SARATOGA SPRINGS — Patricia Volk and Benjamin Taylor lead an adventurous conversation on the love of books, the art of memoir—and the secret life of literary titan Philip Roth. 

“Philip Roth Revealed” a virtual cocktail hour takes place Wednesday, Nov. 18 and is part of Yaddo Variations, the artists’ colony national benefit series. 

Benjamin Taylor’s widely acclaimed books include the collected letters of Saul Bellow, an award-winning biography of Marcel Proust, and Here We Are: My Friendship with Philip Roth. 

Patricia Volk is the bestselling author of six volumes of fiction and nonfiction. Naming it a Best Book of the Year, NPR praised Shocked: My Mother, Schiaparelli and Me as “a brilliant and boisterous memoir that breaks new ground.” 

To receive your Zoom invite, register via yaddo.org. Space is limited. Tickets are $25. 

LAKE GEORGE — The Lake George Arts Project’s Courthouse Gallery presents “A Bellyful Of Sawdust,” a solo exhibition of recent work by Steven Rosenzweig. 

The exhibition will be installed in the gallery, and available for the public to view.  In place of an on-site gallery reception, LGAP will host a Live Talk with Steve Rosenzweig at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14. Zoom link to join the discussion:  Zoom Link: us02web.zoom.us/j/85774397697, or visit www.lakegeorgearts.org.

Rosenzweig’s materials include metal, wood, canvas, plastic, and paint. Working spontaneously, these materials are cut, bolted, burned, stretched, melted, or poured into works that are developed with no blueprint or specific plan. The pieces evolve as they are being constructed. Rosenzweig’s process relies in improvisation, essential for invention and discovery, as well as deliberation and precision, needed for constructing 3-D works on and off the wall.

The Courthouse Gallery is located at the side entrance of the Old County Courthouse, corner of Canada and Lower Amherst Streets, Lake George.  Hours during exhibitions are Wednesday through Friday 12 – 5 p.m., Saturday 12 – 4 p.m., and all other times by appointment. Note: Regular Gallery hours may change due to the COVID-19 health emergency.  For updates call 518-668-2616, or email laura@lakegeorgarts.org, or visit www.lakegeorgearts.org

LOS ANGELES — For the first time in 20 years, Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) will not be able to tour during the holiday season. 

To keep its rock holiday tradition alive, TSO will bring a performance into fans’ homes with the world premiere of its first-ever livestream event, “Christmas Eve and Other Stories Live In Concert,” on Fri., Dec. 18.

TSO will be performing an all-new staging of its beloved album “Christmas Eve and Other Stories,” offered as a family-friendly $30 all-in ticket. For fans unable to view the livestream’s debut on Fri., Dec. 18, TSO will make the performance available for streaming on demand through midnight on Sun., Dec. 20. 

In addition to purchasing the stream, fans will have the option to purchase gift packages, including T-shirts, ornaments, and masks, plus livestream tickets can be sent digitally to friends and family as presents. For more details and to purchase tickets and packages, visit www.trans-siberian.com.   

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued the following information regarding steps to take when trick or treating.

Make trick-or-treating safer:

• Avoid direct contact withtrick-or-treaters.
• Give out treats outdoors, if possible.
• Set up a station with individuallybagged treats for kids to take.
• Wash hands before handling treats.
• Wear a mask.

These lower risk activities can be safe alternatives: Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them; Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends; Decorating your house, apartment, or living space; Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance; Having a virtual Halloween costume contest; Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with; Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house-to-house. 

Moderate risk activities: Participating in one-way trick-or-treating where individually wrapped goodie bags are lined up for families to grab and go while continuing to social distance (such as at the end of a driveway or at the edge of a yard); If you are preparing goodie bags, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after preparing the bags; Having a small group, outdoor, open-air costume parade where people are distanced more than 6 feet apart; Attending a costume party held outdoors where protective masks are used and people can remain more than 6 feet apart; Going to an open-air, one-way, walk-through haunted forest where appropriate mask use is enforced, and people can remain more than 6 feet apart; If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised. The greater the distance, the lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus; Visiting pumpkin patches or orchards where people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or picking apples, wearing masks is encouraged or enforced, and people are able to maintain social distancing; Having an outdoor Halloween movie night with local family friends with people spaced at least 6 feet apart; If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised. The greater the distance, the lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus; Lower your risk by following CDC’s recommendations on hosting gatherings or cook-outs.

Higher risk activities. Avoid these higher risk activities to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19: Participating in traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed to children who go door-to-door; Having trunk-or-treat where treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in large parking lots; Attending crowded costume parties held indoors; Going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming; Going on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household; Using alcohol or drugs, which can cloud judgement and increase risky behaviors; Traveling to a rural fall festival that is not in your community if you live in an area with community spread of COVID-19. 

Note: A costume mask (such as for Halloween) is not a substitute for a cloth mask. A costume mask should not be used unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose and doesn’t leave gaps around the face. Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask because it can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.

For more information, go to: CDC.gov. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The seats at Caffe Lena have been empty since March 14. But the venue’s stage has been busy nearly every night as bands play shows for three robotic cameras that stream live to audiences around the world. 

The Sarah B. Foulke Charitable Fund, set up to honor Saratoga Springs attorney and café volunteer Sarah Foulke, supports Saratogians and others by investing in causes she believed in. 

Sarah B. Foulke Fund advisor Suzan Nolan explains, “This is a double-your-gift challenge grant to help Caffè Lena survive the shutdown.  Caffè Lena is a landmark venue. We want to help them evolve their online platform and we’re rooting for them to raise the full $50,000 this month so that we can donate $50,000. Unique cultural institutions such as Caffè Lena make our region special and deserve our help. We hope others who love Caffè Lena and Saratoga Springs will join our effort.”

Caffè Lena is seeking donations from individuals, businesses and musicians. The venue is offering underwriting and sponsorship slots for higher level donors who want their philanthropy recognized. 

“If this pandemic has taught us anything,” emphasized Sarah Craig, Executive Director of Caffe Lena, “it’s that every expression of care, whether it’s a $5 tip, or a $500 donation, or a special comment, they all add up to helping live music survive and grow during this time of extreme challenge.”   

To make a donation to help Caffe Lena reach its $50,000 goal by Oct. 31, visit www.caffelena.org and click on the Sarah B. Foulke Donation Challenge link.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Oct. 12, the venue 9 Maple celebrated its 30th anniversary, albeit it in somewhat muted style due to pandemic precautions. Still, the group expressed its exuberance in virtual fashion with a social media post: 

“To our 9 Maple family: Today we celebrate 30 years of being in business! It is beyond words to try to express the heartache of being closed during this very special day. The concern for the safety of our staff and customers alike, as well as the size of our bar, make for a frustrating combination of reasons that keep our doors closed during the pandemic. 9 Maple has been a safe and comfortable spot for many, for 30(!?!!!) years now; we intend to continue to offer that comfortable, safe place, and when we can assure that it is, we will definitely celebrate these 30 years! Missing all of you very much! Happy Anniversary 9 Maple! We hope to see everyone soon as possible!!”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Arts Board of Directors has announced that Louise Kerr will serve as the new Executive Director of Saratoga Arts. 

Founded in 1986 by and for artists and audiences, Saratoga Arts’ mission is to enrich the region by cultivating a vibrant arts community and by ensuring that the arts are accessible to all. In its 30-plus years, Saratoga Arts has brought the arts to over 1,000,000 people through its programs and provided performing and visual artists opportunities to earn over $3,000,000 in art sales and performance fees. Saratoga Arts is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization that relies on the support of our members, friends and community.

Kerr is working currently with the staff on the first exhibit under her new role, which will take place late Fall. “As the new Executive Director of Saratoga Arts, this is a wonderful opportunity for me to return to what I love best – connecting and nurturing artists across all genres, at all points of their careers and working collaboratively on a local and regional level to promote and sustain the meaningful impact a public arts center can have serving the community,” said Kerr, in a statement. 

Born and raised in Scotland, Kerr comes to Saratoga Arts from The Olana Partnership, The Historic New York State Park and Home of Frederic Church, the famed Hudson River School painter, where she served as the Director of Engagement and Visitor Operations. Prior, she was the Operations Manager for The Betty Cuningham Gallery in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. She brings more than 20 years of diverse business management experience, both in New York and California, to her new post. 

Saratoga Arts is located at 320 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. For more information go to: www.saratoga-arts.org.

LOS ANGELES — The new series of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp will kick off with exclusive events with Alice Cooper – to benefit his charity Solid Rock, and Rock the Socks – at 8 p.m. on Halloween Oct. 31. Roger Daltrey, of The Who (Nov. 14), Joe Elliot of Def Leppard (Nov. 28), and Styx (Dec. 12) will follow.  The sessions, conducted over Zoom, connect with fans with the musicians in a meaningful way, raising funds for a variety of organizations. 

The RRFC – a longtime rock ‘n’ roll institution where students learn from real-life rock stars – presents the new ‘Front Row Live’ series in partnership with Southern California’s Rock Station, 95.5 KLOS-FM. In addition to the interactive tickets where fans can directly speak to the stars, the event may be viewed by fans to watch and submit online questions for $25 dollars. 

With no live music due to COVID-19, RRFC launched an interactive, online Masterclass Series in June, allowing musicians and music enthusiasts alike to learn from and speak with artists from the comfort of their own homes. Unlike typical meet and greets, attendees are able to hang for 60-90 minutes with their favorite stars, hearing intimate stories and asking at least one question directly to the artist. Since its launch, there have been over 100 classes. Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster or at: www.rockcamp.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association’s 19th annual Fall Fest will take on a whole new look this year! Although you won’t see the traditional pumpkin rolling or annual costume parade, the “reimagined” event will feature new activities that extend all weekend long from Friday, October 23 through Sunday, October 25. The event is free and open to the public. The Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association is presenting this year’s Fall Festivities with support from the Saratoga Springs Special Assessment District, the Adirondack Trust Company and Cantina. Media Sponsors include Saratoga Today and Saratoga’s Star Radio. The Fall Festivities Weekend would not be possible without the support and participation of many downtown businesses including Lifestyles of Saratoga, Violet’s of Saratoga, Menges and Curtis, Playbill Travel, Julie & Co. Realty LLC, Spoken Boutique, Roohan Realty, Saratoga Saddlery, Bonacio Construction Inc., O’Connell and Aronowitz, The Adelphi Hotel, and Toga Heritage. In-kind sponsors include The Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs, Sunnyside Gardens and Haunted Saratoga.

The Fall Festivities weekend is a celebration of autumn and Halloween. Downtown store windows will be decorated with festive themes and a variety of businesses will be offering “devilish deals” all weekend long. In addition, families can take part in a self-guided Great Saratoga Pumpkin Hunt and search downtown shops and restaurants for pumpkins decorated with scenes of historic Saratoga Landmarks, painted by local artist Cathi Anne Cameron. If you find all 20 pumpkins (which will be visible from the outdoors) and identify the store or restaurant where you find it, you could win a prize! Participation forms are available in downtown shops and businesses as well as online at saratogaspringsdowntown.com. Forms must be dropped off by 5 p.m. Sunday, October 25 at either Impressions of Saratoga, Caroline + Main or Northshire Bookstore to be entered to win one of three Downtown Saratoga Springs Gift Baskets valued at $200 each. Winners will be notified on Halloween.

Three nights of ghost tales will be told by author of Haunted Saratoga, Joe Haedrich. Haedrich will be LIVE on Facebook on Friday, October 23 at 6:30 p.m., with “A Haunted Adelphi Hotel.” On Saturday, October 24 Haedrich will tell “Ghostly Tales of the Arcade Building” and on Sunday, October 25, Haedrich will spotlight a “Spooky Olde Bryan Inn.” Each night a viewer will be randomly selected to receive a signed copy of Joe Haedrich’s book, Haunted Saratoga! In addition, Upset, the Dark Horse, will be making an appearance downtown sometime throughout the weekend! To top it off, there will be food and drink specials at participating restaurants. For a list of participating restaurants and their offerings, visit saratogaspringsdowntown.com.

This unique Halloween celebration encourages families to share leisurely weekend fun together, enjoying the hospitality of the Saratoga Springs businesses and the great spirit of the community. A full list of events will be available on the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association website at saratogaspringsdowntown.com as well as on Facebook. The Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association reminds you to bring a face covering and “Mask Up!”

The Saratoga Downtown Business Association’s Fall Festivities Weekend is supported by the generosity of Saratoga’s business community. For additional information visit saratogaspringsdowntown.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — iTheatre Saratoga will be releasing two radio dramas with full casts as an alternate route of presenting theatrical creativity in the midst of a pandemic. The two offerings are “A Legend Of Sleepy Hollow,” and “Kunstler.” 

The celebrated historical play, “A Legend Of Sleepy Hollow,” features a consortium of Capital District theatre arts organizations. Broadway and film veteran Jeff McCarthy leads the cast as the legendary Aaron Burr and will be supported by iTheatre Saratoga’s acting company of professionals and Broadway veterans including Tony Award winner Ron Holgate. The ensemble also includes players from a handful of regional companies. It’s an original work written by iTheatre’s artistic director, Mary Jane Hansen, which delves into the back story of how Washington Irving came to write the famous story, with a fair share of regional history, mystery, and the supernatural— a great fit for the Halloween season.

The cast of 25 includes players from Lake George Dinner Theatre, Theatre Voices, The Ghent Playhouse, Sand Lake Arts Center, Contemporary Circus and Immersive Arts Center, The Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY, as well as iTheatre’s core company of local and Broadway veterans. All actors were recorded individually due to pandemic-related safety concerns. 

“Kunstler” is a two-person drama focused on the career of controversial civil rights attorney William Kunstler. iTheatre Saratoga originally produced the play Off-Broadway in NYC and subsequently at Barrington Stage in the Berkshires to enthusiastic audiences a few years ago. The radio drama features Broadway’s Jeff McCarthy as Kunstler and Keona Welch as Kerry.  “Kunstler” deals with many of the social justice issues that are all too current and is a perfect story for election season, according to producers. 

iTheatre Saratoga fully produced the projects with sound design and original music for a true “theatre of the mind” adventure. 

The radio dramas are scheduled to begin releasing before the end of the October via online download and talks are currently being held with stations for a late fall radio broadcast. 

For more information, go to: www.itheatresaratoga.org