Laura Nyro was the first person, songwriting-wise, where there were no rules. She influenced more songwriters that came out—and successful songwriters—than probably anyone who came before her.”

— Elton John

Stoned Soul Picnic is a concert-style celebration of the art and soul of the late, great singer-songwriter, and 2012 Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame honoree, Laura Nyro. Lead vocalist Diane Garisto toured and recorded with Ms. Nyro in the mid-90's as a member of her celebrated Harmony Group. Diane and friends have put together a live show dedicated to the memory of this musical icon. Along with some of New York City's best players and singers, Stoned Soul Picnic features faithful arrangements from all of Nyro's most popular recordings such as Eli and the 13th ConfessionNew York TendaberryChristmas and the Beads of Sweat, and Gonna Take a MiracleStoned Soul Picnic has already sold out venues, large and small, including the popular City Winery NYC, Highline Ballroom, and Celtic Connections Music Festival in Glasgow, Scotland, where they were honored to have Shawn Colvin as their special guest.  We hope you'll take a tour of the site and enjoy the offerings of music, videos, photos, and writings that are dedicated to our Mother Spiritual, Laura Nyro.  And please sign up for our mailing list if you want more information about upcoming Stoned Soul Picnic shows.  Thank you.

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Previous events

May6

Diane Garisto, lead singer of Stoned Soul Picnic, will be joining this fun band of musicians, The One Hit Wonderers, who faithfully reproduce some of your favorite One Hit Wonders from the '60s, '70s, '80s, and '90s. And since Danbury was Laura Nyro's hometown for so many years, it's only fitting she should perform a few of Laura's beloved tunes.

Join Diane Garisto (Laura Nyro, Paul Simon, Steely Dan) and Elise Morris (Joe Jackson), plus special guests, for an evening of the music of the great singer/songwriter, Laura Nyro, as well as music of her contemporaries like Joni Mitchell and Carole King. Location to be announced. Tickets will be on sale soon.

Join Diane Garisto (Steely Dan, Paul Simon, Laura Nyro) and Elise Morris (Joe Jackson), two well respected singers in the record industry with many years of experience for a fun and participatory vocal workshop. Together, Diane and Elise will demonstrate some key points in getting your best vocal performance. Attendees are encouraged to participate. First come, first serve. Tickets will be available soon.

Join Diane Garisto (Paul Simon, Laura Nyro, Steely Dan) and Elise Morris (Joe Jackson), plus special guests, for an evening of the music of the great singer/songwriter, Laura Nyro, as well as music of her contemporaries like Joni Mitchell and Carole King. Location to be announced. Tickets on sale soon,

Celebrating three groundbreaking American women songwriters of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, Stoned Soul Picnic is a feast of great music featuring the works of Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Rock-and-Roll Hall of Famer, Laura Nyro. Renowned American singer Diane Garisto has shared the mic with such musical icons as Paul Simon, Steely Dan, Nile Rodgers, and Malcolm McLaren, and was a member of Laura Nyro’s well known backing trio, The Harmony Group. In recent years Diane has performed at The Edinburgh Festival, The Inverness Festival, and headlined at Celtic Connections. Joining Diane will be keyboard player and vocalist, Elise Morris, an accomplished musician who notably toured with Joe Jackson, and whose original recordings have landed on many Top Ten Jazz charts in recent years. Always loving Scotland, both Diane and Elise are delighted to be participating in The Biggar Little Festival.

A celebration of women songwriters of the late '60s and early '70s, STONED SOUL PICNIC is a feast of great music featuring the works of Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and the Rock-and-Roll Hall of Famer, Laura Nyro. along with some of New York's best musicians, Diane and company have created an exuberant live show highlighting the words and music of the most iconic singer-songwriters of all time.

$29.5 to $45

An evening celebrating the art & soul of Laura Nyro. Joining us will be the wonderful singer/songwriter, Janie Barnett, who will be debuting her new project Cole Porter's Fiddle, an Americana take on the great composer, Cole Porter. Two terrific bands, two iconic songwriters, one fun night of music!

Stoned Soul Picnic: A Laura Nyro Songbook

Old Fruit Market, Glasgow, Scotland

An evening dedicated to the art and soul of Laura Nyro, Rock-and-Roll Hall of Famer. Diane and her band will be joined by some stellar special guests to be announced.