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Mars Theatre to host 'Tribute to the Music of John Denver'
Jim Curry
Jim Curry - photo by Photo submitted

SPRINGFIELD -- This is the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and what better way to celebrate American pride than with songs of hope from John Denver. Jim Curry’s "Tribute to the Music of John Denver" will begin at 7 p.m. at the Mars Theatre on Sept. 11.

Curry began his music career writing and performing his senior class song and was awarded a Rotary Scholarship to study music in college. Even at this early stage in his life, Jim’s natural voice resembled that of singer/songwriter Denver. Embracing the similarities, he continued to sing and specialize in the songs of Denver, sharing his positive messages of love, humanity and environmental awareness.

The untimely death of Denver in 1997 left a void in the musical world, with his ardent fans demanding that his music survive. CBS television responded by producing a made for TV movie: “Take Me Home, the John Denver Story” in which Curry landed an off-camera role singing as the voice of  Denver. This experience inspired Curry to produce full–length Denver tribute concerts.

Curry is not an impersonator at all. He sings, in his own natural voice, a tribute to the music in a way that has to be seen and heard to understand the pure honesty of his amazing performance. His looks and his voice are simply a pleasant coincidence that captures the true essence of Denver’s music. Curry’s heartfelt delivery rolls out into the crowd as multi-platinum hits like "Rocky Mountain High," "Annie’s Song" and "Calypso" fill the room.

Curry believes that Denver’s words still ring true in these difficult times of war and environmental crisis. Denver grew rapidly into a mega celebrity when the world was looking for some hope in the late 1960s and his lyrics in songs like, “Take me Home Country Roads” gave America a new lift abroad as well as at home. People all over the world found pride in the natural wonders of the earth and love for Denver’s message of caring for our planet and each other. Curry delivers these songs in the same spirit, with the same heartfelt care and desire to make a difference. As the concerns of global warming and other environmental issues reach today’s youth, Curry sees a growing number of younger listeners.

 Curry said, “These songs blend the images of our natural earth with a love for each other as people. The care you give to someone you love is the best care. Making that connection to our earth and to each other is the goal.”

Two additional live shows are planned for 2021. Oct. 2 is "An Evening in the Round" with Linda Davis, her husband Lang Scott and singer/songwriter/comedian Bill Whyte.

 The Mars Theatre is the perfect setting for an acoustic show as the artists take turns at the microphone to sing songs and share stories behind hits made by Reba McIntyre, Kenny Rogers, LeAnn Rimes, JoDee Messina and more.

 The holiday show scheduled for Dec. 4 will feature Laiken Love and the Fellowship of Love from Savannah. "A Soulful Christmas – Motown Style" will showcase the sounds of the season mixed with some Motown flair.