Judy Collins, Graham Nash, Suzanne Vega, Yola, Valerie June, Shawn Colvin, Lucy Kaplansky, Livingston Taylor, Willie Nile and the Kennedys led a musical celebration of John Lennon’s life, music and message of peace and love at the Town Hall on Friday, December 12. The 45th Annual John Lennon Tribute program featured performances of songs written by John Lennon, both with the Beatles and in his later solo years.
Theatre Within’s John Lennon tribute concerts began shortly after the British-born musician’s assassination outside his New York City apartment building in 1980. For the 45th time, satirist and comedy writer Joe Raiola, formerly of Mad magazine, hosted the program. Rich Pagano served as music director. Jimmy Webb was scheduled to perform as well, but canceled due to illness.
Judy Collins received this year’s John Lennon Real Love Award. Established in 2014 by Theatre Within, with the support of Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono, the John Lennon Real Love Award celebrates artists for their creative brilliance, support of charitable causes and/or enduring commitment to social activism. This year, Collins joined the ranks of previous winners Kenny Loggins, Graham Nash, Joan Osborne, Ani Difranco, Natalie Merchant, Rosanne Cash, Patti Smith, Donovan, Eve Ensler and Bob Gruen.
All proceeds benefited Theatre Within, a nonprofit organization providing ongoing free programs in creative expression and mindfulness. These programs include the John Lennon Real Love Project, a free songwriting program for public elementary school children, youth in crisis, and families impacted by cancer.
Rich Pagano + the SugarCane Cups Setlist: You Can’t Catch Me (Chuck Berry cover), A Day in the Life (The Beatles cover)
Valerie June Setlist: Beautiful Boy (John Lennon cover), Don’t Let Me Down (The Beatles cover)
Livingston Taylor Setlist: Watching the Wheels (John Lennon cover), Across the Universe (The Beatles cover)
Lucy Kaplansky Setlist: If I Fell (The Beatles cover, with Shawn Colvin)
The Kennedys Setlist: Dear Prudence (The Beatles cover)
Yola Setlist: Tomorrow Never Knows (The Beatles cover), Revolution (The Beatles cover)
Judy Collins Setlist: Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) (The Beatles cover), Both Sides, Now (Joni Mitchell cover), Helplessly Hoping (Crosby, Stills & Nash cover, with Graham Nash), Imagine (John Lennon cover, with Graham Nash, Rich Pagano + the SugarCane Cups), In My Life (The Beatles cover)
Shawn Colvin Setlist: Strawberry Fields Forever (The Beatles cover), Working Class Hero (John Lennon cover, w. Lucy Kaplansky)
Suzanne Vega Setlist: Julia (John Lennon cover), Instant Karma (John Lennon cover, with Rich Pagano + the SugarCane Cups)
Graham Nash Setlist: Love (John Lennon cover, with Stephanie Winters on cello), Oh My Love (John Lennon cover, with Stephanie Winters on cello)
Willie Nile Setlist: Help! (The Beatles cover, with Rich Pagano + the SugarCane Cups), A Hard Day’s Night (The Beatles cover, with Rich Pagano + the SugarCane Cups), Happy Xmas (War Is Over) (John Lennon & the Plastic Ono Band cover, with most performers on stage), Give Peace a Chance (Plastic Ono Band cover, with most performers on stage)
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