I don't have a living room right now, but even if I do someday, I am sure it won't have the gorgeous murals, plush banquettes, or the amazing sound system of the Café Carlyle. But maybe Judy Collins does, which would go a long way in explaining how An Evening with Judy Collins, the legendary pop-folk singer's second longterm engagement here, feels like (I imagine) a night hanging out at her house.

During her surprisingly freewheeling opening night set, Collins consistently engaged with the audience -- encouraging numerous singalongs -- and often interrupted a thought to sing a snippet of a long-remembered tune, croon a favorite lullaby, or demonstrate what a five-round madrigal woul[...]