Issue 70 by The Purple Flower Gang

Monkee Shines

Richard Mikuls Dies of a heart attack

Issue 70 Summer 2008

David acts Goofy at Disney

Inside: Epcot 2008 We’re Gonna Make it After All I Hear A Symphony Great Moments in Monkee History Mike News Micky News Peter News David News Richard Mikuls Has A Heart Attack And more….

David in Elgin, IL.

Photo by Bonnie Borgh

Monkee Shines Table of Contents

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Letter from the Editor ...............................3 Great Moments in Monkee History .........4 Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Gonna Make It After All ..............9 I Hear A symphony ..................................26 Pen Pals .....................................................30 E Pals .........................................................31 Mike News ................................................32 Peter News ................................................34 David News...............................................34 Micky News .............................................35 Richard Mikuls Had A Heart Attack .......36 Epcot 2008 ................................................37 Personal Ads .............................................40

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My sincerest thanks to all who made this issue possible: As always The PFG Road Crew â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bonnie Borgh, Kimmi Wright, Janet Litterio, and Colleen Johnson and their families, Dawn Hoffman, Hazel and Robert Wilkinson, Peter Tork, Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, David Jones and their families who make it all possible and a whole lot of fun!

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Monkee Shines

From the Editor! much...not an easy thing to do. But every day gets better. This issue has Hazel’s report from Epcot and my first road trip with Bonnie, Dawn, and Janet since my surgeries. It was great fun and much needed too. Hazel had barely gotten home from Epcot when she was surprised to find Peter Tork performing in England so she and Robert went to see their old friend perform. That story will be in the next issue of Monkee Shines. In July the road crew set out for St. Charles, MO. to see David at the Bottle Neck Blues Bar. It was a very special trip for me because my sister, who was with me the first time I saw David perform in 1971, came along. We’ll share that adventure in the next issue too. As you will see on the news and dates pages, there are lots of shows coming up for all of the guys. If you go to any of them please share your story with the Gang! Cindy

Dear Gang, We’ve gone from one disaster to another around here but things have finally dried up from the June flooding that literally turned the state of Iowa into Lake Iowa, although it will take a long time to rebuild many places and some towns may never recover. Bonnie and I were relatively lucky. On a good day you can see the

Mississippi River from my apartment . In June it was over the road in front of my parking lot but that is as far as it got. I know a lot of people who were not so lucky. Thank you again for your prayers and wishes as I continue to recover. The doctors say I am doing god but it seems so slow to me. I have had to learn to give myself a break and not expect so

Notice We will make every effort to publish Monkee Shines on the last week of October, January, April, and July. If for some reason it is going to be delayed you will be notified by postcard. As always, if you are unhappy with your membership for any reason, we will be happy to refund the remainder of your membership dues upon request.

Monkee Shines

Birthdays and other special events

May

26 28

Billy Beck The Monkees hold press conference at the Hard Rock Hotel in NYC to kick off their 20th Anniversary Reunion Tour (1986) 28 Kim Boatman 29 David Jones at Tiger Stadium, Massillon, Ohio (1994) 29 Rick Schwinden 31 Samantha Juste

David Jones in "Real Live Brady Bunch", Morgantown, West Virginia (1994) 2 Johnny Ware 2 Leslie Gore 2 Emmy nominations announced: Best Comedy Series (Producers Bert Schneider & Bob Rafelson); Best Comedy Director (James Frawley, "Royal Flush") 3 Bert Schneider 5 Tony Asselta 8 Michael on "American Bandstand" performs "Nevada Fighter" 8 Brendon Cahill 9 Tommy Roe 9 Scottish actor Monte Landis signs for ten Monkees segments 10 Fats Domino 10 Donovan 12 Peter on "Boy Meets World" (1995) 12 Bill Chadwick 14 Lek Leckenby 15 David Jones at Hershey Park Amphitheatre, Hershey, Pennsylvania (1993) 16 David Jones at Hershey Park Amphitheatre, Hershey, Pennsylvania (1993) 19 Davy hosts "TV's All Time Favorites on CBS (1995) 19 Pete Townsend 20 Susan Cowsill 20 Cher 22 Trina Dolenz 23 Micky Dolenz at Adventureland, Des Moines, Iowa (1992) 23 Cindy Bryant 24 Bob Dylan

June 1 1 2 3 4

6 7 9 11 12 12 13 14 14 15 16 17

Ron Wood Pat Boone Charlie Watts Janet Litterio The Monkees' show receives two Emmy awards for Best Comedy Series and Best Comedy Director (1967) Gary US Bonds Tom Jones LA radio station 93/KHJ sponsors "The Monkees" concert at the Hollywood Bowl Mary Ann Hart "Headquarters" album released (1967) Micky Dolenz at Burlington Steamboat Days, Burlington, Iowa (1991) Michael on "Late Night with David Letterman" (1983) "The Monkees Greatest Hits" released (1969) Micky Dolenz at Holiday Star, Merrillville, Indiana (1991) Harry Nilsson John Franklin The Monkees (Micky, David, and Michael) on The Tonight Show in NY

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17 17 17 18 18 20 20 20 21 21 22 23 23 25 26 28 28

29 30

with Johnny Carson (1969) Ken Wilkinson David Jones (Teen Idol Tour) Burlington Steamboat Days, Burlington, Iowa (1998) The Monkees (minus Mike) at Burlington Steamboat Days, Burlington, Iowa (2001) "Headquarters" album receives Gold Record (1967) Paul McCartney Michael's Cruisin' video airs on "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert" The Monkees (minus Mike) at Burlington Steamboat Days, Burlington, Iowa (1986) Brian Wilson DJB&H debuts their act at Six Flags in St. Louis, Missouri before 12,500 people (1975) Ray Davies "D.W. Washburn" #19 (last Top 20 Hit) (1968) Howard Kaylan The Monkees arrive in Paris to begin shooting for show (1967) Hank Cicalo Annabel Jones (1988) The Monkees (minus Mike) at Iowa Cubs Sec Taylor Stadium, Des Moines, Iowa (1996) First group interview (Micky, Davy, Michael, and Peter) since 1968 at KLOS Radio Station in LA on the "Mark and Brian" Show (1989) Pizza Hut commercial debuts with Micky, Davy, Peter, and Ringo Starr (1995) The Monkees on "The Pat Sajak Show" (1989)

3 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 10

10 10 11

July 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3

12 12 12

Ron Masak First concert of the 1987 tour in Tucson, Arizona (1987) First concert of the 1989 tour in Winnipeg, Canada (1989) Naom Pitlik Kelly Jean Peters Winton Teel David Jones at Buffalo Racetrack, Hamburg, New York (1994) Harrison Rand Jones McFadden Sarah Jones (1971) Jerry Blavat David Jones at Summerfest, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1991)

12 13 13 13 16 18 18

David Jones in "Oliver!" rehearsal Starlight Theatre, Kansas City, Missouri (1993) David Jones in "Oliver!" Starlight Theatre, Kansas City, Missouri (1993) Peter on "Geraldo" "Pleasant Valley Sunday" released (1967) "That Was Then, This Is Now" enters Billboard Top 100 at #88 with a bullet (1986) David Jones in "Oliver!" Starlight Theatre, Kansas City, Missouri (1993) David Jones, Frontier Days, Arlington Heights, Illinois (2003) "Heart & Soul" video shot in Hollywood Pat Paulsen Press conference in NYC announcing thirty-city tour (1967) Ringo Starr Peter on "Late Night with David Letterman" (1982) "Pleasant Valley Sunday" receives Gold Record (1967) Michael Nesmith performs with The Monkees at the Universal Amphitheatre, Los Angeles, California (1989) The Monkees received their Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 11:00 a.m. in front of the Vogue Theatre (1989) David Jones at Westroads Shopping Mall, Omaha, Nebraska (1987) David Jones (Mark Lindsay/Eric Burdon) at Rivinia, Highland Park, Illinois (1991) Peter on "The Stephen Banks Show" (1994) Peter Meyerson Joe Higgins David Jones at Walden's Bookstore, Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, Illinois (1987) The Monkees (minus Mike) at Poplar Creek, Hoffman Estates, Illinois (1987) DJB&H tour southeast Asia and Japan (1976) Roger McGuinn David Jones at street fest in Elkhart, Indiana (1991) The Monkees tour Japan for the first time since October 8, 1968 (1989) Brian Auger Dion DiMucci

Monkee Shines 18 19 19 19 20 21 22 22 22 24 25 26 26 27 27 27 29 30 30 31

Micky Dolenz at Williamsburg Beach Party, Williamsburg, Iowa (1992) The Monkees (as a Trio) on the "Johnny Cash Show" on ABC David Jones at Heart of Illinois Fair, Peoria, Illinois (1993) David Jones/Micky Dolenz, Casino Magic, Bay of St. Louis, Mississippi (1994) David Jones/Micky Dolenz, Casino Magic, Bay of St. Louis, Mississippi (1994) Barry Whitwam The final show in Toyko, Japan (1989) Bobby Sherman Stanley Ralph Ross Ruth Buzzi Emily Dolenz (1983) Mick Jagger David Jones on "Sally Jessy Raphael", New York City, New York (1993) MFQ performs "Laura" on "Michael Nesmith in Television Parts" ninetyminute special David Jones in South Bend, Indiana (1991) David Jones at Tobin Plaza, World Trade Center, New York City, New York (1993) "Pleasant Valley Sunday" #3 (1967) Phyllis Nesmith Paul Anka Gary Lewis

10 10 11 13 14 15 16 16 18 18 18 19 19 19 20 20 20 20

August 4 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 814 8 9

22 26 27

David Jones aired "Sally Jessy Raphael" (1993) "Words" #11 (1967) Billie Hayes David Jones/Micky Dolenz, Holiday Star, Merrillville, Indiana (1994) David Jones in "Oliver!" Muny Theatre, St. Louis, Missouri (1993) David Jones/Micky Dolenz, Point Park 3 Rivers Regatta, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1994) Jason Nesmith (1968) Jack Good David Jones in "Oliver!" Muny Theatre, St. Louis, Missouri (1993) Davy portrays "Fagin" in "Oliver!" at Kansas City's Starlight Theatre (1988) Charlotte Dolenz (1981) Nita Talbot David Jones at Fargo Fest, Moline,

27 28 28 28 29 29 30 30

Illinois (1992) Micky on "Tonight Show" with Jay Leno (1994) Ronnie Spector Michael's "Rio" video airs on "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert" (1979) Marilyn Schlossberg La Salandra David Crosby Rose Marie "Last Train To Clarksville" released (1966) Julie Newmar "That Was Then, This Is Now" #20 (1986) David Jones/Micky Dolenz, Milwaukee Zoo, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1994) The Monkees (minus Mike) at The Mark of the Quad Cities, Moline, Illinois (1996) Hazel Wilkinson David Jones/Micky Dolenz, Treasure Island Casino, Red Wing, Minnesota (1994) Billy J. Kramer Peter Tork and Friends at The Vic, Chicago, Illinois (1988) David Jones at The Bismarck, Chicago, Illinois (1990) David Jones/Micky Dolenz, Lake, Rattle, and Roll, Lake Superior, Wisconsin (1994) David Jones/Micky Dolenz, Treasure Island Casino, Red Wing, Minnesota (1994) Ron Dante Bob Cowsill Peter's first album "Stranger Things Have Happened" released on Beachwood Records (1994) Chip Douglas (1942) The Monkees attend The Beatles' concert at Dodger Stadium in LA (1966) Barbara Iannoli The Monkees (minus Mike) at Holiday Star, Merrillville, Indiana (1987) The Monkees (minus Mike) at Marcus Amphitheatre, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1987) Michael Jackson John Phillips The Monkees (minus Mike) at Taste of Iowa, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (1996)

September 1

Press party in Los Angeles held at

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1 1 2 3 3 3 4 4

4 5 6 6 7 8 8 9 9 9 10 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 16 17 17 18 18 18

Screen Gems to kick off a ten-day promotional tour (1966) Micky and Davy on "The Tomorrow Show" with Tom Snyder (1977) Barry Gibb The Monkees (minus Mike) at Holiday Star, Merrillville, Indiana (1989) The last show of The Monkees US tour at Six Flags in Eureka, Missouri (1989) Georgia Dolenz (1984) Alan Jardine Jessica Jones (1981) "Monkee Day" in Hollywood when Monkees received the key to the city from Honorary Mayor, Johnny Grant (1986) David Jones at Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, Ohio (1993) John Stewart "Good Clean Fun" b/w "Mommy and Daddy" released (1969) Henry Diltz (1938) 20th Anniversary Reunion with Michael Nesmith at the Greek Theater. Hollywood Reporter runs "Madness!! Auditions" ad for The Monkees (1965) Irwin Charone Variety runs "Madness!!" ad for The Monkees (1965) The Monkees moves from Saturday morning reruns on CBS to NBC (1972) Stu Phillips Jessica Nesmith (1970) Nurit Wilde Danny Huttion LA radio station 93/KHJ Boss Radio sponsors "Last Train To Clarksville" promotion (1966) The Monkees begins it's second season on NBC "It's A Nice Place To Visit (1967) "Royal Flush" (1966) The Monkees TV Show airs (1966) The Monkees returns to television as part of the Saturday morning line-up on CBS (1969) Micky on "Adam-12" on NBC Barry Cowsill Helene Winston Steve Blauner David Jones/Micky Dolenz, Worlds of Fun, Kansas City, Missouri (1994) "The Picture Frame" (1967) Frankie Avalon David Jones/Micky Dolenz, Worlds

19 19 21 21 21 22 22 23 23 23 23 23 24 24 24 25 25

25 26 26 27 27 28 29 29 29

of Fun, Kansas City, Missouri (1994) "Monkee See, Monkee Die" (1966) Paul Williams The Monkees (minus Mike) at Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, California (1987) The Monkees tour Australia for the first time since September 28, 1968 (1988) Davy on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" (1995) The Monkees (minus Mike) at Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, California (1987) David Pearl "Circus Boy" premieres on Sunday night on NBC. Micky (Dolenz) Braddock plays "Corky" (1956) Second and final appearance on the cover of TV Guide (1967) Kathleen Scott David Price David Jones in "Grease", Mulroy Civic Center, Syracuse, New York (1994) Gerry Marsden David Jones in "Grease", Mulroy Civic Center, Syracuse, New York (1994) David Jones at The Lady Luck Casino, Bettendorf, Iowa (1999) "Everywhere a Sheik, Sheik" (1967) The Monkees (minus Mike) at Harrah's (South Shore Room) Lake Tahoe (September 25 through October 1, 1987) David Jones at The Lady Luck Casino, Bettendorf, Iowa (1999) "Monkee vs Machine" (1966) Michael G. Bush Micky on "Cannon" on CBS (1872) Carl Ballentine Kimmi Wright Tommy Boyce James Frawley Jerry Lee Lewis

October 2 2 2 3 5

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

Monkee Shines Along released (1968) Edna Kulavick The Monkees (Micky, David. and Michael) guest star on "Laugh In" on NBC (1969) 8 Micky's first album "Micky Dolenz Puts You To Sleep" released on Kid Rhino. (1991) 8 Bill Martin 9 Peter Tork signs contract to do The Monkees (1965) 9 "Every Step of The Way" video was shot in Los Angeles (1987) 9 "Art For Monkees Sake" (1967) 9 John Entwistle 10 The Monkees album released (1966) 10 "The Spy Who Came In From The Cool" (1966) 11 "The Monkees Present" Micky, David, and Michael released (1969) 13 Lisa James 14 The Monkees album receives Gold Record (1966) 14 Cliff Richard 14 Barbara Woerner 14 David Jones in "Grease", Playhouse Square Theatre, Cleveland, Ohio (1994) 15 The final show in Sydney, Australia (1988) 16 "99 Pound Weakling" (1967) 17 "Success Story" (1966) 17 Gary Puckett 17 David Jones at The Lady Luck Casino, Bettendorf, Iowa (1997) 18 Micky on "Larry King Live" (1993) 18 David Jones at The Lady Luck Casino, Bettendorf, Iowa (1997) 18 Chuck Berry 18 David Jones at Lockport East High School, Lockport, Illinois (2003) 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 23 David Jones at Kowloon, Saugus, Massachusetts (1993) 23 David Jones at Lockport East High School, Lockport, Illinois (2004) 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 25

Bill Wyman "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 David Jones "Evening With David Jones", Circleville, Ohio (1992) 31 Denise Gauthier

5 6

Monkee Shines

We’re Gonna Make It After All By Bonnie Borgh, Dawn Van Meter Hoffman, Janet Litterio, and Cindy Bryant

Cindy: Who knew? Go figure!

Who can turn the world on with his smile? Who can take a nothing day and certainly make it all seem worth while? Well, it’s you now, and you should know it Each glance and every little movement you show us Worries all around; no need to take it.. We can drive to Elgin; why don’t we stake it? We’re gonna make it after all!

Bonnie: She kept herself rather busy last fall and this winter with hospital visits, surgeries, more hospital visits, more surgeries, a stroke, a little “procedure”, and a multitude of doctor appointments. It wouldn’t take a brain surgeon (or brain surgery) to figure out it was an extremely exhausting physical, emotional, and financial time for her. It would probably sound utterly ridiculous to most people that David’s concert in Elgin would be something uplifting for her to focus on.

Bonnie: It seemed like a perfectly fine idea last summer to purchase tickets for David’s February 16, 2008 show in Elgin, Illinois. It would be something to look forward to in the bleak midwinter. Besides, Dawn was from Elgin. Since David was coming to her town, we had to go despite the fact that Dawn, her husband, Harry, and children are now living in Marengo. Once an Elgin, always an Elgin; right Dawn?

Cindy: Oh but it was! A minor problem just kept building into bigger and more complicated problems that seemed to never end. I needed something positive to focus on! Dawn: (Cindy looked amazing. I am so proud of her persistence and strength through this. I know she didn’t feel strong, but she was inspiring!)

Dawn: (I actually told David back when we “Advanced to St. Charles Place that he was finally coming to my town and I don’t even live there anymore!!) I have to say it was worth the wait!

Cindy: I don’t know about that. I certainly didn’t feel very inspiring but I’m stubborn and don’t give up easily. And my friends were amazing.

Bonnie: As I begin, all that was a splendid idea until, That Girl, Cindy went and threw a little Monkee wrench into the picture.

Janet: I was so happy to see Cindy looking SO good, despite all she went through in recent 9

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months! David’s Elgin show was certainly the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, a much needed uplifting event for Cindy to look forward to, indeed.

Dawn: (I forgot about that sinus infection! My head felt like it was up in the clouds most of the day!) Bonnie: and scheduled for carpal tunnel surgery on her hand on February 18. Unofficially, we adopted the catch phrase from the movie Risky Business…”what the (bleep)!” After all, Dawn had secured for us “Golden” seats, and we’d be a real crazy lot to miss an incredible view of whatever.

Bonnie: Oblivious to the fact that Cindy still had an open wound, another winter storm was predicted to arrive late Saturday night and continue throughout the day on Sunday, February 17. Cindy: It probably wasn’t the smartest thing I ever did. I know my mom was very nervous about us going and the weather wasn’t helping her relax. I thought it best not to tell my doctor who later had to admit that it was probably the best thing for me but she was glad I didn’t tell her I was going.

Dawn: The job of getting the “Golden” seats was tough. Way back when they put the tix were put on sale Bonnie tried calling and calling, but the lines were busy. I had a busy day at work and hadn’t had a chance to try online. Bonnie was frustrated and gave me a ring. I tried to log

Bonnie: Dawn was nursing a sinus infection

Photo by Bonnie Borgh

Monkee Shines

on to the site and it wouldn’t let me!! Finally I was able to get through and pick seats. Row 4 was all that was available. I was not happy, but figured that still wasn’t bad. I had been the Hemmen’s before, even performed on the stage in a tumbling recital as a kid, so I knew that Row 4 was fine. I called Bonnie and asked and we hmm’d and haw’d together until we decided if we didn’t hurry it would be Row 15. So I purchased the tix. Then for some reason I went back online to check tix again and this time there was a row of Golden Seats in Row 1!! WHAT??? Where did those come from??? I was NOT happy and called the Hemmen’s ready to pitch a fit. The lady who answered was SO nice! She told me that she would switch out the tix for the Golden tickets and not to worry. Sure enough a couple days later the tickets were in my mailbox and in Row 1! Phew. This is so much work!

the theater as Cindy, Bonnie and Dawn. Bonnie: Several days before the concert, I woke up in the middle of the night with my heart pounding wildly. (I’ve seen that face; I’ve faced that scene before!). It was 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 16, 208. I was at my parents’ farm playing with my beloved horse I sold back in 1983. I was waiting for Cindy to call me. Then I remembered my phone was in my purse .When I got my phone I realized Cindy had called undoubtedly wondering when on earth I was planning to pick her up. My mouth was so dry I could barely speak. Realizing I hadn’t even packed for the trip yet. I said, “I’ll be there as soon as I can. We’ll talk more then.” It was then I woke up relieved that it was just a bad dream. Dawn: That was no dream. . . .that was a nightmare! Quite the opposite of the screwdriver in your basement dream, huh Bonnie??????

Cindy: Good job! Remind me to give you a raise! Janet: The ticket purchasing process was a bit perplexing. I logged on very late the evening the day tickets went on sale, thinking I’d be lucky if I got row 10-knowing how quickly the first rows are purchased. Well, when I logged on and entered all the pertinent info, lo and behold what comes up…Row 1 in the Golden Seats. I couldn’t believe my eyes…it IS all about timing! The only drawback was our tix ended up to be on the opposite side of

Cindy: Sweet dreams are made of this...oh wait! Wrong group again! Bonnie: With those thoughts in the back of my mind, I opted to forego my morning mile swim and was packed and ready to go by 8:00 AM on February 16. Craig and Hannah had a busy dad-daughter day planned, and I don’t think either of them even realized when I finally drove off. After all, there was a MacDon11

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ald’s breakfast, an “Enchanted” movie, and Kohl’s 20% off shopping spree to attend to.

We drove through St. Charles where we saw David perform in January of 2007.

Dawn: My day was spent hoping I would feel well enough to even go. My head was like an overfilled helium balloon ready to burst! This sinus infection was the worst I have had in a long time. I just couldn’t imagine not attending the show! So I laid around lethargically most of the day waiting to go. Janet: You all have great memories of those daytime events…I have no recall of what we did in the daytime, probably shoveled snow, seems as though that was our past time all winter.

Janet: What an idea...we can start guided tours of places David’s performed and visited in Chicagoland!!!! Bonnie: About this time we called Dawn to give her a head’s up on our estimated time of arrival. Dawn: Very stuffy nose-like I answered and decided I could go so off I went to Elgin. I had to stop by mom and dad’s first (they still live in Elgin) This stop was a mistake as I missed out on a “sighting”. Things got better later though!

Bonnie: If there is such a thing, it was an absolutely beautiful winter day. I arrived in Muscatine a few minutes before 9:00 AM even though I told Cindy I would likely arrive between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM. We were packed and ready to depart within about 15 minutes. It was a relaxing trip while we revisited favorite memories of our wild and crazy adventures. We made one station break by the DeKalb Oasis. That’s a misnomer; believe me, there are no sandy beaches. Given the fatal shootings there just days before, we didn’t hang out there very long. Once we actually found it, we continued on I88 to Aurora and took Highway 31N to Elgin. It was another trip down memory lane for us. We drove through Geneva where we saw David perform in September of 2006.

Bonnie: We passed by the Hemmens (venue), and within a few minutes, we easily found the Holiday Inn. Dawn had suggested we stay there as it was a nice place close to the concert location. Shortly after 1:00PM, we checked in. It was a lovely place, and unbeknownst to us, it was about to get lovelier. Cindy and I unloaded the car. I had just returned from parking the car, and I was about to gather my luggage when Aviva walked in followed by the rest of the band. Well, I’ll be a Monkee’s uncle! How do we do it? Dawn: I have to say it was an educated guess on my part on staying at this hotel. When I got the tix in the mail they had enclosed a 10% or something like 12

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that coupon for the Bennigan’s Restaurant in that hotel. So I thought if no Monkee sightings were going to occur here, at least we’d be saving a buck or two on dinner!

around, you can give it to him yourself.” We said, “Well, okay.” Cindy called Dawn to tell her we had landed, and she said she would be right over. Unfortunately, not quickly enough.

Cindy: I know that no one believes us but we never plan on staying in the same hotel. It’s never a consideration...finances usually are but it is unbelievable how many times we literally run into David or the band checking in.

Dawn: (A day late and a dollar short – that is usually how things happen for me! That is why I shouldn’t have made the stop at mom and dad’s. My goodness I see them all the time. It isn’t that often we have a Monkee sighting in Elgin – oh well.)

Bonnie: Cindy had just purchased a little token o f our affection for David in keeping with the song “Personal Penguin”. Cindy found a little Isabel Bloom (local artist) sculpture of a penguin wearing a blue stocking hat. She crafted a Valentine’s Day card with the “Personal Penguin” book sleeve on the cover, and Cindy, Dawn, and I signed it from “your personal friends”. Cindy and I approached Jimmy (I guess he goes by Jim now), and she asked him if he would do us a favor. She asked him if he would give our little bag to David when he saw him.

Cindy: Oh before you start feeling sorry for Dawn she got her moment ...keep reading! :-) Bonnie: As wonderful as it is to see David, Cindy and I still felt a little apprehensive about waiting for him to arrive. Donned in Nanook of the North apparel and loaded down with luggage, totes, food, a pillow, etc., we looked like the epitome of two bag ladies. It is our usual and customary style to leave the goods with the hoods and flee, but it seemed unnecessary to leave the gift with Jimmy or at the front desk when David would be there momentarily. In just a few minutes, we saw a limo stop at the front entrance. (If we had been ten minutes later, we would have arrived at exactly the same bat time on the same bat channel.) David saw us, and we gave him just a minute to organize his accommodations. Then I approached him and said, “Hello” and I told him we had another bag to add to his collection. I handed it to him, and I said, “It’s

Cindy: Silly but I am really uncomfortable “hangin’ ‘round” a hotel lobby or anywhere else waiting for David. I’m much happier of we can deliver the goods to the venue and then get out of Dodge so to speak. Bonnie: He said, “Well, he’ll be here in about five minutes. He was right behind us. If you stick 13

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good to see you.” He probably thinks, “Is that all she ever says?” Then I returned to where Cindy was standing. By this time, David had advanced over to our location and said, “Hello” to Cindy. He asked her how she was doing (feeling). I said “She’s had a rough couple of months,” to which David responded, “It’s been a rough decade…” David was undoubtedly unaccustomed to the cold temperatures of the Midwest after his back-to-back shows in Boonville, Missouri and Caruthersville, Missouri, on February 14 and 15, respectively. We said, “We’ll see you later,” and we went our separate ways. Dawn arrived about ten minutes later and found her way to our room. …

and also scheduled carpal tunnel – CRAZY year and it was what February! Oh my my! I am happy to report however, that things are doing very well as 2008 progresses.!)

Dawn: (Like I said, a day late and a dollar short!) Cindy: Yeah yeah! Poor Dawn….did I just hear a wolf whistle?!

Dawn:(I felt like a queen for a moment! I must have looked exhausted. I have to say the humidity, which is usually NOT my friend, did me good! Not my hair though!)

Bonnie: It goes without saying she was disappointed she missed our Close Encounter of the Jones Kind. It had not exactly been a great start to the new year for her either, but we were all blessed to have arrived in Elgin safely.

Bonnie: There were a host of pre -teen hockey players diving in and jumping out of the pool at random which made swimming laps an obstacle course. However, the hot tub was marvelous. As I am usually in hot water, it’s second nature to me.

Dawn: (I think this was the best part of the new year of 2008 so far. We first had a cancer scare with my husband, which turned out FINE – PHEW! The kids were back to back to back strep throat, my sinus infection/ cold

Cindy: I am very grateful for all the help and support I have had but it was really very nice to be able to spend a few minutes taking a shower and relaxing without a babysitter watching out for me.

Cindy:...bad year...yeah I know the feeling. Glad everything turned out okay, sweetie! Janet: Happy to hear that, Dawn! Bonnie: We decided upon enjoying an unscheduled afternoon. Cindy chose to shower and refresh herself. I wanted to swim and Dawn agreed to rest on a lounge chair on the pool deck. (It sure was nice of the pool attendant to provide her with a towel to serve as a pillow.)

Bonnie: After about an hour, 14

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Cindy came down all dressed and rejuvenated. Dawn and Cindy retreated back to the room. I returned a few minutes later to shower and dress for dinner and the concert. Dawn decided she might as well take her turn in the bathroom, too. Cindy shared with us that whilst she was in the room she unbelievably tuned in to the Scooby Doo episode with Davy Jones as well as seeing the video of “Daydream Believer” on VH-!. What are the odds?

Dawn: (What is that about the same bat time same bat channel?? Who writes this stuff?? So crazy that that particular episode would be on AND the video – things are starting to look good. . . . .) Janet: I do remember this…..our son Brian-all boy/man-was watching TV in his room in the afternoon. Walking by his room, I hear a familiar voice and thought I must be losing my mind, it sounds like Mr. Jones. I walked into his room and asked what are you watching? He simply shook his head and nodded to the

Cindy: I had the urge to run down the hall and find David to tell him he was on TV! What ARE the odds?

Photo by Bonnie Borgh

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screen…….Scooby Do meets Davy Jones! You MUST be joking!

and I walked over to the entrance together. As soon as we walked in, I saw Karen Brostrom from afar and waved. Simultaneously, I heard my name being called. Cindy was off to the far right chatting with Tom and Janet.

Bonnie: There was a Bennigans’s attached to the Holiday Inn, and it was wonderful to be able to walk there for dinner without bundling up and going outside. We arrived there about 5:00 PM and enjoyed a nice dinner. I ordered a Caesar salad and hamburger. (David was right; my first apartment wasn’t that big, either.) Dawn provided us with a 20% off coupon for Bennigan’s courtesy of our concert tickets (more dollars for Davy!) We paid the bill and returned to our room to freshen up. Dawn and Cindy tried to rest. We tuned into an episode of “Two and a Half Men”. It’s not a program I ever watch, but I must admit there are some redeeming qualities in Charlie Sheen. Then Dawn surfed the Weather Channel for updates on the approaching winter storm. However, we discovered the “Local on the 8’s” weren’t very informative. We were presented with a whole lot of data about the tornado watches and warnings in Texas. We knew we had driven a ways, but I didn’t’ think the Lonestar State was all that local. It was soon time to leave for the Hemmen’s which was just a couple of miles south on Highway 31. Dawn was appointed as our designated chauffer because she knew Elgin like the back of her (sore) hands. She kindly dropped Cindy off at the entrance, and she parked the car in an adjacent parking ramp. Dawn

Cindy: My friends were so protective of me...dropping me off so I wouldn’t have to walk and picking me up. So many angels… While standing in the lobby waiting for Bonnie and Dawn to park the car I ran into Tom and Janet. Tom is our token male these days and it was good to see them both! Janet: We had just arrived in the lobby, was scoping out somewhere to sit, I turned around and saw Cindy. I was SO happy to see her looking so good. Bonnie: It was nice to see them again. Janet: Thank you, very nice to see all of you as well! Dawn: (A Davy Concert is like old home week!) Cindy: It really is a “family” reunion of sorts. Bonnie: I had written to Janet telling her where we were staying, but I was not sure what time they had planned to arrive. Janet: We did not know when we would arrive until that day…our schedules are always so hectic.

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Bonnie: Since the drive was relatively close to their home, I think their decision to stay or not to stay depended upon Mother Nature. There were little groupings of sofas and chairs throughout the lobby. We found a little (secluded) out of the way place that nobody goes and had a seat to catch up on the past several months. Tom and Janet left for a while to talk to the dj (not to be confused with the DJ).

saw and spoke with Debbie Garey for a minute. Dawn had secured excellent seats for us. We assembled all our wares and waited in ANTICIPATION for David to Perform. About five minutes after 8:00 PM, the band assembled and broke into “Listen to the Band” and “Viva Las Vegas”. David came on stage wearing a pair of black pants and a black shirt with a long black jacket. It was easy to see he was in hi element because he warmed up the audience with joke after joke after joke. Cindy said she thought it was reminiscent of David’s standup comedy routine in Bettendorf. All that was missing was Wayne and his wooden stool. It’s no surprise I find David entertaining no matter how he chooses to “perform”, but undoubtedly some people probably thought, “Is he ever going to sing?”

Janet:Greg Brown was the dj/ emcee for the evening. I became acquainted with Greg when he interviewed David for our last two Lockport shows. In emailing with Greg before this show, he suggested we chat in the lobby before the show, so we went up and chatted with him, his wife and friends. Bonnie: Dawn and I took that opportunity to visit the ladies’ room. One would not want to be caught getting up in the middle of the show to use the facilities. In fact, wild horses wouldn’t drive me away.

Cindy: Excuse me...David? What the hell does this have to do with the Brady Bunch? ...I miss Wayne! :-) That was the funniest impromptu schtick I ever saw them do!

Dawn: (Besides that I didn’t want to get scolded by the DJ. I have faced that scene before!!)

Dawn:(I wasn’t sure if maybe he changed his show to a comedy show without singing! It was HILARIOUS!! )

Bonnie: As we found our seats we passed right by Sue Duckworth whom we hadn’t seen in a while and chatted briefly with her. I vividly remember her Valentine’s Day show back in Decatur in 1993. Karen came over to talk with us, and I apologized for not speaking to her earlier. We also

Bonnie: The concert finally began with “I’m A Believer” and continued with “Look Out Here Comes Tomorrow”, “Valleri”, “For Pete’s Sake, “What Am I Doing Hanging ‘Round?” “She Hangs Out”, “I Wanna Be Free”,”(I’ll) 17

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Love You Forever”, “A little bit me -A Little Bit You”, “Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby?”, “Orange Colored Sky”, “Pleasant Valley Sunday”, and “I’m Not Your Steppin’ Stone”. All too soon “Daydream Believer” began which signifies the end. Thankfully, David performed an extended encore including: “Consider Yourself!”, “Girl”, “Bright Side Of The Road”, “Last Train To Clarksville”, “No Tome”, and concluded with, “I’m A Believer.”

Cindy: Yes it was very unexpected...after all, we gave the card to him at the hotel not the Hemmens so there was no reason for it to even have been in the building. Dawn: (That was cool. I certainly think he did that just to make sure he got to say thank you – in case he didn’t see us in person. Although that story is yet to come. . . .)

Dawn: (Bonnie – you have an amazing memory or a full notebook!! )

Bonnie: Mike Bush suddenly appeared in our row, and we spoke with him for a couple of minutes. Cindy, Dawn, and I, then, decided it was time to go. Dawn and I made our way back to Dawn’s car, and we told Cindy we would pick her up in front.

Cindy: Both! Dawn: I was actually able to catch a few clear – no blurry pics on my digital camera! Usually I get a flash of blur!)

Dawn: (Good old Daddy G Bush. My cousin Adam was also working the show at the Hemmen’s. It is his part time job doing some kind of stage management there. He works for the local high school Larkin High in their theatre department. Very talented kid. I used to babysit him!! Anyway, he gave me David’s set list from the stage and we had a good chat. He did say he was wondering if he’d see me there! He remembers when he was just a little kid and the Monkees had the 20th anniversary tour and I went Monkee Crazy. I guess that will be how folks always remember me. They hear a Monkee tune and think – oh yeah, that Crazy Dawn!!

Bonnie: At the very end of the concert something completely unexpected happened. David grabbed a white envelope from the location where his water bottle was perched. He held it about chest level, looked directly at our crazy lot, and very deliberately mouthed the words, “Thank You” I realized he was holding the card that we gave him at the hotel which was in the gift bag along with the penguin. In acknowledgement, I mouthed “You’re welcome.” He carried that envelope with him offstage. When Elvis had left the building, I turned to Cindy. We both looked at each other and said, “What was that all about?”

Bonnie: Once back at the hotel, 18

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Cindy, Dawn, and I decided to visit “Bennigan’s for a “lemonade”.

were going to Bennigan’s for a beverage if she and Tom wanted to join us.

Dawn: (Lemonade heck I had a beer! I had to medicate! Sinus infection you know!)

Janet: People come and go so quickly here…after the show, we were talking with some friends, when I turned around to come over to your seats, you had vanished. I didn’t want to leave without at least saying goodbye, so I called.

Cindy: I was already medicated so I stuck with diet pepsi. Bonnie: I volunteered to cart the coats back to the room. In the process, I got a phone call from Janet. After the show, we didn’t even get a chance to say “Goodbye,” and I told Janet we

Bonnie: I told her I thought the restaurant SLASH bar closed at 11:00 PM so they might want to hurry scurry over. (It actually

Photo by Bonnie Borgh

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closed at 12:00 AM. Whatever happened to the days when bars were open half the night?)

still a chicken…”I don’t wanna be a chicken, I don’t wanna be a chicken!”)

Dawn: (For me these days midnight is half the night! I must be getting old in my old age!)

Bonnie: The five of us spent an entertaining evening of duty-free conversation about their older canine complements of Tom. He is such a funny guy and a Monkees’ fan to boot. Dawn and Janet made friends with a kindly fellow at the bar who bought them another soda.

Cindy: Ah Dawn, the spirit is will but the flesh is weak. Just being there was decadent enough for me then. It was so good to be out with friends and silly conversations about pets antics instead of cancer and brain stents, etc.

Dawn: (That guy probably would have had enough brew to say to Jonesy, “Do You Know Who You Are!”)

Bonnie: Cindy and Dawn found a nice round table which was perfect for our discussion. Tom and Janet arrived within a short amount of time and joined our Motley Crue.

Cindy: And then some! Janet: Oh Dear, that fellow should have been asking the nurse—do YOU know who I am? I hoped to get on the road before he did, poor soul.

Janet: We debated about stopping in or not. We had such fun sitting and talking, I’m glad we did stop.

Bonnie: All too soon, the powers that be informed us that the restaurant SLASH bar was closing. Dawn had inadvertently forgotten to bring along a little stuffed monkey (which when squeezed – whistled) and give it to David at the show. She had it concealed in a plastic bag and decided to give it to him upon our departure. From across the bar, one could hear the stuff monkey whistle, followed by David’s classical laughter, and then a mimicked whistle from the real Monkee. It was obvious David was having quite an exchange with Dawn.

Bonnie: Several members of the band and long-time Monkees’ fans appeared throughout the evening. Does anybody really know what time it was when the distinguished look alike for Michael Douglas arrived? Cindy and I thought if Dawn had just one more brew that she would say to David, “Do you know who you are?!” Cindy: I would have paid to see his face if she had! Dawn: (I was just about to that point with the brew and the sinus infection. . . . but somehow I am

Dawn: (It was an exchange! 20

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had the time of my life! I had to laugh when he asked for the plastic bag back to put the whistling monkey in – he thought he might look a little funny wandering around a bar with a stuffed whistling monkey! I laughed. He also asked if I minded if he gave it to his grandson Harrison. Of course not I said! We also had a long chat about the name “Harrison” My son’s name is Harrison. We named him after daddy, “Harry” so that he is “Harry’s son”. David said his grandson was named after his father “Harry”. He also mentioned his Myspace site and told me that I should be his friend! I told him I was already his myspace friend, but don’t get a chance to fiddle with that computer techno stuff much. I said I must be too old for it all. He told me that I should check out my local library as there are sometimes free classes you can take for computer stuff. He was like a little English Public Service Announcement!! J There was so much more to the conversation. I wish I could remember it all. I suppose the memory loss was due to a combination of the brew and the excitement of the moment!! Thanks for the memories! Oh wait, I forgot about the picture! I was scared to death to ask. Didn’t want to be a pain in the kiester, but I asked anyway! I told David it had been 20 years since we had our picture taken together was it okay if we took another! He said of course and gave his beautiful smile! I have to say David looked rather scared

in our first picture but more at ease and happy in the 20 years later shot. What a night! Bonnie: Cindy, Janet, and I circled the bar to say our farewells to David. Dawn was still chatting with David who was seemingly unconcerned about the proprietor’s request to vacate the premise. Cindy: But as we circled the bar the little crowd grew and being in close proximity to arms and elbows with a 7 inch open wound in my stomach made me a little nervous so after a few minutes I slipped out, not wanting the others to feel obligated to leave also. I’d had a wonderful time and when it is time to leave it is time to leave. Bonnie: When it appeared that they were finishing their chat, I extended my hand, and David said he had a book for me (intended for Hannah) in his room. He explained it was the “Blue Moo” children’s book. But he had only brought one. He reiterated that he has her picture on his refrigerator. I know… I know… I said she was eight and a half now, and he said “Perfect!” (age level for the book). David was not sure when SLASH if he would see us to relay the book so I gave him our room number. He wrote it down on a napkin. Like the form we mailed him (What was that now…ten years ago?), I wondered exactly how the book was going to travel the distance. Dawn and I were a 21

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bit hurried by the curtain call and I honestly don’t remember if we even said, “Goodbye” to David.

be premium, but the next time I’ll hold on the Rock Bran. I knew raisons were dried, but those were fossilized. It was close to 8:45 AM when we had cleared the debris in our room and transported it back to the lobby. As I was checking out, the desk clerk said there was a gift bag notation on our account. I said, “Gift bag?” Cindy though perhaps it was a perk for staying at the hotel, and I said, “I don’t think so…” I said to the clerk, “David mentioned giving me a book. Is that it?” He excused himself and went in the back. He came back and said, “No, there are gift bags there with

Dawn: (We did say good-bye and a thank you I believe!) (This is also where I exit the building. I had a LONG day and a half hour drive home. Adios!) Bonnie: The next morning, as David would say, it was raining cats and dogs. I’ve always said rain is much easier to shovel. Cindy and I agreed to eat breakfast and take the first flight (via the Taurus) out. We found the coffee in Joseph’s restaurant downstairs to

Photo by Bonnie Borgh

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Valentine’s things that I think are for the staff, but I didn’t see a book.” He mentioned “Sandra” would know, but Sandra wasn’t there. He said she would return within five or ten minutes and Cindy said, “We really have to be going.” I told Cindy I would bring the car up to the front and perhaps he might be able to locate whatever it was that we were supposed to have. When I pulled up to the entrance, Cindy appeared with a Graham’s Fine Chocolate and Ice Cream bag in her hands. She got into the car and said, “Bonnie you are not going to believe this!”

prise! Dawn:(Thanks Bonnie for mailing my part to me. I have to say the family ate the cookies and I have the chocolate still in the freezer. I did not try and squash them into a scrapbook like in the olden days. There is still a tomato slice in one of my scrapbooks. Not even sure where that came from.!) Bonnie: The drive home was very rainy and I mistakenly missed the DeKalb Oasis toll (cash lane) and drove through the I-Pass lane due to fog as thick as ea soup. I thought, Oh no, not another mail citation…” Fortunately, the kind gentleman at the next toll booth presented me with a pretty pink for to mail in my missed toll payment to avoid the eminent fine. They think of everything in Illinoise. By the time we got near the Quad Cities, the rain had turned to snow. Cindy and I followed a snow plow the last half hour of our journey which was spewing a load of salt. What’s a little more rust on the car? Cindy was home safe and sound by 1:00PM much to her mother’s relief. I think her mother thinks I kidnapped her. It wasn’t the first time actually, and I seriously doubt it will be the last. After refueling in Muscatine and Bettendorf, I too, thankfully made it home safe and sound. Craig and Hannah were glad to see me. Although there is room fir improvement in their adoration of the Monkees SLASH

Cindy: I didn’t believe it! Bonnie: She began to empty the contents. There was a red heart shaped box of chocolates with a train and the caption “Choo Choo Choose Me” on the front and the “Blue Moo” book for the Baby Bear. There were three boxes of hand dipped chocolates (one with a single fresh purple rose) tucked beneath the ribbon for the Mama Bears. There was a red foiled box containing homemade gourmet cookies which we divided among ourselves and which scored big points with the Papa Bear. Janet:I’ve seen cookies packed like that-in a sparkly red box with a handle on top-somewhere, but I can’t remember exactly where I’ve seen them. I remember the cookies were pretty darn good. Bonnie: What a pleasant sur23

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1988

David and Dawn 2008

David Jones, they liked his chocolates and cookies just fine. What’s that saying again? The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Maybe David is on to something. He’ll make personal fans out of them yet!

Cindy: Never was there a more appreciated trip. It revitalized my spirit and my sanity and made me feel human again as opposed to a pin cushion guinea pig. Thanks Bonnie, Dawn, and Janet for taking such good care of me. And thank you David for making it all possible!

Dawn: (Looking forward to November as we Advance again to St. Charles Place! The tix are safe and sound in my lock box!) Janet: We’ll be there too, God willing! 24

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I Hear A Symphony By Janet Litterio In living half a century, that just sounds SO “young and younger”, I have done things that I never thought I would do….ever. For instance, going to a symphony orchestra concert is something I never envisioned myself doing. I’ve always thought… incorrectly…that symphony orchestras are synonymous with classical music. My Dad appreciates and loves classical music, and let me just say there’s an audience for everything. When I saw that David and his band were slated to play with the Southwestern Michigan Symphony Orchestra on Sept. 29, I thought this show would be something to see. My entire family had spent summers in Southwestern Michigan for nearly two decades, as my folks had a second home on a small lake not far from St. Joe/Benton Harbor, so we were familiar with the area… and I love being near the lake or better yet, a beach!!!

imagine how a show featuring THE Davy Jones and a symphony orchestra could mesh. I couldn’t envision the audience with this blend of talent. From never having been to a symphony concert, all I could envision was a bunch of stodgy old men with ascots and smoking jackets, and women with ball gowns. I was hoping for the best when we arrived……after all David has said that “music mingles souls” but just what kind of souls would mingle here was the question. I must say that I did not spot any men with ascots and smoking jackets, nor women in ball gowns, although I did think I spotted a Nehru jacket or two!!! When the show started, the symphony portion, I was very surprised to see how young the musicians were. We were told that just a few days before the show, the conductor slated to conduct fell ill, so another conductor was brought in for this show just days before. The

I could not even begin to 26

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theme for this show was “A Blast from the Past!” so the orchestra began the show with “The Mission Impossible Theme.” Next was a mix of TV theme songs and commercials from the 60’s….a blast from the past indeed! The audience broke into applause when we heard the theme song from The Monkees!!!!! Next was “Lara’s Theme” from Dr. Zhivago, and the symphony portion of the show ended with a montage of Themes from 007. The conductor would say a few words in-between songs. He seemed to have a good sense of humor, and was enjoying himself. Then came the Intermission……..

bicheau introduced “Davy Jones” and on cue, David came out in a white dress shirt and gray dress pants. Nice contrast with the band in darks and David in a white shirt. The orchestra started up “I’m A Believer”…..which sounded absolutely lovely with the violins and instruments we don’t usually hear at a “normal” Davy concert. Next was “Valleri” followed by “Papa Gene’s Blues”. The orchestra and the DJB played together on all 3 songs while David sang and danced around the stage. Between these songs, David told his usual jokes…..the policeman following him— his wife ran away with a policeman and he thought the cop was trying to give her backJ In visiting the other Monkees, David asks “Do you know who I am”……and hearing “Ask the nurse, she’ll tell you.” No matter how many times we’ve heard it, it’s still funny!

When the musicians returned, they had changed from more formal type attire to groovy kind of 60’s clothing……..tie dyed shirts, one gal had on a striped lime green and black ensemble. All members of David’s band came out and were arranged in front of the orchestra. All of the DJB were more dressed up, all in black or shades of gray. The conductor, Mr. John Dodson came out donned in jeans and a sweatshirt with a peace sign hanging around his neck. Dave Ro-

Back to the songs…….and I am very biased on this one….this has to be my favorite Monkee song that David sings, so I have to say this was the show stopper…”I Wanna Be Free.” He prefaced this song by say27

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ing something about remembering “the skinny guy walking on the beach singing this song—it wasn’t him”. The violins started up, the rest of the orchestra and the band started, and David began singing SO beautifully. The sound of the music itself was breathtaking……..absolutely beautiful. Couple that with the emotion in which David sang this song……simply heavenly. I wish all of you could have heard this song in this setting complete with the violins. “Love You Forever” was next….and I don’t believe the orchestra played this song. David went on to tell the audience that he grew up, or didn’t grow up in Manchester, England, a town of smokestacks and railways. He went on to say that the show the evening before was held along a railroad line, and one train after another came through during the show. So, the next song was “Nobody Cares About the Railroads Anymore.” The only other time I have heard this song was at one of our Lockport shows, I believe in 2004. It’s a great tune!

Artful Dodger in “Oliver!” on Broadway. He went on to say that the gentleman that took over his role as The Dodger when he left was in the audience. I may be wrong on this, but I think he said his name was Chris Andrews…….so for him, David added “Consider Yourself”, which is always a crowd pleaser. Since this song was added, the orchestra was able to sit back and enjoy this song, and judging from their applause, they did just that. “Girl” was next, with David telling everyone he didn’t marry Marsha, move to Ohio, nor had 6 kids with her! The orchestra played this number. Next was a song I had not heard, other than the evening before in Hinsdale, IL….”It Must Be Love.” The orchestra played this tune, along with the DJB. In a certain part of this song, Eric Biondo had a trumpet solo…a GREAT job! Following “It Must Be Love” was the song-“Is You Is” that is dedicated to “mothers”…and we know who we are. Upon this song ending, David introduced and thanked Mr. John Dodson, the conductor. He also acknowledged the “first vio-

Next, David told of how he came to America….as The 28

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lin”, and the rest of the orchestra.

accompanied with an orchestra, the only way I can begin to describe it was that the music filled our souls. Another dimension to our favorite songs was added, something just so beautiful to hear and experience. I marveled at the people that were able to create such beautiful music. My musical ability or lack thereof, consists of listening to albums, although I did take piano lessons for 3 or 4 years when I was MUCH younger. I quit taking lessons when my piano teacher would not let me have the sheet music for “Daydream Believer”..its true.

The song we all love, and at the same time don’t like to hear because it signals the beginning of the end was next on the set list “Daydream Believer.” The orchestra playing this song added another dimension to David’s signature song. At the end of this song, David left the stage in the midst of a standing ovation, and returned for the encore, “I’m a Believer” with the standing ovation continuing. When David left the stage for the evening, the audience was on their feet once again. The conductor and orchestra were putting their hands together for David.

David did come out into the lobby, along with his band, after the show. I think the souls of everyone that attended this show were mingled, thanks to the music, and to David’s effervescent performance. If another symphony show with David comes along, do not hesitate to attend the performance….no ball gowns nor will smoking jackets be needed!!!!!!

The music in this particular show is something I will never forget. We have heard some of the songs for 40 years…..we have heard them played live at various concerts we’ve attended throughout the years. But to hear them 29

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

Kathy Brewer 1198 Turkey Blind Road Crossville, TN 38572

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

Colleen Johnson 9104 Lemona Drive St. Louis, MO 63123

Mike Nesmith 1793 Catalina Street Sand City, CA 93955-3545

Susan Jensen 210 Washington Street Audubon, IA 50025-1133

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

Barbara Woerner PO Box 5655 Lincoln, NE 68505-0655

Diane Klosak 2101 Nicholas Ct Bettendorf, IA 52722

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

Rick Schwinden 3275 Valley Ridge Drive Egan, MN 55121

Maria Tereza Pinho Gomes Da Silva Praca Cardeal Arcoverde #25 Apt. 802 Copabana Rio De Janeiro â&#x20AC;&#x201D; RJ CEP 220440-030 Brazil

Julie Harris PO Box 352 Pine Island, MN 55963

Ronda Russell 2031 Glen Avenue Beloit, WI 53511 Kim Boatman 6140 Hytrail Ct. Mahtomedi, MN 55115 James Elswick 5017 W 2nd Street South Bloomfield, OH 43103

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E-mail Pals

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

…..Wbwoerner@aol.com

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

David at Epcot

Photo courtesy of Hazel Wilkinson 31

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Mike News No need to act Billy Bob Thornton's passion for music is all too real and enduring By ERIK ERNST Special to the Journal Sentinel Aug. 26, 2008

while my mom listened to Jim Reeves and Ray Price. “When The Beatles played Ed Sullivan, it changed everything. Everyone wanted to get in a band. Then, add the evolution to Cream and Traffic, Deep Purple and Captain Beefheart, the cosmic cowboy sound of Mike Nesmith and the Byrds, and you’ve got all of the stages that led to The Boxmasters.” With professional music experiences dating back to the 1970s when Thornton worked as a roadie for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, followed by a short attempt at Nashville songwriting and a 1974 recording of rough demos at the legendary Muscle Shoals Studios in Alabama, it is clear that The Boxmasters are not some kind of Hollywood vanity project. It just happened to take a major film career to find the freedom to take his music where he wanted to. “After ‘Sling Blade’ hit, we had to go with what was happening and do movie after movie,” Thornton said of the string of major roles that soon followed. “But, after you become a successful motion picture actor, you get to start picking and choosing what you want to do. “So, I started going to Nashville and worked with folks like Marty Stuart and recorded some demos, which led to (his 2001 solo debut) ‘Private Radio.’ Since then, I’ve actually moved the career the other way to record more music. But, I still have to do a big picture from time to time

Billy Bob Thornton might be an Academy Award-winning actor, but in conversation the Arkansas native is much more “I’ve always been the kind of person who pores over a record’s liner notes,” Thornton said. “That’s what I grew up doing. I could tell you who mastered a certain recor before I even knew what mastering a record was.” Since his 1996 breakout performance in “Sling Blade,” a film he both starred in and won an Oscar for writing, Thornton has forged an impressive Hollywood career that has made him an in-demand A-lister. But instead of spending the summer living the life of luxury, Thornton is crisscrossing the country on a tour bus with his new band, The Boxmasters — a group with jumping tunes that cross rockabilly traditions with a hillbilly sensibility. The Boxmasters play a Harley Owners Group rally Thursday at Miller Park. Thornton couldn’t be happier with the band. “My mom was and still is a huge music fan, so we always had records on in the house,” he said. “I grew up on the music from Sun Records

Visit Mike at www.videoranch.com 32

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to pay for the house and send the kids to school.” It was in the basement recording studio of Thornton’s Los Angeles home (now called The Cave, the inhome studio was formerly known as The Snake Pit when guitarist Slash owned the house) where Thornton was preparing his 2007 album “Beautiful Door” that the idea for The Boxmasters was born. Working with studio engineer J.D. Andrew — a Grammy-award winner for his work on Kanye West’s “The College Drop-Out” — Thornton started playing around with the prospect of merging the rock and country styles of music that he listened to with his own snarky humor and life observations. He asked Andrew to play the guitar along with his own drumming and vocals. Soon, the duo recruited lead guitarist (and fellow sound engineer) Mike Butler to fill out the new band, which not only pays tribute to Thornton’s musical roots sonically, but also visually through their 1960s -era suits and other stage attire. The group clicked so well that their self-titled debut release became a double album, with one disc of originals and one disc of covers that range from The Beatles’ “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” to Kenny Loggins’ “House at Pooh Corner.” Before launching the current 40-day tour with a live show that expands to seven musicians, The Boxmasters put the finishing touches on a Christmas album for release this year and set plans to start another album this fall. “For me and Mike, this is all we

want to do,” Andrew said. “I hadn’t played in a band for 10 or 12 years. So, this was a whole new perspective to go back and be an actual part of the collaborative creative process.” “It’s definitely switching gears as a sound engineer,” added Butler, who has worked in the studio booth with the Rolling Stones, Death Cab for Cutie and Reba McEntire. “Creatively, it’s been amazing. In my day job I don’t always get to work on the stuff that I want to personally. “I think it’s important with anything you do to know the history of it first. Billy is such an amazing music historian, he’s brought a lot of stuff to this band that is great to have.” For Thornton, who said he tries to fit one major movie, one independent film, one record and a concert tour into each year, The Boxmasters could mark an even further shift toward his musical tendencies. “I really like being in a band,” he said. “I’ve already made solo albums, so it’s been great to have the collaboration. I don’t really enjoy being singled out, so to be part of a band, there’s not as much pressure. And with a band like this, it’s just a lot of fun.”

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Peter News And Dates September 12 ,2008 8:00 PM Peter Tork and Shoes Suede Blues @ The Port Jefferson Village Music Fest – Paces Stage Port Jefferson, NY

November 14, 2008 8:00 PM Peter Tork and Shoe Suede Blues @ Blue Bayou Hillsborough, NC November 15, 2008 9:00 PM Peter Tork and Shoe Suede Blues @ Whiskey Bottom Sound Stage Laurel, MD

October 24, 2008 TBA Peter Tork and Shoe Suede Blues @ The Chicken Bone Framingham, MA October 30, 2008 TBA Peter Tork @ Long Island Hall of Fame, NY Long Island, NY

November 22-23, 2008 TBA Peter Tork and Shoe Suede Blues @ Super Mega Fest Framingham, MA

November 8, 2008 10:00 PM Peter Tork and Shoe Suede Blues @ the Sugar Loaf –KOA-12 Step Music Fest Sugarloaf Key, FL

December 13, 2008 9:00 PM Peter Tork and Shoe Suede Blues @ Second Saturday Music Café New Brunsswick, NJ

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

David News And Dates Saturday September 13, 2008 St. George Theater Staten Island. NY

Cerritos, CA (800) 300-4345 Saturday November 15, 2008 Arcadia Theatre St. Charles, IL

Saturday September20, 2008 Broyhill Civic Center Lenoir, NC broyhillcenter.com

Saturday December 6, 2008 Fort McDowell Resort and Casino Fountain Hills, AZ

Saturday September 27, 2008 Civic Auditoruim Cedartown, GA

2009

Friday November 7, 2008 The Canyon Club 28912 Roadside Drive Agoura Hills, CA 91301 (818)879-5016

Saturday February 7, 2009 The Duluth Symphony starring Davy Jones Duluth, MN Friday March 20, 2009 America Gardens Theatre Epcot Center, Walt Disney World

Saturday November 8, 2008 Cerritos Center For The Performing Arts

Monkee Shines Saturday March 21, 2009 America Gardens Theatre Epcot Center, Walt Disney World

Friday May 22, 2009 Lima Civic Center Lima, OH

Sunday March 22, 2009 America Gardens Theatre Epcot Center, Walt Disney World

Saturday May 23, 2009 The Renaissance Performing Arts Center Mansfield, OH

Saturday March 28, 2009 TBD

Visit www.davyjones.net for the latest news!

Micky News And Dates October 25, 2008 La-Z-Boy Center @ Meyer Theatre 1555S. Raisinville Rd. Monroe, MI 48161 http://www.monroeccc.edu/theater

Micky And Coco September 7, 2008 River on the Rhythm The Hebrew Home At Riverdale 5901 Palisade Avenue Riverdale, New York 10471 http://www.hebrewhome.org/ eventcalendar.asp

November 6, 2008 Killeen Conference Center 3601 South WS Young Drive Killeen, TX http://www.killeen-cvb.com

September 12-14, 2008 The Big E Festival 1305 Memorial Avenue West Springfield, MA 01089 ]http://www.thebige.com

November 22, 2008 Grand Victoria Casino and Resort 600 Grand Victoria Drive Rising Sun, Indiana 47040 http://www.grandvictoria.com

September 19, 2008 Deerfoot Inn & Casino 1000, 11500 - 35 Street SE Calgary, Alberta T2Z 3W4 http://www.deerfootinn.com

December 5, 2008 Potawatomi Casino 1721 Canal Street Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233 http://www.paysbig.com

October 18, 2008 Biggs Theatre Freed Center 525 S. Main Street Ada, OH 45810 http://www.onutheatre.com

March 4, 2009 Busch Gardens Stanleyville Theatre 10001 N McKinley Drive Tampa. FL 33612 http://www.buschgardens.com

Visit Micky at www.mickydolenz.com for more 35

Monkee Shines tar all over again." Mikuls grew up in the Palos Verdes area and played in his teens with jazz guitar great Lee Ritenour. He went on to play with Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, Donny Hathaway, Freddie Hubbard, B.B. King, James Moody, Stan Getz, Chuck Berry, Sly Stone, Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis and the Pointer Sisters. Mikuls recorded two solo CDs, "Evil Secret Agent" and "Blow and Go." He also made a compilation CD, "Songs from The Boneyard," and a DVD of his art work. A life celebration for Mikuls is planned from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at CopyKatz, 200 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. Mikuls is survived by his mother, Barbara Mikuls of Hemet; two daughters, Melody Garrard of La Quinta and Carrie Mikuls of Hemet; and a sister, Carole Mikuls of Hemet. Mikuls resided in Palm Desert with his girlfriend and long-time companion, Jeri Lynne Urosevic.

Bruce Fessier The Desert Sun

Richard Mikuls, who played with legends of the music world, had a heart attack Richard Mikuls, who reigned as the Coachella Valley's guitar king in the early 1990s, died Monday at an Ironwood Country Club condo in Palm Desert. Mikuls, who had been in poor health for years, died of a heart attack. He was 56. Mikuls had been touring and recording for five years with Peter Tork of the Monkees. Before that, he was the lead guitarist in a band that pioneered the unplugged concept in the Coachella Valley called Unplugged, the Band. Led by John Stanley King, it was named the valley's favorite band two years in a row by Desert Sun readers. Randy Hewitson, owner of Musicians Outlet in Palm Desert and a rhythm guitarist in that band, said Mikuls had been in demand in Los Angeles since he was 17. That's when blues great Albert Collins had to get him off the stage of the Roxie nightclub because "the union man is coming." But, even while playing regularly in L.A. studio sessions, Mikuls would drive to the Coachella Valley once or twice a week to play with Unplugged. "He was, in my opinion, the best guitar player I've ever heard in my life," Hewitson said. "It was unbelievable when he played. There'd be guy groupies - four or five guys who would be standing in front of him to watch him play." His friend Tim Riley of L.A. said Eric Clapton once heard him play in Palm Springs and exclaimed, "This man could teach me blues gui-

Monkee Shines

By PFG Foreign Correspondent

Hazel Wilkinson My story starts this year with my big surprise birthday party organized by Robert and sisters, Beryl and Lynda, and nieces. Actually I had only returned from my 2007 visit and cousins were asking had I planned my 2008 visit. I knew an operation on my knee was due and it would probably be a long convalescence so nothing was planned so far ahead. I got to be March and Lauren “D” and Thomas Andrew had joined our family and Gerald and Geraldine had been busy with their family. Gerald called and said he had managed to get a flight and David was keen for us to go so arrangements were made. I needed more help with my luggage this year but Gerald even organized wheel chair help for the long walk to the planes and we were on our way. Excited as ever, we all met up at the resort and David and band and Aviva’s mother, Helen, came out of the apartments to greet us. We couldn’t believe a year had gone by and here we were again! The girls were not able to go due to other commitments. Harrison and Phoenix are now in school and we miss the fun with them. Tired from the long journey we settled for a cup of tea with David ( although he tends to drink Cuban coffee now). The routine each day is to have breakfast then meet up at the pool which was quiet and only our group as everyone was off to Disney.

Setting off together each day we go back entrance into Epcot and pass the crowds already in line. Backstage staff greeted us and we left David to get changed and we settled into our special seats ready for the show. The band played David’s intro and he appeared with a broom. Brushing the stage, he pretended to be surprised there was an audience and even the band couldn’t believe his entrance and couldn’t play for laughing along with the audience who were hysterical. He looked so funny. It was interesting to see the different outfits he came out in. One bright Batman t-shirt and then a blue flowered Hawaiian shirt. Every show was different. Sunday was Mother’s Day and David made it special for all Mothers including Geraldine, me, and Aviva’s mum, Helen. You could tell Helen glowed with pride when Aviva played. She had a great copper saxophone as well as a selection of other instruments. She’s a great musician. David sang better than ever and the band looked good and were

Monkee Shines great together. You could tell hey were enjoying being there. I met up with many dedicated supporters including some Japanese girls, families who go every year and Jennifer Williams who I hadn’t seen since she was about 7...now running a music shop in Orlando. One afternoon we passed the line waiting and David spotted Sue Waller and friend in front England who ran Band 6 with Kirk White and shouted “Hello, nice to see you!” He gave me passes for them to sit in the VIP seats and they were delighted not to have to wait in line and saw 15 shows and took some great photos. Look for them on the web site soon. One morning David set off in a TV car to do an early morning Disney show with characters around Epcot. All too soon the shows were over and we had to say our goodbyes. Helen is always sad to see us leave, she’s a very sweet lady. But God willing we’ll meet again. We set off for our beach holiday and family time. The new apartment was great next to a wonderful beach and we soon felt at home meeting neighbors and exploring the area and going to David’s local eateries. We had a day with Jessica and family at her home and were made very welcome. Before the end of our trip David had to leave for a concert and Gerald was to run him to the airport but he decided to go for a quick swim. Gerald found him fast asleep on the sands and it was quite a rush to get him to the airport and say our goodbyes. We were sad to leave but we had to make our way back to Orlando and spent the evening before our flight home watching the “Light Parade”. It was magical. So was our trip. We’ll be back.

Enjoy! Hazel . X Band– Epcot 2008 Felipe Torres—Drums Aviva Maloney—Wind, Saxophone, Keyboard Eric Biondo—Trumpet/ Percussion Jimmy Riccatelli—Keyboard Tim Gordon—Vibes, Bongo, Xylophone, Bells Dave Robicheau –Guitar D.J.—Tambourine, Maracas Steve Gerder—Guitar Songs (over 15 shows) I’m A Believer Consider Yourself She Hangs Out I Love You and You Know Steppin’ Stone Girl Valleri Nice To Be With You Daydream Believer No Time Girl I Knew Somewhere Look Out Here Comes Tomorrow I Wanna Be FreeIs You IS Little Bit Me Let Them Be Little Pleasant Valley Sunday Nobody Cares About The Railroads Anymore

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Cousins Gerald and Geraldine

Photos courtesy of Hazel Wilkinson

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And you know who you are! To Mother: Happy Birthday! From Denise and the 14 boys

Colleen, Thanks a bunch! Cindy, Tina, and Bonnie

Tina, Now you are a Believer! And a part of the road crew! Cindy

Bonnie, Just a pickinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and a grinningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Cindy

Hazel, Those shoes were made for walking! PFG

Arcadia here we come!

Coming to a mailbox near you! Hazel and Robert see Peter Tork perform in England The Road Crew Catches Up With David at the Bottle Neck Blues Bar Are you Monkeeing Around? Tell us about it!