SPAC Kicks Off New “McCormack Jazz Series” atSpa Little Theater Oct. 24
Christian McBride & Ursa Major kick off the inaugural McCormack Jazz Series this month. Photo by Mallory Turner.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center presents the inaugural McCormack Jazz Series – named in honor of “Saratoga’s Champion of Jazz” Don McCormack and his family this month.
The series is presented as part of SPAC’s 2024-2025 fall and spring seasons in Spa Little Theater.
Kicking off the series on Thursday, Oct. 24 is eight-time GRAMMY winner Christian McBride and Ursa Major. McBride – a bassist, composer and bandleader who fuses everything from jazz to R&B, pop/rock to hip-hop/neo-soul to classical – is the Artistic Director of the historic Newport Jazz Festival, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the TD James Moody Jazz Festival, and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. Joining him on stage are saxophonist Nicole Glover, guitarist Ely Perlman, pianist Mike King and drummer Savannah Harris. Show time is 7 p.m.
The announcement is part of SPAC’s mission to present year-round programming that extends beyond the traditional summer months.
Of the new series, Don McCormack says: “Jazz has enriched my life and nourished my soul. From the time I started listening to Bird & Diz in grammar school to the many, many years at SPAC’s summer Jazz Festivals, I’ve been hooked. Knowing that this uniquely American art form will now be heard year-round in the Spa Little Theater—one of my very favorite Saratoga venues– is so exciting.”
The series continues with an appearance by Dorado Schmitt and Sons: Django Festival All Stars with Special Guest Hot Club Saratoga on Nov. 22, Alfredo Rodriguez Trio (April 5, 2025), and Veronica Swift (May 1).
For tickets and more information, visit spac.org.