Laurel Canyon tribute not to be missed

FANS of Joni Mitchell, Crosby, Stills & Nash, the Mamas & The Papas, the Byrds, the Beach Boys, Carole King, and Bob Dylan will have the rarest of opportunities to experience an authentic ensemble performance of their iconic songs at The Capital on Sunday 27 April.

Songs From The Canyon is based on the influential artists of the ’60s and ’70s who called Laurel Canyon, a mountainous neighbourhood in the Hollywood Hills, home.

It will feature classic numbers such as Mr Tambourine Man, God Only Knows, Everybody’s Talking, It’s Too Late and Love the One You’re With.

Led by musical director, singer and guitarist Husky Gawenda, the star-studded lineup will also include Dan Kelly, sister duo Charm of Finches, Hannah Cameron, Stephen Grady and Dan Challis.

Gawenda said the show came about during the first COVID lockdown in 2020 when producer and artist manager Rick Chazen got in touch.

“We knew each other from the (local) music scene and he told me about his idea,” he explained.

“My response was, it sounds amazing, but I’m not sure if we’re ever going to be allowed out of our houses again.

“We dreamed and schemed and eventually were able to put the show together and did our first performance in 2022.”

He said from the very beginning it was essential to be able to do “some of the greatest songs of all time” justice.

“(We have) some of the best folk singers in the country and from the moment we came together and sang these songs, the blend and the chemistry of the voices, we knew straight away it was right,” Gawenda said.

“It feels magical and I can tell that (our) audiences feel that magic too – it really is a transcendent experience.

“Some of them were around at the time of Laurel Canyon and they’re getting to see these songs live.

“You can feel the joy – it’s pure joy for us and for them. It’s joy squared.”

Songs From The Canyon takes place at The Capital on Sunday 27 April from 8pm.

Tickets can be purchased via Gotix.