Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Folk icons who emerged in the 1960s and are still active today may be few and far between, but Judy Collins continues leading the charge just as she’s always done since emerging from a fertile Greenwich Village scene as both a textbook songwriter and master interpreter.

Even at 83, the artist/author/social activist remains unbelievably prolific with her newest recording, “Spellbound,” following a several-dozen steak, yet shockingly, marks the first to exclusively feature original material.

Collins brought a many of those engaging, storyteller selections, such as “Hell On Wheels,” “When I Was A Girl In Colorado” and “Prairie Dream,” to a sold out Old Town Of Folk Music in the first of two intimate shows that continues on Sunday, January 15.

No matter the cost, it’s worth every penny and then some, not only to support the vitally important venue, but to take in all the classics from the Grammy Hall of Famer and winner who’s also immortalized in the National Recording Registry by the Library Of Congress.

Even with more accolades than could be mentioned, Collins appeared warm and approachable as she strummed an acoustic guitar during Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides, Now,” The Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown),” the traditional “Maid Of Constant Sorrow” and a John Denver medley, while switching to piano for “Grand Canyon” and “We Were So Alive.”

She was often joined by Chicago’s own Stu Mindeman on the keys and Thad DeBrock on standard or pedal steel guitar, who simultaneously added an elegant and earthy feel to the more than 90-minute evening.

Collins naturally mastered her signature rendition of Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway standard “Send In The Clowns,” and a little later, Ian & Sylvia’s “Someday Soon,” a mere pair of many examples displaying her almost immaculately preserved voice.

A glorious take on the hymn “Amazing Grace,” accompanied by the audience, ultimately tied it all together with a sense of serene spirituality from one of the purest performers to ever grace a stage throughout an astounding six-decade stretch.

Click here for more photos of Judy Collins at the Old Town School Of Folk Music.

For additional information on Judy Collins, visit JudyCollins.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Old Town School Of Folk Music include Sons Of The Never Wrong (Jan. 14); Judy Collins (Jan. 15); Chinese Lunar New Year Concert (Jan. 18); Uncovered – Duos & Duets (Jan. 20); Chicago International Salsa Congress (Jan. 25); Patty Griffin (Jan. 26-27); Adam Zanolini (Feb. 1); Breabach (Feb. 8); Anna Mieke (Feb. 10); The Cactus Blossoms and Jon Langford (Feb. 18) and Cecila Zabala (Feb. 22). For additional details, visit OldTownSchool.org/Concerts.

Related Articles

Judy Collins: “Spellbound” Tour at Old Town School Of Folk Music Judy Collins & Ari Hest at their most enchanting and authentic Folk icon, author and activist Judy Collins embraces “Amazing Grace” anniversary, online opportunities Banjo man John McEuen gets down to the Nitty Gritty of “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” “American Standard” James Taylor is forever, plus he’s got a friend in Jackson Browne Death-defying troubadour Gordon Lightfoot turns 80, remains timeless Country rockers Poco knock assertively on the door of 50 at City Winery A flashback filled with “Crazy Love” for Poco’s country rock pioneer Rusty Young