John Kelly channels Joni Mitchell

John Kelly in Paved Paradise his homage to Joni Mitchell 

John Kelly, artist, dancer and actor will be appearing at Real Art Ways in one of his best know performance art pieces, “Paved Paradise.” The New York Times says of Kelly’s performance, “John Kelly doesn’t imitate Joni Mitchell, he channels her.” Kelly began performing Mitchell in 1985 at Wigstock, the wonderful drag extravganazas held in the East Village. (special applause for Lady Bunny and these fab festivals) *we have tapes floating around of Wigstock by Mucha Mucha.

Kelly’s engagement at Real Art Ways begins on Friday January 23, 8pm, and continues on Saturday January 24 at 8pm and then on Sunday January 25 at Real Art Ways is located  at 56 Arbor Street Hartford Connecticut. For information call 232-1006 or visit http://www.realartways.org/.

For an article announcing this performance from the Hartford Advocate see Here.

To watch other amazing performances by this gay artist check out you tube, John Kelly Performances.

Queers Without Borders would not be doing our duty if we didn’t include this warning from an article written by John Adamian in the Hartford Advocate. Mr. Adamian states:

“But before you get all carried away anticipating some campy drag show, think again. (mmmmm!!!) Kelly’s performance is as likely to leave you teary eyed — to “clobber” you, as he puts it — as it is to give you a gay-kitsch popcorn high (though you might get that too). Expect to hear some of the monuments from Joni’s songbook — like “Blue” and “Woodstock” — but also expect to hear lesser-known compositions from Court and Spark, Mitchell’s landmark 1974 release. Part of Kelly’s zeal is to convey the full breadth of Mitchell’s songwriting artistry.”

Tickets: Before 1/23/09 $22.oo/$18.00 members.  After 1/23/09 $26.00/ $22.00 members. Tickets go on sale soon.

For information see www.realartways.org. There is also a link to John Kelly’s site from there.