Diamonds and Rust: The Artistry and Activism of Joan Baez

Overview

The music of singer-songwriter and activist Joan Baez, the “Queen of Folk,” did more than fill the airwaves in the 1960s – it became the soundtrack to an era.

Baez – who gave her very first performance in New York City on 92NY’s stage on November 5, 1960 – sang songs of protest and social justice that not only spoke to the moment, they fueled a new direction in music, introducing the songwriting of an unknown Bob Dylan to the mainstream, and more.

Broadway’s Andréa Burns (In the Heights, On Your Feet!, The Notebook) leads this new Lyrics & Lyricists show, performing the originals, traditional folk, and covers that became Baez’ signature – indelible songs like “Diamonds and Rust,” “House of the Rising Sun,” “We Shall Overcome,” and others — blending her naturalness as a musical storyteller with Baez’ own in a beautiful celebration of one of music’s most influential voices.

Read our Q&A with Andréa Burns about her celebration — and discovery — of Joan Baez.

Karen Zacarias, writer
Peter Flynn, director
Steve Marzullo, music director

with Steph Amoroso and Cal Mitchell

Special guest: Terrence Mann