SCHENECTADY — The first national tour of “Ain’t Too Proud – The Life And Times Of The Temptations,” the new Broadway smash hit musical will play Proctors in Schenectady Tuesday, May 23 through Sunday, May 28.
Ain’t Too Proud… follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey that began on the streets of Detroit. With signature dance moves and unmistakable harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts creating 42 Top Ten Hits with 14 reaching number one and being voted the greatest R&B group of all time by Billboard Magazine in 2017.
The rest is history — how they met, the groundbreaking heights they hit, and how personal and political conflicts threatened to tear the group apart as the United States fell into civil unrest. This story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal is set to the beat of the group’s treasured hits, including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” and many more.
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 at proctors.org. Groups of 10 or more can get their tickets by calling 518-382-3884 ext. 139.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Celebrating Fred Astaire’s birthday, who would have been 124 years of age, Fred Astaire Dance Studios (FADS) in Saratoga Springs commemorates Astaire’s legacy by announcing the success of some of their students who participated in the 2023 Fred Astaire Cross Country Dance Championship in Boston, MA last month.
“Our students come from many different backgrounds but are all amazing dancers once their feet hit the floor,” said Grey and Elizabeth Masko, Co-Owners, FADS Saratoga Springs. “We’re so proud to see them earn these rankings on the national level after working so hard in our studio; they performed with such passion.”
Fred Astaire Dance Studios – Saratoga Springs will be celebrating their sixth anniversary of opening with an open house party from 1 – 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 21. Located at 3257 Route 9.
The party will kick off with a champagne toast, followed by general dancing and student/teacher performances. The event will close with a professional show featuring FADS Saratoga Springs Professional Dancers.
The event is free and open to the public. The studio can be reached at 518-587-0300. For more information about Fred Astaire Dance Studios – Saratoga Springs, visit fredastaire.com/saratoga-springs.
ALBANY — The Egg has announced a series of performances and shows to mark its 2023 concert series.
Details of the performances are as follows:
An Evening with Judy Collins – Saturday, July 15. $49.50, $59.50. Over the last half a century, the legendary Judy Collins has thrilled audiences worldwide with her unique blend of interpretive folk songs and contemporary themes – a modern day Renaissance woman who continues to create music of hope and healing that lights up the world. Collins returns to The Egg to perform her greatest hits.
Gaelic Storm – Friday, June 16. $39.50, $34.50. Since their performance in the 1997 feature film “Titanic” catapulted Gaelic Storm to international acclaim, the band has remained one of the world’s foremost Celtic fusion bands.
Aimee Mann – Monday, July 24. $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $34.50. From her work in the 80’s with MTV favorite Til Tuesday and her acclaimed solo discs in the 90s to her Grammy award winning soundtrack to Magnolia in the 2000s, Aimee Mann is one of the most celebrated and insightful singer/songwriters of her generation – not mired in the traditional business of strictly writing love songs, but more prone toward diving into the vast majority of human interactions that almost never get a song written about them. Singer/songwriter Jonathan Coulton opens the show.
Steve Hackett – Tuesday, Oct. 10. $69.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50. Former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett reignites the passion, drama and sheer musical mastery of the band’s classic lineup. This year, Hackett revisits the classic Genesis album Foxtrot which, in 1972, was pivotal in establishing the band as a major force in British rock – as well performing works from his solo career.
Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives – Thursday, Nov. 16. $49.50, $59.50, VIP: $200. Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, and musician Marty Stuart is living, breathing country music history. One of the most eclectic country artists to rise to stardom in the ‘80s – and remaining there to this day,
Tickets are on sale online at www.theegg.org or by telephone at 518-473-1845, or in person at The Egg Box Office Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
On display at Saratoga Arts exhibition space – Leslie Yolen, “Wise Woman,” 2023. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Community Arts Center is moving forward with a revitalization project to further provide a visually vibrant and sonically enhanced experience for creatives of all kinds in the region.
“We have set a robust plan of renovation and revitalization to bring this building and the services offered to meet the demands for top-notch arts and culture in a central hub,” said Saratoga Arts Executive Director Louise Kerr.
During the past three years, the organization engaged in talks with the Department of Public Works and the Office of the Mayor that have resulted in “friendly, and sometimes … spirited discussions,” Kerr said, with a laugh, adding that both city offices have been “incredible partners.”
In 1996, Saratoga Arts signed its first lease with the city for 320 Broadway. Located at the edge of Congress Park, the building had served as the former home of the Saratoga Springs Public Library. By 2000, the organization raised more than a half-million dollars through a capital campaign and invested in the building.
“Dee Sarno transformed the old library into an interdisciplinary arts center,” Kerr said. The funding allowed the specialization of spaces conducive to creating and presenting art across all genres.
Last year, the organization embarked on a fundraising campaign to stabilize and upgrade the entire building with an eye to energy conservation and efficiency. It would replace old redundant ineffective systems, install energy-efficient windows, and address numerous drainage and roofing issues as well as upgrade power and internal wiring systems.
“In November, when we announced that we needed to raise $2 million, Stewart’s Shops and the Dake Family Foundation immediately stepped up,” Kerr said. Earlier this month, Saratoga Arts announced it was awarded a grant totaling $766,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to help support the Saratoga Community Arts Center Revitalization.
“We’re thrilled to have received this grant from the New York Council on the Arts. It helps us get close to closing that gap in funding needed for the major structural, technological and desperately overdue rejuvenation of the community arts center,” Kerr said. “We do have a little bit of a gap still, but incredibly it’s much smaller than I anticipated it to be at this juncture. We’re looking to raise an additional $266,000. But that means that this Phase One of this project will be fully funded.”
Plans call for the reconfigure of classroom spaces at the arts center to provide indoor/outdoor access, specializing some spaces and creating flexibility in others to better serve artists of all genres and skill levels; renovating the gallery spaces to be energy efficient; upgrading the 100+ capacity black box theater to enable a flexible space for performing artists of all levels, film, music, exhibitions, artist talks and lectures.
The action plan for moving into the future includes the potential addition of an exterior patio space adjacent to Congress Park to be used for performances and classes, and the modification of interior classrooms to include a digital creative lab, print shop, rehearsal studio and a recording studio – open to all and providing musicians access to the space on a secure, 24/7 basis.
Currently, Saratoga Arts welcomes more than 30,000 visitors and appreciators of art annually. It hires local artists and teachers who engage over 500 students in all levels of arts education, and hosts over 70 exhibitions and special events allowing more than 700 artists to showcase and sell their work. As a regrant site, it also distributes over $140,000 dollars in direct funding from the New York Council on the Arts to Fulton, Montgomery, and Saratoga Counties.
In all, Saratoga Arts has brought the arts to over 1 million people through its programs and provided performing and visual artists opportunities to earn more than $3 million in art sales and performance fees.
“A round of applause to Saratoga Arts, your transformative project will ensure that our vibrant arts and cultural anchors continue to grow and thrive.” NYSCA Chair Katherine Nicholls said, in a statement. “These capital project grants are an investment from the people of New York to the people of New York and will have positive impact on our communities for many years to come. I congratulate Saratoga Arts and look forward to seeing all that will flourish from this project.”
For more information about Saratoga Arts, visit saratoga-arts.org
A new series is coming to UPH with “Women Aren’t Funny Featuring Erin Harkes.” The first performance is headlined by Erin Harkes herself on June 7, followed by Karen Rontowski on July 12 and Jaye McBride on Aug. 2. All beginning 7:30 p.m
Local former television news anchor Jerry Gretzinger will be taking on the classics of Frank Sinatra in “The Man, the Myth and the Music” 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12. Joined on a few numbers by his singer-wife, Erin, the performance will paint an intimate musical portrait of a performer who was bigger than life.
Live out your teenage dreams in the nostalgic Rainbow Prom 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30. The Great Hall will be transformed into a fun-filled dance hall where anyone can feel proud to express who they are in a safe space. Dress code can vary from a tux to a ballroom dress or casual in a t-shirt or jeans. Age 16+.
UPH is located on Washington Street in Saratoga Springs. 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 at universalpreservationhall.org. Groups of 10 or more can get their tickets by calling 518-382-3884 ext. 139.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs presents a community contra dance at Gavin Park, 10 Lewis Road, Saratoga Springs, from 4-6 p.m. on May 20.
The event features an afternoon dancing and community. Music and dance calling provided by Peter (Davis), Paul (Rosenberg) and George (Wilson) playing fiddle, banjo, clarinet, guitar and more, for dances from the U.S. and many cultures the world around.
Advanced Tickets – $20; Child Tickets (age 3-18) – $5; Tickets at the Door – $25; Children 2 and under are free.
The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs, a preK – grade 8 institution, is committed to fostering the joys of movement, discovery, unlimited imagination, self-confidence and creativity in the Early Childhood years… in every season and all kinds of weather. Visit www.waldorfsaratoga.org to learn more.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Racing City Chorus is inviting men 18 years of age and older, to join them in singing patriotic songs at a number of parades in which they will be participating.
The parades:
Malta – Armed Forces Day Parade, Saturday, May 20, 8:30 a.m. setup.
Waterford – Memorial Day Parade, Wednesday, May 24, 5:30 p.m. setup.
Saratoga Springs – Flag Day Parade, Saturday, June 10, 10:30 a.m. setup.
Clifton Park – Independence Day Parade, Tuesday, July 4, 10:30 a.m. setup.
Schuylerville – Turning Point Parade, Sunday, August 6, 11:30 a.m. setup.
To get more details and register, call 518-504-SING (7464), or e-mail at info@RacingCityChorus.org. Only registered individuals will be allowed to participate.
Rehearsals are held Tuesday. For those unable to attend rehearsal, lyrics will be provided on parade day. Visit RacingCityChorus.org for more details.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Freihofer’s and Saratoga Performing Arts Center have teamed up for a sweepstakes for the 46th Annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival. The lucky grand prize winner will receive a VIP Experience for two, and a one-year supply of bread from Freihofer’s.
The 46th Annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival will be held on Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, featuring 21 musical groups.
The line-up is headlined by Bonnie Raitt, Pat Metheny, Angelique Kidjo, Tower of Power, and Chucho Valdes. Additional artists include: Snarky Puppy, Cory Wong, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Hiromi, Cindy Blackman Santana, Samara Joy, Kurt Rosenwinkel, and Emmet Cohen.
From jazz to roots, funk, blues and beyond, the festival will bring its signature blend of top-notch artists and ensembles, solidifying its place as an international destination and a ‘must-stop’ on the 2023 festival trail.
The grand prize winner of the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival sweepstakes will enjoy the ultimate jazz experience with a VIP package for two that includes two amphitheater tickets for each day of the festival, 2-day access to The Pines Terrace, and a gift pack for two, including festival T-shirts, posters and hats.
Sweepstakes participants can enter at www.SPAC.org/VIPsweepstakes until 5 p.m. on June 9. The sweepstakes is free to enter and open to legal residents of MA/NY/NJ/CT, who are 21 years of age or older at the time of entry. A purchase will not improve your chances of winning.
The grand prize winner will be randomly selected from all eligible entries on or about June 12.. Five runner-up winners will be selected in another random drawing, on or about June 14 and each will receive a pair of 2-day lawn passes to Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival.
SCHENECTADY — Alive Downtowns!, a coalition of 13 downtown historic performance arts centers across Upstate New York, released a statement May 8 regarding the New York State government’s decision to invest $5 million in their local arts organizations.
“It is amazing and heartening to have focused support from our legislators and Governor Hochul to keep the performing arts centers of Upstate New York at the heart of the continuing success of upstate’s downtowns,” said Philip Morris, CEO of Proctors Collaborative.
The 13 theatres include Bardavon 1896 Opera House (Poughkeepsie), Clemens Center (Elmira), Palace Performing Arts Center (Albany), Proctors Collaborative (Schenectady, Albany, Saratoga), The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts (Jamestown), Rochester Broadway Theatre League’s Auditorium Theatre (Rochester), Shea’s Performing Arts Center (Buffalo), The Smith Center for the Arts (Geneva), Stanley Theatre (Utica), State Theatre of Ithaca, Syracuse Area Landmark Theatre, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and Ulster Performing Arts Center (Kingston).
The 13 facilities serve over five million people annually and are cornerstones to the upkeep and improvement of their respective downtowns. Their combined annual economic impact is $900,000,000, according to the statement.
More information about Alive Downtowns! can be found at afairgame.net.
ALBANY — The Egg has announced that Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore (Aug. 24), Hot Tuna (Sept. 20) and Albert Cummings (Oct. 19) will perform as part of its 2023 concert series.
Tickets are currently on sale online at www.theegg.org or by telephone at 518-473-1845, or in person at The Egg Box Office Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Details of the performances are as follows:
Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore with The Guilty Ones and special guests Dead Rock West (Aug. 24, $34.50). Dave Alvin – of the rocking rhythm and roots band The Blasters and Jimmie Dale Gilmore – of the Americana super group The Flatlanders – will be swapping songs, telling stories, and sharing their life experiences on stage with their band The Guilty Ones. Dead Rock West will open the show.
Hot Tuna – Electric – Final Run “Going Fishing” Tour. (Sept. 20, $89.50, $79.50, $69.50, $59.50). Guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady – joined by drummer Justin Guip – celebrate over 50 years leading this legendary blues-rock band performing classic tunes and epic improvisations with this, the final Hot Tuna Electric – “Going Fishing Tour.”
Albert Cummings (Oct. 19, $34.50). New England’s favorite blues man Albert Cummings’ power trio – featuring Scot Sutherland on bass and Warren Grant returns to The Egg bringing a barrage of guitar pyrotechnics –effortlessly shifting from raucous roadhouse raunch to soaring stinging lead lines to subdued stylings as heard on their most recent recording TEN.
