The pure soprano voice of Judy Collins will echo off the lake once again, when she returns to Skaneateles to perform at a concert, sponsored by the Skaneateles Area Arts Council, at the lakeside Stella Maris Retreat Center, Saturday, July 30 at 6:00 p.m. The 7th annual special event, “An Evening with with Judy Collins” will support the Arts Council’s cultural events and community grants program.
The iconic and beloved singer/songwriter and author will meet the public earlier in the day for a free “Conversations with Judy,” from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Skaneateles Library. Collins will have a book signing for her book, “Singing Lessons.” Her CD “Paradise” will also be for sale. The conversation will be led by Laura Austin, actress, singer, and co-founder of Redhouse Arts Center. Limited space available for this event. RSVP here to join us. In the book, Collins reflects on her life and career after her son Clark’s tragic death in 1992, and offers comfort to other survivors of personal tragedies. Collins has taken a lead role in suicide prevention nationally by speaking openly on the topic. During her sold out 2009 concert in Skaneateles, she shared with the audience how Stella Maris holds a special place in heart because she came to the retreat center seeking spiritual solace after her son’s death.
At her first Skaneateles performance, Collins showed her warmth and wit, as she developed a personal rapport with her audience, telling jokes and sharing stories of her life which erupted the audience into multiple standing ovations. Collins’ classical piano background, which enabled her to perform at age 13 Mozart’s “Concerto for Two Pianos,” was evident as she gracefully transitioned from the grand piano to the guitar, while singing a varied repertoire.
Known for her eclectic style, Judy combines folk, show tunes, pop and rock and roll music. Her love of lyrics was inspired by the music of such artists as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, as well as the traditional songs of the folk revival. Events often drive Collins’ music. Through her poetic lyrics, Judy Collins helped articulate the feelings of a generation activated by the Vietnam War and the tensions of the Civil Rights Movement. Of her 40 albums released over five decades, Collins has had numerous Top 10 Hits, Grammy nominations, and gold and platinum albums. Among her hauntingly beautiful classic songs are: her rendition of Joni Mitchell’s, “Both Sides Now,” her version of Stephen Sondheim’s, “Send in the Clowns,” from the Musical, “A Little Night Music”; “Someday Soon,” “Who Knows Where the Time Goes,” “Suzanne,” “My Father,” “In My Life” and her version of “Amazing Grace.”
In the fall of 2008, Collins’ label, Wildflower Records, released “Born to the Breed-A tribute to Judy Collins, Volume I”, featuring original writing and poetry of Collins recorded by such luminaries as Chrissie Hynde, Joan Baez, Rufus Wainwright, Dolly Parton, Shawn Colvin and Leonard Cohen. Collins, who sings regularly at the Carlyle Hotel in Manhattan, will be giving concerts throughout the United Kingdom and the United States, culminating at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on December 23.
The Arts Council’s “An Evening with Judy Collins” will include lakeside cocktails; dining al fresco by Chris Kuhns, executive Chef of the Sherwood Inn and Phoebe’s Restaurant; and an intimate concert on the lawn by Judy Collins from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The title sponsor is Dr. Robert Kiltz, owner of CNY Healing Arts and CNY Fertility Centers.
Prices:
The prices to attend, which include cocktails, dinner and the concert are $250 for VIP seating and $125 for regular seating. There are no tickets issued; your name is your reservation, please check in at the registration table at the event. Online purchasing is now available through PayPal at http://skarts.org/, or by sending a check to the Skaneateles Area Arts Council, P.O. Box 422, Skaneateles, NY 13152. Advance purchase is required for all seating.
Stella Maris Retreat Center
The mansion, which is now Stella Maris Retreat Center, was originally built for Frederick Roosevelt by the famed architectural firm of Stanford White in 1879.
