Press Release: Baltimore Loves Joni

Joanne Juskus
September 24, 2013

EVENT: BALTIMORE LOVES JONI! A Benefit Tribute Concert in Honor of Joni Mitchell on her 70th Birthday

WHERE: Creative Alliance at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore / Phone: 410-276-1651 / www.creativealliance.org/

PERFORMERS: Headliner: SONiA of disappear fear, plus We're About 9, Sahffi, Joanne Juskus & Adrian Bond, LEA, Beggar's Ride, Teporah, Carl Corse

DATE/TIME: Thursday, November 7, 2013 / 7 pm

TICKETS: $15 / $10 CA members / A portion of the proceeds to benefit the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's Orchkids, a year-round during and after school music program designed to create social change and nurture promising futures for youth in Baltimore City neighborhoods. Sponsored in part by Knaggs Guitars

DESCRIPTION:

In honor of Joni Mitchell's 70th birthday (on the actual day!), several of the Baltimore area's favorite singer-songwriters are gathering at the Patterson to perform many of her songs. The show features SONiA of disappear fear, who Larry Flick of Billboard magazine says, "performs each gig with the passion and electric energy of an artist on opening night." Joni-philes will hear their favorite tunes performed by a variety of artists. From the complex and beautiful harmonies of trio We're About 9; to the powerful positivity of Peabody graduate Sahffi; and LEA's infectiously joyous voice and guitar; plus the haunting and delicate sound of Joanne Juskus & Adrian Bond; the unique style of Teporah that melds Laura Nyro with Erik Satie; Beggar's Ride, where Indigo Girls meets Crosby, Stills and Nash, and the enthusiasm and warmth of Carl Corse, this Joni-jamboree promises to be a celebration of all songs Joni!

PERFORMER BIOS:

SONiA -- From the Opera House in Sydney, to the Open House in Jerusalem, SONiA (Rutstein aka disappear fear) writes and performs captivating love songs and confronts the hypocrisies and biases of our culture with a positive message of openness and optimism. SONiA has performed in 16 countries and has just as many award winning albums to her credit. She has received the GLAMA Award for Female Artist of the Year, Best Band, Best Song, WAMA Award for Best Vocalist, Out Music Award for OUTstanding World Music CD, OUTstanding Single, Best in Blues Finalist for IMA Awards, and Finalist for the Telluride Song Competition. Says Larry Flick of Billboard magazine, "SONiA performs each gig with the passion and electric energy of an artist on opening night." www.disappearfear.com

We're About 9, the Baltimore-based folk trio, has brought its complex and beautiful vocal harmonies show after show at such events as Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, Philadelphia Folk Festival, Kerrville Folk Festival, Clearwater Festival and Belle Chere, and to clubs across the country. The Washington Post calls We're About 9, "Well beyond the ordinary... with soaring harmonies". Together since 2000, the trio's performances are always fun and lively, appealing to audiences of all ages. www.wereabout9.com

Sahffi spreads her message of "Light & Love" through her vibrant acoustic performances. With a performance degree from Peabody, a #1 house music song in South Africa, and a self-proclaimed "neo-alternative folk artist," her style is unique enough to capture the attentions of audiences of all ages and backgrounds. She has four albums out and is currently working on her fifth. www.sahffi.com

LEA -- A troubadour in the tradition of Joni Mitchell, Tracy Chapman and Bonnie Raitt, LEA has shared the stage with luminaries including Dar Williams, Anthony Hamilton, and Mavis Staples. She has been presented at The Strathmore, Kennedy Center, Birchmere, and Wolf Trap in Washington, DC, as well as many clubs and Kulturvereine in Germany. Her central focus at present is on using her musical talents to facilitate community building and self-expression in young and young at heart. www.thisislea.com/

Beggar's Ride is the contemporary folk duo of award-winning songwriters Claudia SanSoucie and Kate Maguire. Formed in 2010, their combined talents leave you feeling they've performed together for a lifetime. In sync harmonies, intricate guitar arrangements, melancholy yet hopeful lyrics beg the listener to take a smooth ride on sweet melody. Says John Platt of Fordham University's WFUV radio, "Beggar's Ride will touch your heart and mind with their haunting harmonies and sensitive songwriting. Their sound may remind you of the Indigo Girls or the introspective side of Crosby Stills and Nash. They've got the talent to have a long ride indeed, through the folk world and beyond." www.beggarsride.com

Joanne Juskus, a singer-songwriter, pianist and lead singer of the band Telesma, combines her ethereal vocals with Adrian Bond's sensitive, inventive acoustic guitar arrangements to create their own world of haunting 200-year old folk ballads, unusual contemporary covers and original songs, as well as electronic/vocal improvisations as the duo pillowbook. Recently named one of five "Best Female Vocalists in Baltimore" by CBS-TV, Juskus has released several albums on her own and with Telesma. Adrian Bond, who has appeared on NPR's All Things Considered, is also a composer/producer and was recently honored by the Maryland Federation of Art for his compositions written for their 50th Anniversary film and celebration. www.joannejuskusmusic.com/

Teporah -- Nursed with spirituals, jazz, folk, and classical music growing up, Teporah developed a unique style that's a cross between Laura Nyro and Eric Sati. A sultry, soulful vocal style intertwines with piano playing reminiscent of Debussy. Teporahs voice is deeply emotive, yet can flirt with the listener, and build delicate melodies that flutter like butterfly wings. Timeless songs that tug at the heart strings are decorated by her skillful and stimulating piano leads. www.teporah.blogspot.com/

Carl Corse, lead singer and guitarist for the Corsicans, has been performing in Annapolis and Philadelphia for decades. An avid fan of Joni Mitchell, he is the catalyst behind the BALTIMORE LOVES JONI concert. Known for both his wit and musicianship as a performer, Carl has performed in bands such as The Catholics and Yanomamo. He's a fixture at Annapolis's most popular clubs, including Stan and Joe's, Castlebay Irish Pub, Mangia's and Pussers Caribbean Grille. www.carlcmusic.com.