GLENS FALLS — Single tickets are on sale for Adirondack Theatre Festival’s musical season.
The Last Wide Open previews at the Charles R. Wood Theater on June 28, opens on June 29, and runs through July 8.
The season continues July 14 – 16 with Pump Up the Volume, based on the 1990 cult classic starring Christian Slater and penned by Alan Moyle, and concludes with Tuning In – the biggest show in the 29-year-old company’s history, featuring 13 actors and an orchestra of 10.
Set in the early 1960’s, the spirited romp transports us to the Harmony Hill Retirement Community, where stars of Cincinnati’s golden age of radio still perform on nostalgia station WLK. Tuning In previews at the Charles R. Wood Theater on Aug. 3, opens on Aug. 4, and runs through Aug. 9.
Single tickets range from $25 for audience members age 18 and under, to $29 for select preview seats on July 28 and August 3, to $49 with no additional ticketing fees. Tickets may be purchased at www.atfestival.org, or by calling the Wood Theater Box Office at 518-480-4878, or in-person at the Box Office at 207 Glen St.
Malick Sidibé, untitled, 1980, Tang Teaching Museum collection, gift in memory of Claude Simard
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Family Saturday programming at the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College continues May 13 at 2 p.m. with Family Saturday: Decorating Frames.
After viewing photographs in the Tang collection by artist Malick Sidibé, with painted glass frames by Checkna Touré, participants will take Polaroid pictures and create their own decorative frames. See Sidibé’s work in the Tang collection online.
Family Saturdays, which are suitable for children 5 and older accompanied by an adult, aim to foster multigenerational creative cooperation through looking at artwork, discussing it, and engaging in a hands-on art-making activity. The programs run from 2 to 3:30 pm and are free and open to the public. No registration required; supplies provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
The May 13 Family Saturday is the last of the spring season. Future Family Saturdays will be June, July, and August. For more information, visit the Tang website at https://tang.skidmore.edu or contact the Tang Visitors Services Desk at 518-580-8080.
WMHT has launched a new series that explores the history of New York state and the nation during the lifespan of noted landscape painter Thomas Cole.
Albany — WMHT Public Media, a multichannel public communications organization serving Eastern New York and Western New England, announced the launch of its latest multiplatform project, “Reframing an Empire,” which explores the history of New York state and the nation during the lifespan of noted landscape painter Thomas Cole.
Founder of the nation’s first major art movement, now known as the Hudson River School of landscape painting, and subject of the Thomas Cole National Historic Site in Catskill, Cole’s life and work coincide with a pivotal period in American history.
Before Cole’s eyes and on his canvas, the newly formed nation would find a vision of its identity born and its future questioned. American history fixates on 1776 and 1865, but in the period between lies a rich and under-explored territory. Reframing an Empire acknowledges Cole’s paintings as a timeless treasure of the Catskills, and explores the people and context that extends beyond his canvas.
The 10-part digital and on-air series examines the history and significance of New York state between the Revolutionary War and Civil War – a time that saw the abolition of slavery, the active possession of indigenous lands, major events around women’s suffrage, and the construction of engineering feats such as the Erie Canal.
Two episodes of Reframing an Empire are now available online. The first looks at the creation of the American identity, specifically New York: The Empire State; the second delves into Cole’s life, exploring the influences behind his work and the lasting impact of his legacy. Additional episodes will premiere through the spring and summer, both on-air and online.
To watch episodes, and for more information on Reframing an Empire, use the hashtag #ReframinganEmpire and visit wmht.org/reframinganempire.
The vacant Lovejoy building on the Hubbard Hall campus will be activated as artist housing. The historic second floor will be restored as part of the process, with several new bedrooms, bathrooms, and a common kitchen area.
GLENS FALLS — The Hyde Collection, Chapman Museum, and World Awareness Children’s Museum celebrate International Museum Day on Thursday, May 18. This day is meant to celebrate the importance of museums as they preserve the worlds natural and cultural heritage.
Each museum will offer free admission and extended hours. At each location, visitors can pick up their passport to International Museum Day. Collect a stamp in your passport by visiting each location. Once all stamps have been collected, you can enter to win a free Family Membership to one of these three organizations.
At the Chapman Museum, visitors can explore the exhibits and build their own family trees. The Chapman will be open for extended hours until 7 p.m.
At The Hyde, visitors can play Gallery Games. There will be a number of prompts that lead visitors throughout the museum and engage with art and each other.
At the World Awareness Children’s Museum, visitors can curate their own gallery with art from the Museum. Admission to the Museum will be free from 3-8 p.m. Note, free admission does not include registration to events and classes. CAMBRIDGE CAMBRIDGE — Hubbard Hall Center for the Arts and Education has won $279,000 in NY State Council on the Arts funding in support of artist housing and updated sound equipment.
The funds come from NYSCA and Governor Kathy Hochul’s $42 Million investment in Small and Mid-Sized Capital Projects for Arts and Cultural Organizations.
“Strengthening our creative sector increases tourism, boosts our economy, and enhances the rich heritage and cultural life of New York State,” Gov. Hochul said, in a statement. “These record grants will support a wide range of diverse and innovative projects at our arts and cultural organizations across the state, helping ensure all who visit will continue to have wonderful experiences for years to come.”
“In the last two years, with NYSCA’s extraordinary support, we have completed several facilities projects that have greatly improved patrons’ experiences, including new HVAC systems in three of our buildings and new restrooms in Hubbard Hall,” said Executive & Artistic Director David Snider, in a statement. “The addition of artist housing and new sound equipment are critical steps in our growth in serving our community and the field at large. We are so grateful for the Governor’s leadership and NYSCA’s amazing support on these projects. We could not do any of this without them or without the support of our local community. These additions will continue to make Cambridge a destination for artists and audiences.”
The Lovejoy building on the Hubbard Hall campus will be restored and renovated to provide artist housing, while new sound equipment on the main stage will better support artists and audiences for years to come. The $279,000 will be matched by Hubbard Hall existing funds as well as an additional $100K yet to be raised over a three-year period. The hope is to complete the artist housing portion of the project by July 2024, with new sound equipment to be implemented later this year. New artist housing will strengthen Hubbard Hall’s ability to support artist residencies, develop new work, and bring world-class artists to Cambridge, for a variety of presentations and productions.
Hubbard Hall plans to begin work on the artist housing in July. The architect on the project is Geoff Metcalfe of Keefe and Wesner, with engineering provided by Engineering Services of Vermont, LLC.
SARATOGA – During its April meeting, the Towns of Saratoga and Stillwater 250th American Revolution Committee established a schedule of public events and subcommittees to assist in the planning and organization of the events.
The committee unanimously passed three resolutions; The first resolution confirmed the committee’s objectives, and the second determined the events that will take place in 2023, in collaboration with the Saratoga County 250th American Revolution Commission. The events include Women in War Symposium on May 5 & 6, Revolution Along the Hudson River programs on July 25 and Aug. 1, Pathways through History weekend on Oct. 7 & 8, and Surrender Day at Fort Hardy Park in Schuylerville on Oct. 17.
The third resolution established subcommittees to assist in the planning and organization of the events.
The subcommittees are Revolution Along the Hudson, Pathway through History Weekend, Surrender Day commemoration, 2024-2025 commemorations and exhibits, and 2027 Battles Commemorations. The subcommittees shall work in conjunction with the committee and other relevant committees and organizations to ensure the successful execution of their respective events and exhibits.
The committee’s next meeting is 6:30 p.m. June 14, at the Gates Room, Saratoga Town Hall.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Universal Preservation Hall has announced the 2023 slate of officers and a new member for its board of directors. Returning officers include Kathleen Fyfe, chairperson; Beth Fecteau, vice-chairperson; and Rachel Dunn, secretary.
Fyfe, who has been board chair since 2019, is the president of Fyfe Consulting as well as the program director for Leadership Saratoga, a program dedicated to the development of leaders who will serve their communities today and in the future. Fecteau, artistic director of Nacre Dance, has been a performer, dance educator, and arts administrator in the Capital District since 1985. Dunn is a marketing professional and consultant, having founded her own business in 2018.
New as treasurer is Bob Egielski after previously serving on the board since 2016. Egielski, aside from being a contributor to many arts organizations in Saratoga Springs, is also a musician who has performed regularly with other musicians at various venues in and around Saratoga Springs since 2017.
Also new to the board is Carmine DeCrescente. DeCrescente, Vice President of DeCrescente Distributing Company, has been with DDC since 2006 and currently leads all DDC’s service operations and communications for the company.
Fellow board members include Sonny Bonacio, Michelle Borisenok, Robert Coughlin, Evan deJonghe, Rose Durr, Anthony Ianniello, John Karcher, Stephen Kyne, Todd LaRoche, Margaret Mount, Michael Phinney and Jason Tepper.
Ballroom Thieves Perform at Caffe Lena this Month on Intimate Duo Tour
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Indie-folk, husband/wife duo The Ballroom Thieves will perform at Caffe Lena on May 18, in advance of their forthcoming EP, “Undone,” due later this month.
The Ballroom Thieves is Calin Peters and Martin Earley. For the last decade the band has focused on an energetic and dynamic live show that features a powerful quartet. Presently, they’re scaling things back to expose the bones of some of their most well-loved songs on an intimate duo tour.
“This run of more personal shows is built around the conversational nature of songwriting as a way of telling a story,” Earley explains.
The pair both emphasize that they’ve learned to navigate complicated situations, including their struggles with depression, which often colors their songs. If they can impart anything to listeners, it’s that talking about mental health is not a weakness—and that sharing any of life’s trials can be a source of strength.
For more information and tickets, go to: caffelena.org.
ALBANY — The Bacon Brothers have announced their annual summer tour will feature a stop in Albany on Thursday, June 22 at the Hart Theatre at The Egg.
The Bacon Brothers, featuring Michael & Kevin Bacon, started over 25-five years ago and have released 10 albums and an E.P. to date, most recently the 2022 release, “Erato.”
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com/event/00005E92B4FBE596.
SCHENECTADY — The Schenectady Symphony Orchestra (SSO) performs a special Mother’s Day concert on the MainStage at Proctors 3 p.m. Sunday, May 14, featuring Florence Price’s “Ethiopia’s Shadow in America” and the majestic Mahler “Symphony No. 4” with guest soprano Brittany Palmer.
There will be a pre-concert talk with Palmer and Artistic Director/Conductor Glen Cortese 2 p.m. in the Fenimore Gallery before the concert. All are invited to attend.
The performance of the Mahler “Symphony No. 4” is in memory of long-time music director, music director emeritus and conductor of the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra Charles Schneider. Schneider served the symphony for 35 seasons beginning in 1983 and concluded with his farewell performance in October of 2018. This Mahler symphony was one of his favorites which is why it was decided to perform it in his honor.
Tickets are available through the Box Office at Proctors, in person or 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. Tickets are $15-22 and children under 18 are free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.
Fingers across a fretboard – The Park Theatre Foundation presents Live & Local: Songwriters Showcase May 25. Photo provided.
GLENS FALLS — The Park Theater Foundation has announced the following shows in May as part of their 2022/23 season.
‘The Park Presents:’ Jeremy Garrett ft. ShadowGrass (May 11): ‘The Park Presents’ featuring innovative fiddle player, expressive singer, and songwriter in the Grammy award-winning band, The Infamous Stringdusters, Jeremy Garrett, with opening bluegrass band, ShadowGrass. Tickets: Early Bird – $22 | Day Of Show – $25. Doors: 6:30 p.m. | Showtime: 7 p.m.
‘The Park Presents:’ Corner House (May 19): ‘The Park Presents’ featuring Corner House. Currently based out of the Portland, ME area, with roots at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, Corner House has created a singular sound that incorporates old time, Scottish, progressive bluegrass and folk. Tickets: Early Bird – $18 | Day Of Show – $20. Doors: 6:30 p.m. | Showtime: 7 p.m.
May 18: ‘Third Thursday Jazz’ with The Matt Niedbalski Trio featuring pianist, Ian MacDonald. Tickets: $10. Doors: 7 p.m. | Showtime: 7:30 p.m.
May 25: ‘Live & Local: Songwriters’ Showcase’ – an intimate evening featuring some of the Capital Region’s favorite songwriters. Hosted by performer, producer and engineer, Josh Morris, these ‘artist-in-the-round’ performances will give audiences the opportunity to hear local musicians’ songs and the stories behind them. The third Songwriters’ Showcase features Josh Morris, Kyla Silk, Sydney Worthley and more. Tickets: Early Bird – $10 | Day Of Show – $15. Doors: 6:30 p.m. | Showtime: 7 p.m.
May 26: ‘Comedy After Dark’ featuring highly-acclaimed New York City based independent animator, writer and stand-up comedian, Jim Tews. He has performed at several notable comedy festivals including San Francisco Sketchfest and Just For Laughs Montreal, and has appeared on NBC, FX, and more. Tickets: Early Bird – $22 | Day Of Show – $25. Doors: 7:30 p.m. | Showtime: 8 p.m.
May 31: Rochmon Record Club. Hosted by Chuck Vosganian, this listening party will focus on The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Greatest Hits Collection “Smash Hits” (1968). Tickets: $12. Doors: 6:30 p.m. | Showtime: 7 p.m.
For the full performance listing or to purchase tickets, visit www.parktheatergf.com
