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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Springs Family Vet Adds Two Doctors

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dr. Sara Ryan and the staff at Springs Family Veterinary Hospital have announced the addition of two doctors to their team: Kelsey Piel, DVM and Emily Byers, DVM.


Photos of Kelsey Piel, DVM and Emily Byers, DVM provided by Chelsea Koslow.

After graduating in 2018 from St. George’s University in Grenada, Dr. Piel worked in both Saratoga and Woodbridge, Virginia before making the Capital District her permanent home. Her professional interests are surgery, nutrition, and senior pet care.

Dr. Byers attended Ohio State University and earned her DVM license in 2018. She went on to work in a wide scope of practices in upstate New York, treating both large and small animals. Her professional interests include soft tissue surgery and preventive medicine.

Both Dr. Piel and Dr. Byers are Fear Free Certified practitioners. Practicing Fear Free enables doctors and staff to reduce patient fear, anxiety, and stress. 

Dr. Piel and Dr. Byers are currently accepting new clients at the Springs Family Veterinary Hospital, located inside the Springs apartment complex at 9 Hampstead Pl in Saratoga Springs.

Schuylerville School Board Member Resigns

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SCHUYLERVILLE — Schuylerville Central School District Board of Education member Michael Bodnar resigned this month after serving the district since July 2017. His resignation is effective starting August 31.

“As an active member of the community, Mr. Bodnar always served in the best interest of students, providing thoughtful contributions to board discussions and decisions,” the Board of Education’s members said in a statement. “The board wishes Mr. Bodnar the very best in the future.”

In addition to being a board member, Bodnar was also board president, board vice president, audit committee chairperson, and a legislative liaison. He was also the assistant coach for Schuylerville Middle School’s modified baseball team. 

The board now has two options to fill Bodnar’s vacant position: they can either hold a special election within 90 days, or appoint someone to fill the vacancy until the district’s annual budget and Board of Education election in May 2025. If the board appoints someone, the appointee would serve until June 30, 2025.

Skidmore Lecture Series Returns

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Skidmore College has announced the return of Encore, a lecture series delivered by the school’s faculty for local adult learners age 55+.

The 2024 program runs for seven weeks on Tuesdays from October 1 through November 12 in the Arthur Zankel Music Center on Skidmore’s campus.

Some of this year’s lectures include “Venice Unveiled: Tracing the History and Myth of the Serene City,” “Afghan Refugees after US Withdrawal,” and “Cold War II? US-China Rivalry in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology.”

Online registration begins Tuesday, September 3 at 9 a.m. For more information, visit www.skidmore.edu/encore.

August 23 – 29, 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, August 23

Grand, Gilded and Glorious: A Saratoga Stroll             

Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. – Noon. This 90-minute guided walking tour will entertain and enlighten both visitors and residents with the famed stories of this great city. Saratoga Springs was the playground of the rich and famous during the 1800’s and provides the stories of this wonderful, gilded period in our history. This unique and engaging tour will guide participants from the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center to Congress Park and will conclude with a complete tour of the elegant Canfield Casino. Tuesday – Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – Noon through October, $20 per person. For reservations, please call the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center: 518-587-3241. 

Saturday, August 24

Three Sisters Festival

Saratoga County History Center/Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 1 – 4 p.m. Discover the Three Sisters: Corn, Beans and Squash. This is a drop-in event for the whole family, (bring chairs and blankets, and linger for a while). The celebration will feature story telling by Joe Bruchac, well-known local author and the current Poet Laureate of Saratoga Springs, who will also share tales of local Indigenous culture. An exhibit on Indigenous artifacts will be open for viewing. There will also be talks on native plants as well as garden tours and a bake sale. In addition, Balet Flowers and Design will have plants and bouquets for sale, with a percentage of the sales being donated to the History Center.

This event is rain or shine (it will be moved indoors), free to attend, but donations are always gratefully received and will be used for SCHC programs and further development of the gardens. 

Sunday, August 25

Annual Classic Car Show

Lakeside Farms, 336 Schauber Rd., Ballston Lake | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Adirondack A’s and Lakeside Farms’ Annual Classic Car show. Rain or Shine. Limited to stock appearing vehicles prior to 1975. Car registration fee is $5 on the day of the show. Spectator parking and admission is free. The Lakeside Country Store, Gift Shop and Restaurant will be open. No Pets Please. For further information see the Club’s website, Auto Show – Adirondack A’s – Model A Ford Club (adirondackas.org).

Summer Sunday Stroll: Post Time

Meet: Southeast corner of Nelson and Union Avenues, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. Explore the area surrounding the Saratoga Race Course during one of the most popular weekends of the Racing Season. This walking tour highlights the history of the Reading Rooms, National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame, Oklahoma Training Track, and the Fasig-Tipton Humphrey S. Finney Sales Pavilion. Sponsored by The Springwater Bed & Breakfast. Tickets are $15 for SSPF Members and $20 for non-members and should be purchased in advance! Space is limited! For additional information or to purchase tickets to any of the upcoming strolls and events, visit www.saratogapreservation.org, call 518-587-5030, or email Sydney Hedge, Preservation & Programs Coordinator, at shedge@saratogapreservation.org.

Singer Songwriter Elizabeth Conant

The Wilton Heritage Society, 5 Parkhurst Rd., Wilton | 1 p.m. Elizbeth Conant is a well-known singer/songwriter from Greenfield Center.  The program will be outdoors if weather permits.  Bring a lawn chair.  We will move indoors if it rains.  Refreshments will be served during intermission and our Museum and Farm Annex will be open as well.  Admission is free and all are welcome.

The God of Isaac

Congregation Shaara Tfille, 84 Weible Ave., Saratoga Springs | 2 – 7 p.m. 

A staged reading, this comedy, in two acts, is a hilarious and heartwarming play by Chicago playwright and actor James Sherman. The semi-autobiographical piece centers around a young American Jew searching for his Jewish identity following the threatened 1977 neo-Nazi march in Skokie.

A $5 per person fee. Refreshments to follow.

Sounds of Summer

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 6 p.m. The Jazz Ambassadors as well as featured professional musicians from the local 506 of the American Federation of Musicians will be giving a free concert on the porch of the Brookside Museum. They will be playing under the baton of Dennis Searles, coordinator of Local 506 of the Music Performance Trust Fund.  Please bring your lawn chairs and a picnic dinner and enjoy a relaxing evening of music.

Monday, August 26

Pickle for the Ponies

Legacy Pickleball Club, 4 McCrea Hill Rd., Ballston Spa | 3 – 6 p.m. We invite you to be part of an exciting and impactful event, Pickle for the Ponies, supporting Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga (THS) and the Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund (PDJF). This new event will offer a unique opportunity to enjoy a day of pickleball, connect with your community, and contribute to two wonderful causes. Play with and cheer on racing celebrities. Enjoy food from Neighborhood Kitchen, Meet and greet therapy horses, cash bar, silent auction. Tickets are $25 spectators and $50 Courtside ticket for final round, $250 to play. The event will have an open house/spectator-style format, allowing everyone to enjoy the matches, food, and fun activities. Playing pickleball, not required! To purchase tickets, visit https://thsaratoga.org/events/

5K Trail Series 

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, Parking Lot #1 and #2, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 6:15 p.m. Registration is $10 day-of. Children ages 0-12 are free; 13-18 are half-price. This is a low-key, all-outdoors event topped off by light refreshments and unusual raffle prizes.  Please bring your own water. Proceeds benefit the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park.  For more information, call Laura Clark at 518-581-1278 or email laura@saratogastryders.org or visit www.saraogastryders.org for more information and to sign up online.

Water Soluble Oil Demonstration

Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Blvd. Clifton Park | 6:30 p.m. Demonstration by artist and NYS certified art teacher, Cheryl Bielli-Water. Hosted by the Southern Saratoga Art Society.  Her work includes watercolor, oil and acrylic paintings, charcoal, pencil and pastel drawings, political cartoons, caricatures and sculpture. Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The demonstration is free, and the public is invited to attend. For more information, visit: southernsaratogaartist.com

Tuesday, August 27

Countdown to Kindergarten 

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 9:30 or 11 a.m.

Join us for stories, songs, and activities to help get ready for the first day of school. Activity stations will focus on cutting skills, writing names, crafting, and tying shoelaces, and information about library materials and early reader books. Kids can also get on a Shenendehowa school bus and meet a bus driver in the library parking lot. For children entering Gr. K, with an adult. Registration required; please register for one session only. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Saratoga Summer Concert Series

War Memorial in Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. Gather your friends and family, bring your blankets and chairs, find a spot on the lawn, and enjoy some of the area’s favorite performers. This free, family-friendly concert series is a program of the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center in partnership with Discover Saratoga and the City of Saratoga Springs. 

The featured concert will be Mostly Modern Festival – an international music festival dedicated to contemporary classical music.. Rain location is Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. The Heritage Area Visitor Center, located at 297 Broadway, will be the concert rain location.

Wednesday, August 28

Baked Ham Dinner

Saratoga Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. For curbside pickup only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order, 518-584-2585. Menu: baked ham, au gratin potatoes, vegetable, apple sauce, roll, tossed salad. Dinner $15 each (cash only). 

Photography Club 

Galway Public Library Community Room, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 p.m. Our speaker this month will be club member Felice Druziak who will be giving a presentation on using the camera on your phone. We will also be reviewing photographs submitted for this month’s Photo Challenge: Happy, but Blue! Anyone interested in photography regardless of their level of experience is encouraged to attend these relaxed and friendly gatherings. For more information contact: Dave Waite at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com

Thursday, August 29

Herbal Mocktails Class

Cornell Cooperative Extension, 50 W. High St., Ballston Spa | 6:30 – 8 p.m. This 2 Class Series will be taught by Jessica Marcy, a clinically trained herbalist from Upstate New York. Learn how to make refreshing herbal mocktails that benefit the mind and body. In this class we will discuss basic herbal preparations, and specific herbs to take your mocktail game to the next level. Each Participant will receive: A booklet with tips, tricks, and recipes, a tasting flight of bitters, a tasting flight of tonics, simple syrup how to & sample, several classics made into mocktails. Next class is Wednesday September 4, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Call 885-8995 to pre-register three days in advance. Cost is $20.

August 23 – 29, 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Honoring Veterans of the Revolutionary War 

The Town of Milton’s 250th Revolutionary War Committee will hold a ceremony on August 31, at 11 a.m. to commemorate a sign honoring veterans of the Revolutionary War at North Milton Cemetery located on the north side of Route 29, on the east corner of North Milton Road.  The color guard of the Saratoga Battle Chapter Sons of the American Revolution will execute a musket fire salute in period uniforms.  The purpose of this committee is to draw attention to, and educate the public about important people, places, and events of the Town of Milton as they relate to the American Revolution.  For more information contact Michael Golden at mgolden1775@gmail.com/

4th Annual Tunnel to Towers Benefit

Since 9/11, T2T has been helping America’s heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families and by building specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. We are also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to never forget September 11, 2001. The event will be held on Saturday, August 31 at 2117 Barrett Rd., Ballston Spa at 6 p.m.  Tickets are $75 per person, including live music by Skippy and The Pistons, comedy show by Colin Quinn, and exciting raffles. Call for reservation 518-542-3731. Rain or Shine. Tunnel2Towers.org

Southern Saratoga Art Society Exhibits

Artists and members of SSAS are exhibiting throughout the area.   Visit these locations to support the artists and members in Southern Saratoga County. Clifton Park Senior Community Center: Nancy Hunt, Pamela Malsan and Mechelle Rosklewicz.  Mechanicville Library: Maureen Kelly.   Clifton Park Town Hall lobby: Rita Helie for the month of August. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library: Pamela Bortoletto, Bill Daisak, Arthur Forrest, Rita Helie, Maureen Kelly, Tracy Pagano, Anup Sood, Joan VanAlphen, Sherry Walkup, Sherry Walkup, Carol Winterton and Val Woodward. Bella Lucia Pizzeria: Rita Helie, Denise Kornak, David Mayack, Jack Morgan, Tracy Pagano, Denise Stewart and Karen Zimmers. For more information about SSAS, visit:  southernsaratogaartist.com

SUMMERTIME 

Improv Spaces @ Saratoga Arts presents an outdoor performance and album release by Jonathan Moritz and Mike Pride on Sunday, September 1, 6:30 – 8 p.m. at Saratoga Arts 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Open to the public, suggested donation of $10-$20. With SUMMERTIME collaborators Jonathan Moritz (sax) and Mike Pride (percussion) bring together an amalgam of avant-garde jazz, lo-fi, sound collage, improv, field recording, with a touch of psychedelic production. “The laughter and screaming of our children, the stream gurgling, the splashes of rocks were not added afterwards but in the background during the recordings, an ode to our daily life.” — Jonathan Moritz.

Halfmoon First Responder Appreciation Day

This community event is a heartfelt gesture to recognize and celebrate the unwavering dedication and service of Halfmoon’s first responders. Complimentary food and beverages, including hamburgers and hot dogs, will be provided as a token of the Town’s immense gratitude. Families of Halfmoon’s first responders are also welcome to attend this complimentary event. Saturday, September 7, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Halfmoon Outdoor Pavilion (near the Senior Center), 2 Halfmoon Town Plaza, Halfmoon. 

Attendees are asked to RSVP by Friday, August 30, by calling 518-371-7410, ext. 2200, to ensure the Town can prepare for their attendance.

Monthly Indoor Craft and Garage Sale  

Sunday, September 8, from 11-3 p.m. at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club off Marion Avenue on Elks Lane.  Admission is free with over 40 vendors; parking is great, bargains galore, and lunch.  We offer a variety of shopping with necklace sets, earrings, body lotions, clothing, as well as household items, knitted and crocheted gifts, hand-made items, clothing, Antiques, Vintage items, hand-painted rocks, food treats and just about anything you can imagine may be found here.  New vendors sign up every month. All proceeds go to our local charities.  An 8’ table and chairs are just $15.  Email Debbie at dozolins@nycap.rr.com for information or to sign up for a table(s).  

14th Annual Curtis Lumber Car and Truck Show

Calling all car and truck enthusiasts! Join us at Curtis Lumber on September 8 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Curtis Lumber, 885 State Route 67, Ballston Spa for a fun, family-friendly day at one of the largest car and truck shows in the Capital Region. FREE to spectate with free parking! Whether you own a classic, a modern marvel, or a custom tuner, all makes and models are welcome to showcase–there’s no cut-off year! Registration for show vehicles is $20 if you pre-register online, or $25 on the day of the show. Enjoy music from DJ Jason of Raven Events, complimentary face painting, balloon twisting, trivia with prizes, a 50/50 raffle benefiting the WTEN/Steve Caporizzo’s Pet Connection, tasty food trucks, and more. Leashed pets are welcome! For full details visit www.CurtisLumberCarShow.com or find the event on Facebook.   

2024 Swing for Music Golf Tournament

The Saratoga Chamber Players is planning the 2024 Swing for Music golf tournament, and we hope you will save the date to join us.  The proceeds will support our programming in the Saratoga elementary schools and our outreach to seniors as well as our dazzling chamber music concerts. The event will take place at Airway Meadows golf course on Friday, September 13. We look forward to your participation in the 9-hole scramble. Registration begins at 3:15 p.m. with a shotgun start at 3:45 p.m. The fee is $80. It includes prizes and the traditional taco dinner following the round of golf. Registration forms will go out in July, but meanwhile please mark your calendars and share this information with your leagues and fellow golfers. If you would like a registration form or have questions, contact: prubio@skidmore.edu.

Car Show

Saratoga – Wilton Elks Lodge #161 car show will be held on September 22, 9 a.m.  – 3 p.m. at One Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs. Rain date September 29. Classic, custom, collectible – all years welcome. Vendors, trophies, food, DJ, raffles, 50/50. For pre-registration forms email Pat at PKaniuka@gmail.com. Text or call 518-859-2648. 

27th Annual Autumn Jewels Show

The Southern Saratoga Art Society’s 27th Annual Autumn Jewels Show will be held from October 1 – Oct 30 at the Clifton Park Community Senior Center, 6 Clifton Common Blvd., Clifton Park.  This is a judged show featuring cash prizes for artwork and photography and is open to the public.  A reception and award presentation will be held on Monday, October 28, 6:30 p.m. at the Senior Center.  Deadline for entry is Friday, September 20, 2024.  For Entry form and fees, go to: www.southernsaratogaartist.com

Looking for Unique Vendors & Artisans

Ballston Area Seniors are gearing up for their Annual Bazaar on Saturday November 9 at the Town of Milton Community Center, located at 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa. Currently, there are only 10 indoor spaces left to be filled. What is your specialty? Pickles, Relishes, jams & jellies, or any handmade crafts are appreciated and welcome. We are looking for you to join us. Indoor spaces — 8’Wx7’D are $30. indoor only (first come, first serve basis and electrical outlets indoor are limited.) Outdoor spaces—12’Wx10’D are $ 25. To receive an Exhibit Contract and a Town of Milton agreement contact the Bazaar Vendor Coordinator Sue Heimburg we can e-mail out contracts. Sheim381@aol.com or Call—518-885-8037 / text message

Tuscan Treasures: Art, Food and Wine from Lucca to Florence

Academy for Lifelong Learning Announces Tour to Tuscany, November 10 – 18, 2024,  is an enchanting medley of Renaissance cities, rolling hills and terraced vineyards. This very special region offers a quintessential Italian experience. From olive groves and cypress alleys to the romantic villages perched on rocky outcrops, the landscape here has become a symbol of the country as a whole. We will spend three nights in Lucca and four in Florence. Special features include wine tastings, lunch at a Tuscan farm, a cooking class preparing a three-course dinner, guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery and visit to the Accademia to view the renowned David. The double occupancy price for air and land is $5775. For additional information, contact goedventures@gmail.com.

Mayall’s Bluesbreakers to Canned Heat and Beyond – Guitarist Stages Local Show Saturday Night

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Guitarist Walter trout appears at The Strand on Aug. 24.

HUDSON FALLS — Blues guitar legend Walter Trout performs at the Strand Theatre Saturday, Aug. 24. Show time is 8 p.m. 

Trout has shared the stage as a sideman with Jesse Ed Davis, Big Mama Thornton, John Lee Hooker, Lowell Fulson, Joe Tex, and John Mayall as a member of the Bluesbreakers –  following a three-year tenure in Canned Heat.

The bluesman’s latest album, Broken, chronicles the bitter schisms of modern life but refuses to succumb to them. 

Tickets: $35/floor level, $30/balcony. Tickets are available at the Strand Box Office; cash or check only or online at Brown Paper Tickets. For more information and the ticketing link, please go to www.mystrandtheatre.org. The Strand Theatre is located at 210 Main St, Hudson Falls, NY. www.mystrandtheatre.org. Doors open into the lobby, coffee shop and box office at 6:30pm.

Upcoming Performances at UPH –  LeAnn Rimes, Gibson BrothersMisfit Comedy Tour 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

LeAnn Rimes to perform at UPH in November.

SARATOGA SPRINGS— Universal Preservation Hall, located on Washington Street in Saratoga Springs, has announced its fall schedule of performances. 

Kicking off the pre-fall season is Gary Gulman and his “Misfit” comedy tour 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13. Over 25 years in comedy, Gulman has established himself as an eminent performer and peerless writer. Today, he is one of the most popular touring comics, selling out theatres around the country including the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City. 

  Chris Janson, a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry and multi-platinum songwriter and artist, will be in the Great Hall 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26. In touch with the lighter side of life with self-penned No. 1s “Fix A Drink,” “Good Vibes” and the four-times Platinum “Buy Me A Boat,” and the CMA Song of the Year nominee and ACM Video of the Year “Drunk Girl.” 

Abigail and Shaun Bengson, beloved songwriters and performers best known for their theatrical masterpiece “Hundred Days” and their viral sensation “The Keep Going Song” (over 4 million streams), bring you The Keep Going Concert. The Bengsons will bring their powerful and soul-stirring concert to Saratoga Springs 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8. 

International multi-platinum-selling acclaimed singer LeAnn Rimes will visit Saratoga Springs 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. Rimes has sold more than 48 million units globally and won numerous awards. 

Capital Region bluegrass favorites The Gibson Brothers perform their Christmas show 7:30 p.m. and a Taylor Swift Holiday Dance Party” featuring Swiftie-themed mocktails, friendship bracelet-making and selfie stations will take place 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. 

Tickets are available 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.

Legendary Guitarist Marc Ribot to Accompany Charlie Chaplin’s ‘The Kid’ At Zankel

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Marc Ribot, Charlie Chaplin. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College will welcome legendary guitarist Marc Ribot for a live accompaniment to Charlie Chaplin’s 1921 silent film “The Kid” at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. Ribot’s delicate and, at times, haunting solo guitar score contemporizes Chaplin’s work as a relevant story about our era’s economic and social conditions. Ribot will also perform a short solo set before the film. 

Chaplin’s first full-length feature, “The Kid,” remains an expressive masterwork of silent cinema. In it, Chaplin stars as his lovable Tramp character, this time raising an orphan (a remarkable young Jackie Coogan) he has rescued from the streets. 

Ribot’s score was commissioned by the New York Guitar Festival and premiered in 2010 at Merkin Hall. 

Ribot has released over 20 albums under his own name over a 30-year career, exploring everything from the pioneering jazz of Albert Ayler to the Cuban music of Arsenio Rodríguez. Rolling Stone points out that “Guitarist Marc Ribot helped Tom Waits refine a new, weird Americana on 1985’s ‘Rain Dogs,’ and since then, he’s become the go-to guitar guy for all kinds of roots-music adventurers: Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Elvis Costello, John Mellencamp.” He has also recorded with Solomon Burke, John Lurie’s Lounge Lizards, Marianne Faithful, Norah Jones, The Black Keys, and many others. Ribot works regularly with Grammy Award-winning producer T Bone Burnett and New York composer John Zorn.

Tickets are available to the general public for $20 and at $5 for the Skidmore College community (students, faculty, staff, and alumni). Purchase online at https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/zankel/7074/event/1379633, or call the box office at 518-580-5321 between 1 and 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. 

Kate McDonnell Brings New Album, Show to Caffe Lena Sept. 20

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Trapeze, Kate McDonnell’s sixth CD, released in advance of her show at Caffe Lena this month.  

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Singer-songwriter Kate McDonnell and her Right Hand Men (Jimi Woodul, Sam Zucchini, Matt Griffin) perform Friday, Sept. 20 at Caffe Lena. Show time is 8 p.m. 

McDonnell has performed at the Newport Folk Festival and Kennedy Center and  on the Mountain Stage radio program and WXPN’s “World Café.” Her songwriting has been singled out for praise by The Village Voice and the Boston Globe. 

Her new album, “Trapeze,” is McDonnell’s sixth CD, features 14 original songs and is released Sept. 5. Rooted in contemporary American life, she explores topics ranging from hope and life’s purpose surrendering to love and desire in crazy times, to condemning gun violence. 

Her previous album – “Ballad Of A Bad Girl,” was issued in 2021, featured musical luminaries Jerry Marotta and Tony Levin and soared to #5 in the Folk DJ radio charts upon its release. 

For more information, go to: caffelena.org.  

News & Notes: Week 7 Events at Saratoga Race Course

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Winner's Circle.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 2024 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course will continue through Monday, Sept. 2. Racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from the final week, when the meet will conclude on Labor Day. Admission gates will open for live racing at 11 a.m. First post time is 1:10 p.m. with exceptions for Travers Days and closing weekend; Travers Day gates will open at 9 a.m. 

Week 7 Stake Races 

*Mondays and Tuesdays = Dark Days. No racing. 

Friday, August 23 

G1 Personal Ensign:
F&M 4&UP, 1 1/8 – Dirt, Purse $500,000

Smart N Fancy: F&M 4&UP, 5 1/2 Furlongs – Turf, Purse $150,000

Saturday, August 24

GI Ballerina (BC):
F&M 3&UP, 7 Furlongs – Dirt, Purse $500,000

GI Forego: 4&UP, 7 Furlongs – Dirt, Purse $500,000

G1 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial:
3YO, 7 Furlongs – Dirt, Purse $500,000

G1 Resorts World Casino Sword Dancer (BC): 3&UP, 1 1/2- Turf, Purse $750,000

G1 Travers: 3YO, 1 1/4 – Dirt, Purse $1,250,000

Sunday, August 25

Albany (NYB): 3YO, 1 1/8 – Dirt, Purse $250,000

Fleet Indian (NYB):
F3YO, 1 1/8 – Dirt, Purse $200,000

Funny Cide (NYB) presented by
Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital:
2YO, 6 Furlongs- Dirt, Purse $200,000

Seeking the Ante (NYB):
F2YO, 6 Furlongs- Dirt, Purse $200,000

West Point presented by Trustco Bank (NYB): 3&UP, 1 1/16- Turf, Purse $200,000

Yaddo Handicap (NYB): F&M 3&UP, 1 1/16- Turf, Purse $200,000 

Wednesday, August 28

P. G. Johnson: F2YO, 1 1/16 – Turf, Purse $150,000

Thursday, August 29

GIII With Anticipation:
2YO, 1 1/16 – Turf, Purse $175,000

TRAVERS DAY

Saturday, August 24

Gates open at 7 a.m. Special first post time of 11:20 a.m. Multiple graded stakes winner Thorpedo Anna will look to take on Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets winner Dornoch and Jim Dandy presented by Mohegan Sun winner Fierceness, among others, in the 155th running of the Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers. Thorpedo Anna will try to become the first filly to capture Saratoga’s premier race since 1915.

The DraftKings Travers Day card will feature 14 races including four additional Grade 1 contests: the $750,000 Resorts World Casino Sword Dancer, a 1 1/2-mile turf route for 3-year-olds and up; the $500,000 Ballerina Handicap, a seven-furlong sprint for fillies and mares; the $500,000 Forego at seven furlongs for older horses; and the $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial for sophomores sprinting seven furlongs.

fan appreciation week

Wed. August 28 – Mon. September 2

Saratoga will say “Thank you, fans!” with special offers on tickets, food and beverage, and hospitality during the final week of the season.

Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage

The Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage will host live musical performances each afternoon of the season from popular local and regional bands. This year’s summer music stage is presented by Purdy’s Discount Wine & Liquor in Saratoga Springs.

Friday, August 23: The Kirks

Saturday, August 24: ILL Funk, TBA

Sunday, August 25: Get Up Jack

Wednesday, August 28: The Steve Candlen Band

Thursday, August 29: The Jonathan Newell Band

New York Showcase Day

Sunday, August 25

New York-breds take center stage for New York Showcase Day, featuring six stakes for state-breds worth a combined $1.25 million. The card is headlined by the $250,000 Albany, a nine-furlong test for sophomores. Also featured are five $200,000 stakes including the Fleet Indian for sophomore fillies; the West Point Handicap, presented by Trustco Bank, for 3-year-olds and up on turf; the Yaddo Handicap for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up on turf; and a pair of six furlong-sprints for juveniles in the Funny Cide, presented by Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, and the Seeking the Ante for fillies.