Amidst a clear blue Manhattan sky and the dazzling billboards blanketing the iconic Duffy Square often called the Crossroads of the World, the Good News Corporation in partnership with Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine presented “A Moment of Silence for Peace” at noon in Time Square on the 40th anniversary of the International Day of Peace on September 21, 2024 and a Kick -Off to Climate Weeks with AY Young’s Music for Impact Concert and a 5 hour “Pause The World For Peace” Live and globally streamed spectacular. The day’s festivities were produced by Paul Sladkus, host on stage and OMMM
The event not only featured world Peace leaders, international talent, world acclaimed meditation moderators, virtual messages of peace from Ringo Starr, who opened the broadcast asking for a moment of silence and cease-fire, Michael Douglas, Leonardo DiCaprio, Shakira, Dr. Jane Goodall, Tony Orlando, and Stevie Wonder, but it also showcased the largest Peace Friendship Tree ever in Times Square. The tree stood at 10 feet high and 26 feet wide and what’s the watched for five years from craftsman in the US and China. The tree was created by the American Oriental Arts Foundation and contains nearly 30,000 steel pieces. Surrounding the tree were international models from all over the globe.
On September 21, 1984 the United Nations and 193 other countries unanimously agreed to christen this day International Peace Day. McKinsey Co. states that there are 1.6 billion people worldwide who are aware of peace. Peace Day and climate week represents everyone including our planet and everyone on it. The Good News Corporation (a 501 C3) and OMMM produced at 22nd annual concert this year in celebration of the hope of World Peace.
The broadcast and live show began with a Drum Circle followed at Noon with Ringo Starr’s virtual moment of silence and a dramatic plea for World Peace and cease-fire. This was the commemorated by an introduction and welcome by Reverend Paul Sladkus, All Faiths and Spiritual leader. A message from City Hall followed and then Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine spoke. FOWPAL followed with host Judy Lee for the Bell ringing ceremony which included dancing and singing and the ringing of the Bell by Mark Levine (which has been rung by 556 Presidents and dignitaries in over 147 countries). Commission Jess Dannhauser from Children’s Services then spoke followed by a speech from PEP real estate owner and philanthropist John Pasquale.
The entertainment opened with multi-award winning songwriter and film score composer Randy Edelman (My Cousin Vinny, Last of the Mohicans, Ghostbusters ll), after being introduced by 3 members of The King Unity Project ages 7, 8, and 9. King Moore, Royal Rose and Lake Anthony wound up doing an a cappella impromptu version of the iconic Jackie DeShannon song “Put A Little Love in Your Heart.” Then Randy killed it with “A Thanksgiving Prayer”,a song dedicated to the hope of Peace across the sea.
After Randy’s performance OMMM took the lead with Ambassadors Yogini Jaima and Yogi Cam. The event featured a powerful meditation, led by master meditators and global spiritual leaders. A ceremonial drum circle and the creation of a symbolic sand mandala then took place. The segment of the show also included inspiring musical performances by artist including Snatam Kaur, Mandy Mayhem, DJ Keith Shocklee, the founder of Public Enemy, Lama Tashi Norbu and AY Young. There were also speeches about the sustainability movement including Sister Jena. In celebration of climate week AY Young performed his Music for Impact Concert alongside influencer Anushka Sen who has 39 million followers on Instagram.
The Devine Feminine portion of the show was hosted by Lorraine Silvetz, founder of the Global Stress Initiative foundation. It included performances by 96 year old Sylvia Golden who did it “Her Way”, the introduction of the Friendship Tree and the American Arts Foundation and Alice Liu by GAO Wei Wei and Jeanne Yi. Other features were 15 year old Céline Rong playing the Chinese Pipa, the Indiggo Twins, Katya Grineva on piano, the beautiful Quinn Lemley singing “Don’t Rain on my Parade” and award winning singer/songwriter house music’s own Irene Michaels singing her hit “I Like Rain.”
Woodstock Forever 55th Anniversary was then celebrated by hosting and a performance by Grammy winner Jilly Yeah. Next up The King Unity Project performed Ms. DeShannon’s “Put A Little Live in Your Heart” once again followed by Heidi Little, Hawaiian Lyon Rowland & the All-Star RaggaSouljahBand, Earthman Lanny, (Shree Candra), Al Smith/Rick Ulfick and African Legend Solo Beats (Ft. Christine Marie). Then the nostalgic band including John Gitano, Neal Lazar, Nelson Montana, Adrienne Dugger, Patty Jarman, Bill Gulino, and John McCann performed their YouTube smash “The Eyes of 1969.” Last was Peace Parrots, Hugg-a-Planets, Peace, Lights& Russell Daisy.
The closing act was by Award Winning International classical cross-over pop star Giorgia Fumanti singing newa touching rendition of “Hallelujah” followed by the Grande Finale of the entire cast coming on stage and another moment of silence. The day was filled with Love and Peace with good spiritual vibrations, inspiration and hope….
Watch the “Pause The World For Peace” Concert here:
