ART EXHIBIT "GIMME SOME TRUTH" - VIDEO

Strawberry Fields Upper West Side New York City - across from the late John Lennon’s residence - music, prayers and flowers are laid to mark the birth of one of the most prolific songwriters in music history. Lennon would’ve been 71 years old on October 10th. He’s known for his worldwide contribution to music and his humanitarian efforts. Days before his actual birthday, many Lennon fans, young and old, gathered to offer their gratitude.

A student and her sister traveled more than 8 hours and 475 miles from Toronto to celebrate his legacy.

[Kaitlin Wilson, Toronto Student]:

“For me, his song ‘Imagine’ really like influenced me to work with people more than, not to work with people, like to help out and understand the other perspectives of other peoples lives.”

Besides his music, Lennon has also left behind a vast array of artwork. Under the direction of Yoko Ono, "Gimme Some Truth" represents John’s wish to spread inner peace and understanding in the world.

[Rudy Siegel, Producer Legacy Productions]:

“It’s a chance for the world to see John as an artist in the true sense in the word and they come together. You get all different ages, all different ethnicities, all different social economic background, and their able to come and coexist at the exhibit, listen to the music, view the artwork and imagine peace, that is what the mission is all about."

This exhibit was also created as a way to give back to the community by raising money for City Meals on Wheels, a non-for profit organization that feeds the elderly.

[Rudy Siegel, Producer Legacy Productions]

“We’ve been benifiting local food banks and food pantries around the country for the last two years and City Meals on Wheels feeds the homebound elderly, so two dollars that you put in, turns in to eight dollars worth of food.”

John Lennon fans tell how they were inspired by him.

[Dan Hughes, Exhibition Attendee]:

“He’s the reason why I became such a fan of rock music. I’m able to discuss him with my son who is a guitarist and that to me says something to me."

[Anne Mitcheltree, Exhibition Attendee]:

“We miss him. You know music has never been the same without him. We still miss him and I think we pray for him everyday.”

“Gimme Some Truth” is an annual event set on John Lennon’s birthday with the aim of spreading a message of hope and love.