News

December 07, 2009

JUDY COLLINS TO PERFORM BENEFIT DEC 10th

Judy Collins, a musical prodigy, has been touring the world, playing and singing for appreciative audiences for more than 50 years. Her musical compositions have been recorded and performed by a musical Who's Who and she has equally included many legends to personal catalog of songs including compositions by Arlo Guthrie, Joan Baez, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and the Beatles.

But with such a strong musical alliances, you may ask yourself why Judy Collins would bother to host a fundraising event in Grand Rapids to benefit one of our most beloved local singers, Ralston Bowles, who is still undergoing chemotherapy?

The obvious reason could be because he is a member of her Wildflower artists' roster, but I decided there had to be more.

Recently I caught up with Judy who was in Los Angeles and asked her why Ralston? "He is a great artist who I think the world of," says Collins. "And when I saw he was in need, I knew I just had to do what I had to do."

"There is a bit of synchronicity happening here with Ralston and me, in that when I was 23 and just starting out in my career I came down with tuberculosis," says Collins, "It was Theodore Bikel, an artist also on the Elektra label, who got me into a hospital for the extensive treatment I needed."

When pressed how much can one person's actions can impact a life, she replies: "It's powerful because one person can be a dreamer, one person a slouch, another one can chose to get off the sofa or one person can remain there all their lives. It really does take a village to network, to communicate, to reach out."

According to Collins, using our voices is a real privilege and one we should be pass when the chance to act presents itself.

Judy Collins founded Wildflower Records and is the label that represents Bowles and many other prolific artists.

In the spring 2009, Bowles was diagnosed with colon cancer and underwent surgery. The benefit at Calvin College Chapel will help pay for medical expenses. Tickets are on sale at Calvin Box office.
FOR DONATIONS ABOVE AND BEYOND OR IF YOU CAN NOT ATTEND YOU CAN CLICK THE DONATE BUTTON ON THIS PAGE.

Collin's catalogue of music reflects an uplifting message of hope supported with a passionate performance that has won her wide acclaim, including a pair of Grammy awards and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Joining Collins will be joined in the Grand Rapids concert with New York singer/songwriters Kenny White and Amy Speace.

Ralston Bowles Family Fund