|
Nov 10, 2009
Hard Rock International Announces IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER Campaign
Hard Rock International Announces IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER Campaign to Raise Awareness and Funding for WHY in its Fight Against Hunger and Poverty
Campaign Features SERVE4 – A Limited-Edition Digital Album of Previously Unreleased & Rare Tracks from O.A.R., Elvis Costello, Brett Dennen, Eric Hutchinson and More
In 1971, John Lennon expressed his vision of hope, peace and a world free of poverty through his powerful song “Imagine”. Decades later, his lyrics continue to influence and inspire. Lennon’s mission lives on as his wife, artist and musician Yoko Ono Lennon has joined Hard Rock International for IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER, a global campaign to benefit WHY - a nonprofit organization that strives to fight against hunger and poverty around the world. Dedicated to its LOVE ALL, SERVE ALL motto, 100% of net proceeds from Hard Rock’s campaign will directly benefit WHY and its grassroots partners around the globe, that have developed ways to feed children worldwide who are victims of poverty and also teach them farming and entrepreneurial skills for the future.
Setting the foundation for the 2009 IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER campaign, Hard Rock has partnered with several top musicians and bands, including Campaign Ambassadors O.A.R., who donated a live track of “Lay Down” to the SERVE4 digital album, a project dedicated to serving those in need. Following John Lennon’s lead track “Gimme Some Truth,” donated by Yoko Ono Lennon, SERVE4 will also feature versions of rare, live or previously unreleased tracks from some of music’s most influential artists, including O.A.R., Elvis Costello, Eric Hutchinson, Brett Dennen and more. SERVE4 will be available at Hard Rock locations around the world and on www.hardrock.com beginning November 9, 2009, with digital downloads available at iTunes and Amazon.
"This is a beautiful step towards world peace. By imagining there's no hunger, like what John sang in his song, we express our strong desire to bring a world in which children will never again suffer from hunger or poverty. Let's come together and help spread this message around the world," said Yoko Ono Lennon. "John would have loved the fact that so many illustrious and good meaning partners and organizations have stood up to make this effort together."
Hard Rocks’ IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER campaign also includes a charity bracelet and a limited-edition pin, featuring the powerful message “IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER.” 100% of net proceeds from the campaign will be donated directly to WHY to benefit local charities, including the Common Ground Program and Pathfinder Academy both located in Kenya; the Pattanarak Foundation located in Thailand; City of Joy located in India; Yéle Haiti located in Haiti; Hope North located in Uganda; Roots and Shoots located in China; Project Bona Fide located in Nicaragua and Sentabale located in Lesotho.
“Hard Rock has been a longtime supporter of WHY, and I’ve seen firsthand how the organization helps to make a difference around the world,” said Hamish Dodds, President and CEO, Hard Rock International, and Global Ambassador for WHY. “We are proud to continue to support WHY’s life-saving efforts, in hopes that one day, we will have a world without hunger and poverty.”
Servin’ Up Some Rockin’ Charity . . .
Following John Lennon’s lead track “Gimme Some Truth,” the SERVE4 digital album also features live versions of never-before-released or rare tracks by a unique blend of major multi-platinum, award-winning and acclaimed recording artists. The songs on SERVE4 reflect the generosity of the artists that donated them to the project on behalf of serving those in need. All net proceeds from the campaign will be donated directly to WHY and grassroots partners around the globe. ($12 or .99¢ per track at online retailers)
SERVE4:
| Artist Track |
Title |
| John Lennon |
“Gimme Some Truth” |
| O.A.R. |
“Lay Down” |
| Brandi Carlile |
“If There Was No You” |
| Starsailor |
“Listen Up” |
| Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint |
“The River In Reverse” |
| Earth, Wind & Fire / Chicago |
“You” |
| Eric Hutchinson |
“OK, It’s Alright With Me” |
| The Low Anthem |
“Home I’ll Never Be” |
| Arno Carstens |
“Heartbreak Monday” |
| Brett Dennen |
“Heaven” |
| Toby Lightman |
“One Day” |
| moe. |
“Wicked Awesome” |
| The Raveonettes |
“Oh I Buried You Today” |
| Uncle Kracker |
“Smile” |
In addition to SERVE4, beginning November 9th, Hard Rock locations around the globe will offer IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER merchandise, including a limited-edition bracelet and pin to benefit WHY. These beneficial items will be available for a limited time only, exclusively at Hard Rock’s Rock Shops and www.hardrock.com, including:
IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER Charity Bracelet – Accessorize fashionably and charitably. This wristband is adorned with the influential message “IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER” and John Lennon’s self-portrait. Available in red, this must-have item also features the WHY and Hard Rock International logos. 100% of the net proceeds benefit WHY and grassroots partners around the globe. ($1 or more donation in cafe)
IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER Pin – This limited-edition benefit pin features John Lennon’s portrait, a peace sign and Hard Rock’s logo inside the frames of the musician’s world-famous wire eyeglasses, and surrounded by the statement “IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER.” This intricate design sits atop Lennon’s signature. 100% of the net proceeds benefit WHY. ($12, available in Rock Shop)
In addition to Hard Rock’s Rock Shops throughout the world, the SERVE4 digital album, charity bracelet and pin will also be available for sale through Hard Rock’s Web site at www.hardrock.com beginning November 9, 2009. All songs featured on SERVE4 will also be available for download at major online retail stores and mobile carriers worldwide via The Orchard’s digital distribution network.
“WHY's partnership with Yoko Ono Lennon and Hard Rock International, along with a growing number of artists, is a dynamic part of our global commitment to fighting hunger and poverty by empowering young people with the skills to grow food that feeds themselves and their communities,” said Bill Ayres, founder of WHY. “By working together, we will not only imagine a world without hunger – we will one day achieve it.”
For more information, please visit www.hardrock.com.
|
Nov 05, 2009
40th ANNIVERSARY ‘GIVE PEACE A CHANCE’ TO HELP UNITED NATIONS PEACE BUILDING FUND
To celebrate the unifying spirit and 40th anniversary of the Plastic Ono Band's universal anthem, "Give Peace a Chance," Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon and Julian Lennon have partnered with EMI Music and Sony/ATV Music Publishing to donate net proceeds from the sale of a commemorative 40th Anniversary digital single to the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF). Beginning today, iTunes will exclusively offer the single's special anniversary edition for download purchase, with net proceeds benefiting the PBF through December 31.
Says Yoko Ono, "I am thrilled that so many in the music business are readily supporting 'Give Peace a Chance' on its 40th anniversary. It is indeed a time when we are all getting more aware of the necessity of doing something to achieve world peace, no matter how small. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I feel deeply that we are all one, regardless of where we stand."
"I am delighted to see that a song so closely identified with the pursuit of peace, will shine a light on the United Nations' peacebuilding efforts and financially support PBF projects," the Chairperson of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), Ambassador Heraldo Muñoz of Chile said.
Written during John Lennon and Yoko Ono's 1969 honeymoon bed-in protest against the Vietnam War, "Give Peace a Chance" was inspired by Lennon's off-the-cuff explanation to a visiting reporter of the couple's purpose for protesting the war by remaining in their honeymoon bed. From March 25 to March 31, the newlyweds invited the world's media to visit and interview them daily between the hours of 9am and 9pm in their bed at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel.
The song was recorded live on June 1, 1969 in a room at Montreal's Queen Elizabeth Hotel, with several well-known friends joining Lennon and Ono to sing the chorus. Since the single's original release on July 4, 1969, it has been the world's foremost anthem for peace, beginning most notably with the Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam's massive protest in Washington, DC on November 15, 1969, where more than 500,000 people gathered and sang "Give Peace a Chance."
DOWNLOAD 'GIVE PEACE A CHANCE'
|
Oct 07, 2009
FREE ADMISSION TO ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME ANNEX NYC OCT. 9
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Annex NYC will offer fans free admission on October 9th and 10th to provide the ideal place to pay special tribute to legendary artist, John Lennon on what would have been his 69th birthday.
|
Jun 11, 2009
Check out the recent press clippings for JOHN LENNON: THE NEW YORK CITY YEARS at the Rock & Roll Hal
Check out the recent press clippings for JOHN LENNON: THE NEW YORK CITY YEARS at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Annex NYC.
New York Times, May 10, 2009
New York Times, May 16, 2009
Rolling Stone, May 11, 2009
Entertainment Weekly, May 13, 2009
USA Today, May 11, 2009
New York Daily News, May 11, 2009
amNY, May 12, 2009
|
MetroNY, May 11, 2009
MetroNY, May 27, 2009
Associate Press, May 11, 2009
NY Post, May 11, 2009
BBC, May 12, 2009
NY1, May 11, 2009
WPIX, May 12, 2009 |
JOHN LENNON: THE NEW YORK CITY YEARS, created for the NYC Annex by Yoko Ono and curated by Jim Henke, Vice President of Exhibitions and Curatorial Affairs for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, serves as a tribute to Lennon. The exhibit opened May 12, 2009 to the praise of critics alike.
Anthony DeCurtis from The New York Times says, “John Lennon: The New York City Years chronicles the powerful love story between a brilliant, restless artist and the city that took him deeply to its heart. Anyone who cares about either one should see this exhibit.”
Q104 raves, “It's not often that an exhibit in a museum will make you dance - and bring you to tears...’John Lennon: The New York City Years’ at the R&R HOF Annex NYC is a MUST see for any Beatle fan, music fan, or New Yorker. It humanizes the "icons" of John & Yoko, while showing us the behind-the-scenes genius of an artist who changed the world with his pen and piano. Thanks, Yoko, for bringing us closer to the man you loved - and clearly still do."
|
Apr 13, 2009
'JOHN LENNON: THE NEW YORK CITY YEARS' TO OPEN IN MAY 2009
&S220;I have a love of this country. Two thousand years ago, we would all have wanted to live in Rome&S230;and now this [NYC] is Rome. This is where the action is.&S221; ~John Lennon
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Annex NYC is proud to present JOHN LENNON: THE NEW YORK CITY YEARS, which opens May 12, 2009. This feature exhibit explores John Lennon&S217;s passion for music, art, politics and film, with New York City as his backdrop. Capturing a time in Lennon&S217;s life that was full of political and social activism, the exhibit reflects the spirit of the era during which he created some of his best work. Highlights of Lennon&S217;s artifacts include his inimitable fashion statements, iconic photographs, legendary instruments, original handwritten lyrics and artwork.
To denote Lennon&S217;s lengthy fight against deportation, instigated by the Nixon administration&S217;s belief that his anti-war campaign presented a threat to its power, his green card and never-before-seen letters of support for his American visa are on display. These private letters are penned by the likes of famed singer/songwriter Joan Baez, entertainer Dick Clark and John Lindsay, the mayor of NYC from 1966 to 1973. Also debuting is an original self portrait of Lennon with fist in air, in the guise of New York City&S217;s famed landmark, the Statue of Liberty. Created in the early Seventies, this powerful work of art represents a tumultuous and impactful period in American history; a time that focused on freedom and the power of the people.
Visitors to JOHN LENNON: THE NEW YORK CITY YEARS will also be the first to see Lennon&S217;s actual &S220;New York City&S221; t-shirt, which became indelibly identified with John Lennon, as well as the famed Telecaster guitar Lennon used during the historic Elton John concert at Madison Square Garden in 1974. In addition, JOHN LENNON: THE NEW YORK CITY YEARS presents numerous rare and original hand written lyrics, with more than ten songs on display, including &S220;Nobody Told Me,&S221; &S220;Luck of the Irish,&S221; and the legendary &S220;Whatever Gets You thru the Night.&S221;
Created for the NYC Annex by Yoko Ono and curated by Jim Henke, Vice President of Exhibitions and Curatorial Affairs for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, JOHN LENNON: THE NEW YORK CITY YEARS serves as a tribute to Lennon, his work both in and out of the music scene and the undeniable influences of New York City. A portion of the cost of each ticket to the exhibition will be donated to Spirit Foundations, a charitable foundation set up by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, to further their philanthropic initiatives. Exhibition Planning and Design for JOHN LENNON: THE NEW YORK CITY YEARS is by the New York based company Ralph Appelbaum Associates Incorporated.
As JOHN LENNON: THE NEW YORK CITY YEARS personifies the true spirit of John Lennon, New York City and rock & roll, all of which are synonymous with pulsating nightlife, the NYC Annex will extend its hours throughout the special exhibit&S217;s stay. The extended exhibit hours are Sunday &S211; Thursday from 11:00am to 10:00pm and Friday &S211; Saturday from 11:00am to Midnight with last admission one hour prior to closing. For tickets call (866) 9-ROCKNY or (866) 976-2569, go to www.rockannex.com or visit the box office located at 76 Mercer Street (between Spring & Broome Sts.), New York, NY 10012. For general information please call (646) 786-6680.
|
Dec 01, 2008
Hard Rock International Announces the "Imagine There's No Hunger" Campaign
More than just the words on the walls, Hard Rock International has remained true to its motto - "LOVE ALL, SERVE ALL" - since the company’s founding in 1971 by continuing its pledge to serving others. Hard Rock is proud to announce the launch of its 2008 global "Imagine There’s No Hunger" campaign to benefit WHY, a nonprofit organization that strives to fight against hunger and poverty in America and around the world.
Setting the foundation for the "Imagine There’s No Hunger" campaign, artist and musician Yoko Ono has graciously donated her late husband John Lennon's inspirational song "Give Peace A Chance" to the SERVE3 compilation. The CD will also include rare, new or previously unreleased tracks from some of music's most influential artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Joss Stone, Avril Lavigne, Starsailor, My Morning Jacket and more. SERVE3 will be available at Hard Rock locations around the world and on www.hardrock.com, with digital downloads available at iTunes.com.
"I am glad that WHY is using John's lyrics to communicate the seriousness of this issue to the world," said Yoko Ono. "Let's all work together to make a world without hunger as soon as humanly possible. We owe this battle to our children. WAR IS OVER if you want it. In brotherhood and sisterhood."
The "Imagine There’s No Hunger" campaign also includes a charity bracelet, as well as a limited-edition pin and holiday ornament, featuring John Lennon's famous self-portrait and signature. All net proceeds from the campaign will be donated directly to WHY to benefit grassroots efforts in Kenya, Haiti, Indonesia, Thailand, South Africa, Venezuela and New Orleans.
GET MORE INFORMATION ON SERVE3 AND HOW YOU CAN HELP
|
Jun 25, 2008
Ono brings John’s art to Newton
By Jed Gottlieb for the Boston Herald
Yoko Ono believes John Lennon’s campaign for peace is as powerful as ever. And, as the steward of Lennon’s legacy, Ono thinks showing her late husband’s art is a crucial part of that campaign.
This weekend, she brings the Beatle’s art to Boston for a 15th year. Hosted by the Hotel Indigo in Newton, this year’s show, Power to the People, benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Boston.
Between promoting Lennon’s work, her own art and the ImaginePeace.com site, Ono took time to explain how the show is put together - and what she thinks of “American Idol.”
Herald: The Lennon art show has become an annual Boston fixture. Can we count on it for years to come?
Ono: I don’t know. I don’t want to say this will continue when I have to scrape the bottom of the barrel. It’s something that’s nice now. So as long as it’s nice I’ll keep on doing it.
You mention scraping the bottom of the barrel. Have we seen nearly everything John’s done?
Oh, no, not yet. There’s really a lot, but I don’t want to show everything at the same time because I think work needs a certain space to be appreciated.
How do you design the show?
It’s not that organized. It’s not a well-planned thing. It’s like an improvisation. I just go through the stuff and say, “What about this one, or that one?” It’s instinctive.
Do you see a progression or evolution in John’s art?
Progression is not the word. I think he covered all different fields of emotion and wisdom and more. To do that he sort of jumped around. So it’s not like there was a successive growth in him. It’s very strange, but he was great from the beginning, even when he was in his teens doing drawings. You look at those drawings and see a very mature work with the cynicism and all of his personality in there too. It just doesn’t seem like the work of a teenager.
What did you make of “American Idol” contestant David Archuleta’s version of “Imagine”?
I thought it was fantastic.
It’s such an iconic song but it also has a subversive message. Do you think that people connect with that message?
I think people just like the song, period. But I also don’t think it’s subversive anymore. It’s a different age now and a lot of young people really feel that they understand the song. In a way, they think it’s their song.
Are you an “American Idol” fan?
Well, not really. But I really think that that question is loaded in a way because I really think it’s a great program. But I’m just busy going around the world so I can’t really watch it.
Now that your son Sean’s career is taking off, have you become interested in making more music? Maybe more music with him?
Just two days ago he kept saying, “We should play again, we should play again.” But it comes down to scheduling. I have so much to do here and so many cities I have to go to for my own art, I don’t think I have the time to. And Sean is a very busy guy. Two days ago, we happened to be at our farm together and we did a little number. He said, “This is what we have to do, this is the direction we need to go in.” (Laughs) But we’ll see what happens. Maybe next year.
Power to the People, Friday from 5-9 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Hotel Indigo, Newton. Suggested donation: $2.
|
May 27, 2008
Ben & Jerry's (and John & Yoko) launch new flavor
With thanks to the Lennon Estate, the introduction of the new Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor ``Imagine Whirled Peace'' will be debuted with a NYC reenactment of the ``Peace Bed-Ins'' staged by John Lennon and Yoko Ono in 1969.
Who says eating ice cream in bed can't bring about world peace?
Dairy delight maker Ben & Jerry's and The Lennon Estate were expected to introduce a new ice cream flavor Tuesday called ``Imagine Whirled Peace'' -- while re-enacting the ``Peace Bed-Ins'' staged by John Lennon and Yoko Ono in 1969.
The couple organized the week-long bed-ins to preach about world peace, conducting interviews with reporters.
Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal and Ben & Jerry's co-founder Jerry Greenfield were expected to reprise the roles at the Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop in Times Square. Efforts for spreading world peace and ice cream will most likely be announced.
The new flavor is a caramel and sweet cream whirl of chocolate-covered peace signs and toffee pieces.
|
May 22, 2008
John Lennon's Artwork On Display In Liverpool
The Complete Collection comes to the atrium of the Daily Post and Echo building, in Liverpool, England, on Friday and will be on display until June 2 – the first time it has been seen in its entirety in the city. The free exhibition in Old Hall Street will feature some art from Lennon’s own private collection never seen before in public. The collection features works by Lennon dating from 1968 until his death in 1980, and features 15 original drawings and three exclusive new images. To read the entire article click here.
|
May 08, 2008
Lennon's `Give Peace a Chance' lyrics to be auctioned
A document containing John Lennon's lyrics to "Give Peace a Chance," written during the legendary 1969 Bed-in protest for peace, will be auctioned in London this summer.
In the meantime, fans can see it at Christie's New York auction house through Saturday.
Christie's says he gave the handwritten lyrics to then 16-year-old Gail Renard — now a comedy writer for British television — during the eight-day Bed-in with Lennon and Yoko Ono at the Queens Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal.
Lennon penned the lyrics and recorded the song in the hotel room with about 50 guests, who included singer Petula Clark and beat poet Allen Ginsberg.
The song is expected to bring $400,000 to $600,000 at the July 10 London auction.
|
|
|
|
