Issue 63 Fall 2005 by The Purple Flower Gang

Monkee Shines

Sexiest Musician

Sexiest CEO

Sexiest Vocalist

Editor: Cindy Bryant With a little help from my friends The PFG Road Crew, The Crazy Lot! Monkeeing Around Since 1987 Fall 2005 Issue 63

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, Muscatine, Iowa 52761.

Letter From The Editor ............................ 3 Mr. Jones ................................................... 4 Great Moments In Monkee History ........ 5 Pen Pals ..................................................... 12 Peter News ................................................ 14 Mike News ................................................ 15 Micky News .............................................. 16 David News .............................................. 17 Hey Remember Me .................................. 18 Micky Dolenz Is A Believer .................... 20 Jones: The Next Generation .................... 23 Egan, Minnesota ....................................... 25 Lockport III............................................... 28 Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Be True 2U Rewards .......................... 40 Olease Come To IA .................................. 42 Let Them Be Little ................................... 43 Letter From David .................................... 44 New Gig For This Monkee ...................... 46 RSVP ......................................................... 47 Miracle On Hollywood & Vine ............... 48

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 Crewâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bonnie Borgh, Kimmi Wright, Janet Litterio, and Colleen Johnson and their families, Pat Smith, Gail Friel, Julie Harris, Jenni Scott, Sabra Bunger, Hazel and Robert Wilkinson and Peter, Micky, Mike, and David who give us more inspiration than they will ever know! And all of you who read our rantings and ravings too!

Monkee Shines is printed by Mailboxes & Parcel Depot pfg@machlink.com

http://purpleflowergang.tripod.com/

Monkee Shines

From the Editor! The Ellen DeGeneres Show PO Box 7788 Burbank California 91532 Attn: Fan Mail Now that I think about it Tony Danza might be another fun one. You can go to the show web site to email or here’s his mailing address: Dear Gang,

The Tony Danza Show Ansonia Station P.O. Box 230767 New York, NY 10023-0013

People Magazine had a slight problem with their Sexiest Man issue in November so it was the PFG to the rescue. The ACTUAL cover is reflected on the cover of this issue of Monkee Shine. No thanks necessary People! We were happy to do it! In honor of the Monkees 40th Anniversary Pat Smith thought it might be fitting for at least one talk show to invite the guys on to talk about it so that it does not go uncelebrated. We would like to ask all of you with internet access to go online to the Ellen Show web site and email Ellen asking her to bring the guys on. What have we got to lose! Those without email write to:

Once upon a time I worried about filling these pages and now it is all about when to stop. We have so much fun with our craziness and hope you enjoy it also. The Road Crew is getting together twice in the next couple of months and no doubt you will be reading about the “Crazy Lot” in the next issue of Monkees. But for now, I hope you enjoy this issue which includes a story from Hazel and a letter from David, as well as, another episode in the continuing saga of the PFG Road Crew. Cindy

Notice We have tried to stick to a regular schedule for the newsletter but something always gets in the way/ We have a choice to throw something together or take a little longer and do something we can be proud of. We hope you think it is worth the wait. 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.

Monkee Shines

MISTER JONES (Mister Ed Theme Tune Lyrics) By: Bryant and Borgh

Imagine that; wrong show!

(We’ve got too much time on our hands…) (Wrong group too!) day; You can bet your last bale of hay!

A horse is a horse, of course, of course And no one should bet on a horse, by force That is, of course, unless the horse belongs to the famous Mister Jones.

A horse is a horse, of course, of course But one from his farm will beat any Porsche You’ve never heard of a Jones’ bred-horse?

Go right to the Downs and bet on his horse For a Win/Place/Show without remorse They’re always on a winning course Listen to Mister Jones!

Well Listen to The Band and Just ask Mister Jones!

Bookies go yakkity yak a streak and waste the money you pay But Mister Jones will save the 4

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Birthdays and other special events

January 1 The Monkees show premieres in England and Japan (1967) 1 Bobbi Boyce 3 Stephen Stills 4 Michael Stipes 5 The Monkees reunite at the Hard Rock Cafe in LA to receive five Platinum Records. 5 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, 5

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15 15 16 17 17 19 19 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 28 28 29 29 30 31

Iowa (1999) More of The Monkees receives Gold Record (1967) "Monkees Watch Their Feet" (1968) "I Was a Teenage Monster" (1967) NBC-TV buys "The Monkees" series (1966) Robyn Millan Phil Everly Janet Carbert DJB&H on "The Dinah Shore Show" (1976) "The Monsterous Monkee Mash" (1968) "Find The Monkees" (1967) Neil Diamond Lynda Moore 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)

February 1 2 4 5

Don Everly Graham Nash Jonathan Nesmith (1968) The Monkees (as a Trio) on the Glen Campbell "Goodtime Hour" on CBS (1969) 5 "The Devil and Peter Tork" (1968) 5 David Jones at The Lady Luck Casino, Bettendorf, Iowa (1999) 6

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6 "The Prince & The Pauper" Rodney Bingenheimer appears as Davy's double (1967) 6 John London 6 Fabian Forte 6 David Jones at The Lady Luck Casino, Bettendorf, Iowa (1999) 7 David Jones in "Real Live Brady Bunch", Champaign, Illinois (1994) 8 "Teardorp City" is released (1969) 8 David Jones in "Real Live Brady Bunch", Charleston, Illinois (1994) 9 Davy on "The Ed Sullivan Show" as the Artful Dodger from "Oliver!" The Beatles first U.S. appearance (1964) 9 Deborah Stidham 9 Carole King 9 Barry Mann 9 Jack Winter 10 Davy on "Laugh-In" on NBC (1969) 10 Beryl Leigh 11 Gerry Goffin 12 "Monkees Race Again" (1968) 13 Peter Tork (1942) 13 "Monkees at the Circus " (1967) 13 Joe Perry 13 David Jones "Evening With David Jones", Decatur, Illinois (1993) 13 David Jones in "Real Live Brady Bunch", Holiday Star, Merrillville, Indiana (1994) 14 Davy on "This Is Tom Jones" (1969) 14 DJB&H on "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert." (1976) 14 Rick Klein 15 "Instant Replay" is released (1969) 15 Michael Nesmith at Cubby Bear, Chicago, Illinois (1992) 16 Linda Jones 16 Ronda Russell 7

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16 17 18 19 19 19 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 25 26 26 26 26 27 27 27

Sonny Bono Gene Pitney Bobby Hart (1939) "Monkees in Paris" (1968) "The Monkees" begin filming their first feature film "Changes," then called "Untitled," later retitled "Head" (1968) Lou Christie David Jones in "Real Live Brady Bunch", Mt. Pleasant, Michigan (1993) "Captain Crocodile" (1967) Bob Rafelson MTV Pleasant Valley Sunday Marathon airs 45 episodes (1986) The Monkees renewed for a second season (1967) Michael wins first time ever Grammy Award for Video of The Year for "Elephant Parts" (1982) George Harrison David Jones at Circa 21, Rock Island, Illinois (1991) Cyrus Faryar (MFQ) (1936) David Jones at The Ingersol, Des Moines, Iowa (1991) Johnny Cash "The Monkees Mind Their Manor" (1968) DJB&H on "The Mike Douglas Show" (1976) "Monkees a La Mode" (1967) David Jones at The Ingersol, Des Moines, Iowa (1991)

March 1 2 4 4

Roger Daltry John Cowsill "Some Like It Luke Warm" (1968) David Jones at Hickory Hollow Mall, Nashville, Tennessee (1989) 5 David Jones, Decatur, Illinois (1994) 8

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6 "Alias Micky Dolenz" (1967) 7 Peter Tork joins Micky Dolenz and Davy Jones on stage at The Starwood Club in Hollywood (1977) 7 Michael Nesmith's "Television Parts" premieres on NBC (1985) 7 Donna Loren 8 Micky Dolenz (1945) 8 "Little Bit Me, Little Bit You" released (1967) 8 Celi Cabot 9 Mark Lindsay 9 The Monkees top N.A.R.M. award winners in three categories: Best Selling Album, Best Selling Single, and Best Selling American Group (1967) 9 "Valleri" #3 (1968) 10 Dean Torrence 10 David Jones at Ameristar Casino, St. Charles, Missouri (2005) 11 "Monkees Blow Their Minds" (1968) 13 DJB&H on "American Bandstand" (1976) 13 "Little Bit Me, Little Bit You" receives Gold Record (1967) 13 "Monkees Chow Mein" (1967) 13 Neil Sedaka 13 Carolyn Travis 14 Arch Johnson 15 Mike Love 17 John Sebastian 17- The Monkees tour England for the first time since July 2, 1967 (1989) 18 A repeat of October 23, 1967 "Hillbilly Honeymoon" 19 Irene Davidson 20 "Monkee Mother" 20 Diana Scharp 22 The Monkees (as a Trio) on Happening '69 (1969) 23 Bruce Kessler 23 Shane Worden 25 "Little Bit Me, Little Bit You" #2 (1967) 9

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25 "Mijacogeo (The Frodis Caper)" The second and final season ends (1968) 25 Elton John 26 Diana Ross 26 David Jones, Suffern, New York (1994) 27 "Monkees on The Line" (1967) 30 Eric Clapton

April 1 David Jones in "Real Live Brady Bunch", Chicago, Illinois (1994) 3 "Monkees Get Out More Dirt' (1967) 3 Jan Berry 3 Jeff Barry 3 Jan Chilton 5 Micky's second album "Broadway Micky" released on Kid Rhino (1994) 5 Coco Hinzelmann 6 Micky appears on "My Three Sons" (1972) 6 Phil Leeds 6 Michelle Phillips 9 Carl Perkins 9 Julie Harris 10 "Monkees in Manhattan" (1967) 10 David Jones at Municipal Auditorium, Nashville, Tennessee (1992) 11 David Jones at Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis, Tennessee (1992) 12 First Tork-less concert in Charleston, West Virginia to capacity crowd of 6000. The Monkees backed by Sam and The Goodtimers 12 David Cassidy 12 Tiny Tim 12 David Jones at Hirsch Coliseum, Shreveport, Louisiana (1992) 13 David Jones at St. Louis Arena, St. Louis, Missouri 10

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(1992) 13 Diane (Hildebrand) Roland Skye 14 One-hour special "33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee" airs on NBC on Monday night (1969) 14 Shorty Rogers 14 David Jones at Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, Missouri (1992) 15 "The Girl I Knew Somewhere" #39 16 David Jones in "Real Live Brady Bunch", Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania (1994) 17 "Monkees in The Movies" (1967) 17 Don Kirshner 18 Alex Singer 19 Mark Volman 20 Monte Landis 22 Jack Nicholson 22 Glen Campbell 24 "Monkees on Tour" First season ends (1967) 24 Last show of the U.K. tour at Reading where they receive a Gold Disc on stage for their "Hey Hey! The Monkees Greatest Hits" LP and CD (1989) 26 "Someday Man" b/w "Listen To The Band" released 26 Donna Lee Bascalla 26 Bobby Rydell 29 Tommy James 30 Bobby Vee

Hope your great moment is the greatest!

Monkee Shines

Diane Klosak 2101 Nicholas Ct Bettendorf, IA 52722

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

Rick Schwinden 3275 Valley Ridge Drive Egan, MN 55121

Peter Tork 524 San Anselmo Suite 102 San Anselmo, CA 94960 Mike Nesmith Video Ranch 8 Harris Court Suite C1 Monterey, CA 93940

Ronda Russell 2031 Glen Avenue Beloit, WI 53411

Micky Dolenz Agency For The Performing Arts 9200 Sunset Boulevard 9th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90069

Susan Bragga 4222 West Robin Meadows Lane Eau Claire. WI 54701 Maria Tereza Pinho Gomes Da Silva Rua Dominges Ferreira 159 Apt 902 Copacabana Rio De Janeiro RJ Cep22050-970 Brazil

Jenny Hersey 31 Prescott Street Apt. 23 Concord, NH 03301 Beverly Ann Clark 2710 Crestmont Drive Garland, TX 75040 Nina Totaro 137 Long Point Road Stevensville, Maryland 21666-3639

Diane Scharp 14850 Phelps Drive Bridgeton, MO 63044 12

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Debbie Kolbaba PO Box 89 Holstein, IA 51025

Susan Jensen 210 Washington Street Audubon, IA 50025-1133

James Elswick 5017 W 2nd Street South Bloomfield, OH 43103

Shane Worden 306-A Waugoo Avenue Oshkosh WI 54901

Kathy Brewer 1198 Turkey Blind Road Crossville, TN 38572 Colleen Johnson 9104 Lemona Drive St. Louis, MO 63123

E-mail Pals

Maria Tereza Pinho Gomes Da Silva: terezaharrison@uol.com.br Shane Worden: idolthreat@prodigy.net Janet Litterio: janet6356@juno.com Barbara Woerner: Wbwoerner@aol.com Nina Totaro: woolhat@atlanticbb.net If you would like your email address listed in Email Pals please let me know.

Monkee Shines

Peter News Shoe Suede Blues: Thursday, February 23rd at the Painted Sky Recording Studio in Cambria, CA Friday, April 14th at The Handlebar in Greenville, SC Thursday, April 20th at Bamboo Room in Lake Worth, FL 33460 Two dates in September are tentatively scheduled in Ocean City and Greenbelt, MD. Peter Tork : Meet-and-Greet Tentative!!! Birmingham UK March 23 through 27 - TENTATIVE! Sounds of the Blues! LISTEN!!! : MP3 versions of songs from the Shoe Suede Blues CD Saved by the Blues are now available. Check out petertork.com for more information. A Beachwood Christmas CD A Beachwood Christmas ... with performances by Peter, James Lee Stanley, Pamala Stanley and Tom Paxton. It features Peter performing "I Remember Christmas", a five string banjo instrumental version of "Angels We Have Heard On High" and his own creation titled "PT's Noel" (aka "Masters In This Hall"). Ordering info and further detail available at petertork.com

Something to Write Home About "Something to Write Home About" is a riveting collection of personal baseball memories told in handwritten letters from various wellknown personalities to author and songwriter, Seth Swirsky (son of baseball player Steve Swirsky). Some of the contributors to this fascinating book include Buzz Aldrin, President George W. Bush, Senator Edward Kennedy, Sir Paul McCartney, Tom Seaver, Peter Tork and Barry Williams, just to name a few. Available now at Amazon: Inside the book you will find many interesting, personal stories from people of all walks of life, and their connection to the game of baseball. You will also find yourself seeing life through the eyes of these people and perhaps learning something about them that you didn't know before! "Something to Write Home About" is filled with more than 170 rare photographs and roughly 80 letters. It is a must for baseball fans, a thrill for the fans of its contributing writers, and a great little slice of Americana of which the author can be very proud. The cover price for the book is listed as $25.95 (hardback). For more information about Seth Swirsky, please visit his website at seth.com.

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Mike News THE WORLD QUESTION CENTER 2006 What is your dangerous idea? MICHAEL NESMITH Artist, writer; Former cast member of "The Monkees"; A Trustee and President of the Gihon Foundation and a Trustee and Vice-Chair of the American Film Institute Existence is Non-Time, Non-Sequential, and Non-Objective Not a dangerous idea per se but like a razor sharp tool in unskilled hands it can inflect unintended damage.Non-Time drives forward the notion the past does not create the present. This would of course render evolutionary theory a local-system, near-field process that was non-causative (i.e. effect). Non-Sequential reverberates through the Turing machine and computation, and points to simultaneity. It redefines language and cognition. NonObjective establishes a continuum not to be confused with solipsism. As Schrödinger puts it when discussing the "time-hallowed discrimination between subject and object" — "the world is given to me only once, not one existing and one perceived. Subject and object are only one. The barrier between them cannot be said to have broken down as a result of recent experience in the physical sciences, for this barrier does not exist". This continuum has large implications for the empirical data set, as it introduces factual infinity into the data plane. These three notions, Non-Time, Nonsequence, and Non-Object have been peeking like diamonds through the dust of empiricism, philosophy, and the sciences for centuries. Quantum mechanics, including Deutsch's parallel universes and the massive parallelism of quantum computing, is our brightest star — an unimaginably tall peak on our fitness landscape. They bring us to a threshold over which empiricism has yet to travel, through which philosophy must reconstruct the very idea of ideas, and beyond which stretches the now familiar "uncharted territories" of all great adventures. Michael’s latest production “Rays” is now available on the videoranch website.

Monkee Shines

Micky News

04/29/06 Wildwoods Fabulous 50'sWeekend Salutes the 60's 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ, 08260 Call toll-free 888.729.0033 or visit http://www.fabfifties.com/ Micky & his sister Coco 5/19/06 Railroad Daze in Franklin Park Franklin Park, IL visit them online at http://www.villageoffranklinpark.com/events/ Micky & his sister Coco 06/03/06 FrankenMuth, MI Micky & his sister Coco 09/23/2006 Super Run 2006 Henderson Events Plaza Hernderson, NV http://www.superrun.com/ http://www.mickydolenz.com/http|//www.hendersoneventsplaza.com Micky & his sister Coco

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David News United States Wednesday February 1st Toledo, OH (private) Saturday February 18th Paramount center for the arts Peekskill, NY Friday March 31st Laporte Civic auditorium Laporte, IN May 12th Epcot May 13th Epcot May 14th Epcot May15th Epcot Orlando, FL Saturday May 27th Art Fest 2006 sponsored by KLUV Dallas, TX Tuesday July 4th Freedomfest Wheeling, IL Saturday July 22nd Lowell, MA Canada Thursday June 22nd Club Regent Casino Winnipeg Saturday June 24th Del Crary Park, Peterborough, ON

Monkee Shines This article is courtesy of Sabra Bunger

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Micky Dolenz is a believer— and a survivor, too

But don’t write off the singer of “Last Train to Clarksville” just yet. Similar pronouncements were made when his pre-fab rock group, invented for the NBC-TV series, called it quits in 1970. Yet since that time, Dolenz has refused to slow down (other than a brief, frustrating stab at retirement).

Chicago Tribune June 24, 2005 Article courtesy of Diane Klosak By: Stuart Shea Special to the Tribune

Dolenz’s post-Monkees resume includes more than a decade in England as a highly respected TV director and a recent appearance on Broadway in “Aida”. As well as recently finishing a children’s book, he spent five months on the air WCBS; he’s also a painter and inventor. Dolenz, 60, is now on his firstever solo singing tour, appearing with his sister, Coco, who sang on some Monkees’ recordings. Dolenz recently spent an hour discussing his carer; family, and what he called his “restless creativity.”

Do you have a guiding principle in your showbiz career?

If anything can be said about former Monkee Micky Dolenz, it’s that he’s a show biz survivor. The former Monkee, who comes to the Marie Irwin Center in Homewood on Friday, learned three weeks ago that he was out as morning man at WCBS-FM 101.1 in New York, as the station switched to its new “Jack” format.

Well, there is no “only thing” that I want to do. Aside from the music, the directing, and the acting, I have a children’s book coming out this year...A British production company just called me about a reality TV show they want me to create and host. I get attracted to a pro20

Monkee Shines ject, a property, and the content of it interests me-the role I’m gonna play, as it were.

That was huge chance; I had a psychic tell me that going to the U.K. literally saved my life. It saved my career. Soon I became known as Michael Dolenz, the TV director, which enabled me to detach myself from believing that I was “Micky, of ’The Monkees’.” You can start believing that you are the character. If Britney Spears starts believing she’s “Britney Spears,” that’s very dangerous.

[Former Monkee] Peter Tork has called you an intuitive genius. A Well, that’s generous, but growing up in the business, it’s not that unusual to work in many fields. Look at Barbra Streisand, who sings, writes, directs, acts...it’s not uncommon these days.

Tell me about your act with Coco.

Even when I had the radio show, or the Monkees tours, I was doing things...I have to be busy. I tried retiring once, when I lived in England, and I was never so bored in my life. It was horrible. On the 1986 Monkees tour I wrote a screenplay because there was nothing else to do during the day.

The meat and potatoes is Monkees songs, the big hits. I always do them and I stay faithful to the original recordings. You owe it to the fans to play them. Coco and I have been singing since we were kids. My mom used to sing us “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” by the Andrews Sisters, and so we do that and I tell a story of my mom teaching it to us. Coco sings a couple of tunes herself, like “Different Drum,” which Michael Nesmith wrote and Linda Ronstadt recorded [with the Stone Poneys].

The most important move I ever made was going to England after “The Monkees”...I was partying all the time with lots of people who are now dead-Keith Moon, Harry Nilsson, and John Lennon-back in the early ’70’s in L.A. I met an English girl [later his second wife] and went to England to do a musical, Nilsson’s “The Point”. I had previously directed an episode of “The Monkees” and some commercials, and by luck I got a job directing for the BBC. I went to England for three months and stayed for 15 years.

[Rolling Stone editor] Jann Wenner’s anti-Monkees bias has basically barred you from the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. You’ve heard that R.E.M. would not accept induction until the Monkees are 21

Monkee Shines inducted?

doing the same thing in their garages and basements, trying to be The Beatles.

I don’t think The Monkees should be in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. They should be in the television hall of fame. “The Monkees” was a TV show about an imaginary group that lived in an imaginary beach house and had imaginary adventures. We used our real names, which confused the issue; as an actor, it was harder to audition after “The Monkees.” People thought I was a drummer, but I was an actor playing a drummer!

Frank Zappa got it immediately. John Lennon was the first to liken us to the Marx Brothers. The smart people, musicians...got it. The journalists never got it, and probably still don’t.

How are things between you, Mike, David and Peter? Are the Monkees a family?

It is like a family, with all the relationship issues that come along with that. Sometimes you love them, and sometimes you hate them. It’s much like that. There are no plans to get back together as a group. I’ve learned never to say never, but at this point it is very unlikely.

Of course, we went out and toured and became a group; I took about a year to learn the drums. But I approached it as an actor, as I would approach any role...If I was offered a role as an airplane pilot, I would have taken flying lessons.

onthetown@tribune.com

The Monkees were an imaginary band that wanted to be The Beatles. We never “made it” on the show; it was all about the struggle. Lots of kids were

Thanks to Diane Klosak for sharing this article.

For Sale! Entire Monkees Collection Videos, Programs, Scrapbooks, Toys, Shirts, Etc. All prices negotiable Email: sbunger@kc.rr.com

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By Hazel Wilkinson PFG foreign correspondent

Hey, Hey, you seekers of Jones Entertainment!... ...I thought, why should they have all the fun?, so after receiving a phone call from Anita (September 26th) I knew what I would do. Anita told me Annabel had entered a competition for young singers/song writers that week at Brighton, out of 60 had come in the top 12 musicians, and was invited to come to Manchester to a showcase for new talented artists where there would be promoters and agents present. The venue was still to be confirmed but I already decided I would meet up with them, after all it had been 12 months since we met at Beverley’s wedding. I arranged to meet sister Beryl and cousins Gerald and Geraldine Jones, as they were keen to support Annabel. Three days later I was on the bus to Manchester (poor Robert had to work) just one hour’s journey down the motorway to meet my youngest niece and see Anita. The bus passed

through the very busy city. I hadn’t bee through there since Ken and I had driven into the backstage area of the Manchester Arena when David and Micky were last there in concert. Lots of new buildings had gone up and trams were running through the streets. I was so pleased to spot the Hotel Arora (owned by Cliff Richards) and within minutes of leaving the bus I was in Anita’s room having a coffee and catching up on the news about Jessica and Phoenix who were on holiday with friends in Spain, and sharing photos. Anita looked well and her hair was longer, but had recently lost her mum and had not been able too get to Ken’s funeral so it was quite an emotional meeting. Annabel joined us after catching up with her beauty sleep. They had traveled by train to M/C and the week before had been hectic. We went out to lunch and found the area the Club (One Central Street) was in. Looking round the city there 23

Monkee Shines was a huge music festival on in all sorts of venues and lots of people from the music industry were in town including Anthony Wilson from the “Hacienda Club”, famous in M/C and the manager of “Happy Mondays’, a M/C group and I think “Simply Red.” Back at the hotel Beryl and cousins, Gerald and Geraldine, had arrived and we shared the good news that Beryl will be a Grandma in March. We set off all together for the club. The owner greeted us and seemed quite bemused to see us OLDIES...it’s a young people’s club. He brought us huge jugs of orange and cranberry juice and bottles of lager. Nothing stronger because I think he was wondering how we would react. People started to arrive and the sound people were getting their equipment set up. The first group to perform were from Sweden and quite loud. Annabel was 2nd on and sat on a stool looking quite nervous. Two of her friends accompanied her—Gregg on cello and Dave on acoustic gui-

tar. Once they got the sound right Annabel sang quite sweetly and I think it was called “The Rudest Boy I Knew” and part of another song she had written. It went off quite well and she chose only one to sing later. I think out of the 12 acts Annabel had the most supporters Beryl, Anita, and I went for a walk outside as it was getting quite crowded. We wandered around the tourist office and picked up some postcards of M/C and flyers of the festival. Annabel wasn’t due to do her spot in the evening until 9 PM, too late to hang around for us oldies so we said our goodbyes and set off for home. Beverley and Matthew joined Anita in the evening and supported Annabel. It all went off well and there was a lot of interest Anita told us. They were invited to a private party after with Rio Ferdinand, a M/C United footballer as host. I certainly enjoyed my nieces performance and hope she is spotted soon—Ken would have been so proud of her I’m sure and I certainly was. I’ll keep you posted!!!! Let’s hope it’s not the END!

Hazel and Annabel a few years ago…..okay maybe a few more than that...who’s the guy in the background? Photo courtesy of Hazel Wilkinson

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By Julie Harris

Photos in this article courtesy of Jenni Scott

September 23,2005— Davy Day is here! Shawn Littlefield (a new Monkee recruit) and I left Pine Island, MN at 10 AM. We met Jennifer Scott at her house in Hastings, MN we all went out to lunch. After a lunch of pizza we left for the concert at 1 PM. The concert was at Faithful Shepard Catholic Church in Egan, MN It was a benefit for the Sunday school with a carnival and a band called “Heartbreaker” and “Davy Jones”. We got there at quarter to 3 PM. We were loaded down with signs we made for him and flowers. We walked around and talked to church workers and fans. We heard Davy wouldn’t be performing until 9 PM. At 5 PM Davy’s limo pulled up. Davy and the driver went to the big tent so he could rehearse with his band. He warmed up singing Day Dream Believer, I’ll Love You Forever, Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby, and a couple of others I didn’t hear because we were busy talking to oth25

er fans while waiting in line to get into the tent. Tickets were $25 and Jenni got ours ahead of time. Sounded like around 600-700 were sold so nice money for the school was raised thanks to our beloved Davy Jones. Anyway, needless to say that Jenni, Shawn, and I were the first ones in line to be let into the tent and the only ones with signs and gifts. They weren’t very organized so seating was left up to us ticket buyers but eventually everyone was seated somehow, whether it would be folding chairs or brought along camping chairs or blankets. Somehow being first in line, we ended up in 2nd row seats just off center, but who’s complaining?! The concert was being filmed for a tv special and there was a professional photographer there besides taking shots. The band, Heartbreaker (a local band from Hastings, MN), started at 7 PM. We rocked our sox off to “Sing Me Away,” ”New Girl Now,” “Dark Side”, “You Love Me Too,” “Every Rose Has It’s Thorn” “867-5309,” “Doctor, Doctor,” “ Rock and Roll 911”, “Hurts So Good,” “Hotel California,”

Monkee Shines “Vertigo,” “Selector,” “Jessie’s Girl,” “Some Kind Of Wonderful,” “Dead Or Alive,” “Hard To Handle,” “No Matter,” “Boys Are Back In Town,” “My My My,” “Thank You,” “ “Wild And Sow My Oats,” and “Purple Rain.” They were really great! They were made up of 5 guys and the keyboardist was also the organist for the Faithful Shepard Catholic Church. Davy started at 9:30 PM to a standing ovation! Davy came out wearing a reddish colored shirt and black dress pants. He sang “I’m A Believer,” “Look Out Here Comes Tomorrow,” and “Valerie." He then joked around about how people are so flustered when they see him they think he looks like other stars. He sang “Wasted Days And Wasted Nights,” then talked about becoming a Monkee from the start in 1966. He sang “Nice To Be With You.” Then he talked about his caterer, Robin, and his vegetarian meal and his band’s meal. He sang “She Hangs out” and joked about his daughters and grandsons. He sang “Let Them Be Little” and talked about his childhood and his recent Japanese concert. He told us to bet on his horse in the Kentucky race and being in the Broadway Show “Oliver!” which led into the song “Consider Yourself” from the show. He talked about being a vegetarian and how he recently

took up gardening. He sang “A little Bit Me, A Little Bit You,” and then he talked about mothers and he sang “Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t.” The he talked about Father Charles and how they met on the plane and how he had come to do the benefit. He called Sister Pat up from the audience on stage and teased her about being a Monkee fan but snag “Girl” to her and held her hand and hugged her. He sang “Bright Side Of The Road” and winked at us because of our signs we made him. He sang “I Wanna Be Free”. He also talked about writing 200 songs of his own. He played guitar and sang, “I’ll Love You Forever.” The next songs he sang without interrupting himself— ”Papa Gene’s Blues,” “I’m Not Your Stepping Stone,” “Day Dream Believer,” “I’m A Believer,” and “No Time.” Davy ended the concert at a quarter to 11 PM. Jenni, Shawn, and I stood in a long line for a “Meet & Greet” session. From a quarter to 11 PM to 11:35 PM Davy signed my notebook. While I said, “David, you’re incredible,” he said, “Thanks, babe.” ‘Oh what a night’ with an “Incredible” Davy Jones!

Monkee Shines

The She Said Edition By: Bonnie Borgh and Janet Litterio

yesterday!!! Oshkosh 'B Gosh was a ton of fun, and then some! Bonnie:

Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond Cindy's control from her beloved employer, she decided she would not be able to join us due to financial reasons. Likewise, Shane was added to the list due to monetary limitations. Kimmi and Kevin were unable to justify a road trip because of a previous commitment on November 5. (Whatever happened to the line…No weddings, no funerals, no Bar Mitzvah's, no school nights, etc.?)

Photo by Bonnie Borgh

Bonnie: For the third year in a row, David was scheduled to perform a fundraiser concert at Lockport East High School in Lockport, IlliNOISE. This year’s concert was slated for October 15, 2005 (Sweetest Day). The Gang had been counting down the days since the last CEOTJK (Close Encounter of the Jones Kind) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on June 23.

Janet: Work… weddings… what’s up with that?? Seriously, even though I barely had time to say a quick hello to my own family and friends. We missed

Janet: Which truly seemed like 28

Monkee Shines you all!

nation at 1:00 pm. However, we were unable to check in at that time. We finally agreed to do a little shopping at the mall down the road. (We were given the pool key, however, without a room to change and shower in, it was not a favorable idea.) Before leaving, I thought it would be a golden opportunity to leave a little parcel at the front desk for David since the coast was clear. Somehow Hershey's chocolates didn't sound appealing left in the car to melt. We returned promptly at 3:00 pm. As we pulled up, a white limousine was stationed at the entrance to the hotel. How do we time these things? We greeted the Jones band in passing, but there was no CEOTJK to report. You know the line, "Stars never do sound checks."

Cindy: Thanks! We were there in spirit and we knew you would represent us well! Bonnie: Who would I write notes to during the concert? Janet: I keep saying we need to bring Etch-A-Sketches to the shows. I’ve done A LOT of talking to myself in the weeks leading up to Lockport III….I’ve come to realize I’m quite the conversationalist if I do say so myself. We took some pretty good notes in Oshkosh 'B Gosh last June though…we should publish the notes we take during the shows in one of the newsletters!!!! Those would be a great read!!! Bonnie: Personally, I think they were all just trying to get out of contributing to our He Said SLASH She Said documentaries! I hope you were taking dutiful notes, Janet!

Janet: The official timeline needed some last minute adjustments…airplanes, go figure…

Cindy: Didn’t work did it?!

Bonnie: Of course, we had to visit the swimming pool prior to dining at (Hannah's favorite restaurant) The Texas Roadhouse directly and conveniently located across the parking lot from the hotel. We enjoyed an early dinner. By the time we exited, there were multitudes waiting. You would have thought Davy Jones was in town or something!

Janet: I am edging toward 50, but I think I can manage to remember a few things from my mental notebook…let’s see, if I can only remember where these darn letters are located on this keyboard… Bonnie: Craig, Hannah, my Mom, and I departed Bettendorf mid morning on Saturday, October 15. We arrived at our desti-

Janet: Do you mean THE Da29

Monkee Shines vy Jones? I don’t know what it was, but nearly every call I had the week of the show, people asked “Is it really THE Davy Jones that’s coming back to Lockport?” “I would like to buy tickets to see THE Davy Jones.” “I read in the paper that THE Davy Jones will be in town again, is it true?” I was beginning to wonder myself. When David arrived at the school, I thought I would have to welcome him by saying “Welcome Back THE.”

the woman at the front desk, "There's a television in the exercise room! That's where he was!" She laughed and said, "Oh yeah! I forgot about that one!" Janet: Go figure, men and TV's!! Girls and Davy…what more needs to be said???? Cindy: Makes perfect sense to me! Bonnie: When we got to the concert, Craig and I saw Tom near the backstage entrance.

Bonnie: My Mom was gracious enough to entertain Hannah for the evening. Craig and I had not been to one of David's concerts together (in its entirety) for quite some time. I was ready to depart for the venue, but Craig had disappeared somewhere in the hotel. I thought perhaps he was in the lobby watching the various football games since Disney was featured in our room. I asked the woman at the front desk if there were any other television sets in the hotel. She escorted me to one in the bar and was in the process of turning it on for me. I said, "Oh no! I don't want to watch it! I'm just trying to find my husband." She did not think there were any other (communal) televisions in the hotel, so I returned to our room. Shortly thereafter, Craig returned. I said, "Where were you?" He said he was watching "the game" in the exercise room. Before departing, I told

Janet: Poor Tom, I keep telling him he’s got to stop being one of those “stage door johnnies.” But does he listen to me…NO! Actually he was working VERY diligently letting our sponsors in early. Twas a tough job, but he had the help of our two sons, both boys, and the three of them made a fabulous team!! They always band together, most often it’s the three of them against lil ole me!!! I am always out numbered no matter what. My friend recently called and shared some advice on how to “win” when you’re outnumbered….. “don’t say a word, then they have nothing to hold against you.” I’ve used the wise advice...and it works. I have to remember to thank him for his words of wisdom the next time he calls. Bonnie: We stopped over briefly to say, "Hello!" and 30

Monkee Shines shared with him that we almost hit a man who was jaywalking in the middle of the street.

we spoke briefly. She said, "David got your candy/ flowers." [We thought David just had to have some purple Tall Bearded Davy Jones irises for his grounds.] I introduced Craig to Renee. We excused ourselves to find our seats.

Janet: See…it’s not only us who can’t think straight when The Major Babe is around!! I don’t think we’ve managed to jaywalk or hit a jaywalker….yet.

I ran into Debbie Garey, and we had a nice little chat. She was seated two rows behind us (at least until she relocated to the front row). I said, "Do you know anybody here?" She said, "Yeah!" I said, "Who?" She said, "Sue Duckworth, Karen Brostrom, etc." as she pointed to their location. I said, "Oh!" I visited briefly with them as well. It's always nice to see familiar faces. Craig and I had fourth row seats. However, just before the show started, a volunteer told us to move up to the second row to fill the unoccupied (sponsor) seats.

Bonnie: Tom shared with us an experience he and Janet had driving amongst construction barrels whilst avoiding a semi during their trip to Oshkosh last June. Janet: Yea, Tom was practicing to race my 1994 Mustang Convertible at the Joliet, IlliNOISE Motor Speedway next summer as we dodged the construction barrels last June. Actually, thank God we weren’t in my Mustang for the Oshkosh 'B Gosh adventure, we had a close encounter, however not of the Jones kind.

Janet: We aim to please here in IlliNOIS!!!!

Bonnie: By the time we reached the entrance of the high school, a white limousine had just pulled up at the exact location we had just been. It would seem Elvis had reached the building!

Bonnie: During a phone interview on WJMK Chicago on October 14, David shared with his listeners his past and current weight. He had lost fourteen pounds. [Wouldn't that be a stone, Hazel? Do you think Santa will bring him a nice purple rock for Christmas?] Needless to say, he looked very tan and trim. He was dressed as dashing as ever in a silver shirt (part of that Las Vegas ensemble, I’m sure) and black pants.

Janet: Oh noooo…ELVIS???? I was expecting THE Davy Jones. That doggone limo company must have picked up the wrong group at the airport… Bonnie: Renee was in charge of the merchandise table, and 31

Monkee Shines He was also wearing a necklace he said was blessed by The Pope.

physically. He said, "And yes, I'll get those questions to you sometime…like it's been something like four years ago now!"

For the record, David sang:

Janet: Time seems to go by SO fast…

I’m A Believer Look Out Here Comes Tomorrow Valleri I Wanna Be Free (I’ll) Love You Forever (dedicated to Maxine, Deb Turner's grandmother) David introduced the band I Love You, Like I Love New York City Consider Yourself (tune from Oliver!) It’s Nice To Be With You Wasted Days and Wasted Nights Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby? She Hangs Out Let Them Be Little (Words in this issue) Bright Side of The Road Papa Jean’s Blues A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone Daydream Believer and last but not least No Time

Bonnie: In a twinkling of an eye? Let's enjoy it while we can! Janet: Was that four years ago that you gave David those questions??? Bonnie: Four score and seven years ago… Cindy: It seems the poor guy is a bit postally challenged. It couldn’t have been stamps! We provided them! It must have been that he couldn’t find a mailbox. Janet: Maybe it was the octogenarians that knocked him out of the line at the post office. You know how they push and shove their way to the front of the line. Now, I may be way off base, remember my notes were not all that dutiful…and my mental notebook was just about reaching maximum capacity at that point, but I was touched by David’s mention of the PFG and Cindy. I’m glad you got to hear part of the concert, Cindy.

In the middle of the show, David said, "The Purple Flower Gang is here again. Thanks for the chocolates and flowers…" He spoke about Cindy and said, "Cindy's here; I'm sure she's here." While she was certainly there spiritually (and enjoying the first bit of the concert via my cell phone), she was not there

Bonnie: David said he would sign autographs for anyone who wanted one after the show, 32

Monkee Shines and "anyone who didn't, could just go home"! You must be joking!

it?" I said, "I loved it!" Craig asked David to autograph a program for his sister, Kristy (for Christmas). We'll make a Monkee fan out of her yet! David said, "Thanks for coming." In parting, he said, "I'll get those interview questions to you." I said, "Oh, it's been taken care." He said, "What did you do? Write your own answers?" I said, "We did!" He said, "Good!" Renee piped in, "You have to do that with him!" [Please see "Truth or Consequences" (What Happens What A Teen Idol's Letter Gets Lost In The Mail" in Issue 61 (Winter/Spring 2005) pages 53-56 of Monkee Shines.]

Janet: Really though, judging by the length of the autograph line, I don’t think too many people did go home right after the show…most of the audience wanted to meet “THE.” Bonnie: After the show, I talked a bit with Mike but mostly Beverlie Bush (probably no relation to George). There was a woman with a little girl talking with them at the time. She had a nice photo (copyrighted by Michael G. Bush and everything) in her hands of David and her daughter taken (I'm A Believer) at the concert in Lockport last October. It was a nice (yet very much your average) photograph. The little girl was about Hannah's age. After the woman showed us the picture, I shared with them our most recent picture of Hannah.

Cindy: He was warned! Janet: I too stood in the autograph line. I had to replace one of my CDs that was well worn, and I asked David to sign it for me so I would have a little memento of our show. I had asked David to sign a few things for our crew and people at the school before he started the autograph session, but I wanted get something signed for myself, so I joined the troupes in the lobby. As I stood there, I couldn’t help but remember standing in an autograph line a few short years ago remembering my very first CEOTJK.

When Craig and I finally reached David in the autograph line, I said, "I just wanted to say, 'Hello.'" I shook David's hand. Again, he said, "Thanks for the candy and the flowers and the pictures…" He mentioned how Hannah is growing up. I said, "She's six years old now." He said, "Wheeeew!" I told him Cindy was unable to be there. David sang this incredible "new" tune called "Let Them Be Little", and I told him I loved the song. He said, "Did you like

Bonnie: Ignoring my "ROAM" indicator, I phoned Cindy on the ride back to the hotel. Typical33

Monkee Shines ly, the Gang gathers post concert to babble.

Craig was in search of free coffee, and about 8:45 am he returned with an eye witness report of an actual sighting in the lobby. I said, "Well…did you say 'Hi' to him?" He said he didn't because David was busy loading the car. We finally got everybody out of the door by 9:00 am and were enroute to Blackberry's Pancake House just down the street to eat breakfast. Craig mentioned Tom and Janet were in the lobby so we stopped to say, "Hi."

Janet: Babble???? I think we make perfect sense. Ahhh… oohhh…uuhhhh…Ok, like three paragraphs ago…remember 50 is looming on the far horizon… you mentioned a new song that David sang, “Let Them Be Little.” Goodness gracious me oh my…was that not THE most beautiful song? I don’t think there was an adult with a dry eye in the house. Thanks to my youngest son David-all boy-who was seated next to me, people three rows behind us heard “Hey look, Mom’s crying.” He felt the need to share that information with his brother -all boy-- that was seated on the other side of him. Let Them Be Little…yea, like before you learned to talk!!!!!

Janet: We had just arrived in the lobby. We were on “official business.” We had been asked to do a very short leg…no pun intended as I’m about 5’1 on a tall day…of transport. So we were there to pick up our passengers du jour and help where/when we could. Brian, our oldest son-all boy-was with us as well. I think you must have met him about seven times that weekend….Brian, have you ever met…yea Mom twenty-five times…ok, so I exaggerated, it was only seven times. One of these days I’ll get it right…see it DOES pay to talk to yourself…Usually I don’t get an argument.

Bonnie: It's so difficult to unwind after a CEOTJK regardless of how many times one has had a sighting. Craig and I got back to the hotel about 11:30 pm and all was calm and dark. Unfortunately, no Jones movies played on The Dream Channel. The next morning, I was up redeyed (and bushy tailed) and swimming in the pool at 6:00 am. Kudos to the hotel for early morning pool hours! Hannah woke up and joined me at about 7:30 am. We swam until about 8:20 am before we showered and dressed for breakfast.

As it turned out, Brian had the experience of his lifetime that morning, something that he will remember for many years to come. Come to think of it, so did I. I must be a very good driver, as when our passengers reached their destination and 34

Monkee Shines everyone was getting ready to leave on the next leg of their journey, I was given a beautiful bouquet of roses…

was founded because of the Illinois/Michigan Canal, hence the drawbridge reference….and you’re all getting a little history lesson here, folks.

Bonnie: Excuse me, Girl, but there has to be a comment here about "how hard it is to get purple flowers."

Bonnie: Meanwhile, Craig and I talked to Tom for a few minutes. Craig was so excited to share with him the highlights of Saturday's big (football) games. We were preparing to leave when David came in. He walked straight up to my Mom, took off his baseball hat, and said, "How you doing? How's it been going?" He talked very reflectively about "Today being the first day of the rest of your life..." I asked him how his horse (that raced the night before) did. He said, "Jessie came in third." He talked about furlongs which I didn't quite understand.

Janet:…A heart-felt thank you, and yes indeedie ladies, a smooch. Hey, this drivin’ thing ain’t too bad!!! Flowers….a smooch…it pays to drive good . Bonnie: Girl, look what you've done to me! Now you've got me singing, "Baby you can drive my car…" So Janet, tell us a little more about all of those draw bridges you encountered… Janet: Let me tell you, as you know, those drawbridges can be very tricky to maneuver if not navigated with extreme caution. Everything needs to be lined up so carefully in order to maneuver properly. However, each time a drawbridge was encountered in or around Lockport, it remained in the closed, or locked position. I don’t ever anticipate said drawbridges being open upon an encounter, I would be unsure how to properly navigate an open drawbridge. I would not want to end up in the waterway, or stuck in the plump embankment due to improper navigation. Lockport is an old town that

Janet: I’ve heard that term before, what exactly IS a furlong? Bonnie: I wondered that myself. According to my friend, Webster, it's a unit of distance equal to 220 yards (about the length of two football fields). David said something very sort of like, 'If they would have done what I told them to do, she would have done what she should have done, and she would have won. But, there's only one person who knows what to do, and you know who that is…' I said, "And that would be you!" He said, "AND 35

Monkee Shines THAT WOULD BE ME!" Similarly, he laughed and said, "If there's going to be a drunk in the house, it's going to be me!" He told us that Indiantown Jones was racing October 27 at Churchill. I said, "Oh, I'll have to check out the website." He said, "No, you have to bet a hundred dollars (on him)!" Hum…more "Dollars for Davy!"

Janet: Next time, there will be a fundraising concert for the Litterio’s…poor family, they lost their house, the 1994 Mustang, Janet should never have stopped at that OTB…oh dear. If she only knew what a furlong was…..

should." Then he thought perhaps not. I told him we were going to leave to eat breakfast; He said he'd eaten at 6:00 am. The early bird gets the bagels, I guess. I extended my hand to say "Goodbye", and he gave me a kiss on the cheek. He had to give "Mom" a hug and a kiss on the cheek as well, and he insisted on giving Hannah a kiss on the cheek, too. I told him, "Remember when you held her when she was a baby? That would be the last time." He said, "Oh that's okay…I've got four daughters (I was waiting for him to say 'all girls'), and it's okay." I was just thankful she didn't kick him or something. Where have I erred? David needed to settle his account at the front desk. On the way out, I told him, "Cindy said to say, 'Hi!' and she was sorry she couldn't be here.' He said, "Give her my love for me." It was so nice to see him again. Thank you, David, for some more wonderful memories.

Bonnie: He looked over at Hannah who was cowering behind my left side and said, "Hi precious!" He said, "She's tall." I said, "Yeah, she's in first grade now." He couldn't believe it. I repeated, "I told you last night that I loved that song you sang 'Let Them Be Little'." He started to sing a little bit of that and said, "You've never heard that?" I said, "No." He said, "Yeah, I should record that." I said, "Yeah, you

Craig, Hannah, my Mom, and I had a lovely breakfast at the pancake house. Believe it or not, Craig had "green eggs and ham". Who writes that stuff? I chose pumpkin nut pancakes with whipped cream. I opted for nut-free pancakes, but apparently the nuts were already in the batter. You know how hard it is to get rid of nuts! Hannah had chocolate chip pancakes. My Mom chose strawberry SLASH banana pancakes.

Janet: I know of an OTB close to home. I’ll have to go in and put some money down on Indiantown. However, the drawback is I know absolutely nothing about horseracing. Bonnie: I know nothing about show biz.

Monkee Shines Mmm mmm good! We returned to the hotel to check out. Since we were in the neighborhood, we visited Starved Rock State Park. The fall foilage was almost peak. It was actually prettier last year, but the Lockport show was a week later in October. The weather was absolutely gorgeous. David no doubt warmed up the midwest. We ate dinner at the Starved Rock lodge. It would have been very nice except we shared it with a hundred thousand flies. I guess they were dining in, too.

kees” show was rerun in Chicago this summer every afternoon during the week. There were several times when I tuned in where I just shook my head in disbelief with all that has happened in recent years…thinking back to when I was little-ok, younger-- watching the show at home-and my Mom hollering upstairs to me, “Janet, TURN THAT MUSIC DOWN.” When David was singing “Let Them Be Little” my parents and brother were sitting behind me, one of my lifelong friends was behind them…and at one point during the song, my Mom nudges me, I can hear her sniffing. I looked over at my own nearly grown children/men sitting next to me-of course my youngest son announces to the theater that Mom’s crying…but even with all that wow, what a moment. Never, ever did I think that when I was ten years old watching David on TV that there would come a day where I would see him singing in front of me---doing a fundraiser for our church which I organized-with my parents and brother sitting behind me, and my own grown children sitting next to me. But moments such as these keep us young and younger…and I (as you, Bonnie) am shocked by his kisses, heartened by his warmth to everyone, so grateful that he continues to share his talent with all of us. THANK YOU David…and Mark, Dave, Aviva,

We returned home by 8:15 pm. It seems our Monkee adventures always pass so quickly. We find ourselves thinking the same thing, i.e. "Did we really see David this weekend?" Diane Klosak asked me afterwards, "Did you ever think when you were six years old watching 'The Monkees' that one day you would have an opportunity to actually meet him (David)?" I said, "That's a good question," but really there was no question about it. I had to see him. I can honestly say I like him with just as much enthusiasm now as I did then, and I still get "shocked" from his kisses! Janet: Yes, our “Davy” or maybe I should say our “THE” adventures do indeed pass FAR too quickly. I was just a tad older than you when I watched the TV show, I was ten. “The Mon37

Monkee Shines Felipe and John. Bonnie: I think the saying goes, "We'll love you forever." Cindy: And thank you Bonnie and Janet, for the play by play and making us all a part of a wonderful show!

Photos by Tom Litterio

Monkee Shines

David sings to Gail Friel in Lockport

Photo by Robin Sheldon of Sun Publications

The always humorous Dave Barry mentions the Monkees in his 2005 year in review -"With the horror of Katrina fresh in everyone's mind, a new hurricane, Rita, draws a bead on the Gulf Coast, causing millions of panicky Texans to get into their cars and flee an average distance of 150 feet before they become stuck in a monster traffic jam, where some remain for more than 12 hours. "It was hell," reports one traumatized victim. "The classic rock station played 'Daydream Believer,' like, 53 freaking times." "President Bush, after an aerial tour of the devastated region, tells reporters that he always kind of liked "Daydream Believer."

Monkee Shines

I’ll Be True 2U Rewards Just4Monkees ONLY

tions: ♫

Completing and returning official PFG documents such as (but not limited to) interviews, questionnaires, cards, R.S.V.P.s, etc. 100 points

♫

Any spontaneous written communications such as (but not limited to) notes, postcards, letters, e-mails, pictures, etc. 200 points

♫

Any initiated or spontaneous phone conversations. 300 points

♫

Any Close Encounters of the Monkee Kind. 400 points

Sponsored by: Borgh and Bryant Welcome to I’ll Be True 2U Rewards! In honor of The Monkees’ 40th Anniversary in 2006, we are proud to announce The PFG’s official Just4Monkees rewards program! As We Go Along, I’ll Be True 2U Rewards offers many ways for Micky Dolenz, David Jones, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork to earn and redeem points with our unlimited opportunities. Be sure to visit us at our website: http:// purpleflowergang.tripod.com. We’re sure you’ll find it rewarding! 1. Earn While You’re Here

3. Reward Yourself

As a participant, you’ll be rewarded points for any concerts you perform or any guest appearances you make in Iowa SLASH IlliNOISE. For every engagement in our neck of the woods, you’ll earn 500 I’ll Be True 2U points that you can redeem for a wide variety of incentives.

With the various ways you have to earn points, your I’ll Be True 2U Rewards account can build up very quickly. Some of the great opportunities the four men can enjoy with their accumulated points are provided. How To Redeem Your Points: 1. We’ll automatically keep track of your points for you and publish them in our quarterly newsletter.

2. Earn While You’re Away There are a variety of ways you can earn even more points just by doing Monkee business with The Gang. The following are some wonderful sugges-

2. Review the Rewards sections to see what’s available to you at your point lev40

Monkee Shines el.

With 2000 earned points, charitable donations will be sent directly to the charity of your choice. Redemptions of points for the purpose of affecting a donation to a charity are generally not tax deductible. Receipts stating the dollar value of the points redeemed for the charitable donation will not be issued. (Who writes that stuff?)

3. Choose the reward you prefer and follow the easy steps to redeem your points. Hotel Rewards: As an I’ll Be True 2U participant, with 1000 points, you are eligible for a free night’s stay at the Isle of Capri in Bettendorf, Iowa. You will be glad to know that you can enjoy a free night’s accommodations at any time. Participants should note the hotel reward is valid only for the room rate and room tax for one standard room. All other (carrying) charges and expenses must be paid for by the individual.

The Purple Flower Gang recognizes and humbly appreciates all of the interest the four Monkees have shown toward “our crazy lot” in the past. However, to be fair and impartial, accrued points for the four participants will only be accepted after January 1, 2006. Please be sure to look for the following box in subsequent issues of Monkee Shines.

Dining Rewards: An I’ll Be True 2U participant may redeem 500 points for a free dinner at Lunardi’s Italian Restaurant in Davenport, Iowa. Of course, you’ll have to eat with us, too!

I’ll Be True 2U APB (Acquired Point Breakdown) Spring 2006

Entertainment Rewards:

Name Points Micky Dolenz David Jones Michael Nesmith Peter Tork

For merely 300 points, a participant is eligible for one free movie ticket (no restrictions apply) at the Showcase Cinemas at the 53rd Street location in Davenport, Iowa. Charitable Donations Rewards:

0 400 0 0

Monkee Shines

Please Come To IA It is purely coincidental if this tune bears any resemblance to David Loggins’ song “Please Come To Boston”

I ain’t old, and there ain’t nobody like me!” Since you all know, I’m the cute Monkee!” Now the years and years go on and on, And we pray it’s never gonna stop, But of all the dreams we’ve dreamt or thought And all that we’ve forgot... We still yearn for Just one concert more.

Please come to our town before springtime. We’re gathering here with friends, and we’ll have lots of fun. You can sell us all your memorabilia; We’ll debut a new game that we have just re-done.

Please come to IA; We’ll Love You Forever! We’ve treasured all those times before, we hope there’s just one more. We’re only fourteen hours away. It’s faster if you take a plane or drive your own car. Please come to IA! Just don’t say, “No!” Man, won’t you come quickly?

Please come to IA! Don’t say, “No!” Won’t you come for tea? He said, “You crazy lot, why don’t you just calm down? I may be comin’ to your town! I ain’t old, and there ain’t nobody like me! Since you all know, I’m the cute Monkee!” Please come to our state in the summer. We’ve traveled all o’er the country; there’s no place we can’t find. We’ve been through burning dands and sesserts. We’ve driven through the night; we didn’t seem to mind. Please come to our state! Don’t say, “No!”

And he said, “You crazy lot, why don’t you just calm down? I may be comin’ to your town! I ain’t old, and there ain’t nobody like me! Since you all know, I’m the cute Monkee!” By the way, “Who writes this stuff?”

He said, “You crazy lot, why don’t you just calm down? I may be comin’ to your town! 42

Monkee Shines

LET THEM BE LITTLE (Lyrics courtesy of Janet Litterio) Artist: Lonestar Album: Let’s Be Us Again I can remember when you fit in the palm of my hand Felt so good in it, no bigger than a minute How it amazes me, you’re changing with every blink Faster than a flower blooms they grow up all too soon So let them be little ‘cause they’re only that way for a while Give them hope, give them praise, give them love every day Let them cry, let them giggle, let them sleep in the middle Oh just let them be little I’ve never felt to much in one little tender touch I live for those kisses, prayers and your wishes Now that you’re teaching me things only a child can see Every night while we’re on our knees all I ask is please Let them be little ‘cause they’re only that way for a while Give them hope, give them praise, give them love every day Let them cry, let them giggle, let them sleep in the middle Oh just let them be little So innocent, a precious soul, you turn around It’s time to let them go So let them be little ‘cause they’re only that way for a while Give them hope, give them praise, give them love every day Let them cry, let them giggle, let them sleep in the middle Oh just let them be little

Let them be little

Monkee Shines

Dear Bonnie Cindy & Gang, Thanks for keeping in touch — Work plans are underway for 2006 and we are excited about the up coming season—If you live in a cave, you won’t have heard the EBAY commercial featuring Daydream Believer on the IT! Commercial. What fun I’m working on a new album — also editing footage from the Monkees concerts in England — a couple of book ideas — www.davyjones.net will give you a direct line to plans as they unfold—be sure to check in from time to time —TV Land have done some filming at the house Life after TV Land — due to air in March 2006 — I was listening to some Monkees albums and quite amazed at the different style of material we used. I appreciate more and more the simple genius of Mike’s songs — Peter’s sophisticated chord changes and style. Micky’s amazing vocal range as well as his story lyrics. My all time favorite Micky song ‘My Life — a true classic — I salute all three of my x partners with great respect as writers — even though our lives now take different paths the proof is in the pudding — “Good things stand the test of time.” Stay safe — Be loving — Be loved Kisses & Hugs David Jones 2006

Monkee Shines

New Gig For This Monkee By Maureen Sullivan / Sullivan’s travels Friday, February 10, 2006 The last time I sat this close to Peter Tork, he was filling a 12-inch TV screen. He also had no beard, no glasses and no blues on his guitar - just the bubble gum pop that filled the airwaves when he was on "The Monkees" TV show in the 60s. He was the dopey-looking guy who was always getting into trouble, the guy who rarely got to sing lead, just play the bass or piano or harp and play along with the rest of the gang. Not so last Saturday night, as Tork joined the Jeff Pitchell Band for two sets of scorching blues at The Center for Arts in Natick. Tork didn’t just sit in the background thumping a bass, either. On guitar, and sometimes on harmonica, he delivered his own take on things, including a bluesy twist on "Last Train to Clarksville." He performed before a mix of former teenyboppers and blues fans, present and future, who will remember Tork for numbers such as these and not for running around like a cutesy maniac in some quirky, long-ago TV show. Tork also had neither pretense nor entourage; between sets, he met with fans in the lobby, having his picture taken and signing autographs. Yes, I was one of them; I

bought one of his CDs and had him sign it. It’s there among my other CDs now, including one from the Monkees; it’s a slender thread to my childhood, when our living room, like millions of others at that time, would be tuned in, and discussions (or debates, take your pick) would focus on the various merits of each Monkee, and whether they really could play, and whether they were bigger than the Beatles, and so on... That came to mind when I sat in that front-row seat and wondered what teenage girl from the 60s would sell their soul for a seat like this, to be this close to a real, live Monkee, even a Monkee who was older, a bit gruffier and more bent on playing chordripping blues than a few bars of "Daydream Believer." Much has happened in the last 40 years. The Monkees ceased to be a cultural phenomenon a long time ago, but Peter Tork carries on. And fans, both classic rock and blues, are happier for it.

Monkee Shines following:

R.S.V.P. or as Elvis would say “Return To Sender”

R.S.V.P. stands for a French phrase, "réspondez, s'il vous plaît," which means "please reply." The person sending the invitation would like you to tell him or her whether you accept or decline the invitation. That is, will you be coming to the event or not? Etiquette rules followed in most Western cultures require that if you receive a formal, written invitation, you should reply promptly, perhaps that same day. For hosts who are planning a dinner party, a wedding or a reception, this is important from a practical point of view, because they need to know how many people to count on and how much food and drink to buy. More important, though, is the simple courtesy of responding to someone who was nice enough to invite you, even if it is to say that you regret that you will not be able to attend.

By: Miss Etta Cut [or is that Etiquette?] And now a word from our sponsor…This public service announcement was brought to you courtesy of The Purple Flower Gang. In a world so inundated with acronyms, Miss Etta Cutt (no relation to Miss Manners) clearly delineates (according to various websites) the origin and intent of the four-letter term commonly known as R.S.V.P. R.S.V.P. stands for the French phrase Répondez s’il vous plaît (“reply, please”), so it doesn’t need an added “please.” However, since few people seem to know its literal meaning, and fewer still take it seriously, it’s best to use plain English: “Please reply.” It is a mistake to think that this phrase invites people to respond only if they are planning to attend; it is at least as important to notify the person doing the inviting if you cannot go. And no, you can’t bring along the kids or other uninvited guests. (Who writes this stuff?)

Many wedding invitations come with a response card that you can mail back right away. Other written invitations will carry the host's telephone number so you can call with your reply, although under strict etiquette rules, a written invitation requires a written reply. Nowadays, invitations often carry a "regrets only" notation at the end. That means that the host will count on your being there unless you tell him or her other-

Another website indicated the 47

Monkee Shines wise. Some people even use "R.S.V.P." as a verb, as in "Have you R.S.V.P.ed to that invitation?"

XIV had the rules for court behavior written on what the French referred to as "tickets," or "étiquette." The tickets either were signs posted at Versailles or were the invitations issued to court events with the rules of behavior printed on the back; experts give different versions of the origin. And French was the language of refinement and high society through the 19th century in the United States. Judith Martin, the author of etiquette books and a syndicated newspaper columnist known as "Miss Manners," thinks that "R.S.V.P." came about as a polite way of reminding people of something that they should already know: If you receive an invitation, you should reply.

You might wonder why we use the initials of a French phrase in an invitation that is written in English. You could say that the French "invented" etiquette, although that would be a simplification because there have always been rules of courtesy to follow in civilization. In fact, an Italian diplomat, Conte Baldassare Castiglione, (Does anybody know him?) wrote the first book about proper behavior among nobility in the 16th century. Many of the practices of Western etiquette, however, came from the French court of King Louis XIV in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. At Versailles, his palace, (It’s a lovely pad, I might add.) Louis

(And that’s all we’re going to say about that! :-))

Miracle at Hollywood & Vine January 20, 2006 By Sandy Jacobson I was performing almost as soon as I was walking. I was born and raised in Los Angeles. By age two I was enrolled in tapdance class, and danced in my first recital. At age four, I had won a beauty pageant, acquired an agent, and begun doing some local

television work. At age six, however, an event changed my life forever: I was in a near-fatal car accident. The school at which I took my dance classes used a van to pick up the students. On my way to class one day, a car ran a red light and hit the van. I was thrown from the 48

Monkee Shines vehicle on impact, and hit the curb headfirst. My injuries were considerable. I sustained a skull fracture, a cracked collarbone, and the bridge on my nose was broken. My cheekbones were pulverized, I lost the skeletal floor and ceiling around my right eye, and my right eyelid was paralyzed. After five hours of surgery, the doctors told my parents that they had done all they could, and that it was "in God's hands whether I lived or not." Statistically, I should have died from my injuries. Having lived, statistically I should have been brain-dead, kept alive on life support. But I survived. Though my right eyelid was permanently paralyzed shut as a result of the accident, my mind and spirit were intact. The first time that I was able to see myself in the mirror three months after the accident, I knew I'd never be able to follow my two great passions in life: to act or dance professionally. I spent the next two years recovering, housebound except to go to school. After that, until the age of thirteen I had a number of reconstructive surgeries. When I first came home from the hospital, my two older brothers took their life savings and bought me a brand new color TV. The Monkees was airing at the time, and it was one of the few things that made me laugh and forget about what I was going through. A song from their first album -- "Take a Giant Step," writ-

ten by Carole King -- was the single greatest influence on me wanting to recover. My favorite Monkee was Peter Tork. His TV character reminded me of one of my brothers. More than anything, I wanted to see the band in concert just once, and hopefully someday meet them. Through tremendous support from friends, family, and community, I got on with my life. I went to college, got married, and began a family. I had a daughter. Not able to live my dream, I wanted to help her live hers. I believe that one of the greatest gifts that I could give my daughter was to help her find her passion, and support her in that as far as it would take her. I exposed my daughter to some of my passions, but also to things that I knew absolutely nothing about, and learned with her. She had piano lessons, soccer, Brownies, art lessons, ballet, musical theatre, and the opportunity to audition for TV and film. I participated in her life as much as possible. I was a parent volunteer for most of her activities, including being a member of the ballet company guild of her ballet training school. At one point, I was president of the organization, and was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the production for the 120+ cast families. At age twelve, having just completed the lead role in a national commercial, my daughter decided that she wanted to focus 49

Monkee Shines exclusively on ballet. I'm proud to say she has pursued that passion into adulthood. This year, at age 21, she is in the middle of her fourth season as a professional dancer with a ballet company, as well as holding SAG and Equity affiliations. But my dream was still in the background. My adult life has taken many twists and turns. The last few years, in particular, have included some bad experiences counterbalanced by good ones. In retrospect, a series of unrelated incidents prepared me for what was about to unfold in my life. Five years ago, I was in another car accident -- a car rear-ended mine. The accident triggered flashbacks and nightmares from my childhood experience. However, around the same time, I had the opportunity tofinally see Peter Tork perform -first with his Two Man Band with James Lee Stanley (during which he even sang my favorite song, "Take A Giant Step"), then with Davy Jones and Mickey Dolenz during their 2001 Monkees Reunion Tour. After the show I got to meet Peter and the others. Since then, he and I have established a professional relationship. By his own example and through conversations, Peter has taught me some valuable life lessons and helped me see a larger vision for my life. During this time, I found another life-affirming influence. I read the book This Time I

Dance!: Trusting the Journey of Creating the Work You Love by Tama J. Kieves. The book details philosophies of discovery and selffulfillment that I began to embrace. Soon, I had an opportunity to put these ideas into practice. Ever since my accident, I have always hated having my picture taken. But one day a friend of mine was taking a photo class, and called me in a panic because she needed someone to pose for her as an assignment. I told her that if it would help, I was available. (At the same time, I couldn't believe those words escaped unedited from my mouth!) On the shoot, though, I decided to give her the best I had to give to help her get an 'A' on her assignment. Because I wanted so badly to help her, I was able to forget about my fear of being photographed. Months later, I decided to submit a video of myself to Extreme Makeovers. Though two professionals, Bob Sherman and Mike Carlin, put it together, I wasn't selected. Even so, I soon realized it was an important part of a process of learning to accept and be happy with myself and the choices that I make -- regardless of the outcome. About two years later, I found myself suddenly unemployed. Faced with finding a new job, I looked at my work history and quickly realized that, thanks to my daughter's interest in ballet, I had about ten years of volunteer experience in live production. I decided to try to use 50

Monkee Shines that, so I began submitting myself for P.A. or A.D. jobs. Initially, the search went nowhere. Frustrated, I spoke with a producer I sought out to make sure that my resume was "right." He said my resume was fine, and to just keep submitting myself. Then, fate intervened. Two weeks later the same producer emailed me, suggesting that I audition for Pirates of the Caribbean II. I laughed for about thirty minutes, then thought, 'No one else is calling me for work right now. Why not?' I only had 24 hours to pull together a resume and headshot. My only credits were my childhood experiences and one job as an extra I had gotten dragged into while my daughter was filming something. The headshot was more challenging. The best I could come up with was having a souvenir photographer on Venice Beach take my photo for ten dollars. On the way to the cash machine, I ran into a friend I hadn't seen in nine months. He asked what was up. I frantically told him my story, and he said, "Relax. I've got my cell phone right here. I can take your photo and email it to you -- and it won't even cost you the ten dollars!" He did, and amazingly the picture turned out great. I went to the audition the next day, and saw the line around the block. I suddenly knew that I didn't belong there. I wanted to run, but I needed to be able to tell my friend that I had at

least shown up. The audition was located near the intersection of Hollywood & Vine. I thought for sure this was an episode of Candid Camera -- not a movie audition. (I later heard there were 2,500 people there that day.) But I decided to have fun with the process, because, after all, I couldn't take this whole thing seriously. But I got a part! In February 2005 I had my costume fitting and in March -almost at the anniversary of my childhood car accident -- I worked as a Cantina Wench on Pirates of the Caribbean II. It wasn't a major role, but I was performing! My first day on the set I realized that, even if I never did another acting job, I had received a huge gift. I suddenly felt peace around the loss of my childhood opportunities. I was completely okay -- even if this job was nothing more than a fluke. Learning to receive help from others has been a huge part of that journey. I used to believe that if I didn't do it all on my own, I hadn't 'earned' it. But by letting people in, and sharing the dream and vision, I learned a valuable lesson. It is all about showing up for what you want in life, with the right attitude, and enjoying the process without worrying about the outcome. By the way, I have continued to work in front of the camera. To date, I have worked in a variety of projects, including five feature films. I've also done four episodes of Untold Stories 51

Monkee Shines from the ER as a nurse. Ironically, on one movie -- Jeff Brookshire's horror film Awaken the Dead -- I actually let them make me look as ugly as I felt after my accident.

And yes, Virginia, I am working a "day job" -- but I am also appreciating and enjoying the acting jobs that have come my way.