1969: Joni is the opening act for Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles. This is the fifth night of seven straight. More info: http://www.jmdl.com/articles/docs/690826lat.cfm
1970: Joni plays on the fourth day of the "Isle Of Wight Festival" at the East Afton Farm, Godshill, Isle of Wight. Ian Scott: I was there and remember her performance was marred by a noisy helicopter flying overhead, which Joni could neither see nor hear. This resulted in 100,000+ people booing, jeering and shouting "go away" at the helicopter. Sadly, Joni thought the boos were aimed at her and started to cry. The helicopter incident is particularly significant when you consider that the festival was the biggest live entertainment event in the history of the world: roadies who worked at both were unanimous that it was bigger than Woodstock. Now, the impression that I get from all publications is that there was some hostility between the crowd and Joni that day. This is ABSOLUTELY not true. I was sitting inside the arena and in a good position to feel the general mood of the crowd, and I can assure you that the only hostility was directed toward the helicopter pilot flying overhead and NOT at Joni. 95% of the crowd did not even notice the Yogi Bear incident(he had no mike and was not cent! re stage) and more than 99% had no sympathy for him. By the time Joni struck into "Big Yellow Taxi" the helicopter had gone and everybody was listening to Joni. Phil Aldridge: I was an innocent 18 year old at the Isle of Wight in 1970. I don't remember helicopters. What I do remember was that there were lots of people on the hill (known as "Desolation Row") overlooking the festival site. They wanted the festival to become "Free" and I think they'd tried to break down the fences a bit earlier. The organisers, and those who'd paid for their tickets, didn't like the fact that these guys weren't prepared to pay their three quid (about $5) but were happy to share the music. There had been growing tension over the previous hours. I think Joni's comments came as she started her set and were aimed at what had been happening and not at the way people were treating her personally. I do remember being moved by what Joni had to say. It still makes the hairs on my neck stand up when I listen to the recording. Incidentally, a few hours earlier I'd been given a press pass by a hack who was leaving early. This got me between the two security fences. The real advantage to me was not the superstars that I could meet, but the chance to buy food without queuing for an hour. I got myself some fish and chips then turned round to see... Joni. I gave her a chip - don't remember if I offered or she asked. I still tell the "Joni ate my chips" story to anyone who'll listen - and you're the latest :o) More info: http://www.jmdl.com/articles/docs/700830nyt.cfm http://www.jmdl.com/articles/docs/700903wet.cfm 1986: "A Showtime series "Coast to Coast" hosted by Herbie Hancock premiered [today]. Joni was a guest on that first show for a jam session with Herbie, Bobby McFerrin, Wayne Shorter, David Sanborn, and Larry. The two songs they jammed on were Joni's compositions "Furry Sing the Blues," and a pepped-up latin-flavored version of "Hejira." More info: http://www.jonimitchell.com/Experimental.html ---- For the most complete reference to Joni's appearances, consult the Joni Mitchell Chronology of Appearances: http://www.jonimitchell.com/appearances.html
