(DEAL PARK, NJ) -- Axelrod Performing Arts Center has a pair of great shows coming up in April. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the release of Joni Mitchell's 1974 album Court and Spark, The Joni Project will perform the album in its entirety, along with a selection of other Joni favorites, on Saturday, April 20 at 8:00pm. The following week, Magical Mystery Doors will perform classics from The Beatles, The Doors and Led Zeppelin on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 8:00pm.

The Joni Project formed as a tribute in sound and spirit to Joni Mitchell, one of music’s greatest and most innovative artists. They are quite simply the finest and most musically sophisticated tribute to Joni on the scene today. The band is fronted by remarkable multi-instrumentalist and singer Katie Pearlman, who impressively plays Joni's songs in their original open guitar tunings, and also includes jazz and jam band mainstays Dave Berg (guitar), Dan Ehrlich (bass), Alan Lerner (drums), Mark Mancini (keyboards), Steve Finklestein (percussion), Premik Russell Tubbs (saxophone and flute), and Victoria Failella (Backing vocals).

Collectively, they've performed with members of the Grateful Dead, The Band, The Doors, the Neville Brothers, and so many others. Together, they bring fresh interpretation to Joni's legendary tunes from their many eras and genres - particularly from the time of her stunning and dynamic collaboration with Jaco Pastorius, Pat Metheny and Michael Brecker.

For this special show, The Joni Project celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the release of Court and Spark, performing the album in its entirety plus a selection of other Joni favorites. Released in January 1974, Court and Spark infused the folk-rock style of Joni's previous albums with jazz elements, which The Joni Project displays in electrifying and elegant fashion. Songs on the album include: Court and Spark, Help Me, Free Man in Paris, People's Parties, The Same Situation, Car on a Hill, Down to You, Just Like This Train, Raised on Robbery, Trouble Child, Twisted. Some notable album achievements: RIAA certified gold soon after its 1974 release, then double platinum in 1997; The Village Voice 1974 critics poll Best Album of the Year; Included in Rolling Stone magazine's list of 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Tickets for The Joni Project range from $38-$58 and are available for purchase online.

The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and The Doors. These three iconic groups have changed the face of music as we know it.  Their songs have become part of our history.  Their melodies have moved people everywhere to “Come Together” in their love of music.  Patrons attending a Magical Mystery Doors performance can expect to hear timeless tunes from each of these historic bands over the course of the night.  The songs you know, the songs you love, the songs you sing at the top of your lungs!

Throughout the show, Magical Mystery Doors combines some of these classic compositions in ways that surprise and delight audiences time and time again.  The melody from The Doors’ “Hello, I Love You” laying atop Led Zeppelin’s “Misty Mountain Hop.”  The pounding beat of Zep’s “When The Levee Breaks” coupled with the serene strumming of The Beatles’ “Dear Prudence.”  The thematic sequence of The Rain Song – Riders OnThe Storm – Here Comes The Sun.  These rare arrangements take crowds on an unexpected and exhilarating journey “Over The Hills And Far Away.”

Magical Mystery Doors also enhance the audience experience with a captivating visual presentation.  Modern video screens and a stunning array of lighting allow this act to create an environment where the music comes to life.  Fans young and old can “Break On Through” their daily distractions in this immersive and mesmerizing show.

Tickets for Magical Mystery Doors range from $38-$58 and are available for purchase online.

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center is located at 100 Grant Ave., Deal Park (Ocean Township), just minutes from downtown Asbury Park, and parking is free.