John Lennon Tribute

Over to New York for my 60th birthday from UK to see show as i was a big Lennon fan from the early sixties to the end.Jackson Browne & Cyndi Lauper were stars i knew but most of the other US based stars i didnt?They all put on a fantastic show & gave me & my wife a show to remember on my first trip to New York.The audience close by us really got into the mood & this made it so much better.

A great eclectic group of artists doing an eclectic selection of John's songs. I loved that the vibe was community//almost amateurish, rather than slick and staged, just how John would have wanted it. I was, however, quite disappointed in the performances of Jackson Browne and Cyndi Lauper. Browne didn't know the lyrics to the songs he was singing. I'm sure that 95% of the audience knew the words. It didn't feel like he was a fan of John's. Cyndi spent too much attention and energy to the laptop she brought on stage with her, presumably keying pre-recorded parts. This distraction resulted in her music not flowing.

When Martin Sexton (whom I didn't really know) actually, naturally got the audience to harmonize WITH him on "Working Class Hero," I felt this was the best, most Lennon-like moment of the night. The bigger the "star," the harder and flatter they fell!! Cyndi Lauper's discomfort was palpable as she totally screwed up "Across the Universe." It seems she had paid more attention to her looks (in heavy leather drag) than her performance. Patti Smith was better but changed the lyrics in a way that obscured the song's true meaning. The benefit itself suffered from its overblown status. In previous years, there were quirky little theater pieces really examining Lennon's ideas and others' attitudes toward them. Once you go big, however, it's hard to go back. Still we wish Joe and everyone the best -- we'll be back next year I hope.

Lots of people I've been wanting to see for a long time - Taj Mahal, Martin Sexton and Shelby Lynne were fantastic. And others I've seen as often as I can - Jackson Browne and Keb Mo' - and they never disappoint.

Wonderfully eclectic R&B, Country, and World versions of classic Lennon. All For a great cause. Thanks to all the musicians and organizers. Bravo.

Everyone has their heart and soul in the right place at this tribute. The names, venues, and unfortunately, the seat prices as well have gotten bigger than years before. If you can afford a good seat- go for it. House band Rich Pagano and Jack Petruzelli's Lennon expertise adds tremendously to the music. They are the unassuming heroes of this show.

very disconnected too many performers much better last year at symphony space no sense of togetherness

Joan Osborne was super as were Taj Majal and Keb Mo.

I think I expected so much more from this event. Having said that, there were a few moments that were great and a few I would like to forget. I don't remember all the names, but I will tell you that the person from South Africa was wonderful as were Jackson Browne, Cyndi Lauper and The Playing for Change Band. Whoever it was that sang Help I just pray that I never see them again- it was a painful rendition. I also think the screen should have been larger so that everyone could see the whole thing.

Wonderful evening of music made more so by the excellent matching of artist and song

Event was alot of fun. The songs were well done and the musciians great. I thought that we could have heard more from Jackson browne, Aimee Mann, joan Osborn and the Kennedys. Verbal tributes from the DJ and the comedy rantings were unneeded.

Felt like I was watching a rehearsal Bad sound This was a Tribute to the greatest songwriter in modern history and there was not one lasting memory from this night. In 40 years nobody perfected this music,as John did,please dont rearrange these songs in front of a New York audience of Lennon fans. I can appreciate new versions but not on a night like this.

I thought the house band sounded great. did not like some of the artist reading the words to some of the songs considering it was only one or two songs of this fantastic artist. Cindy Lauper was going into the chorus instead of the next verse but she caught herself. She sounded great though as did all the other artist. Jackson Browne my favorite was awesome,Taj mahall got everyone going . I could not see the video screen because of my seat was in the very top balcony. all in all i enjoyed the show.

Patti Smith was magic. Martin Sexton, too. Jackson Browne, yep. Playing for Change, fab. Cyndi Lauper, what happened...you really didn't know the words, or did playing with your Mac for (unnecessary) sound effects distract you?

The concert felt more like I was watching the first-run dress rehearsal than the actual show. Microphones went out, people were not on stage when they were supposed to be, and the topper- Cyndi Lauper forgot the words to a song that "got her through hard times." I am a huge John Lennon fan and to have his name associated with this performance was disappointing. I am glad I didn't spend $400+ / ticket to see this show. Another note, the debut of the charity video could not be seen from the balcony. Poor planning.

The artists outdid themselves in their interpretations of John's work. Some covers could be classics themselves! Participants were all excellent musicians and singers in their own right, and they were all people I was thrilled to see. Especially dynamic were Bettye LaVette, Shelby Lynne, Cyndi Lauper, Martin Sexton, Keb Mo, Vusi Mahlasela and Taj Mahal, Alejandro Escovedo, Joan Osborne,... wait.... I'm going to end up listing everyone!!! Jackson Browne remains incredible to this day.. as does Patti Smith and Tony Shanahan, the cover band....... We loved it all. The new artists in the Playing For Change segments were so talented and vibrant that we were blown away by their performance.... and drove home the universality of John's (and the Beatle's) music and it's message to all of humanity! So glad we went!

What a mixed bag Fri night at the Beacon. Alexandro Escovedo and Martin Sexton were standouts while many of the other performers sang John's song in their voice sounding like a cover band. No attempts at rerranging or adding personal style. But the very worst was Cindy Lauper and her embarassing display of how unprepared she was. Messing up lyrics and playing w/her MAC as if it could save her from how very unprofessional she looked. I took several family members to this show from out of town and out of state. It was a big deal to get there and it was a celebration of my bro's 50th birthday. For the money I dropped, there were plenty of other events going on in NY that night that I wish we'd chosen instead.

It was clear this show was not rehearsed, almost all of the singers were using sheet music and singing off-key. I was shocked by this as these were all seasoned pros. The Beacon should not allow people in after the start as this was extremely distracting. There were people standing directly in front of us for the first half hour of the show because of the constant flow of late people. The only thing that made this a 150.00 show was the fact that it was for a good cause and I was able to experience the feeling of being in a room where everyone is sharing one thing in common- the love for John Lennon and what he represented.

John Lennon songs still moves me. That is for sure. However, so-called all star singers who attended this year's tribute concert could not live up to my expectation. The chemistry between them especially Jackson Browne and Cindy Roper turned out to be a damp squib. Anyway, I have to admit it that I enjoyed hearing Lennon songs from different voices of various artists and I wish this annual event to continue another decade.

This concert was very disappointing. The first set was awful. But, on the brighter side, Keb Mo was wonderful, as was Michael Sexton, a talented artist that I'd like to hear more from. Jackson Browne was good, as usual and likewise the Playing for Change Band. Overall though the talented artists needed to perform more so those who can't sing, should have stayed home. I'm just chalking it up to my making a donation to a worthy cause.

I was disappointed in some of the airtists that performed. I thought the band was good but the singers were sometimes off key. Also Cyndie Lauper didn't even know the words to her song. It seems no one really cared how the performances went.

My husband and I went into the city, had a great dinner, and then enjoyed a great evening of music. At this point in our lives we would not spend that much money for concert tickets unless it will help a cause we believe is worthy. This event certainly was a one night only type of event, with terrific artists, and it keeps alive the belief that John Lennon had---- that we can work together to help each other and ourselves. We look forward to next years line-up!!!

This was a HUGE momentous event - 30 years since John Lennon was gunned down, a Tribute to him for what would have been his 70th birthday and the 30th year this Tribute was held but it seemed very poorly planned and unorganized and I was very surprised AND disappointed that people came in late -- it's not like this was a movie for $5 bucks or something like that - this was a TRIBUTE to JOHN LENNON. Some people came in minutes late, others half an hour late, and the lady behind me came in ONE SONG BEFORE THE finale songs!

I support fund raisers yet from the promotion materials, I didn't get that this was about 15 performers w one song each--not just Jackson Browne, Cyndi Lauper etc. It would have been super if the promoters had promoted the other talented people who are lesser known.

The first half was torture. If someone could sing on key it would have been nice. Cindy Lauper forgot the song and was openly reading it. Very disappointing all around. Taj Mahal was Fantastic! The Playing for Change band was great too! I won't do it again.

i thoroughly enjoyed seeing the performers and being part of a benefit for such a good cause. i did feel, however , that it might have been a litte more organized and cohesive. at times it had the feeling of a really good high school production and that saddens me. so much talent but the performances were so short and choppy it took away from the experience. i do mostly blame the audience - i think they thought they were watching television! very little feedback to the music and even less energy. i thought the 'imagine' movie was outstanding. i came mainly to see jackson browne and he was almost last and then was backup for cyndi lauper who spent much of her performance playing with her computer... annoying. shelby lynne blew me away with her renditon of 'mother' - an amazing performance. i would recommend the concert to others but im not sure i would pay $150 to attend again.

While there were flashes of brilliance, the show was disappointing overall. Too many performers lacked energy... Patti Smith, Aimee Mann... ONe of them could barely sing in tune.

The thirtieth John Lennon tribute was all about John Lennon, the writer, the performer, the man. It is always difficult for tribute concerts to capture the essence of the honoree, John Lennon is too complex for that to take place. Many performers however did beautifully channel the raw power and beauty of John's work. I was partivularly struck by the wonderful performances of Keb Mo on Help, Martin Sexton on Workingmans Hero, Betty Lavette, Taj Majal and the wonderous duet of Maura Kennedy and Joan Osborne on Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. John :Lennon is loved b y New Yorkersa and the constant pictures of John shown during the msusical performances drew love and applause. A pitch was made ( almost as a joke) to have Lennon Day replace Columbus Day, you have my vote. This is my fourth consecutive year of attending this special event and it was the best yet.

This was a great event. Jackson, Keb, Taj, Shelby, Patti, et. al. entertained the crowd with the amazing vision of Lennon. We had balcony seats and could not see the video because of a bank of lights. This would be my only negative on a wonderful evening. We hope to make this event part of our annual pilrimage to NYC.

The whole show was just sectacular. The first half hour was a little slow but then it to off like a rocket. The co-ordination of so many performers getting to and from the stage was flawless. All of the artists gave great renditions,in their own styles, of John's words and music.

I enjoyed the show, but in between the performers, there were too many speakers while waiting for the performers.

I suppose the money went to a good cause. I understand that it was a benefit but it was not very exciting musically, with the exception of "The Word" and "Working Class Hero. Very disappointing to hear the performers sing the praises of John Lennon, tell us how great his songs are and then most of them needed lyric sheets. Cyndi Lauper was the worst in this area. Very unprofessional. When you are singing only 2 or 3 songs, it's not that much work to learn them. This is particularly important when you have lured in real Lennon fans to support your charity. We have heard the recordings and it is not particulary interesting to hear the same arrangements performed with the only difference being the absence of Lennon's voice, which is just disappointing. Most of us in the audience could have done a better job with the lyrics.

Event excellent and well organized. Amazing but some of the patrons were just rude (phones, texts, yeiing out ...)

The event was uneven. I almost walked out in the first half hour. The dance piece was juvenile and I was embarrassed for the performers. Aimee Mann and Patti Smith were wonderful. Jackson Browne was excellent, although I think his song choice wasn't the best. There are not enough glowing words to describe Martin Sexton's performance. His choice of a song and his interpretation were both brilliant and the high point of the night for me. The audience was the rudest audience I have ever been part of. The milling around and the standing and blocking the view was infuriating.

The only time of mine I am willing to waste on this marketing ploy is to tell you I do not appreciate this. In order to submit my opinion, which you came to me for, I have to write something original? It is just abuse of the customer.

The show was excellent. I had never heard anything from Kev Mo or Taj Mahal before although I was familiar with both. They were exceptional. The guest list was good but there should have been more and it should have been longer. A coupld of musicians did what I would call almost dark versions of a Lennon song but the majority were upbeat and very good. Not a big country fan but Shelby Lynne was outstanding as well was Joan Osborne. Also enjoyed Martin Sexton. The really big surprise was bubble gum pop artist Cyndi Lauper who did a really fabulous job. Jackson Browne was there and he is always excellent and did a duo with Cyndi Lauper. Jackson would not give Cyndi a hug after their duo while all other artists hugged, gave high fives, etc... Maybe she has grown up and out of pure pop. My first year at the tribute and I read that the musicians are different every year with a few regulars. They did have some not such good acts as well;; a couple of modern dancers dancing to a Lennon song and a juggler, juggling to another John Lennon song

although the quality of the individual performers was uneven, the "spirit" that existed in the room made up for it ... not to mention the fact that anyone who loved John Lennon and loves Yoko has to be someone who is open to unique different styles of artistic expression. So while I was not crazy about all of the performers, how can you not love Lennon music in any form! the only downer was when a few people (like Cindi Lauper) did not remember the words to Lennon songs...seriously! each performer only sang one or two songs, the least they could have done was learn the words! money going to a great cause so it took the bite out of the ticket price ... POWER TO THE PEOPLE!