Theatre Within, the grassroots non-profit behind the Annual John Lennon Tribute concert since 1981, will honor music great Donovan as the third recipient of the “John Lennon Real Love Award” at its 36th Annual John Lennon Tribute on Friday, December 2 at Symphony Space, NYC.
Having accompanied the Beatles on their historic journey to India, Donovan will perform an extended set dedicated to Lennon, which will include Beatles songs and his own classics, some of which were composed in 1968 at the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
“I am delighted to be honored with this year’s John Lennon Real Love Award,” said Donovan. “And I am amazed to say that John has written a song through me inspired by our time together in India, which I will sing at the Tribute with special guests. Please support Theatre Within and remember, Peace Begins Within.”
Past Tribute performers include Jackson Browne, Patti Smith, Debbie Harry, Rosanne Cash, Judy Collins, Steve Earle, Raul Malo and the late Ben E. King. More artists for this year’s Tribute will be announced soon.
“Donovan is a beautiful soul who was positively influenced by John,” said Yoko Ono. “I think it is lovely that Theatre Within is honoring him with the ‘John Lennon Real Love Award’ and that the Tribute continues to flourish.”
The Tribute has raised funds for many local and international charities, including WhyHunger and The Playing For Change Foundation, which help feed the hungry, build music schools in developing nations and provide disaster relief. Proceeds now support Theatre Within’s life-affirming workshops at Gilda’s Club, NYC for those whose lives have been impacted by cancer. The workshops include an intensive 5-month meditation program and the John Lennon Real Love Project, a songwriting workshop for children who have lost a parent to the disease.
“We are excited to honor such an important artist who was a good friend of John,” said Tribute Producer Joe Raiola. “Donovan brings a special significance to this year’s Tribute.” Mr. Raiola is also a long time Senior Editor at MAD Magazine and will appear in the Tribute for his 36th consecutive year.
Tickets for Theatre Within’s 36th Annual John Lennon Tribute will go on sale Friday, September 23 at 1pm
and will be available online anytime at LennonTribute.org or by telephone at 212-864-5400, Tuesday – Sunday, 1pm – 6 pm. A limited number of VIP packages are also available.
Theatre Within depends solely on contributions to produce the Tribute each year. John Lennon and Beatles fans everywhere are invited to join “Friends of the Annual John Lennon Tribute” at LennonTribute.org/join- friends. Membership begins at $25 and all members receive a limited edition “We All Shine On” photo print featuring an iconic image of John Lennon by famed rock photographer, Bob Gruen.
In addition to the Tribute, on Sunday, October 9, which would have been Lennon’s 76th birthday, Theatre Within will host a Meditation for World Peace at the Insight Meditation Center in New York City. The event, which is free to the public, will include instruction in loving-kindness meditation, a period of silence and Lennon songs.
Theatre Within’s Annual John Lennon Tribute is produced in association with Music Without Borders. It is the only ongoing John Lennon Tribute concert in North America or Europe sanctioned by Yoko Ono.
