The new book "Gathered Light: The Poetry of Joni Mitchell's Songs" by Lisa and John Sornberger is now available to order. David Geffen, Larry Klein, (song for) Sharon Veer, Wally Lamb, Richard Flynn, and many others contribute. More details here.
 

Just published! An exclusive JoniMitchell.com interview with Jean Grand-Maitre where he announces, among other things, that a new Joni ballet is to premiere in May 2014. Thanks to Mark Scott for conducting the interview.
 

Gathered Light: On the Poetry of Joni Mitchell by Lisa and John Sornberger, press release:

Joni Mitchell is one of the greatest poets and songwriters of the late 20th century. For over forty years her powerful lyrics have compelled listeners to dig deeper. This one of a kind collection finally allows even her most passionate fans to do just that.

Gathered Light: On the Poetry of Joni Mitchell, includes more than fifty original contributions by acclaimed writers such as Wally Lamb and Fred Wah, Canada’s poet laureate, as well as some of Mitchell’s long-time friends and creative collaborators. These diverse voices celebrate Mitchell’s poetic craft and offer their insight in the form of original essays, poetry, short fiction, photographs, and collages. Each contributor shares his or her connection to, interpretation of, and inspiration from their favorite Mitchell poem. Many comment on a larger societal or political issue explored therein. All share their experiences of why Joni’s work has been so important to them, and honor her as a poet and source of inspiration. According to sources close to her, Joni said was excited about and highly honored by the project... that she felt that it will finally set the record straight; that she is an actual poet. Also, that the individual responses make it "personal" and bring it around to complete the circle. She touched on how much the First Nations’ poets’ presence in our book mattered to her, and that she was pleased with the entire contributors list of poets, writers, artists, and friends.

Gathered Light is the collection that fans of this legendary artist have been waiting for.

Available April, 2013, by Lisa and John Sornberger, from Sumach Press
 

Time to wish Joni a happy birthday! 69 years young!
 

We've received a copy of the new boxed set from Rhino (featuring all studio albums through Mingus) and are pleasantly surprised at the quality. Each CD is an exact replica of the original gatefold LP as released, a nice touch. It's a little tough to read some of the lyrics, downsized as they are into CD packaging, but still, a nice set. The package is to be released on November 6, a day before Joni's birthday. More info here.
 

Joni Mitchell's Blue: A 40th Anniversary Celebration presented by Chicks With Dip
This concert features a stellar cast of some of the New York City area's finest female singer/songwriters in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Joni Mitchell's landmark album, Blue. The evening will include performances of ALL the songs from Blue plus original songs inspired by Joni Mitchell.
June 1, 2013, 8:00 PM
First Acoustics at the First Unitarian Church
50 Monroe Place, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Tickets: $25 advance / $30 door
First Acoustics website
Chicks With Dip website
 

Laurie Antonioli, The prime San Francisco singer, one of many jazz musicians drawn to the melodies, lyrics and harmonies of Joni Mitchell’s vivid songs, sings the songwriter’s music in spacious arrangements explored by a deft quintet of improvisers. More details
 

Robin Adler and Mutts of the Planet celebrate Joni's 70th birthday by performing her 1976 Hejira album in its entirety. Grammy winner Jamie Kime (Zappa Plays Zappa) joins the Mutts on lead guitar for this night of Joni's most lush and poetic music.

Joni Mitchell's Hejira Live - 8pm, Sat. Nov 9th
4275 Mission Bay Drive at Rosewood Street
Pacific Beach, California 92109
Price: $20
Reservations are recommended. 760-723-1056.