Annual Theatre Within John Lennon Tribute Sets 35th Annual Lineup
BY STEVE MARINUCCI / OCTOBER 9, 2015
Theatre Within's annual John Lennon tribute concert, which is endorsed by Lennon's widow Yoko Ono, announced the lineup for this year's concert Oct. 8. The event, which marks its 35th anniversary this year, takes place at 8 p.m. Dec. 4 at Symphony Space in New York City. The show, which will pay tribute to John Lennon's 75th birthday, will feature headliner Martin Sexton, plus Joan Osborne, Bettye LaVette, Joseph Arthur, Willie Nile, Lucy Kaplansky, Richard Shindell, Nicole Atkins, Jonatha Brooke, Chris Smither, Toshi Reagon and Rich Pagano from the Fab Faux.
Eve Ensler, the author of the “Vagina Monologues,” will be honored at the event with the second annual John Lennon Real Love Award for her life's work and social activism. "John Lennon was a visionary artist who made music revolution. His songs, his voice, his life, his love taught me that art can break down walls, open minds, explode hearts and instigate revolt,” Ensler said. “He is a source inspiration in my life and I am humbled, truly humbled and honored, to receive such an award in his name.”
Yoko Ono said in a statement, “It’s really quite remarkable that Theatre Within has been remembering John with its beautiful Annual John Lennon Tribute in New York City for 35 years. And how fitting it is that they are honoring Eve Ensler as an artist, feminist and activist with the John Lennon Real Love Award.”