SARATOGA SPRINGS — Former Led Zeppelin front man Robert Plant, and American bluegrass fiddler and singer Alison Krauss announced their first tour in 12 years that will take them across the globe and land in Saratoga Springs next June. 

The duo have just released “Raise The Roof” – the long-awaited successor to their 2007 album, “Raising Sand,” produced by T Bone Burnett and featuring a “cosmic collision” of early blues, country deep cuts, revolutionary folk-rock and lost soul music 

The Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Tour kicks off June 1, 2022. The tour’s second date – on June 3 – will be staged at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. A date at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens follows, and the tour will subsequently conclude in Europe in late July. 

Tickets for US dates go on sale at 10 a.m.  on Friday, Dec. 3 via LiveNation.com.  For more information, go to: plantkrauss.lnk.to/RaiseTheRoof. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet presents its first full Nutcracker production featuring 85 Capital Region-area dancers ages 5-18 years old, with special guests Sarah MacGregor, Aram Hengen, and James Alexander. 

Performances will be held on Saturday, Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the University at Albany’s Performing Arts Center. All ticket proceeds directly support the Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet, a nonprofit organization. 

For tickets go to www.eventbrite.com. Ticket prices are $35 general admission; $28 for seniors and students (ages 4 to 18); and free for children under 3. Learn more about Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet at saratogaspringsyouthballet.org. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center announces “Fall Flavor Fusion: A Five-Course Plant-Based Dinner” created by NYC-based chef and founder of Graffiti Earth Jehangir Mehta alongside Head Chef of Yaddo Michael Blake and curator Chef Kim Klopstock of The Lily and the Rose. 

Presented as part of “CulinaryArts@SPAC,” the festive autumn feast will feature plant-based courses juxtaposing temperatures, textures and tastes with flavors from all around the globe. The special event will be held in SPAC’s Nancy DiCresce Room in the new Pines@SPAC facility at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 6 p.m.    

“We knew that we had to bring Chef Mehta back to SPAC following his wonderful appearance at the 2019 Wine & Food Festival. His creative and unique approach to sustainable, plant-based cooking is an important part of the ethos of CulinaryArts@SPAC,” Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center, said in a statement. “We are delighted that he will be back and working with local chef Michael Blake.”

The dinner will feature vegetable-forward dishes that are environmentally conscious with flavors from Chef Jehangir Mehta’s native India and Persian heritage. The exclusive menu will feature “Zero-Waste Papadums” with ingredients gleaned from the farm, a “Harvest Jewels” soup with Saratoga squash, “Smoky Japanese Eggplant Buns,” “Thai-Style Mushroom Curry” using maitake mushrooms foraged in the Adirondacks, and “Steamed Chocolate and Coffee Pudding,” accompanied by wine and beer. 

Hailing from India, Jehangir Mehta was the chef/owner of New York City restaurants Graffiti and Graffiti Earth, (which have closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic), and he plans to launch an online spice shop in their name. He currently operates Me and You for private dining experiences. Mehta is a frequent speaker on sustainability and a council member for “Menus for Change,” an initiative of the Culinary Institute of America, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Google. 

“Fall Flavor Fusion” is part of the Center’s CulinaryArts@SPAC initiative, which launched in the fall of 2020 and features educational classes, workshops, gourmet experiences and more to support local chefs, farmers, and the regional culinary community. 

Tickets to attend are $100 and include the multi-course dinner, open wine and beer, and tax and gratuities. Availability will be limited. All attendees are required to show proof of having completed their COVID-19 vaccination no sooner than 14 days prior to the event. Acceptable forms of proof include vaccination card, a photo of your vaccination card, or the Excelsior Pass. Verification will be required upon entry at the Charlie Gate adjacent to the Hall of Springs entrance. All attendees are encouraged to wear a mask when not eating or drinking. Visit spac.org for more details.    

SARATOGA SPRINGS — First Night Saratoga 2022 has apparently been canceled, according to a Nov. 16 posting by the local internet company Saratoga.com, and direct verbal confirmation at the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. Saratoga Arts, which typically is involved with the New Year’s Eve celebration, replied simply that they “are not involved with the event this year,” although would not offer information beyond that statement.      

First Night Saratoga, which typically brings more than 10,000 people to downtown Saratoga Springs, has been billed as New York’s largest New Year’s Eve event outside of New York City. 

In New York City meanwhile, Times Square NYE 2022 will invite revelers back to Times Square to watch the Ball-Drop in person. The festivities will include performances – the lineup will be announced in December – and broadcast for television and internet audiences.

The annual New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square is a free event open to everyone on a first-come, first-serve basis. The celebration will begin shortly before 6 p.m. on Dec. 31. 

Requirement: Times Square New Year’s Eve organizers will require proof of full vaccination and valid photo identification for all in-person revelers. Persons unable to get vaccinated because of a disability will be required to present proof of a negative COVID PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to the event; and If medically able to tolerate a face-covering, wear a mask for the duration of the event.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Nacre Dance Company presents modern dance pioneer Charles Weidman’s “Christmas Oratorio” at The Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec.  12.

Nacre’s production is based on Charles Weidman’s later version of “Christmas Oratorio”, which opened in New York City in 1961 to wide critical acclaim, and has remained a much-loved classic work of modern dance. 

This historic work tells the story of the Nativity through modern dance.  In this rendition of the work, Weidman focuses on feelings and emotions such as joy, compassion and friendship in this dance of rejoicing.  Dancers move in wonderment and reverence and their hands are raised in exultation.  Sensitive portrayals of biblical figures and Bach’s passionate music combine to make this a moving and unforgettable experience. 

For information on tickets visit www.nacredance.org or call 518-817-3833. Group discount for groups of eight or more.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Proctors Collaborative has announced the next block of upcoming shows at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs.

After a brief opening in Feb. 2020, as with many venues across the country, UPH had to close its doors briefly before opening again during the COVID-19 pandemic as an exhibit hall in July 2020.

“UPH is incredibly unique and adaptable as a year-round cultural center with multiple spaces. Our main performance space is a 700-seat, state-of-the-art theatre in the round and has been designed so that no audience member will be farther than 60 feet from the performer. There’s not a bad seat in the house,” said Teddy Foster, director of UPH, in a statement.

Max Weinberg’s Jukebox – 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21 The Great Hall at UPH, $39.50 – $69.50.

Storm Large: Holiday Ordeal – 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16
The Great Hall at UPH, $37 – $77.

It’s a Jazzy Christmas – 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18.
The Great Hall at UPH, $27.50.

The Bad Plus – 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13.
The Great Hall at UPH, $27 – $43.

Hipster Assassins 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28.
The Great Hall at UPH, $17 – $37.

Bakithi Kumalo & the Graceland Experience – 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5
The Great Hall at UPH, $17 – $37.

Howard Jones Acoustic Trio -7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12.
The Great Hall at UPH, $27 – $67.

The King’s Singers – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17.
The Great Hall at UPH, $23 – $58.

The Seven Wonders – Fleetwood Mac Tribute – 7 p.m. Friday, March 4.
The Great Hall at UPH, $17.50 – $42.50.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo – 7 p.m. Saturday, March 5.
The Great Hall at UPH, $32.50 – $62.50.

Irish Hooley with The Screaming Orphans – 7 p.m. Saturday, March 12.
The Great Hall at UPH, $25.

Spa City Guitar Festival – Friday – Sunday, March 18-20.
The Great Hall at UPH, $32.50.

Top of the World – a Carpenter’s Tribute – 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 26
The Great Hall at UPH, $23 – $57.

Brad Mehldau – 7 p.m. Friday, April 15.
The Great Hall at UPH, $35 – $65.

Journeyman – 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22.
The Great Hall at UPH, $17 – $37. 

All tickets are available by phone at 518-346-6204 or online at universalpreservationhall.org.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Tang Teaching Museum’s Elevator Music series activates the Museum’s central elevator within the Antoine Predock-designed building, and engages artists across the visual and performing arts to create immersive, sound-based installations. 

The 42nd edition features sound and sculptural work by artist Laura Splan, on view from Nov. 20 through April 10, 2022.

Splan’s installation re-envisions the Tang’s elevator as an organism’s cell and its visitors as proteins. The sound work Chaperone and the interactive sculpture Lumen offer a sonic and tactile journey through Integral Molecular, a Philadelphia-based biotech lab where Splan spent several months in spring 2018 as artist-in-residence. In Chaperone, the buzzing of specialized laboratory equipment, chatter of scientists, and countless other unidentifiable, fragmented sounds coalesce and disperse, their arrangement following the structure of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody.

Laura Splan is a transdisciplinary artist working at the intersections of science, technology, and culture. Her research-driven, conceptually based art practice connects hidden artifacts of biotechnology to everyday lives through embodied interactions and sensory engagement using a wide range of media, including experimental materials, digital media, and craft processes. 

Admission to the Tang is free. The Museum is open to the public on Thursdays from noon to 9 pm and Fridays through Sundays from noon to 5 pm. The Museum will be closed Nov. 25-26 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. All visitors must show proof of vaccination and wear masks. For more information, call the Visitors Services Desk at 518-580-8080 or visit tang.skidmore.edu.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The David Cassidy Memorial Legacy Group has announced a scholarship program that largely focuses on area students. 

The DCMLG was formed in Saratoga Springs in 2018. David Cassidy, a popular singer, entertainer and avid horseman owned a home near Saratoga Race Course. He died in November 2017 at the age of 67.   

There are four Scholarships in The David Bruce Cassidy Scholarship Program. The winner of each program will be awarded $250. Funding provided by an anonymous donor. The scholarships are:

The David Bruce Cassidy Thoroughbred Horse Racing Family Scholarship:  Open to high school senior student of a parent or grandparent involved in thoroughbred horse racing. Open to children and grandchildren of trainers, jockeys or any in positions involved in the sport of horse racing in New York. 

The David Bruce Cassidy Memorial Saratoga County Scholarship: Open to a high school senior student in Saratoga County. 

The David Bruce Memorial Theatre and The Arts Scholarship: Open to a high school senior student who is pursuing further education in the theatre, music and the arts in Saratoga County. 

The Dr. Jerry Bilinski Animal Sciences Scholarship: Open to a high school senior furthering education in animal sciences in New York. The scholarship is named for Dr. Jerry Bilinski – a veterinarian, friend of David Cassidy, and medical director of Columbia Greene Humane Society. 

All scholarships are in essay format. 

Each scholarship will require applicants to research Cassidy’s career accomplishments, his philosophy of life, his humanitarianism and dreams for a better world. Research will also include Cassidy’s love for thoroughbred horse racing and the aftercare of thoroughbreds after their racing days are done. The Dr. Jerry Bilinski Scholarship will also require that students research Dr. Jerry Bilinski and his work in veterinary, animal welfare and animal advocacy. 

Deadline for essay entries is April, 2022.  For specific information about the scholarship program, essay requirements and/or the DCMLG, email: DavidCassidyIts4ever@gmail.com, or call 574-340-0415. The group also has a page on Facebook. 

Another project, the David Bruce Cassidy Teaching Compassion to a New Generation campaign, will launch next April. The group will purchase books that focus on compassion and donate them to school and city public libraries. A sticker placed on the inside cover of each and will read: “This book is donated In Memory of David Bruce Cassidy, actor, singer, and humanitarian. He was a man of peace, kindness and compassion.”

Dear David, 

Missing you after 4 long years since your passing. 
Grief remains with me even though I’m told to ‘move on’ with my life. 
Easier said than done as no one lives in my shoes, mind and past memories with you. 
I continue to feel and sense your daily presence, and I know you are aware of my thoughts no matter how small, humorous, serious…spiritual. 
You knew how I felt about you then, and you still do now. 

I love you. 
Shelley

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Jewish Community Arts presents a zoom panel discussion of the documentary “Partisans of Vilna,” produced by Aviva Kempner in 1986, at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 22.

This is the first documentary on the Holocaust to focus on Jewish resistance against the Nazis. Kempner, a law school graduate, became involved with several causes while working for a law firm in Washington, DC, where she met a growing number of documentary filmmakers. 

Partisans of Vilna can be seen on Amazon Prime, On Demand, and other streaming services.  Registration is required for the zoom panel discussion and may be obtained by emailing  sjca.sjcf@gmail.com. Learn more about the Saratoga Jewish Cultural Festival at    saratogajewishculturalfestival.org, saratogasinai.org.