Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) is pleased to announce that Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, author, activist and humanitarian Judy Collins will serve as the organization’s 2022 “Woman of the Year” at the 38th Annual Black & White Ball on Saturday, January 22, 2022.
Returning to its customary time slot, Collins will be feted among hundreds of local arts supporters, community leaders, and VIP’s during this renowned black-tie affair at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas.
This distinction falls in the midst of a multi-city tour spanning two countries, an upcoming album, Girl In Colorado, due out in February, and a newly launched podcast entitled “Since You’ve Asked.” No stranger to performing in Las Vegas, Collins most recently graced the Reynolds Hall stage at The Smith Center (performance home of NBT) as part of a double bill with Stephen Stills of the famed Crosby Stills, & Nash.
From her beginnings as a 13-year-old piano prodigy, singer songwriter Judy Collins has made an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape with an illustrious career spanning over six decades. Responsible for shaping the music scene of the 1960s and 1970s, Collins’ famous interpretations of traditional and contemporary folk standards along with her own visionary compositions have led to top-ten hits, gold- and platinum-selling albums, acclaimed collaborations, and numerous awards and distinctions including the Grammy Hall of Fame. Her 1975 rendition of Stephen Sondheim’s “Send in the Clowns” became a chart success earning her international acclaim and cementing her star power.
Throughout Collins’ fascinating career in music, her commitment to helping others has also remained a constant; whether it be improving social injustices, supporting environmental causes or perhaps her most well-known platform in recent years – mental health awareness — for which she has been honored for both her prevention and advocacy efforts.
“Judy Collins is a bona fide superstar who has spanned the generations and continues to enlighten, entertain, and inspire with her music and humanitarian efforts,” said NBT Co-Founder and Co-Chair Nancy Houssels. “From arts and entertainment to championing mental health awareness, we are elated to honor this legendary artist whose extraordinary life and career has made an unforgettable impact on our world.”
As one of Las Vegas’ preeminent society and fashion events, the annual Black & White Ball supports all areas of NBT including its professional company, affiliated school, the Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre, and its successful Community Education programs–including the acclaimed Future Dance Program, that impacts 20,000 students a year, largely from underserved communities.
Boasting an important history of honoring female trailblazers beginning with Elaine Wynn in 1985, Collins now joins an impressive list of internationally-recognized female icons who have been celebrated over the past three decades by NBT for their artistic achievements, philanthropic contributions and connection to Las Vegas including Debbie Reynolds, Celine Dion, Marie Osmond, Bette Midler, Mitzi Gaynor, Florence Henderson, Debbie Allen, Olivia Newton-John, Vanessa Williams, Giada De Laurentiis, Rita Moreno, and Shania Twain among many others.
ABOUT JUDY COLLINS
Judy Collins has long inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism. In the 1960s, she evoked both the idealism and steely determination of a generation united against social and environmental injustices. Five decades later, her luminescent presence shines brightly as new generations bask in the glow of her iconic 55-album body of work, and heed inspiration from her spiritual discipline to thrive in the music industry for half a century.
The award-winning singer-songwriter is esteemed for her imaginative interpretations of traditional and contemporary folk standards and her own poetically poignant original compositions. Her stunning rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” from her landmark 1967 album, Wildflowers, has been entered into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Judy’s dreamy and sweetly intimate version of “Send in the Clowns,” a ballad written by Stephen Sondheim for the Broadway musical A Little Night Music, won “Song of the Year” at the 1975 Grammy Awards. She’s garnered several top-ten hits 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.
Judy’s most recent collaboration with her as a singer-songwriter is the 2020 album PBS TV show and CD release Winter Stories, including critically acclaimed Norwegian folk artist Jonas Fjeld, and masterful Americana band Chatham County Line. Winter Stories is a collection of classics, new tunes, and a few surprises, featuring spirited lead vocal turns, breathtaking duets, and Judy’s stunning harmony singing.
Judy is as creatively vigorous as ever, writing, touring worldwide, and nurturing fresh talent. She is a modern-day Renaissance woman who is a filmmaker, musical mentor, and an in-demand keynote speaker for mental health and suicide prevention. She continues to create music of hope and healing that lights up the world and speaks to the heart.
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