John Denver Celebration

It was a great time with everyone this year to celebrate John Denver's life, music and legacy!  From the concerts at the Wheeler Opera House, to special events and concerts at the Mountain Chalet and nightly sing-a-longs, a great time was had by everyone!  Many thanks to all of the artists, musicians, organizers and volunteers for making the week so successful.  It truly was like being home surrounded by good friends and great music!

Please see below for more details on 2024!

Hello Everyone,

It will soon be time for us to be altogether in beautiful Aspen, Colorado for the 26th year to celebrate John Denver's music and life.   He was a great inspiration to all of us and remains so.  He is still so missed.  His music and lyrics are timeless.. they seem as relevant today, as when he wrote them.   To be in the beautiful mountains that he so loved, is truly an honor. 

Please visit the Concert and Event schedule pages for all the updates.  Most  concerts and events have now been scheduled.   There will be two great nights at the beautiful and historic Wheeler Opera to honor John Denver in music.  Friday night, October 6th, Mack Bailey and Chris Nole will perform a special concert featuring John's music. Chris performed with John for a number years in his band on the piano, and Mack has toured across the country in the John Denver Estate's tribute shows, as well as sang with him the past.  It will be a very special evening.

Saturday night, October 7th at the Wheeler, Chris Collins with Boulder Canyon, will be performing a tribute to John Denver featuring many of his famous hits and audience favorites.  They tour nationally and internationally to pay tribute to John Denver's music in trying to keep his music alive.  Also,  they have performed for a number of years in concerts and events for the John Denver Celebration week and also helped with fundraising for causes that John was passionate about.  It is going to be a great night!

Be sure to check out the other presentations and events, including concerts with Ron Matthews and Dave Stratford, a campfire, sing-a-longs, and many other wonderful events!  Also, take in the beautiful mountains and area by getting outside to visit these awe-inspiring places.  The John Denver Sanctuary is a beautiful place where you will see boulders that are inscribed not only about John Denver and lyrics to his songs, but also quotes from others that he admired.   Also, there is the Maroon-Bells Wilderness area,  a nice walk along the Roaring Fork River to the place where John photographed the cover for his Rocky Mountain High album, and lots of trails, hiking and outdoor opportunities to visit the places that inspired his music. 

For those asking about 2024.. yes it will definitely be continuing next year in the Aspen-Snowmass area.  Tentative dates are October 2-7, 2024.  Also, the Mountain Chalet Aspen, which has been a wonderful and supportive host and our home away from home all these years, will be shifting ownership. So, things will be changing for the base lodging of things and some venues,  but folks have been working on it  and look for announcements coming soon!  

We will continue to keep you updated and look forward to seeing you this year during the week to celebrate John Denver's life and music in Aspen, Colorado!

Hi Everyone,

The Pine Creek Cookhouse Luncheon and Concert is now SOLD OUT.   You can e-mail mountainsrose312@gmail.com to be placed on a waiting list if they are any cancellations. 

For those on the reservation list:  please have your payments to Suzanne by no later than September 23, 2022, so that you receive your tickets in time.  If you are on the list and cannot attend, please let her know

Hi All,

Some updates on the events.  

There will be two shows at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, Colorado in celebration of John Denver's life and music. October 7, 2022 will be 3 shows in one concert event in Songs For A Life:  Remembering John Denver.  The show will include performances by Chris Bannister, Jeffrey Pine and Mack Bailey and Chris Nole as a duo.

October 8, 2022 will be the 25th Celebration Concert with Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon.  They will be joined by guests including Jim Connor (writer of "Grandma's Feather Bed"). 

Tickets are on sale now at aspenshowtix.com or by calling the Wheeler Opera House's box office at 970-920-5770 or 866-449-0464 (toll free).   

Other concerts and events added include:

 Ron Matthews on Thursday, October 6, 2022, 6:30 p.m

25 years of Celebrating John Denver Presentation: October 7, 2022, 2:00 p.m.

Martin Tyner- Eagle Man/"Healer of Angels": Birds of Prey of the West and the Preservation of Wildlife and the Environment:  October 8, 2022, 1:00 p.m

Also, there is a possibility the Pine Creek Cookhouse event will happen again this year, and most likely, be the last year for this event.  This has been a favorite for the past 15 years with the beautiful views, great food and music, as well as just getting to hang out together.   Price is $98 per person due to costs increases this year.  Please e-mail Suzanne at mountainsrose312@gmail.com to reservations and information.

Please check out the Concert and Event Schedule page for all the details and updates!

Hi Everyone,

We have a new concert announcement!!!  Tomorrow, June 1, 2022, the tickets will go on sale at 12:00 noon, Mountain Time for the 25th Anniversary Tribute to John Denver with Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon at the beautiful and historic Wheeler Opera House!  This will be a very special time together to celebrate John Denver's music, life and legacy.   

Tickets will be available on line at www.aspenshowtix.com or by calling the Wheeler Opera House's box office at 970-920-5770 or 866-449-0464 (toll free).  

Hi Everyone,

To answer a few questions that we are receiving.

1.   We do not have a mailing list set up.  We update the website as things become confirmed by the various performers and event coordinators.

2.  The week is not run by one individual or under one umbrella company.  The various events and concerts are put on by each individual performer and/or event coordinator.  As they announce details, we will be sure to post that in the Event Listing.

3. On lodging this year, we just got word that  the Mountain Chalet Aspen will be open for the John Denver Celebration week and for lodging.  This will now give an additional choice for lodging in Aspen.   As some of you know, the Mountain Chalet Aspen has been very kind to the attendees through the years and where many things have taken place.  Please contact them for availability.  Their website is: mountainchaletaspen.com.

4. Some of the coordinators have also secured lodging with special rates through the Frias properties, who manage various condos in Aspen.  Currently, they are checking to see the availability of additional condos opening up for reservations.  These coordinators are also planning the sing-alongs and some other various activities.  We will post all the details as the confirm them. 

We look forward to seeing all of you!

Hi Everyone,

We have had inquiries regarding about the John Denver Celebration week for 2022.  The plans for this year are the dates to be October 5-12, 2022 to honor John Denver's music and legacy in Aspen, Colorado.   

Currently, things are in the planning stages by various artists and event coordinators for 2022.   There are many folks that work on various areas for that week,  and they are currently in the process of doing so.  Also, for the artists inquiring, each performer and/or artist is in charge of their own venue, concert and fees associated .  There is not one person who is booking performers at venues or for events.  It is done by the individual artist or their representative.   There is also,  a sing-a-long where anyone can join in, which is usually in the evening.   Again, we will know more as things are confirmed.  

We will have more updates as things are confirmed for this year.   So, please watch the website for updates.  

We will hope to see you this year!  

Hi everyone,

We have heard from the Mountain Chalet Aspen that a couple of rooms have become available, so if you need lodging be sure to check with them about availability.  

The updated Pitkin County COVID mandate does state that masks will need to be indoors, except when eating and drinking.  We will keep watch and give any updates if things change. 

We have had some changes to events, including some new ones to come!  Please be sure to check out the schedule.  

Contrary to what some feedback folks were getting from social media, the week is on and a go!  There are concerts and events happening and time to relax, visit favorite locations and be in the mountains!  We will have a great time together. 

Hi Everyone,

Yesterday, Pitkin County, in which Aspen, Colorado is located, came out with some new COVID mandates for the region and went into effect on September 16, 2021.  There is spacing and mask guidelines that will need to be followed in that area.  

Masks must be worn indoors when around non-household members, except when eating or drinking.  Performers must be 12 feet away from non-household members and 25 feet from audience.  They are allowed to perform without a mask, but must follow the distance measures in place. 

Due to some of the new mandates, you will see there are changes to the event schedule as some things had to be cancelled.   In the cases of performing in a restaurant or the 5th floor conference room at the Mountain Chalet, this is not able to be done, and some of the performers and event coordinators have pulled their respective shows. 

Currently cancelled:

Mark Cormican concert and Singer-songwriter event

The Pine Creek Cookhouse Event

However, there is still a full concert at the historic Wheeler Opera House on Saturday, October 9, 2021 with Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon's Tribute to John Denver, and the showing of the film, Alaska: American Child on the big screen at the Wheeler Opera House on October 8th.  Ron Matthews will be joined by fellow musicians and members of Aspen Meadow for a concert on 10/7.  There are also still two events with presentations, the meeting at the John Denver Sanctuary for the Greeting and at the park for the Good-bye again.  There are also some other options that may be coming up, as well, for folks to enjoy!    There are still events to attend, and  there is the beautiful outdoors and nature to explore!  The reason John Denver called the Aspen area home!  From the beautiful John Denver Sanctuary to  along the river where the Rocky Mountain High cover photo was taken, take time to explore all the scenic beauty in the area too!  

So we may be pared back due to a couple of cancellations,  but we can still enjoy the week, being together, and the area that John called home!   

Hi everyone!

We are only about a month away to the beginning of the 2021 John Denver Celebration week!

This year there some very special concerts and events happening, so be sure to check out the schedule!

Do you remember watching John Denver's special in Alaska?  Brings back some great memories of watching John's television specials!  I remember looking so forward to each and everyone one of them!  Well, this year, there is a special movie night that will feature Alaska:  The American Child on the big movie screen at the Wheeler Opera House on October 8, 2021.    John Wilcox, who was the producer and director on the special is specially remastering the documentary to show on the big screen and will share some stories with us behind the scenes!  The showing is free at the Wheeler Opera House, but you need a ticket to enter.  To get your ticket, go to aspenshowtix.com and you can order then on-line. 

A highlight for the past 24 years, has been the various concerts at the Wheeler Opera House.  From John's former band members who started the tradition and were instrumental in the start of the celebration week, the shows have featured various band members and favorite artists and performers who perform John's music.  

This year the Saturday night tradition continues on October 9, 2021 with Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon returning to pay tribute to John's music.  Chris and the members of Boulder Canyon tour extensively performing in various theaters and venues all over the USA and Canada to much acclaim wherever they go.  Their goal is not only pay tribute to John's music, but to his life and all he gave us, and help keep his music alive.  Be sure to check out the show in the historic and beautifully restored Wheeler Opera House! Tickets can be purchased at aspenshowtix.com or by calling the box office at 970-920-5770 or 866-449-0464.  Get your tickets soon, as the best seats are going fast!

Do you want to do something really different for the week with great food and entertainment?   The Pine Creek Cookhouse Event is in its 13th year in 2021!  In past years, this has been a sell-out event during the week.  The Pine Creek Cookhouse in very well acclaimed in the region as one of Aspen's best dining experiences... not only for ambiance there, but also for the views!  Combine that with John Denver tunes, and you have a really special day together!  Tickets:  $95 per the meal, gratuities and entertainment.  Contact Suzanne at mountainsrose312@gmail.com.  Get your tickets soon, as space is very limited this year!

From Wednesday to Monday, be sure to check out all the other concert and events for the week . From various concerts by artists in honor John Denver and other very special events, it will be a special time together!!!!  

We are getting excited to see all of you soon!!! 

Hi Everyone,

We are getting closer to October 2021 and John Denver Celebration week!   More events have been added, so please be sure to check out the Event and Concert Schedule for the updates.

Coming up this week, the tickets for the John Denver Tribute Concert with Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon at the historic Wheeler Opera House in Aspen go on sale!!! Tickets go on sale August 11, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. mountain time!  This will be a special evening at the beautiful Wheeler Opera House with acclaimed artists Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon performing many your John Denver favorites complete with their visual backgrounds!  The show is on October 9, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45-$65 and can be purchased on line at aspenshowtix.com or by calling the box office at 970-920-5770 or 866-449-0464.   

Also, on October 8, 2021 at 7:30 p.m, Chris Collins is hosting  a special presentation of the documentary Alaska: The American Child featuring John Denver.   This will be a remastered film with a special presentation by John Wilcox, who was the producer and director on the documentary.   This will be a special treat to see the film on the big screen at The Wheeler Opera House!  

Be sure to also check out all the concerts and events coming up!!!

See you there!

Hi Everyone!

We are looking forward to seeing everyone this year in beautiful Aspen, Colorado and to celebrate John Denver's music and legacy!

Events are starting to roll in for 2021 with some more announcements to come soon!  Please see the Concerts and Events Listing on the website for dates, times and ticket prices.   We will be updating the listing as more concerts and events are confirmed. 

Hi Everyone,

Currently, there are plans for the annual John Denver Celebration in Aspen to be held October 6-12, 2021 in Aspen, Colorado this year.  As Aspen and many of the venues are just starting to re-open in various capacities due to the pandemic, we are awaiting to hear back on from the various places we hold concerts and some of the events.   Things are still in the planning works for the week.   We will continue to keep you updated on this site as we get confirmed concerts and events in from the coordinators.   

We are sad to announce that most of the concerts and events scheduled for the John Denver Celebration week are going to be cancelled or postponed until 2021 due to COVID-19 precautions and restrictions in the area on crowd sizes.   But, the good thing is that things are already in the works to continue to honor John Denver's life, music and legacy in 2021, and we are hoping and looking forward to being together with all of you again!

Lodging is still at 50% occupancy in Aspen, as well as the restaurants, and crowd sizes are limited.  The Wheeler Opera House will undergo some needed outside restoration since they cannot be open this year.  

There are folks still planning on being in Aspen around October 12th this year with or without any official events, and the area is always a beautiful place to visit!!!   

Keep tuned for some upcoming announcements about next year, and let's look forward to all being together again soon!!!  In the meantime, please be safe, well, and stay strong!

Through this area of the website, we will try to keep you updated on this year's John Denver Celebration week and the status.  Currently, as we are all experiencing due to COVID-19,  Aspen and Colorado are also now in various phases of re-opening.  Much is dependent upon how things go, determinations by both the State of Colorado Department of Health, Pitkin County Department of Health and Committees on re-opening, and the City of Aspen in the days and weeks ahead.   

We will be sharing information we receive from various reliable sources from Aspen and Colorado on the re-opening and what will be the restrictions of that area.   As we receive updates from those in charge of their various concerts and events, we will also keep you informed on the status of the week. 

Currently, Aspen is in their phase 2 Re-Opening Timeline. Many of the hotels and lodging are being allowed to open at 50% occupancy, restaurants are starting to be allowed to be open, and that will be increasing in the days ahead with certain guidelines and restrictions.   Things are changing on a daily and weekly basis. Good resources for updates include the following:

Aspen Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Website (an excellent resource for everything about Aspen, Colorado with updates)

Pitkin County's website  (The county in which Aspen in located) (This gives updated information on the re-opening with a maps and timelines)

Currently, the week is still being planned for 2020,  and many of the events and concerts will depend on the days to come and the decisions made by various Health Departments and the City of Aspen.   There are folks in contact with the venues and lodging to keep updated.  

The most important thing is everyone to be safe and stay well, so that we will have more years ahead to gather and honor John Denver's legacy and music!

We will continue to keep you updated!