Judy Collins & Shubert President Robert Wankel to be Honored at Town Hall's 92nd Annual Gala, 10/20

On Sunday, October 20 at The Princeton Club (15 West 43rd Street) just down the street from the landmark NYC venue, The Town Hall will have its 92nd Annual Gala Celebration as they honor Grammy Award-winning singer Judy Collins and The Shubert Organization PresidentRobert Wankel with The Town Hall's 2013 Friend of the Arts Awards. Award-winning cabaret, concert and recording artist KT Sullivanwill kick off the special celebration at 4pm with her latest cabaret act, "Autumn in New York" which will be followed by cocktails and h'orderves, dinner and the awards presentation.

The Town Hall Friend of the Arts Award has been given annually for almost 30 years, to individuals in recognition and appreciation of their abiding interest in the development, enrichment and support of the Arts. Previous recipients have included Elaine Stritch, Tovah Feldshuh, Barbara Cook and Sheldon Harnick.

"Since 1981, The Town Hall has presented its 'Friends of the Arts' Award to individuals in recognition and appreciation of their interest in the development, enrichment and support of the arts" says Town Hall President Tom Wirtshafter, "We are delighted that our 2013 honorees are the incomparable Judy Collins and Robert E. Wankel, President of The Shubert Organization. Both Bob and Judy have been vibrant, positive creative forces here in New York and throughout the world."

Judy Collins has thrilled audiences worldwide with her unique blend of interpretative folksongs and contemporary themes. Her impressive career has spanned more than 50 years. At 13, Judy Collins made her public debut performing Mozart's Concerto for Two Pianos but it was the music of such artists as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, as well as the traditional songs of the folk revival, that sparked Judy's love of lyrics. She soon moved away from the classical piano and began her lifelong love with the guitar. She interpreted the songs of fellow artists - particularly the social poets of the time such as Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs and Tom Paxton. Judy was instrumental in bringing other singer-songwriters to a wider audience including poet/musicIan Leonard Cohen - and musicians Joni Mitchell and Randy Newman.

Judy Collins is also noted for her rendition of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" on her 1967 album, Wildflowers which has since been entered into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Winning "Song of the Year" at the 1975 Grammy Awards was Judy's version of "Send in the Clowns," a ballad written by Stephen Sondheim for the Broadway musical "A Little Night Music." Judy Collins, now 71, is still writing, performing, and nurturing fresh talent. She plays 80 to100 dates a year around the country. Judy Collins, a relentlessly creative spirit, is a modern day Renaissance woman who is also an accomplished painter, filmmaker, record label head, 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.

Robert Wankel is President of The Shubert Organization, a company which has been in the forefront of the American theatre since the beginning of the 20thcentury. Under the leadership of Philip J. Smith, Chairman and Mr. Wankel, President, The Shubert Organization continue a long tradition of presenting outstanding theatrical productions in its 17 landmark theatres on Broadway and cities across the country. During Mr. Wankel's 35-year career at Shubert, he has been a guiding force in all developments of the organization, including creative projects, financial operations, commercial real estate, Shubert ticketing services and Telecharge.com.

Mr. Wankel is a member of the Executive Committee and Board of Governors for The Broadway League. He is Chairman of the Board of the Times Square Alliance. He is also Chairman Emeritus and Trustee of the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts as well as an Officer and Director of The Actors Studio. Mr. Wankel serves on the boards of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and The Actors Fund Housing Development Corporation.

Photo by Walter McBride