On Tuesday, October 12th the John Denver
Spirit Award was presented to Stewart F. Lane at
a ceremony in Central Park. Presented by Karmen T.
Dopslaff of The Starsong Foundation and JoLynn Long of
JD Spirit, the award celebrates the legacy of the late
singer/songwriter John Denver.
The Award was given to Broadway producer Stewart F. Lane
for promoting the world renowned singer/songwriter John
Denver’s music and the positive impact his music has
made on society. Mr. Lane is the creator of “A Moment In
Time,” a new Broadway musical with music and lyrics by
John Denver, and an original story. A developmental
reading of the new musical is planned for later this
month in New York City. Stewart F. Lane is a five
-time Tony award winning producer and a four – time
Drama Desk Award winner. He is also an author, director,
playwright and the co-owner/operator of the Palace
Theatre in New York.
The Award ceremony included a performance of John Denver
songs by Broadway leading lady Liz Larsen along with a
dedication of a park bench in honor of the occasion. The
John Denver Spirit Award, a bronze marquette of a statue
was designed by Sue DiCicco.
Previous winners of the John Denver Spirit Award include
Terry Lipman (2009), Joe Henry (2008), Bill Danoff
(2007), Erma Deutschendorf (2006), Kenn Roberts (2005),
Hal Thau (2004), Tom Crum (2003), Kris O’Connor (2002).
One
of the world’s best-known and best-loved performers,
John Denver earned international acclaim as a
songwriter, performer, actor, environmentalist and
humanitarian. Denver’s career spanned four decades and
his music has outlasted countless musical trends and
garnered numerous awards and honors.
Denver contributed his talents to the benefit of many
charitable and environmental causes and received
numerous civic and humanitarian awards over the years.
Fans responded to his heartfelt urgings about ecology,
peace, and compassion that were consistently delivered
in a gentle manner on his records and at live
performances.
John Denver died tragically in a plane crash on October
12, 1997. Today, millions of fans old and new enjoy the
work of this extraordinary performer. His humanitarian
work continues to strengthen our global village, and his
dynamic celebration of life, spirit and nature is a
powerful inspiration to us all.
For more information see:
www.starsongfoundation.org