Multi-award winning performer, Darren Coggan, returns to his country roots with ‘The Poems, Prayers & Promises of John Denver’ at The J on Saturday 18 June.
Darren has won two Golden Guitar awards, The Centenary medal for services to society, Australian Independent Male vocalist of the year, Album of the year and many more.
He has played extensive theatrical roles including playing Richie Cunningham in the Happy Days arena spectacular, was a regular on All Saints, was understudy to John Farnham as Teen Angel in Grease.
He returns to The J delivering the vocal authenticity of one of the most passionate performers of all time.
In a personal reflection, Darren respectfully honours the indelible voice behind songs that the whole world sang along with, such universal anthems as Take Me Home Country Roads, Rocky Mountain High, Annie’s Song, Perhaps Love, Thank God I’m A Country Boy, Calypso, Leaving On A Jet Plane and many more.
Darren said, “The show celebrates the close relationship and fondness that John Denver had for Australia, which I think helped inspire much of his work.”
“I hope that I can deliver the same sense of joy and yearning that John Denver had for performing and indeed living life to the fullest.
“I hope that the audiences emerge from the theatres feeling uplifted and inspired by the songs, taking with them a sense of moral concern to strive for a better world for our children.”
For Darren, there has always been something about John Denver’s songs, and song writing, that has always inspired him.
Even from an early age, the music resonated with him.
“I have been a fan of John Denver’s for as long as I can remember,” he said.
“The very first songs I learned to play on the guitar at age six were John Denver songs.
“I think it’s the simplicity in which he delivers his lyrics, they are almost conversational and touch on universal themes of home, love, hope and things that are the essence of what we are all searching for.
“John’s passion for love and life was so infectious; you can’t help but get swept up in his enthusiasm. John spoke for the environment before it was popular to do so, and his songs have become voices for our planet, they offer us a vision of living in harmony with nature and with each other.”
Being at a Darren Coggan performance is such a lovely experience, he is a wonderfully warm performer who makes you feel very welcomed and included, there is no doubt you will leave smiling having sung along to all your favourite John Denver songs.
Don’t miss the show at The J Theatre on Saturday 18 June at 8pm.
For more information visit www.thej.com.au/darren-coggan-the-poems-prayers-promises-of-john-denver/
