Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Having a rarely surpassed 55 recordings to her credit, six of which were released in the last decade alone, makes Judy Collins one of the most prolific and profound singer/songwriters to ever pick up a pen or guitar.

Now that she’s 87-years-old, the folk icon certainly earned the right to some extended relaxation, the reason behind the “Sweet Judy Blue Eyes: Farewell” Tour and a few special “Celebration Encore” shows.

Of course, everyone will still have access to a vast body of music, films, podcasts and books, including the latest “Sometimes It’s Heaven: Poems Of Love, Loss And Redemption,” though in the meantime, the Old Town School Of Folk Music quickly swooped up the final local chances to see the living legend in person.

In the first of three sold out shows, continuing Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25, the artist and interpreter of others spent 100 minutes on such hallmarks as Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides, Now” and the traditional “Danny Boy.”

As Collins and openers/occasional backing duo Oakland Rain settled into the newer “When I Was A Girl In Colorado” and “Prairie Dream,” fans seemed to marvel at the angelic, gracefully aging soprano, accompanied by cozy 12-string acoustic strums and the prodigious piano playing of the Juilliard-trained Will Kjeer.

Those qualities continued during Jimmy Webb’s “The Highwayman,” “Albatross” and “Spellbound,” followed by Collins eventually taking over the keys for the fellow Webb track “The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress” and “New Moon Over The Hudson.”

The Grammy Award-winner closed with her personally popularized renditions of Stephen Sondheim’s “Send In The Clowns” and the completely a cappella hymn “Amazing Grace,” then passed out roses and served as choir director when the audience sang Pete Seeger’s “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?,” bringing a full circle feeling to what turned out to be an unparalleled career of championing fellow troubadours and crossing over to the masses.

In the warm-up slot, Norwegian indie folk-pop duo Oakland Rain, comprised of singer/piano player Maren Wallevik Hansen and co-vocalist/guitarist Charlotte Wallevik Hansen, appeared on the heels of their English debut album “Twin Flame Part I: The Evergreen” and the documentary “The Road To The Ryman.”

The sisters’ brand of organic instrumentation, close-knit harmonies and mentor Collins’ influence could be traced throughout a series of thoughtful, insightful tunes, and while one legend is on the way to retiring, this charming pair provided plenty of hope for the future.

For additional information on Judy Collins and Oakland Rain, visit JudyCollins.com and OaklandRain.com.

Upcoming shows at the Old Town School Of Folk Music include Judy Collins (Oct. 24-25); Spooky Sing-Along (Oct. 25); Día de los Muertos (Oct. 28); Little Barrie (Oct. 29); Marshall Crenshaw (Oct. 31); Margaret Glaspy (Nov. 3); ImprovisAsian (Nov. 4); Lizzy & the Triggermen (Nov. 4); Steve Forbert (Nov. 5); Pieta Brown (Nov. 6); Teen Open Mic (Nov. 7); Lucinda Williams (Nov. 7-8 and 10-11); ConstelNation (Nov. 11); Liana Flores (Nov. 13); “Twin Peaks”: A Conversation With The Stars (Nov. 14); Chicago Flamenco Nights (Nov. 18); Benmont Tench (Nov. 18); Why? (Nov. 21); Jake Blount Band (Nov. 21); Cracker (Nov. 22); Black And White Gipsy Orchestra (Nov. 25); Rickie Lee Jones (Nov. 25) and Mariachi Herencia de México (Nov. 28-29). For additional details, visit OldTownSchool.org/Concerts.

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