Newport Folk has long been a place where legendary moments are formed. The festival achieved yet another moment in its storied history last weekend when Joni Mitchell joined Brandi Carlile during the festivalās closing jam, marking the iconic songwriter’s first return to the festival in over half a century and first public live performance in decades. Brandi & Co. gave us a moment we all needed. Hearing Joniās words and calming, dulcet tones was a balm for an uncertain society; a collective pause for us to reflect on time and its passing, and how different the world looks since the last time Joni played this stage.
Weāve rounded up a collection of the best videos around the internet from Joniās historic set so that even if you werenāt there, you can take that joy in from every angle.
Brandi Introduces Joni
Questlove caught much of Brandi’s introductory speech building the excitement for the Joni Jam – and a bit of electric uncertainty among the crowd whether or not the guest of honor would actually be in attendance – as well as the first two numbers (“Carey” and “Come in From the Cold”) up close and personal.
View this post on Instagram
But it’s wholly worth watching Brandi’s speech in its entirety, as she acknowledges the power of congregation and radical love. “To power structures, folk music is — and always has been — utterly fucking destructive… It’s a truth teller and a power killer.”
“Both Sides Now”
“Big Yellow Taxi”
Joni’s Grand Entrance
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
“Just Like This Train”
Joni and her electric guitar graced us with this Court and Spark beauty after a word of encouragement from Brandi Carlile: “Kick ass, Joni Mitchell!”
“The Circle Game”
“Summertime”
“A Case of You”
View this post on Instagram
An Interview with Joni & More Onstage Moments
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Cover photo by Newport Folk Festival
