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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Two-Day Saratoga Jazz Fest Returns This Weekend with Lake Street Dive, Norah Jones, Stanley Clarke

The annual two-day Saratoga Jazz festival will be staged at SPAC Saturday and Sunday.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 47th Annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival returns this weekend for a full two-day and two-stage festival experience on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. 

The event will feature a roster of 22 musical groups and 10 festival debuts. 

The line-up is co-headlined by contemporary artists Lake Street Dive, Norah Jones, Laufey, and Samara Joy, alongside jazz and blues legends Stanley Clarke with his band N*4Ever, Terence Blanchard Sextet and Coco Montoya. 

Also highlighting the line-up is the next generation of jazz stars – Yussef Dayes, Joey Alexander, Miguel Zenon, Tia Fuller, Theo Crocker, Helen Sung and Sara Caswell, and electrifying Afro-Cuban and funk bands Cory Henry, Cimafunk, The New Orleans Groove Masters and Pedrito Martinez Group.

Headliner Lake Street Dive will make their festival debut on Saturday, June 29. 

Returning following her triumphant festival debut in 2023 is Samara Joy, and returning by popular demand to headline the festival on Sunday is singer and pianist Norah Jones.

Music icons returning to the festival include jazz and blues legends Stanley Clarke with his exciting new band N*4Ever, which is a celebration of his long-time collaborator Chick Corea and their time together in Return to Forever; opera composer Terence Blanchard with his Sextet, and blues guitar virtuoso and vocalist Coco Montoya. 

Representing the next generation of jazz talent on the stage is composer and drummer Yussef Dayes, jazz pianist Joey Alexander – who will celebrate his 21st birthday at the festival, jazz pianist and composer Helen Sung, and jazz violinist Sara Caswell.

Highlighting the weekend is also today’s most electrifying Afro-Cuban and funk bands including progressive R&B artist Cory Henry, Cimafunk, The New Orleans Groove Masters featuring Herlin Riley, Jason Marsalis & Shannon Powell, Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martinez with his band and Olatuja!, which reunites Alicia and Michael Olatuja in music. 

In addition to two non-stop days of great music on two stages, fans can also enjoy a host of amenities including a new craft beer tasting village, in partnership with New York State Brewers Association, new and diverse food offerings, a fine arts and crafts fair, and artist CD signings. Guests are welcome to bring in their own food and beverages, as well as blankets, tents and lawn umbrellas. Parking for the event is free. Performances will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 29 and at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 30. 

2024 Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival Line-Up:

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

Amphitheater – Lake Street Dive; Samara Joy; Yussef Dayes; Joey Alexander Trio with special guest Theo Croker; Cimafunk with special guest Pedrito Martinez; The New Orleans Groove Masters featuring Herlin Riley, Jason Marsalis & Shannon Powell.

Charles R. Wood “Jazz Discovery” Stage – Tia Fuller; Steven Bernstein’s Millennial Territory Orchestra; Theo Croker; Coco Montoya; Harold Lopez-Nussa; Sara Caswell Quartet.

 SUNDAY, JUNE 30

Amphitheater – Norah Jones; Laufey; Stanley Clarke N4Ever; Terence Blanchard Sextet; Cory Henry. 

Charles R. Wood “Jazz Discovery” Stage – Pedrito Martinez Group; Miguel Zenon Quartet; Olatuja!; Helen Sung presents Quartet; Skidmore Jazz Institute Faculty All-Stars Centennial Celebration of Max Roach, Bud Powell & J.J. Johnson featuring Clay Jenkins, Steve Wilson, Steve Davis, Mike Moreno, Bill Cunliffe, Todd Coolman & Dennis Mackrel. 

 Tickets & info – go to: spac.org. 

Erin Harkes Stages Show at Caffe Lena July 12

Erin Harkes/ Sofia Corts in Saratoga Springs July 12.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Singer-songwriter, solo musician and comedian Erin Harkes will be performing at Caffe Lena on Friday, July 12. 

Doors open at 7 p.m.  and the show will include support artistry from 17-year-old singer songwriter Sofia Corts, a self-taught guitar and keyboard player from Albany.

For tickets and more information, go to: caffelena.org. 

SPAC Announces Inaugural “McCormack Jazz Series” as Part of 2024-25 Spa Little Theater Season

Veronica Swift, performing in 2025, as part of SPAC’s new McCormack Jazz Series. Photo by Matt Baker.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center announces that it has established a new annual McCormack Jazz Series in honor of “Saratoga’s Champion of Jazz,” Don McCormack, and his family. Presented as part of SPAC’s 2024-2025 fall and spring seasons in Spa Little Theater, the inaugural series will feature a roster of international talent.

Kicking off the series this fall is Christian McBride and Ursa Major (Oct. 24), alongside four of the most exciting young jazz instrumentalists performing today. 

Veronica Swift (May 1), will close the season with her “transgenre” music concept that weaves between classic jazz, rock, funk, and even vaudeville accentuated by her signature stage presence. Bringing the party to the Spa Little Theater stage is Alfredo Rodriguez Trio (April 5), known for their mastery of Cuban and Latin rhythms, and hot jazz ensemble Dorado Schmitt and Sons: Django Festival All Stars (Nov. 22), who will be joined by local opener Hot Club Saratoga. 

“As the Saratoga Jazz Festival is one of the jewels in the crown of our Summer amphitheater programming, presenting diverse jazz perspectives is an integral part of our mission and vision for year-round programming in the Spa Little Theater,” said Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center, in a statement. “It’s a pleasure to be able to announce the new McCormack Jazz Series in honor of one of Saratoga’s most passionate jazz advocates.”

Tickets are available for purchase. Visit spac.org for additional details.

Week of June 28 – July 4

Upcoming events:

Iron Spring Garden Walk

Join the members of The Ballston Spa House & Garden Club for a casual walk through the Iron Spring Garden at The Old Iron Spring Park, Front Street, Ballston Spa on Tuesday July 9, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Chris Burghart, Iron Spring Garden Project Chair will provide a tour of native plant horticulture at the rejuvenated and ever-evolving Iron Spring Garden. The public is welcome. The Ballston Spa House & Garden Club is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the love of gardening, the protection and conservation of natural resources and the civic beautification of the Village of Ballston Spa. For more information on BSH&GC and for membership opportunities, contact club President, Kathy Kane; 

2024 Adirondack Greek Festival

The 15th Adirondack Greek Festival will be hosted by St. George Church, 55 Main St., South Glens Falls, on Thursday, July 11 from 4 to 8 p.m. Enjoy souvlaki and gyro sandwiches and pastries outside under the tent. Friday and Saturday, July 12 and 13 from 12 – 7 p.m., enjoy our Full Festival days with more authentic Greek food/dinners & pastries, music, entertainment, and church tours. Free admission and parking. OPA! No on-line or phone orders will be taken for this event. For more information, call 518- 792-2359. www.sgforthodoxchurch.org.

Gumbo with Kendrick for TRF

The Principessa Elena Society located at 13 Oak Street, Saratoga Springs, will host its fourth annual “Gumbo with Kendrick for TRF’’ party on Monday, July 15 from 6 – 9 p.m. Louisiana native and jockey Kendrick Carmouche will again prepare gumbo for this event, which will benefit the Saratoga Springs-based Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), a 501(c) (3) non-profit that is the nation’s oldest and largest Thoroughbred rescue and sanctuary organization. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 cash only at the door. The menu will be gumbo, rice, cornbread, salad and dessert. There will also be live music. For tickets, https://donorbox.org/events/606398

 

This weeks event, June 28- July 4:

Friday, June 28

Poetry Open Mic

Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs| 1 – 2 p.m. Featuring Poet Barbara Ungar

Author of After Naming the Animals, The Origin of the Milky Way, and others. Professor of English for 29 years at the College of St. Rose. RSVP by calling 518-584-1621. Light refreshments will be served. Suggested donation: $5. Each open mic participant may read 2 short poems or 1 longer one. The Saratoga Senior Center Open Mic is supportive, affirming, and non-threatening.

Mozart’s COSÌ FAN TUTTE

Universal Preservation Hall, 25 Washington St., Saratoga Springs | 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, June 30 at 2 p.m.; Wednesday, July 3 at 2 p.m.; and Saturday, July 6 at 7:30 p.m. Opera Saratoga present’s Mozart’s delightful comic opera COSÌ FAN TUTTE. Will promises made in the morning withstand a night of fantasy? Mozart’s sparkling music collides with Da Ponte’s darkly funny libretto in this betting opera where the promise of perfect marriage competes with the temptation of earthly desire. Tickets and information at https://www.operasaratoga.org/cosi-fan-tutte1

Saturday, June 29

6 Hour Live Defensive Driving

Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Avenue, Saratoga Springs |  10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Save 10% on Auto Insurance for 3 years and reduce 4 points off record. 10-minute morning break and ½ hour for lunch – bring your own or step out.  No formal testing. Cost: $40 prepaid or $45 at door. Limited seating, please pre-register. Donation will be given to the church. Call:  518-784-5009 or register online: www.facetofacecourses.com. Instructors: Victor Bujanow and Deborah Harpine. 

Town of Milton’s 250th Revolutionary War Committee Ceremony

Grenell Cemetery, Grenell Road, Milton | 11a.m. Commemorating a sign honoring veterans of the Revolutionary War. 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

Guys and Dolls

Universal Preservation Hall, 25 Washington St., Saratoga Springs | 7:30 p.m.; June 29 at 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday, July 2 at 2 p.m.; Wednesday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, July 5 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, July 6 at 2 p.m.; Sunday, July 7 at 2 p.m. Opera Saratoga presents Frank Loesser’s Broadway blockbuster Guys and Dolls. Featuring classic hits like “If I Were a Bell”, “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down (You’re Rockin’ the Boat)”, Frank Loesser’s beloved gambling musical is a love letter to the precariousness of right now, and the probability of getting through it (by the sharp lapels of our checkered coat.) Tickets and Information at https://www.operasaratoga.org/guys-and-dolls.

Sunday, June 30

Capital District Chevrolet Club 41st Annual Car, Street Rod, and Truck Show 2024

Cook’s Park, Sham Brook Pkw’y, Village of Colonie | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Rain or shine. Registration 9 a.m. -12:30 p.m., $20 per show vehicle (Cash Only). Spectators and parking free. (No dogs unless they are service dogs). Food and beverages available for purchase. DJ music, 50/50 and door prizes.   A portion of the proceeds will be forwarded to the “North East Regional Food Bank”, “ The Patriot Flight” to Washington for our Veterans and the “Double H Hole in the Wall Ranch”. No preregistration.  General Information: Phil 518-429-023. 

Summer Sunday Stroll of Saratoga’s Historic West Side

Meet: Entrance of Gideon Putnam Burying Ground, South Franklin St., Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. George Demers will lead guests through the diverse historic west side neighborhood where Saratoga Springs’ Irish and Italian immigrants and Black community lived. The tour will highlight the settlement of this neighborhood, its rebirth as an arts district, and the rehabilitations that took place in the early 2000s. In addition to highlighting the historic architecture of this area, George will discuss the history of its residents, restaurants, stores, and clubs as well as the impacts of Urban Renewal and revitalization efforts. 

Healthify Your Life Series

Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church, 768 Charlton Rd., Charlton | 1 – 3 p.m. Mindful Community  presents: Healthify Your Life Series with “The Power of Sound and Movement”. Workshop includes: discussion, facial movement, sound bath, fascia food sampler. This is a free event. To reserve your spot: Midfulcommunity@gmail.com

Monday, July 1

Fiction and Poetry Reading

Davis Auditorium, Skidmore College, 815 N Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 8 – 9:30 p.m. The NYS Summer Writers Institute at Skidmore College presents an evening fiction and poetry reading with James Hannaham (fiction) and Richard Blanco (poetry). This event is free and open to the public, no preregistration required.

Tuesday, July 2

Grand, Gilded and Glorious: A Saratoga Stroll

Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. – Noon. Join us as we share the legends and lore of Saratoga’s splendor. 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. $20.00 per person.  For reservations, please call the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center: 518-587-3241, Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. 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.

Opera Saratoga Free Family Show

Universal Preservation Hall, 25 Washington St., Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – Noon. Favorite scenes and songs from GUYS AND DOLLS and COSI FAN TUTTE performed by Festival Artists.  With a sensory-friendly area and space to run around, children belong at Opera Saratoga.  This performance is free. 

Please support your community by bringing non-perishable food items or hygiene products (shampoo, deodorant, laundry soap, feminine hygiene, etc…) These will be delivered to the Franklin Community Center for distribution to families in need. Every contribution counts in making a positive difference.

Wednesday, July 3

Stuffed Chicken Breast Dinner Take Out

Saratoga – Wilton Elks Club, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Take out only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order, 518-584-2585. Menu: boneless stuffed chicken breast with gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetable, cranberry sauce, roll, tossed salad. Cost is $15 per dinner. Cash only.

Poetry Reading

Caffè Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. Caffè Lena will present a poetry reading by Roger Mitchell. An open mic poetry reading will follow. Doors open for sign-ups at 6:30 p.m. and the readings will start at 7 p.m. The host for the event will be Carol Graser and the cost is $5 general, free for students. The featured reading will also be livestreamed. You can find a link for the livestream at caffelena.org., 518-583-0022.

Thursday, July 4

Saratoga Wilton Flag Day Parade / Bikeatoga

Meet: 2nd Street, between N. Broadway and Bryan St., Saratoga Springs |  4:30 p.m. This will be the inaugural parade for the Bikeatoga Bicycle Battalion, and we are excited to be sponsoring this Flag Day riding group, making it inclusive to all cyclists. All people with a bike, young and old, large or small bike. e-bike or Pedal powered and anything in between are invited to show your patriotic colors when you decorate your bike and self for the Saratoga Elks Flag Day Parade.  There are plenty of colorful items to decorate your bike with at the Dollar Tree. Meet up so we can mix and mingle with other bikers, swap cycling stories and touch up on the bikes. The Bikeatoga Bicycle Brigade will be stepping out shortly after 5 p.m. And riding in front of Santa Claus. This event is FREE and open to the entire cycling community.”

 

Delicious Slices

Hello  my Foodie Friends!   

Summer is prime time for fun. With most kids out of school, family vacations in full swing, and warm weather to enjoy, it’s the unofficial season of leisure and the Fourth of July makes it the perfect time to celebrate.

 

With the celebration of the Fourth of July around the corner, many of us may be planning an Independence Day celebration or attending a gathering. Having a picnic with family and friends on a beautiful day can be a time that creates those unforgettable moments and memories that last a life time. 

Having or attending a picnic remains one of my favorite things to do during the summer.  This stems back to my childhood.  As I have mentioned in past articles, I am one of five children.  Having two sisters and two brothers always meant that the house was crazy and my mother would do what she could to keep us outdoors.  Picnic time was a word that would stir up excitement and anticipation of having our favorite potato and egg salads, hamburgers, hot dogs, and other fabulous items that our family and friends would bring to the picnic.  One tool that I continue to use to make some of my favorite picnic dishes is the egg slicer.  The egg slicer is a kitchen utensil that is used to cut hardboiled eggs into uniform round slices. This kitchen utensil is typically made of aluminum or stainless steel with wire blades that slice through the egg as it rests in an oval pocket. An egg slicer can be used to create individual slices for sandwiches, salads, canapes, or other similar needs. 

Even though it is somewhat of a single-purpose tool, I get more use out of a simple egg slicer than just about any other item in my kitchen. Here are a group of common kitchen ingredients that can be used with an egg slicer. Once you realize how easy it is to use the slicer over slicing manually, you’ll have a hard time going back—at least, if you’re slicing a large quantity at once, or small, slippery things like…

Olives

Whether you are team green or black, an egg slicer will make slicing olives for everything from simple salads to pizza toppings effortless. Make sure to place the appointed olive in the center of the slicer and quickly bring the slicing top to hold it securely in place before slicing it, since they can be quite slippery and apt to roll. Slicing a few olives should do the trick for most recipes that call for sliced olives.

Bananas

No classic fruit salad is complete without the addition of sliced bananas. Same goes for banana pancakes. It might be easy enough to slice bananas (even without a cutting board), but having them uniform and cut in a flash is a whole other level of efficiency.

This method works best with bananas that are not too ripe: cut a banana in quarters, so each piece can be sliced properly, then center the banana and press the blades down.

Butter

The egg slicer is your weapon of choice for slicing beautiful, picture-perfect pats of butter for your guests. Cut a stick of butter in quarters to make sure each piece can properly be sliced, the center the butter before slicing.

Kiwis

Kiwis are delicious in everything, from fruit tarts to fruit salads, but not always the easiest to cut by hand. Enter the egg slicer. Peel the skin (check out this link for the easiest way to do it!), cut the kiwis in half, then place each one in the cradle of the slicer to make uniform slices. 

Mushrooms

There is nothing better than sliced mushrooms as a pizza topping or grilled alongside a burger with onions. For an easier way to cut an entire mushroom, there is no better kitchen appliance than the egg slicer. 

Strawberries

Sliced strawberries are extremely versatile and can go on top of anything, from pancakes to ice cream sundaes. To quickly slice an entire strawberry, center it in the cradle of the slicer; seconds later, you’ll have pretty uniform pieces for all your baking and cooking whims. 

Cooked Carrots

Cooked, sliced carrots add a pop of color to many meals, including salads and fried rice.

Hot Dogs

Sliced hot dogs have many uses, including being used as toppings on pizza or a great addition to chili. After cooking the hot dogs, let them cool off, then cut them into quarters so they’ll fit into the cradle of the slicer.

Fresh Mozzarella

Whether you are making caprese salad or simply want to add some slices of mozzarella to your salad, slicing fresh mozzarella has never been simpler using an egg slicer.

Place the entire ball into the slicer for a quick and painless way to get uniform slices,

Avocados

You can’t beat sliced avocado on top of a fried egg or chicken tacos. And with the extra assistance of an egg slicer, your avocado slices will be much cleaner than cutting them by hand. Just place an avocado half in the slicer, then cut it in one swoop.

Wow, so many uses for a single, versatile kitchen tool! Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place to pick up the kitchen accessories your culinary needs. Take a slice of happiness with you and have a beautiful backyard outing with your family. Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen”

Take Care,

John & Paula 

Bountiful Berries

The fresh berry season starts in June at the farmers’ market, and you can find berries and berry-licious products throughout. Discover local products to pair with these seasonal delicacies: cheeses, breads, meats, peanut butter, chocolate, yogurt, and much more. Shopping the market is a culinary delight!

Here are some fun and exciting berry facts as you shop:

1. The tiny hairs on raspberries and blackberries are called ‘styles.’ Styles serve to protect the berry from damage and are edible.

2. Raspberries and blackberries are aggregate fruits, meaning that the big piece of fruit you enjoy is dozens of tiny fruits growing together. These little fruits, or bumps, are called drupelets. 

3.A true berry is a fruit that grows from one flower with one ovary. Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are considered aggregate fruits since the flowers they grow from have more than one ovary. Blueberries, tomatoes, bananas, and avocados are considered actual berries since they grow from flowers containing one ovary.

4. On the outside of each strawberry are about 200 tiny seeds.

5. The silver color on blueberries is called ‘bloom.’  Bloom acts as a natural barrier to seal in moisture within the blueberry.

At the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, you can discover fresh berries on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Burger’s Market Garden, Owl Wood Farm, Scotch Ridge Berry Farm, Gomez Veggie Ville, and Saratoga Apple. Gifford Farm attends on Wednesdays, and Talmadge’s Vegetables attends on Saturdays.

Baked goods with berries can be found seasonally at the farmers’ market on Saturdays at Katie Bakes Gluten-Free, Night Work Bread, Parchment Baking Company, and Sweet Treats by Jennifer. Jams are always available at Kokinda Farm on Mondays in Clifton Park and Saturdays in Saratoga.

Thorn + Roots offers berry-packed smoothies on Saturdays, and Slate Valley Farms brings berry lemonade every Wednesday and Saturday.

This Saturday’s market on June 29 features music by Chloe Sova (9-10:30), The Acorns (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), and Ethan Crowley.

Visit the market’s information booth to grab a berry-licious scavenger hunt. Complete it at the market, return it, and you’ll have the chance to win a bag with $100 in market prizes. Plus, there will be a cooking demo at 11 a.m. on the side porch of the information booth.

The Saratoga Farmer’s Market is open on Wednesdays from 3- 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at High Rock Park in downtown Saratoga Springs. The Monday market at Clifton Park is open from 2-5 p.m. at the Shenendehowa Methodist Church on Route 146. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.

Saratoga Interior Design Firm Celebrates 20th Anniversary

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs-based interior design company Plum & Crimson commemorated its 20th anniversary this month.

“We are thrilled to reach this milestone anniversary,” said co-owner Erika Gallagher in a statement. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the trust and support of our clients over the years.” 

“As we look ahead, we remain committed to delivering innovative design solutions while staying true to our core values of creativity, integrity, and client satisfaction,” added co-owner Denise Rappazzo. 

Located at 51 Ash Street, Plum & Crimson serves primarily residential clients. 

Saratoga Springs Publishing Opens New Location

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs Publishing (not to be confused with Saratoga Publishing, which is responsible for the Saratoga TODAY newspaper) recently celebrated the grand opening of its new location at 70 Washington Street in Saratoga Springs. 

The boutique publishing company, which started 13 years ago, is a full-service publishing firm that can assist with illustration, editing, story development, book design and production, printing, marketing and more.

Grand Opening: Adirondack Foot Sanctuary in Saratoga

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Adirondack Foot Sanctuary recently celebrated its grand opening in Saratoga Springs during a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. The business started in Lake Placid and now has a second location at 6 Phila Street in downtown Saratoga. 

The company offers a variety of treatments, massages, and rituals designed for feet and legs.