Monkee Shines
Photo by Pat Smith
In this issue: The Wonder Of Wheeling If Secret Love A Taste Of Minnesota Epcot La Porte Peter News
Mike News Micky News David News Great Moments in Monkee History Blasts From The Past Pen Pals/E-Pals
Monkee Shines
Table of Contents
Membership dues are $10 (US & Canada) and $15 (Overseas). Ads are $25 for a full page, $10 for half page, and $5 for a quarter page. Money orders are preferred. Cash at own risk. Make all payments payable to Cindy Bryant NOT the PFG. Mail to: The Purple Flower Gang, 903 East Second Street, 1A Muscatine, Iowa 52761.
Letter From The Editor ............................ 3 Secret Love ............................................... 4 Great Moments in Monkee History......... 5 A Taste Of Minnesota .............................. 9 Pen Pals ..................................................... 15 E-Pals ........................................................ 16 La Porte ..................................................... 17 Peter News ................................................ 18 Mike News ................................................ 19 Micky News .............................................. 20 David News .............................................. 21 The Wonder Of Wheeling ....................... 22 Epcot ......................................................... 28 If ................................................................ 32 Blast From The Past ................................. 33 Personal Ads ............................................. 39 Happy 40th................................................ 40 Hey Hey It’s A Monkee ........................... 42 Monkees Ape The Originals .................... 42 Disclaimer :-) ............................................ 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: As always The PFG Road Crew– Bonnie Borgh, Kimmi Wright, Janet Litterio, and Colleen Johnson and their families, Denise Gauthier, Kim Boatman, Pat Smith, 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/
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From the Editor! If you haven’t heard mike new album, Rays, check out the Mike News page and then check out videoranch.com. You can heard bits of it there and it sounds great. It is good to see Mike is still making outstanding music! Now go check out the rest of the newsletter and stay tuned for “The Geneva Convention” PFGstyle! Dear Gang, Cindy
Once again I apologize for the lateness of this newsletter and thank you for your patience. I truly am working on getting schedule that I can keep to starting next year Hope you think this newsletter was worth the wait. The last month has been quite eventful for the road crew. We took a TV camera crew on a road trip to see David in Geneva, Il. They were filming an episode of TVTropolis’ Fanatical (Canada’s TVLand) . Don’t know when it will air...we haven’t let the crew out of the trunk yet. I am hoping to have the next newsletter out by January 1st and that issue will be all about our adventure with Dan and Patrick.
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.
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David has begun to perform the song Secret Love at concerts. Secret Love, for those of you not familiar with the song, was originally recorded by Doris Day . It was featured in the movie," Calamity Jane” and was the Oscar winner for Best Song in 1953. Chart
Debut
Weeks
#
Label
Jan 1954
16
1
Columbia
Words and music by Paul Francis Webster and Sammy Fain, 1953
Once I had a secret love That lived within the heart of me All too soon my secret love Became impatient to be free So I told the friendly star The way that dreamers often do Just how wonderful you are And why I’m so in love with you Now I shout it from the highest hills Even told the golden daffodils At last my heart’s an open door And my secret love’s no secret anymore (Repeat*)
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Birthdays and other special events
October 2 2 2 3 5 6 8 8 9 9 9 9 10 10 11 13 14 14 15 16 17 17 18 18
First official interview with Davy, Micky, Peter, and Mike for the New York Times (1966) "Monkee Mayor" (1967) Talia Jones (1968) "Your Friendly Neighborhood Kidnappers" (1966) "Porpoise Song" b/w "As We Go Along rleased (1968) The Monkees" (Micky, David. and Michael) guest star on "laughIn" on NBC (1969) Micky's first album "Micky Dolenz Puts You To Sleep" released on Kid Rhino. (1991) Bill Martin Peter Tork signs contract to do "The Monkees (1965) "Every Step Of The Way" video was shot in Los Angeles (1987) "Art For Monkees Sake" (1967) John Entwistle The Monkees" album released (1966) "The Spy Who Came In From The Cool" (1966) "The Monkee Present" "Micky, David, & Michael" released (1969) Lisa James "The Monkees" album receives Godl Record (1966) Cliff Richard The final show in Sydney, Australia (1988) "99 Pound Weakling" (1967) "Success Story (1966) Gary Pucket Micky on "Larry King Live" (1993) Chuck Berry 5
Monkee Shines 20 Davy opens his boutique "Zilch" in NYC's Greenwich Village (1967) 20 Jay Siegel 22 Ward Sylvester 23 Davy on "Love American Style" on ABC (1970) 23 "Hillbilly Honeymoon" (1967) 23 Annette Funicello 24 Micky on "Owen Marshall Counselor At Law" (1973) 24 Last Concert on the 1987 US tour 24 "Monkees In A Ghost Town" (1966) 24 Jennifer McLeod 24 Bill Wyman 25 "Daydream Believer" released (1967) 28 "Daydream Believer receives Gold Record (1967) 28 Dave Evans 30 "Monkees Marooned" (1967) 30 Grace Slick 31 "Don't Look A Gift Horse In The Mouth" (1966) 31 Denise Gauthier
November 1 2 3 3 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 9 9 11 11 11 11 12 13 13 14
The Monkees" begin rehearsal for live stage shows (1966) Davy on syndicated show "Dick Clark's Music Bag" on KTTV in LA (1969) Larry Gelman Lulu "Last Train To Clarksville: #1(1966) Peter Noone Rob Grill "Head" premieres in NYC (1968) "The Card Carrying Red Shoes (1967) Colleen Johnson "The Chaperone (1966) Johnny Rivers Severn Darden Maria Tereza Pinho Gomes Da Silva Filming of the pilot of "The Monkees' begins (1965) Micky on "Boy Meets World" (1994) Jack Keller Paul Cowsill Neil Young David Jones on "Shindig" on ABC (1965) "The Wild Monkees" (1967) "The Monkees" (pilot)(1966) 6
Monkee Shines 14 Freddie Garity 15 Petula Clark 17 through January 14 Davy Stars as Fagin in "Oliver" at the Hirshfield Theatre in Miami Beach, Florida (1989-1990) 19 "Head" premieres Tuesday night at 8:30 pm at the Vogue Theatre on Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood (1968) 20 "A Coffin Too Frequent" (1967) 21 "Monkees A La Carte" (1966) 22 "I'm A Believer" released (1966) 22 Diane Klosak 24 Davy on "Tennessee Ernie Ford" special on NBC (1969) 24 Jim Yester 26 Tina Turner 26 Bonnie Borgh 27 "Hitting The High Seas (1967) 28 "I've Gotta Little Song Here" (1966) 29 Denny Doherty 29 Felix Cavaliere 30 Davy on "Love American Style" on ABC (1973) 30 Dick Clark
December 1 2 2 2 3 4 5 3 7 8 9 10 10 11 11 11 12 14 15 15
Micahel on "Conan O'Brien" (1994) Michael on "Later" With Greg Kinnear" (1994) "Daydream Believer" #1 (4 weeks) (1967) Janelle Scott The Monkees' play their first concert ever to a sell out crowd at the Honolulu International Center Arena in Hawaii "Monkees in Texas" (1967) "One Man Shy" (1966) Len Lesser Peter Tork Officially leaves the group after completing production on their TV special (1968) Davy on "Letters To Laugh-In with Gary Owens" (1969 Donny Osmond "I'm A Believer recieves Godl Record (1966) Davy on "The Brady Bunch" on ABC (1971) Teri Garr Richard Devon "Monkees On The Wheel" (1967) "Dance Monkee Dance" (1967) George Furth Rodney Bingenheimer Dave Clark 7
Monkee Shines 16 Micky on "Conan O'Brien" (1993) 17 Anita Jones 18 A repeat of September 11, 1967 "It's A Nice Place To Visit"(1967) 18 Keith Richards 19 "Too Many Girls" (1966) 19 MFQ records a live album at Club Quattro in Toyko, Japan 20 Charlie Callas 21 Frank Zappa 21 Carl Wilson 21 James Elswick 22 Davy guest hosts "Music Scene" (1969) 22 Ivan Iannoli-Thorkelson (1975) 22 Robin and Maurice Gibb 23-27 "The Monkees" first appearance without Peter. They occupy the middle square on "Hollywood Squares" 25 "The Christmas Show" (1967) 25 Little Richard 25 Phil Spector 26 "Son Of A Gypsy" (1966) 27 Davy Jones on "Ben Casey" on ABC (1965) 27 Karen Sue Schwait 29 Ray Nitschke 30 Davy on "Make Room For Granddaddy" on ABC 30 David Jones (1945) 30 Michael Nesmith (1942) 30 Red Rhodes 30 Bo Didley 30 Beverly Ann Clark 31 "I'm A Believer" #1 (7 weeks) (1966)
Hope your great moment is the greatest! 8
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A Taste Of Jones At The Taste Of Minnesota By: Kim Boatman Two Cents By: Bonnie Borgh David's concert at the Taste Of Minnesota in Harriet Island Regional Park in St. Paul on July 2, 2006 was wonderful. The man always gives 110% and doesn't know the meaning of just giving even just 99%. The concert had great turnout-lots of older and younger fans.
have trouble seeing David if lots of people were standing in front of me. However, just behind us, it was the opposite, nearly everyone was standing. David joked about this 2-3 times (saying “Its okay you can remain standing if you want” to the front rows). Two Cents: My hearing is going down the (Eustachian)tubes, but at least I know the hearing impairment is from classic Monkees’ concerts.
My girlfriend and I were probably back about 8 rows. I didn't mind it because nearly everyone in front of us sat in lawn chairs the whole time (except at the end). I am very short and probably would
Also, noticeable was that a few times during the concert, David felt he wasn't getting the laughs he wanted from his jokes (mentioning 2-3 times “Is this [the microphone] on”).
Photo by Bonnie Borgh
Two Cents: Maybe he’d know for sure if he did sound checks, but we all know “Stars never do sound checks.” Isn’t that right, John Boy? In his first conversation with the audience, he used the phrase “Y’a bet ya” two times. He must have heard this is how Minnesotans talk. Note: In my personal belief, 9
Monkee Shines and Edith Bunker skit. I had not seen it and I have only read about in previous concert reviews.
“Y’a bet ya” is not a common Minnesota word, but ever since that movie ‘Fargo” the phrase got some lasting notoriety. David must also have heard that Minnesota has a “friendly” rivalry with Wisconsin. Towards the end of the concert, bugs kept swarming around him, joking that “they must be from Wisconsin”.
Two Cents: Unfortunately, that act commenced with the tenure of two band members, i.e. David Alexander and Sandy Genero. They were the “characters” who impersonated Edith and Archie. He talked about getting more famous from the “Brady Bunch” and people saying “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia” to him. He did overly emotional pleas to “Sandra” and “Mary” during the song “Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow)”.
Two Cents: David mentioned Wisconsin several times. I’m not sure if he was trying to be funny or if he really didn’t know what state he was in. Even though I have not been to a David Jones concert since Burlington Steamboat Days in 1998, he still does some of the same jokes.
David told some jokes about things that happened since he arrived 2 days earlier from Canada. He was in Harriet Island Regional Park jogging and encountered a woman who asked him “Do you know who you are?” Note: there are thousands of witty and fun comeback jokes to that question but if he used one he didn't tell the audience. She told him how she watched him in the 60’s on TV and used to kiss the TV when he was on. David mentioned how dangerous this could be since in the 60’s carpet had metal in it.
Two Cents: Good things stand the test of time; Isn’t that what they say? Then again, not everyone has seen him perform hundreds of times. He mentions all the songwriters who wrote the Monkees hits (at the end of the list he said “Neiman-Marcus and Sears And Roebuck”). He jokes about having 4 daughters and constantly touring to pay the alimony.
Two Cents: Do you mean those electrified carpets?
Two Cents: Cindy, where were you? I didn’t hear that, either!
He talked about the Harriet Island Regional Park having such a large area with so many trees and bushes he thought there must be unexplored areas in the
It was a disappointment to me that they didn't do the Archie 10
Monkee Shines Thinking that the man is asleep, David said that he must be asleep then. Then the hotel employee said “No, he’s doing what I’m doing- business”. Then David dedicated “Wasted Days, Wasted Nights” to Bert Kind.
park. Two Cents: I think David was equating “unexplored areas” to having recently been performing in Canada. The best story of the night was when he told about what happened when the band got to the hotel. They arrived really late and found room service and restaurants closed. A hotel employee found them some food and beer. The hotel employee wouldn't take a tip for it either. Striking up a conversation with the employee, David asked if he owns the hotel. He said no a man named Bert Kind does. David asked where he was. The employee told he was in a room on a higher floor level.
Two Cents: I think the jist of the joke was that the man was [whatever-ing] his business just like the man upstairs was [whatever-ing] his wife. David told some jokes that he may have used in previous concerts but I had never heard them. He made a joke about fans being either old or young. Note: I couldn't help thinking, at age 35, I must be an in-betweener. David was introduced by one of the band members as “The Colossus of [something- I can't remember
Photo by Bonnie Borgh 11
Monkee Shines Two Cents: I think that was, “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got A Lovely Walker.” This set him off making up new titles for the song “Knock Three Times” (by Tony Orlando and Dawn) to “Knock Three Times If You Hear Me Fall”, the song “This First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” (by Roberta Flack) to “The First Time Ever I Forgot Your Face”, the song “50 Ways To Leave Your Lover” (by Paul Simon) to “50 Ways To Lose Your Liver” and the song “On The Road Again” (by Willie Nelson) to “On The Throat Again”.
Photo by Bonnie Borgh what it was]”. It stuck me that shouldn't it be “Incredible” not “Colossus”. David talked about this year being the 40th Anniversary of the Monkees (Note: I don't know about other people, but I'm still finding this ‘hard to believe”). He joked that he was ten when it started then he changed his mind and said he was eight when the show started. David joked about visiting Micky, Peter and Mike at the “Actor’s Hall” (or a nursing home). He asked them if he knew who he was. Peter said “Ask the nurse she’ll tell you”. A couple of times David called Peter Tork “Peetie”. David apparently knew Peter Noone was going to be here the next night. He joked about Peter Noone is older and how he should change the song title “Mrs. Brown You've Got A Lovely Daughter” to “Mrs. Brown You've Got A Lovely Mother”.
Two Cents: I think that was “On The Throne Again”. He tried to think of a new title for the David Cassidy song “I Think I Love You”. He apparently learned David Cassidy was going to perform here on July 4th. Two Cents: I’m A Believer, and while “He’s no Davy Jones”, I would like to add he wasn’t half bad. If you ever read David Cassidy’s autobiography, there are a lot of parallels... There were some odd things that happened during the concert. When he talked about his appearance on the “Brady Bunch” he sang a couple of songs before he finally sang “Girl” and did not do the “Brady Bunch Theme”. He 12
Monkee Shines sang a few songs that normally Micky or Mike sing the vocals. It was strange to me but David handled the vocals well.
Two Cents: David said, “I think it was the Cassidy brothers. (No relation to David and Shaun, I’m sure.)
There were some touching moments. He can sing a love song like no one else and did at this concert. He talked about his mother and how he inherited her swing music record collection when she died. I think David said it at the concert (and I will say it now), they don't make music like that anymore. He called Mike, Peter and Micky his “brothers in arms” when he sang “Papa Gene’s Blues”.
Aviva offered her hand to help him stand up. There was a cute little tug of war struggle between them. David said “You didn't mind last night”. He sang a couple of songs I have never heard David perform, in particular “Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby” and “Secret Love”. Note: I love old movies and “Secret Love” is a great pop standard. I wish I had a tape recorder with me.
Two Cents: Cindy had to explain that verbiage to me, and I must say it was a nice choice of words.
Two Cents: Not to mention a 120 minute tape! Yes! I loved the song, too! It was like hearing one of those new tunes like “Danny Boy”...
I was particularly happy to see him mentioning Mike, Peter and Micky in a positive way. It showed his respect for them and his continuation to “take the high road” about the guys. So many other bands break up and all they seem to do is trash their former band members in the press instead of getting on with their lives. David and Aviva’s interaction on stage is priceless. I’ve come to the conclusion that David couldn't (or shouldn't) do a concert without her. During “She Hangs Out”, she came over to the front mike to sing with David and David kissed her on the cheek. At one point, a firecracker went off in the distance behind me, David simply pretended to be shot a fell back on stage.
Frank Sinatra recorded this song but Frank’s version has nothing on David. At the end of the concert (this being 2 days before Independence Day) David said “God Bless America”. There were some things that were a disappointment (besides not seeing the Archie and Edith Bunker skit I already mentioned). My camera battery went dead and I have no pictures of the concert. Two Cents: Have pictures; will share. My friend, as we were leaving Harriet Island, mentioned the lack of security at such a public event. 13
Monkee Shines perform. I don’t go to watch other people shake, rattle, and roll in front of me.
No Police or Security Guards were checking people for weapons, drugs, or explosives (remembering the firecracker incident during the concert) when we entered the park. She felt it could be real easy to bring a gun into the park. I had to admit she had a very valid concern.
“Girl” “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You” “I Wanna Be Free” “I’ll Love You Forever” (Note: David played guitar) “Papa Gene’s Blues” (Note: David had a maraca solo in the middle of the song) “Let Them Be Little” “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” “Daydream Believer” “Secret Love” “No Time”
Overall, a great concert on a perfect summer night. I came. I sang. I laughed. I danced. I saw some spectacular fireworks. Two Cents: It seems wherever Jones is, there’s always fireworks! Set List: “I’m A Believer” “Valleri” (Note: David used a tambourine during parts of the song) “What Am I Doing Hangin’ Round” “Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow)” “It’s Nice To Be With You” “Wasted Days, Wasted Nights” “I Love You Like I Love New York City” “Consider Yourself” “The Greatest Story Ever Told” “She Hangs Out” “Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby” (Note: a great, great swing song. Why the front rows of people didn't get up and dance during this song I’ll never know.) Two Cents: Speaking on behalf of someone sitting in the second row, it’s simply showing courtesy and respect for the people sitting behind us. When I go to a concert, I go to see the entertainer
Photo by Bonnie Borgh 14
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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
Ronda Russell 2031 Glen Avenue Beloit, WI 53411
Mike Nesmith Video Ranch 8 Harris Court Suite C1 Monterey, CA 93940 Micky Dolenz Paradise Artists 108 East Matilija Street Ojai, CA 93023
ADDRESS CHANGE!
Susan Bragga 5728 Gatehouse Terrace Apt. A Eau Claire. WI 54701-5128 NEW
Maria Tereza Pinho Gomes Da Silva Praca Cardeal Arcoverde #25 Apt. 802 Rio De Janeiro — RJ CEP 220440-030 Brazil
Jenny Hersey 31 Prescott Street Apt. 23 Concord, NH 03301
Diane Scharp 14850 Phelps Drive Bridgeton, MO 63044
Beverly Ann Clark 2710 Crestmont Drive Garland, TX 75040
James Elswick 5017 W 2nd Street South Bloomfield, OH 43103
Nina Totaro 137 Long Point Road Stevensville, Maryland 216663639
Kathy Brewer 1198 Turkey Blind Road Crossville, TN 38572 15
Monkee Shines Colleen Johnson 9104 Lemona Drive St. Louis, MO 63123 Susan Jensen 210 Washington Street Audubon, IA 50025-1133
LET US KNOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE LISTED
E-mail Pals
Maria Tereza Pinho Gomes Da Silva: terezaharrison@uol.com.br 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.
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Monkee Shines For the concert, David wore a nice chartreuse colored longsleeve silk shirt and black pants. The concert finished about 9:30 pm. Donned in his Manchester United apparel, David graciously signed autographs after the show.
David at La Porte By: Bonnie Borgh David Jones performed on Friday, March 31, 2006 at 7:35 pm at the La Porte Civic Auditorium in La Porte, Indiana. The official PFG set list was recorded as follows: I’m A Believer Look Out Here Comes Tomorrow Valleri What Am I Doing Hangin’ Round? It’s Nice To Be With You Wasted Days and Wasted Nights Let Them Be Little Consider Yourself She Hangs Out Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby? Bright Side of the Road I Wanna Be Free (I’ll) Love You Forever Papa Jean’s Blues Free (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone Daydream Believer A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You No Time
For those keeping score (see issue #64):
I’ll Be True 2U APB (Acquired Point Breakdown) Fall 2006 Name Points Micky Dolenz David Jones 1700 Michael Nesmith Peter Tork
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0 0 500
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Peter News Saturday November 11th, 2006
Saturday August 11th, 2007
United Fan Con窶年ov 11 and 12 Springfield Marriott 2 Boland Way Springfield, MA http://www.unitedfandom.com/ Price: See ticket info on website Further details will posted as they become available.
Art in the Park Concert Series City Park Manhattan, Kansas 785-587-2757 Price: Free
SSB will play Saturday 11/11, and on Sunday 11/12. Peter and SSB will appear during a set interval for autographs and photos on Saturday and perform as the final concert for the weekend. Ticket information: : http://www.unitedfancon.com/modu les.php?name=Content&pa=showp age&pid=4 Friday February 2nd, 2007 Festival of the 60s Minehead Somerset TA 245SH UK
http://www.butlinsonline.co.uk/i ndex.cfm?channel=2269&offer_ id=1686 Further details will be posted as they become available. This is a 3-day event, February 24. Also appearing: Spencer Davis Group, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Herman's Hermits and more.
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Mike News USA - This April, 2006, Michael Nesmith releases his latest album Rays; a cinematic journey of sound with elements of swing, jazz and instrumental funk that come together to form what he calls "New Century Modern". Once again, Nesmith pioneers a new genre, contributing fresh, inventive and timeless dimensions to our current musical landscape.
pearing of something that already exists but was just unseen. Rays was the first time I ever actually saw that happen. And now that I've seen it I am aware that all the past works have happened the same way." - Michael Nesmith
"For a time I thought Rays had come together differently than any other project I had worked on, until it dawned on me all the various works I had been involved in had happened the same way and doing Rays was simply the first time I had seen it. Rays was my own personal Copernican Shift. For years Rays laid around in bits and pieces, and there were long periods when I would put them all away, like disparate parts of disparate building blocks. As if one was a recipe, another was a blueprint, another was a map. I couldn't see how they fit together. I kept going, as much for not having anything else to do as for the curiosity of how it would all turn out, but I did keep going, and I'm glad I did. It was when I was putting on the horn parts, dreaming of Memphis and Stax Volt that it all came together. It was as if I had come into the garage one evening, and was looking at the detritus of a failed effort laying all over the floor, when suddenly there was this array, a kind of order to it that I had never imagined. That was exciting. It felt new, and gave me the inspiration I needed to finish. This after four years of wandering in darkness --- which actually happened to be one of the lines from Rays. I had always imagined "emergence" as the gradual ap-
Nez’s new album “Rays� is now available at videoranch.com.
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Micky News Joshua Park and Micky Dolenz Will Play Father and Son in Goodspeed's Pippin By Kenneth Jones June 7, 2006 This summer's new Goodspeed Musicals revival of Pippin, which will tour in the fall, will star Tom Sawyer actor Joshua Park as the searching title Prince, and Monkees and Aida veteran Micky Dolenz as Charlemange. Gabriel Barre will direct the new production of composerlyricist Stephen Schwartz's coming -of-age musical, which has a book by Roger O. Hirson. Andre Ward (Broadway's Saturday Night Fever) has been cast as the Leading Player, a role originated by Ben Vereen. Pippin will begin at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, CT, July 14. It ends there Sept. 24. Opening is Aug. 9. After its run at the Goodspeed Opera House, the show will immediately begin a national tour. "Mischievous, magical, humorous and captivating — Tony Award-winning Pippin is the lively coming of age story of Charlemagne's oldest son," according to Goodspeed. "A surprise waits around every corner as Pippin wanders through the worlds of politics, love and war before finding his true calling." The score includes "Magic to Do,"
"Corner of the Sky" and "No Time at All." The cast also includes Jason Blaine as Theo, James Royce Edwards as Lewis, Shannon Lewis (Broadway's Contact, Fosse and Candide) as Fastrada and Barbara Marineau (Broadway's Beauty and the Beast, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Shenandoah) as Berthe. Teal Wicks will play Pippin's love interest, Catherine. The rest of the company includes Sara Antkowiak-Maier, Stephen Brotebeck, Molly Tynes Corkern, Jason Dougherty, Dell Howlett (Broadway's Aida), Ryan Kelly, Karl Maier, Lauren Marshall, Candy Olsen, Vincent Rodriguez III (first national tour of 42nd Street), and Dana Winkle (Goodspeed Musicals' Mack & Mabel, national tours of 42nd Street and Chicago). Swings for this production are Ashley Arcement and Brandon Tyler Fields. Park's credits include the title role of Broadway's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and OffBroadway's Streets of New York, plus Sarah, Plain and Tall at The O'Neill Theatre and Master Har20
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David News old‌ at the Westport Country Playhouse. This will be Park's first appearance at the Goodspeed Opera House. Mark Dendy will choreograph. The design team includes Beowulf Boritt (scenic), Liz Prince (costumes), Kevin Adams (lighting). Music direction for Pippin is by Michael O'Flaherty, Goodspeed's resident music director. Mark Hartman (Broadway's Miss Saigon, 1776 ) will serve as music director/conductor. Michael Croiter and David Chiapeta will orchestrate. Pippin is produced for Goodspeed Musicals by Michael P. Price. For more information, visit www.goodspeed.org.
Friday, November 3rd Northumberland, PA Front Street Station Saturday, November 4th North Umberland, PA Front Street Station November 10th Springfield, MA United Fan Con unitedfancon.com December 2nd Private event February 18th Tampa, Florida Florida State Fair floridastatefair.com
David’s Tour dtaes: Saturday, October 28, 2006 Davy goes on at 9:30PM sharp for tickets: http:// www.larentr.com/ Half Hollow Hills Performing Arts Center 50 Vanderbilt Pkwy Dix Hills, NY
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The Wonder of Wheeling By Janet Litterio (photos from LaPorte by Tom Litterio)
David and Janet
All of the above scenarios happened recently….here’s the scoop. What could possibly be the perfect ending of a summer family vacation? Everyone in your family still speaking to each other upon returning home? GOOD! A limo picking you up from the airport so you don’t have to drive back home? BETTER! A family outing to see DAVY JONES at the end of your vacation, close to home, on a national holiday? Doesn’t get much better than that, boys and girls!!!!!
A few days before July 4, my hubby Tom, our two sons- both boysreturned from our family vacation. Coming home from O’Hare, we were caught up in horrendous traffic, nearly tripling the usual travel time from the airport. We decided then to stay over after David’s July 4 show in Wheeling as the show wasn’t too far from O’Hare. I made our hotel reservations, unpacked from vacation, re-packed… 22
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we’re off again. Our poor dogsboth girls- were wondering if they were ever going to see us again.
walked around the fest, did some sight-seeing around the northern ‘burbs’ then went back to our temporary home and had a late lunch. Now, when we checked into our temporary abode, we were quite surprised to hear NOISE in the front of the building. And I DO mean NOISE….DRILLING kinda noise….jackhammers…the whole 9 yards. Our room was facing the front of the building, we were on one of the top floors, so we didn’t get as much noise as the first two or three floors did. Bet those people did not get much rest.
Our two sons joined us on our Wheeling adventure-they wanted to come and see David. Now, there is a limit as to the time young adults spend with the folks, so they went to visit a friend for the afternoon, but did arrive back well in time to see David take the stage. They were quite amazed when they arrived at the park and recognized faces they had seen from hosting our Lockport shows. You mean to tell me there’s others just like the two of you? But I digress once again…..
A lovely forest preserve was across the street from the hotel, so we decided we’d take a stroll along the trail. But first, we thought we’d need a little hydration, so we stopped at our vehicle to get some water to take with us. Concentrating intensely on not getting in the way of the drill/jackhammer operator, and also trying to figure out
So, we checked in at the hotel, drove to the park to stake out our territory AKA put down our collapsible chairs…whew...I think we’re set for a while. Brian and David took off for their adventure with their friend. Tom and I 23
Monkee Shines where to safely cross the street to get to the woods, we spot a man standing in front of the hotel. I was getting my story straight in the event this man thought we were part of the construction crew… really sir, we’re not part of the crew, we’re just here to see Davy Jones….we have nothing to do with the noise, honestly.
me, in the event a CEOTJK should occur, however they were not on my person when said encounter did occur. And by the way, wouldn’t you think I would be able to realize that man was David, even from afar? Me too, so I did schedule an eye exam….since I recently turned 50, my prescription for my contact lenses had changed. That explains it, now I can see clearly again!
Hmm…this man looks our way, and suddenly says something. At first I could not hear what he was saying, and wasn’t sure he was talking to us. As we approach each other, he says something again….wait just a New York minute….I don’t think this is just any man here….taking off my sunglasses so I can believe what I think my eyes are seeing……it isn’t just any man…why it’s THE MAJOR BABE!!!!!
Thankfully, after we greeted each other and began chatting, the drilling ceased and we had a very pleasant chat. I should have slipped the driller some cash to take a longer break so we could continue our conversation. When the drillin’ started again… uuuggghhhh…..we said our ‘see you laters” we went walking, and David went back inside.
Oh dear…where did I stash my Altoids???? I brought plenty with
Soon after, we went back to the park to meet up and visit with
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some friends and passed the time until THE big event! The boys returned from their journey and joined us at our seats. As we were sitting there minding our own business…chatting with people…we were asked to move up to the section that was cordoned off up front. We ended up right in front of the stage. Before long, it was show time!!!
ter get those albums when we’re all in “All Jones, All The Time” to pass our time. That David, in addition to being a superb singer/songwriter/musician, continually dazzles us with his dance moves, still can shake those maracas with the best of ‘em, he’s pretty darn funny!! I have to say that one of my favorites that he sings is “I Wanna Be Free.” That was in the Wheeling repertoire thankfully. All of the songs he/they sing are just so happy and uplifting…it’s very difficult to remain in one’s seat and sit still during a concert.
The band did their usual introductions….and within moments, David appeared on stage. I did not take note of the set list, but the show consisted of the tunes that we all know and love. David did a new bit…since we’re all getting a little more “young and younger” he was telling us about songs by other artists that we all know, but he added a different twist. Abba’s “Denture Queen”, Peter Noone’s “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Walker” Tony Orlando’s “Knock 3 Times on the Ceiling If You See Me Fall.” I think we bet-
David shared a bit of his wisdom with the crowd…this concerning happiness. Just as all of us feel happiness when we see our friends, he said that he also feels happy when his friends come to see him perform. He shared a little ditty that went something like this…”there is no way to happi25
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ness, happiness is the way.” When you stop and think about it, that is very true. Just as “good things stand the test of time”, happiness is surely the way when you’re a member of the audience at one of David’s shows.
day before our 2004 Lockport show, he(David) and Dave Robicheau sang that song on the air during the radio interview. We all have our favorite songs, and with a little luck, at one show or another, hopefully we will hear David sing our favorite.
One song that has been added more recently to the set list “Let Them Be Little”….oh dear…..how can you stay dry eyed with that song? Such a beautiful song, sung magnificently…and the meaning is oh, so true. Another song, which I had never heard David sing before…this was sung toward the very end…”Secret Love.” A lovely tune indeed, I hope this one stays on the set list. “Greatest Story Ever Told” was also sung in Wheeling. I had first heard that song fairly recently- when David was being interviewed by Greg Brown on Chicago’s WJMK the
The show ended with an acapella—that’s a song without music?— version of The Star Spangled Banner. The band came to the front of the stage, the girls joined “the boys” and they all sang that song to commemorate our national holiday. As the last note was sung, the fireworks began!! What a moment!!! Although I am certain that there are many that will disagree with me, as they will say the fireworks began when David walked on stage. Ok…whatever…who am I to argue? Gridlock ensued in the parking lot 26
Monkee Shines after the show. We finally arrived back to our temporary abode…the boys had arrived more quickly than we did. They ordered a pizza…gotta have snacks ya know. We could have used a little something sweet after the pizza….chocolate chip cookies kept coming to mind. We should have called downstairs for some…but I bet they were long gone by that time. If you’re kept awake from drillin’—eat chocolate!! That’s my motto, and I’m stickin’ to it.
mer family vacation, and oh what an ending it was! A Davy Jones concert….along with a CEOTJK to boot! Vacations don’t get much better than this!!! Thanks David, it was wonderful to see you again and another great show was enjoyed by all!!
So this was the ending of our sum-
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EPCOT 2006 By: Hazel Wilkinson Our English Correspondent hour earlier and through Customs in 3/4 hours and on our way to Westgate Lakes Resort to meet my brother and family.
Hi there P.F.G. friends:
I was on a visit to Manchester to meet my new great niece, Thalia Deborah, and was remindWe were the ed that twelve first to arrive so months had went to Denny’s passed since for a meal and brother David to pick up supdid his concerts plies. The band at EPCOT. How were arriving, could I forget it and Aviva had was the week I her mother, lost Ken and Helen, with her, Photo courtesy of Haze Wilkinson many of the famand it was lovely ily were there in the USA. We to meet up with them. We had planned to go, but with Ken’s needed to rest after our long illness, I knew that it wasn’t going flight. David had gone off for the sound check, (I thought to be. stars never did sound checks...) Cousins Gerald and Geraldine but as soon as he got back, he had booked their flight and would was in our room putting on our be meeting up with David like the kettle and looking at photos of year before. Gerald said, “Why his new great nieces. He was don’t you come with us?” and back again next morning joining with a little encouragement from us for breakfast and telling us the rest of the family my tickets about the arrangements. Sawere booked and arrangements rah, John, and Harrison arrived made to travel with them. Gerald and had a nephew and niece had been very supportive over with them. It was lovely to meet the year, and I knew I would be Harrison for the first time. He’s taken care of. Our flight was so bright and bubbly and kept great, and we even arrived one us all entertained with his chat. 28
Monkee Shines turning and nearly ended up in Tampa in torrential rain so she had to follow us next trip.
Our apartment started to fill up. Even little Joshua Robicheau found his way to us. We all set off in convoy to EPCOT late afternoon. Security was tight, and they checked every car and passes. All this had been arranged by Debbie Robicheau, and she did a good job supplying us with lovely laminated passes. We went into David’s dressing room and had iced drinks to cool down, and then when he started to get dressed for his first concert, we took our seats next to front row as usual cordoned off for family and friends, and Helen joined us. Aviva seemed pleased that her Mum was being taken care of. The stadium started to fill up. The line had been waiting for hours and eagerly got seated.
On the Saturday we set off early to look around Disney and left David to rest and spend time with Sarah and company. It was busy, and we had to wait fifty minutes for some rides but enjoyed “Small World”, “Peter Pan”, and “All The Presidents” show. We got back to EPCOT by boat in time for the next three concerts, and I was footsore and shattered, and David gave me a foot massage. Refreshed and rejuvenated, we met up with family and friends of the band and watched the next three shows together. David sang “I’ll Love You Forever” for us and “Let Them Be Little” for Sarah. As each concert finished, the audience dashed out and got in line again. These fans are so dedicated, and I had pictures taken and chats with groups of them.
The show went well, and David was well received and kept the audience amused with his jokes and energetic dancing often going out into the crowd shaking hands and having photos taken as well as singing.
Back at the Resort, we relaxed and caught up with family news. Sunday was “Mother’s Day” (not in England), and we went for a special lunch, and David’s neighbors from Beavertown joined us, and then Gerald and Geraldine and I went off to a local mall to look for gifts and a t-shirt for Robert.
The band members had not all played together before, but it sounded fine to me. There was a meal backstage after the first show, and we took the opportunity to quickly look around EPCOT just around the stadium before taking our seats for the next two. We watched the fireworks display each evening before leaving together.
Back at the Resort, we went for a swim, and as we arrived and got seated a little girl about four ran along the side of the pool and fell in. Her family across
Somehow Aviva missed the 29
Monkee Shines screamed out, and Gerald jumped in and pulled her out. None of the family could swim; they informed us later. It was quite a scary moment, but we laughed when Gerald realized he had dollars in his pocket, and they were soaked and had to be hung out to dry.
and was more animated and agile than ever. Dave Clark joined the band for the last night, and the music was great, and some of the audience put on white Micky gloves and waved in time, and Aviva had hers on, too. David climbed over seats and even swung on a tree like a monkey! I must admit I enjoyed all twelve shows and was very proud to watch my brother perform.
Setting off in convoy, we had to wait for David as he was moving a huge turtle out of the car port to safety, and it neck was reaching out ready to bite him. He lowered into the lake quickly, a and we set off laughing!
We watched the fireworks for the last time, and I decided to wrap up the banana loaf left over for our late night snack. I didn’t realize they had all gone, and I tried to find out which door did they disappear through in the dark. Gerald must have missed me and came through the crowd to rescue me.
As it was “Mothering Sunday”, David threw out t-shirts with “Davy knows your Mother” written on the front. (I brought one back for Robert.) Every show went well, and it seemed the audience was full of “Mothers”. He changed his list of songs slightly and sang for all mothers everywhere and special for Aviva’s mother, “Once I Had A Secret Love”.
We all said our goodbyes after breakfast, and everyone set off in different directions. Gerald and Geraldine were driving to Daytona and continuing their holiday, and I was off to Indiantown with David for our special time together. I had enjoyed every minute at EPCOT. I’ll be back!
Dave Clark arrived for the last three shows and had been to his daughter’s confirmation. We set off early next day to try out some of the rides, and the adults went on “Soaring”, and the children on suitable rides for them. I sat with David on one side and Sarah’s young nephew on the other. It was pretty scary flying over San Francisco Bridge and jets screaming past. David was pretty tired by this time but pulled out all the stops
P.S. Meant to say The Queen had a party at Buckingham Palace and a concert (lots of artists), and they played two or three Monkees’ tunes during the day in the grounds in London.
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If By Cindy Bryant & Bonnie Borgh (okay we’re no Rudyard Kipling...but he’s no Davy Jones!)
If you can find your tickets when all about you Have lost theirs and are blaming it on you; If you can drive yourself through orange cones, Not even aware of construction zones; If you can rush and not be tired of rushing, To autograph lines that never end, without a cry, Or being pushed, don’t give way to pushing, And still you smile, with a happy sigh: If you can dream — and see your dreams come true; If you can think — and not babble nonsense; If you can hear old songs and new While focusing your zoom lens; If you can bear to hear old jokes they’ve told A thousand times you crazy lot, Or watch the shows you grew to love as gold, And tape and save ‘em all with VCRs you’ve bought; If you can make one heap of all your souvenirs And not think about how much it all cost, And cherish all the crazy, happy years And never breathe a word about it to your boss; If you can force your friends, and family too, To listen to your stories of the road, And so hold on when there is nothing to do Except to plot and plan the next road ode If you can talk with virtual strangers about the Monkees, Or film an episode — to be shown on TV, If neither foes nor friends can understand your pleas It’s not brain surgery, just Let It Be; If you can erase reality just a bit Rewind back to yester century whence it all began — Yours is Monkeemania and everything that’s in it. And — which is more — you’ll be a Monkees’ fan!
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Memories Courtesy of Our Foreign Correspondent, Hazel Wilkinson
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Monkee Shines Dear Cindy: I just can’t wait for the next issue to ask you “Who is the DJ, and what does he have to do with the show?”
Personal Ads
Bonnie
Dear David:
Dear ALBKerrie SLASH ALBDavy2: Do you know who you are now?
Have you been playing with your new game?
Lauren St. David
Parker Sisters Kimmi…..
Dear Janet:
Just one word….
Sweetest Day just wasn’t the same in 2006. Same Time Next Year?
POISON!!!?? What were you thinking?
The Gang
Mumsy
Dear Kimmi and Kevin:
To Mother, Happy Birthday and Happy Halloween! From Denise and the 10 Boys
Happy 1st Anniversary! The Gang
Dear Petah Petah Petah:
Diane,
We’re so sorry we missed you at Brookfield Zoo this summer. How have ya been?
Wanna play a game?
The Gang
Cindy And you know who you are! 39
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Happy 40th Anniversary from the PFG and fans around the world!
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Sheffield Telegraph Friday March 14, 1997 article courtesy Hazel Wilkinson POP: Martin Lilleker talks to the reunited Monkees and country honky tonk band BR5-49
Monkees ape the originals A straw poll of people of a certain age came up with a clear conclusion—the favorite Monkee by a long chalk was Mike Nesmith. Something to do with the ever present woolly bobble hat: the quizzical expressions; and a sense of humour which seemed just a little cooler than the more slapstick ap-
proach of the others, and also because away from the Monkees, he is the only one to have gone on to pursue a solo musical career of more than a little merit. And he is also the only one who is virtually unrecognizable from when he was one of the four freshfaced youths that were picked from 42
Monkee Shines hundreds of hopefuls when auditions for The Monkees were held in 1965. He is now a bearded, grizzled presence, alongside the 50something yet boyish faces of the other three, who looks like he has lived life to the full since he left the band in 1971. None of this appearing in Godspell, directing kids TV programmes, such as Metal Mickey, or attempting to become a jockey. He toured for years with his own country band, The First National Band, and was involved in a number of films including as executive producer of the cult classic Repo Man. And he ws the only one who adamantly refused to get involved in any Monkees’ revival until now. And it is almost certain that his presence on The Monkees tour which arrives at Sheffield Arena tonight has given it a credence which umpteen previous attempts to revive the band have not. Unless nostalgia has simply gone mad… Micky Dolenz, and Davy Jones have had various goes over the years, Peter Tork tried and failed to cash-in on the name (with a band called The New Monks), and a tour involving the three of them in 1989, which included a Sheffield date, didn’t garner much interest. But this time around, with all four back together, episodes of the TV series available for the first time on video, a new TV special already made, a new album, Justus, recorded, and the possibility of a new film; The Monkees are threatening to return for good. “It’s all part of a 50-yearold plan,” says Micky Dolenz
(blame him for Metal Mickey) who lived in Newark until recently. “The Monkees have always been The Monkees, whoever it has been, It’s like Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. Sometimes they go out as Crosby and Nash, or Crosby, Stills, and Nash… the whole becomes greater than the sum of the parts.” “This tour is different in the sense that with Mike Nesmith back on board we can recreate the Monkees in their entirety. The Beatles could never do that now.” Which may be true but is a ridiculous comparison. So, The Monkees outsold The Beatles in their short but successful heyday in the late Sixties, but they were just a bit of harmless fun who made 52 episodes of an endearing show and happened to make some amazing pop singles which they didn’t write and rarely played on.. This time around The Monkees aim to prove they can at least play. “We will be augmented by other musicians,” says Dolenz, who played drums in the original band. “But we will be playing. And at the end of the show we will take it in turns to do a solo spot, tunes from our roots. I’ll do old bluesy tunes, Davy will do some show tunes (and a tap dance routine), Pete will be more rock and roll while Mike will be country.It works well.” There will, of course, be all of those wonderful songs –I’m A Believer, Daydream Believer, (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone, Pleasant Valley Sunday as well as oddities such as Dolenz’ Randt Scouse Git 43
Monkee Shines and Tork’s For Pete’s Sake and, no doubt, some from the pen of Nesmith (Mary, Mary, Circle Sky, Listen To The Band, etc.) There will also be some from the new album, Justus, which didn’t exactly receive glowing reviews and, funnily enough, the expensive PR company promoting The Monkees over here (the USA has yet to see the four of them back together
live), failed to get a copy to us despite several requests. Unfortunately one national newspaper critic who saw The Monkees at Glassgow at the weekend said it was “absolutely the worst gig I have seen in my life.” Still, it’ll be nice to see the chao in the woolly hat again.
If you enjoyed this newsletter, please tell your friends. If you didn’t, tell them it belongs to David Cassidy!
Photo by Bonnie Borgh 44