Ruthie Collins (Photo provided)

LAKE PLACID – Nashville singer/songwriter Ruthie Collins will perform in Lake Placid at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 29 at 541 Mirror Lake Drive.

Almost two years ago when she performed here, it was the night before she opened at the Saratoga Performing Art Center (SPAC) for the Doobie Bros and Greg Allman on their national tour. Last summer she spent a good part of it opening for Reba McEntire nationally.

This is another opportunity to meet a Nashville singer songwriter of high caliber up close and personal in someone’s backyard.

Raised on a farm in Fredonia, New York, Collins fell in love with country music at a young age. Her mother, a church organist, celebrated her natural affinity and introduced her to a variety of instruments, starting with piano and the violin. As a promising vocalist and multi-instrumentalist looking for a bigger pond, she left home to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston.

After college, with a few vintage suitcases and a hand-me-down Martin to her name, she moved to Nashville, better known as “Music City” in the trade, to pay her dues and pursue her career as a singer-songwriter. Years of writing by day and waitressing by night paid off when she was signed to Curb Records.

With time to focus on her craft, one of Collins’ favorite hobbies, DIY renovations, became more than just a way to unwind. Her creativity and ability to turn any home (or airstream!) into the finest shabby chic farmhouse did not go unnoticed. Her DIY video series helped her land a role as host of A&E’s Home.Made, a show that offers viewers quick, affordable ways to repurpose vintage products into adorably functional decor. You can see her every Saturday morning from 9 to 11 a.m. on A&E..

Following the success of her first EP and her unique version of “Ramblin’ Man,” Collins began touring the US, performing for receptive crowds at Stagecoach, SummerFest, Watershed, and CMA Fest to name a few.

Along the way, she’s earned critical acclaim from Rolling Stone, The LA Times, and was named one of CMT’s Next Women of County. In 2017, she released her first full-length album, “Get Drunk and Cry,” a heartfelt collection of songs that catalogs her personal struggles with relationships and coming into her own. She has since been playing shows and in the studio recording her second album slated for release in early 2020.

From her flea market lace curtains to her obsession with shiplap, she forges her own path, marrying DIY projects and vintage frocks with modern country music. Collins’ sound mirrors her lifestyle — an approach that celebrates the work of legendary women like Dolly and Emmy Lou in a contemporary way that fits seamlessly into your Instagram feed.

Pull her up at www.RuthieCollinsMusic.com to find her music and videos.

Reservations are necessary. The proceeds go to the entertainer, so there will be a minimum $25 donation per individual (no maximum) and to guarantee your reservation, donations should be paid in advance with checks made payable to Ruthie Collins and sent to the address below to our attention or you can use Paypal at paypal.me/JamesRDavis orjrd43@cornell.edu.

As usual, attendees are asked to bring a beverage of choice, a plate to pass, a folding chair and/or blanket.

As an alternative to Mirror Lake drive for parking, attendees may want to go to Beech Hill bear right to Wilderness Drive, after the third street to the left look for house concert signs on the right, park along Wilderness Drive and walk in our back driveway.

Meet and greet starts at 6:30 p.m. and music to follow.