This show was led by the genius Artistic and Music director Rachel Worby. All about a singer songwriter – baring her soul – Joni Mitchell. Defiantly Joni is a Los Angeles concert series celebrating music icon Joni Mitchell. Produced by the MUSE/IQUE arts organization and held at the Mark Taper Forum, the July 2026 shows highlighted her fierce focus on being true to her art and refusing to compromise.
Joni Mitchell revolutionized American songwriting, charting a course for future musicians to take ownership of their artistry. Joni is defiant, an artist who always prioritized her authenticity over compromise. Celebrate the unparalleled influence of Joni Mitchell, the woman who continues to blaze the trail for female artists. Defiantly Joni is an intimate tribute to Joni’s unique genius and a testament of the cultural milieu and musical streams that fed into her art, and then poured out of Laurel Canyon, and into a surplus of other genres and artists.
The shows ran from July 11 to July 19, 2026. They mixed live music, storytelling, and history. The setlist featured classic hits like “Both Sides Now” and “A Case of You”.
The show featured: Vocalists Chris Pierce and Effie Passero, The DC6 Singers Collective, and the MUSE/IQUE Orchestra.
I can’t say enough about both Chris Pierce and Effie Passero’s vocal range and abilities. Each one just nailed it. Setting the tone was Joni Mitchell’s widely celebrated masterpiece “California,” sung by Effie Passero, what a great way to start the show!
Such a talented group of musicians, it was just so delightful to see and hear all of the stories, songs, artwork, and everything in between that highlighted Joni’s life. Now this is my 3rd show by MUSE/IQUE. Every show is uniquely its own, from the music, the subject matter, the performers, it just is such a blessing to be fortunate enough to feast my eyes and ears on such a wonderful artistic endeavor.
The Artists:
Chris Pierce (vocals)
Chris Pierce has been a singular voice in American roots music for more than two decades. Over the course of eight solo albums, many side projects, and more guest appearances than most could do in one lifetime, his powerful songs have given voice to the voiceless and shed light into dark and hidden corners of the American dream. His new record Songs for the Heavy Hearted releases on August 21, 2026. @iamchrispierce on socials @chrispierce
Effie Passero (vocals)
Effie Passero is a singer/songwriter, based in Puerto Vallarta, MX. After appearing on American Idol’s revival back in 2018, she received multiple accolades nationwide. Now a staple member of Postmodern Jukebox, she has performed worldwide from the Sydney Opera House to Royal Albert Hall. Her debut album Grace will be releasing in its entirety early 2027. @effiepassero
DC6 Singers Collective (vocals)
DC6 Singers Collective are a Los Angeles-based ensemble with roots in a cappella, gospel, doo wop, and R&B, but they fuse styles to transcend boundaries. They have collaborated with global music legends such as CeCe Winans, Lady Gaga, John Legend, Michael Bolton, and institutions like the San Francisco Symphony and LA Opera Orchestra, and were recently heard on the Oscar-winning soundtrack for Sinners, performing at this year’s Academy Awards.
@dc6singers on socials
Presented in Partnership with CTG
Center Theatre Group, one of the nation’s preeminent arts and cultural organizations, is Los Angeles’ leading not-for-profit theatre company and programs the Mark Taper Forum and the Ahmanson Theatre at The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles, and the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. Center Theatre Group is one of the country’s leading producers of ambitious new works through commissions and world premiere productions
Proudly Sponsored by Classical California
Classical California is now easier than ever to enjoy, with a new unified website and a brand-new app that brings together the former KUSC and KDFC services into one statewide home for classical music. Listeners can explore what’s playing, discover hand-picked programs from friendly hosts (no algorithms, just humans with good taste), find arts events, and stream anywhere, anytime. It’s all free, listener-supported, and designed to make everyday life more harmonious. Visit classicalcalifornia.org or download the Classical California app to listen.
Run don’t walk to anything Muse/Ique does, you will love it and be so pleasantly surprised! https://www.muse-ique.com/
Muse/Ique
135 N Grand Ave,
Los Angeles, CA 90012
