Joni Mitchell announces her first concert in California in 24 years

Joni Mitchell plans to return back home to California with the assistance of her friend Brandi Carlile, having come out of her unofficial retirement almost two years ago. The one-night-only concert “Joni Mitchell and the Joni Jam” at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 19, was announced by Mitchell and Carlile on Tuesday.

Mitchell, one of the most well-known singer-songwriters of the 20th century, has a lengthy history connected to California, and especially Los Angeles. Although Mitchell is originally from Canada, she achieved popularity in the 1970s living and recording in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles, much like fellow music legend Stevie Nicks. Several of her best singles, including “Circle Game” and “Big Yellow Taxi,” are included on her platinum album “Ladies of the Canyon.”

With her 1971 love letter to the state, “California,” written while on the road and feeling lonely, the singer sealed her permanent bond to the Golden State. In May 2000, she gave her final complete concert performances in the state at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles and the Concord Pavilion, which later became the Chronicle Pavilion.

After having an aneurysm in 2015, Mitchell retreated from the public eye, leading many to assume that she had completely retired. However, Carlile, who credits Mitchell as one of her main musical inspirations, helped in convincing her to come back.

Mitchell’s first extended live performance in more than 20 years took place during a concert he and Carlile performed at the 2022 Newport Folk Festival. They reunited for a performance at the Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington last year, under the name “Joni Mitchell and the Joni Jam.”

Mitchell’s comeback to fame even got her an invitation to the biggest event in the music business. Mitchell was confirmed as a performer for Sunday’s 2024 Grammy Awards earlier this week.

Pre-sale access for the Hollywood Bowl show starts on Wednesday, January 31, at 10 a.m. Tickets for the show go on sale on Friday, February 2, at 10 a.m.