Patti Smith, Jackson Browne, Taj Mahal, Aimee Mann, Shelby Lynne, Martin Sexton, and Keb' Mo' are Among 15 Artists Featured on The 30th Annual John Lennon Tribute, Live from the Beacon Theatre, NYC

NEW YORK, Oct. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Theatre Within today announces the November 15th release of a live album chronicling the sold out, star-studded 30th Annual John Lennon Tribute, Live from the Beacon Theatre NYC.  The 15-song release will be available digitally via iTunes, Amazon and other major online music outlets. The album can be pre-ordered now at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/preorder/the-30th-annual-john-lennon/id475506130.  Proceeds from the sales of the digital release will be shared with the Japanese Red Cross for its ongoing Earthquake/Tsunami Relief efforts.

"John would have loved that Theatre Within has produced a special live album of his songs to benefit the Japanese Red Cross and the people still suffering from the tsunami and earthquake," states Yoko Ono.  

The 30th Annual Tribute took place November 12, 2010 at New York's legendary Beacon Theatre and featured an all-star line-up of musicians, spanning nearly four generations, each performing unique interpretations of classic Lennon songs, from his Beatles through solo years.

Following is the line-up featured on the concert release:

Rich Pagano/Power To The People
The Kennedys/And Your Bird Can Sing 
Meshell Ndegeocello - God
Alejandro Escovedo/Help!
Shelby Lynne/Mother
Martin Sexton/Working Class Hero
Joan Osborne/Hey Bulldog
Taj Mahal and Vusi Mahlasela - Watching the Wheels
Keb' Mo'/In My Life
Taj Mahal with Deva Mahal & Steph Browne/Come Together
Bettye LaVette/The Word
Aimee Mann/Jealous Guy
Jackson Browne/You've Got To Hide Your Love Away
Patti Smith and Tony Shanahan/Oh Yoko
Playing For Change Band/Instant Karma

Martin Sexton, whose rendition of "Working Class Hero," was called "chill-inspiring" by Billboard Magazine, said, "John has always been a hero of mine, not only for his musical brilliance, but for his life-long commitment to bringing peace and light into the world."  Talking about performing "Come Together" with Steph Brown and his daughter Deva, Taj Mahal said, "Respect the way the song was written because that's what grabbed me, and then add my sauce, or my wiggle or growl."

Theatre Within, a not-for-profit performing arts presenter dedicated to producing shows to benefit important charities and social causes, has produced The Annual John Lennon Tribute since 1981, shortly after Lennon's death. It is the longest running event of its kind and the only ongoing tribute show in the world to have earned the support of Yoko Ono.

Theatre Within also announces that its 31st Annual John Lennon Tribute will take place on Saturday, December 10, 2011, at Le Poisson Rouge.  This year's lineup includes: Tribute alumni Steve Forbert, Bettye LaVette, Lucy Kaplansky, Rich Pagano, Richard Barone and first timers, Toshi Reagon and Ari Hest.

SOURCE Theatre Within