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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Midnight Mass is Back in Saratoga Springs with Spring EDM Show “Bloomin’”

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Midnight Mass is back for its second iteration at Universal Preservation Hall (UPH) in Saratoga Springs. 

The electronic dance music experience is back Saturday, April 6 with “Bloomin’.” 

The event features new DJs for an immersive musical journey: Crusy is one of Spain’s more influential artists of recent years, having recently collaborated with some of the industry’s biggest names. Jenn Getz & Alfie burst onto the scene from the UK to become Dubai’s only female DJ duo. Also joining the experience is local DJ junglePunk. 

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. 

James Taylor –Live at SPAC Sept. 2

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

James Taylor & his All-Star Band take the stage in the Spa City in September.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —James Taylor & His All-Star Band will perform live at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Sept. 2. Tickets go on sale on Friday at LiveNation.com. 

Over the course of a songwriting and performing career that has spanned more than a half-century, Taylor has sold more than 100 million albums, earning gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards since the release of his self-titled debut album in 1968. 

In November 2015, Taylor was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation’s highest civilian honor and in December of 2016 he received the Kennedy Center Honors, which are presented annually to individuals who have enriched American culture by distinguished achievement in the performing arts.  

In early 2020 he released Break Shot, an audio-only memoir detailing his first 21 years. He also released his newest album, American Standard, his 19th studio album.

Live at SPAC: Primus, Coheed And Cambria, Fishbone

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Primus announces summer show at SPAC.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Primus, Coheed And Cambria, and special guests Fishbone will share the stage at Saratoga Performing Arts Center Aug. 12. 

Primus kicks off their lengthy tour in Boston, Massachusetts in early April and concludes in Colorado in late August. 

Tickets go on sale Friday at livenation.com. 

Fresh Interpretation Of Shakespeare Comedy At UAlbany

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

ALBANY — The Theatre Program of the University at Albany’s Department of Music and Theatre will  present The Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare’s classic comedy of the battle between the sexes, in a fresh interpretation directed by Ryan Garbayo and featuring a company of over 60 actors, designers and crew members. 

There will be six public performances at the UAlbany Performing Arts Center on the uptown University at Albany campus from March 6 through 10. The schedule includes shows on Wednesday & Thursday, March 6 & 7 at 8 p.m.; Friday, March 8 at 3 p.m.; Saturday, March 9 at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; and Sunday, March 10 at 3 p.m.  

While Shrew has survived for four centuries, it is performed much less frequently in the 21st century. In this production, gender is flipped on its head with nearly all the roles played by female-identifying students, embodying masculine archetypes — including Petruchio who comes to woo the “waspish” Kate. 

Advance tickets are $17 for the general public and $12 for students, senior citizens and UAlbany faculty-staff.  Tickets purchased on the day of the show are $22 for the general public and $17 for students, seniors and UAlbany faculty-staff.  All tickets must be purchased on-line from the UAlbany Performing Arts Center’s site at www.albany.edu/pac/tickets.  Information and assistance can be obtained by contacting the UAlbany Performing Arts Center’s main office at 518-442-3995 or pac@albany.edu

Casting Call: New York City Ballet to Hold Auditions for 24 Local Children to Fill Summer Roles

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Area children are invited to audition to dance with New York City Ballet during its Saratoga season, July 9 – 13.

Auditions will be held 10 a.m. Sunday, March 10 at the SPAC School of the Arts (located behind the National Museum of Dance School), 99 South Broadway. Audition check-in on March 10 will commence at 9 a.m. and advance registration is required by Thursday, March 7. 

Auditions are for 24 childrens’ roles in scenes from George Balanchine’s Coppélia, which first premiered at SPAC in 1974. New York City Ballet Children’s Repertory Director Dena Abergel leads the auditions. 

“Bringing scenes from Coppélia back to SPAC, where it first premiered 50 years ago, is a special way to honor the legacy of our beloved New York City Ballet, while also giving local children an unforgettable opportunity to perform on our stage,” said Elizabeth Sobol, President & CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center, in a statement.  

Casting for Coppélia includes roles for 24 girls who are 9 to 13 years old between four feet, two inches and five feet, one inches tall. At least two years of ballet training is encouraged. Understudies will also be cast. 

Rehearsals for selected dancers will be held from June 30 to July 12 at the SPAC School of the Arts and at the SPAC amphitheater. 

Scenes from Coppélia will be featured as part of the Swan Lake & Stars and Stripes program on Friday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 13 at 2 p.m., in addition to opening night’s NYCB On and Off Stage program on Tuesday, July 9 at 7:30 p.m. 

Visit spac.org for more details.

Albany Symphony Names David Hyslop Interim Executive Director

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

ALBANY — The Albany Symphony announced the appointment of David Hyslop as interim executive director. 

Hyslop’s resume includes 58 years in the orchestra industry, acting as the former CEO to the Minnesota Orchestra, Saint Louis Symphony, Oregon Symphony, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, as well as the interim executive director for more than 15 musical organizations. He was born in Schenectady. 

Hyslop has spent 32 of his 58-year career as the chief executive officer for three of the nation’s top symphony orchestras including the Minnesota Orchestra (1991-2003), St. Louis Symphony (1978-1991), and Oregon Symphony (1972-1978). Since 2004, Hyslop has spearheaded consulting projects throughout the country. His many consulting projects have included executive searches, strategic planning, development feasibility studies for endowment campaigns, and the Wheaton Grand Theater redevelopment and business planning project in Illinois.

February 23 – 29, 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Community Torah Project: Making Parchment from a Local Deerskin

A hands-on educational workshop with Rabbi Linda Motzkin, in which students, faculty, staff, and the public are invited to take part in the Community Torah Project. Participants will help with the stretching and scraping of a local deerskin. This immersive educational activity will engage the Skidmore community and public in the sacred production of parchment, which will ultimately be used in the creation of a Torah scroll. Refreshments will be provided. No advance registration is needed. Friday, March 1 from 1 – 3 p.m. The event is held at the Tang Teaching Museum and are free and open to the public. More details can be found at www.skidmore.edu/perlow/

Meet the Candidates 

The Wilton Democratic Committee invites you to meet the candidates for local office on Sunday, March 3 at 1 p.m. at The Summit, 1 Perry Rd. in Wilton. Join us for light refreshments and a chance to discuss your questions and concerns. Congressman Paul Tonko hopes to continue serving the citizens of the Capitol Region as a strong N.Y. progressive.  Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner priorities include small businesses, agriculture and rural resources and women’s issues. Minita Sanghvi is running to be State Senator for the 44th District. She will fight for our region’s need for better infrastructure, educational resources, and representation in Albany.  All are welcome!

Repair Café

Saratoga Springs Public Library and Sustainable Saratoga are excited to host our 11th Repair Café at the library on Sunday, March 3 from 1 – 4 p.m. We will have coaches available to help you fix your lamps, small appliances, computers, leather, jewelry, or sew/hem your favorite item of clothing or beloved stuffed animal. We can’t wait to see you at Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs.

Sonatas for Spring 

March 3 at 3 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 5th Avenue. The Saratoga Chamber Players will present violinist Jill Levy and Israeli pianist Renana Guzman with works of Bach, Arvo Pärt, Prokofiev and Brahms.  Tickets are available at www.saratogachamberplayers.org. Seniors $25, Adults, $30 and Students $20. The concert is supported in part by the NY State Council of the Arts with the support of the NY State Legislature, the office of the Governor and our many individual supporters.

Beginner Shooting Sports Course 

March 5—April 16 (excludes April 2) on Tuesday Evenings. Youngsters will learn the basics of Air Pistol, Muzzleloader, Rifle and Shotgun, Archery, and Hunting and Wildlife, with a focus on Safety, Ethics, and Personal Responsibility. Open to boys and girls 12 years old and older. To register, visit https://ccesaratoga.org/4-h-youth-development/new-york-state-4-h-shooting-sports

Saratoga Men’s Baseball League Seeking Players

The Saratoga Men’s Baseball League is looking for players ages 28 and over for the upcoming season. The season runs from May through August. For more information, call or text 518-470-7894 or go to leaguelineup.com/cdrh and go to New Player Inquiry by March 8.

Franklin Community Center Annual Benefit Concert

The Saratoga Youth Symphony (SYS) announces their benefit concert on Sunday, March 10 at 7 p.m. at the Presbyterian United Church of Christ, 24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs. The Saratoga Youth Symphony provides a non-competitive orchestral experience for talented student musicians ages 18 and under. Members of the Youth Symphony, Preparatory Symphony and Wind Symphony represent more than two dozen schools throughout the Capital District. The SYS continues to build upon its reputation for musical excellence while maintaining its commitment to music education and community activities. For further information, please email the Saratoga Youth Symphony at saratogayouthsymphony@yahoo.com or visit the website at www.saratogayouthsymphony.org

Katie: The Strongest of the Strong

Free Family Performance at The Hyde Collection, 161 Warren Street, Glens Falls on March 16, 11 a.m. Opera Saratoga presents Katie: The Strongest of the Strong by Faye Chiao and Anton Dudley at venues across the Capital Region for children grades K-6. The 45-minute story celebrates women’s strength and confidence through the amazingly theatrical true story of Katie Sandwina, a circus strongwoman who defied cultural expectations and then became instrumental in the U.S. suffrage movement. The opera is a wild, funny, musical way for students and families to learn about the importance of equal rights. Register at operasaratoga.org/katie-the-strongest-of-the-strong 

Vendors Wanted for Community Rummage Sale

Saturday, March 16 – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church 768 Charlton Road, Charlton. Need to make some space, get rid of things you don’t use?  Put up your items for sale to become somebody else’s treasure.  Rent a table and space for $15.  For information or to make a reservation call 518-399-2871 or email:  office@charltonfreehold.org 

Spring Craft Fair  

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club is holding a wonderful Spring Craft Fair on Saturday, March 16 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Lodge on Elks Lane off Maple Avenue in Saratoga.  This Craft Fair benefits NYS Alzheimer’s Association.  Admission is free and parking is excellent.  An 8 x 6 foot space with an 8ft. table and 2 chairs is $40.    For information email Debbie at dozolins@nycap.rr.com  or call 518-885-6506 and leave your email address.  Applications are also available in the lobby of the Elks Club. 

Slow Pitch Co-Ed or Men’s Softball 

Registration is Thursday, March 28, 6 – 9 p.m. at the End Zone Sports Bar in Saratoga Springs. Cost is $825 per team. Checks payable to Just For Fun Sports (Venmo or PayPal also). Fee covers team entrance fee for all field fees, softballs, scorebooks, and line up cards, plus other league expenses. Umpire fees are an additional $28 per team/per game. Co-Ed Leagues are either Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Sundays. Men’s League is on Mondays. The 2024 summer league start date is Monday, April 29 – Thursday May 2. For more information, please contact saratogasoftballleague@gmail.com or www.leaguelineup.com/saratogacoed. 

February 23 – 29, 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, February 23

Fish Fry Friday ?

Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club, 123 State Route 32, Schuylerville | 4 – 7 p.m. 

Every Friday through March 29. Menu: All dinners are served with coleslaw and sauce also your choice of fries or onion rings: fish fry, chicken tenders, clam strips, popcorn shrimp, coconut shrimp w/special dipping sauce, buffalo shrimp. Extras: all previous items plus jalapeno poppers, mozzarella sticks, fried mushrooms, bowl of chowder or quart of chowder, red (Manhattan) or white (New England). Beverages are available. Eat in at our club or call ahead for take-out 518-695-3917. All are welcome.

Lenten Fish Fry ?

Knights of Columbus,
50 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs

5 – 7 p.m. | Advance call-in orders Wednesday – Friday, noon until 3 p.m. Menu: Fried or baked haddock $15, fried clam strips $12. Each dinner includes French fries, coleslaw, tartar sauce, or cocktail sauce. Macaroni and cheese $5, New England clam chowder (pint $7, quart $13), single orders of French fries $3, dessert $2. Call to place your order 518-584-8547. Every Friday through March 29. 

Chili Dinner Fundraiser ?

Gansevoort Volunteer Fire Department, 1870 Rt. 32N, Gansevoort | 6 p.m. 

Hosted by The Friends of Moreau Lake.  Guest Speaker will be Nancy Kimball and her Kestrel.  Nancy is a Wildlife Rehabilitator and founding member of North Country Wild Care.   This year we’re adding something new – you will get to vote on your favorite chili so all chili chefs out there -bring it on.  Donation: $10/member; $12/non-member; kids 10 and under free. RSVP required by calling the park office 518-793-0511. Volunteers needed- chili chefs needed! (bring in slow cookers), also sides, desserts.  Call the office to sign-up 518-793-0511.  Please check our website for more information: friendsofmoreaulake.org

Basket Raffle ?

Ballston Spa Elks Lodge #2619, 10 Hamilton St., Ballston Spa

The Elks Lodge will hold a Basket Raffle, February 23-25. Tickets are 1 sheet of 25; $10, 3 sheets: $25 or 5 sheets: $40. Pre Sales: Friday, February 23, 4 – 7 p.m., Saturday, February 24, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sunday February 25, 9 a.m. – Noon, with the drawing to begin at 1 p.m. Food will be available. For further info email vickibrownpddger@gmail.com or dinners2619@gmail.com. All are welcome.

Family Owl Prowl ?

Wilton Wildlife Preserve,
80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 5 – 6 p.m. 

Join us for a nighttime hike to look and listen for owls. Learn about their amazing adaptations that make them fantastic nighttime predators. Group sizes are limited. This program is intended for ages 5 and up. There will be walking with snowshoes, weather permitting, free snowshoe rentals will be available 15 minutes prior to the program provided by a grant from the Common Roots Foundation. Call the library to register at 518-584-7860 ext. 303. 

Saturday, February 24

American Legion Adirondack Post 70 Monthly Meeting 

34 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. 

Moonlight Hike ?

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton

5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Are you interested in seeing the Preserve at night? View nature in a new light, as we walk the trails on snowshoes in the moonlight. An unforgettable experience for all ages. Free snowshoe rentals will be available 15 minutes prior to the program provided by a grant from the Common Roots Foundation. Registration is required at least one business day in advance. Visit www.wiltonpreserve.org or call the office at 518-450-0321, or email info@wiltonpreserve.org. 

Sunday, February 25

Breakfast Buffet ?

ITAM Post #35, 247 Grand Avenue, Saratoga Springs

8 – 11 a.m. | Eggs to order, bacon, pancakes, etc. $10 Adults, $9 Seniors, $5 Children (10 and under), Children under 5 are free, $12 takeout orders.

Monthly Indoor Craft and Garage Sale ?

Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club,
1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs

11 a.m.-3 p.m. | The popular Elks Ladies Auxiliary Indoor Craft and Garage Sale. Admission is free. Over 40 vendors, great parking, crafts galore, and lunch. Necklace sets, earrings, body lotions, clothing, as well as household items, knitted, NASCAR, and hand-made items, food treats, antiques and vintage items, food treats and just about anything you can imagine.  New vendors sign-up every month.  A fun activity the entire family enjoys.  All proceeds go to local charities.   8’ table and chairs $15; Call Debbie at 518-885-6506 or email dozolins@nycap.rr.com for information or to sign up for a table(s).

Monday, February 26

The Thymly Herb Garden Group – Monthly Meeting 

4-H Training Center,
556 Middleline Rd., Ballston Spa

9:45 a.m. – Noon | If the Ballston Spa School District has a delay or closes that day, then we will not meet.  There will be a short herb of the month presentation by a member.  Guest speaker is David Waite, a nature and fine arts photographer.  His presentation is titled, “Exploring the Wilderness by Water and Trail”.  Light refreshments and a meeting will follow.  Dues for the year are $20. First time attendance is free.   New members are always welcome. Please RSVP with questions or let us know you will be joining us. thymlyherbmail@gmail.com

Women and the Making of Torah

Tang Teaching Museum, 815 N Broadway, Saratoga Springs

5:30 p.m. | A Perlow lecture by soferet (Hebrew scribe) and artist Rabbi Linda Motzkin on women’s involvement in the Jewish scribal tradition and the process of Torah production. Refreshments will be provided. Free and open to the public. More details can be found at www.skidmore.edu/perlow/

Urban Renewal: Through the Eyes of a Child

Zoom Program | 7 p.m. 

Joy King, whose family has resided in Saratoga Springs for seven generations, will share her and her family’s memories of this devastating time, the lasting impact that this program had on the people who lived there, and the buildings that were lost. In addition, there will be a screening of the documentary “Erasing Spaces and Faces: The Legacy of Urban Renewal in Saratoga Springs, followed by a conversation about the current initiatives that local organizations, artists, and community members are taking to foster social change. Suggested donation of $10 or more. To register visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call 518-587-5030.  Zoom link will be emailed.

Tuesday, February 27

Windows into Waldorf

Waldorf School, 62 York Ave., Saratoga Springs | 9:15 – 10 a.m. 

Learn more about the history of our building, how Waldorf started here in Saratoga Springs, and how our grade teachers connect the dots with the children they teach every day, every week, and every year here at the Lower School. Come learn the many ways Waldorf is a unique educational journey for all our students. A few of our classes will give presentations, we will have our student’s main lesson books on display and we will have refreshments and end with a tour of the building for anyone who is interested. 

After the Fire Monthly Meeting

Eagle Matt Lee Firehouse, Washington St., Ballston Spa

7 p.m. | After the Fire is a non-profit organization that helps Saratoga County Residents who have suffered a loss due to fire.  Families are provided with gift cards, a night’s stay at a participating hotel/motel, Red Cross referral, informational material, emotional support. etc.  Anyone interested in learning more about After the Fire, or becoming a member, may attend a meeting, visit us on Facebook at www.afterthefire.org, or leave a message on voicemail at 518-435-4571.

Wednesday, February 28

Book to Movie: Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Clifton Park – Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park

1 p.m. | Sparks fly when spirited Elizabeth Bennet meets single, rich, and proud Mr. Darcy. But Mr. Darcy reluctantly finds himself falling in love with a woman beneath his class. Can each overcome their own pride and prejudice? Based on the classic Jane Austen novel of the same name. Rated PG; 127 minutes. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Historian Tea Talks 

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave. Ballston Spa | 3 p.m.

By popular demand, we are inviting friends again to join us for tea and cookies, while listening to informal and interesting talks by local historians. Lynda Bryan (Halfmoon Town Historian) – “Vintage Dresses Through the Years” (104 years of fashion worn by the same family from 1869 to 1970s) A donation of $5 is suggested, online or at the door. To register, visit brooksidemuseum.org

Roast Pork 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: roast pork, mashed potatoes, vegetable, stuffing, applesauce, gravy, and roll, tossed salad. Cost is $15 per dinner. Cash only.

Art and the Sacred

Tang Teaching Museum, 815 N Broadway, Saratoga Springs 5:30 p.m. | Artist and Rabbi Linda Motzkin will discuss how she repurposes pieces of her handmade deerskin parchment that are unsuitable for Torah production to create Hebrew calligraphic artwork drawn from Jewish sacred texts, and the specific process of making the works on display. Refreshments will be provided. More details can be found atskidmore.edu/perlow/

Photography Club Meeting

Galway Public Library Community Room, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 p.m. Wildlife Photographer Jeff Nadler will present his video Wild Adirondack Journey, a multimedia show that includes birds, moose, black bear, otter, and other animals with majestic views of the Adirondack forest. After Jeff, Jim Witte will share how to safely view and photograph the upcoming eclipse and we will view the submissions to our February photo challenge. The Photo Challenge for March will be “Fire & Ice.” Anyone interested in photography regardless of their experience level is encouraged to attend these relaxed and friendly gatherings. For more information contact: Dave Waite at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com

Thursday, February 29

Book Launch: “The Grief Experience” 

Palette Saratoga, 480 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7 p.m. Meet 12 out of the 25 authors of the bestselling book “The Grief Experience: Tools for Acceptance, Resilience and Connection” for their book launch party. Guests will enjoy refreshments, engage in conversation, enter to win free giveaways, and have the chance to have books signed by the authors.

Racing Museum Offering Scholarship

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is accepting applications for the 2024 Rodion Cantacuzene Scholarship, an annual award recognizing young leaders and volunteers. The $1,000 scholarship will be presented in May to a high school senior from Saratoga County who has demonstrated a record of academic excellence and exemplary service to the community, along with a strong interest in pursuing future studies in history and/or the arts.

Students interested in applying for the scholarship are asked to submit an essay of no more than 750 words detailing their community service and its rewarding aspects. Applicants should also describe how the subjects of art and/or history have influenced their educational pursuits. 

Application forms can be found at school guidance offices or downloaded from the Museum’s website. The application and essay should be submitted to the museum at 191 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866. The materials may also be emailed to mreichel@racingmuseum.net or submitted in person at the Museum during business hours.    

Questions pertaining to the scholarship should be directed to Matt Reichel at mreichel@racingmuseum.net or (518) 584-0400 ext. 118. The entry deadline is April 12.

Mechanicville Student Makes Dean’s List

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Photo provided by Timothy Buchal.

Mechanicville — Timothy Buchal of Mechanicville has been named to the Fall 2023 Dean’s List at Florida Institute of Technology. To be included on the Dean’s List, a student must complete 12 or more graded credits in a semester with a semester grade point average of at least 3.4.