Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles
Joni Mitchell recently captivated audiences with a stunning, career-spanning concert at the Hollywood Bowl, surrounded by a constellation of celebrities including Elton John and Meryl Streep. Many had presumed that Mitchell, who survived a life-threatening aneurysm in 2015, might never perform again. However, she made a remarkable comeback in 2022 during a surprise set at the Newport Folk Festival, thanks in part to the support of Brandi Carlile and a group of devoted fans.
Since that unforgettable night, the Alberta-born singer-songwriter—whose real name is Roberta Joan Anderson—has headlined a show in Washington state and made an appearance at this year’s Grammy Awards. It’s a triumphant moment for the 80-year-old artist, especially considering that less than a decade ago, some outlets hinted at her retirement.
When I purchased tickets to her sold-out second night at the Hollywood Bowl, my expectations were tempered. I imagined a quieter performance, given her history of physical struggles—after all, she often sings while seated on a plush velvet loveseat, utilizing a cane for both balance and rhythm. However, Mitchell surprised everyone, taking the stage with an unexpected swagger, belting out classics like “Big Yellow Taxi,” “A Case of You,” and “Circle Game,” along with some deeper cuts from her five-decade repertoire.
One of the highlights of the concert was the camaraderie among her backing musicians. Carlile, who Mitchell humorously credited for pulling her “out of retirement,” served not just as a performer but also as an enthusiastic emcee. With other renowned artists like Elton John, Meryl Streep, Annie Lennox, Jon Batiste, and members of Prince’s Revolution joining her, the show felt like a musical family reunion. Marcus Mumford, known for his folk hits, even redeemed himself with a heartfelt duet of “California,” proving that the song resonates equally whether you’re alone in your apartment or sharing the experience with a lively crowd.
Despite her physical challenges, it was clear that Mitchell has no plans to fade away. The younger members of her band, including British songwriter Jacob Collier and Fleet Foxes’ Robin Pecknold, showed a deep respect for her legacy, creating a space where generational appreciation flourished. The audience reflected this diversity, filled with boomer women as well as younger fans, including mother-daughter duos—just like the one I formed with my mom, who introduced me to Mitchell’s music during our drives through suburbia.
Joni Mitchell has always been unfiltered in her lyrics, and she didn’t hold back onstage, making headlines with a pointed remark about Donald Trump and referring to herself as “one of those terrible immigrants” deserving of a concentration camp. Her set list traversed both joyous and somber themes, as evidenced by deeply poignant songs like “Cherokee Louise,” which addresses childhood trauma, contrasting with lighter tracks like “Carey.” As Brandi Carlile noted, Mitchell handpicked the songs, a privilege she has unequivocally earned.
Other notable moments included Mitchell sipping from an unusually large glass of white wine between numbers and showcasing her signature white braids, while Annie Lennox lent her stunning voice to “Ladies of the Canyon.”
Mitchell possesses the rare gift of making listeners feel seen, as if she’s sharing the truth about our darkest hours and most intimate experiences. That emotional atmosphere made the Joni Jam feel almost sacred, similar to a church service or a cult gathering. In a world where “vulnerability” has become a buzzword, it’s essential to remember how revolutionary it is for a woman to take the stage and share her truth so unabashedly.
