APRIL 01 SALISBURY City Halls 02 MANCHESTER Middleton Civic 03 NEWPORT City Live Arena 04 LOWESTOFT Marina Theatre 05 Day Off 06 CAMBRIDGE Corn Exchange 07 ST ALBANS Civic Hall
MARCH 23 WORTHING Pavillion Theatre 24 CROYDON Fairfield Halls 25 GLENROTHES Halls 26 NEWCASTLE Opera House
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