The songs of country music legend John Denver, such as Rocky Mountain High, Annie’s Song and Sunshine on My Shoulders, will come alive at Woodloch Pines’ Night Club this September 8th, when acclaimed tribute artist Jim Curry takes the stage for the Wayne Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.
Curry has drawn remarkable reviews for his uncanny talent for mirroring both Denver’s voice and the late singer’s clean-cut boyish looks. Curry sang some of Denver’s most popular songs in the CBS made for TV movie “Take Me Home, the John Denver Story.” He often plays with former Denver bandmates. One of them, guitar player Pete Huttlinger, describes Curry as “a real trip down memory lane.”
The hospital Auxiliary has a proven track record of bringing solid tribute talent to the area since 2013, including Terry Dixon singing Patsy Cline songs, Shawn Klush as Elvis Presley, Pat Farrell honoring Billy Joel and an Eagles’ homage band. “We do a lot of research ahead of time,” says Martha Wilson, concert committee. “We go to the artist’s concerts whenever we can and report back—we have to like what we see and hear!”
After John Denver’s unexpected death in 1997 and the CBS movie experience that sought to fill the void, Curry decided to produce full–length John Denver tribute concerts. Denver’s music is often described as hopeful and caring, particularly about the environment. Curry agrees. “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.”
The Wayne Memorial Hospital Auxiliary has been supporting the hospital since the first patient was admitted almost 100 years ago. Through numerous fundraising operations, such as the tribute concerts, the annual Mistletoe Ball, uniform sales, the Other Shops in Honesdale and Hawley and holiday bake sales, the Auxiliary has helped Wayne Memorial advance on many fronts. Auxiliary funds helped purchase a mammography van, helped build a helipad to support the hospital’s successful application for Level IV Trauma certification, and contributed to the purchase of a state-of-the art nurse call system for the new patient tower.
“This year’s fundraising events will help us fulfill a $600,000 pledge to the hospital’s Second Century Fund over the next five years,” says Diane Fox, concert committee. Named in honor of Wayne Memorial’s centennial in 2020, the fund is a drive to raise monies to continue to staff and equip the hospital’s new patient tower. It will be used to recruit and retain providers, which will include the purchase of advanced technology and information systems.
“We now have a newly renovated hospital, and we want to maintain and enhance the quality of care in the years to come,” says Wilson. “We cannot take for granted how fortunate we are to have a progressive, non-profit, hospital serving our community.”
The Jim Curry show kicks off at 4pm; doors open at 3pm. Tickets are $40 and may be purchased by calling Joan at 570-226-9750. Open seating and cash bar.
“Want some ‘Sunshine on your shoulders?’” Wilson says with a smile, “Come see Jim Curry—you’ll be beaming!”
Bottom Photo WMH Auxiliary concert committee, seated left to right: Diane Fox, Martha Wilson, Karen Hermey, Katy Wood, Linda Wlock, Kathie Carlson. Standing: Keta and Steve Kaminsky, Shirley Herr, Joan Buehl, Opal Hocker.
August 2019 Issue