• Joni Mitchell performing at California Celebrates the Whales at the Memorial Auditorium in Sacramento, California in November 1976. All photos: Getty Images
    Joni Mitchell performing at California Celebrates the Whales at the Memorial Auditorium in Sacramento, California in November 1976. All photos: Getty Images
  • Joni Mitchell performs at The Bitter End in New York City in October 1968.
    Joni Mitchell performs at The Bitter End in New York City in October 1968.
  • A film still from the documentary 'Celebration at Big Sur' with singers and musicians, from left to right: Graham Nash, Joni Mitchell, John Sebastian, Steve Stills and Joan Baez performing at the Big Sur Folk Festival, California, 1969.
    A film still from the documentary 'Celebration at Big Sur' with singers and musicians, from left to right: Graham Nash, Joni Mitchell, John Sebastian, Steve Stills and Joan Baez performing at the Big Sur Folk Festival, California, 1969.
  • Joni Mitchell performs at the Central Park Music Festival in New York in 1969.
    Joni Mitchell performs at the Central Park Music Festival in New York in 1969.
  • Joni Mitchell performing at the Isle of Wight Festival, UK, in 1970.
    Joni Mitchell performing at the Isle of Wight Festival, UK, in 1970.
  • Joni Mitchell performing with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young at Wembley Stadium, London, in 1974.
    Joni Mitchell performing with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young at Wembley Stadium, London, in 1974.
  • Joni Mitchell performing at the Berkeley Community Centre in September 1974.
    Joni Mitchell performing at the Berkeley Community Centre in September 1974.
  • Joni Mitchell performing with, from left to right: Richie Havens, Joan Baez and Bob Dylan in 1975, at a fundraising concert for boxer Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter who maintained his innocence in the triple homicide for which he was sentenced to life in prison.
    Joni Mitchell performing with, from left to right: Richie Havens, Joan Baez and Bob Dylan in 1975, at a fundraising concert for boxer Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter who maintained his innocence in the triple homicide for which he was sentenced to life in prison.
  • Neil Young and Joni Mitchell perform with The Band during The Last Waltz at Winterland in San Francisco, California, in November 1976.
    Neil Young and Joni Mitchell perform with The Band during The Last Waltz at Winterland in San Francisco, California, in November 1976.
  • Joni Mitchell and Herbie Hancock perform during the Berkeley Jazz Festival at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, California, in September 1978.
    Joni Mitchell and Herbie Hancock perform during the Berkeley Jazz Festival at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, California, in September 1978.
  • Joni Mitchell performing in Wembley Arena, London, in 1983.
    Joni Mitchell performing in Wembley Arena, London, in 1983.
  • Roger Waters, of Pink Floyd, and Joni Mitchell during a soundcheck for The Wall Concert, Berlin, in July 1990.
    Roger Waters, of Pink Floyd, and Joni Mitchell during a soundcheck for The Wall Concert, Berlin, in July 1990.
  • Joni Mitchell performing on stage at the New Orleans Jazz Festival in 1995.
    Joni Mitchell performing on stage at the New Orleans Jazz Festival in 1995.
  • Joni Mitchell performing in 1998.
    Joni Mitchell performing in 1998.
  • Joni Mitchell performs during the Thelonious Monk Jazz Tribute Concert For Herbie Hancock at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, California, in October 2007.
    Joni Mitchell performs during the Thelonious Monk Jazz Tribute Concert For Herbie Hancock at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, California, in October 2007.
  • From left to right: Scott Hoying of Pentatonix, Brandi Carlile, Joni Mitchell and Jon Batiste perform onstage during MusiCares Person of the Year honouring Mitchell at MGM Grand Marquee Ballroom, Las Vegas, in April.
    From left to right: Scott Hoying of Pentatonix, Brandi Carlile, Joni Mitchell and Jon Batiste perform onstage during MusiCares Person of the Year honouring Mitchell at MGM Grand Marquee Ballroom, Las Vegas, in April.
  • Brandi Carlile introduces Joni Mitchell for a special Joni Jam at the Newport Folk Festival 2022, California, on Sunday.
    Brandi Carlile introduces Joni Mitchell for a special Joni Jam at the Newport Folk Festival 2022, California, on Sunday.

Culture

On Stage

Joni Mitchell performs first public set in more than 20 years

The Canadian singer-songwriter surprised concert-goers at Newport Folk Festival

AFP

July 26, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Joni Mitchell, 78, delivered her first full public set in more than 20 years this weekend, surprising attendees at the Newport Folk Festival alongside country star Brandi Carlile.

The show followed Mitchell's stage cameo earlier this year, when she joined other artists as they performed a moving tribute to her life's work at the MusiCares pre-Grammy gala.

Both moments marked rare public appearances for the trailblazing Mitchell, who in 2015 suffered a brain aneurysm that left her temporarily unable to speak, the aftermath of which has involved extensive physical therapy.

The duo sang duets including A Case of You and Both Sides Now, while Mitchell delighted the crowd by playing the lengthy solo from Just Like This Train on an electric guitar.

Mitchell last appeared at Newport, an annual festival in Rhode Island, in 1969.

Sunday's 13-song set also featured her classic environmentalist anthem Big Yellow Taxi and The Circle Game along with renditions of Summertime, Love Potion No. 9 and Why Do Fools Fall in Love.

The revolutionary singer-songwriter earlier this year was honoured as MusiCares' Person of the Year at the charity gala that precedes the Grammys, where she gave a brief performance.

The next night she accepted the Grammy for Best Historical Album, appearing in a red leather beret, sunglasses and floral pants, her flowing blonde hair in pigtails.

Born in a small town in western Canada, Mitchell had her start playing small clubs and eventually moved to Los Angeles, where she became a pivotal figure in the 1960s Laurel Canyon music scene and beyond.

She is considered one of her generation's most renowned singer-songwriters, giving rise to the phenomenon of the solitary and thoughtful musician who pours out emotion on stage.

Last summer her seminal album Blue charted number one on iTunes as it hit its 50th anniversary — outperforming even pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo's Sour.

Voicing her own astonishment over the milestone on the MusiCares red carpet, Mitchell earlier this year explained her album's enduring popularity and recent resurgence: "Maybe people want to get a little bit deeper."

19 concerts and events coming to Dubai — in pictures

  • The trio Hooverphonic, led by singer Geike Arnaert, will perform in Dubai in December. Getty Images
    The trio Hooverphonic, led by singer Geike Arnaert, will perform in Dubai in December. Getty Images
  • Egyptian actress Yousra will appear in the stage production 'King Farouk' at Dubai Opera. AFP
    Egyptian actress Yousra will appear in the stage production 'King Farouk' at Dubai Opera. AFP
  • Le Trio Joubran, from left, Samir, Wissam and Adnan Joubran. Courtesy: Youness Hamiddine
    Le Trio Joubran, from left, Samir, Wissam and Adnan Joubran. Courtesy: Youness Hamiddine
  • Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler in the 2021 film adaptation of the musical 'West Side Story'. The stage show will be performed in Dubai Opera in April. AP
    Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler in the 2021 film adaptation of the musical 'West Side Story'. The stage show will be performed in Dubai Opera in April. AP
  • The Gipsy Kings shot to fame back in the 1980s with their eponymous album. Courtesy Dubai Opera
    The Gipsy Kings shot to fame back in the 1980s with their eponymous album. Courtesy Dubai Opera
  • Martin Garrix has been named 2022'S world's number one DJ by industry publication 'DJ Mag'. AFP
    Martin Garrix has been named 2022'S world's number one DJ by industry publication 'DJ Mag'. AFP
  • Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will perform his hits at the Coca-Cola Arena. Courtesy Coca-Cola Arena
    Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will perform his hits at the Coca-Cola Arena. Courtesy Coca-Cola Arena
  • Iraqi singer Kadim Al Sahir will perform an intimate show at Dubai Opera. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Iraqi singer Kadim Al Sahir will perform an intimate show at Dubai Opera. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • Canadian DJ deadmau5 will play at the Coca-Cola Arena in December. Getty Images
    Canadian DJ deadmau5 will play at the Coca-Cola Arena in December. Getty Images
  • Singer Ne-Yo returns to Dubai in December. AFP
    Singer Ne-Yo returns to Dubai in December. AFP
  • Dutch DJ Armin van Buuren is one EDM's most celebrated artists. AFP
    Dutch DJ Armin van Buuren is one EDM's most celebrated artists. AFP
  • Nigerian singer Wizkid is one of a new generation of African artists making inroads into the western charts. Getty Images
    Nigerian singer Wizkid is one of a new generation of African artists making inroads into the western charts. Getty Images
  • Mohamed Ramadan will perform post-match concerts as part of the inaugural World Tennis League tournament. AFP
    Mohamed Ramadan will perform post-match concerts as part of the inaugural World Tennis League tournament. AFP
  • Tiesto will bring his hits to the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. AFP
    Tiesto will bring his hits to the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. AFP
  • Jackson Wang will perform on February 4 in Dubai as part of his Magic Man world tour. AP
    Jackson Wang will perform on February 4 in Dubai as part of his Magic Man world tour. AP
  • Irish comedienne Joanne McNally performs on April 29 at The Agenda. Photo: GME Events
    Irish comedienne Joanne McNally performs on April 29 at The Agenda. Photo: GME Events
  • The Nutcracker ballet is an annual Christmas favourite. Photo: Andy Ross
    The Nutcracker ballet is an annual Christmas favourite. Photo: Andy Ross
  • Hungarian pianist and composer Balazs Havasi will play at Dubai Opera in 2023. EPA
    Hungarian pianist and composer Balazs Havasi will play at Dubai Opera in 2023. EPA
  • The Australian singer Kylie Minogue will ring in the new year in Dubai. Reuters
    The Australian singer Kylie Minogue will ring in the new year in Dubai. Reuters
  • Tomorrowland's Terra Sollis features VIP rooms with sun decks, resort views and a private plunge pool. Photo: Terra Solis
    Tomorrowland's Terra Sollis features VIP rooms with sun decks, resort views and a private plunge pool. Photo: Terra Solis
  • Peter Bence, the former Guinness World Record holder for fastest piano player, performs at Dubai Opera on November 11. Getty Images
    Peter Bence, the former Guinness World Record holder for fastest piano player, performs at Dubai Opera on November 11. Getty Images
  • See French crooner Enrico Macias on November 12 at Coca-Cola Arena. Photo: Wikicommons
    See French crooner Enrico Macias on November 12 at Coca-Cola Arena. Photo: Wikicommons
  • Spanish opera star Placido Domingo will headline the lavish Dresden Opera Ball gala evening at Dubai Opera. Getty Images
    Spanish opera star Placido Domingo will headline the lavish Dresden Opera Ball gala evening at Dubai Opera. Getty Images
  • Croation classic group 2Cellos are coming to Dubai in November. Courtesy: MBC
    Croation classic group 2Cellos are coming to Dubai in November. Courtesy: MBC
  • Watch British singer-songwriter Calum Scott live at Hard Rock Cafe in November. Getty Images
    Watch British singer-songwriter Calum Scott live at Hard Rock Cafe in November. Getty Images
  • Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi is returning to the UAE for a concert at the Coca-Cola Arena on November 24. EPA
    Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi is returning to the UAE for a concert at the Coca-Cola Arena on November 24. EPA
  • Illusionist Rob Lake is performing 'The Magic of Rob Lake' at Dubai Opera from November 25 to 27. Photo: FilmMagic
    Illusionist Rob Lake is performing 'The Magic of Rob Lake' at Dubai Opera from November 25 to 27. Photo: FilmMagic
  • Music and street culture festival Sole DXB is back for 2022 in December. Photo: Sole DXB
    Music and street culture festival Sole DXB is back for 2022 in December. Photo: Sole DXB
  • The Dubai Shopping Festival, starting in December, features concerts, family activities and plenty of shopping deals. Photo: Dubai Shopping Festival
    The Dubai Shopping Festival, starting in December, features concerts, family activities and plenty of shopping deals. Photo: Dubai Shopping Festival
  • Pakistani singer Abida Parveen returns to Dubai at the Coca-Cola Arena on December 9. Photo: Catherine de Clippel
    Pakistani singer Abida Parveen returns to Dubai at the Coca-Cola Arena on December 9. Photo: Catherine de Clippel
Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 

Founders: Abdulmajeed Alsukhan, Turki Bin Zarah and Abdulmohsen Albabtain.

Based: Riyadh

Offices: UAE, Vietnam and Germany

Founded: September, 2020

Number of employees: 70

Sector: FinTech, online payment solutions

Funding to date: $116m in two funding rounds  

Investors: Checkout.com, Impact46, Vision Ventures, Wealth Well, Seedra, Khwarizmi, Hala Ventures, Nama Ventures and family offices

'Gold'

Director:Anthony Hayes

Stars:Zaf Efron, Anthony Hayes

Rating:3/5

THE LOWDOWN

Romeo Akbar Walter

Rating: 2/5 stars
Produced by: Dharma Productions, Azure Entertainment
Directed by: Robby Grewal
Cast: John Abraham, Mouni Roy, Jackie Shroff and Sikandar Kher 

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
On Women's Day
What are NFTs?

Are non-fungible tokens a currency, asset, or a licensing instrument? Arnab Das, global market strategist EMEA at Invesco, says they are mix of all of three.

You can buy, hold and use NFTs just like US dollars and Bitcoins. “They can appreciate in value and even produce cash flows.”

However, while money is fungible, NFTs are not. “One Bitcoin, dollar, euro or dirham is largely indistinguishable from the next. Nothing ties a dollar bill to a particular owner, for example. Nor does it tie you to to any goods, services or assets you bought with that currency. In contrast, NFTs confer specific ownership,” Mr Das says.

This makes NFTs closer to a piece of intellectual property such as a work of art or licence, as you can claim royalties or profit by exchanging it at a higher value later, Mr Das says. “They could provide a sustainable income stream.”

This income will depend on future demand and use, which makes NFTs difficult to value. “However, there is a credible use case for many forms of intellectual property, notably art, songs, videos,” Mr Das says.

What is safeguarding?

“Safeguarding, not just in sport, but in all walks of life, is making sure that policies are put in place that make sure your child is safe; when they attend a football club, a tennis club, that there are welfare officers at clubs who are qualified to a standard to make sure your child is safe in that environment,” Derek Bell explains.

Email sent to Uber team from chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi

From: Dara

To: Team@

Date: March 25, 2019 at 11:45pm PT

Subj: Accelerating in the Middle East

Five years ago, Uber launched in the Middle East. It was the start of an incredible journey, with millions of riders and drivers finding new ways to move and work in a dynamic region that’s become so important to Uber. Now Pakistan is one of our fastest-growing markets in the world, women are driving with Uber across Saudi Arabia, and we chose Cairo to launch our first Uber Bus product late last year.

Today we are taking the next step in this journey—well, it’s more like a leap, and a big one: in a few minutes, we’ll announce that we’ve agreed to acquire Careem. Importantly, we intend to operate Careem independently, under the leadership of co-founder and current CEO Mudassir Sheikha. I’ve gotten to know both co-founders, Mudassir and Magnus Olsson, and what they have built is truly extraordinary. They are first-class entrepreneurs who share our platform vision and, like us, have launched a wide range of products—from digital payments to food delivery—to serve consumers.

I expect many of you will ask how we arrived at this structure, meaning allowing Careem to maintain an independent brand and operate separately. After careful consideration, we decided that this framework has the advantage of letting us build new products and try new ideas across not one, but two, strong brands, with strong operators within each. Over time, by integrating parts of our networks, we can operate more efficiently, achieve even lower wait times, expand new products like high-capacity vehicles and payments, and quicken the already remarkable pace of innovation in the region.

This acquisition is subject to regulatory approval in various countries, which we don’t expect before Q1 2020. Until then, nothing changes. And since both companies will continue to largely operate separately after the acquisition, very little will change in either teams’ day-to-day operations post-close. Today’s news is a testament to the incredible business our team has worked so hard to build.

It’s a great day for the Middle East, for the region’s thriving tech sector, for Careem, and for Uber.

Uber on,

Dara

Coming 2 America

Directed by: Craig Brewer

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Jermaine Fowler, Leslie Jones

3/5 stars

Europe’s rearming plan
  • Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
  • Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
  • Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
  • Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
  • Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
More on Quran memorisation:
'The Batman'

Stars:Robert Pattinson

Director:Matt Reeves

Rating: 5/5

Company Profile

Name: JustClean

Based: Kuwait with offices in other GCC countries

Launch year: 2016

Number of employees: 130

Sector: online laundry service

Funding: $12.9m from Kuwait-based Faith Capital Holding

Updated: July 26, 2022, 6:04 AM
MusicOn StageUS