How could I ever forget that night? I remember it as unseasonably warm, seeing folks walk barefoot under the large old oaks along The Mall. It was a special night to me. I was with a few friends. I bought four tickets as soon as they were released knowing the show would be sold out. I was a junior in high school. I had an intense empathy for Joni's music and she delivered a show that surpassed my expectations. We cried, we laughed, we bounced a big balloon around the audience during The Circle Game. Jackson returned to the stage to sing that wonderful song with Joni as part of her encore.

Years later, I catered a small birthday party for her. I bought a set of milk pens for her and a pad of black paper, wrapped it and hid it under the couch in the living room of the small house where the party was thrown. I didn't think I would have the chance to give it to her because the woman I worked for was strict about staff approaching her celebrity friends. I was cleaning up near the end of the party, succeeding at not engaging Joni although I did so want to.

Out of the blue I hear, "Sam, will you please take our picture with my camera?" OMG! What was I to do? I couldn't very well ignore her, could I? I said, "Of course!" My heart leapt into my throat! I stopped the cleaning and turned to her and smiled, reaching for the camera. I proceeded to take pictures of her and her very sweet comrades. Then she turned to one of her friends and asked, "Would you take a picture of Sam and me?" I jumped for joy inside! "Sam, come and sit here beside me!" I didn't hesitate a second. I was on that couch in an instant!

And I was sitting just above my birthday present to her! We were chatting and I said, "Sweetie, I have a present for you, I hope you don't mind." She looked delightedly as I reached for the present underneath the couch and presented it to her! She took it and immediately started to unwrap it! I told her they were milk pens, all the rage at the time. They were Japanese. She said she loved them! We chatted a bit more and the boss came in and made a face at me and told me to meet her in the kitchen. She lambasted me but I didn't give a shit. I was notified my services wouldn't be needed any longer and I didn't give a shit.
I had my moment with one of the great loves of my life and NOTHING could ruin that for me.
  [ed.]  [ed.]

I loved Joni's music then and now, she was why I was there but I was blown away by Jackson Browne,,,I hadn't heard of him at all up until that point and he came out , just sat alone at his piano and had the crowd rocking in no time. Brave and brilliant.

Reading Tom Zito's review brings back memories. This was the one and only time that I saw Joni Mitchell in concert. As it was the end of February, it was a very cold night - but the DAR was packed. I remember how she swayed in the spotlight and provided an almost mesmerizing image. Joni was ethereal.

We were mesmerized by you Joni. Great concert - Jackson Browne led off. Your music was excellent even though you had a cold. Just listening to Ladies of the Canyon and re-enjoying all over again. Also listened to Tom Rush's version of Circle Game and yours. Come back to DC again sometime. Please!

Peace,

Tom M.