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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Styx at SPAC with Speedwagon Voice,Ex-Eagles Guitar Player

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Styx headlines tour at SPAC in 2025.

SARATOGA SPRINGS  — The band Styx, and Kevin Cronin – the voice and writer behind REO Speedwagon’s greatest hits, join forces for their “Brotherhood of Rock” tour, that will kick off May 28 in South Carolina and stage a show at Saratoga Performing Arts Center Aug.  12.  

Special guest Don Felder, a former lead guitarist for the Eagles, will also appear. 

Styx and Kevin Cronin (as part of REO Speedwagon) first toured together in 2000 and in 2001.  

Cronin can recall first seeing Styx singer Tommy Shaw performing with his seven-piece funk/rock band at the Rush Up club in Chicago during the the mid-‘70s REO hiatus, and subsequently bumping into him at O’Hare Airport a few weeks later.

“In no time I was back in REO Speedwagon and Tommy had become the newest member of Styx,” says Cronin, who began fronting REO Speedwagon in 1972. “REO and Styx dominated the Billboard charts in 1981 with “Hi Infidelity” and “Paradise Theatre,” but for reasons unknown we had never toured together. So, in the year 2000, Tommy and I decided to give it a shot…now, here we are 25 years later.”

For more information and tickets, go to: LiveNation.com.

Saratoga Motorcar Auction Draws Historical Best with $7 Million In Sales

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS  — The eighth annual Saratoga Motorcar Auction, which took place last fall on the grounds of the Saratoga Casino & Raceway, grossed more than $7 million in sales of vehicles and memorabilia – a new record.

The auction’s handle was $7,223,586 with a sell-through rate of 73 percent.

Spotlight consignments included three collections that chose the Saratoga Motorcar Auction as their auction house. Collections were from philanthropists Ed and Lisa Mitzen as well as Harry Enea. Additionally, five select vehicles from federal court-approved lots from Kris Roglieri to benefit the debtors.

The auction set records for the highest priced car ever sold, a 2006 Ford GT, which sold for $647,350. This year’s auction also had the highest number of vehicles sold over $100,000, the highest average sale price in auction history, the most memorabilia available, and the largest number of bidders. 

The ninth annual Saratoga Motorcar Auction will take place on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 and Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. For more information about the Saratoga Automobile Museum, visit saratogaautomuseum.org 

After 30 Years LeadingCapital Repertory Theatre, Mancinelli-Cahill Announces Plans To Step Down 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

ALBANY — Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill, the long-time Producing Artistic Director of Albany’s Capital Repertory Theatre, has announced her plans to step down at the end of 2025. She has been working with theREP’s board and staff at Proctors Collaborative in the search for her replacement and to ensure a smooth transition. 

Mancinelli-Cahill joined Capital Repertory Theatre as its Producing Artistic Director in 1995 and has helped guide the organization through changes in leadership, the development of a new venue during a global pandemic, has helped launch scores of careers in the arts and introduced thousands of Capital Region residents to new productions and sparked a love for theatre for generations of Capital Region children. 

A major driver of the Capital Region’s artistic and economic growth, theREP generates nearly $10 million  in annual economic impact in addition to the value of community building and art creation.

During her tenure at theREP, Mancinelli-Cahill has directed more than 125 productions, workshops and readings; directed at least two plays or musicals each season; created plays for the On the Go touring program for 14 counties of upstate New York, reaching more than 15,000 students annually. 

The Board of Directors is working on the next steps in the leadership transition and will make an announcement as decisions are finalized. 

Skidmore College to Screen Film Recalling Jewish Bravery During Holocaust

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A screening of the award-winning documentary “Four Winters” will take place at 6 p.m. on Jan. 27 at Skidmore College. 

The film, directed by Julia Mintz, recalls the resistance displayed by Jewish people during the horrors of Hitler’s rage across eastern Europe. 

“Four Winters” uses personal photographs, letters, journals, war records, and interviews with the last living partisans to tell the story of the brave Jewish men and women that fought for their lives and their people across Belarus, Ukraine, and eastern Europe. It also goes on to show the transformation of more than 25,000 people from peaceful residents of their nations to clever leaders fighting for their lives by recounting their escape into the forests, followed by their united acts of sabotage by blowing up train stations, burning electric stations, and attacking armed enemy headquarters. 

A Q&A session will be held following the end of the film with Mintz, during which participants will be offered the opportunity to ask questions. There is no cost to attend the screening. 

Registration is required for community members who wish to attend at: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/YEGSQgb/FourWinters. Those who register will receive the location on campus and other program information ahead of time. For more information about the film, go to:  fourwintersfilm.com. 

Groundbreaking Quartet from Ukraine to MakeSaratoga Debut at Spa Little Theater

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


DakhaBrakha will perform at Spa Little Theater March 14.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Kyiv, Ukraine “ethno-chaos” ensemble DakhaBrakha will make its Saratoga debut 7:30 p.m. on March 14 at the Spa Little Theater in a show co-resented by Saratoga Performing Arts Center and Caffè Lena. 

The groundbreaking quartet is known for their hypnotic blend of folk traditions, dub, hip-hop and global influences. 

“Caffè Lena has a long history of presenting not only American folk music, but Traditional music from other cultures, said Sarah Craig, executive director of Caffè Lena.  “It’s a thrill to work with this band that has introduced so many people around the world to the roots of Ukrainian music with a contemporary twist that’s exciting and compelling,” 

DakhaBrakha, meaning “give/take” in the old Ukrainian language, was created by avant-garde theater director Vladyslav Troitskyi at the Kyiv Center of Contemporary Art “DAKH” in 2004. Accompanied by Indian, Arabic, African, and Ukrainian traditional instrumentation, the quartet’s vocal range creates a trans-national sound rooted in Ukrainian culture. 

DhakaBraka has performed at major festivals across Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. The ensemble features Marko Halanevych (vocals, darbuka, table, accordion), Iryna Kovalenko (vocals, djembe, bass drums, accordion, percussion, bugay, zgaleyka, piano), Olena Tsybulska (vocals, bass drums, percussion, garmoshka), and Nina Garenetska (vocals, cello, bass drum). 

“It’s important to show the world Ukraine, and to show Ukrainians that we don’t need to have an inferiority complex, Halanevych said in a statement. “There are a lot of wonderful, creative people here, people who are now striving for freedom, for a more civilized way of life, and are ready to stand up for it.” 

DakhaBrakha’s appearance at Spa Little Theater is part of a unique and ongoing collaboration between SPAC and Caffè Lena first launched in 2017 and encompassing jointly curated and presented programs at both venues, highlighted by their annual “Caffè Lena @ SPAC” fall festival. To sample live clips of the ensemble in vision and sound, go to: https://www.dakhabrakha.com.ua/en/video/. 

Tickets for DakhaBrakha at Spa Little Theater cost $40-$55. Visit spac.org for details. 

Margaret E. Stockwell

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.


FORT EDWARD — Margaret E. Stockwell, 93, of Fort Edward passed away on Thursday January 16, 2025.  There will be no calling hours or service at this time. Condolences may be shared online at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

George W. McInnis Jr.

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.


GANSEVOORT — George W. McInnis Jr., 82, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Mountain Valley Hospice Care.  At the family’s request, no calling hours or services will be held at this time.  Condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Dean Majzoub

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.


MECHANICVILLE — Dean Majzoub, 70, passed away January 10, 2025.  Calling hours were held on January 15 at Compassionate Funeral Care followed by a graveside service at St. Peter’s Cemetery, 150 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY.  Condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Edward J. Woodford

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.


SARATOA SPRINGS — Edward J. Woodford, 70, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 19, 2025.  At the family’s request no calling hours or services to be held at this time. Condolences may be shared online at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Christa Anna Boden (Schubert)

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Christa Anna Boden (Schubert), 77, passed away peacefully, Saturday January 11, 2025, surrounded by immediate family and her beloved caregiver and friend Bonnie after a long battle with dementia.  Born December 7, 1947, in Bremen, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Hans and Lisa (Zettel) Schubert of Bellmore, Long Island. 

A beloved and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend, she was predeceased by her loving husband of 46 years, Robert (Bob) Boden, and her brother and sister, Thomas and Barbel Schubert. She is survived by her children Jennifer Boden Cerone (Bruce) of Saratoga Springs, Megan Boden (Tom Nigro) of Saratoga Springs, Marybeth Boden Cook (Burke) of Daniel Island, SC.; five grandchildren Spencer Patterson, Boden and McClain Cook; Sage Cerone Byrne (Brian), Matt Cerone; two great grandchildren Grace and Alice Byrne; her brother and sisters in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.  

Christa moved to the United States with her family in elementary school. She graduated from Bellmore High School and began her career of service working for the United Nations. She married her high school sweetheart, Bob, and they went on to have three daughters. After they were born, she left work to devote herself to raising them. Once they were grown, she returned to work and was an administrative assistant for the Westport school district. After her and Bob moved to Saratoga Springs, NY, she embarked on a career in real estate, made guest appearances hosting at Pennell’s Restaurant, and was a member of Friends of Saratoga County animal shelter.  She loved travelling and spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed spending evenings with her husband and good friends at Pennell’s Restaurant and Saratoga National and having lunch with her many friends. She recently had moved to South Carolina where she was able to spend time with her youngest grandchildren, experience southern hospitality, and made many wonderful new friends.

Christa dedicated her life to her family, she gave her heart and soul tending to the wellbeing of her husband, children and grandchildren. She is finally at peace after a long courageous battle.  We know she cherished her final days having her three daughters all together with her one last time. Her telltale facial expressions will be forever imprinted in our hearts and minds and her absence will be felt by many.

A funeral service will be conducted at 4 p.m. on Saturday February 1,  at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, (518) 584-5373.  

Immediately following the service, we invite everyone for a celebration of Christa’s life at Pennell’s Restaurant, 284 Jefferson Street, Saratoga Springs, NY.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in her name to Gentiva Hospice, 4975 Lacross Road Suite 200A, North Charleston, SC 29406, (843) 529-3100.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com