“John Denver's Storytellers Unplugged" benefits Challenge Aspen

Wednesday, October 10
The Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, Colorado

Aspen, Colo. (August 27, 2007) - - Wednesday, October 10 at 8pm, Challenge Aspen supporters, old friends and fellow music makers will gather for “John Denver’s Storytellers Unplugged” at The Wheeler Opera House in Aspen. The evening promises to be an intimate, living room experience highlighted by rare recollections and music by some of John Denver’s closest friends, colleagues and confidants. A seat at The Wheeler guarantees an insiders’ listen into the life and times of the incomparable John Denver. Fans of Denver’s music will sit in on a ‘fly-on-the-wall’ conversation centered on personal accounts of life on and off the road with Denver. “John Denver’s Storytellers Unplugged” was created as a response to the record-breaking sell-out of the 10th Anniversary John Denver Tribute and all proceeds benefit Challenge Aspen.

“This night is really a time for some of John’s closest friends to enjoy being together in a relaxed environment to share stories in the round, explains Kenn Roberts, one of the producers of the sold out John Denver Tribute, scheduled the following night. "It’s no surprise that, year after year, fans continue to make their pilgrimage to Aspen to celebrate John’s life. We expect some interesting repartee from all of these guys, speaking to John’s personality, his off the road interests and their experiences with John as a pilot.” Roberts adds, “What’s so special about this, is that these are all friends who have been carefully chosen and who remain very good friends and they’re as excited to be together as we are to produce this unique event.”

John Denver’s longtime business partner and close friend, Michael Shore, who was with Denver on a camping trip when he wrote ‘Rocky Mountain High,’ is looking forward to adding some great stories to the mix. Joining Shore in the list of close friends slated to share tales and tunes are Tom Crum, Jim Salestrom, Denny Brooks, Jim Horn, Barney Wyckoff (former Road Manager), Bill Danoff and John Sommers.

Tickets are $100 and available at The Wheeler Box Office in Aspen, by calling 866-449-0464, 970-920-5770 or online at www.wheeleroperahouse.com. All seating is reserved and includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres, wine and champagne. One-of-a-kind items will be offered during a brief, auction during the evening. Friends, performers and others are coming up with some great ideas to commemorate the 10th anniversary. Special sponsorship opportunities exist by contacting Tracey Mendrek at 847-858-4389.

About Challenge Aspen
Since 1995, Challenge Aspen has provided adaptive recreational and cultural opportunities to thousands of individuals with disabilities from around the world. Based in Aspen, Colorado, Challenge Aspen is an internationally established charitable organization. As a leader and innovator offering participants’ safe, expert instruction and the best competitive ski-racing and educational programs available in the world, Challenge Aspen also provides outstanding summer therapeutic art and drama camps to children with physical and cognitive disabilities. In addition, Challenge Aspen creates adaptive wilderness experiences and provides elite race training for Veterans with disabilities. Critical partnerships with sponsors like Aspen Ski Co. combined with the generous support of the Founders’ Circle, National Council members and annual fund raisers, provide the funding necessary for Challenge Aspen to empower all participants through its outdoor and cultural experiences, regardless of financial status. For more information visit www.challengeaspen.org