Seldom Scene, making the scene at Caffe Lena Sept. 1. Photo provided by Christopher Lindsay.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — With a body of work stretching back to 1971 and early collaborations with Emmy Lou Harris, Linda Ronstadt and Jonathan Edwards, Seldom Scene are one of the most recognizable bluegrass bands on the circuit with a non-traditional approach that stretches the genre’s boundaries.
The ensemble will perform two shows at Caffe Lena – at 5 p.m. and at 8 p.m. – on Friday, Sept. 1.
Since forming nearly 50 years ago, The Seldom Scene has brought both freewheeling joy and immaculate musicianship to their inventive take on bluegrass, offering up spirited interpretations of songs from multiple genres: country, rock, and pop with ease and deep familiarity.
On their latest recording, “Changes,” the band sharpens its focus on songs first recorded in the 1960s and early ’70s – rooted in the archetypal storytelling of classic singer-songwriters such as Bob Dylan and Townes Van Zandt.
For tickets and more information, go to: caffelena.org.
Unrecorded Tibetan artist, Situ Panchen VIII Chökyi Jungné (1700-1744) Acting as a Patron, 19th century, distemper on cloth, 29 1/2 x 21 1/4 inches, The Jack Shear Collection of Himalayan Art.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery announces a new exhibition – “Forms of Awakening: Selections from the Jack Shear Collection of Himalayan Art” – will be on view Aug. 19 through Dec. 10.
“Awakening” is a fundamental concept in Buddhist thought. It refers to the event in which one opens their consciousness to true knowledge and freedom. The word “buddha” itself is translated as “the awakened one.” For centuries, Tibetan artists have used paintings, called thangka, sculpture, divination mirrors, and initiation cards, or tsakli, as objects of veneration, guides for meditation, and tools for teaching and learning about awakening. Traditional thangka generally used established imagery, such as the mountains and valleys of Himalaya, sacred architecture, and the bodies of buddhas.
“Forms of Awakening: Selections from the Jack Shear Collection of Himalayan Art,” presents traditional Tibetan objects from the Jack Shear Collection alongside work by contemporary artists of Tibetan heritage in three sections: landscape, architecture, and the body. Together, the work reveals how such objects can transform our perceptions and awaken us to aspects of reality unnoticed in our daily lives.
“Art opens us up to new ideas and ways of thinking, and seeing an object in a new context can elicit new meanings and inspire new teaching,” said Dayton Director Ian Berry. “Placing traditional objects alongside fantastic contemporary art by Nyema Droma, Tenzin Phuntsog, and Palden Weinreb is sure to expand our understanding and lead to new paths of study and research.”
A series of public events will be held in conjunction with the exhibition. All events take place at the Tang Teaching Museum, unless otherwise specified. Friday–Saturday, Sept. 22–23: Tibetan Buddhism and Poetry Symposium; Saturday, Oct. 14: Tenzin Choegyal in Concert at the Zankel Music Center, Skidmore College; Thursday, Oct. 19: Dialogue with artist Tenzin Phuntsog; Saturday, Oct. 21: Curators’ Tour with artist Palden Weinreb and Fall Reception; Friday–Saturday, Dec. 1–2: Scholars and Artists Symposium.
The exhibition is curated by Ben Bogin, Associate Professor and Director of the Asian Studies Program, Skidmore College, with Rachel Seligman, Malloy Curator, Tang Museum, and Ariana Maki, Associate Director of the Tibet Center and Bhutan Initiative at the University of Virginia.
For more information, call the Tang Visitor Services Desk at 518-580-8080 or visit https://tang.skidmore.edu.
Royal Brown, opening reception Aug. 26 at Spring Street gallery.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Spring Street Gallery, 110 Spring St. in Saratoga Springs, welcomes artist, shaman and mystic Royal Brown, with an opening reception 5-7 p.m. on Aug. 26.
Brown shares intimate spiritual creations born from life experience, meditation, creativity, engineering and mechanical skills. His focus is to bring about a new way of seeing that is normal and projected to be perceived as supernatural in “The Evidence of Things Unseen.”
Brown’s spiritual and creative journey will also be featured in these upcoming programs: Artist talk, Sept. 17 from 3-4 p.m.; Discussion with special guest speaker Awo Onianya Aikulola (Miki Conn), Living with Orisha: Walking the Path of African Spirituality, Sept. 30, noon – 1 p.m.; art workshop, Ships from Found Objects, provided by Black Dimensions in Art (BDA), Oct. 14, noon – 2 p.m.
Brown is a Wiccan practitioner earning the grade of first-degree. He is a devotee of the Yoruba tradition of Ifa, quantum physics, and Kabbalah. Brown, or Ifarinmoade was initiated as a Babalawo, or priest of the shamanistic Yoruba tradition of Ifa, and holds LCSW and practices as a licensed clinical social worker. His artwork originates from these artistic, psychological and spiritual explorations.
A portion of the sales of this exhibition will benefit Black Dimensions in Art (BDA). For more information visit: springstreetgallerysaratoga.org.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 2023 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course is underway and will continue through Monday, Sept. 4. 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.
Week 6 Stake Races
*Mondays and Tuesdays = Dark Days. No racing.
Saratoga Live presents daily coverage of the summer meet at Saratoga Race Course on FOX Sports. For the complete Saratoga Live broadcast schedule, and additional programming information, visit NYRA.com/SaratogaLive.
Gates open at 7 a.m.; Special first post time of 11:40 a.m.
Premium Giveaways
Friday, August 18 BUCKET HAT
The third giveaway of the season is a 100% cotton white bucket hat featuring the traditional red Saratoga logo.
Lustgarten Day
Saturday, August 19
Lustgarten Day honors the legacy of longtime NYRA trainer Dominic Galluscio with a day to support the Lustgarten Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to advance scientific and medical research related to pancreatic cancer. Many of the sport’s most prominent trainers will sign autographs for fans at the Jockey Silks Porch from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. with suggested donations to benefit the Lustgarten Foundation.
Military Appreciation Day
Thursday, August 24
Military Appreciation Day pays tribute to active military members and veterans in appreciation of their sacrifice and service to our nation with free general admission (proper ID required). All veterans and active-duty military will be honored with a special ceremony in the Winner’s Circle. The West Point Parachute Team, Color Guard and Band will perform.
Berkshire Bank Family Sundays
Every Sunday
The popular family-friendly weekly event features a wide variety of free activities, games, attractions and educational experiences from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Berkshire Bank Family Zone, located inside Gate A near the Saratoga Race Course Box Office.
Community Outreach Booth
As part of NYRA’s season-long commitment to spreading awareness of local non-profits, NYRA will again host one organization each day in the Community Outreach Booth, located adjacent to the Jockey Silks Room, inside Gate B.
Friday, August 18: CAPTAIN Community Human Services
Saturday, August 19: Lustgarten Foundation
Sunday, August 20: Disabled American Veterans – Albany Chapter
Wednesday, August 23: LifeWorks Community Action
Thursday, August 24: Albany VA Hospital
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 18: The Reese Fulmer Band
Saturday, August 19: The Alex Torres Latin Orchestra
Sunday, August 20: The Bluz House Rockers
Wednesday, August 23: Doc Scanlon
Thursday, August 24: Party of Three
Breakfast at Saratoga
Breakfast at Saratoga welcomes guests to enjoy a morning buffet at The Porch with a view of the thoroughbreds training on the main track. Breakfast is available every live racing day from 7 to 9:30 a.m., excluding Travers Day and Labor Day.
Fans can also go behind the scenes with a free, guided backstretch tram tour, driven by CDTA. Tram tours run from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and depart from the clubhouse entrance approximately every 15 minutes. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are 45 minutes in length. Tours are available every live racing day with the exception of Travers Day and Labor Day.
SARATOGA Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tours
Every Wednesday – Friday
Expanded for its second year, NYRA is continuing the Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour. Tours this year will be offered Wednesday through Friday throughout the meet. Wednesday tours will travel to Song Hill Thoroughbreds, while Thursday and Friday tours will visit Old Tavern Farm.
Guests will enjoy a buffet breakfast at Saratoga Race Course before taking a CDTA trolley to the designated farm, where they will participate in a 60- to 90-minute guided walking tour of a working thoroughbred breeding farm. Admission to the races in the afternoon is included in the package. Tickets, which are $85 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under, must be reserved in advance at NYRA.com.
Taste NY Pavilion
every Thursday – Sunday
New York-made food and beverages will be available for sample and purchase at the Taste NY Pavilion, located inside Gate A at the Top of the Stretch, where fans can enjoy New York craft beer, cider, wine, spirits, cheese, chocolate and gelato. This year marks a decade since the launch of the Taste NY program.
SARATOGA LOW ROLLER CONTEST
Every Thursday And Sunday
Horseplayers can enjoy the Saratoga Low Roller Contest held exclusively on-track every Thursday and Sunday at Saratoga Race Course. Fans can pre-register on contest days outside the Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar. There is a $40 buy-in, of which $30 will go to the player’s bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. The winner will receive a Saratoga Low Roller championship T-shirt in addition to the cash prize.
HANDICAPPING SEMINAR AND MEET-AND-GREET
Every Sunday
Spend a Sunday at the races learning betting strategies and tips from expert handicappers in the Spa’s newest hospitality venue, the climate-controlled Paddock Suite. Guests will also be treated to a meet-and-greet with Saratoga Race Course’s rotating cast of on-track talent. Tickets can be purchased through Fevo.
SUNDAY BRUNCH AT THE RAIL OF THE 1863 CLUB
Every Sunday
Fans are invited to enjoy a brunch buffet while experiencing The Rail at the 1863 Club, the first-floor banquet space at the 1863 Club. Tickets start at $100 and include admission, a table seat for the day, brunch buffet, soft drinks, two mimosa or Bloody Mary drink tickets per person, Post Parade program book, tax and gratuity. Reservations are available by calling the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX or online at Ticketmaster.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —With approximately 185 members throughout the Capital Region, the Saratoga Lake Sailing Club is running a sailing program for STRIDE Adaptive Sports for individuals with disabilities.
Every Monday evening in August, students learn the basic principles of sailing including: boating safety, points of sail, sailboat handling, sail trim and racing strategies. Participants learn to sail both through classroom instruction and on the water. Weather permitting, they complete the program with a mini-regatta.
According to Mary Kate McCarty, Board Publicity Chair, “It’s very rewarding for instructors and students alike, and the local community is very supportive of our program.”
The club was founded in 1957, and has a strong emphasis on sailing, racing, and sailing instruction. For more information about the Saratoga Lake Sailing Club, visit sailsaratoga.org.
Performance Industrial Team The Fitzgibbons Team. Photo provided. Performance Industrial Team Stewart’s Shops Team CEO Jane Mastaitis with (left to right:) Keith Wharton, Jeff Sherrin andSteve Mastaitis. Photos provided.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Saratoga Bridges’ 20th Annual J. Michael Fitzgibbons Memorial Golf Classic raised over $60,000 on July 30 at the Edison Club.
The day featured a scramble format, BBQ luncheon, beverages courtesy of DeCrescente Distributing Company, Saratoga Eagle and Hixny, a zip pullover sponsored by Performance Industrial, Awards Ceremony, MVP Health Care goodie bags filled with items from Adirondack Trust Company/Amsure, DeCrescente Distri-buting Company, Hixny and assorted treats, course contests, and a silent auction.
Prizes were awarded to:
1st Place – Dan Cardella, Mandy D’Andrea, Matt Horton, Diane Jorgeson
2nd Place – Tom Beck, Dave Dannett, Rich Flaherty, Brian Joyce
3rd Place – Jami Burnetter, Aaron Buzzell, Chris Pontiff, Patty Tesch
Men’s Closest to the Pin on Hole #5 – Matt Cummings
Women’s Closest to the Pin on Hole #11 – Diane Jorgensen
Men’s Longest Drive on Hole #18 – Jack Kelleher
Women’s Longest Drive on Hole #6 – Diane Jorgensen
Saratoga Bridges hosts this event to keep the J. Michael Fitzgibbons’ memory and spirit alive and are exceedingly grateful for the Fitzgibbons’ family and their friends as their support has ensured that the tournament has grown and continues to raise funds to empower individuals’ lives. Saratoga Bridges’ CEO Jane Mastaitis presented Carol Fitzgibbons with a collage print entitled, “Downtown,” created by collaborative artists for her ongoing help.
A portion of the fundraiser proceeds benefit the J. Michael Fitzgibbons Memorial Scholarship Fund. Annually, one of their staff members is awarded an educational scholarship in Michael’s memory. The scholarship was established to honor their long-time Board Member who passed away unexpectedly in 2005. Saratoga Bridges encourages their staff to seek academic opportunities whereby they can elevate and enrich their own service delivery skills.
For more information on Saratoga Bridges’ fundraising events or to become a sponsor, please contact Pamela Polacsek at ppolacse@saratogabridges.org or 518-587-0723 ext. 1255.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 2023 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course is underway and will continue through Monday, Sept. 4. 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.
Week 5 Stake Races
*Mondays and Tuesdays = Dark Days. No racing.
Saratoga Live presents daily coverage of the summer meet at Saratoga Race Course on FOX Sports. For the complete Saratoga Live broadcast schedule, and additional programming information, visit NYRA.com/SaratogaLive.
Rick Violette (NYB): 3YO, 1 1/16 – Turf, Purse $150,000
Premium Giveaways
Friday, August 11
PERFORMANCE T-SHIRT PRESENTED BY FOX SPORTS
The second giveaway of the season: a red, performance T-shirt, emblazoned with the Saratoga, NYRA Bets and FOX Sports logos. The 100% polyester moisture-wicking material will help Saratoga devotees stay cool all season long.
Adirondack Day
Wednesday, August 16
Presented by the Adirondack Regional Tourism Council, Adirondack Day will include interactive exhibits inside the Taste NY Pavilion highlighting the seven New York counties that comprise the Adirondacks, supplemented by craft beverage tastings, cheese samples, apples, reenactors, live music and more.
SARATOGA Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tours
Every Wednesday – Friday
Expanded for its second year, NYRA is continuing the Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour. Tours this year will be offered Wednesday through Friday throughout the meet. Wednesday tours will travel to Song Hill Thoroughbreds, while Thursday and Friday tours will visit Old Tavern Farm.
Guests will enjoy a buffet breakfast at Saratoga Race Course before taking a CDTA trolley to the designated farm, where they will participate in a 60- to 90-minute guided walking tour of a working thoroughbred breeding farm. Admission to the races in the afternoon is included in the package. Tickets, which are $85 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under, must be reserved in advance at NYRA.com.
NEW YORK Thoroughbred Aftercare Day
Thursday, August 17
Thoroughbred Aftercare Day pays tribute to an array of organizations involved in finding new homes and careers for retired racehorses. The featured race will be the Rick Violette Stakes, named for the late NYTHA President who was a founding member of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA).
Stewart’s Shops Day at the Races
Thursday, August 17
Stewart’s Shops will celebrate its longstanding partnership with Saratoga by providing free ice cream for horse racing fans, while supplies last.
Taste NY Pavilion
every Thursday – Sunday
New York-made food and beverages will be available for sample and purchase at the Taste NY Pavilion, located inside Gate A at the Top of the Stretch, where fans can enjoy New York craft beer, cider, wine, spirits, cheese, chocolate and gelato. This year marks a decade since the launch of the Taste NY program.
SARATOGA LOW ROLLER CONTEST
Every Thursday And Sunday
Horseplayers can enjoy the Saratoga Low Roller Contest held exclusively on-track every Thursday and Sunday at Saratoga Race Course. Fans can pre-register on contest days outside the Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar. There is a $40 buy-in, of which $30 will go to the player’s bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. The winner will receive a Saratoga Low Roller championship T-shirt in addition to the cash prize.
Berkshire Bank Family Sundays
Every Sunday
The popular family-friendly weekly event features a wide variety of free activities, games, attractions and educational experiences from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Berkshire Bank Family Zone, located inside Gate A near the Saratoga Race Course Box Office. For Sunday, Aug. 13, the theme is Sci-Fi Day and will feature a sci-fi DIY craft station, virtual reality space pods, giant games and more.
HANDICAPPING SEMINAR AND MEET-AND-GREET
Every Sunday
Spend a Sunday at the races learning betting strategies and tips from expert handicappers in the Spa’s newest hospitality venue, the climate-controlled Paddock Suite. Guests will also be treated to a meet-and-greet with Saratoga Race Course’s rotating cast of on-track talent. Tickets can be purchased through Fevo.
SUNDAY BRUNCH AT THE RAIL OF THE 1863 CLUB
Every Sunday
Fans are invited to enjoy a brunch buffet while experiencing The Rail at the 1863 Club, the first-floor banquet space at the 1863 Club. Tickets start at $100 and include admission, a table seat for the day, brunch buffet, soft drinks, two mimosa or Bloody Mary drink tickets per person, Post Parade program book, tax and gratuity. Reservations are available by calling the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX or online at Ticketmaster.com.
Community Outreach Booth
As part of NYRA’s season-long commitment to spreading awareness of local non-profits, NYRA will again host one organization each day in the Community Outreach Booth, located adjacent to the Jockey Silks Room, inside Gate B.
Friday, August 11: School of Music at Caffe Lena
Saturday, August 12: Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
Sunday, August 13: Disabled American Veterans – Troy Chapter
Wednesday, August 16: Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation
Thursday, August 17: TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program/TAKE THE LEAD
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 11: The McKrells
Saturday, August 12: IMI
Sunday, August 13: The Switch
Wednesday, August 16: The Franklin Micare Band
Thursday, August 17: Steve Candlen Jazz Quartet
Breakfast at Saratoga
Breakfast at Saratoga welcomes guests to enjoy a morning buffet at The Porch with a view of the thoroughbreds training on the main track. Breakfast is available every live racing day from 7 to 9:30 a.m., excluding Travers Day and Labor Day.
Fans can also go behind the scenes with a free, guided backstretch tram tour, driven by CDTA. Tram tours run from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and depart from the clubhouse entrance approximately every 15 minutes. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are 45 minutes in length. Tours are available every live racing day with the exception of Travers Day and Labor Day.
SARASOTA, Fl — Ten middle school kids (6 girls and 4 boys) from Saratoga Rowing Association flew down to Sarasota, Florida to compete in the U15 coxed quad sculling competition at the USRowing Youth Nationals.
The girls U15 coxed quad (four girls, and one female coxswain) came in seventh place overall, after competing in the 2000-meter time trial (4th place), the semi-final (3rd), and the final (7th).
The boys U15 coxed quad (four boys, and one female coxswain) came in third place overall after competing in the 2000-meter time trial (2nd), the semi-final (1st), and the final (3rd).
The kids are all members of the Saratoga Rowing Association (SRA), that trains and races on Fish Creek out of the SRA boathouse. They are coached by Abbie Albright.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors has donated $18,000 to the Saratoga Shredders, covering the cost of bicycles and helmets for elementary school students in grades 2-5 in the Saratoga Springs City School District.
The grant was provided by Tara Gaston and Matthew Veitch, the Saratoga County Supervisors representing the City of Saratoga Springs, a press release states.
“We are thrilled to gift these funds to Saratoga Shredders, who are piloting this exciting new program in our schools,” said Gaston in the release. “As City Supervisors, we aim to help bring equity to Saratoga families. This donation will remove financial and transportation barriers and provide children with access to bicycles at an early age. We are excited to bring bicycles and safe bicycle practices to the youth of Saratoga Springs.”
“We were fortunate that there was funding available to purchase the bikes for the students,” said Veitch in the release. “It’s great that we can help out the Shredders organization, which in the end will benefit the health and well-being of children in our schools. We look forward to hearing about the success of this program from Shredders and the School District as it moves forward.”
The $18,000 donation will cover the cost of 30 bikes, 30 helmets and a skills progression-based PE curriculum for the elementary school kids, according to the release.
Saratoga Shredders is still looking for donations to cover the cost of the trailer that will house and transport this fleet of bikes between the 6 elementary schools, the release states. To become a donor, visit www.saratogashredders.com/bikes-in-schools.
