A concert is to be held in New York to mark what would have been John Lennon's 70th birthday.

The gig, at the Beacon Theatre on November 12, will feature Patti Smith, Cyndi Lauper and Jackson Browne.

Proceeds from the show will go towards the Playing for Change Foundation, which aims to promote peace with music.

The concert is one of a series of events scheduled to coincide with the former Beatles' birthday.

The celebrations include two special gigs in Los Angeles curated by Lennon's widow Yoko Ono and her son Sean Lennon, which will feature Lady Gaga and Iggy Pop.

Ono is also set to take part in a special performance by the Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band on October 9 in Iceland.

Lennon would have turned 70 on October 9. He was shot dead in New York in December 1980.

(by Jason Gregory)