John Lennon anniversary tribute in NY

The 25th annual tribute to John Lennon will be held on December 9th and 10th in New York City at Lincoln Center's Clark Studio Theatre. The show has been a New York theater tradition since Lennon's death in 1980, premiering as an off-Broadway memorial to the former Beatle in early 1981. The tribute, which is co-written and directed by Joe Raiola, an editor at MAD magazine, will be headlined by the late Harry Chapin's daughter, Jen Chapin - a singer/songwriter in her own right. As always, the show will be a non-for-profit event, with all proceeds benefiting the Builders Of The New World - an education and theatre program for homeless children.

Writer/Producer Joe Raiola told us that, like the best of Lennon's work, the show features a little something for everyone:
[ click here to listen if you have a Backstage Pass] "It's a provocative evening of theater, music and dance, with special musical guest Jen Chapin. Jen is, of course, Harry's (Chapin's) daughter. Also, the show's an opportunity to see dance performances, influenced by Lennon, with Lennon music and theatre pieces as well that grapple with issues off war and peace, and all those fascinating subjects that occupied John's mind and his music as well."

Tickets for both shows, which start at 7:30 p.m.,. are $37.50.