We are excited to announce that our John Lennon Real Love Project Songwriting Program for public elementary schools launched on June 7, 2021 for students at Livingston Manor Central School in Sullivan County, NY.

This visionary program, created by Theatre Within Artistic Director Joe Raiola and musicians Scott and Beth Bierko, provides elementary school students with the unique opportunity to compose their own lyrics to the song “Real Love” and record a new version accompanied by John Lennon’s original piano track and vocal.

In a statement, Yoko Ono said, “For many years with its annual tribute concert, Theatre Within has celebrated John’s life, music and highest values of peace, love, equality and justice. Sharing his songs with children as an inspiration for their self-expression with the John Lennon Real Love Project is a beautiful and natural extension of that.”

The John Lennon Real Love Project began in 2014 as a songwriting workshop for kids undergoing longterm medical care at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore in the Bronx. The following year the workshop moved to Gilda’s Club NYC where it has grown over time into an ongoing songwriting series for children, teens and adults impacted by cancer. The workshop has recently expanded to Gilda’s Club Westchester and the Cancer Support Community of Greater Philadelphia

The debut of the public school program, originally scheduled for 2020, was postponed due to COVID. The program is currently offered virtually, however we anticipate being able to provide programs in schools by the fall.

“It’s was such a powerful and positive enrichment experience for our students,” said Chris Hubert, Principal at Livingston Manor Central School. “It’s a wonderful way to end the school year.”

The John Lennon Real Love Project came to Livingston Manor Central School with underwriting support from the Siegel Family Music and Arts Endowment Fund.