MaryJoan McGowan

I was the sound engineer for Joni's band when they played at the Sheraton Harbor Island in San Diego. They were a great group and a pleasure to work with.

I worked with Joanie in a band at the Harbor Island Sheraton in my home town of San Diego. We were in our early 20s and embarking on a musical journey that would continue on separate paths many years into the future. I played keyboards (even though I'm holding a guitar in the picture). We all had our fortes and talents but Joanie was the show stopper when she played that banjo. She literally brought the house down with her musical expertise and high energy on songs like Tiger Rag,...

Dearest Joni! We shall miss you. Joni was the best. I remember the early days when you would sit in with us in the Gary Seibert Band! You were Dirty Joni to us. I didn't like you leaving us for Las Vegas, but supported your move because we know that music and performing was in you.

You leave a wonderful legacy with your children and your music. We'll meet again, but until that time, we shall all miss you.

Dearest Joni! We shall miss your humor, your dedication and your music. We knew you as Dirty Joni when you would sit in with us in the early days before your move to Las Vegas.

You leave us with wonderful memories of you and your music.

The music world lost a great player, and I lost an old friend when Joni left this world. I'm glad we were back in touch this past few months - she was a wonderful player, and such a fun person to room with on the road. I'm sad to think that she is gone, but I'm looking forward to our big band in heaven - how they must be strumming away today! Much love to Joni's family. Know that she was loved.

My Dearest "Bug"..... Life was much happier with you here. Who will call me "Darlin" now? As much as you will be missed, we all know that you are in a better place. Enjoy your father, and you can spend eternity at the beach! God speed my friend! Dawn