BETHEL - A jazz tribute to Joni Mitchell is scheduled on Sunday, April 23, from 6 to 8 pm, at Pizzeria Lauretano in Bethel. The seven-member group includes four Newtown residents - Leslie Ballard (flute and vocals), Roger Post (drums), Matt Spencer (percussion), and Steve Zerlin (bass) - who plan to perform music from Mitchell's critically acclaimed jazz albums, Shadows & Light, Hejira, Mingus, Miles of Aisles, Court & Spark and The Hissing of Summer Lawns.pizzerialauretano.com for additional information.

Guitarist Tony DePaolo, keyboardist Christian Martirano, and saxophone and clarinet player Steve Moran will also be performing.

Ms Ballard said she and the others who have been influenced by the long-celebrated entertainer decided to honor "this wispy blonde out of Canada, with a sweet voice like a choir soprano" who was hospitalized in 2015 with a brain aneurysm.

"She's still recovering slowly," said Ms Ballard. "It reminded me of how much influence she's had on us all - we'd played her songs in our bands.

"I started listening to her albums again, and found new inspiration," Ms Ballard continued. "Her poetry is timeless. Joni wrote 'Woodstock,' which became an anthem - that song defined a generation as a movement."

Drummer Roger Post, who anchors many of the jazz dates at Lauretano's, agreed that it was time to do a tribute to Joni Mitchell. Once a date was decided upon, bass player Steve Zerlin jumped at the chance to play her collaborations with Jaco Pastorius. And when asked, guitarist Tony DePaoloa said, "I knew all of the Joni records I listened to would come in handy some day!"

Jazz fan Michael Lauretano started the popular Sunday Jazz series at his restaurant ten years ago. There is a $15 music charge, and a $10 minimum for attendees. Reservations are suggested for jazz nights, which tend to fill up quickly.

Pizzeria Lauretano is at 291 Greenwood Avenue in Bethel. Call 203-792-1500 or visit

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