Meeting Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon, & Sam Havadtoy in New Haven, Connecticut in December 1986 at a John Lennon Art Exhibition

It was a memorable and pleasurable experience to get the opportunity to meet Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon, and their artist friend Sam Havadtoy, in the month of December 1986 in New Haven, Connecticut. Noted Beatles fan, fellow Nutmegger, and the creator of the Beatles magazine named Good Day Sunshine, Charles Rosenay!!! was at the Exhibition. I recently asked him to share some memories that he had of the event which we both attended, and he shared the following information with me…

“I was the DJ/Music Director at a New Haven showcase venue at the time, and I also entertained regularly for the historic Shubert Theatre (located on the same street as the venue where I performed), so knowing my Beatles connection and history locally, it was only natural that they requested I be an ambassador for the event. I didn’t have much interaction with Yoko, but she knew who I was. For me I was happier keeping Sean occupied and entertained while the grown-ups did their thing. Hanging with Sean gave Sam Havadtoy more time to hob-nob and do the adult thing. I probably should have had Sean and Yoko sign that edition of Good Day Sunshine – the only GDS issue that featured Yoko on the cover – but Sean really enjoyed it, so I gave it to him. “

I also attended this wonderful event with my good friend and fellow Beatles enthusiast; the late William Maura and we had a great time at this exhibition. Looking at the photos, that Charles sent to me for this post, it was hard for me to accept that the 11-year-old Sean Lennon in the photographs is now 50 years old. Where does the time go?

This is an Online description of the 1986 Art Exhibition event…

“The John Lennon Art Exhibition held in New Haven, Connecticut in 1986 was held between December 31, 1986 and December 31st at Publishers Gallery at Shubert Square. It was a significant event that showcased the breadth and depth of John Lennon’s visual artistic talent. Yoko Ono, Lennon’s widow, played a pivotal role in organizing the exhibition, which included a selection of his original drawings and lithographs. The exhibition was part of Ono’s efforts to build Lennon’s reputation as a visual artist and to ensure that his work received the recognition it deserved. The event was a testament to Lennon’s enduring legacy as a provocateur and his commitment to exploring the boundaries of art and expression.“

Photos from the Charles F. Rosenay!!! Archives, Courtesy Liverpool Productions. Originally published in Good Day Sunshine

  Sam Havadtoy and 11-year-old Sean Lennon

Photos from the Charles F. Rosenay!!! Archives, Courtesy Liverpool Productions. Originally published in Good Day Sunshine. 

Sam Havadtoy and Sean Lennon perusing the issue of Good Day Sunshine with his mom on the cover:

Photos from the Charles F. Rosenay!!! Archives, Courtesy Liverpool Productions. Originally published in Good Day Sunshine. 

Sean reads the issue of Good Day Sunshine that Charles gifted to the little guy!

Sean Lennon and Charles Rosenay!!! both view the issue of Good Day Sunshine:

Photos from the Charles F. Rosenay!!! Archives, Courtesy Liverpool Productions. Originally published in Good Day Sunshine. 

Photos from the Charles F. Rosenay!!! Archives, Courtesy Liverpool Productions. Originally published in Good Day Sunshine. 

Another photo of Sean and Charles viewing the magazine:

This is a photo of my personal copy of the book Skywriting by Word of Mouth by John Lennon that both Yoko and 11-year-old Sean Lennon signed at the event. I approached Sean and Sam as they were looking over items of his dad’s artwork, and I asked if it was OK to get Sean’s signature in the book. Sean immediately agreed and after he was finished signing, Sam Havadtoy asked if I would like to have Yoko sign the book as well. I said that would be great and Sam immediately brought the book to Yoko to sign. Sam was very cordial and kind in my brief conversations with him as was the little guy. I remember when the trio arrived at the exhibition, and for a brief time while Yoko was answering questions for a few members of the press, I was standing right next to her, and I never realized how small in stature she actually was. It is amazing how our perceptions of the height of well-known individuals are often larger than they are in real life.

Photo of my personal copy of the book Skywriting by Word of Mouth by John Lennon that both Yoko and 11-year-old Sean Lennon signed at the event:

The inner dustjacket flap at the beginning of the book:

The back dustjacket flap at the beginning of the book:

My copy of the invitation to the event sent out by the people that were handling the marketing of John’s artwork at the exhibition: Kane Fine Art

The back of the envelope which indicates the firm handling the Lennon Artwork:

The cover of the invitation:

The Invite:

Hope you enjoyed this blast from the past. Special thanks for this post go out to well-known Beatles/Monkees fan & personality, Charles Rosenay!!!, who has always been very good to me especially in my Beatles collecting ventures and pursuits. His Beatles conventions were always first class. Loved his magazine and his many talents including as a DJ and a promoter. He knows how to market! For those who have never been to England and want to make that necessary Beatles pilgrimage, here is the link to Charles’ website for more detail: THE BEATLES TRIP OF A LIFETIME WITH LIVERPOOL PRODUCTIONS!!! – The Beatles Bookstore

I made the pilgrimage in 1988 and there is a book waiting to be written about that trip…

Be healthy and be happy!

Buzz