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Saratoga Jazz Festival Lineup Revealed for June 28-29 Fest at SPAC

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in Entertainment, Featured.


Trombone Shorty will perform Sunday June 29 during the two-day Saratoga Jazz Fest at SPAC. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 48th Annual Saratoga Jazz Festival, presented by GE Vernova will return for a full two-day and two-stage weekend experience on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29 at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. 

Featuring a roster of 22 musical groups and 10 festival debuts, the line-up is headlined by magnetic performers Gary Clark Jr. and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, alongside beloved jazz vocalists Gregory Porter and Cassandra Wilson, and the next generation of jazz, funk and rock stars Cory Wong, Lettuce, DJ Logic & Friends and Veronica Swift. 

The festival will also see the return of jazz icons such as Al Di Meola, Michel Camilo and Kenny Garrett in addition to new, emerging artists on the scene like Nicole Zuraitis, Brandee Younger, and Julius Rodriguez.

Founded in 1978 by jazz impresario George Wein, Saratoga Jazz Festival is the fifth longest-consecutive-running jazz festival in North America. Initially founded as “the Newport Jazz Festival at Saratoga” the weekend event was renamed Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival in 1998.

The 2025 festival marks the beginning of SPAC’s new partnership with lead festival sponsor GE Vernova. The two organizations embark on a five-year partnership, with $200,000 committed from GE Vernova for each year, ensuring the vibrancy and longevity of Saratoga Jazz Festival, one of the largest jazz events in North America.

Making his SPAC debut to headline the festival on Saturday is four-time Grammy award-winner, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and performer Gary Clark Jr. Heralded for his bold and expressive guitar playing, his music fuses blues, rock, R&B, soul and hip hop with influences and collaborations ranging from B.B. King, the Jackson 5 and Muddy Waters to Alicia Keys, Dave Grohl and Childish Gambino. His most recent album JPEG RAW, released in 2024, represents a quantum leap displaying his versatility and demonstrating the fresh new directions he can take with his music. 

Back by popular demand to headline the festival on Sunday is Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Since 2010, Shorty has released five chart topping studio albums (his most recent being 2022’s Lifted); toured with everyone from Jeff Beck to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and has collaborated across genres with Pharrell, Bruno Mars, Mark Ronson, Foo Fighters, ZHU, Zac Brown, Normani, Ringo Starr, and countless more. Beloved for his onstage charisma, Shorty’s appearance marks his fourth Saratoga Jazz Festival performance. 

In addition to two non-stop days of great music on two stages, fans can also enjoy a host of amenities including new and diverse food offerings, a fine arts and crafts fair, and artist merchandise signings. Guests are welcome to bring in their own food and beverages, as well as lawn chairs, blankets, tents and lawn umbrellas. Parking for the event is free. Performances will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 28 and at 11:45 a.m. on Sunday, June 29.  

Tickets go on sale beginning on Jan. 21 to SPAC members (tiered by level) and on Jan. 24 to the general public. 

Tickets for the festival start at $85. Members will also receive a discount of 15-20% (depending on level) on their ticket purchase. Two-day passes are also available. Children 12 and under receive 50% off tickets in the amphitheater and are free on the lawn. Full-time students with a school issued ID receive 25% off tickets in the amphitheater, or $28 on the lawn (student ID must be presented at will call).  

Visit spac.org for more details.


2025 SARATOGA JAZZ FESTIVAL LINEUP:

SATURDAY, JUNE 28 

Amphitheater: Gary Clark Jr., Gregory Porter, Lettuce, Veronica Swift, Michel Camilo Trio, Kenny Garrett. 

Charles R. Wood “Discovery” Stage: Artemis, Nicole Zuraitis, Keyon Harrold, Julius Rodriguez, C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band, The String Queens.

SUNDAY, JUNE 29

Amphitheater: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Cory Wong, Cassandra Wilson, Al Di Meola Acoustic Band, DJ Logic & Friends featuring Vernon Reid, Cyro Baptista, Emilio Modeste, James Hurt, Felix Pastorius & Terreon Gully.  

Charles R. Wood “Discovery” Stage: Gary Bartz, Bria Skonberg Quintet, Brandee Younger Trio, La Excelencia, Skidmore Jazz Institute Faculty All-Stars Celebrate their Heroes feat. Clay Jenkins, Jimmy Greene, Steve Davis, Dave Stryker, Bill Cunliffe, Todd Coolman & Dennis Mackrel. 

David Greenberger & The Huckleberries Perform In Exclusive Event at UPH in January

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Area legend David Greenberger will be appearing with The Huckleberries at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19 in an exclusive event at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs.  

Greenberger, perhaps best known for 32 years of publishing his periodical – The Duplex Planet – which was borne out of his conversations with nursing home residents, beginning in 1979. The magazine led to a plethora of recordings and performances of monologues and music.  

Greenberger’s new release, “My Autobiography Vol. 1,” features music and monologues culled from Greenberger’s own life and observations, voiced by more than two dozen participants.   

At Universal Preservation Hall on Jan. 19, attendees will be treated to a showcase of the magic that lies in the art of conversation. With a specialty in sparking lively and spontaneous dialogue with all whom he meets, Greenberger’s latest artistic venture is a playground of conversation filled with knock-knock jokes, not-so-rhetorical questions and observations about the world akin to that of a child’s imagination and wonder.

For more information and tickets, go to: https://atuph.org/event/david-greenberger-the-huckleberries-celebrate-universal-preservation/.

Fred Astaire Dance Studios to Host Jan. 26 Student Showcase to Benefit Alzheimer’s Association 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Fred Astaire Dance Studios (FADS) in Albany and Saratoga Springs host their annual student showcase, this year themed “Everybody Dance Now,” at noon on Sunday, Jan. 26, at the Albany Marriott on Wolf Road. 

The event celebrates the achievements of FADS students while sharing the joy of dance with the community— and this year’s showcase will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, with partial proceeds supporting the organization’s efforts to combat Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. 

The theme, “Everybody Dance Now,” underscores the transformative power of dance— as an art form and a scientifically proven way to enhance cognitive function, improve memory, and delay the effects of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

The Fred Astaire Dance Studios are located in Latham and Saratoga Springs. A short speaking program preceding the performances feature representatives from the Fred Astaire Dance Studios and the Alzheimer’s Association. 

For ticket information and event details, visit the event page- Everybody Dance Now – at Eventbrite. For more information about Fred Astaire Dance Studios Saratoga Springs, visit fredastaire.com/saratoga-springs.

Live at UPH: The Outlaws, Brass Queens, Infamous Stringdusters, Hair of The Dog  

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Universal Preservation Hall has announced a dynamic March lineup featuring four musical performances coming to Saratoga Springs. 

Kicking off the month, Southern rock icons The Outlaws will take the stage 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 6, bringing their classic Southern rock sound to UPH. With hits like “Green Grass & High Tides” and “There Goes Another Love Song,” the band has been a cornerstone of the genre since the 1970s. 

Next, Brass Queens bring their unique fusion of jazz, funk and pop 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 8. This all-female ensemble is celebrated for its powerful brass arrangements and dynamic stage presence. 

The Infamous Stringdusters have redefined modern bluegrass with their innovative sound and storytelling prowess. They will be in the Great Hall 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13. Known for their intricate musicianship and engaging performances, the Grammy-winning group blends traditional bluegrass with contemporary influences.

Finally, Hair of the Dog will bring the festive spirit of Ireland to UPH with a hooley 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15. With their lively Celtic tunes and spirited performances, a perfect show for an early St. Patrick’s Day party. 

Tickets are on sale through the Box Office at Proctors in-person, via phone at 518-346-6204 Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or online by visiting atuph.org. Groups of 10 or more can get tickets by calling (518) 382-3884 x 139. 

Weekend Showcase Highlights Saratoga Films

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Seabiscuit. Paint. Saratoga Trunk to Ghost Story. Aftermath and The Skeptic, to the Horse Whisperer and Billy Bathgate.  

In actual setting or via its inspiration, Saratoga has provided a backdrop for filmmakers for the past 75. And consider this lesser-known fact: Truman Capote came to Yaddo in Saratoga Springs in the 1940s an aspiring young writer, and left having authored his first book. Forty years later an even younger trio of aspiring theater students shared classroom space and dorms at Skidmore College during a four-week arts camp.  The three teens who meeting one another for the first time (there even exists a snapshot to prove it) – late actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, director Bennett Miller and writer Dan Futterman – would later collaborate on the film Capote, and earn awards and accolades across the world. 

An inaugural event – heralded as the Saratoga Film Showcase – aims to celebrate regional cinema, filmmakers, and the value of production offered in the Saratoga community with a series of happenings.   

Events take place on Friday Jan. 17 and Saturday, Jan. 18 and kick-off with a 7 p.m.  showcase short films and 9 p.m. welcome party Friday at Putnam Place, and continue with a variety of screenings and discussion panels on Saturday. 

The weekend’s headline event features a screening of the locally filmed “Paint” and a subsequent Q&A session with the film’s director, Brit McAdams, 7 p.m. Saturday at Scene One Wilton Mall Cinema. 

 Suggested donation is $50 for tickets that grant access to all events throughout the weekend, and are available at: https://www.saratoga-arts.org/event-5978760. Proceeds will be donated to Camp Stomping Ground as scholarships for teens to attend ArtsFest this summer. 

Spa City Resident Named Executive Director at Opera Saratoga

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Amanda Robie at Opera Saratoga. Image: Nua Photography Co.

SARATOGA SPRINGS  —Opera Saratoga has announced the establishment of a new executive leadership position. Amanda Robie, formerly the company’s Managing Director, has been appointed to the role of Executive Director. In this capacity, she will collaborate closely with the General and Artistic Director, as well as the Board of Directors, to shape and advance the strategic direction of the company.

A resident of Saratoga Springs, Robie began her career in opera as a mezzo-soprano, having studied voice at Bucknell University and The Boston Conservatory. A notable highlight of her performing career was her role as Cousin Hebe in Opera Saratoga’s 2013 production of H.M.S. Pinafore. In 2019, she joined Opera Saratoga as Managing Director.

“Amanda is an invaluable asset to Opera Saratoga, and both the Board and I are deeply appreciative that she has accepted this new leadership role,” Mary Birnbaum, General and Artistic Director said in a statement. “I am excited to continue our partnership and to work alongside her in shaping the future of Opera Saratoga, beginning with the 2025 Summer Festival, which will run from May 20 to June 29.”

For more information about Amanda Robie or subscriptions for Opera Saratoga’s Summer Season, visit our www.operasaratoga.org.

Flamenco Dance Company World Premiere Coming To Spa Little Theater

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


World Premiere by flamenco dance company at Spa Little Theater. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Explore the fifth element of the universe with Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana’s world premiere of “Quinto Elemento” (Fifth Element). 

Considered the most prominent flamenco dance company in the United States, their debut of this piece at SPAC will portray the chaotic nature of this fifth element: ether, the essence that makes up the space around us.

Flamenco Vivo Carola Santana will stage 7 p.m. March 8 and 2 p.m. March 9 at Spa Little Theater. Tickets: go to: spac.org. 

Coheed and Cambria and Mastodon – The Infinite Arc Tour On Path to SPAC in May

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Coheed and Cambria, Mastodon with special guest Periphery, to stage in Saratoga Springs May 2025.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Coheed and Cambria and Mastodon announced the 20-city Infinite Arc Tour. includes a stop at Saratoga Performing Arts Center May 26, 2025.

Coheed and Cambria are gearing up for their brand-new album The Father of Make Believe,  releasing on March 14, 2025. This year, Mastodon celebrated the 15th anniversary of Crack the Skye with a deluxe box set reissue, marked 20 years of Leviathan with special full album performances, and released a new track “Floods of Triton.”

Tickets: LiveNation.com.  

Live at The Egg in 2025: Soccer Mommy, Shemekia Copeland, Los Lobos 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Soccer Mommy at The Egg Jan. 31. Photo provided. 

ALBANY — Mixing delicate melodies with bursts of distortion and texture, Sophie Allison has always written candidly about her life, making Soccer Mommy one of indie rock’s most interesting and beloved artists of the last decade.

On Friday, Jan. 31, The Egg presents a show featuring Soccer Mommy with support provided by L’Rain.

Other selected shows upcoming at The Egg in 2025 include: Shemekia Copeland on Saturday, Jan. 18; Los Lobos on March 5, and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah on May 7. 

The Egg Center for the Performing Arts is located at Empire State Plaza, Albany. Phone: 518-473-1845. For more information and a complete list of upcoming performances, go to: www.theegg.org.   

Opera Saratoga Announces 64th Summer Season

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Opera Saratoga summer season will take place May 20 – June 29.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Opera Saratoga, which performs for more than 25,000 people annually, will celebrate 64th Summer Season with a series of performances at Universal Preservation Hall in downtown Saratoga Springs and Ferndell Pavilion in the Spa State Park.

“This summer’s festival will transport audiences around the world for two sensational classics which give young singers a chance to shine” General and Artistic Director Mary Birnbaum said, “and two new operas which challenge audience notions of what opera means today. We’ll go on an exhilarating, romantic journey from Saratoga Springs and back again.”

Offenbach, Meilhac & Halévy’s sparkling, witty, and electric “La Vie Parisienne” takes us to the heart of the demi-monde in 1860s Paris where two bachelors play tour guide to a Swedish Baron and Baroness. With four performances at Universal Preservation Hall: June 20, 26 & 28 at 7:30 pm and June 22 at 2 pm.

Offenbach’s romp runs in repertory with Bock, Harnick & Masteroff’s jewel-box musical “She Loves Me.” Famous for tunes like “Vanilla Ice Cream,” “She Loves Me” and “It’s Been Grand Knowing You,” this sweet story focuses on two employees in a Budapest parfumerie who are sworn enemies during the day but unsuspecting lonely hearts penpals at night. With five performances at Universal Preservation Hall: June 21, 25, 27 at 7:30 pm and June 28 & 29 at 2 pm. 

Earlier in the month, the company will produce a site-specific installation version of “In a Grove” composed by Chris Cerrone with libretto by Stephanie Fleischmann. This operatic adaptation of Akutagawa’s classic short story “In a Grove” which inspired the plot of Kurosawa’s renowned film Rashomon, offers a searing investigation into the impossibility and elusiveness of truth. With four performances at the Ferndell Pavilion in Saratoga Spa State Park: May 28 at 5 pm, 7 pm, and May 29 at 5 & 7 pm. Rain date: May 31. 

Finally, the company will present a work-in-progress showing of composer Emma O’Halloran and librettist Naomi O’Connell’s A Mass for Women in Bathrooms. This opera-theater work for three singers, an actress and electronic sound design by Alex Dowling reframes the structure of the Irish Catholic Mass to tell an intimate family story of three sisters and their mother. A story born from personal experience, A Mass for Women in Bathrooms examines themes of infertility, reproductive rights, and dementia, while reclaiming bodily autonomy for women in a historically violent space. This project is funded in part by the Arts Council of Ireland. With two work-in-progress performances at Universal Preservation Hall: June 22 at 7:30 pm and June 27 at 2 pm.

For more information and tickets go to: operasaratoga.org or email info@operasaratoga.org