SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) recently announced the return of its popular “Sounds of the Season” holiday series from Dec. 12–14, featuring the acclaimed Irish ensemble Danú, rising jazz sensation Stella Cole, and, as previously announced, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center performing Bach’s Complete Brandenburg Concertos.

“Each December, ‘Sounds of the Season’ brings together extraordinary artists and our Saratoga community in celebration,” said Elizabeth Sobol, CEO of SPAC, in a news release. “From Irish holiday traditions to Bach’s masterworks and the Great American Songbook, the series highlights music’s timeless power to connect us. This year, we are especially thrilled to extend that celebration into Zankel Music Center at Skidmore while our Spa Little Theater undergoes renovation.”

Kicking off the series on Dec. 12 is Danú with “An Emerald Isle Christmas,” following their sold-out “Sounds of the Season” appearance in 2022. Hailing from historic County Waterford, Danú delivers a mix of ancient Irish music with a fresh, original repertoire. For over two decades, their musicians (praised by The New York Times for performances ranging “from fierce fiddle reels to pensive ballads”) have toured globally, performing on flute, tin whistle, fiddle, button accordion, bouzouki, and vocals in both Gaelic and English. Featuring celebrated vocalist Nell Ní Chróinín and the vibrant flair of Irish step-dancers, Danú will bring the traditions of Ireland to the festive season.

Highlighting the series on Dec. 14 is the SPAC debut of rising jazz sensation and viral star Stella Cole. With a voice that bridges generations, Cole has cultivated over 1.7 million social media followers through her fresh interpretations of timeless songs by iconic artists, including Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and Nat “King” Cole. Her performance will feature her upcoming single “Merry Christmas, Darling,” along with her interpretation of beloved holiday selections from her EP “Snow!” highlighted by a duet with Tony Award-winner and “Glee” TV star Darren Criss.

Previously announced, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center will present Johann Sebastian Bach’s six Brandenburg Concertos in their entirety on Dec. 13. A holiday tradition at Lincoln Center, the Brandenburgs are described by The New Yorker as “joyous, effervescent, and yes, festive.”

The announcement marks the continuation of SPAC’s expansion into year-round programming. The events will all be held in the Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall in Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College while the Spa Little Theater undergoes renovations. Tickets are already available for purchase for members (tiered by level) and will go on sale on Oct. 20 for the general public. Visit spac.org for additional details.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Arts District (SSADI) will present Art for Good, a fundraiser to support local nonprofits, on Oct. 25 at the Elks Lodge (69 Beekman Street) between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Contributed art works by local artists will be sold for whatever people offer. Proceeds will be given to the Franklin Community Center, the Frederick Allen Elks Lodge, and SSADI. The project is spearheaded by ceramic artists Nancy Niefield and Rebecca Cigal. There will also be entertainment and free art lessons at Living Resources across the Street at 70 Beekman Street.

For more information, visit SaratogaArtDistrict.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Ensemble Connect—a group of young professional classical musicians from Carnegie Hall, The Juilliard School, and the Weill Music Institute—has returned to Skidmore College for its fall residency, part of a biannual program now in its 19th year. 

The public is invited to attend a culminating concert on Friday, Oct. 24 featuring some of the most compelling voices of chamber music: Arvo Pärt’s “Da pacem Domine” and “Quintettino,” Janáček’s “Mládí,” and Shostakovich’s “Piano Quintet, Opus 57.” The performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College. The event is free and open to the public, though tickets are required. For more information, visit www.skidmore.edu/zankel/.

Ensemble Connect is a two-year fellowship program that prepares young professional classical musicians for careers that combine musical excellence with teaching, community engagement, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

GANSEVOORT — Grab a broom and a beer, it’s spooky season.

The Dancing Grain Farm Brewery, known for their concerts and sunflowers, will host a moonlit movie night on Saturday, Oct. 25. The festivities begin at 5 p.m. and “Hocus Pocus,” the witchy Disney flick, will screen at 6:45. 

No tickets are required, just a blanket (broomsticks are optional). Popcorn, warm cider, sweet treats, and Chubbed Chopped sandwiches will be served. The taproom will stay open until 9 p.m., allowing adults to imbibe a magic potion or two. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Skidmore and Union colleges will co-host a two-day residency with acclaimed dance duo Baye & Asa on Oct. 29 and 30. Both events are free and open to the public. No registration is required.

• Advanced beginner/intermediate dance technique class: 5–6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, Henle Dance Pavilion, Union College.  

• Film screening and discussion: 7:30–8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, Old Chapel, Union College. Featuring Baye & Asa’s short film “Second Seed,” followed by a discussion moderated by James A. de Sève, artist-in-residence and co-director of Union’s film studies program.

Baye & Asa is a movement-based performance company led by Amadi “Baye” Washington and Sam “Asa” Pratt, childhood friends from New York City. Their shared educational history is the mother of their work with Hip Hop and African dance languages as the foundation of their technique and informing the way they confront contemporary dance, theater, and film. Recent honors include a 2025 choreography fellowship from the New York State Foundation for the Arts, Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch,” and the Harkness Promise Award.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Standard Fare, the newest restaurant on Phila Street in downtown Saratoga, serves as an unofficial art gallery for Daniel Fairley, and patrons are starting to take notice of his unique work. One of Standard Fare’s signature pieces has already been purchased, and more sales have transpired since the restaurant opened on Aug. 15.

“Thad’s Pick” (2025, acrylic and ink on canvas) used to hang near the eatery’s front door and quickly became recognizable to diners until it was sold for $1,200 to a Brooklyn resident. It has been replaced with a second piece in the series, “Thad’s Pick (Again).” The original work was a fun, cartoonish depiction of a racehorse wearing the number 5.

“It is a slight jab at the seriousness and professionalism of the equestrian artwork you can see everywhere in Saratoga Springs, while still itself being equestrian art for Saratoga Springs,” Fairley said in a news release. “And based on the reception I’ve gotten so far, that’s just another example of how great it is here that people are open to a different take on something that’s so central to the Saratoga Springs identity.”

Another of the restaurant’s signature pieces, “Space Pickle,” caught the attention of a patron who purchased a 24” x 24” print from Fairley. 

“After moving to the area, I asked [Standard Fare co-owners Zac Denham and Clark Gale] if I could do a single piece for the restaurant,” Fairley said. “They counter-offered to do all the artwork in the entire restaurant. What started as one piece turned into four large paintings and 13 watercolor pieces. Most of the work was actually done in the restaurant office since the canvases were so large, they were not going to fit in my car after framing. It took about two and a half months to finish everything starting from soon after moving up here. And now Standard Fare has become my unofficial art gallery.”

“I always want my work to stand out and be a conversation starter,” Fairley added. “The paintings definitely give Standard Fare a pop of color and go exceptionally well with the atmosphere that Zac and Clark have so carefully curated in the space.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Metroland, in partnership with Discover Saratoga, recently announced the launch of Saratoga Sessions, a monthly series showcasing live music, art, and community spirit throughout downtown Saratoga Springs. Beginning this fall, Saratoga Sessions will take place on the second Friday of every month.

Designed to celebrate Saratoga’s dynamic cultural scene, each Saratoga Sessions evening will feature live performances, special events, and unique experiences across participating venues and businesses. From intimate acoustic sets to high-energy concerts, the series invites locals and visitors alike to explore all that Saratoga has to offer.

“Saratoga Sessions is about more than music — it’s about bringing people together to enjoy the energy of our downtown and to shine a spotlight on the incredible talent and businesses that make Saratoga Springs so special,” said Erin Harkes of Metroland in a news release.

“As the tourism promotion agency for Saratoga County, we’re thrilled to support Saratoga Sessions,” said Darryl Leggieri, president of Discover Saratoga. “This series not only showcases outstanding live entertainment but also strengthens the connection between our community, visitors, and local businesses. It’s the kind of event that embodies what makes Saratoga such a unique destination.”

The first Saratoga Sessions will be held on Friday, Oct. 10. For more info and event updates, visit www.themetroland.com/saratogasessions.