Judy Collins Coming to Town

NEWBURYPORT – If you still find yourself humming the tune Both Sides Now by the legendary singer-songwriter Judy Collins, the Firehouse Center for the Arts has a treat for you.
The Grammy winner is coming to Newburyport next month to perform her memorable songs at the Firehouse’s Arakelian Theater in its inaugural Living Room Concert Series, presented by The Geraghty Group at Morgan Stanley.
Collins rose to fame in the 1960s, and over the decades she’s produced 55 albums. Her rendition of Send in the Clowns, written by Stephen Sondheim, won Song of the Year at the 1975 Grammy Awards. Her official biography states, “Collins garnered several top-10 hits and gold- and platinum-selling albums. Recently, contemporary and classic artists such as Rufus Wainwright, Shawn Colvin, Dolly Parton, Joan Baez and Leonard Cohen honored her legacy with the album Born to the Breed: A Tribute to Judy Collins.
Collins’ latest album, Spellbound, was released in 2022 and features original songwriting.
Four years ago, Amanda Hess with the New York Times wrote of her, “At 80, Collins sounds as clear as a spring wending through a field of wildflowers. The ethereal soprano that guided listeners through the 1960s — the ‘gentle voice amid the strife,’ as Life magazine proclaimed on a May 1969 cover — still resonates in 2019.”
Her full biography can be found at www.judycollins.com.
The Living Room Concert Series is expected to be a major addition to the concert offerings in Newburyport. After Collins launches the series, the BBC International Artist of the Year, jazz singer Madeleine Peyroux, will play two nights, Oct. 27 and 28.
“Once you’re inside the theater and the music begins, you’ll feel like you’re sharing a very personal experience with these world-class artists—as if they were performing for you in your living room—that’s the kind of unique space and sound experience the Firehouse offers,” said John Moynihan, executive director of the Firehouse. “We’re grateful to The Geraghty Group at Morgan Stanley for helping us give music lovers an opportunity like this to see performers like Judy Collins and Madeleine Peyroux right here on the North Shore.”
Jim Geraghty, managing director of The Geraghty Group, said his team is glad to support the “Living Room Concert Series.” “Over the last year I have had the pleasure of attending many events held at the Firehouse Center for the Arts. I have been extremely impressed with each production and firmly believe that the Firehouse is a tremendous asset to the community. I am proud to be involved with such a wonderful organization,” he said.
Tickets to see Judy Collins at 7 p.m., June 29, are $160 for non-members and $140 for members.
The Firehouse is a member-based, non-profit organization on the waterfront at Market Square. It is home to the Institution for Savings Mainstage in the 191-seat Arakelian Theater and Institution for Savings Art Gallery. The Firehouse offers live theater, film, dance, music, children’s programming, arts education for youth and adults, our acclaimed New Works Festival, and a rotating art gallery that exhibits works by local and international artists. The Firehouse is handicapped accessible.