"Everybody I meet has a John Denver story everywhere I go in the world," said musician Jim Salestrom. "I could be in Russia in a taxi with a driver who does not speak English, but he will sing 'Country Road.'"
Salestrom & Friends will play a concert in remembrance of John Denver at the Sun Valley Pavilion on Tuesday, Aug. 31, at 8 p.m. Gates will open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20, $27 and $40, available at the Sun Valley Recreation Center box office by calling 622-2135 or online at www.MySVFun.com.
Special guests from John Denver's band include Bill Danoff, Denny Brooks, Jim Horn, Alan Deremo, Chris Nole and Pete Huttlinger.
The evening will recall special stories and rare humorous anecdotes about Denver, but it will also include Denver's most celebrated songs. Salestrom, an Emmy Award-winning songwriter and musician, has been writing and recording music since he was 13. His music crosses generational boundaries and is enjoyed by fans of all ages. During a career spanning the last 35 years, Salestrom has recorded and performed with Denver as well as Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton.
"I was in Sun Valley this summer, and I grabbed my banjo to hike Baldy to write a song and only made it 200 yards," Salestrom said with a laugh. "But, I did write a song, 'A Shady Pine on Baldy Mountain,' which I will play."
Salestrom said no one will ever take Denver's place, but his music brings back happy memories for many people.
"We all love trying to remember him," he said. "He had this wonderful way of breaking down the invisible barrier between the stage and the audience. He had charisma and his voice was crystal clear."
Salestrom will tell stories about being Denver's "gofer" and how much he learned from playing with him.
"I remember when he sang 'Rocky Mountain High' at the state Capitol in Colorado, and it became the official stage song in 2007," Salestrom said. "We are going to go back and revisit memories of a really special entertainer."
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
A 16-year-old Jim Salestrom (left) learns from his hero John Denver.
Courtesy photo from Jim Salestrom
