Donovan Preps John Lennon Covers for Tribute Concert
By Jon Blistein / September 6, 2016
Scottish musician will headline Theatre Within's annual celebration of late Beatle
Donovan will perform a special set featuring an array of Beatles covers at the Theatre Within's 36th annual John Lennon Tribute concert. Michael Collopy
Donovan will perform an extended set comprising John Lennon and Beatles covers, as well as his own music, after receiving the John Lennon Real Love Award at the Theatre Within's 36th Annual John Lennon Tribute.
The concert will take place December 2nd at Symphony Space in New York City, and additional performers will be announced soon.
Donovan shares a long history with the Beatles and Lennon, most notably traveling with the group to India in 1968 to visit the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Along with studying Transcendental Meditation during the trip, Donovan taught Lennon proper acoustic guitar finger-picking technique.
“I am delighted to be honored at this year’s John Lennon Real Love Award,” said Donovan. “And I am amazed to say that John has written a song through me which I will sing at the Tribute with special guests. Please support Theatre Within and remember, PEACE BEGINS WITHIN."
Tickets for the concert will go on sale September 23rd at 1 p.m. ET via the Lennon Tribute website. A limited number of VIP packages will also be available.
Proceeds from the concert will support workshops the Theatre Within hosts at the New York City Gilda's Club, a community organization for those living with cancer. Among the Theatre's offerings are a meditation program and a songwriting workshop in Lennon's name for children who have lost a parent to the disease.
Donovan joins an impressive list of artists who have performed at the annual Lennon tribute. Last year's show featured Martin Sexton along with Joan Osborne, Bettye LaVette and more, while previous performers include Jackson Browne, Debbie Harry, Patti Smith, Rosanne Cash and Steve Earle.
Donovan will also spend much of the fall on the road in North America celebrating the 50th anniversary of his hit single, "Sunshine Superman," and his 1966 album of the same name.