The Annual John Lennon Tribute charity concert, produced by non-profit Theatre Within, has announced that the 40th edition of the tribute show will go virtual and be streamed for free at LennonTribute.org. The show will air on what would have been Lennon's 80th birthday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. ET through Oct. 12 at 12 a.m. ET.
Performers during the event will include recent John Lennon Real Love Award Honorees Patti Smith, Natalie Merchant and Rosanne Cash, plus more from Jorma Kaukonen, Jackson Browne, Taj Mahal, Martin Sexton, Joan Osborne, Bettye LaVette, Shelby Lynne, Marc Cohn, Willie Nile, Music Director Rich Pagano and Blac Rabbit. In addition, the program will include unreleased performances from past Lennon Tribute concerts.
“John has been a loving spirit now for nearly as long as he was with us on earth, 40 years," said Yoko Ono in a statement. "Through all that time, Theatre Within has joyfully celebrated his music and message with its beautiful annual tribute concert, which helps makes possible its many programs for those impacted by cancer, including the John Lennon Real Love Project songwriting workshop. This is such a wonderful way to honor John and the values he stood for.”
“As a result of the pandemic, we’re taking the Tribute online and have the opportunity to share it with John Lennon fans around the world," added longtime Tribute producer and Theatre Within Artistic Director, Joe Raiola, who will also be hosting the event. "We’re counting on their support to help keep our free programs for those impacted by cancer going and growing.” Raiola will be appearing in the Tribute for the 40th consecutive year.
For more information, visit lennontribute.org.
