Joni Mitchell’s Jazz Band performed at Edmond Town Hall on October 13. The seven-member band of local musicians celebrated the jazz recordings of music legend Joni Mitchell on Saturday night, ahead of her 75th birthday.

The nearly 200 attendees were invited to enjoy selections from a wine bar and record messages for an e-greeting to be forwarded to Mitchell.

Band members are Leslie Ballard on vocals and flute, guitarist George Lesiw, Christian Martirano on keyboards, Steve Moran on sax, drummer Roger Post, percussionist Matt Spencer, and Steve Zerlin on bass.

Ms Ballard introduced each song with background, she said, sharing “where and why Joni wrote it, who or what inspired it, and any other relevant info.

“It helps to make the lyrics even more meaningful and personal,” she said this week.

Videos were screened behind the musicians when they performed “Blue,” “Down To You,” “Both Sides Now,” and “Real Good for Free.” Ms Ballard created the four videos to accompany the band, which derives its name from the idea, said Ms Ballard, that “although she’s played with some of the finest jazz musicians of our time, there are still some critics who claim her music is not jazz.” Joni Mitchell’s Jazz performs Mitchell’s songs from her jazz albums along with some of her biggest classics.

Proceeds from the evening will benefit The ETH Restoration Fund.