Author Steve Stern will discuss his new novel “A Fool’s Kabbalah,” on March 5 at Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga Springs.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — In the ruins of postwar Europe, the world’s leading expert on the Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism goes on a hair-raising journey to recover sacred books stolen by the Nazis.
Steve Stern, author of the new novel “A Fool’s Kabbalah,” will be traveling to Saratoga Springs to discuss his new historical novel, with Jay Rogoff at Northshire Books, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 5,
The novel features numerous real-life historic figures, reimagines Gershom Scholem’s quest and how it sparked in him the desire to realize the legacy of his dear friend, the brilliant philosopher Walter Benjamin.
At the end of the Second World War Gershom Scholem, the magisterial scholar of Jewish mysticism, is commissioned by the Hebrew University in what was then British-ruled Palestine to retrieve a lost world. He is sent to sift through the rubble of Europe in search of precious Jewish books stolen by the Nazis or hidden by the Jews themselves in secret places throughout the ravaged continent. The search takes him into ruined cities and alien wastelands.
For 30 years, Stern taught at Skidmore College, the majority of those years as Writer-in-Residence. He has also been a Fulbright lecturer at Bar Elan University in Tel Aviv, the Moss Chair of Creative Writing at the University of Memphis, and Lecturer in Jewish Studies for the Prague Summer Seminars. He is the author of 13 previous books, including, most recently, The Village Idiot. He splits his time between Brooklyn and Ballston Spa, New York.
“A Fool’s Kabbalah” was published Feb. 18 by Melville House.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Heavy metal band Pantera have announced their 2025 US Summer amphitheater tour will include a stop at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on July 28.
Support will be provided by Swedish heavy metal group Amon Amarth and an additional guest opener to be announced at a later date.!
Featuring classic members, vocalist Philip H. Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown, alongside guitarist Zakk Wylde and drummer Charlie Benante, Pantera’s latest stretch of live dates continues the celebration of the lives of late founding members, drummer Vinnie Paul and guitarist Dimebag Darrell.
The tour follows the band’s Spring run of stadium shows with Metallica and Suicidal Tendencies as well as a very special UK performance as part of Black Sabbath’s and Ozzy Osbourne’s historic final show alongside Metallica, Slayer, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice In Chains, Lamb Of God, Anthrax, Mastodon, and more.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College hosts a vibrant queer comedy showcase on Thursday, March 6, at 7:30 pm. The event is held in conjunction with the exhibition “a field of bloom and hum.”
Hosted by Beck Krefting, a Skidmore Professor and comedian, Queerly Beloved features Calvin Cato, Sheria Mattis, and Bailey Pope in a night of laughter and liberation where bold voices and brilliant punchlines collide with stunning art.
Cato’s on-air and radio appearances include Oxygen, Netflix, Sirius XM, RISK!, WIRED Magazine, and an unaired pilot for Vice Media called Emergency Black Meeting. His comedy has been featured in numerous festivals and events. Mattis is a Brooklyn-born comedian and writer. Her comedy has been featured on OprahDaily, PBS, and NBC. Pope is a New York-based Comedian, writer, and pigeon-holed actress. She’s been featured on Prime Video, Sirius XM, Roku Comedy Network, and at festivals.
The event is free and open to the public.
The monumental exhibition a field of bloom and hum, presented on both of the Tang’s two floors, features works by more than 150 artists made over the last 100 years that celebrate queer identities and communities.
For more information, call the Visitors Services Desk at 518-580-8080 or visit https://tang.skidmore.edu.
Laufey: A Night at the Symphony with The Philadelphia Orchestra, Aug. 9 at SPAC.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center announced the return of The Philadelphia Orchestra to its summer home in Saratoga for a three-week residency from Aug. 6 – Aug. 23.
The artistically ambitious season will feature a mix of masterworks from the classical canon alongside SPAC premieres and appearances by a diverse and international slate of today’s most exciting artists and conductors.
“Our 2025 Philadelphia Orchestra season is marked by a strong presence of today’s most exciting and acclaimed female artists. From the return of Marin Alsop, one of the great conductors of our time, to the appearance of three world-class vocalists from across the sonic spectrum – Laufey, Cynthia Erivo, and Renée Fleming – we look forward to bringing the unparalleled artistry of these women to our stage,” Elizabeth Sobol, SPAC’s President & CEO said in a statement.
Philadelphia Orchestra Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin will return to the podium Aug. 13 to begin the season and lead programs exclusive to SPAC.
THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA: August 6 – August 23:
Aug. 6: Tchaikovsky Spectacular. Marin Alsop, conductor, Hai-Ye Ni, cello. Selections from The Nutcracker, Variations on a Rococo Theme, for cello and orchestra, Hamlet Overture, 1812 Overture
AUG. 7: The Planets. Marin Alsop, conductor, Randall Goosby, violin, Sopranos and Altos of the Albany Pro Musica. Clyne – Masquerade, Mendelssohn- Violin Concerto, Holst – The Planets.
Aug. 8: Gershwin & Bernstein. Marin Alsop, conductor, Clayton Stephenson, piano. Cuban Overture, Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, Piano Concerto in F.
Aug. 9: Laufey: A Night at the Symphony with The Philadelphia Orchestra. Laufey, vocalist. Jazz singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Laufey brings sonic journey performing alongside The Philadelphia Orchestra for her new “Night at the Symphony” program.
Aug. 13: Stravinsky, Rachmaninoff & Still. Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor, Beatrice Rana, piano. Suite from The Firebird, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, for piano and orchestra, Symphony No. 2 (“Song of a New Race.”)
Aug. 14: Verdi’s Requiem with Yannick. Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor, Ailyn Pérez, soprano, Sasha Cooke, mezzo-soprano, Matthew Polenzani, tenor , Alfred Walker*, bass-baritone , Albany Pro Musica
Aug. 15: Renée Fleming with The Philadelphia Orchestra. Robert Moody, conductor, Renée Fleming, soprano. One of the most beloved and celebrated singers of our time Renée Fleming returns to SPAC with an all-new program alongside The Philadelphia Orchestra. This performance begins with inspiration from the album Voice of Nature: the Anthropocene, in which Fleming explores humankind’s evolving relationship with nature, performing works from ranging from Handel to Björk and The Lord of the Rings, with a projected film created for the program by National Geographic. The second half of the program features beloved arias and songs, from Puccini to Rodgers and Hammerstein.
Aug. 16: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince in Concert. Justin Freer, conductor. Hooper Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (complete with film). The Harry Potter Film Concert Series returns with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in Concert. Displayed on a giant screen and accompanied by The Philadelphia Orchestra. Nicholas Hooper returns to the Harry Potter series with this magical score.
Aug. 20: Beethoven’s Fifth, Naomi Woo, conductor, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, cello. Coleridge-Taylor – Ballade in A minor, Saint-Saëns – Cello Concerto No. 1, Beethoven – Symphony No. 5.
Aug. 21: Copland & Bates with Time for Three and Teddy Abrams. Teddy Abrams, conductor. Time for Three: Ranaan Meyer, double bass, Nick Kendall, violin, Charles Yang, violin. Barber – Adagio for Strings, Copland – Appalachian Spring Suite, Bates – Silicon Hymnal, for string trio and orchestra.
Aug. 22: An Evening with Cynthia Erivo & The Philadelphia Orchestra. Steven Reineke, conductor, Cynthia Erivo, vocalist. Known for her powerhouse performances on both stage and screen, Cynthia Erivo is celebrated for her transformative roles in numerous works, including The Color Purple, Harriet, and most recently, the widely celebrated film adaptation of Wicked. With her appearance, alongside the full Philadelphia Orchestra, she gives voice to music made famous by the greatest singers of all time, including Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and Tina Turner, in addition to Broadway hits and her original songs.
Aug. 23: Back to the Future in Concert. Steven Reineke, conductor. Silvestri – Back to the Future in Concert (complete with film). Fans old and new will experience the thrill of Back to the Future on a big high-def screen with The Philadelphia Orchestra performing Alan Silvestri’s dazzling musical score live.
Tickets to “Laufey: A Night at the Symphony” will be available Feb. 28. Tickets to all other Philadelphia Orchestra performances will be available beginning on Feb. 27 for members (tiered by level) and on March 7 at 10 a.m. for the general public.
All performances are at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, go to: spac.org.
Liam Chartrand is a student-athlete at Saratoga Springs High School and has been on the boys varsity tennis team for 6 years, starting in 7th grade. He’s been captain of the team since his junior year. He’s a member of the National Honors Society, a class officer, and president of the school’s Entrepreneurs Club.
Coach Rich Johns, a former Saratoga Springs teacher and tennis coach for nearly four decades, asked Chartrand about his accomplishments and future plans as part of the “Act With Respect Always” spotlight series.
Q:What kind of pressure do you feel being the captain for the tennis team?
A: I feel pressure to make sure I do not let my teammates down, as being captain means I need to work my best to ensure our team’s success. I lead by example through focus, work ethic, and discipline so my teammates know to do the same.
What kind of modeling do you try to do to be a good leader and teammate?
A: I work to balance both hard work and fun. Being a part of a varsity team is a big commitment, but it also should be fun for those on the team. This balance is fundamental to success in all aspects of sports.
Tell us more about your program that gives free tennis lessons.
A: The idea for Rally for Youth was sparked when I started volunteering at a tennis camp through the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center. Working with kids from ages 6-14, I experienced firsthand the positive impact of learning the sport. When my students called me “Coach,” I felt a joy I hadn’t experienced before. Once the summer program ended, I decided to continue working with my eager players, at no cost. The program has continued since, with six volunteer coaches who work with me and twenty active participants who are growing their love of tennis and their self-confidence. Competing in tennis has always been the part of my life I most enjoyed, and sharing my skills to help others has only magnified my love for the game. After spending ten years of my tennis career on personal achievement and goals, I have found new meaning in empowering kids through tennis—especially those who otherwise would not have the opportunity.
What are your future career plans and goals?
A: I plan to pursue a career in medicine, sparked by my grandfather who had a 5-year long battle with cancer. This battle fueled my drive to try to pursue medical school after college.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Eight racehorses, seven trainers, and one jockey comprise the National Museum of Racing’s 2025 Hall of Fame ballot.
The finalists are racehorses Blind Luck, Game On Dude, Groupie Doll, Havre de Grace, Kona Gold, Lady Eli, Rags to Riches, and Smarty Jones; trainers Christophe Clement, Kiaran P. McLaughlin, Kenneth G. McPeek, H. Graham Motion, Doug F. O’Neill, John W. Sadler, and John A. Shirreffs; and jockey Jorge F. Chavez.
Groupie Doll, Smarty Jones, and McPeek are each a finalist for the first time.
Hall of Fame voters may select as many candidates as they believe are worthy of induction to the Hall of Fame. All candidates that receive majority approval from the voting panel will be elected to the Hall. The voting results will be announced on Thursday, April 24. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Friday, Aug. 1, at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion in Saratoga Springs. The ceremony is open to the public and free to attend.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga-Wilton Youth Baseball Club announced last Friday that registration is now open for the 2025 Spring Recreational Baseball Season, which will kick off with opening day ceremonies on Saturday, April 26 at the East Side Recreation Park in Saratoga Springs.
The program includes five divisions: t-ball (ages 4-6), rookie (7-8), minors (9-10), majors (11-12), and Babe Ruth (13-15).
“We are thrilled to launch another season of Saratoga Wilton Youth Baseball and to continue serving our local families,” said Shawn Lescault, President of SWYB, in a news release. “Baseball is more than just a game – it’s an opportunity to build character, teamwork, and lifelong friendships. Thanks to the support of our community, we’ve been able to improve our fields, expand our programming, and create a better experience for our players.”
This year, the club completed major renovations of the minors and majors infields at East Side Rec. In addition to on-field improvements, Saratoga-Wilton Youth Baseball is also launching a new Sportsmanship Program this spring. After each game, a player from each team will be recognized for demonstrating outstanding sportsmanship and will receive a Sportsmanship Award to encourage positive behavior and fair play.
For more information and/or to sign up, visit www.swyb.org.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — “Brookmere Wedding Showcase,” an event that offers the opportunity for engaged couples to explore a luxurious venue while connecting with top industry wedding professionals will be held 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 2 at the Brookmere, located at 500 Union Ave.
“A select group of wedding professionals from a variety of categories will be present to help answer questions and guide engaged couples toward the services they need to fulfill their dreams,” said Fran Dingeman, owner of Network Saratoga LLC. and presenter of the show. “We look forward to warmly welcoming engaged couples, as well as their families, friends, and attendants, to this exclusive new venue space in Saratoga Springs.”
The three-hour event will include hors d’oeuvre tastings, a champagne toast, giveaways, and the opportunity to win a variety of prizes and gift certificates.
Local musician Garland Nelson, will act as the Master of Ceremonies as well as perform at the event. The showcase will also feature a variety of vendors.
Early registration for the Brookmere Wedding Showcase is encouraged as space is limited. To register, visit www.brookmere wedding showcase.com A show entrance fee of $10 per person will be collected with online registration prior to the show and a fee of $15 per person will be collected at the door.
For more information about the Brookmere Wedding Showcase, contact Network Saratoga at fran@networksaratoga.com or call 518-365-3459.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — New York City Ballet (NYCB) will audition area children Sunday, March 9 at 10 a.m., to dance during its Saratoga season, July 9 -12. Led by NYCB Children’s Repertory Director Dena Abergel and Associate Children’s Repertory Director Arch Higgins, the auditions are for 36 children roles in George Balanchine’s Coppélia, which first premiered at SPAC in 1974.
“Bringing four performances of Coppélia, which held its world premiere in Saratoga, is a truly special opportunity for the community and our young aspiring dancers, Elizabeth Sobol, President & CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center said in a statement. “With three acts of lavish sets and costumes and more than 130 performers, including 36 local children, it promises to delight and inspire ballet lovers and newcomers, alike.”
Casting for Coppélia includes roles for 24 girls who are nine-13 years old between four feet, two inches and five feet, one inches tall. In addition, there will be roles for six young ladies who are 14-18 years old between five feet, two inches and five feet, seven inches tall and six young men who are 14-18 years old and at least five feet, five inches tall.
At least two years of ballet training is encouraged for all of the roles. Understudies will also be cast.
Rehearsals for selected dancers will be held from June 29 to July 9 at the SPAC School of the Arts and at the SPAC amphitheater.
New York City Ballet will perform its full-length production of Coppélia at SPAC on July 9, 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. and on July 12 at 2:00 p.m. Advance registration is required by Thursday, March 6 and applicants must audition in person to be considered.
Auditions on March 9 will commence at 10 a.m. for children ages 14-18 (check-in no earlier than 9 a.m.) and at 10:30 a.m. for children ages nine to 13 (check-in no earlier than 9:30 a.m.) at the SPAC School of the Arts (located behind the National Museum of Dance School), 99 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY. Visit spac.org for more details.
