The cornerstone of the world Times Square in NYC was the arena of the 40th Anniversary of International Peace Day and the “Pause The World For Peace” 5 hour live concert and global broadcast beginning with a virtual moment of silence and a plea for World Peace and a Cease Fire. The extravaganza was hosted by the Good News Corporation in conjunction with Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and produced by Paul Sladkus and OMMM.
The space was adorned with the biggest Peace and Friendship Tree with over 30 thousand pieces standing 10 ft. Tall and 26 ft. Wide. (via the American Oriental Arts Foundation). A drum circle caught the attention of the crowd while key speakers promoting peace and love took the grand stage including the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) with their Bell of Peace, Commissioner Jess Dannhauser (Administrator for Children’s Services), and philanthropist and PEP Real Estate owner John “SohoJohnny“ Pasquale.
Thousands of people watched live as The King Moore Unity Project (ages 7-9 years old) introduced the opening act, multi-award winning and world-renowned composer and TV and Film scorer Randy Edelman (My Cousin Vinny, Last of the Mohicans, Gettysburg, MacGyver) who performed his touching and heartwarming song “A Thanksgiving Prayer.” He performed his song with joy and an internal feeling of peace and elation spread throughout the event. Edelman has also written other beautiful and relevant social awareness songs of peace including “Everything is Possible” and “Birds of Freedom” from his new album “Waltzing on a High Wire.”
The OMMM moderators Ambassadors Yogini Jaima and Yogi Cam hosted the next segment of the show which included meditation, spiritual leaders, a creation of a symbolic mandala and musical performances. The music featured artists including Snatam Kaur, Mandy Mayhem and DJ Keith Shocklee from Public Enemy. AY Young performed his Music for Impact Concert for Climate Week along with Anushka Sen who has 39 million followers on Instagram. Sustainability was considered by Sister Jena, Yogini Jaima along with a virtual message from Dr. Jane Goodall.
The Woodstock Forever segment celebrated its 55th Anniversary and featured Paul Sladkus introducing the trailer from his movie and then he played “America” on the sax. Jilly Yeah, Grammy winning superstar was also featured along with a virtual message from Leonardo DiCaprio. Jilly then introduced The King Moore Unity Project with Royal Rose (age 9), Lake Anthony (age 7) and King Moore (age 8) sang their new super hit originally written by Jackie DeShannon “Put A Little Love in Your Heart.” These children stole the show with their spirit and their talent.
There were also performances by Heidi Little, Hawaiian Lyon Rowland, All-Star RaggaSoujahBand, Earthman Lanny, (Shree Chandra), Al Smith/Rick Ulfick, African Legend Solo Beats and the YouTube sensations THE AMERICAN RELICS featuring John Gitano, Neal Lazar, Adrienne Dugger, Nelson Montana, Patty Jarman, Bill Gulino, and John McCann singing “The Eyes of 1969.” The Peace Parrots, Hug-a-Planets, Peace Lights and Russell Daisy ended the Woodstock segment. People were dancing below the stage as they performed with color and texture.
Next up was the Devine Females. It began with Shakira singing virtually “Imagine.” Host Lorraine Silvetz introduced 93 year old entertainer Sylvia Golden whose dream it was to always sing on Broadway. TV producer Gao Wei Wei and producer Jeannie Yi then introduced the American Arts Foundation and their beautiful international models and Alice Liu. Fifteen year old Celine Rong performed on the Chinese Pipa and then Lorraine came back to Introduce multi award winning, 79 year old singer/songwriter, actress, influencer Irene Michaels who sang her Josie Music award winning song “I Like Rain” celebrating Climate Week. Quinn Lemley made a splash on stage with her incredible talent singing “Don’t Rain On My Parade”. There were also performances from the Indiggo Twins and Katya Grineva on piano.
The closing of the concert and broadcast featured the beautiful, international award winning Billboard classical, crossover pop artist Giorgia Fumanti singing “Hallelujah.” She was followed by the entire cast and another moment of silence and then a virtual message by Stevie Wonder.