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Weekend Event Offered Special Oppotunity To Enjoy Myriad Mitchell Music Stylings

By Shannon Hicks

Published: Mar 07, 2026 8:00 am

A rare opportunity to hear an evening of Joni Mitchell’s best-loved songs with her own original arrangements, including her orchestration, performed live by local musicians, was offered Sunday, March 1, at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards.

Song videos and background insights traced her journey from 1970s folk icon through her sold-out live tours, and then her transition into an innovative jazz star.

Mitchell was first known for her iconic 1966 anthem “Both Sides Now,” which has been recorded by more than 1,700 artists. Since then, the finest jazz musicians in the world have lined up to work with the 11-time Grammy winner. Luminaries like Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius, Herbie Hancock, Tom Scott, Wayne Shorter, Charles Mingus, and many more have all been thrilled to record and perform with her. Her fans may not be aware that their beloved Joni songs are all from jazz albums.

In 2015, Mitchell suffered a brain aneurysm, which left her unable to walk, talk, or perform. Hearing her referred to as “folk singer Joni Mitchell” in news coverage inspired vocalist, flutist, and percussionist Leslie Ballard to correct this misrepresentation. Together with a group of gifted fellow Mitchell followers, the Newtown native formed Joni Mitchell’s Jazz Tribute, playing to sold-out audiences from their first performance.

Last weekend Ballard was joined by equally talented musicians for “Joni Mitchell: Retrospective Tribute from Folk to Jazz.” On the cozy stage inside the tasting room of the Pole Bridge Road vineyard Ballard lead vocals, flute, and percussion alongside her brother, Corky Ballard, on background vocals and bass; Tony Triana on drums; Christian Martirano on background vocals and keyboards, Steve Moran on sax and percussion, and Butch Taylor on guitar.

Among the statements from guests were “This is an absolutely amazing performance,” “The quality of musicianship is superb,” “I never realized that so many jazz musicians were influenced by Joni Mitchell who I always thought of as a folk artist,” and “This was one of the most professional and enjoyable concerts we’ve attended in years.”

The performance was sold out. Guests were welcome to carry in their own food, while also having the opportunity to purchase from the venue’s food and drink offerings. Cousins Maine Lobster also had one of its trucks on site for the weekend closer.

Aquila’s Nest Vineyards hosted “Joni Mitchell — Retrospective Tribute from Folk to Jazz” to a capacity audience on March 1. The late Sunday afternoon performance offered two hours of live music by the legendary and comments calling the show “absolutely amazing,” with “superb” musicianship, and “one of the most professional and enjoyable concerts we’ve attended in years.” —Bee Photos, Glass

Vocalist, flutist and percussionist Leslie Ballard. —Bee Photos, Glass

The musicians who brought “Joni Mitchell — Retrospective from Folk to Jazz” to life were, from left, Butch Taylor, Steve Moran, Corky Ballard, Leslie Ballard, and Tony Triana. —Bee Photos, Glass

Debbie Stanton and her husband Brad (right), enjoy a conversation with Corky Ballard during a break in the Joni Mitchell tribute show. The Stantons said they have been following the band Panacea, which features the Ballard siblings and others, for years. —Bee Photos, Glass

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Weekend Event Offered Special Oppotunity To Enjoy Myriad Mitchell Music Stylings

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