Judy Collins to be honored and perform at the 45th Annual John Lennon Tribute

Collins, whose expansive career spans from the early days of the legendary Greenwich Village folk scene to her still vibrant concerts and recordings, will play some of her favorite John Lennon/Beatles classics and be joined by a lineup of acclaimed artists.

Two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Graham Nash, will be making his second Tribute appearance. Three-time Grammy Award winner Jimmy Webb, contemporary folk veterans Suzanne Vega and Shawn Colvin, British sensation Yola, plus Valerie June and Livingston Taylor will all be appearing in the long-running charity concert for the first time. Drummer/percussionist Rich Pagano, a founding member of the Fab Faux, will serve as Music Director for the 17th consecutive year.

Upon hearing the she had been chosen as this year’s honoree, Judy Collins posted online: “John Lennon has been both a personal hero and a beacon of light whose influence transcends time. His legacy lives on, illuminating our path forward and reminding us of the power music hold to create change. It is truly an honor to be celebrating his enduring impact in support of Theatre Within.”

In a statement Sean Lennon said, “How wonderful that for 45 years Theatre Within has celebrated my father in New York City. Proceeds from the concert help bring the John Lennon Real Love Project music program to families impacted by cancer and children in public schools – and that deeply touches my heart – and my mom’s too.”

“As a singer-songwriter, author, and activist for civil rights, peace and social equality, Judy Collins’ influence and impact has been seismic,” said Theatre Within Artistic Director and longtime Tribute producer/host, Joe Raiola. “Her lifelong belief that music can be a powerful tool for positive change resonates deeply with John Lennon’s highest values.”

With the warm support of Yoko Ono, Theatre Within established the John Lennon Real Love Award in 2014 to recognize artists for their creative excellence and charitable/social impact. Previous honorees include Kenny Loggins, Graham Nash, Patti Smith, and Natalie Merchant.

Proceeds from the 45th Annual John Lennon Tribute support Theatre Within’s ongoing free programs in creative expression and mindfulness, including the John Lennon Real Love Project songwriting program, for families impacted by cancer and children in public elementary schools.

Now celebrating its tenth anniversary serving the cancer community, Theatre Within provides 200+ free workshops annually in songwriting, the visuals arts, meditation, and more for cancer patients and survivors.

Theatre Within launched the John Lennon Real Love Project public school songwriting program in the spring of 2021 and has since brought the award-winning program to over 30 schools. Students write new lyrics to “Real Love” and then record their own version of the song accompanied by John Lennon’s original vocal and piano track.

Tickets for Theatre Within’s 45th Annual John Lennon Tribute are on sale at LennonTribute.org

John Lennon and Beatles fans are invited to join “Friends of the Annual John Lennon Tribute” at LennonTribute.org/join-friends, where VIP packages are available.

The Annual John Lennon Tribute is produced in association with Music Without Borders. It remains the only John Lennon tribute concert in the world sanctioned by Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon.