Denver tribute to take stage

Perhaps not the first song that comes to mind from the late John Denver's nearly 300 recordings, "This Old Guitar" is the life song of Jim Curry, who will perform "Tribute to the Music of John Denver" at 7 p.m. today (Sept. 13) at the Miller Performing Arts Center in Jefferson City.

"It's such a biography of my life," Curry said.

His guitar was responsible for bringing his wife into his life, it helped him make childhood friends when he moved with his father's naval career every few years, and now performing is his livelihood.

For more than a decade, Curry has been singing songs from John Denver's albums, television appearances and special guest performances.

Venues have ranged from a coffee house seating 50 to the Red Rocks filled with an audience of thousands.

Although his appearance is similar to Denver's, "my natural voice happens to sound like him," Curry said.

Audiences are filled with 40- to 60-somethings who remember the music of their youth, he said.

"They're not necessarily die-hard fans, but they love the music," Curry said. "It's still relevant - a love song is still a love song."

Curry's show is a tribute to the music, "not a cheesy, Las Vegas caricature." The cornerstone concert songs include "Rocky Mountain High," "Country Roads," "Calypso" and "Annie's Song."