SARATOGA SPRINGS —  Now that the Capital Region has entered Phase 4 of New York Forward, musicians will once again be able to perform to a live audience at the Saratoga Springs concert venue Caffe Lena.

“We’re taking it in baby steps, starting with 25% capacity,” said Caffe Lena Executive Director Sarah Craig in a statement. “Live performance venues were the first to shut down, and they’re the last to reopen. It’s essential for the future of music that we work out a way to open stages safely. Our goal is to meet and surpass the NYS Health Department guidelines.”

The venue’s first regular concert will take place on what would have been the opening night of the New York City Ballet at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. An ensemble from the NYC Ballet Orchestra will perform Franz Schubert’s Trout Quintet. Instead of playing for thousands of people in SPAC’s amphitheater, the five musicians will play for twelve parties at the legendary folk venue, as well as hundreds more online.

“Recognizing that many of our patrons are not in a position to return to public gatherings, we’re becoming a kind of hybrid live-stream and live-audience venue,” explained Craig. “From now on, our headline concerts will be available in real time via Vimeo for a small fee, and our community programs and shows featuring local amateur talent will be streamed on YouTube for free.”

The venue has redesigned their seating for comfort and safety, offering couches for groups of 2, 3 and 4, and tables for two. “Single tickets will not be offered at this time but patrons are welcome to buy any seating unit for themselves or to share with a friend,” explained House Manager Carolyn Shapiro. “It’s not great for the bottomline to have just a quarter of our capacity, but the intimacy and comfort is going to be amazing. It’s really going to be like sitting in Lena’s living room.”

Opening week spans the breadth of the venue’s eclectic programming. Tuesday’s ballet opening will be followed by the monthly Bluegrass Night on July 15, with patrons playing along from their couches as High Peaks Bluegrass Band leads from the stage. The venerable Aztec Two-Step will play on Friday and Saturday, followed by Boston blues sensation Erin Harpe Country Blues Duo on July 19.

“Throughout the shutdown we were able to generate paychecks for musicians and keep the venue afloat by streaming our shows live online. We use three cameras and a professional audio-visual crew. Many have asked if we’ll keep doing it, and the answer is yes. We even launched an online School of Music that is fully enrolled and growing fast. In a way, we’ve outgrown our little listening room and our customers are now spread out across the country,” said Craig. “I guess you’d call it a silver lining.”

Tickets and Information about Caffe Lena’s upcoming schedule are available at: www.caffelena.org.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Congregation Shaara Tfille and The Jewish Community Center of Saratoga Springs will live stream the documentary “They Ain’t Ready for Me,” at 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 12. 

Directed by independent filmmaker Brad Rothschild, “They Ain’t Ready for Me” follows 41-year-old, African American rabbinical student and Mothers Against Senseless Killing (MASK) founder Tamar Manasseh, over a 2-year period of her anti-violence activism and fight against senseless killings on the south side of Chicago.

Manasseh’s daily efforts focus on reducing the relentless gun violence, racial tensions, poverty, homelessness, joblessness, addiction and inequality. Her faith is a catalyst for change as she emphasizes that Judaism’s concept of Tikkun Olam clearly recognizes we must repair the world. 

“They Ain’t Ready For Me” explores the challenges and motivations of a fearless community leader as she works to prevent more people from being killed. 

Open to the entire community, email likebertrand518@gmail.com to obtain the live streaming link. Congregation Shaara Tfille is an egalitarian Conservative congregation that welcomes all Jews, inter-faith families and the LGBTQ community. 

ALBANY — The real-life library-opera house cut in half by the Canadian/American border, zombies and kangaroo ninjas, tales of immigrants and coming-of-age angst, a play in contemporary verse and a chance to make or break the fate of four new plays marks the festivities of theREP’s annual showcase of new works and the first virtual presentation of NEXT ACT! New Play Summit 9, streaming July 13-16. 

The NEXT ACT! New Play Summit seeks to highlight new works that use theatre to address injustices, inequities, and cultural collisions, providing a voice for the unheard and unrepresented. To date, the summit has brought more than 300 theatre professionals (including playwrights, actors and directors) and 4,000+ audience members together for a series of workshops, readings and discussion. 

Headlining this year’s lineup is the winning play, A DISTINCT SOCIETY, by celebrated director & playwright Kareem Fahmy. The play, selected from more than 350 submissions from across the country, is inspired by true stories of Iranian families reunited at the Haskell Free Library & Opera House. The reading of A DISTINCT SOCIETY will air 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 15. 

NEW VOICES: YOUNG PLAYWRIGHT CONTEST will open the Summit 7 p.m. on Monday, July 13 with readings of the top 6 short plays by Capital Region young writers ages 13-18, named winners of theREP’s YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS CONTEST. 

Tuesday, July 14 at 7 p.m., features the winning entry of NEXTGEN: SLAM! a collaborative venture with UAlbany’s FRESH ACTS writing program, featuring works of writers 19-25. 

Thursday, July 16 at 7 p.m., THE FIRST 15 – YOU BE THE JUDGE! features excerpts, read by professional actors, from 4 of the plays that were submitted to Next Act. After the first 15 pages are read, the audience is asked to take the role of the literary manager and vote yes or no to the question “would you like to read the full script?”  An interactive discussion will follow the readings. 

In cooperation with Actor’s Equity Association, all readings in the 2020 Next Act! New Play Summit are part of a fundraiser for theREP’s new work development. No fee is required for viewing, but a donation is recommended to help the theatre continue to develop scripts and produce the world premiere works that have appeared on theREP’s stage over the past 10 years. 

All Next Act! events will air on theREP’s Facebook page, Proctors Collaborative YouTube and Open Stage Media’s On-Demand Channel. More information can be found www.capitalrep.org/next-act/ 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Arts Commission in partnership with Skidmore College invites the community to the second in a series of talks with Saratoga Arts leaders on the state of cultural institutions. 

These leaders will share their upcoming programs for summer and fall both online and in-person, offer resources of support for local artists, and answer questions from those viewing live. These timely conversations will provide you with important insights and information about the city’s vital cultural landscape.

These online conversations will be conducted on Zoom and are free and open to all. Registration is required. Event takes place 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 14. Introduction: Meg Kelly (Mayor, Saratoga Springs), Sue Kessler (Chair, Saratoga Springs Arts Commission). Panelists: Sarah Craig (Executive Director, Caffe Lena), Marcus Kwame Anderson (Gallery Manager, 70 Beekman Street Gallery), Belinda Colon (Director, Spring Street Gallery), Meaghan Golden (Interim Executive Director, Saratoga Arts). 

Register here: skidmore.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3UWTZAbJT4q2A-lki-TQ1Q. A Zoom invitation will follow for all registrants. Moderator: David Howson (Arthur Zankel Executive Director of Arts Administration at Skidmore College).

SARATOGA SPRINGS –  Playable pinball machines celebrating Alice Cooper’s Nightmare Castle, paying tribute to the Rolling Stones, Kiss, Guns N’ Roses and others, and the acoustic guitar upon which The Who’s Pete Townshend composed “Pinball Wizard” will go on exhibit at Universal Preservation Hall this month.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame exhibit “Part of the Machine: Rock & Pinball” opens Sunday, July 26 for a two-month run at UPH, located at 25 Washington St. in Saratoga Springs.   

The interactive exhibit showcases rock-themed, playable pinball machines and combines them with merchandise and artifacts to explore the artistic portrayal of artists and bands. 

UPH, a partner in the Proctors Collaborative, will sell tickets for 90-minute blocks throughout the run. Tickets will be available for admittance at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. each day and hours will be extended to include 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. admittance on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The event concludes on Saturday, Sept. 26. 

Part of the Machine: Rock & Pinball is presented at UPH by Adirondack Trust Company. 

Pinball and rock became inextricably linked, with the Who and the group’s opus ’Tommy,’ which highlighted the skills of the rock opera’s lead character. Pinball was banned until the mid-1970s in most of America’s big cities because it was considered a form of gambling.

On display, along with the classic “Wizard” and “Tommy” pinball machines, is Pete Townshend’s acoustic guitar used to compose “Pinball Wizard” and several other Who songs from the album ‘Tommy.’    

Making its debut as part of the exhibit is Alice Cooper’s newest pinball machine – Alice Cooper’s Nightmare Castle. The classic horror adventure game is narrated by Alice himself and features a number of songs spanning Cooper’s career and a working guillotine set piece. An electric chair stage prop that Cooper used in his 1971 tour across North America and Europe is on display in the exhibit.    

{loadmoduleid 268}

Fans can also view pioneering pinball machines of their favorite musicians such as Captain Fantastic (1976), based on the album by Elton John and his character in Tommy, and Beat Time (1967), one of the oldest rock and roll tables, which capitalizes on Beatlemania, featuring several mop-topped musicians and a drumhead emblazoned with “The Bootles.”    

Other rare and sought-after playable machines in the exhibit pay tribute to the Rolling Stones, Dolly Parton, Guns N’ Roses, Elvis, Metallica, KISS and AC/DC. From Peter Criss of KISS’ drum set to Dolly Parton’s dress that inspired the backglass for the DollyParton pinball machine, fans will find other artifacts on display as they learn more about the popular pinball and rock subculture. 

Hosting the exhibition at UPH has been in the works more than a year as the Saratoga venue sought to develop programming that complimented – rather than competed – with Saratoga’s live entertainment scene in the summer. 

“It wasn’t clear when COVID-19 came along that we could hold the event but now that museums are reopening in the state we are proceeding with our plans,” said Teddy Foster, director at UPH.  

UPH will follow Center for Disease Control and Prevention and New York State safety guidelines in establishing safety protocol for exhibit visitors. Each visitor, staff person and volunteer will be required to bring and wear a face mask and to wear provided gloves while playing the pinball machines. All individuals will also be required to maintain proper social distancing. 

UPH staff will also take and record each individual’s temperature and procure proper tracing information, and sanitize all surfaces including handrails, light switches, elevators, exhibit pieces, restrooms and common surfaces before new groups are admitted. Capacity will be initially limited to 20 guests per time slot and will be re-evaluated regularly. 

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students and are available now at universalpreservationhall.org.    

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A panel discussion featuring local leaders involved in the arts was showcased during a Zoom meeting June 30. 

The discussion was moderated by Ian Berry, Dayton Director of the Tang Teaching Museum at Skidmore College. Berry noted that these are strange times, yet stressed he remains optimistic. “This has prompted us to be better neighbors, to reach out, to share our vulnerabilities,” Berry said. At the museum, staff have worked remotely for the past several months and while the museum building remains closed, a variety of online offerings have been made public. 

The Tang Museum usually welcomes 40,000 visitors per year – about half of those during the summer season. The museum building is being readied for visitors with safety protocols being put in place, and a fall exhibition is being prepared that will feature 100 women artists in a celebration of a women’s right to vote, Berry said. 

Universal Preservation Hall – and the 19th century building it inhabits – underwent a massive multi-million-dollar renovation and staged its grand opening Feb. 27. Sadly, it was forced to cancel all shows less than two weeks later.

“I’m thrilled we were open – it was only 10 days – but a spectacular 10 days it was,” said UPH Director Teddy Foster. The NY Pause “was quite a blow. We worked many years to get the building up and running,” says Foster, adding that no large-scale music shows are anticipated til at least January 2021. An exhibition of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame pinball machines is slated to open in late July. Ticket information regarding the event is coming soon, and the exhibit is anticipated to be on display through the summer. UPH will institute a limited entry of up to 20 at a time for up to 90 minutes, as well as other protocols, such as face coverings, gloves and the taking of visitors’ temperatures. 

Cate Johnson, of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, said the museum hopes to unveil its newly remodeled and renovated Hall of Fame by late summer, and SPAC President and CEO Elizabeth Sobol reported the first of limited-attendance outdoor health and wellness activities gets underway this month. 

The SPAC amphitheater is projected to be dark for the duration of the summer, but other plans are being coordinated for use of the large outdoor space. A $ 9.5 million renovation project of the concession area/ year-round venue has just been completed and will soon be unveiled as well. The annual jazz festival at SPAC – which this year was remodeled as a virtual affair for three nights featuring three local artists and three national artists, garnered 10,000 views during the weekend, Sobol said. For more information regarding the summer plans at SPAC, please see the interview with Sobol, published in last week’s (June 26-July 2) edition of Saratoga TODAY. 

“This is one of our most challenging times in the city’s history. From art classes to museums, from dance recitals to concerts, no cultural institution has gone untouched,” city Mayor Meg Kelly said. The economic impact of COVID on the arts and subsequently the community is large. The economic impact of just SPAC alone to the region is $100 million, Sobol said. 

The forum was sponsored by the Saratoga Springs Arts Commission in partnership with Skidmore College. Part 2 of a State of the Arts panel discussion will be held 4 p.m. on July 14. For details, go to: Saratoga-Springs.org.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Facing challenges surrounding the COVID-19 crisis and resulting space limitations, and social distancing mandates, Saratoga Bridges will not host their annual White Party ‘in person’ at Saratoga National Golf Club on July 11.  Instead, the organization has re-envisioned their fundraiser as The Show Will Go On for ‘The White Party with a Splash of Color’ to assist with unanticipated expenses incurred by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as generating support for their programs.

The transformed online events which will include: An Online Silent Auction from Sept. 17-24; A Live Virtual Celebration on Friday, Sept. 25, and live entertainment featuring magician and artist Steven Brundage, and live music by Gravity.

The auction will include: A hand painted (oil stick) signed postcard (JMB) or “street art” from contemporary artist Jean Michel Basquiat, a new deck from Curtis Lumber and Homes by Malta Development Co., Inc., a one-week stay at Sanibel Island, Florida, Jet Blue tickets, Saratoga National Golf Club foursome with cart, Saratoga Nation Golf Club gift card. 

Saratoga Bridges has been providing the highest level of programs to people with developmental disabilities and their families for more than 60 years by promoting their abilities and achievements in every aspect of community life.  As one of the largest private non-profit organizations in Saratoga County, they have been committed to ensuring that the individuals they serve are able to realize their hopes and dreams as they work, volunteer and socialize while leading full, productive and contributing lives. 

Additionally, note Saratoga Bridges’ 17th Annual J. Michael Fitzgibbons Memorial Golf Classic will be held on Monday, Aug. 31 at the Edison Club, in Rexford. The day will include a scramble format, lunch, complimentary beverages, a Saratoga Bridges quarter-zip pullover, contests and prizes.  Individual golfers are $200 and foursomes are $800. 

For more information, visit: saratogabridges.ejoinme.org/whiteparty.

Contact Kelly Armer at karmer@saratogabridges.org to be a sponsor or support their event.

Alexandra Nowakowski, soprano. Photo provided.

BOLTON LANDING — The Sembrich has launched its second 20/20: Virtual Visionaries presentation titled “Marcella Sembrich and the Role of a Lifetime.” 

The newest installment of The Sembrich’s online offering explores the role of Lucia from Donizetti’s opera Lucia di Lammermoor through commentary, photos, historic recordings, as well as video, and showcases the important part it had in launching Marcella Sembrich’s renowned international career. 

The presentation will feature an exclusive video performance of the Mad Scene from Lucia di Lammermoor sung by soprano Alexandra Nowakowski, winner of the 2017 Sembrich International Voice Competition.

Nowakowski is joined in performance by Adria Foster – principal flutist for the Washington National Opera (WNO), and pianist Robert Ainsley, director of WNO’s Cafritz Young Artist Program. 

This presentation along with other programs in the 20/20: Virtual Visionaries Summer Festival can be found online at TheSembrich.org/online. For more information, visit www.TheSembrich.org. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center and COESA announced this week they will partner to present a series of health and wellness events on the SPAC grounds in the Saratoga Spa State Park.

The events include: Tai Chi classes instructed by Mark Tolstrup of the Tai Chi Center (July 7-28) and Guided Meditation led by Pierre Zimmerman of One Roof Saratoga (July 12-Aug. 30). 

The classes are part of a larger initiative to create opportunities for the community to safely gather. Wellness teachers and their students will be able to meet in person once again in a controlled, socially-distanced way.  All proceeds will go directly to the teachers. 

The Tai Chi and Meditation classes which will begin on July 7 and July 12, respectively, will be held on the SPAC grounds with socially distant marked spaces for each participant. All attendees will enter through the Hall of Springs Gate and will be required to complete a health screening questionnaire. In addition, guests are required to wear a face mask at all times until the classes begin and then immediately after the classes conclude. Class sizes will be limited to a maximum of 25 participants. Restrooms will be available for participants and will be cleaned and sanitized after each use. Online registration must be completed in advance. All proceeds will go directly to the practitioners. 

Full class schedule is as follows: 

Tai Chi Classes at SPAC – Instructed by Mark Tolstrup of the Tai Chi Center.  Beginner Introduction To Tai Chi Class at 10 a.m. or 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, July 7–28.  Participants will learn the basic postures, movements and breath work in addition to the first movements of the Yang style Tai Chi form. These techniques have many benefits for health and wellbeing including flexibility, stress reduction and balance. 

Pre-registration is required 24 hours in advance of class. Cost for the series is $80. Register online at: www.the-taichi-center.com/home.html or email: mark@the-taichi-center.com. 

Meditation Classes at SPAC – Led by Pierre Zimmerman of One Roof Saratoga. Dharma Meditation at 9 a.m. on Sundays, July 12 – Aug. 30. Dharma Meditation includes inspirational topics that support emotional, cognitive, and ethical wishes for wellbeing. This is a sitting meditation for 25 minutes with a silent break allowing people to stretch, followed by a second sitting, introduced by a brief talk. A discussion on the topic and some insights and reflections about the nature and commonality of our basic humanity is shared by attendees. This meditation is open to beginners and/or those who have previously been meditating. 

There is no cost to attend, but a $10 donation per class is suggested. Preregistration is required by Saturday at midnight in advance of the class. Register via email to pzimmie2@cloud.com. 

LAKE GEORGE — In a forward-thinking move and in anticipation of COVID-related infections continuing to drop, The Lake George Arts Project is hoping to open their doors on July 11 with a solo o exhibition of Jenny Kemp – Recent Work.

The exhibition, which is scheduled to run July 11 through Aug. 14, features Kemp’s vibrant abstract paintings, drawings and animations that reflect phenomena of the natural world. Biomorphic forms are created through hand-painted parallel lines that weave through space.

Gallery Hours: Wednesdays – Fridays from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. Visit www.lakegeorgearts.org for a link to a live Zoom talk with the artist on the day of the opening.

The Courthouse Gallery is located at the side entrance of the Old County Courthouse, corner of Canada and Lower Amherst Streets, Lake George.