SARATOGA SPRINGS – On Aug. 1, the public will be able to visit The Arts Center Gallery at Saratoga Arts, which has been closed since mid-March due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The first show presented to the public in its physical form after such a lengthy hiatus was selected in support of Black Lives Matter and racial equity in the arts. 

“We want to provide a platform in this crucial moment in history to celebrate the artistic achievements and lift the voices of Artists of Color in New York’s Capital Region,” reads a statement issued by the organization.

Covid-19 social distancing protocols will be in place. Guests will be required to wear a mask to enter our space. Guests will also be required to sign in and sanitize their hands upon arrival. No public restrooms will be available. 

Note that besides Saturday, Aug. 1 for the first day of the Black + Indigenous ARTISTS of Color Matter! pop up exhibition – which runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – the gallery will be open 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.  Monday-Friday.  The gallery at Saratoga Arts is located at 320 Broadway.

BALLSTON SPA –  In accordance with New York State safety protocols, the Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association will present a series of free summer events this month. 

The Concerts in the Park Series will present concerts on Aug. 6 (Union Fire Company Band), Aug. 13 (The Lustre Kings), Aug. 20 (The Bluebillies) and Aug. 27 (Ballston Spa Community Band). Concerts will be held from 6-8 p.m. outside in Lions Music Park at the historic Iron Spring Park on Front Street. 

The free outdoor Movies in the Park will screen the animated films “Abominable” on Aug. 7 and “Toy Story 4” on Sept. 4. Movies are shown in Wiswall Park on Front Street at dusk (approximately 8:30 p.m.). Rain dates are the following Saturday evening. 

These events are contingent on public gathering restrictions currently in place.  Social distancing measures, face masks and limited capacity in the parks for concert and movie spectators are required and will be followed. Event safety plans are posted on the concert and movie webpages on the BSBPA’s website, Ballston.org. 

The Ballston Spa Farmers’ Market continues to be held Thursdays from 3-6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in Wiswall Park through the end of September. Vendors are properly spaced; masks are required for vendors and customers and social distancing is implemented. 

Hand sanitizer will be available to the public at all events.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Haute Messes in Dresses, launched last year by personal shoppers and stylists Nicole Nicholas and Randi Poillon, is hosting Make Chic Happen. The outdoor fashion show will showcase a collection of wardrobe staples to dress up or dress down any outfit for work or social event. Saratoga boutiques featured include: Lola, Yellow Boutique, Violet’s and Piper. 

Space is limited due to COVID-19 guidelines and regulations. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online at www.hautemessesindresses.com. Price includes admission, a custom designed graphic tee and signature cocktail provided by The Palette Café. Haute Messes in Dresses offers custom graphic pieces for purchase and will be available at its pop-up shop on location. 

The event takes place 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6 at 493 Broadway – The Palette Café – outdoors.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Indie Folk and soul singer-songwriter Leah Woods recognized by NPR as one of  the Top Entries to the 2020 Tiny Desk Contest. 

Woods, who is from Saratoga Springs, was selected by Tarik Moody, Director of Digital Strategy and on-air music host, for feature on NPR’s “Top  Shelf” a  unique  online  concert  series  dedicated  to  presenting  hand -picked  artists  through  a  lens  that  most  viewers  have  never experienced  before.  Over 900 performances have been streamed on their page, gathering millions of views from all around the world. 

“I felt honored to be selected for the top shelf series,” said Woods.  “I went into the contest thinking ‘well why not, it can only help’ but I never thought my submission would truly stand out like this.  When I found out I was selected, I couldn’t stop smiling.  At the same time there is so much happening in the world that it’s hard to fully appreciate something like this. I keep listening to those around me and striving for change, hoping that more
listeners will help me spread ideas of love and equality, to heal the world and make it a safer place for all.” 

Leah Woods’ music is found on Spotify,  Youtube,  &  Apple  Music, and her performance may be viewed at: youtube.com/watch?v=H-Xo9ZyZyiA

LAKE GEORGE – Accomplished world soloists, graduates of Juilliard, Curtis, Yale, Rice University, Carnegie Mellon, and members of major orchestras such as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Malaysian Philharmonic, and the Buffalo Philharmonic will perform at the Lake George Music Festival “Drive-In” Series Sept. 19-20. 

Attendees are encouraged to watch the performance from their car/truck, or bring a chair to place within arm’s length of their vehicle. Performances will be visually enhanced with large screen video and audiences will have the option of listening to the amplified performance, or tuning into a high quality and synced audio feed (FM radio) to play through their car’s sound system.

The program will feature Beethoven Quintet for Piano and Winds, Schubert “Trout” Quintet, Rubinstein Octet Op.9, and more. 

The event takes place at the Charles R. Wood Park – Lake George Festival Commons, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19 and Sunday, Sept. 20.

From organizers: We will begin parking cars at 6 p.m. Cars will be parked every other car and in single rows to comply with physical distancing recommendations.  We encourage guests to arrive with members of your household.  Early entry will not be permitted. We encourage attendees to use the restroom prior to arrival; however, we will have sanitized restrooms on site. The entire process will be “touchless.” Those who order their passes online will have no contact with festival staff or musicians. We will simply check you in and direct you where to park. Cars will be directed to vacate the premises immediately after curtain and will not be allowed to linger.

Passes for each concert sold at $25 per vehicle. Vehicles may contain the legal limit of individuals. Passes will be sold online in advance (recommended) or at the gate. Concert programs will be distributed digitally on the large screen or available to view on your Smartphone or Tablet.

For more information and to purchase passes, go to: lakegeorgemusicfestival.com. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) will host a re-imagined “TRF BBQ at the Barn” summer fundraiser 4 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. at The Saratoga Winery.  This year’s BBQ will be carry-out with a twist. 

Guests will drive thru the grounds to enjoy a TRF “Experience” with miniature ponies, racing celebrities, goodies for the kids, and a special appearance by Joey, the TRF Herd Ambassador, who will be returning to Saratoga from the TRF Second Chances Program at Wallkill.  The event will feature BBQ from Barnsider BBQ in Lake George; a TRF Specialty cocktail created by the Winery; and locally made pies from Mourningkill Bake Shop.  Items will be individually ordered online for carryout (only). Proceeds from the event will benefit the hundreds of TRF horses in the organization’s national herd.

The Saratoga Winery is located at 462 NY-29 in Saratoga Springs. Tickets and donation options available by visiting the TRF website at www.trfinc.org/event/bbq-at-the-barn-2020/ .

Founded in 1983, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is a national organization devoted to saving Thoroughbred horses no longer able to compete at the racetrack from possible neglect, abuse and slaughter. As the
oldest Thoroughbred rescue in the country, the TRF provides sanctuary to retired Thoroughbreds throughout their lifetime.

For more information visit: www.trfinc.org.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — This week, city Mayor Meg Kelly read three proclamations. The first honored the legacy of Solomon Northup.

Northup, a free black man living in Saratoga Springs, was in March 1841 tricked by two con artists who had promised him work in New York City but instead transported him further south where he was sold into slavery. It is where he would remain for the next 12 years.

At the time, Northup was 32 years old and lived with his wife, Anne, and their three children in Saratoga Springs – first on Washington Street, then relocating around the block to the United States Hotel. He was engaged in seasonal work at the busy hotels during summers and secured engagements as a violin player during the winter months to make ends meet. 

“I was walking about the village of Saratoga Springs, thinking about where I might obtain some present employment…on the corner of Congress Street and Broadway near the tavern still kept by Mr. (C.B.) Moon,” Northup recounted in the book he wrote about those years, titled: “Twelve Year a Slave.” 

The strangers promised Northup $1 for each day of service plus $3 per show in addition to cover his traveling expenses back to Saratoga Springs. He was enslaved for 12 years.

Saratoga’s reputation as a resort town had already been established by the mid-1800s. The black population in Saratoga Springs grew from less than 100 in the 1830s to nearly 300 by mid-century. Many were attracted, as Northup was, by the hope of job opportunities. 

“I passed the days and nights. I was heart sick and discouraged. Thoughts of my family, of my wife and children, continually occupied my mind. When sleep overpowered me, I dreamed of them – dreamed I was again in Saratoga – that I could see their faces, and hear their voices calling me,” Northup wrote.

Although northern-based blacks were said to be free, many were kidnapped and brought South where they would be sold. In 1800, all of Saratoga County had 358 slaves. By 1810, the figure was 107. At the time of Northup’s abduction 30 years later, census figures list a total of four slaves in the entire state of New York. By comparison, southern states like Georgia showed 280,000; South Carolina more than 320,000 and Virginia recorded nearly a half million slaves among the population in the 1840s.

Solomon Northup Day, launched by local resident Renee Moore, was first designated in Saratoga Springs in 1999. A plaque commemorating Northup was fixed outside the Saratoga Visitors Center on the corner of Congress Street and Broadway. 

Northup’s book was published shortly after his release in 1853. In 2013, a film adaptation of Northup’s book, titled “12 Years A Slave,” garnered numerous awards, including an Oscar for Best Picture of the Year.   

A second city proclamation honored the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Capital District Transit Authority on Aug. 1 and noted that in its highest ridership year CDTA had secured 17.1 million riders. 

A third proclamation expressed appreciation for the work conducted by AIM Services, Inc., who have residential and community-based services to people with disabilities since 1979 in Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties, and was read in advance of next week’s 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

 SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center announces that “Caffè Lena @ SPAC”  will return to premiere a special, limited screening of ‘Mavis 80, A Newport Folk Revival’ on the SPAC Grounds at 8 p.m. on July 31. The broadcast, which was previously recorded live in Los Angeles at The Theatre At Ace Hotel on May 22, 2019, is exclusive to Newport Folk Festival and “Caffe Lena @ SPAC.” 

The SPAC lawn is the only place where the concert will be streamed in person, with a limited capacity of only 50 people, and with carefully mapped out, socially-distanced seating and rigorous COVID protocols.

“This is a very emotional moment for us, to be able to open our gates again for the communal enjoyment of great music-making. To be able to partner with Caffè Lena and Newport Folk Festival around artists like Mavis Staples, Trombone Shorty and Deva Mahal — all SPAC Jazz Fest favorites — makes this event incredibly meaningful,” says Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center. 

The broadcast ‘Mavis 80, A Newport Folk Revival,’ is the premiere of Mavis Staples’ 80th birthday celebration in Los Angeles, following shows in New York and Nashville. Staples was joined by Jason Isbell, Phoebe Bridgers, Brandi Carlile, M. Ward, Talking Heads’ Jerry Harrison, Dawes’ Griffin and Taylor Goldsmith, Benjamin Booker, Ben Harper, Lucius, Trombone Shorty, Joe Henry, Son Little, the War & Treaty, and more. The show was produced by Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc. and proceeds from the “Caffè Lena @ SPAC” screening will support the Foundation’s music education programs. 

 This “Caffè Lena @ SPAC” event will take place rain or shine around SPAC’s new concession building, “The Pines,” and its new HD screen. Designated 10X10 lawn spaces will be allocated and reserved for ticket buyers. Tickets are available to purchase for $25 as a box, which seats up to two people.  All guests are required to purchase tickets in advance at https://nvite.com/caffelena/f1f59; tickets will not be available for purchase at the door. Guests are permitted to bring chairs, blankets, factory sealed water bottles and essential personal items.  Food and alcohol are not permitted on the grounds, however Mazzone Hospitality will be on site to provide food and beverage options. 

All attendees will need to enter through the Hall of Springs Gate and are required to complete a health screening questionnaire upon entry. Guests are required to wear a face mask at all times unless situated in their reserved box. Restrooms will be available with social distancing and enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols in place in accordance with recommended guidelines. Visit spac.org for additional details.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Arts has opened up the application process for its 2021 Decentralization Grants cycle. Designated as a Decentralized Grants Program (DEC) site by the New York State Council on the Arts, Saratoga Arts provides regrant funding for arts and cultural projects throughout Fulton, Montgomery and Saratoga Counties each year.

Saratoga Arts’ Decentralization Grants Program offers three categories of grant funding: Community Arts Grants for qualified organizations, Artist Grants to support individual artists and their work and Arts Education Grants for short-term artist residencies that take place in the community or in schools.

The deadline to apply for Saratoga Arts Decentralization Grants for projects taking place in 2021 is Nov. 6, 2020. 

Informative grants educational sessions have been scheduled as a series of webinars from end of July through September, with additional live seminars on-site at the Arts Center that will only run if it is safe to do so at that point. All interested new and returning applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one of these sessions to learn all about our new fully online application process and other important details and changes in program guidelines made in response to the pandemic’s impact on the arts.

The first set of Grants Webinars will be offered through Zoom video conferencing 

For more details on the application process, grants guidelines, deadlines, requirements and informational grants webinars, please go to: saratoga-arts.org. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In 1821, renowned composer, musician, show man and bandleader Francis Johnson was hired to come to Saratoga and entertainer summer visitors at Congress Hall. 

The Philadelphia-born fiddle player had adapted his musical skills to the newly designed keyed bugle which earned him high prominence on the early 19th century concert circuit, providing him bookings   all across North America as well as overseas. 

Born a free black man, Johnson led his band in Saratoga Springs for more than 20 years – between 1821 and 1843 – missing only the 1840 season. He played to overflow crowds that invited extended bookings. 

“The groves and spacious halls of Saratoga resounded with the notes of this enchanting bugle and violin,” reads one anonymously penned local review of the era, praising Johnson and his band’s performance of “music from all the recent operas, together with waltzes, gallopades, marches and quicksteps.” 

Johnson performed twice a day in Congress Park and alternated evenings at Congress Hall and the United States Hotel. His compositions included pieces titled in honor of the region – “Saratoga,” “Congress Hall,” and “Ballston,” among them. 

He entertained families with cheerful marches, livened up parties with cotillions – brisk, lively dance tunes, enjoyed by audiences that included James Monroe and John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren. 

For his band, Johnson hired what was regarded as some of the best black musicians of the early 19th century, and shortly before his death in 1844, he staged what are believed to be some of the first integrated concerts in America. 

The bandleader was recognized in Saratoga Springs on July 20, 1978 – which was declared Frank Johnson Day, in a proclamation issued by the city of Saratoga Springs and signed by Mayor Raymond Watkin.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College received a $1.5 million grant from the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, the museum announced this week. The grant will build the Tang’s endowment and expand K-12 and community educational programming throughout the region and beyond.

The Tang’s educational program usually reaches more than 8,000 people of all ages each year through programs in the museum like the popular Family Saturdays, as well as workshops at schools, libraries, and community centers, especially in underserved urban, rural, and suburban areas across the region. 

These programs often feature interpretive exercises of artwork in exhibitions or from the Tang collection, and art-making projects. Since the pandemic, the program has moved online to offer a wealth of art-making activities at tang.skidmore.edu/tang-at-home. Museum educators also conduct teacher training for K-12 educators from around the region. 

The grant will endow a key Tang position, which will now be called The Laurie M. Tisch Educator for K-12 and Community Programs. The grant will also fund programming to expand the Museum’s reach to new audiences, especially school students and adults in traditionally underserved areas.

The Tang Teaching Museum was founded in 2000 and will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2020 with a series of exhibitions. Details and programs will be announced in the coming months. 

The Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund is a New York City-based foundation that strives to improve access and opportunity for all New Yorkers and foster healthy and vibrant communities.