In Focus: The 45th Annual John Lennon Tribute at The Town Hall

by charley crespo / december 20, 2025

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.

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.

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. 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 for communities in need. These programs include the John Lennon Real Love Project songwriting program for public elementary school children and families impacted by cancer. See the setlist below.

Rich Pagano: Medley: “You Can’t Catch Me” (Chuck Berry cover) and “A Day In The Life.”

Valerie June: “Beautiful Boy” / “Don’t Let Me Down”

Livingston Taylor: “Watching the Wheels” /”Across the Universe”

Lucy Kaplansky: “If I Fell” (with Shawn Colvin)

The Kennedys: “Dear Prudence”

Yola: “Tomorrow Never Knows” /”Revolution”

Judy Collins: “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” /”Both Sides, Now” (Joni Mitchell cover), “Helplessly Hoping” (CSN cover with Graham Nash), “Imagine” (with Graham Nash), “In My Life”

Shawn Colvin: “Strawberry Fields Forever” (with John Leventhal on guitar) / “Working Class Hero” (with Lucy Kaplansky)

Suzanne Vega: “Julia” / “Instant Karma”

Graham Nash: “Love “ / “Oh My Love” both (with Stephanie Winters on cello)

Willie Nile: “Help!” / “A Hard Day’s Night” (both with The Kennedys)

Group Finale: “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”