Michael VanWinkle, “We connect after dinner…” (acrylic on canvas, 2024), at the Schick Art Gallery.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Schick Art Gallery presents “BIG MIX,” an exhibition of work in printmaking, painting, ceramics, photography, drawing, graphic design, and video by members of the 2024 Skidmore art faculty.
The exhibition will run through Oct. 6 in Schick Art Gallery, on the second floor of Saisselin Art Building, at Skidmore College. The exhibition, free and open to the public, features art from 16 full- and part-time faculty.
Schick Art Gallery viewing hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center announces its innovative CulinaryArts@SPAC initiative will continue with two special events this fall and winter at The Pines at SPAC. K
Kicking off the series on Oct. 25 is Bourbon Land with James Beard Award-winning Chef Edward Lee, featuring specialty bourbon pourings by First Fill Spirits, a bourbon cocktail, and dishes from Lee’s new cookbook Bourbon Land, alongside conversation led by WAMC’s Joe Donahue.
Following, on January 25 is Bayou Kitchen with James Beard Award-winning author Melissa Martin featuring cocktails and mocktails, South Louisiana tastings inspired by her upcoming cookbook, and conversation hosted by WAMC.
Bourbon Land with Chef Edward Lee will be held 6 – 9 p.m., Oct. 25. Upon arrival, guests can enjoy bourbon tastings by First Fill Spirits, a specialty cocktail and appetizers, followed by tastes of dishes from Lee’s cookbook Bourbon Land including Braised Beef Shanks in Bourbon Sauce and Roasted Sweet Potato with Bourbon Miso Butter, served family-style at communal tables. Wine, beer and non-alcoholic refreshments will also be served.
Tickets to attend are $130. Attendees can also purchase a copy of Bourbon Land and have it signed by the author. Seating is on a first come basis. Bayou Kitchen with Melissa Martin will take place 6 – 9.m. on Jan. 25, 2025 with tickets for this event to go on sale on Oct. 22. Visit spac.org for tickets and more details.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Dozens of authors, a literary marketplace and a Kid Zone will participate in this year’s Saratoga Book Festival Oct. 4-7 in venues throughout downtown Saratoga Springs.
“We try to appeal to many ages and interests,” festival founder and co-chair Ellen Beal said in a statement. “At this year’s multi-day event, we’ll present more than 30 sessions, 50 featured authors, and the popular Saturday KidZone and Literary Marketplace that showcases more than 90 local authors and organizations. Our goal is to encourage people of all ages to read more books.”
Among this year’s lineup are headliners Liz Moore (The God of the Woods), Brenda Wineapple (Keeping the Faith: God, Democracy, and the Trial That Riveted a Nation), Paul Tremblay (Horror Movie: A Novel), and Kelly Link (The Book of Love); acclaimed authors Roxana Robinson (Leaving), Garth Risk Hallberg (The Second Coming: A Novel), Corey Brettschneider (The Presidents and the People: Five Leaders Who Threatened Democracy and the Citizens Who Fought to Defend It), Amitava Kumar (My Beloved Life), and bestsellers Mai Corland (Five Broken Blades), Daniel Kraus (Pay the Piper), and Karen McManus (Such Charming Liars).
Saratoga Book Festival is a presentation of the Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library,
New this year are three “Beyond the Book” special ticketed events that merge books with other forms of art and entertainment. They include:
-Comedy Night with Sally Chaffin Brooks and Beck Krefting. Come for a night of stand-up comedy with Sally Chaffin Brooks – author of the new memoir “Going to Maine: All the Ways to Fall on the Appalachian Trail,” and Beck Krefting, a Skidmore professor, humor expert, and comedian. Books can be purchased at the venue. A book chat and signing follows. Friday, Oct. 4 at 6:30 pm, at Putnam Place.
-Warren Zanes Celebrates Springsteen’s Nebraska in Song & Stories. Universal Preservation Hall partners with the Saratoga Book Festival to present Warren Zanes, one of the founding members of the American 1980s garage-style rock band The Del Fuegos, in a night of music and stories inspired by his latest book, “Deliver Me from Nowhere: The Making of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Nebraska’.” Saturday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m. at Universal Preservation Hall.
Gossip Girl Brunch, a meet-and-greet in and book chat with Cecily von Ziegesar, creator of the Gossip Girls books that launched two hit TV series with the Palette Community’s CEO Marcella Hammer. Sunday, Oct. 6 at 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Universal Preservation Hall.
The headline event with Liz Moore in conversation with Joe Donahue, will be held 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6 at Universal Preservation Hall.
For ticket information, and the entire list of authors and sessions, go to: SaratogaBookFestival.org.
Phish performs three nights in Albany to benefit the Divided Sky Residential Recovery Program.
ALBANY— Phish will perform a special three-night stand at MVP Arena in Albany Oct. 25, 26, and 27, with all proceeds benefiting the Divided Sky Residential Recovery Program and its newly opened facility in Ludlow, Vermont.
These will be Phish’s only shows this fall. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 20 through Ticketmaster.
A Divided Sky Foundation pre-show event hosted by The WaterWheel Foundation will take place on Saturday, Oct. 26, and purchases may be made with tickets during the general on sale.
100% of net proceeds from all concert and merchandise sales will be directed to the Divided Sky Foundation, a 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to addiction recovery, and the Divided Sky Residential Recovery Program. Conceived of and founded by Trey Anastasio and program director Melanie Gulde, The Divided Sky Residential Recovery program gives hope to those struggling with addiction by providing a safe, nurturing environment to begin their recovery journey. For more information about Divided Sky Foundation, please visit https://dividedsky.org/
Skidmore College women’s soccer player Ashley Downes scored two of her team’s 5 goals in a shutout victory against Mount Saint Mary College. Photo by Matt Milless/Skidmore Athletics.
Saratoga Boys Golf Undefeated at 7-0
The Saratoga Springs boys varsity golf team is undefeated thus far in the season, 7-0.
The Blue Streaks beat Columbia on September 16, 153 to 196 for their seventh victory. Ceko Cupp and Cole Whitman each shot a 37 for Saratoga.
Skidmore Women’s Soccer Team Undefeated Early in Season
The Skidmore College women’s soccer team defeated Mount Saint Mary College 5-0 on September 14. The Thoroughbreds are off to a 5-0-1 start on the season, outscoring their opponents 18 to 3.
At Mount Saint Mary, Ashley Downes scored twice as Skidmore notched three goals within the first 12 minutes of a commanding victory.
The women’s soccer quad will next play on September 25, which will be their home opener against Clarkson University.
Saratoga Girls Soccer Dominates Albany
Saratoga Springs beat Albany 8-0 in a girls varsity soccer matchup on September 12. The Blue Streaks took a total of 40 shots, with Ava Goodman, Natalie Ballesteros, and Keegan Reinhart each scoring 2 goals apiece.
After a 1-0 loss to Columbia on the 14th, Saratoga then defeated Shenendehowa on September 17, improving to 4-1 on the season. Against Shen, Ava Goodman scored both goals.
Blue Streaks Beat Albany in Girls Volleyball
The Saratoga Springs girls varsity volleyball team beat Albany, 3 sets to 0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-19) on September 12. The junior varsity Blue Streaks also defeated Albany, 2-0.
For the varsity squad, Madison Mullan had 8 kills and 1 block. Lily Fros had 4 kills, 2 blocks, and 2 aces. Layla Pertchik finished with 18 assists, 5 digs, and 3 aces.
Schuylerville Boys Soccer Squad Falls to Broadalbin-Perth
The Schuylerville varsity boys soccer team lost to Broadalbin-Perth on September 13, 2 to 1. The Black Horses scored the first goal of the game when Dominic Letzring found his way through the defense. At the half, Schuylerville had a 1-0 lead. But Broadalbin-Perth rebounded in the second stanza for the W. Asher Harrison had 6 saves for the Horses.
Queensbury Lacrosse Standout Commits to UNC
Kady Duffy, a Queensbury lacrosse player, has decided to sign with the University of North Carolina. Duffy, a sophomore, still has two more years left of play at the high school level before she heads to UNC.
Skidmore Women’s Tennis Team Sweeps Liberty League Awards
The Skidmore College women’s tennis team swept the Liberty League weekly awards after opening the season with a bang. Konika Dhull was selected the Singles Performer of the Week. She, along with partner Grace Truong, earned Doubles Team of the Week, and Juliette Ceas was named the Rookie of the Week.
Additionally, seven student-athletes earned mention on the weekly honor roll: Gillian Maher (field hockey), Will Devall/Colin Goodhines (men’s soccer), Olivia Chandler, Ashley Downes, Ella Stone (women’s soccer), and Madison Manning (volleyball).
Photo of trainer Chuck Simon via the New York Racing Association/Adam Coglianese
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Chuck Simon, a horse trainer and Saratoga Springs native, died last Sunday of cancer at Saratoga Hospital. He was 57.
During his more than 20-year career, Simon won over 350 races and earned $11 million in purses. In a statement, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) called Simon “one of racing’s most knowledgeable and passionate advocates.”
As a teenager, Simon accompanied his father to the Saratoga Race Course and soon decided that he wanted to work in the horseracing industry.
“When you’re growing up in Saratoga, you don’t realize that everyone does not have what you have,” Simon told Trainer Magazine in 2020. “Not every place has a racetrack right in the backyard.”
A graduate of Saratoga Central Catholic High School, Simon earned a B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Arizona’s Race Track Industry Program, where future Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher was a classmate. During a summer break, Simon interned at Yonkers Raceway, where he returned after graduation to work full-time as an assistant racing secretary.
Simon spent nearly 6 years assisting Hall of Fame legend H. Allen Jerkens before opening his own barn in 1999.
Training primarily for Ken and Sarah Ramsey, Simon won his first stakes at the Saratoga Race Course in 2000, when Saratoga Sunrise took the West Point Handicap. He was a regular every summer at the Spa through 2007.
Since 2020, Simon was host of the podcast network “Going in Circles.” He also did consulting work for the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association in South Florida.
Izzy Pecora, a graduate of Saratoga Springs High School, was named the Conference of New England’s women’s tennis Player of the Week. Photo via Roger Williams University Athletics.
Girls Varsity Soccer: Saratoga Wins Season Opener
The Saratoga Springs girls varsity soccer team defeated Colonie 3 to 1 in their season opener at home on September 5. For the Blue Streaks, Ava Goodman and Lucia DeVito both scored goals. Saratoga took 28 shots compared to Colonie’s 2.
On September 10, Saratoga won again against Averill Park, 2 to 1. Ava Goodman scored both goals. After the pair of wins, the Blue Streaks stood at 2-0 on the season. They’re slated to play another game at home on September 12 before hitting the road for a September 14 matchup against Columbia.
Girls Golf: A Saratoga vs. Saratoga Showdown
On September 10 at the Pioneer Hills Golf Course, the Saratoga Springs Blue Streaks girls team beat the crosstown Saratoga Catholic Saints 142 to 153. For Spa Catholic, Aila Cartier shot a 46. For the Blue Streaks, Sophia Jackson and Paeton Koshgarian each shot a 47, while Lily Collier shot a 48.
Boys Varsity Soccer: Schuylerville Opens Season With Shutout Victory
Schuylerville hosted Johnstown in a non-league opener on September 5. The Black Horses scored a shutout 3-0 victory. Tazio Helmig led the way with a goal and an assist, while Nate Lanfear and Alex Renner also notched a goal apiece. Asher Harrison recorded his first shutout with 6 saves.
On September 7, the Black Horses fell to Peru 3 to 0. The team was 1-1 on the year heading into their next regular season game against Broadalbin-Perth on September 13.
Girls Varsity Soccer: Spa Catholic Beats Middleburgh in Shutout
On September 7, the Saratoga Central Catholic girls varsity soccer team beat Middleburgh in a 2-0 shutout. Goalkeeper Alison Fuller had 4 saves in the first half, while Grace Schaefer had 6 saves in the second half. The Saints’ scoring was led by Sydney Caracci. Her first goal at approximately the 10 minute mark of the first half was off a pass from Schafer across the goal box from the right corner to a streaking Caracci who put the shot past the goalie. Caracci’s second goal at approximately the 15 minute mark in the second half was a one-timer with her left foot. Addison Quail made a cross in the air from outside the box, and Caracci one-timed it out of the air and into the back of the net at the far side goal post.
Girls Varsity Tennis: Blue Streaks Beat Bethlehem
The Saratoga Springs girls varsity tennis squad defeated Bethlehem 6 to 3 on September 10. In singles competition, Clare Dooley won both of her sets 6-2. Savannah Winter pulled through in her first set 6-3 but then dominated in the second set, 6-0. Nazek Gheith was forced to play three sets, winning the first 6-4, dropping the second 6-3, but then emerging victorious in the third, 6-4. Norah Hoke and Eleanor Hennessy both had close calls, battling to win sets 7-6.
In doubles play, Ella McGuinness and Allison Richard split the first two sets against Bethlehem but then won the third 6-4.
Skidmore Honors Saratoga’s Olivia Allen
The Skidmore College field hockey game against SUNY Geneseo on September 7 was played in honor of Saratoga Springs High School field hockey player Olivia Allen, who lost her battle with cancer last spring. Donations were accepted before and during the game for the Live Like Liv Foundation.
Women’s College Tennis: Saratoga Grad Awarded Player of the Week
Izzy Pecora, a 2022 graduate of Saratoga Springs High School, was named the Conference of New England’s Player of the Week for the week ending September 8. Pecora plays tennis for Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. She had a pair of singles wins on the week defeating her No. 2 singles opponents, 6-0, 6-0, and she clinched the match-winning point at Wheaton with a 6-2, 1-6, 6-1 match.
Girls Golf: Spa Catholic Defeats Broadalbin-Perth
On September 9, the Saratoga Central Catholic girls golf team defeated Broadalbin-Perth at the Fox Run Golf Course, 214 to 226. For the Saints, Aila Cartier and Maddison Norton both shot 47 and were medalists. Lily Norton shot a 58 and Eva Nucera a 62.
Women’s College Soccer: Skidmore Scores Comeback W
On September 8, the Skidmore College women’s soccer team scored a pair of clutch goals in the final 6:37 to cap off a three-goal second half, resulting in a 3-2 win over Trinity. The Thoroughbreds were 3-0-1 heading into a September 11 matchup against Plattsburgh.
BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Central School District is offering two adult sports opportunities in the evenings this fall: co-ed indoor soccer on Tuesdays (beginning September 17) and men’s basketball on Wednesdays (beginning September 25). Each 10-week session program has a $35 registration fee for district residents and an additional $5 fee for non-district residents.
An adult fitness walkabout program will also be offered as a low-impact fitness activity beginning September 30, Monday through Thursday. There is a $20 registration fee for district residents and an additional $5 fee for non-district residents. Walkers may join the program at any time throughout the session. The walkabouts will end on March 25, 2025.
Pre-registration is required for all programs and fees are due at the beginning of each session. If interested in learning more about the Ballston Spa School District’s adult fitness programs, or to register, visit www.bscsd.org/community/community-resources/adult-fitness-opportunities-at-bscsd-clone.
A special show with proceeds to benefit the Saratoga Nutrition Assistance for Children program.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Five local bands play with no amplification whatsoever in Lena’s intimate listening room. The extraordinary show, which will take place 7-11 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22, was organized by local artist Lawrence White and will create a new experience at Caffe Lena.
The line-up of talent includes: Annie & The Hedonists, Rick Bolton & Friends, Garland Nelson, Jeff Brisbin, and White’s own band, The Beat Generation.
The artists will perform in the center of the room, and the tables and seats will surround them on all sides, with seating even available on stage.
This event is a night of unity and artistry during Saratoga Peace Week, with neighbors taking care of neighbors here at home.
All proceeds will benefit SNACPack, the Saratoga Nutrition Assistance for Children program, which fills backpacks with nutritious food for local kids who need food support at home on weekends.
For tickets and more information, go to: caffelena.org.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Zydeco legend Nathan Williams, Haitian vodou priestess Moonlight Benjamin, and “The Hendrix of the Sahara” Vieux Farka Touré will be coming to Universal Preservation Hall as part of the Passport Series at Proctors Collaborative in early 2025.
The series is designed to transport audiences beyond borders, bringing diverse cultural experiences to the heart of the regional community.
2023 Grammy nominee Nathan Williams and the Zydeco Cha Chas will be in the Great Hall at UPH 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7. His music blends zydeco, jazz, blues, and R&B, with most of the band’s original songs penned by Williams.
As a longtime favorite of Martin Gore (Depeche Mode) and Iggy Pop, the Haitian vodou priestess Moonlight Benjamin explores the roots of blues and rock in this new opus in the Great Hall at UPH 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 29.
Often referred to as “The Hendrix of the Sahara”, Vieux Farka Touré was born in Niafunké, Mali in 1981. He is the son of legendary Malian guitar player Ali Farka Touré. Touré will be in the Great Hall at UPH, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26.
In Schenectady: Kicking off this Passport Series season is Breabach 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11 at the GE Theatre at Proctors. With multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy nominations, Plena Libre will be in the GE Theatre at Proctors 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, and Damir Imamovic – who was immersed in the world of Balkan traditional music at a very young age – will be at the GE Theatre at Proctors 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 11.
Tickets are on sale through the Box Office at Proctors in-person, via phone at 518-346-6204 Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or online by visiting atuph.org or atproctors.org. Groups of 10 or more can get tickets by calling 518-382-3884 x 139. With the Passport Series pass, you get to travel the world and see all six shows for the price of four.
