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.    

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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. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — AIM Services, Inc. has recreated its annual Croquet On the Green fundraiser. The event – now called Croquet OFF the Green, has been moved to downtown Saratoga Springs to fit Open NY recommendations.

The goal is to safely bring people to Saratoga businesses while raising awareness and funds for AIM Services – provider of services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The event takes place from July 26-Aug. 2, and also celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. 

Anyone over 18 years of age can register to be an AIM Services Croquet OFF the Green player. Thirty participating Saratoga businesses will have croquet wickets on display on their entrance door or front display windows. Inside they will have scorecards and stamps to mark that you visited their store. Patronage at a store with a wicket counts as a croquet score. Every stamp gives the player an entry into the grand prize drawing. There is no limit to the number of stamps a player can receive. 

“We knew that the event had to be drastically different this year and we are thrilled to be working with the Saratoga Chamber and to be helping downtown businesses as well as the people served by AIM,” said Chris Lyons, Executive Director of AIM Services, Inc., in a statement. “We hope that as the players go from store to store to complete their wickets, they support each store and also take the opportunity to support AIM.” 

Each participating business has the option of having a donation box for AIM Services, rounding purchases up to nearest dollar as a donation, or offering a percentage of their sales to go to AIM. Participating businesses are also encouraged to promote the activity through social media and email. 

Participants can register now and view the list of participating Saratoga businesses at AIMServicesInc.org. Players can also register at any of the 30 participating businesses. 

For more information on how to support AIM Services Croquet Off the Green, contact Marissa Romero at mromero@aimservicesinc.org. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Although the Saratoga County Fair Board of Directors made the difficult decision to postpone the traditional county fair until 2021, the show must still go on. To continue to practice social distancing, the Saratoga County Fair will bring the spirit of the county fair directly to you through a virtual fair. Starting July 20, there will be fun posts, contests and events for all to enjoy. The virtual fair will be hosted July 21 to July 26.

Currently, interested individuals can enter the 2020 Saratoga County Fair Queen pageant. The pageant will be completely virtual.  Deadline for entries is Monday, July 6. We will announce the Fair Queen per tradition on our opening day of July 21. For more information please go to saratogacountyfair.org.

For an updated listing of our upcoming schedule of events visit the website or Facebook page for a continuous update. Please invite your family and friends to like our page and stay tuned for all the activities we have planned. 

If you are interested in how you can participate, support or sponsor our virtual fair please call the fair office at 518-885-9701.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs History Museum located in the Canfield Casino in Congress Park will re-open to the public Friday, July 3.  The Museum will be open Fridays through Sundays from 10 to 4 through the month of July, and will then re-evaluate and possibly extend hours.

James Parillo, Museum Director said  “This unprecedented closure took us all by surprise. The pandemic forced us to delay the opening of our new exhibit, The Great Hotels of Saratoga Springs.  I am excited that the public can finally view this visual display that tells the story of the Gilded Age in Saratoga Springs.”

The Museum is following all recommended COVID-19 safety protocols.  Social distancing and the wearing of facemasks are required of staff and visitors.

The History Museum was founded in 1883 and has been located in the Canfield Casino since 1912. Three floors of exhibits tell the story of the city of Saratoga Springs.  An average visit lasts 45 minutes to an hour.  Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for students.  Children under 12 are free.

For more information visit www.saratogahistory.org.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation presents their summer series of historic walking tours, while remaining safe and socially distanced, at 10:30 a.m. every Sunday. The walking tours will cover various neighborhoods throughout the city. The series continues through Sept. 6.

All Sunday morning tours last approximately 90 minutes and require walking and standing on varied terrain. Due to current restrictions in New York State, Summer Strolls will be limited to 20 guests, and tickets must be purchased in advance until otherwise noted. Everyone will be required to wear a mask and social distancing will be encouraged when possible. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. 

UPCOMING PROGRAMS:

Sunday, June 28 
Historic Congress Park & Canfield Casino

Sunday, July 5
Wealth & Wellness: Franklin Square

Sunday, July 12
Broadway In 1874

Sunday, July 19
Historic Fifth & Madison Avenues

Sunday, July 26
The Good Life: North Broadway 

Sunday, Aug. 2
Those Who Left Their Mark on Saratoga. Hear about the people whose stories tell about the buildings, monuments and markers we pass every day. 

Sunday, Aug. 9
Women of Greenridge Cemetery

Sunday, Aug. 16
The Spa Complex, The Core of The Spa State Park

Sunday, Aug. 23
Post Time! Saratoga Race Course Area along Union Ave.

Sunday, Aug. 30
Saratoga’s Historic West Side

Sunday, Sept. 6
Queen Annes, Circular Street & Union Avenue

For information about the tours, meet-up locations or to purchase tickets, visit www.saratogapreservation.org, call 518-587-5030, or email Nicole Babie, membership and programs director, at nbabie@saratogapreservation.org. 

Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that promotes preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.