Laila Biali Brings Joni Mitchell and the Canadian Songbook to the Moss Center
- camilarosiaz
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
The Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center opens its 2026 performance season on January 17 with a concert by Canadian jazz vocalist and pianist Laila Biali, who will present Joni Mitchell & The Canadian Songbook at 8 p.m. The program centers on reinterpretations of Joni Mitchell’s work alongside songs by influential Canadian songwriters who helped shape the country’s musical identity.
Biali’s performance draws on her reputation for expressive vocals and piano-driven storytelling. In addition to Mitchell, the setlist includes music associated with artists such as Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, k.d. lang, Sarah McLachlan, and Bruce Cockburn, offering a cross-generational look at Canadian songwriting through a contemporary jazz lens.
A Grammy-nominated artist and JUNO Award winner, Biali has performed internationally at major festivals and venues including Carnegie Hall and the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing. Her career includes collaborations with artists such as Sting and recognition across jazz and contemporary music circles.
Her 2018 self-titled album won the JUNO Award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year. Subsequent releases—Out of Dust (2020), Your Requests (2023), and the seasonal Wintersongs—have earned multiple JUNO nominations, with Wintersongs also receiving a 2026 Grammy nomination. Beyond the stage and studio, Biali is the host of CBC Music’s national radio program Saturday Night Jazz, contributing to Canada’s broader jazz culture through broadcast media.
The concert is recommended for audiences ages 13 and older. Tickets range from $40 to $55, with VIP seating available for $65, and can be purchased through the Moss Center’s official website.