Judy Collins returned to New York’s iconic Town Hall on March 8th for a breathtaking evening filled with music, memories, and timeless activism. Judy Collins and Friends: 85 Years of Music and Protest was more than just a concert — it was a heartfelt tribute to an artist whose career has transcended genres and generations. Marking her 85th birthday (her actual birthday is May 1st), Collins reminded the audience that her enduring voice and indomitable spirit remain as powerful as ever.

Directed by Grammy-winning producer Russ Titelman and hosted by the spirited and soulful Sophie B. Hawkins, the evening unfolded as a rich tapestry of song, storytelling, and social commentary. The show’s significance was heightened by its timing — presented on International Women’s Day at Town Hall, a venue originally built by suffragists in 1921. This historical resonance perfectly mirrored Collins’ own lifelong dedication to social justice, equality, and artistic expression.

The nearly three-hour performance — delivered without an intermission — took the audience on a journey through six remarkable decades of music. The meticulously curated setlist of nineteen songs spanned Collins’ expansive career, featuring her own original works, powerful covers, and poignant collaborations with a remarkable lineup of special guests.

From the opening number, “Mountain Girl,” Collins set the tone for an emotionally stirring evening. Her crystalline soprano, astonishingly pure even in her eighth decade of performing, soared with masterful precision. Her signature long, sustained notes carried with them an ethereal quality — a reminder that her voice, both literally and metaphorically, continues to be one of the most powerful instruments in folk music.

One of the evening’s standout moments was Collins’ moving rendition of “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell. Delivered with grace and emotional depth, the song felt even more poignant in this intimate setting — a reminder of Collins’ deep connection to some of the greatest songwriters of her era.

Equally powerful was her performance of “Masters of War” — a searing and timely reminder of Collins’ commitment to using music as a vehicle for change. Her voice, rich with wisdom and conviction, seemed to pierce through the air, leaving the audience awed by her ability to deliver protest songs with undiminished passion.

The evening’s emotional and artistic peak came with Tony, Oscar, Grammy, and Olivier Award winner Stephen Schwartz, who joined Collins on stage to play piano and share a stunning duet of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. The chemistry between these two iconic artists was palpable, their voices weaving together in a mesmerizing blend of vulnerability and hope.

The most deeply emotional moment of the evening was Collins’ performance of her signature song, Stephen Sondheim’s “Send in the Clowns”. Delivered with aching tenderness and quiet introspection, her voice seemed to fill the room with a timeless melancholy — a performance so profound that the room seemed to pause in reverence.

The retrospective concert concluded with a heartfelt reunion as Collins welcomed Stephen Stills on stage for a powerful duet on “Helplessly Hoping,” a song Stills wrote for Collins in 1969 during their painful breakup. The duet carried layers of history, heartbreak, and forgiveness — a poignant reminder that love’s memory can linger long after the wounds have healed. Their harmonies were delicate yet powerful, and the tenderness between them was palpable, leaving the audience visibly moved.

The evening was elevated by a remarkable lineup of special guests, included

Rickie Lee Jones

Paula Cole

Justin Vivian Bond

Martha Redbone

Beth Nielsen Chapman

Oakland Rain

Richard Thompson

Ari Hest.

and Sophie B. Hawkins

Each performer contributed unique interpretations of Collins’ work or songs that reflected her influence. Adding an unexpected but delightful twist, writer and political commentator Molly Jong-Fast paid tribute to Collins’ activism and influence, reminding the audience of her profound impact beyond music.

The band — featuring Thad DeBrock on guitar, Zev Katz on bass, Doug Yowell on drums, and Russell Walden on piano (co-musical director alongside Titelman) — provided a strong foundation for the evening’s rich and emotional soundscape.

Judy Collins and Friends: 85 Years of Music and Protest wasn’t just a concert — it 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 — and should — challenge, heal, and empower. This extraordinary evening at Town Hall was a moving reminder that Judy Collins is still a powerful voice for love, peace, and humanity — and that her song is far from over.