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(updated 1/27/12)
º Friday, February 3 @ Yoshi's San Francisco. Two shows - 8:00pm and 10:00pm. All ages. Tickets available here º Saturday, February 4 @ The Catalyst Club in Santa Cruz. 7:30pm. Ages 21+. Tickets available here º Thursday, February 9 @ McNear's Mystic Theatre in Petaluma. 8:00pm. Ages 16+. Tickets available here You can find out more about these shows and about Marianne Aya Omac by visiting Joan's Facebook page.
New tourdates just posted for Germany and France in late spring 2012. Also on sale: U.K. Tour in February and March of 2012. Check out the dates and get your tickets now!
We were saddened to hear about the death of Joan's friend, Czech Republic former president Vaclav Havel, on December 18, 2011. Here is a poem Joan wrote for him.
This special 4-disc collection features 70+ songs by 80 artists paying tribute to Bob Dylan and to Amnesty International in its 50th year. The collection is scheduled for physical and digital release in North America on January 24, 2012, and worldwide on January 30, 2012. Joan's contribution to the package is a demo version (recorded in 1992) of Dylan's "Seven Curses." You can click on the link at the left to listen to the songs and order this amazing collection of Bob Dylan songs and support the work of Amnesty International.
Joan just wrapped up a very successful U.S. tour, and now on sale: U.K. Tour in February and March of 2012. Check out the dates and get your tickets now!
 Let Us Break Bread Together:A Holiday Celebration O n Sunday, December 11, Joan performed at the Oakland East Bay Symphony's annual Holiday Celebration, now a beloved Bay Area seasonal tradition! In addition to this special appearance by Joan, the event featured the Oakland Symphony Chorus, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, Mt. Eden High School Choir, and Klezmer band Kugelplex.
On Friday, November 11, Joan participated in Occupy Wall Street's Veterans Day rally at Foley Square in New York City. Read all about it from the viewpoint of Joan's accompanist Dirk Powell here Joan sang "Joe Hill," as well as two songs she hasn't performed in many years but were suitable for the occasion, "Salt Of The Earth" and "Where's My Apple Pie?"
Joan has recorded a duet of her composition "Here's To You" with acclaimed Greek artist Nana Mouskouri. The duet will be featured on Mouskouri's upcoming album Rendez Vous on the Mercury/Universal label, scheduled for release on November 21st.
Wear Your Music! This company recycles used guitar strings by making them into bracelets and selling the bracelets to raise money for charity. Purchase a bracelet made from Joan's used guitar strings and all net proceeds go to The Resource Center for Noviolence. They make wonderful holiday gifts for that special Joan Baez fan in your life!
Joan was granted this honor back in 1983, but had never officially accepted the lovely medal, which, by its solid red ribbon, represents her status as a Chevalier (Knight) in the Order that is the highest decoration in France. Congratulations, Joan!
Recently posted: the on the road report from this year's earlier tour (France/Scandinavia) by merch man Jim Stewart. Also, there are many photos to enjoy! Newly posted fan photos from the recent past can be viewed here.
You may recall that Marianne and Joan first sang together during Joan's concert in Montpellier, France, in 2009. Marianne performed in the Bay Area in support of her newest CD, SOLO, which includes a duet with Joan. Of Marianne, Joan has said the following:
Her own passionate love of life and social justice creates songs and moods that are moving, emotional, danceable, and uplifting. We will soon see her bright light, which has been traveling under the radar for too long, rise to become the rightful star she is destined to be. I am fortunate to be a part of her life and music, having recorded a duet with her for her new album, SOLO, and I am pleased to make a cameo appearance at her upcoming Bay Area shows.
Joan once again joined the cast at Teatro ZinZanni-San Francisco for a limited run in "Maestro's Enchantment" from June 23 to July 31.
Original track listing: • Play Me Backwards • Amsterdam • Isaac & Abraham • Stones In The Road • Steal Across The Border • I'm With You • I'm With You (Reprise) • Strange Rivers • Through Your Hands • The Dream Song • Edge of Glory Bonus demo track listing: • Medicine Wheel • Rise From The Ruins • Trouble With The Truth • Much Better View Of The Moon • Seven Curses • In My Day • Dark Eyed Man • We Endure • The Last Day • Lonely Moon
On Friday, March 18, Joan was honored by Amnesty International at their 50th Anniversary Annual General Meeting in San Francisco. The tribute to Joan was the inaugural event for the Amnesty International Joan Baez Award for Outstanding Inspirational Service in the Global Fight for Human Rights. Joan was presented with the first award in recognition of her historic, ground-breaking and courageous human rights work with Amnesty International and beyond, and the inspiration she has given activists around the world. Joining her onstage in performance were Chad Stokes, Saul Hernandez, and Steve Earle. In future years, the award is to be presented to an artist - music, film, sculpture, paint or other medium - who has similarly helped advance human rights. (Read the entire press release). Congratulations to Joan!
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San Francisco Bay Area Fans!
On March 14th, 
On February 15, Joan was awarded the 2011 Folk Alliance International Elaine Weissman Lifetime Achievement Award.  |  |  |
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You were not afraid. You walked hand in hand. Deep in your hearts, you did believe, and you have overcome. We have faith that your road to democracy will end in triumph. Blessings be upon you and your extraordinary nonviolent revolution. Joan Baez
Established in 1973, the GRAMMY Hall of Fame was created to honor recordings of lasting qualitative or historical significance that are at least 25 years old. Recordings are reviewed annually by a special member committee of eminent and knowledgeable professionals from all branches of the recording arts, and final approval is made by The Recording Academy Trustees. Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy, said, "These musical treasures have brought us timeless recordings, and each of them deserves to be memorialized. These recordings are living evidence that music remains an indelible part of our culture." The entire GRAMMY Hall of Fame collection is on display at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles, California.
On June 24th, Joan made a special appearance at the Josh Ritter concert at the Fillmore in San Francisco. Here's a lovely video from that show:
Photo (left to right): Joan, Merle, Kris and John. Thanks to Lisa Kristofferson for getting this fantastic photo of the four of them.
The Children's Health Fund is committed to providing comprehensive health care to the nation's most medically underserved children through the development and support of innovative primary care medical programs and the promotion of guaranteed access to appropriate health care for all children.
The benefit event, hosted by Irwin Redlener, M.D., Karen Redlener, and Paul Simon, was held at the Hilton New York. In addition to Joan's award, the event also honored Jane Pauley (Founders' Award) and James L. Dolan (Corporate Award). There was a special appearance by Tom Brokaw, and musical entertainment was provided by Paul Simon and Joan. Joan sang "Diamonds and Rust," "Swing Low Sweet Chariot," and "Forever Young," as well as duetting with Paul on "God is God" and "The Boxer."
On Saturday, June 19, Joan made a special guest performance at the first annual KIDZSTOCK festival in Fairfax, California. It was a day-long outdoor music festival/concert to benefit the Cascade Canyon School. Joan shared the spotlight with 20 young Marin County musicians/singers ranging in age from 6-18 years old, including her own granddaughter, Jasmine Harris, who joined her in a duet of "Farewell Angelina."
On Tuesday, May 25th, Joan participated in a very special fundraiser for the Jenkins Penn Haitian Relief Organization (J/P HRO). J/P HRO is an organization founded by philanthropist Diana Jenkins and actor/humanitarian Sean Penn to provide relief efforts to the Haitian people. Though the organization has accomplished a tremendous amount in the months since the earthquake hit Haiti, there is still much more to be done. This fundraiser helped raise funds to continue their work. An Evening of Giving and Saving Lives was held at the Teatro ZinZanni spiegeltent in San Francisco at Pier 39, and was hosted by Frank Ferrante ("Caesar" at Teatro ZinZanni). You can continue to help support the efforts in Haiti by donating to the J/P HRO.
In recommending Joan for this honor, the Culture Ministry said that she "has been a benchmark that transcends the field of music for a generation of Spanish defenders of political freedom and peaceful coexistence." Congratulations Excelentisima Señora Joan Baez!
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CONGRATULATIONS to Joan on the inclusion of Joan Baez (Vanguard, 1960) on the list of 2011 inductees to the GRAMMY Hall of Fame!
On June 16th, Joan stopped by the Mountain Winery in Saratoga, California, to visit with a few old friends. Kris Kristofferson and Merle Haggard were doing a joint show at the venue, and John Prine just happened to be there as well. Joan joined them to harmonize on Prine's "Hello In There" and (believe it or not) Haggard's "Okie From Muskogee." Needless to say, a good time was had by all!
KIDZSTOCK
HELP HAITI!
On March 11th Joan received the Orden de las Artes y las Letras de España (Order of Arts and Letters from Spain) in recognition of "a trajectory governed by the artistic and personal commitment in favor of individual rights and civil and political liberties." The award is the most prestigious award given to foreign artists in Spain. It is bestowed under Royal Decree as proposed by the Minister of Culture, Angeles Gonzalez-Sinde (presenting Joan with the honor at right).|
On February 9th Joan joined the roster of performers for "In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement," a concert to celebrate Black History month.
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted " the event held in the East Room of the White House. Other participants in the concert included Natalie Cole, Bob Dylan, Jennifer Hudson, John Mellencamp, Smokey Robinson, The Blind Boys of Alabama, and others. Morgan Freeman served as emcee, and the event featured songs from the Civil Rights Movement as well as readings. The President made opening remarks at this concert held in the East Room which was streamed live at http://www.whitehouse.gov. The concert will be televised beginning on February 11th at 8:00pm EST on public broadcasting television stations nationwide. Check your local listings for dates and times in your area. Here's Joan's performance, but be sure to watch the entire program for some more wonderful moments by all the artists involved.
National Public Radio will also produce a one-hour concert special from this event for broadcast throughout the month of February, beginning February 12th. The special will also be available on http://www.npr.org/music
On Sunday, February 14th, Joan joined Steve Earle, Enjoy this lovely slideshow from the event.
Look for Joan's vocal appearance on Judy Colllins' new CD Paradise, released in April 2010. Joan duets with Judy on one track, Joan's own "Diamonds and Rust," a pairing first seen at the Newport Folk Festival last August. |
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Congratulations Sharon (and Joan and Mark O'Connor!)
In the first comprehensive documentary to chronicle the life and public career of Joan Baez, PBS's American Masters examines her history as a recording artist and performer as well as her remarkable journey as the conscience of a generation in Joan Baez: How Sweet The Sound, premiered nationally on Wednesday, October 14, 2009.
The documentary's premiere television airing coincided with the DVD/CD release, featuring bonus content and an audio soundtrack. The documentary features rare performance footage, home videos and candid interviews with artists such as David Crosby, Bob Dylan, David Harris, Steve Earle, Reverend Jesse Jackson and Roger McGuinn. The deluxe edition (DVD/CD combo) includes the complete documentary as well as bonus content featuring Joan's one-on-one conversations with Steve Earle, Vaclav Havel, Dar Williams, Bill Fegan and Bishop Ernest Palmer, as well as interview outtakes on early family life, musical roots, early career choices and more, including a never-before-seen 1958 performance from the legendary Club 47 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The deluxe version also includes a 15 track soundtrack CD with many previously unreleased performances including: Man Smart Woman Smarter, I Never Will Marry, Barbara Allen, Silver Dagger, Fennario, Oh Freedom, With God On Our Side, A Song For David, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, Carry It On, I Pity the Poor Immigrant (duet w/Bob Dylan), Diamonds And Rust, Love Song To A Stranger, Day After Tomorrow, and Jerusalem.
You can order the DVD only, CD (soundtrack) only or the DVD/CD deluxe combo online from Amazon.
You can also order the DVD/CD deluxe combo online from Barnes & Noble.
The film premiered internationally at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 18th, and it premiered in the U.S. on October 9th as part of the Paley Center DocFest 2009.
Read band member Dirk Powell's account of a meeting between Joan and some Vietnam veterans in Idaho Falls, Idaho, on Tuesday, August 11, 2009.
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Congratulations go out to classical guitarist Sharon Isbin whose recording Journey To The New World garnered a Grammy Award in the Best Instrumental Soloist Performance (without orchestra) category. This album includes the "Joan Baez Suite: Opus 144," a piece by John Duarte comprised of songs from Joan's early career: "Once I Had A Sweetheart," "Rambler Gambler," "House of the Rising Sun," "The Lily Of The West," "The Unquiet Grave," "Silkie," "Where Have All The Flowers Gone," "Rake and Rambling Boy," "Wildwood Flower," and "The Trees They Do Grow High." The Sony Classical label CD also features Joan's vocals on "I Am A Poor Wayfaring Stranger" and "Go 'Way From My Window."
Be sure to pick up the DVD release of the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour: The Best of
On July 22, 2008, 
On June 27 Joan appeared with Johnny Clegg and the Soweto Gospel Choir in Hyde Park, London, as part of the 
On April 22, 2008, the 
The ceremony was attended by a group of Joan's friends and associates who were there to share in the excitement. (Photo at left: Joan with her good friend Colleen Creedon)