Judy Collins to appear at SIUE Sept. 29
Collins will make her appearance in Meridian Ballroom just five days after the University kicks off its yearlong 50th birthday celebration Sept. 24 -- SIUE Founders Day. Meridian Ballroom is on the first floor of the Delyte W. Morris University Center. Collins' appearance is co-sponsored by Prairie Farms Dairy Inc. and the SIUE Alumni Association.
Arts & Issues, which has a long-standing tradition of bringing world-class performers and noted speakers to Southwestern Illinois, continues that excellence in its 23rd season."We are so excited this year to be celebrating the University's 50th anniversary," said Grant Andree, who began this year as assistant director of development for the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences and director of the Arts & Issues series. "To be a part of this tradition makes me proud."
Andree, who came to SIUE earlier this year from the Fox Associates Foundation in St. Louis, said this new season is even more distinctive because of its connection to the MRF.
"Everyone I meet seems to ask about Judy's appearance and Arlo's show coming in March. (Singer-composer Arlo Guthrie comes to Arts & Issues on March 5.)
"Between those two performers, who are linked to the University's past, and the other great speakers and performers we've lined up, this is going to be one of the most memorable seasons ever," he said.
Collins, who last appeared here in 1976, is one of the few singers who has the staying power of a folk icon. For nearly 45 years, she has had numerous hit records of songs that feature her special sound. Many of her more than 40 albums have garnered several Grammys as well as other awards.
In 1961, at the age of 22, Judy Collins released her first album, A Maid of Constant Sorrow, and began a 35-year association with Jac Holzman and Elektra Records. She also is noted for her rendition of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" on her classic 1967 album, Wildflowers. Both Sides Now has since been entered into the Grammy Awards Hall of Fame.
She won Song of The Year at the 1975 Grammys with her version of "Send in the Clowns," a ballad written by Stephen Sondheim from his hit Broadway musical, A Little Night Music. This past summer Judy released Judy Collins Sings Lennon & McCartney.
In addition to her prowess with a guitar and as a singer, Collins recently published "The Seven T's: Finding Hope and Healing in the Wake of Tragedy" in spring 2006. This book follows her 2003 book, "Sanity and Grace, A Journey of Suicide, Survival and Strength," a deeply moving memoir focusing on the death of her only son and the healing process following the tragedy. The book speaks to all who have endured the untimely loss of a loved one.
A season brochure is available to the public and may be found at the Edwardsville Public Library, 112 S. Kansas St.; the office of the Ed-Glen Chamber of Commerce, 200 University Park Drive, SIUE; or by calling 650-5194. The brochure contains information about the events and subscription sales for the 2007-08 season. For additional information about the series, call Andree at 650-2626.
