The original 1989 Eli Whitney Folk Festival, which later evolved into the New Haven Festival, has once again expanded its traditions and outlook and is now called the Connecticut Folk Festival. This four-day event begins on Thursday, September 6 at the First Presbyterian Church in New Haven and continues Friday evening at Edgerton Park. A free Green Expo plus free music will take place on the campus of Southern Connecticut State University on Saturday afternoon; additional free concerts will take place on Sunday at the park. Featured musicians include Billy Jonas, Guy Mendilow, Molly Venter and Erica Wheeler. The legendary Judy Collins will grace the stage at the University's Lyman Auditorium on Saturday night.
Ms. Collins started out as a classical pianist who performed Mozart's Concerto for Two Pianos at the age of thirteen. Her affinity for the songs of Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger led her to the guitar and singing, culminating in her first album, A Maid of Constant Sorrow, at the age of twenty-two. Her noteworthy interpretations of other artist's songs include Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, John Lennon, Randy Newman, and Phil Ochs. Her performance of Stephen Sondheim's "Send in the Clowns," was recognized as the "Song of the Year" at the 1975 Grammy Awards.
The Library's holdings of her work include Judy Sings Dylan: Just Like a Woman, The Judy Collins Songbook: With Comments, Instructions and Personal Reminiscences, The Seven T's: Finding Hope and Healing in the Wake of Tragedy, and Trust Your Heart: An Autobiography.