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“SPAC in Conversation: Sylvie Bigar” on October 19

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center announces that its popular Action Council fundraising event “SPAC in Conversation,” formerly known as the Lecture Luncheon, will return with acclaimed travel and food writer Sylvie Bigar. 

Moderated by SPAC President & CEO Elizabeth Sobol, the discussion will explore Bigar’s upcoming memoir Cassoulet Confessions: Food, France, Family and the Stew That Saved My Soul along with insights from her international travels and culinary adventures. Slated for Wednesday, October 19 at the Spa Little Theatre and the Hall of Springs, the event is also highlighted by a lunch inspired by Bigar’s book and “French Market Place” shopping.

The schedule of events: Conversation with Sylvie Bigar, Spa Little Theatre at 10 a.m.; Book Signing & Boutique Shopping, Hall of Springs at 11:30 a.m., and Luncheon, Hall of Springs at 12:30 p.m. 

Cost to attend the fundraiser is $95 and includes admission to the discussion, Hall of Springs luncheon and the French Market Place shopping event. Tickets may be purchased at spac.org or by calling at 518.584.9330, ext. 142.  

Saratoga Jewish Community Arts Hosts Zoom Discussion of “The Bielski Brothers: Jerusalem in the Woods” 

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SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Jewish Community Arts presents a zoom discussion at 7 p.m. on Oct. 13 of “The Bielski Brothers: Jerusalem in the Woods,” a documentary by filmmaker Sharon Rennert, granddaughter of one brother, Tuvia Bielski.

There are several films and books about Jewish partisans in World War II, new ones come out every few years, and at least one commercial film (Defiance} addresses the story of the Bielski Brothers. This production is distinct, as it is a historical film told by the third generation of the Bielskis from an exceptionally poignant and intimate perspective that entertains as well as enlightens. 

“The Bielski Brothers: Jerusalem in the Woods,” produced for the History Channel, can be seen on a number of streaming services with subscriptions and in some library services. Registration is required for the Zoom discussion at sjca.sjcf@gmail.com For more information, go to: www.saratogasinai.org, www.saratogajewishculturalfestival.org

Home Made Theater Holds Open Auditions for “She Loves Me”

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Home Made Theater will host open auditions for their December production of She Loves Me, book by Joe Masteroff, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and music by Jerry Bock. The production will be directed and choreographed by Johnny Martinez, with musical direction by Richard Cherry.

The auditions will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 11 and Wednesday, Oct. 12 starting at 6:30 at Home Made Theater’s headquarters at the Wilton Mall (near JC Penney).

The main cast consists of five men and two women ranging in ages from 20 to 65. There will also be an ensemble consisting of both men and women of various ages.

The original Broadway production opened in 1963 and there have been several revivals produced for the stage, as well as being the basis for the film You’ve Got Mail. 

For the audition: prepare 16-32 bars of a song similar in style to the show that showcases your voice. Bring your own sheet music in your key; a pianist will be provided. No a cappella singing. Wear or bring comfortable clothes and shoes that allow for movement for a brief choreography audition. Bring a current photo (cannot be returned) and a resume. Be prepared to list all potential conflicts from the first rehearsal through closing (with the exception of Tech Week and performances, conflicts can be worked around if known about in advance). 

Rehearsals start Oct. 23 and performances are in December. For more information, go to: www.homemadetheater.org.

Glens Falls Symphony Announces 2022-2023 Concert Season 

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Music Director Charles Peltz. Glens Falls Symphony has announced its 2022-2023 Concert Season. Photo provided.  

GLANS FALLS —The Glens Falls Symphony has announced its 2022-23 season, and its return to the Glens Falls High School Auditorium. 

The season will commence on Oct. 9 with a performance of Brahms Violin Concerto, featuring concertmaster Michael Emery, plus the Symphony No. 9 by Dimitri Shostakovich. 

A highlight of the season will be the Nov. 13 performance of a work co-commissioned by the Glens Falls Symphony with the New Music for America Consortium of 36 professional American orchestras. Pulitzer and Grammy-winning composer Jennifer Higdon will be in residency during rehearsals and performance of Cold Mountain Suite, based on her opera and the best-selling novel of the same name.

On Dec. 18, three talented young vocal students, Paige Eaton – Warrensburg High School, Carter Sano – Queensbury High School, and Madison Gaiser – Queensbury High School will perform solos with the orchestra in the “Shinning Lights” Holiday Pops concert. 

For a complete schedule of the Glens Falls Symphony 2022-23 Season and ticket availability, go to www.theglensfallssymphony.org, call the Symphony office at 518-793-1348 or stop by the office, upstairs in the LARAC Gallery building: 7 Lapham Place in Glens Falls. Office hours are Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Zimbabwean Vocal Ensemble, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Kick-Off SPAC Fall Season 

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SARATOGA SPRINGS — Zimbabwean vocal ensemble Nobuntu will lead off Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s 2022 fall and holiday season at the Spa Little Theatre on Friday, Oct. 14. 

The a cappella quintet is Zimbabwe’s first all-female professional vocal ensemble, and practitioners of mbube, the distinct style of South African singing recognizable by its rhythmic unity, complex harmonies, and nuanced textures. Show time is 7 p.m. and tickets are $30, all general admission. 

SPAC’s Fall and Holiday Season continues at the Spa Little Theatre with performances by Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (Oct. 15), Danú: “An Emerald Isle Christmas” (Dec. 11), a Canadian Brass Holiday Concert (Dec. 13), and Damien Sneed’s “Joy to the World: A Christmas Musical Journey” (Dec. 18). 

 “SPAC is excited to move back into the Spa Little Theatre, as we continue our expansion of year-round programming,” SPAC President and CEO Elizabeth Sobol said, in a statement. “From Afro-jazz to gospel to classical and beyond, we invite the community to join us for this exploration of music and traditions from around the world.” 

For tickets and more information on the events, go to: spac.org.

William Shakespeare to Patsy Cline – Single Tickets Available Thursday for the REP 2022-2023 Season

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ALBANY — Single tickets have been made available for the entire 2022-2023 season at Capital Repertory Theatre. 

Shows include: 

• Secret Hour (Friday, Jan. 27–Sunday, Feb. 19) – a world premiere of the 2021 NEXT ACT! New Play Summit winner by Jenny Stafford. 

• A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Friday, April 14-Sunday, May 7) is a popular classic by world-renowned writer William Shakespeare. 

• Honky Tonk Angels (Friday, July 14 – Sunday, August 20, 2023) is written by Patsy Cline with mausic by country music’s greatest songwriters, including I’ll Fly Away, Stand by Your Man, 9 to 5, Coal Miner’s Daughter, Ode to Billy Jo, These Boots Are Made for Walking, I Will Always Love You and Harper Valley PTA. 

Shows are also available as part of the 2022-2023 subscription series, which includes Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, currently running through Sunday, Oct. 23.

For tickets and information, call the box office 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday at 518-346-6204 or visit capitalrep.org. Groups of 10 or more can get their tickets by calling 518-382-3884, ext. 139. 

Prog Rock ‘Supergroup’ at The Strand

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Stick Men pose on Broadway. Photo: Stick Men FB.  

HUDSON FALLS — The progressive rock supergroup known as Stick Men will perform 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9th at the Strand Theatre, 210 Main St., Hudson Falls. General admission tickets are $30. 

Stick Men were founded in 2007 by Tony Levin, Pat Mastelotto, and Michael Bernier. Since 2010, the lineup stabilized around Levin, Mastelotto, and Markus Reuter. The band was formed as a vehicle for progressive rock music performed almost exclusively with Chapman Sticks and drums.

The band released its first album Soup in 2010. Most of Stick Men’s compositions are instrumental, with very few songs featuring vocals, mostly by Levin, but occasionally by Reuter and Mastelotto as well. 

Stylistically, Stick Men’s sound is unique. Touting that their lead musicians are “playing instruments unlike any other,” their music has evolved to be somewhere between Art Rock, Progressive Rock, and in some cases Progressive Metal. There is a heavy influence of free music and improvisation during their live shows, as the musicians will often showcase their prowess on their respective instruments in extended free music jams. 

Most notably, the band honors their connection and tenure with King Crimson by performing songs by the band as well as songs by Robert Fripp, King Crimson’s lead member and guitarist. Stick Men has also composed an abridged version of Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite”, a staple of their live shows.

Tickets are available at the Strand Box Office (cash or check only) or online through Brown Paper Tickets. For more information or to make reservations, call the Strand Box Office at 518-832-3484. Visit: www.mystrandtheatre.org.

Saratoga Clay Arts Center Presents – Waxing, Waning: Taylor Sijan & Mike Stumbras

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Taylor Sijan, mug. Photo provided.

SCHUYLERVILLE — Saratoga Clay Arts Center’s Schacht Gallery presents Waxing, Waning, a duo exhibition featuring the utilitarian works of Taylor Sijan (OH) and Mike Stumbras (MO). 

These two bodies of work, which reflect the risings and fallings and the interconnected, cyclical nature of things, will be on view Oct. 8 – Nov. 12.

An opening reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8. Admission is free. Light refreshments will be served. Taylor Sijan will also be presenting a 1-day demonstration workshop exploring layered information on greenware on Oct. 8. Details available at: www.saratogaclayarts.org. 

The Schacht Gallery is open daily from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and by appointment.  Saratoga Clay Arts Center isa ceramic art center located at 167 Hayes Road, Schuylerville.  For info, call 518-581-2529 or email info@saratogaclayarts.org.

Paul Scott: New American Scenery Exhibition Opens at the Albany Institute of History & Art

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Cumbrian Blue(s) New American Scenery, Toll, 01/22, Paul Scott 2022. Screen print (decal/transfer) on shell edged pearlware platter c.1820. Courtesy of Paul Scott and Ferrin Contemporary.

ALBANY — The Albany Institute of History & Art presents the exhibition “Paul Scott: New American Scenery,” in which material-based conceptual artist Scott assesses the American landscape from a contemporary approach. The exhibit will run until Dec. 31, 2022. 

Through the work in the exhibit, Scott deals with issues of globalization, energy generation and consumption, capitalism, and immigration, and the human impact on the environment. Scott, who lives and works in Cumbia, United Kingdom, creates printed ceramics that blur the boundaries between art, craft, and design. His works are included in numerous museum collections and have been exhibited throughout Europe and the United States. 

The images that Scott creates for his ceramic plates, platters, and pitchers depict unsettling views of nuclear power plants, landfills, abandoned industrial sites, aging urban centers, and isolating walls. As representations of the American landscape, they suggest a subversion of the picturesque aesthetic—the unpicturesque picturesque—and a new, disturbing norm, a new way of envisioning ourselves, our physical environment, and our society.

The Albany Institute of History & Art is located at 125 Washington Ave. Free parking is available in the museum’s lot at the corner of Elk and Dove Streets. The exhibition galleries and Museum Shop are open Wednesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 to 5 p.m.

Live at The Egg Concert Announcement -Leo Kottke, Albert Cummings, Jorma Kaukonen 

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ALBANY — The Egg has announced three new concerts in its ongoing American Roots & Branches concert series:  Leo Kottke (Oct. 28, $39.50), Albert Cummings (Nov. 19, $29.50) and Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna founding member Jorma Kaukonen (Dec. 13, $39.50 & $49.50). 

 Note, a concert by Tommy Malone scheduled for Oct. 15 has been postponed – a new date will be announced in the future.

Tickets are currently on sale online at www.theegg.org or by telephone at 518-473-1845, or in person at The Egg Box Office Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.