Charles Busch, Melissa Errico, and More to Honor Joni Mitchell at Benefit Birthday Concert

Joni Mitchell-arguably one of the greatest songwriters of her generation-will be honored on her birthday at a special benefit concert showcasing songs from her prolific, multidecade career. Produced by TWEED TheaterWorks (Kevin Malony, artistic director) and Howl! Arts Inc., the tribute is curated by Carol Lipnik and Malony. Musical director Tony Conniff leads a six-piece band; more than 20 of the finest singers and musicians of the downtown music and alt cabaret scenes will perform. 100% of the proceeds go to Howl! HELP, administered by the Actors Fund.

The concert will feature Charles Busch, Melissa Errico, David Cale, Michael Cavadias, Natalie Douglas, Julian Fleisher, Rachelle Garniez, Annie Golden, Tom Judson, John Kelly, Storm Lee, Carol Lipnik, David Ilku, Matthew Dean Marsh, Tracy Stark, Amber Martin, Nellie McKay, Sidney Meyer, Michael Musto, Poor Baby Bree, Molly Pope, Iris Rose, Dudley Saunders and surprise guests!

Mitchell's influence on contemporary singers and songwriters-from Prince to Melissa Etheridge to James Blake and Thom Yorke-is legendary. Her impact on folk, pop, rock, jazz, and the standard American song canon is peerless. Mitchell's musical tastes and interests have covered numerous genres. Throughout her career, she has stayed true to her multiple artistic passions and never failed to speak her mind, both in her work and personal life. These qualities have made her a favorite among aspiring musicians.

Among the singers and musicians featured in the concert, "every single person declared varying degrees of love for Joni, some verging on obsession," says director Malony. John Kelly, who is featured in the lineup, developed a renowned identity as Mitchell early on in his career-singing her songs in his lilting soprano. Joe's Pub regular Julian Fleisher mastered 90% of the entire Mitchell song list. Downtown alt cabaret chanteuse and songwriter Carol Lipnik cites Mitchell as one her foremost inspirations.

Tuesday, November 7th, 2017 at 8 PM
The Cutting Room, 44 East 32nd Street, NYC
Tickets $60 Best seats, center theater; $40 side of theater, some seats have partially obstructed views;
$20 standing room in the bar area and balcony

About Howl! Emergency Life Project (HELP)
In Partnership with the Actors Fund
A safety net for artists, HOWL! HELP provides emergency financial assistance and social service support to artists who have participated in the annual HOWL! Festival or who made or make their careers in New York City's East Village and Lower East Side arts communities. Services include counseling and referrals for personal, family, or work-related problems and linkage to community resources for such needs as medical care, legal services, public benefits or elder care. Workshops are offered on a variety of topics and include: affordable housing, financial education, and health insurance options. Financial assistance is available for rent, utilities, mental health, and medical care, as well as other basic living expenses. Grants are approved on a case-by-case basis based on need.

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