On March 8th, the historic Town Hall in New York City hosted a remarkable evening dedicated to the legendary Judy Collins. Titled "Judy Collins and Friends: 85 Years of Music and Protest," this event was more than just a concert; it was an homage to an artist who has bridged musical genres and generations. Celebrating her 85th year (her actual birthday is on May 1st), Collins showcased her unwavering voice and enduring spirit. Directed by Grammy-winning producer Russ Titelman and hosted by Sophie B. Hawkins, the performance intertwined music, storytelling, and social commentary, marking a significant moment on International Women’s Day at a venue originally established by suffragists in 1921.
The nearly three-hour concert, performed without intermission, took attendees through six decades of Collins' illustrious career. The meticulously crafted setlist featured nineteen songs that spanned from her original compositions to powerful covers and collaborations with esteemed guests. The night began with "Mountain Girl," setting an emotionally resonant tone. Collins' voice, clear and pure, remained as compelling as ever, delivering long, sustained notes that carried an ethereal quality, symbolizing her enduring presence in folk music.
One of the highlights was Collins' rendition of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now." Delivered with grace and emotional depth, this performance underscored her connection to some of the greatest songwriters of her time. Equally impactful was her performance of "Masters of War," a protest song that highlighted her commitment to using music as a catalyst for change. Her voice, rich with wisdom and conviction, left the audience in awe.
The evening reached its zenith when Tony, Oscar, Grammy, and Olivier Award winner Stephen Schwartz joined Collins on stage. Together, they performed a mesmerizing duet of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," blending vulnerability and hope. Another deeply moving moment came with Collins' tender interpretation of Stephen Sondheim's "Send in the Clowns," a performance so profound that the room seemed to pause in reverence.
The concert concluded with a heartfelt reunion as Collins welcomed Stephen Stills for a powerful duet on "Helplessly Hoping." This song, written for Collins in 1969 during their breakup, carried layers of history, heartbreak, and forgiveness. Their harmonies were delicate yet potent, leaving the audience visibly moved. Throughout the evening, a lineup of special guests added unique interpretations of Collins' work or songs reflecting her influence, including Rickie Lee Jones, Paula Cole, Justin Vivian Bond, Martha Redbone, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Oakland Rain, Richard Thompson, Ari Hest, and Molly Jong-Fast.
This extraordinary evening at Town Hall was a celebration of a life spent using music to inspire change. Collins remains not only a living legend but also a guiding light for those who believe that music can challenge, heal, and empower. The event was a poignant reminder that Judy Collins continues to be a powerful voice for love, peace, and humanity, and that her song is far from over.