> I much preferred the second concert, because the setting was so > wonderful, and we weren't in a basketball arena full of people who > didn't really appreciate Joni, but were there to see Bob Dylan.
I've seen Joni twice as well, the same two tours as Mike and my impressions are very similar. After waiting 20 plus years to finally see Joni in concert, I was, of course, about to jump out of my skin with anticipation when I saw her at the Gorge in 98 with Dylan and Van Morrison. The musicians she assembled were so well suited to her & her material and the songs she played were wonderful selections. Joni did not disappoint and it was so great to see her up there performing her own songs at long last. But the crowd was downright rude. Talking & getting up and down all during Joni's performance. I wanted to smack every last one of them. Dylan and Van were enjoyable. I really do appreciate the fact that I can say that I actually saw both or them live. But in my heart neither one of them holds a candle to Joni or even comes close. Then in May of 2000 I saw Joni with the orchestra in Concord on the BSN tour. A wonderful & talented lady named Leslie Mixon (Natasha, are you still out there?) got seats in the 7th row for herself, her talented husband and me. It was heaven. The crowd was there for Joni and Joni alone and she was floating on the energy & soaring through the sounds welling up from the orchestra like a bird. Although my first time seeing Joni (with my partner Travis & two very dear friends) was very special, I have to say that seeing her as the sole headliner was even better. It is an experience I will treasure always. (Thanks again, dearest Natasha) Mark E.
