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Joni Mitchell Gives Rare Surprise Performance at Newport Folk Festival

Music Critic

Jul 24, 2022 • 4 years ago • 3 min read • 95 views

Joni Mitchell Gives Rare Surprise Performance at Newport Folk Festival

Joni Mitchell, who hadn’t performed live since 2013 until earlier this year, made a surprise appearance for a full set today (July 24) at the 2022 Newport Folk Festival. She joined Brandi Carlile, who herself has covered Mitchell’s Blue in full and has regularly spoken of her love for Mitchell. The duo sang Mitchell’s classics including “A Case of You” and “Both Sides Now.” Mitchell also played the guitar solo from “Just Like This Train.” Watch footage from the event below.

Mitchell last appeared at the festival in 1969. It was her first full show since 2000. Joining Mitchell and Carlile were Blake Mills, Taylor Goldsmith, Marcus Mumford, Wynonna Judd, Lucius’ Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig, and others. Mitchell performed “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Summertime,” “Love Potion No. 9,” “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” and more. The event was dubbed the “Joni Jam.”

Mitchell was honored as MusiCares’ Person of the Year during this year’s Grammy weekend, where she also gave a brief performance alongside the musicians honoring her. She accepted a Grammy for Best Historical Album and appeared during the televised program, as well. They were rare public appearances following a brain aneurism in 2015. Earlier this year, she joined Neil Young in removing her music from Spotify.

Revisit Pitchfork’s feature “Joni Mitchell: Her Art and Life in 33 Songs.”