NEXT at the Kennedy Center Celebrates Joni Mitchell

• Christina Zeiders
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  Christina Zeiders is the Communications Specialist at WITF. She helps get the word out about all of WITF's programs, events and community conversations.

NEXT at the Kennedy Center is celebrating the timeless, genre-defying influence of Joni Mitchell with A Joni Mitchell Songbook and an all-star line-up, led by multi-Grammy Award winner Vince Mendoza and accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra.

The heartfelt tribute to the folk and jazz music legend looks back on Mitchell’s orchestral recordings of Both Sides Now and Travelogue, which realized a meditative and hauntingly expressive tone to Mitchell’s original works.

Showcasing unique renditions of some of her most beloved songs, such as A Case of You, Woodstock, River, and The Circle Game, the special features performances by Lalah Hathaway, Renée Fleming, Jimmie Herrod, Raul Midón, and Aoife O’Donovan.

Beyond the Concert Hall stage, A Joni Mitchell Songbook explores how Mitchell’s raw vulnerability, emotional authenticity, and the intimacy of her work served as a roadmap for fans and future generations of singer-songwriters. A diverse group of musicians and collaborators will share personal anecdotes about how Mitchell’s work has influenced their art.

Watch NEXT at the Kennedy Center: A Joni Mitchell Songbook on WITF TV Friday, November 18 at 9pm, or stream it on-demand for free through the PBS Video app until December 17.

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NEXT at the Kennedy Center is a new primetime series from The Kennedy Center and PBS which spotlights cultural leaders from the worlds of hip-hop, jazz, folk, comedy, modern dance, and more. Captured to match the unique style of our featured artists, each episode weaves together performances filmed live at the Kennedy Center with intimate off-stage moments, contextualizing their significance and impact on American culture.