Live from Laurel Canyon

Tuesday, April 21 • 7 p.m.

Imagine Judy Collins, Joan Baez, James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt jamming in Joni Mitchell’s living room before they were famous. The music scene changed dramatically in the 1960s when these and other artists fused folk and rock, creating a new generation of music.

Now audiences will have a chance to hear songs by those artists and more when Live from Laurel Canyon comes to the Avalon Theatre on Tuesday, April 21, at 7 p.m. as the final performance of Community Concerts of the Grand Valley’s season.

Live From Laurel Canyon is the brainchild of Brian Chartrand. The idea came to him in 2012 while he was working on a cruise ship.

“I kept hearing about Laurel Canyon and all the musicians who lived there,” Chartrand said.

Many of the artists featured in the show either lived in or spent significant time in the canyon, and their personal stories helped inspire their iconic songs. After months of research, Chartrand assembled the band, whose members had been part of his original group in Phoenix. The show debuted in 2013, and the musicians have performed together ever since.

The Mamas and the Papas’ “California Dreamin’” kicks off the show. Songs by the Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, the Doors, Neil Young and Carole King follow. The program also includes Joni Mitchell’s “Woodstock,” James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain” and the Eagles’ “Hotel California.”

Chartrand said the best part of touring is the combination of travel and performance. None of the group’s members has performed in Grand Junction before.

“I’ve loved traveling and visiting new places since I was a kid,” Chartrand said. “I also love making music with my friends. It’s extremely rewarding to share this rich musical history with crowds who love it.”

Of course, life on the road has its challenges, including living out of a suitcase for months at a time. Chartrand said he also misses being able to do laundry when he wants or cook a favorite meal.

“I get home, do laundry and cook, and 24 hours later, I’m ready to go back out on the road,” he said. “You have to love both the good and the bad to do what we do.”

Fans of these artists can expect a multimedia show that combines music with the stories behind the songs. It will feel like watching a documentary with a live soundtrack.

As Chartrand put it, “You can’t argue with the music.”

Individual concert tickets are $39 plus fees and are available three weeks before the show. Tickets may be purchased from Ticketmaster or in person at the Avalon box office, open noon to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. You can also call the box office at 970-263-5757.

NEXT SEASON PREVIEW

Next season marks Community Concerts of the Grand Valley’s 82nd year of bringing live music to the area, continuing a tradition that began during World War II. For concertgoers who want the best value, season tickets are the way to go for world-class performances at a great price.

Watch for next season details in next month’s BEACON. To learn more about Community Concerts, visit CommunityConcertsGrandValley.org or call 970-778-4941.