Music of John Denver comes to HIT

IRONWOOD – The Historic Ironwood Theater will present "The Music of John Denver," a tribute to the timeless songs of one of America's true troubadours on Saturday, Feb. 29.

"The music of John Denver is timeless and well known and Layne Yost's tribute to the "Music of John Denver" is a faithful performance that pays homage to the music and the man," said a theater press release.

Yost, a guitarist and singer, will be joined on stage by Carol McDowall on fiddle and Jon Shimoda on bass. The trio captures "the simple soul of Denver's music through guitar, fiddle, and upright bass arrangements," said the release. "Woven within the music are stories that give insight into Denver's life and legacy. A wonderful show that will take you back and remind you of simple things that remain true."

Showtime is at 7 p.m. Doors and bar open at 6 p.m.

Yost started playing guitar at age 14, "motivated by the desire to entertain campers (and the girl's staff members) around the campfires at YMCA camp, taking pointers from anyone and everyone kind enough to offer."

He played folk and acoustic venues in the Chicago area, earning his way through college. During those college days of the 70s, he saw two John Denver shows at the McCormick Place.

"The most compelling aspect of both shows was the sense of closeness, the connection between John Denver on stage, and every member of the audience," said Yost. "It was like being back around that campfire of years before, sharing songs with good friends."

Yost said that's the type of show he wants and needs to play – "intimate, close, connected."

The theatre release said this is not an impersonation show, but "rather a sharing of his songs and message in the context of his life and world events."

"Every show is great fun - a real adventure," said Yost.

Denver was a prolific songwriter in the late 1960s and 1970s. The Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee recorded and released approximately 300 songs, about 200 of which he composed. He sold more than 33 million records worldwide, earning 12 gold and four platinum albums. Some of his hits included: "Take Me Home, Country Roads," "Annie's Song," "Rocky Mountain High," "Calypso," "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" and "Sunshine on My Shoulders."

He was also a well known television personality, often hosting the Grammys, and appearing on the "Muppet Show," and his own Christmas and other variety specials. In a bit of a cross-over, he was named the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year in 1975.

He was well known for his stance on environmental issues and testified before Congress. He lived in Aspen, Colorado, for much of his life. He was named Poet Laureate of Colorado in 1974.

He died in 1997 when a private plane he was flying crashed in California.