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Saratoga Springs, New York – Arthur Gonick, Editor
recent posts
- Home Made Theater Presents Peter Pan, A Musical Adventure
- Saratoga Performing Arts Center Announces 2024 Philadelphia Orchestra Season with Music & Artistic Director YANNICK NÉZET-SÉGUIN
- 83rd Season at Saratoga Harness Kicks Off February 3
- Saratoga Performing Arts Center Announces 2024 New York City Ballet Season
- THE SUN WILL COME OUT…
about
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All photos by Dawn Oesch
Eli Buck as John
Jacob D’Agostino as Michael
Sophia DeMasi as Wendy
Lauren Berkman as Peter PanFor two weekends, starting on Friday, February 23, Home Made Theater will present Peter Pan, A Musical Adventure, with music by George Stiles, lyrics by Anthony Drewe, and book by Willis Hall.
The legend of Peter Pan has been delighting people for over 100 years and this faithful new version is a festive adventure, perfect for the whole family. We join Peter and the Darling children as they are whisked away to the famous land full of colorful characters including the Lost Kids, Tinkerbell, and, of course, the dastardly Captain Hook.
The Director of Peter Pan, A Musical Adventure is Dawn Oesch, who has previously directed the Home Made Theater productions of Mamma Mia!, Young Frankenstein, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and last season’s sold out run of The Sound of Music. Returning as Musical Director is Richard Cherry, who collaborated with Dawn Oesch on The Sound of Music among many other productions. The Choreographer is Johnny Martinez, whose choreography work for Home Made Theater includes the December 2022 production of She Loves Me (which he also directed). The artistic team also includes Scenic Designer Eric Rudy, who, in addition, serves as Home Made Theater’s Executive and Artistic Director. Rounding out the team are Lighting Designer Steve Moulton, Costume Designer Sherry Recinella, Sound Designers Anne-Marie Baker and Tom Moeller, Properties Designer Christina Toppin, and Production Stage Manager Susan Turner.
In addition to a cast of faces both familiar and new to Home Made Theater audiences, the company will be conducting online fundraising auctions for the role of Tinkerbell for each performance. A link to the bidding for this walk-on will be on the website, http://www.homemadetheater.org. The auctions will begin on February 10th, and will close three days before each performance. There will be a costume that fits ALL sizes: kids, adults, ANY gender,
ANY age. Peter Pan and the young performers have all been double-cast, so that there will be a different Peter, Darling children, and set of Lost Kids for each performance weekend.
(Clockwise from center)
Lauren Berkman as Peter Pan
Lost Kids:
Ellie Catallo
Kiernan Wolpert
Maleri Davis
Lily Scott
Michelena Nolan
Narissa Mongiovi
Emmett Mazurowski
Riley Huang
Olivia Manning
Gabriella Manning
Claire O’Connell
Gwen Matthews
Hudsyn DavisThe performance on Saturday, March 2 at 2:00pm will be a special “sensory-friendly” performance. This performance will be designed to make theater accessible to patrons who may be prone to sensory overstimulation, including those on the autism spectrum.
Performances the first weekend are Friday, February 23 at 7:30pm, Saturday, February 24 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm, and Sunday, February 25 at 2:00pm. The second weekend will begin with a performance on Thursday, February 29 at 7:30pm. The rest of the weekend will include performances on Friday, March 1 at 7:30, Saturday, March 2 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm, and Sunday, March 3 at 2:00. All performances are at The Spa Little Theater in the Saratoga Spa State Park. Tickets are $35 and are available on Home Made Theater’s website, http://www.homemadetheater.org, or by calling 518-587-4427 during box office hours (Mon.-Fri. from noon-4:00pm).This production of Peter Pan, A Musical Adventure is dedicated to the memory of Liam Pickett, a long-time member of the Home Made Theater volunteer family.
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With appearances by
JOHN LEGEND
YO-YO MA
Stunning roster of international conductors including
FABIO LUISI, DALIA STASEVSKA, and ANTHONY PARNTHER for their SPAC debuts
and the return of DAVID ROBERTSON and XIAN ZHANG
Iconic masterpieces highlight the season including
A 100th Anniversary Celebration of Rhapsody in Blue with MARCUS ROBERTS TRIO
Carmina burana with ALBANY PRO MUSICA
Popular film nights return with HARRY POTTER and the Order of the Phoenix™ in Concert and a 30th Anniversary Celebration of Disney’s THE LION KING in ConcertSARATOGA SPRINGS – Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) announces the return of The Philadelphia Orchestra to its summer home in Saratoga for a three-week residency from July 31- August 17. The artistically ambitious season will feature a mix of masterworks from the classical cannon, alongside SPAC premieres and appearances by a diverse and international slate of today’s most exciting artists and conductors.
“SPAC has become a destination stage for many of the greatest artists in the world and our 2024 season is no exception. From Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Yo-Yo Ma to John Legend and Angélique Kidjo, this year’s programming offers something for everyone highlighting SPAC’s unique ability to bring together the world’s best artists and genres on one stage,” said Elizabeth Sobol, SPAC’s President & CEO.
Philadelphia Orchestra Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin (AUG 8) will return to the podium to lead a program exclusive to SPAC, featuring Strauss’ An Alpine Symphony, the composer’s powerful ode to nature, alongside the SPAC premiere of Robert Schumann’s Konzertstück for horns and orchestra.
Highlighting the season is the SPAC and Philadelphia Orchestra debut of EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, multiplatinum singer-songwriter John Legend (AUG 7). An Evening With John Legend – A Night of Songs and Stories with The Philadelphia Orchestra will feature intimate reimaginings of Legend’s greatest hits (“All of Me,” “Ordinary People,” “Tonight”), unexpected stories from his life and career, and selections from his most recent release LEGEND (“Nervous,” “Wonder Woman”)
Returning by popular demand are appearances by cellist Yo-Yo Ma (AUG 16) for Dvořák’s Cello Concerto and violinist Gil Shaham (AUG 14) performing a new violin concerto by contemporary composer Mason Bates, a piece the two workshopped together while at SPAC in 2023. Making his Philadelphia Orchestra and SPAC debut is young pianist and International Tchaikovsky Competition silver medalist George Li (JUL 31), who will perform the Piano Concerto No. 1 as part of the opening night “Tchaikovsky Spectacular” celebration, which will close with the 1812 Overture and a fireworks display. Following her 2023 Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival debut at SPAC, five-time Grammy Award-winner Angélique Kidjo (AUG 2) will also join the Orchestra in an all-new program featuring a mix of popular African songs and original works.
Iconic masterworks featured include a 100th anniversary celebration of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the Marcus Roberts Trio (AUG 1), in addition to Carl Orff’s Carmina burana (AUG 10), returning to SPAC for the first time in over 15 years with Albany Pro Musica.
The 2024 season also includes a stunning roster of international conductors including the SPAC debuts of Fabio Luisi (AUG 9 & 10), Dalia Stasevska (AUG 14 & 15), Anthony Parnther (AUG 7), and Damon Gupton (AUG 17), in addition to the return of David Robertson (JUL 31 & AUG 1) and Xian Zhang (AUG 16).
The popular film nights will also return to delight audiences of all ages as Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™ in Concert (AUG 3) and Disney’s The Lion King in Concert (AUG 17), are projected on the screens in HD, while the Orchestra performs the scores live.
Tickets will be available beginning on February 9 at 10 a.m. for members (tiered by level) and on February 22 at 10 a.m. for the general public. Visit spac.org for details.
THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA:
July 31 – August 17
WEDNESDAY, JULY 31 @ 7:30PM: Tchaikovsky Spectacular
David Robertson, conductor
George Li*, piano
Tchaikovsky “Polonaise,” from Eugene Onegin
Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1
Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet
Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1 @ 7:30PM: Rhapsody in Blue Celebrates 100
David Robertson, conductor
Marcus Roberts Trio
Johnson Victory Stride*
Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue
Rachmaninoff Symphonic Dances
Angélique Kidjo
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2 @ 7:30PM: Angélique Kidjo with The Philadelphia Orchestra
TBA, conductor
Angélique Kidjo, vocals
Following her 2023 Saratoga Jazz Festival debut, five-time Grammy Award-winner and African music icon Angélique Kidjo joins The Philadelphia Orchestra in an all-new program featuring a mix of popular African songs and original works.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3 @ 7:30PM: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™ in Concert
Justin Freer, conductor
Hooper Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™ (complete with film)*
The Harry Potter Film Concert Series returns with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™ in Concert, the fifth film in the series. Experience the magic of Harry Potter™ soaring across the big screen in high definition, while The Philadelphia Orchestra performs Nicholas Hooper’s unforgettable score.
WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s24)
John Legend
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7 @ 7:15PM: An Evening With John Legend
Anthony Parnther*, conductor
John Legend*, vocals and piano
This special performance will feature songs and stories with 12-time Grammy Award-winner John Legend, alongside The Philadelphia Orchestra. Experience intimate reimaginings of his greatest hits (“All of Me,” “Ordinary People,” “Tonight”), unexpected stories from Legend’s life and career, and selections from his most recent release LEGEND (“Nervous,” “Wonder Woman”).
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8 @ 7:30PM: Yannick Conducts An Alpine Symphony
Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor
Jennifer Montone, horn
Jeffrey Lang, horn
Chelsea McFarland, horn
Christopher Dwyer, horn
Ernesto Tovar Torres, horn
Schumann Konzertstück for horns. and orchestra
Strauss An Alpine Symphony
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9 @ 7:30PM: An Evening of Brahms with Fabio Luisi
Fabio Luisi*, conductor
Bomsori Kim*, violin
Brahms Violin Concerto
Brahms Symphony No. 4
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10 @ 7:30PM: Carmina burana
Fabio Luisi, conductor
Audrey Luna*, soprano
Sunnyboy Dladla*, tenor
Sean Michael Plumb*, baritone
Albany Pro Music, chorus
Beethoven Symphony No. 8
Orff Carmina burana
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14 @ 7:30PM: Gil Shaham Performs Bates
Dalia Stasevska*, conductor
Gil Shaham, violin
Bates Nomad Concerto, for violin and orchestra*
Sibelius Symphony No. 5
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15 @ 7:30PM: Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony
Dalia Stasevska, conductor
Bartók Concerto for Orchestra
Dvořák Symphony No. 8
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16 @ 7:30PM: Yo-Yo Ma Plays Dvořák
Xian Zhang, conductor
Yo-Yo Ma, cello
Ngwenyama Primal Message*
Kodály Dances of Galánta*
Dvořák Cello Concerto
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 @ 7:30PM: Disney’s The Lion King in Concert
Damon Gupton*, conductor
Zimmer and John The Lion King (complete with film)*
Thirty years after the original release, experience Disney’s The Lion King on the big screen, as the Orchestra performs Hans Zimmer’s Oscar®-winning musical score live. Featuring unforgettable music from superstar Elton John and award-winning lyricist Tim Rice, and African vocal and choir arrangements by the Grammy Award–winning South African producer and composer Lebo M (Rhythm of the Pride Lands).
*indicates SPAC debut/premiere
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Always Watching, 2023 Saratoga Harness Horse of the Year. She is owned, trained and driven by Jordan Derue.
Photo Credit: Jessica HalletSARATOGA SPRINGS – Live harness racing returns to Saratoga Casino Hotel for its 83rd season on Saturday, February 3. The 2024 schedule will consist of 150 racing programs running through mid-December with a total of over $17 million in purses.
2023 Leading Driver, Jim Devaux and Leading Trainer, Brett Derue look to defend their titles this coming season. For Devaux, that would make it four years in a row.
In addition, the track will be hosting NY Sire Stakes races starting in June featuring the best New York bred horses in the state who will race for over $1 million in purses. The premier event of the season will be the 15th Annual Joe Gerrity Jr. Memorial Pace with a $250,000 purse on Saturday, July 20.
“We are looking forward to a tremendous season of racing here at Saratoga Casino Hotel,” said Race Secretary Peter Iovino. “Our purses will attract a quality product for our racing fans.”
To kick off the season, the month of February will feature several promotions including up to 15% bonuses on all winning wagers on Saratoga Harness races for SaratogaBets account holders while playing on property through the SaratogaBets mobile app or any self-service betting terminal. Interested horseplayers can log on to www.saratogabets.com to sign up for a free account.
A wheel spin drawing will be held on Sunday, February 4. All customers in attendance can fill out an entry form in the racing program for a chance to win a $25-$100 free bet. One winner will be selected after races 2-10.
Later in the month, on Sunday, February 18, the first 400 customers will receive a long-sleeve T-shirt courtesy of the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association. Followed by another chance to spin the prize wheel to win a $25-$100 free bet on Monday, Presidents’ Day.
The winter, spring and fall schedule will include matinee racing on Sunday, Monday and select Tuesdays, post time 12pm and Saturdays, post time 5pm. The summer live racing schedule will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings with a post time of 5pm. Go to www.saratogacasino.com for Track Announcer Mike Sardella’s race picks and biweekly column, and updates to the live race schedule.
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NYCB’s 75th anniversary celebration continues in Saratoga Springs for the company’s 58th season at SPAC
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) announces its 2024 NEW YORK CITY BALLET (NYCB) season featuring four unique programs from July 9-13 as part of NYCB’s historic 75th anniversary and its 58th season in Saratoga. Called “the foremost creative ballet troupe in the world” by The New York Times, New York City Ballet will bring its roster of more than 90 dancers under the direction of Artistic Director Jonathan Stafford and Associate Artistic Director Wendy Whelan, accompanied by the New York City Ballet Orchestra, led by Music Director Andrew Litton.
“This season marks the occasion of our beloved New York City Ballet’s historic 75th anniversary. We look forward to an incredible week celebrating our shared history over the past nearly six decades, while also pointing toward our exciting future together,” said Elizabeth Sobol, president and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Opening the season on July 9 is “NYCB On and Off Stage,” hosted by NYCB principal dancers for a unique “behind the curtain” experience featuring excerpts from the week’s ballets and culminating with a celebratory after party. Highlighting the residency is George Balanchine’s three-act work Jewels, returning for the first time since 2016 and featuring Fauré’s elegant Emeralds, Stravinsky’s jazz-inflected Rubies, and Tschaikovsky’s symphonic Diamonds.
Also featured are two evenings dedicated to works by contemporary choreographers including a new work by Amy Hall Garner, which is set to hold its world premiere as part of NYCB’s 2024 spring season; Gustave le Gray No. 1, a SPAC debut choreographed by Pam Tanowitz and set to the music of Caroline Shaw; Ulysses Dove’s dynamically charged, abstract work Red Angels, set to a riveting score for electric violin, and Justin Peck’s sneaker ballet The Times are Racing, heralded by audiences and critics alike since its premiere in 2017.
Rounding out the season will be two performances of some of Balanchine’s most beloved works, including the classic story ballet Swan Lake; the exuberantly patriotic Stars and Stripes; the SPAC-commissioned work The Steadfast Tin Soldier, based on Hans Christian Andersen’s charming fairytale; and scenes from Coppélia, featuring children from the Capital Region, in celebration of the work’s 50th anniversary, which held its world premiere at SPAC in 1974.
“New York City Ballet is thrilled to return to Saratoga Springs as part of our historic 75th Anniversary celebration. We look forward to presenting a rich repertory of works for the fantastic audiences in the Capital Region who always make the SPAC engagement a highlight of our year,” said New York City Ballet Artistic Director Jonathan Stafford and Associate Artistic Director Wendy Whelan.
Tickets will be available beginning on February 9 at 10 a.m. for members (tiered by level) and on February 22 at 10 a.m. for the general public. Visit spac.org for details.New York City Ballet photos by Erin Baiano NEW YORK CITY BALLET: JULY 9 – 13
NYCB On and Off Stage
TUESDAY, JULY 9 @ 7:30PM
NYCB principal dancers host a unique “behind the curtain” experience featuring excerpts from the week’s ballets. A compelling evening for newcomers and aficionados alike. Immediately following the program is a celebratory “dance party” in the Hall of Springs.
Jewels
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10 @ 7:30PM
THURSDAY, JULY 11 @ 2:00PM
Emeralds (Fauré/Balanchine)
Rubies (Stravinsky/Balanchine)
Diamonds (Tschaikovsky/Balanchine)
Contemporary Choreographers
THURSDAY, JULY 11 @ 7:30PM
SATURDAY, JULY 13 @ 7:30PM
New Garner* (TBA/Garner)
Red Angels (Einhorn/Dove)
Gustave le Gray No. 1* (Shaw/Tanowitz)
The Times Are Racing (Deacon/Peck)
Swan Lake & Stars and Stripes
FRIDAY, JULY 12 @ 7:30PM
SATURDAY, JULY 13 @ 2PM
Swan Lake (Tschaikovsky/Balanchine)
Scenes from Coppélia (Delibes/Balanchine and Danilova, after Petipa)
The Steadfast Tin Soldier (Bizet/Balanchine)
Stars and Stripes (Sousa, orch. by Kay/Balanchine)
*indicates SPAC premiere
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New North American Tour of the Iconic
Tony Award-winning musical to play
Proctors, Schenectady
in two weeks!
Tuesday, Jan. 9 to Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024SCHENECTADY – Leapin’ Lizards! Proctors is excited to bring an all-new tour of the iconic Tony Award®-winning musical ANNIE will play in two weeks, from Tuesday, Jan. 9-14, 2024. Tickets for the Schenectady engagement are on sale now through the Box Office at Proctors in-person, via phone at (518) 346-6204 Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or online visit atproctors.org. Groups of 10 or more can get their tickets by calling (518) 382-3884 ext. 139. This multi-week tour is produced by Crossroads Live North America.
“This show, with its iconic title character, continues to delight generations of theatre-lovers old and new by joyfully singing directly into the face of great adversity with perseverance, guts and guile,” said director Jenn Thompson. “For decades, ANNIE has continued to shine brightly, not only as an appeal to our better angels, but also as an example of the thrill of hope, hard-won: promising a better ‘Tomorrow’ not only for Annie herself, but for all who need her message now more than ever.”
ANNIE is directed by Jenn Thompson, who at the age of 10 stepped into the role of “Pepper” in the Original Broadway production, choreographed by Patricia Wilcox (Motown, A Night with Janis Joplin), music supervision by Matthew Smedal, with orchestrations by Dan DeLange. Talitha Fehr is the Music Coordinator and Jennifer Christina is the Music Director.
The design team includes scenic design by Wilson Chin (Pass Over), costume design by Alejo Vietti (Jersey Boys), based on lighting design by Philip Rosenberg, sound design by Ken Travis (Disney’s Aladdin), hair & wig design by Ashley Rae Callahan and casting by Paul Hardt of Hardt Casting, LLC.
The lovable mutt “Sandy” is once again trained by Tony Award® Honoree William Berloni (ANNIE, A Christmas Story, Legally Blonde).In the title role of Annie is Rainier “Rainey” Treviño, an 11-year-old from Chesapeake, Virginia making her national tour debut. Returning principal cast includes Stefanie Londino as “Miss Hannigan,” Christopher Swan as “Oliver Warbucks,” Julia Nicole Hunter as “Grace,” and Mark Woodard as “FDR.” Also starring in the tour are Jeffrey T. Kelly as “Rooster” and Samantha Stevens as “Lily. Georgie, rescued by William Berloni, stars as “Sandy.”
The Orphans are Savannah Austin, Arianna Guller, Avery Hope, Addie Jaymes, Kylie Noelle Patterson and Jade Smith.
The beloved score for ANNIE includes “Maybe,” “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You” and the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”
The featured ensemble includes Savannah Fisher, Jerquintez A. Gipson, Caroline Glazier, Chance K. Ingalls, Kaleb Jenkins, Jaelle Laguerre, Tony Mowatt, Nick Traficante, Kaylie Mae Wallace, Callie Alexa, Brooke Olivia Gatto, and Trent Tyson.
Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in this new production – just as you remember it and just when we need it most. This celebration of family, optimism and the American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way.
Hailed by the Chicago Tribune as, “one of the best family musicals ever penned!”, ANNIE features a book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin. All three authors received 1977 Tony Awards® for their work.
By permission of Tribune Content Agency, LLC, ANNIE is based on Harold Gray’s popular comic strip “Little Orphan Annie” which premiered in the 1920s in the New York Daily News and became one of the most widely read strips in the 30s and 40s. Lyricist Martin Charnin bought a coffee table book called “The Life and Hard Times of Little Orphan Annie” as a Christmas gift for a friend in 1970. The clerk at the bookstore was too busy to wrap the book, so Charnin took the book home to wrap it. Instead, he read it and fell in love with the strip and set out to secure the rights. The friend never got the book.
The original production of ANNIE had its world premiere on Aug 10, 1976 at the Goodspeed Opera House (Michael J. Price, Executive Director) and opened on Broadway on April 21, 1977 at the Alvin Theatre (Neil Simon theatre). It went on to win the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, seven Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, the Grammy for Best Cast Show Album and seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book (Thomas Meehan) and Best Score (Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin). It closed on Broadway after playing 2,377 performances. ANNIE was revived on Broadway in 1997 and again in 2014. It has been made into a film three times (1982, 1999, 2014) and was most recently featured as a live television production on NBC. The show remains one of the biggest Broadway musical hits ever; it has been performed in 28 languages and has been running somewhere around the world for 45 years.The beloved score for ANNIE includes “Maybe,” “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You” and the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”
This production of ANNIE was licensed by Music Theatre International.
Connect with ANNIE on tour:
Facebook: @AnnieTourUS
Instagram: @AnnieTourUS
Twitter: @AnnieOnTour
#Annie #AnnieTour #LeapinLizards
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SARATOGA SPRINGS – Sustainable Saratoga and Skidmore College invite sustainability-minded for-profit businesses and non-profit community organizations to apply to be exhibitors at the third annual Saratoga Sustainability Fair.
Event: Saratoga Sustainability Fair
Date/time: Saturday, April 13, 10am – 3pm
Location: Skidmore College, 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NYSustainable Saratoga and Skidmore College are partnering once again to host the 2024 Saratoga Sustainability Fair. Kelsey Trudell, Sustainable Saratoga’s Executive Director, explains “The Saratoga Sustainability Fair is an exciting opportunity for community members to discuss sustainability, connect with local sustainable businesses and organizations, and learn about innovative climate solutions and ways to get involved. Planning is underway for the 2024 Sustainability Fair and we have now opened the call for vendors to table in the exhibit hall.”
To apply for your non-profit organization or for-profit sustainable business to participate in the exhibit hall visit https://sustainablesaratoga.org/projects/saratoga-sustainability-fair/.
This family friendly event is packed with even more offerings:
● An expanded kids’ area with hands-on STEM activities.
● Two panel discussions with local experts.
● Electric Car and Bike show.
● Exhibit Hall with tables in energy, climate, equity, environmental education, and social justice. -
FEATURING
LAKE STREET DIVE, NORAH JONES, LAUFEY, SAMARA JOY,
STANLEY CLARKE N*4EVER, TERENCE BLANCHARD SEXTET, YUSSEF DAYES, JOEY ALEXANDER TRIO, CORY HENRY, CIMAFUNK, THE NEW ORLEANS GROOVE MASTERS, TIA FULLER, PEDRITO MARTINEZ,
and more
Norah Jones. Photo: Shervin Lainez SARATOGA SPRINGS- The 47th Annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival will return for a full two-day and two-stage exhilarating festival experience on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Featuring a roster of twenty-two musical groups and ten festival debuts, the line-up is co-headlined by four premier contemporary artists: Lake Street Dive, Norah Jones, Laufey, and Samara Joy; alongside jazz and blues legends Stanley Clarke with his band N*4Ever, Terence Blanchard Sextet and Coco Montoya. Also highlighting the line-up is the next generation of jazz stars Yussef Dayes, Joey Alexander, Miguel Zenon, Tia Fuller, Theo Crocker, Helen Sung and Sara Caswell, and today’s most electrifying Afro-Cuban and funk bands Cory Henry, Cimafunk, The New Orleans Groove Masters and Pedrito Martinez Group. From jazz to roots, funk, blues, pop, indie and beyond, the festival will bring its signature blend of world-class artists and ensembles, solidifying its place as an international destination and a ‘must-stop’ on the 2024 festival trail.
“Our 2024 festival has a record number of female headliners, all among the most exciting musicians in the industry today. From young, new sensations like Laufey and Samara Joy, who are bringing jazz to the next generation, to beloved superstars like Norah Jones and Rachael Price, dynamo lead singer of Lake Street Dive, this year’s line-up is over the top with powerful female presence,” says Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center. “As always, we are so grateful to Freihofer’s for making this great festival possible.”“The 2023 festival was a smash success, and we are building off of that with high expectations for 2024,” says Danny Melnick, the festival producer and President of Absolutely Live Entertainment.“We have delivered another incredible lineup of new stars, celebrated legends and rhythms from around the world.”
On the Cover: Lake Street Dive Photo: Shervin Lainez Headliner Lake Street Dive will make their highly anticipated festival debut on Saturday with their spirited eclecticism and joyously soulful music. As heard on their critically acclaimed album Obviously, the Boston-bred band possesses a keen talent for combining sociopolitical commentary with immediately catchy pop gems. Returning following her triumphant festival debut in 2023 is “Silky-voiced rising jazz star” (New York Times) Samara Joy, a two-time GRAMMY winner and the second jazz performer in history to win the award for best new artist.
Returning by popular demand to headline the festival on Sunday is multi-GRAMMY winning singer and pianist Norah Jones, who played the festival in 2019. Named the top jazz artist of the 2000-2009 decade by Billboard, Norah has won nine GRAMMY Awards, including five for her 2002 solo debut, Away with Me. “The one to watch” on Sunday’s line-up for her festival debut is Laufey, a 24-year-old Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter whose modern jazz sound has won her both a GRAMMY nomination and millions of fans on TikTok. Her new album Bewitched reached more than 5.7 million streams on its first day and set a Spotify record as the biggest debut for a jazz album. Most recently, Norah and Laufey collaborated on a new two-track single Christmas With You, which was released on November 10.
Joey Alexander
Photo by Roy CoxMusic icons returning to the festival include jazz and blues legends Stanley Clarke with his exciting new band N*4Ever, which is a celebration of his long-time collaborator Chick Corea and their time together in Return to Forever; seven-time GRAMMY winner, two-time Oscar nominee and Opera composer Terence Blanchard with his Sextet, performing the music from his 2005 GRAMMY nominated album Flow, and blues guitar virtuoso and vocalist Coco Montoya. Representingthe next generation of jazz talent on the stage is captivating composer and drummer Yussef Dayes, fan-favorite jazz pianist Joey Alexander who will celebrate his 21st birthday at the festival,2021 Guggenheim Fellow and jazz pianist and composer Helen Sung, and GRAMMY-nominated jazz violinist Sara Caswell.
Highlighting the weekendis also today’s most electrifying Afro-Cuban and funk bands including progressive R&B artist Cory Henry, GRAMMY-nominated Afro-Cuban rockstar Cimafunk for his festival debut, The New Orleans Groove Masters featuring Herlin Riley, Jason Marsalis & Shannon Powell, GRAMMY-nominated Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martinez with his band for his fifth festival appearance,and hard-grooving, soulful crowd-pleaser Olatuja!,which reunites Alicia and Michael Olatuja in music.
In addition to two non-stop days of great music on two stages, fans can also enjoy a host of amenities including a new craft beer tasting village, in partnership with New York State Brewers Association, new and diverse food offerings, a fine arts and crafts fair, and artist CD signings. Guests are welcome to bring in their own food and beverages, as well as blankets, tents and lawn umbrellas. Parking for the event is free. Performances will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 29 and at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 30.
“Proud to be title sponsor, Bimbo Bakeries and Freihofer’s Bread are looking forward to another year of great live jazz music in the spectacular Saratoga Performing Arts Center. See you there!” says Lorraine Hale, Vice President and General Manager, Bread, Buns and Rolls at Bimbo Bakeries USA.
TICKETS:
Tickets for the festival start at $80 and will be available online at www.spac.org beginning January 5 at 10am to the general public and starting on December 14 at 10am to SPAC members (tiered by level). Members will also receive a discount of 15-20% (depending on level) on their ticket purchase. Two-day passes are also available for a savings of $20 off per pass (offer ends 6/15 and can’t be combined with other discounts). Children 12 and under receive 50% off tickets in the amphitheater and are free on the lawn. Full-time students with a school issued ID receive 25% off tickets in the amphitheater, or $28 on the lawn (student ID must be presented at will call)2024 FREIHOFER’S SARATOGA JAZZ FESTIVAL LINE-UP:
SATURDAY, JUNE 29
Amphitheater:
Lake Street Dive*
Samara Joy
Yussef Dayes*
Joey Alexander Trio with special guest Theo Croker
Cimafunk* with special guest Pedrito Martinez
Cimafunk. Photo: Michael Weintrob
The New Orleans Groove Masters* featuring Herlin Riley, Jason Marsalis &
Shannon Powell
Charles R. Wood “Jazz Discovery” Stage:
Tia Fuller
Tia Fuller
Steven Bernstein’s Millennial Territory Orchestra*
Theo Croker
Theo Croker. Photo by Leighton Pope
Coco Montoya*
Harold Lopez-Nussa*
Sara Caswell Quartet*
SUNDAY, JUNE 30
Amphitheater:
Norah Jones
Laufey*
Stanley Clarke N*4Ever
Terence Blanchard Sextet
Cory Henry
Cory Henry
Charles R. Wood “Jazz Discovery” Stage:
Pedrito Martinez Group
Miguel Zenon Quartet
Miguel Zenon Quartet
Olatuja!
Helen Sung presents Quartet+*
Skidmore Jazz Institute Faculty All-Stars Centennial Celebration of
Max Roach, Bud Powell & J.J. Johnson
featuring Clay Jenkins, Steve Wilson, Steve Davis, Mike Moreno, Bill Cunliffe, Todd Coolman & Dennis Mackrel
Skidmore Jazz Institute’s Mike Moreno
Photo by Jimmy Katz -
Featuring Cassandra Kubinski, Marcus Ruggiero, Ria Curley with Chuck Lamb
Cassandra Kubinski SARATOGA SPRINGS – Saratoga Arts and local singer/songwriters have teamed up to present “Tis the Season”, a concert event featuring inventive arrangements of holiday classic songs, plus original songs, and a VIP reception in the Saratoga Arts gallery and atrium.
The concert features Billboard charting singer/songwriter Cassandra Kubinski (cassandrakubinski.com), award-winning troubadour Marcus Ruggiero (marcusruggiero.com), and critically acclaimed Ria Curley, with special guest Chuck Lamb (Brubeck Brothers Quartet and host of Jazz at Caffe Lena).
A portion of all ticket sales benefits Saratoga Arts.
Tickets are $35 VIP and $25 General Admission, and are available at www.Saratoga-Arts.org and the direct link below.
‘TIS THE SEASON
A Concert + Celebration
Wed 12/20
6 pm VIP entry, wine, snacks
6:30 pm General Admission
7- 9 pm Concert and after party
DIRECT TICKET LINK
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tis-the-season-a-concert-celebration-tickets-751242304957?aff=CKPress
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Featuring exclusive tastings by the chefs of Win Son, Brooklyn’s Taiwanese-American hot spot on the Michelin list
WAMC’s Joe Donahue will moderate a conversation with Josh Ku and Chef Trigg Brown, co-founders of Win Son and authors of the restaurant’s new cookbook
Friday, January 26 from 6:00-9:00PMOn the Cover: Josh Ku and Chef Trigg Brown SARATOGA SPRINGS – Saratoga Performing Arts Center announces that its CulinaryArts@SPAC series will return with the flavor-packed cuisine from Win Son, Brooklyn’s destination Taiwanese-American restaurant and bakery on the Michelin list. Called “one of NYC’s most thrilling meals” by Eater, the restaurant and its chefs will curate exclusive samplings from their menu and new cookbook for event attendees. Slated for January 26 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at The Pines at SPAC, Win Son: A Taste of Taiwan will feature conversation hosted by WAMC’s Joe Donahue with Win Son cofounders and authors Josh Ku and Chef Trigg Brown.
“Win Son has quickly become one of New York City’s hottest restaurants acclaimed by critics and local foodies alike for its modern take on classic Taiwanese dishes. Bringing its founders Josh Ku and Trigg Brown to Saratoga is both a coup for our thriving CulinaryArts@SPAC initiative, and a unique opportunity for our community to experience their inventive international cuisine,” says Elizabeth Sobol, President & CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
A “cook the book” styled-event, Win Son: A Taste of Taiwan features culinary samplings of the vibrant flavors of Taiwan, while inviting guests to learn how an ever-simmering pot of creative influences has evolved Taiwanese cooking in the United States. Attendees will have the opportunity sample dishes such as Five-Spice Buttered Peanuts and Pan-Griddled Pork Buns upon arrival, followed by tastes of dishes such as Fried Eggplant with Black Vinegar, Sticky Rice with Sausage and Shrimp, and Mochi Donuts, all served family-style at communal tables. Taiwan beer, wine and soft drinks will also be served.
Accompanying the tastings will be an engaging conversation hosted by WAMC’s Joe Donahue with Win Son’s Josh Ku and Chef Trigg Brown, who recently published Win Son Presents: A Taiwanese American Cookbook. The discussion will explore the culture and cuisine that has made Chinese food in America endure and evolve.
Josh Ku, born in Queens to parents from southern Taiwan, and Trigg Brown, a native Virginian whose mentor was a Taiwanese-American chef, forged a friendship over food—specifically, excellent tsang ying tou, or “flies’ head,” a dish of chopped budding chives kissed with pork fat. Their obsession with Taiwanese food and culture propelled them to open Win Son together in 2016. The East Williamsburg restaurant quickly established itself as a destination and often has long waits for their flavorful Taiwanese-American cuisine.
Following the success of their restaurant, Ku and Brown teamed up with Cathy Erway, Taiwanese food expert and celebrated James Beard Award-winning writer, to create their recently released book, Win Son Presents: A Taiwanese American Cookbook. Told through the eyes, taste buds, travels, and busy lives of Ku, Brown, and Erway, the book brings the cuisine of this island nation into the spotlight. With 100 creative, yet accessible recipes, the book features well-known favorites, while also introducing new dishes with brazen twists that are fun, flavorful, and decidedly American-born in style. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a copy of the book for the special event price of $35 onsite ($40 retail) and have it signed by the authors.
Beyond its amphitheater stage, SPAC has become a year-round gathering place celebrating the artistry of food in building community while empowering individuals to understand how what we eat influences our communities and our planet. The CulinaryArts@SPAC initiative, founded in 2020, combines culinary excellence and education with exquisite food that emphasizes socially conscious cultivation and consumption, local procurement, and fair wages. Most recently, CulinaryArts@SPAC hosted The Joy of Oysters with author Nils Bernsteinand The Mushroom Experience in partnership with Collar City Mushrooms.
Win Son: A Taste of Taiwan is produced by Kim Klopstock of Lily and the Rose and Pam Abrams, with Tiina Loite. Additional support is provided by Four Seasons Natural Foods and The Savory Pantry.
Tickets cost $90 per person. Visit spac.org for details.
Menu is subject to change slightly due to market availability.
The 12866 