Joni Mitchell tribute set for Derry’s St Augustine’s

Experience the timeless hits of Joni Mitchell in the heart of Derry this March as This Flight Tonight arrives at St Augustine’s Church on on Saturday, 21 March for a special acoustic celebration of the folk icon’s legendary songbook.

Presented by acclaimed Welsh songwriters Zervas & Pepper (Paul Zervas and Kathryn Pepper) and their five-piece band, this exquisite live production recreates the intimacy, poetry and innovation of Mitchell’s golden era - her celebrated Reprise/Asylum years (1968–1976).

Formed in early 2023, This Flight Tonight is a heartfelt tribute toone of the most influential artists of the modern age. The show features beautifully crafted performances of classic songs including California, Blue, Woodstock, Both Sides Now, Carey, Coyote, A Case of You and many more.

With open-tuned acoustic and electric guitars, piano, dulcimer, conga, bass and sublime vocal harmonies, the production evokes the warmth and spirit of Mitchell’s early performances and the creative energy of Laurel Canyon in the late 1960s and 70s.

Kathryn Pepper’s stunning vocal interpretations have drawn high praise:

• “Kathryn Pepper matches Mitchell’s voice perfectly – her range, clarity, intonation, and distinctive vibrato all come across
  beautifully.” – UK Jazz News
• “Fine singing.” – David Crosby
• “Beautiful.” – Bob Harris
• “Sublime.” – Mark Radcliffe

Joni Mitchell’s music remains a cornerstone of the Woodstock generation — a body of work revered for its emotional honesty, poetic depth and harmonic daring. From Clouds to Court and Spark, her songs continue to resonate across generations, inspiring artists and audiences worldwide.

“We’re musical purists,” says Kathryn Pepper. “Every note, inflection and pause in Joni’s work is intentional. We hold her music in the highest regard and aim to capture its inner spirit and channel its majesty into every performance.”

“As a guitarist,” adds Paul Zervas, “I learned to play by studying Joni’s incredible catalogue — the alternate tunings, the voicings, the harmonic nuance. Her songs are as intricate as they are emotional, and we strive to honour that balance every night.”

READ NEXT: The Henry Girls and TRAMP lead all-star line-up for Derry's Femme Sesh

With five critically acclaimed albums and extensive touring across the UK and Europe, Zervas & Pepper have enjoyed playlist rotation across the RTÉ network, supporting their albums Lifebringer and Abstract Heart. In 2026, they return to Ireland with what promises to be a deeply moving live experience.

Mitchell herself performed in Ireland during her 1983 “Wild Things” tour — and now, This Flight Tonight follows in her footsteps, inviting audiences to step inside Joni’s world and rediscover the magic of her music in an intimate concert setting.

TICKETS on sale now for This Flight Tonight: The Songs Of Joni Mitchell at St Augustine’s Church on on Saturday, 21 March (show starts 7.30pm).