SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College announces Tang at Home Studio series for the summer. These online art activities bring the Tang experience into participants’ homes every Sunday from July 18 to Aug. 15 starting at 11 a.m. 

Tang at Home Studio gives kids and their families the chance to explore their creativity, make new things, and share their artwork with peers. Each online session lasts one hour and includes a guided exploration of an artwork, information about the artist, and a hands-on art project led by Sunny Ra, The Laurie M. Tisch Educator for K-12 and Community Programs, with assistance from Skidmore College student interns. 

To ensure a fun sharing environment, registration is required. The live Sunday sessions are best suited for kids ages 5-12 and their adult companions, but everyone is welcome. 

Registration opens on the Tang website on the Monday before each Sunday session. Then you can explore, learn, and prepare materials. On the Sunday from 11 a.m. – noon, we will gather on Zoom to discuss our ideas about the artwork, engage in an art-making activity, and share our creations. For the best experience, log in via computer instead of a mobile device, if possible. This will enhance each participant’s ability to view artwork and videos, and to engage in conversations with one other.

How do I register?

Registration will be available through a link posted on the Tang website at tang.skidmore.edu on Monday for that week’s session. Registration is free. To register, you will be asked for your name, email address, the number of participants, the name or names of your child or children, their ages, and your ZIP code. Once you register, you will receive project instructions, a list of materials, and a link to Sunday’s Zoom meeting. Register early, as space is limited.

Questions? Contact Sunny Ra, The Laurie M. Tisch Educator for K-12 and Community Programs, via email at sra@skidmore.edu.

The schedule begins July 18: Scrolled Stories, exploring artworks by Pakistani American artist Shahzia Sikander and discuss how she combines Indo-Persian manuscript painting with contemporary art practice in a wide range of forms including painting, drawing, animation, and installation. After looking at her works, we will create our own scroll-styled artwork that tells our own unique story.

The museum also has announced the return of in-person Family Saturdays. Each 90-minute session features a close-looking exercise at a work of art, an art-making activity, and a moment to share new creations. These multigenerational events are for children 5 and older with a parent, grandparent, or other guardian. Family Saturdays will run from July 17 through Aug. 14. There will be two sessions each week starting at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. with each session capped at five children with one adult each. Reservations are required. For more information, visit tang.skidmore.edu/calendar/category/17-family-saturdays. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Saratoga Hospital’s 39th Annual Gala will be held Aug. 4 on the grounds of Saratoga Casino Hotel. 

Presented by Julie & Co. Realty, LLC, and Bonacio Construction Inc., the fundraiser supports high-quality, affordable healthcare by benefiting the hospital’s Saratoga Community Health Center.

 The Gala is one of the Capital Region’s largest, most successful charitable events. It is known far and wide for its enticing auction items and creative themes—this year “School Spirit.”

“The 2021 Gala will have a true homecoming feel to show that we are back and better than ever,” Gala Co-chair Julie Bonacio said, in a statement. “We have infused the essence of school spirit throughout our lineup, with a tailgating-themed menu and games, a sports bar tent and décor dripping in Saratoga Hospital’s colors of purple and gold.” Bonacio is co-chairing the event for the fifth time and this year is joined by Co-chair Aimee Dake and longtime Honorary Chair John Hendrickson.

The Gala is a significant source of support for Saratoga Community Health Center, the only facility of its kind in greater Saratoga. The center provides primary care, dental, behavioral health and addiction medicine services to patients, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Demand for care continues to grow, resulting in more than 25,000 patient visits each year.

Gala live auction items include box seats for the Travers Stakes, an exclusive party at Cantina’s new rooftop, vacations to St. John island and Cape Cod, a Lake George getaway, a fantasy sports experience to a major league game or PGA tournament, and much more. Guests and registered bidders can also bid, via mobile devices, on a variety of silent auction items.

The event will be held at the Saratoga Casino soccer fields from 6-9 p.m.; the live auction begins at 7:30 p.m. Reservations cost $175 per person ($125 for those ages 21-35). Auction item details, reservations, mobile bidding registration and additional event information is available at www.saratogahospitalgala.org. For questions, email lgreenaway@saratogahospital.org or call 518-583-8663.

Saratoga Hospital Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Saratoga Hospital, Saratoga County’s leading healthcare provider. The foundation secures, manages and distributes charitable gifts to support the mission of Saratoga Hospital. Over the years, the foundation has raised more than $55 million for Saratoga Hospital programs and facilities, all of which benefit the people of the Saratoga region. For more information, visit www.SaratogaHospitalFoundation.org.   

SCHUYLERVILLE — For the first time in 16 months, Laffer Gallery, located at 98 Broad St. in Schuylerville, will be hosting an opening reception. The event takes place 5-8 p.m. Saturday, July 10, and the featured artist is Wendy Ide Williams. Masks are not required for those fully vaccinated. If you are not vaccinated, masks are required. Go to: www.thelaffergallery.com 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Accessible only by boat, the Saratoga Lake Association and Soul Session Edu-tainment, Inc. presents a community good will concert to take place Sunday, July 11 at 1:30 p.m. at Fish Creek in Saratoga Springs.

Solo and tandem kayak and paddleboat (SUPs) rentals are available through the Kayak Shak. Kayak areas will be marked off as well as boat pass-through lanes.  Safety and social distancing  protocols will be maintained.

The event is weather permitting.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Rochmon Record Club presents No Doubt “Tragic Kingdom,” on Tuesday, July 20 at Caffe Lena. 

The Rochmon Record Club converges Live in Caffe’ Lena (limited Seating) and Virtually via Zoom to listen to, and learn about, No Doubt’s 3rd album “Tragic Kingdom!” Released in 1995, “Tragic Kingdom,” No Doubt’s most successful album, dominated the radio from Late 1995 through most of 1996. Featuring the hit songs “Spiderwebs, “Just a Girl,” Don’t Speak,” “Excuse Me Mr.”, “Sunday Morning” and 9 more. This classic album from the mid 90’s was written and recorded by a band on top of their game and falling apart at the same time. 

The Zoom feed will begin at 6:30 p.m. with an audio stream and chat, the show begins at 7 p.m. with a  live audio and video presentation by Alyssa Vosganian, aka “The Button Pusher.”

A Rochmon Record Club Listening Party is meant to inform and deepen our understanding of the history of the individual performers, songs and the stories that went into the making of this classic album. By listening together, we get to hear the music again for the first time. 

The Rochmon Record Club will be streaming live on Zoom, Pre-Registration is Required. Go to caffelena.org to register for tickets. Zoom attendees will be sent information to access the show after you register.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs Dance Studio Tango Fusion announces that in-person Salsa Classes are back and will be outside for the next couple of months. 

Free class for new students – Monday July 12, at 7:15. New students may try a free Salsa Class held at the Saratoga Springs YMCA at 290 West Ave. No partner or experience needed. Contact info@tangofusiondance.com to reserve a spot. First time students receive a discount when they sign up for classes the first night.

New students are welcome to try a swing class at 6:30 on July 12 or waltz class at 8 p.m.  One free class per student please.

Covid guidelines: Dancers who are fully vaccinated do not have to wear a mask; unvaccinated dancers are required to wear a mask. 

Tango Fusion Dance Company is co-directed by Diane Lachtrupp Martinez and Johnny Martinez.  They are award winning Latin, Tango and Swing dancers and are former owners of Stepping Out Dance Studio in NYC.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Home Made Theater announces open auditions for their September/October production of Almost, Maine, written by John Cariani, and directed by Michael McDermott. These auditions will be held on Monday and Tuesday, July 12-13, at Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. Sign-in is 6:30-7 p.m. and auditions are 7-9 p.m.

The cast consists of two women and two men, ages 20-60. Actors play multiple parts. Depending on audition numbers, a third couple may be added. All ethnicities and gender identities are encouraged to attend.

Almost, Maine is a romantic comedy comprised of nine short plays that explore love and loss in a remote, mythical almost-town called Almost, Maine. The play is bracketed by a discussion between two lovers, Pete and Ginette, who are gradually in the process of revealing their love to each other. 

Auditions will consist of a monologue reading (which will be provided; no memorization required), improvisation, and readings from the script (which will also be provided). Dress comfortably. Bring with you a current photo (cannot be returned) and a list of ALL your commitments, from the date of audition through Oct. 3. Rehearsals will start with a read through on July 19. Regular, in-person rehearsals start Aug. 9. Exact days and times are to be determined based entirely on the cast and crew’s availability (summer vacations and plans can be worked around if known in advance). Rehearsals will be held in an area that is near downtown Albany until Tech Week, beginning on  or about Sept. 19, when the production moves to the performance venue, Saratoga Arts in Saratoga Springs.

Performances are Sept. 24-26 and Oct. 1-3, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

Should you not be able to make the auditions, you may contact the Director as soon as possible to set up on online audition which must be held prior to July 11.

For a detailed flyer with character descriptions and the monologues that will be used, visit Home Made Theater’s website, www.homemadetheater.org. For additional questions, please email or text the Director, Michael McDermott at 518-669-5414 or michael.mcdermott@yahoo.com. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — NYC Ballet Musicians & Friends, under the artistic direction of Luellen Abdoo, begins a new association with Bethesda Episcopal Church, to celebrate the return of the ballet to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center after the 2020 hiatus. 

For more than 20 years, Ms. Abdoo has organized chamber music concerts in Saratoga Springs performed by musicians of the ballet orchestra during their annual residency at SPAC. The invitation to the music making is also extended to musical friends both near and afar.

The 2021 chamber music ensemble features: Luellen Abdoo, violin; Eugene Moye, Associate Principal Cellist of the New York City Ballet Orchestra; and Christopher Oldfather, piano. They will perform the Schubert: Piano Trio in E-flat major, Op. 148 “Nocturne”, the Rachmaninoff: Trio élégiaque No. 1 in G minor for violin, cello and piano, Telemann’s Sonatina No. 1 in A Major for violin, cello and piano, and Schumann’s Three Fantasy Pieces for cello and piano. As a special feature, Tango Sonata for violin and piano by composer Ron Wasserman will be performed. The composer is the Principal Bassist of the New York City Ballet Orchestra.

The one-hour chamber music concert is scheduled for Sunday, July 11 at 4 p.m. at Bethesda Episcopal Church, 26 Washington St., Saratoga Springs. There is a suggested donation of $10 per person. All donations will go directly to the musicians. Reserve your seat at: bethesdachurch.org   Or call: 518-584-5980

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Snider Fashion will host a show July 21 at the Adelphi Hotel to benefit the Saratoga Warhorse Foundation, which helps veterans get their lives back on track after military trauma through working with retired thoroughbreds. 

The event takes place 3-5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 21 at The Atrium in the Adelphi Hotel, 365 Broadway. 

Individual tickets are $150. Space is limited. To inquire about tickets, email satci@stacisnider.com, or call/text 917-588-1979.   

Learn more about Saratoga WarHorse at: saratogawarhorse.org. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Spa City native and longtime member of The Figgs Pete Donnelly released a new 12-track CD last week, titled “The Perpetual Twist.” 

“Is it self-serving to use injustice as a vehicle for songwriting? Do artists have a duty to express beyond themselves a reflection of the world around them?” he asks. “Music at its best is both painfully cathartic and joyously lovable. I can only hope that an inkling of these emotions comes through in this batch of songs. “

For more information or to purchase the CD, go to: www.petedonnellymusic.com.