The Cathedral of St John the Divine in New York honored singer/songwriter Judy Collins last week at their annual “Divine Light Gala”. Over 200 guests attended the May 7 evening celebration to “celebrate and support those who bring light to the world. With festive cocktails, dinner and performances, the Cathedral honors luminaries who inspire and celebrate their wide-spanning impact. All proceeds from this event go directly to support the Cathedral’s mission to be a place of light and leadership and a space of belonging for all people,” a press handout stated.

The Cathedral honored  Judy Collins “who exemplifies the crossover between arts and activism. As a Cathedral artist-in-residence for over 40 years, Judy creates work that reminds us of the power of the arts to inspire, uplift, and connect us. In the 1960s, she evoked both idealism and steely determination of a generation united against social and environmental injustices. Five decades later, her luminescent presence shines as new generations learn her iconic 55-album body of work. Her rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” from her landmark 1967 album, Wildflowers, is in the Grammy Hall of Fame. Judy’s version of Stephen Sondheim’s “Send in the Clowns” won “Song of the Year” at the 1975 Grammy Awards.”

“The emcee of the evening was Broadway legend Patti LuPone. Remarks were made by Sidney Outlaw, The Very Reverend Patrick Malloy, Jason Robert Brown, J. Harrison Ghee and Harry Smith.

“Feature performances were made by Sidney Outlaw including selections from Handel’s Messiah, Jason Robert who performed “Morocco” (a Judy Collins song), J. Harrison Ghee who performed a song composed by Jason Robert Brown, Candice Hoyes, Art Bath, and Kent Tritle who wrapped the evening with Widor’s Toccata on the Cathedral’s Great Organ.

“Also, during the evening, Judy Collins led guests in a performance of “Amazing Grace.” It was hard not to find a dry eye in the Cathedral”, the cathedral said.