SARATOGA SPRINGS — Grammy-winning goth-rock group Evanescence unveiled their 2026 world tour plans on Monday, and they’ll stop at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on June 23 alongside Spiritbox and Nova Twins.
Evanescence’s 2003 record “Fallen” is ranked the sixth bestselling album of the 21st century (just behind Lady Gaga’s “The Fame” and ahead of Coldplay’s “A Rush of Blood to the Head”). The album’s hit singles, including “Bring Me to Life,” broke the Top 10 in more than 15 countries and topped Billboard’s Mainstream Top 40 and Alternative Airplay charts. “My Immortal” was a Top 10 hit in over ten countries, including the US, UK, and Australia.
Evanescence joins a rapidly growing 2026 lineup for SPAC. Last week, Motley Crue and Guns N’ Roses were added to the mix.
Photo of the Calidore String Quartet provided by the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) will welcome the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS) back to the Spa City for a 2026 summer residency from July 12 to 26.
Curated by Artistic Directors David Finckel and Wu Han, the season features five programs that traverse a spectrum of chamber music that includes works by Mozart, Marsalis, Dvořák, Beethoven, Barber, Villa-Lobos, and more.
“We are delighted to bring the finest chamber music programs specifically designed for our cherished SPAC audiences performed by some of the greatest musicians from around the world,” said CMS Artistic Directors Finckel and Han. “With music ranging from Mozart to Marsalis, and in celebration of this summer’s 250th anniversary of American independence and musical identity, we are deeply grateful for our enduring partnership with SPAC. We look forward to sharing this remarkable summer with you.”
Guest artists for the 2026 summer residency include Stella Chen, Danbi Um, Matthew Lipman, Sterling Elliott, Evren Ozel, Michael Stephen Brown, Sahun Sam Hong, Orion Weiss, Aaron Boyd, Sean Lee, Lawrence Dutton, Milena Pájaro-Van De Stadt, Mihai Marica, Juho Pohjonen, Demarre McGill, James Austin Smith, Romie De Guise-Langlois, Marc Goldberg, Nathaniel Silberschlag, and the Calidore String Quartet.
All 2026 CMS events will take place in the Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall in Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College while the Spa Little Theater undergoes renovation. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit spac.org.
JULY 12 | Dvořák’s Quintet in A Major
Wu Han, piano
Evren Ozel, piano
Stella Chen, violin
Danbi Um, violin
Matthew Lipman, viola
Sterling Elliott, cello
Mozart: Trio in E major for Piano, Violin, and Cello, K. 542
Ravel: Sonata for Violin and Piano
Gershwin: Three Preludes for Violin and Piano (arr. Heifetz)
Dvořák: Quintet in A major for Piano, Two Violins, Viola, and Cello, Op. 5
JULY 15 | From Haydn to Copland
Michael Stephen Brown, piano
Sahun Sam Hong, piano
Lun Li, violin
James Thompson, viola
Nicholas Canellakis, cello
Ian David Rosenbaum, percussion
Haydn: Trio in C major for Piano, Violin, and Cello, Hob. XV:27
Mendelssohn: Quartet in C minor for Piano, Violin, Viola, and Cello, Op. 1
Brahms: Selected Hungarian Dances for Piano, Four Hands
Bernstein: Three Meditations from Mass for Cello and Piano (1971, arr. 1977)
Copland: El Salón México for Piano and Percussion (arr. Bernstein)
JULY 19 | Burleigh, Dvořák and Beethoven
Orion Weiss, piano
Aaron Boyd, violin
Sean Lee, violin
Lawrence Dutton, viola
Milena Pájaro-Van De Stadt, viola
Mihai Marica, cello
Burleigh: Southland Sketches for Violin and Piano
Dvořák: Trio in G minor for Piano, Violin, and Cello, Op. 26
Beethoven: Quintet in C major for Two Violins, Two Violas, and Cello, Op. 29
JULY 22 | Winds Around the World
Juho Pohjonen, piano
DeMarre McGill, flute
James Austin Smith, oboe
Romie De Guise-Langlois, clarinet
Marc Goldberg, bassoon
Nathaniel Silberschlag, horn
Beethoven: Sonata in F major for Horn and Piano, Op. 17
Barber: Summer Music for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, and Horn, Op. 31
Villa-Lobos: Trio for Oboe, Clarinet, and Bassoon
Taktakishvili: Sonata for Flute and Piano
Jongen: Rhapsody in D minor for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, and Piano, Op. 70
JULY 26 | Calidore String Quartet
Franklin: Quartet No. 2 in F major for Three Violins and Cello
Haydn: Quartet in E-flat major for Strings, Hob. III:38, Op. 33, No. 2, “The Joke”
Mozart: Quartet in B-flat major for Strings, K. 589, “Prussian”
Wolf: Italian Serenade for String Quartet
Marsalis: At the Octoroon Balls for String Quartet
Image provided by the Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet will present its 5th annual production of “The Nutcracker”—featuring over 125 local dancers ages 5 to 18—on Dec. 20 and Dec. 21 at the University at Albany Performing Arts Center.
The show will feature new costumes, props, and choreography. Special guests include Sarah MacGregor and Jethro Paine (courtesy of Boulder Ballet) and Andre Malo Robles as Herr Drosselmeyer.
Tickets are now available at www.ticketleap.events/events/ssyballet/the-nutcracker-2025-1945883007.
All ticket proceeds directly support the Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet, a nonprofit dedicated to providing quality professional dance training to pre-professional students throughout the Saratoga region.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Scenes of deadly demonstrations, dog fights, and collapsed schools provided glimpses of social problems in post-Mao China that underground filmmakers hoped to spotlight.
The images were presented by Paul Pickowicz—a professor of history and Chinese studies at the University of California, San Diego—at Skidmore College on Monday night as part of a lecture designed to “challenge the assumption that all early 21st-century Chinese films were government-produced.”
Pickowicz certainly achieved his objective, showing a wide array of excerpts from independent films produced by non-state filmmakers that explored themes of identity, migration, and protest. Many of these filmmakers aimed to expose government wrongdoing and push back against state-sanctioned narratives.
“In 1953, shortly after the revolution, the Mao state nationalized all filmmaking,” Pickowicz explained in his lecture. “No more private sector filmmaking was allowed after 1953. All films were made by the state, and so only the voice of the state could be heard. That went on for multiple decades. But with the post-Mao reforms, something called independent, non-state films could be made… This began around 1990 and it peaked in the early 2000s… I think it was the high point of this particular moment in the history of Chinese filmmaking. Lots of very remarkable stuff was made.”
Among the topics explored in the films were the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests (known in China simply as “June 4th”), the Sichuan schools corruption scandal, child trafficking, and extreme academic pressure.
Although filmmakers were successful in creating these movies, their work doesn’t exist on official websites or streaming services in China, Pickowicz said. It’s been the task of younger, tech-savvy cinephiles to upload the films to the hidden corners of the internet.
Today, independent Chinese filmmakers still face many obstacles. Last month, according to an NPR report, a New York-based film festival that showcased Chinese filmmakers was abruptly canceled. The festival’s organizer blamed the Chinese government, saying it pressured participating filmmakers to back out of the festival.
But at Skidmore, independent Chinese protest films could be viewed by anyone curious enough to drop by Palamountain Hall.
Pickowicz’s lecture was sponsored by the Central Humanities New York Corridor, as well as Skidmore’s History Department and The Frances Young Tang ‘61 Program in Asian Studies. Like many Skidmore events, it was free and open to the public.
Find Saratoga Dogs: Past to Present on Amazon, at Impressions of Saratoga, and at Revibe Gifts and Wellness. For more information, follow @MeginPotter on Facebook, @MeginPotter53 on Instagram, and visit www.writeress.com
Saratoga Dogs: Past to Present (August 2025) is a timeless collection of Saratoga’s forgotten history featuring the dogs who have shaped our leisure time, laws, and lives in Upstate New York.
Beginning with an exploration into Native American practices and beliefs, this expansive color-illustrated local history book touches on the scientific advancements, military tactics, and new industries that have transformed these animals into the domestic dogs we know today.
Saratoga Dogs shines a light on the inspiring athletes, the vigilant warriors, and the playful pals who have unlocked our admiration, wrath, and love for generations.
Megin’s dogs: Max & Pup
Getting to Know You
As a Saratoga TODAY newspaper and magazine contributor since 2013. I have written about interesting people, spectacular homes, amazing businesses, awesome organizations, beautiful weddings, and YES, even dogs through the years.
In 2023, I began volunteering with The Friends of Fort Hardy Park, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization striving to preserve and promote Fort Hardy Park in Schuylerville, NY. Among its other activities, the group is working to create an accessible multi-use trail spanning the 37.5-acre Fort Hardy Park, leading from the Hudson River to the new Schuylerville Dog Park and Community Garden, an off-leash fenced-in free public space located on the Old Champlain Canal Towpath/Empire State Trail, just off Saratoga Street, next to the Schuylerville Boat Launch.
While embarking on this endeavor, a fascinating story began to unfold around me about our ever-evolving attitudes toward canine companionship in this country.
I spent two years unearthing evidence that proves the dogs of this area have been among our best friends, our bravest heroes, and our most beloved family members. Through eight exclusive interviews and an exploration of more than 120 secondary resources, I examine dogs, their influence on our daily lives, and the impact they’ve had on our notable achievements in Saratoga County and beyond.
Did You Know?
On this journey I heard something you already know, which is that dogs are wonderful companions. What you may not know, however, is how we’ve used the dog’s size, speed, and strength – as well as their fantastic sense of smell – to turn the tides of history in this area. And did you know? Each dog’s nose print, like a human fingerprint, is unique?
From the Pomeranians who swiftly navigated unfamiliar terrain to carry messages across the battlefield; to the Siberian Huskies who raced down Union Avenue in the Saratoga Springs Dog Sled Derbies; to the perky Pocatell, the dog that befriended a thoroughbred racehorse named Seabiscuit, a breakout champion and one of Saratoga’s most beloved underdogs, I share the stories that have shaped us.
Jam-packed with interesting facts, including how dogs became the South Glens Falls and Ballston Spa Central School District mascots; the downtown restaurant named after a dog; and the paw-some parade that has been attracting Boston Terrier owners to the area for more than a decade; in Saratoga Dogs: Past to Present, you will discover true stories of curious, clever, and courageous canines that will remind you of the dogs in your own life and have you asking others, “Did you know…?”
A Portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit the Friends of Fort Hardy Park, Inc. a 501(c)(3) organization creating engaging spaces and activities for all in Schuylerville, NY.
Great news for art lovers everywhere! A new book detailing the monumental work of sculptor John Van Alstine, known worldwide for his masterful pairing of steel and stone, is now available. John Van Alstine American Monuments, Finding New Dimensions, written by Tim Kane and John Van Alstine, covers 18 large-scale sculptures created and installed by Van Alstine in the United States and abroad between1982 and 2022 as well as 18 large projects that were developed but never came to pass.
In addition to his expansive public sculptures, Van Alstine has created more than 800 studio works throughout his storied 50+ year career. His idyllic sculpture park in Wells, which also includes works by world-acclaimed sculptor Caroline Ramersdorfer, is a true gem of the Adirondacks (open to visitors by appointment).
John Van Alstine American Monuments, Finding New Dimensions marks the third collaborative project in which Tim Kane explores the evolution of this remarkable sculptor who lives just an hour north of Saratoga. Beautifully illustrated with nearly 400 photographs, sketches, and plans, this impressive volume will bring joy and inspiration to any art lover on your holiday gift-giving list!
John Van Alstine American Monuments, Finding New Dimensions is available at Amazon and all book sellers (2025; 11x 11 inches, 336 pages; hardcover list price $45); for signed copies, contact the sculptor at john@johnvanalstine.com. To learn more, visit www.johnvanalstine.com.
Phil Bayly’s Novel Celebrating Ski Life…Until Murder Muscles In
Two young men say they witnessed a woman plunge to her death. But the sheriff quickly determines that this was no accident. Did the skier fall from a chairlift high overhead, or was she pushed? And now her husband has vanished.
A ski resort in Colorado is the deadly setting for Phil Bayly’s newest Murder on Skis Mystery…Carpe Ski ’em!
Bayly’s own experience during his decade long stay as a college student (and ski bum!) in Colorado inspired his latest novel. “I’m particularly proud of this book because I found that the site I chose for the fictional Craters Ski Resort has now drawn its own backcountry skiers,” Bayly said. “We were curious about that spot back when I was in college, in the 1970s.”
Other books in Bayly’s award winning Murder on Skis series include A Small Mountain Murder and The Man Who Had 9 Lives. And local skiers and snowboarders will recognize Witch Window, set in Vermont, and Back Dirt which is set near Lake Placid.
Carpe Ski ‘em tells the story of skiers and their ski town, with a little murder and mayhem thrown in. The book includes some of Bayly’s real-life adventures and is available at independent bookstores, Amazon and all popular online sites.
Readers in the Capital Region will remember Bayly from his years on television, at WNYT-Newschannel 13. Bayly was a journalist in television and radio for over four decades, beginning his career on radio in Colorado. He now lives in Upstate New York with his wife.
“Solitude is hard to find these days, and harder still to capture in an image. But that’s just what Award-Winning photographer Russ Hartung does in his photographs of the majestic peaks and intimate views of the Adirondack wilderness. Adirondack Solitude explores the feeling of being on top of a mountain before sunrise and watching the light change over landscapes of unbroken wilderness; the serenity of drifting across a misty lake in a kayak and hearing a loon’s echoing call in the distance; the chorus of enveloping rain from a sudden thunderstorm while on the trail, and the answering symphony of peepers long the shore, heard from the warmth of a tent in the evening.”
The Private Life of a Leading American Political Family… Pulled Entirely from Never-before-Seen Correspondence
“As William H. Seward was Secretary of State under Lincoln (in addition to prior NY state governor and US senator), we are offered an intimate glance at their private and political lives as culled from their voluminous correspondence amid the Civil War, assassination, Underground Railroad, purchase of Alaska (“Seward’s folly”) and many more events historically intertwined with the Sewards, one of the most important political families of the 19th century.
From how holidays are celebrated, to decisions over smallpox vaccinations, everyday life of this influential family is animated and given life here against the backdrop of a turbulent, rapidly changing nation.
The development of the book itself is a remarkable undertaking: 25,000 pages of Seward’s papers uncovered from baskets and trunks, digitized and archived over 12 years by students at the University of Rochester under Slaughter’s guidance, leading to a separate database of every single individual mentioned (including pets) & shining new light on the era.”
Brings Revolutionary Era to Life for Young Readers
Graphic novel by Anne Clothier, Illustrated by Alex Portal
As the nation nears the 250th anniversary of its founding, a powerful new graphic novel is aiming to engage young audiences with the rich, revolutionary history of Saratoga. Overhearing History: A Revolutionary Saratoga Story is the first book in a new series designed to educate and inspire students, families, and history lovers of all ages.
The publication is the product of a partnership between the Campaign for Saratoga 250, Inc., a nonprofit founded in 2023, and the Saratoga 250 Commission, chartered by Saratoga County in 2021 with 13 appointed Commissioners and Chaired by Saratoga County Historian, Lauren Roberts. Together, these organizations are working to educate, promote, and preserve Saratoga’s vital role as “America’s Turning Point” in its War for Independence. The publication is among the multimedia and live event productions being delivered to ensure the Saratoga story is told in relatable, innovative, and accessible ways to appeal to 21st century audiences.
“We believe Saratoga’s contribution to saving America’s fight for independence is as impactful as Philadelphia or Boston,” said Bill Teator, Executive Director of the Campaign for Saratoga 250. “We are excited to publish this book supporting a core educational mission because it gives young people and their families a relatable connection with our history through the eyes of someone their age.”
Anne Clothier
Alex Portal
Written by Anne Clothier and illustrated by Alex Portal, Overhearing History follows Nathaniel, a 12-year-old boy living in the then Saratoga District of the expansive Albany County in 1775. As tensions mount and loyalties divide, readers are introduced to the complexities of war, identity, and survival in a region still uncertain about its role in a coming conflict. The novel addresses themes like justice, freedom, and conflicting allegiances as rumors of war mount, while introducing perspectives often left out of traditional history books—including those of loyalists, enslaved people, women, and Native Americans.
“Coming from a long line of family history keepers and storytellers, I grew up on a first name basis with many of my ancestors, some of whom were from the area that is now Saratoga County in the 1770s,” said Clothier. “I’ve always been curious about their lives and what this area was like over two centuries ago.”
“Upstate New York has some of the richest Revolutionary War history in the country,” said Portal. “I’m exceedingly proud to be a part of bringing that history to new light; particularly during America’s semi quincentennial!”
Staff at Saratoga National Historical Park reviewed it for historical context. Devin Lander, New York State Historian, offers an editorial review on the back cover praising the book for its authenticity and engaging method to spark the interest of children in history.
This title serves as the first installment in a planned series that will take Nathaniel and his community through the critical years of 1776 and 1777, including the legendary Saratoga Campaign.
Overhearing History: A Revolutionary Saratoga Story is available online now in both ebook and paperback editions. All net proceeds support the nonprofit Campaign’s mission to educate, promote, and preserve Saratoga’s revolutionary legacy.
∅Stay updated and see engaging videos, historical commentaries, and live event schedules, including with 18th century re-enactors, by following social media at @Saratoga250 on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, and joining the e-newsletter at Saratoga250.com
“This is more than a history book—it’s a way to reconnect with the founding values of our country and understand them through real human stories,” said Teator.
Read more about the book at saratoga250.com/overhearing-history-a-revolutionary-saratoga-story/
