SARATOGA SPRINGS —  The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College, which reopened to the public on July 10, is expanding its programming for the Saratoga Springs Satellite Reef to include in-person and online events. Scores of crafters and the craft-curious have already met online to crochet corals, and now participants will be able to meet in person. The first in-person event is a craft circle at the Museum on Saturday, July 31, from 2 to 4 p.m. 

The Saratoga Springs Satellite Reef is part of the worldwide Crochet Coral Reef project by Christine and Margaret Wertheim and the Institute For Figuring. The Saratoga Springs Satellite Reef, which will be on view at the Tang in the exhibition Radical Fiber starting Jan. 29, 2022, will be made up of creations crocheted by members of the public, either working on their own or through the Tang’s public programs.

For the Saratoga Springs Satellite Reef, anyone can participate by crocheting hyperbolic structures, referring to an area of geometry whose crocheted models mimic coral-like ruffles. The project draws on the long historical connections, especially in the United States, between fiber practice and community building, and will connect hobby crafters, art professionals, and novice crocheters from Skidmore, Saratoga Springs, and global communities. Download the PDF brochure “How to Crochet Hyperbolic Corals,” (Google it) which includes patterns for a variety of corals.

Participants are encouraged to craft, but anyone is welcome to join to listen and learn. Any style, material, or color of yarn can be used, and creativity and experimentation are encouraged! If you are brand-new to crochet, we recommend purchasing medium-weight (4) yarn and a 4–5.5mm (G/6, H/8, or I/9) crochet hook.

The public is invited to drop in during any of the monthly Saturday afternoon craft circles at the Museum. Bring your own materials and works in progress, or start something new. Those who have never crocheted before can learn how. Participants can come and go at their leisure; registration is not required. The craft circles will meet 2-4 p.m. on the following Saturdays: July 31, Aug. 21, Sept. 25, Oct. 30 and Nov. 20. 

Every Wednesday from 12 to 12:30 p.m. through Dec. 15, Associate Curator Rebecca McNamara hosts an online drop-in crocheting session. Participants are invited to join at their leisure to crochet, chat, and create corals for the massive community art project. Register at tang.skidmore.edu/calendar each week for the Zoom link. 

On two Tuesdays this fall, at 7 p.m. on Oct. 12 and on Dec. 7, the Tang will hold online workshops that feature an introduction to the Saratoga Springs Satellite Reef project, instructors who will lead beginners in the single crochet stitch and more advanced beginners in patterns from the How to Crochet Hyperbolic Corals brochure, and a craft circle in which participants can chat as a group about projects, ideas, and questions. Register at tang.skidmore.edu/calendar for Zoom links. 

Once participants complete their creations, they can bring them to the Visitors Services Desk at the Tang or mail them with their name and email address and phone number to: Elizabeth Karp, Senior Museum Registrar, Tang Teaching Museum, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 15, 2022, though participants are welcome to submit their creations earlier. For those using the mail, please postmark your submission by Jan. 5, 2022. 

All events, both in-person and online, are free and open to the public. For more information, call the Visitors Services Desk at 518-580-8080 or visit tang.skidmore.edu. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — There are 14 of them that stand inside of Universal Presentation Hall, large as they once stood in real life when roaming the earth millions of years ago. 

Led by T-Rex – the grandest of them all – the life-sized metal sculptures sprawled across two of the floors at UPH weave science, art and innovation in a fun and educational way. 

“If Capital Region parents, grandparents, educators and scout leaders are looking for a way to keep youth engaged and their minds active this summer, there isn’t a better place to inspire them with hands-on education and entertainment,” says UPH director Teddy Foster. “And the adults will get just as much out of it as the kids.” 

Kinetics, biomechanics, and robotics. Sketching, drawing, and sculpting. They rattle and hum, their recycled metal limbs set into motion by viewer-triggered interactive pulleys. The visitor is taken on an interactive apprentice’s path that follows the story of the master artist, John Payne, captivating visitors while illustrating science and technology principles in a fun and engaging way. 

Dinosaurs in Motion, which opened this week, is presented by Adirondack Trust Company and on exhibit through Oct. 17 at UPH. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 youth and are available at: universalpreservationhall.org. UPH, a partner in the Proctors Collaborative, is located at 25 Washington St., Saratoga Springs. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Local author Emma Kress will be at Northshire Books Saratoga Aug. 3 to celebrate the release of her debut young adult novel, Dangerous Play.

Dangerous Play is about empowerment and friendship, rape culture and feminism, justice and revenge—and one survivor’s journey to find her voice and become as fierce off the field as she is on it.

Zoe Alamandar has one goal: win the State Field Hockey Championships and earn a scholarship that will get her the hell out of Central New York. She and her co-captain Ava Cervantes have assembled a fierce team of dedicated girls who will work hard and play by the rules.

But after Zoe is sexually assaulted at a party, she finds a new goal: make sure no girl feels unsafe again. Zoe and her teammates decide to stop playing by the rules and take justice into their own hands. Soon, their suburban town has a team of superheroes meting out punishments, but one night of vigilantism may cost Zoe her team, the championship, her scholarship, and her future.

Emma Kress will be in conversation with award-winning and bestselling young-adult author Nova Ren Suma at a virtual launch at 6 p.m. on Aug. 3, through Northshire Bookstore. Kress will sign books in person at Northshire Bookstore Saratoga, 424 Broadway, from 3- 4 p.m. on Aug. 3. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Squeeze, featuring Chris Difford & Glenn Tilbrook have announced a 24-date headlining adventure – interspersed with 18 support dates for Daryl Hall & John Oates – that will be staged on Aug. 15 at Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

 “I’m so excited to be back on stage and in the thick of our wonderful set list of songs,” said Chris Difford, in a statement. “Seeing an audience again will be inspiring and emotional, it’s been too long.”

Adds Glenn Tilbrook: “I think this is my most anticipated U.S. tour since our first in 1978.  Our great band is just getting greater and we are also welcoming Owen Biddle, who joins us from Nashville. Can’t wait to see you!”

Squeeze’s debut self-titled album was released by A&M in 1978 (after a three-song EP) with pop songwriting hooks and melodies hark back to the ‘60s British Invasion.  That album included the track, “Take Me I’m Yours,” followed by a cadre of   hits on the UK charts including “Cool for Cats,” “Up the Junction,” “Pulling Mussels From A Shell,” “Black Coffee in Bed” and “Labeled With Love.”  Squeeze’s hits “Tempted,” “Hourglass” and “853-5937” (from East Side Story) made their mark in the U.S. in 1981.

Squeeze disbanded in 1999 and reunited in 2007, releasing three new albums since then (2010’s Spot the Difference, 2015’s Cradle to the Grave and 2017’s The Knowledge) as well as various member solo projects. 

BOLTON LANDING — The Sembrich Continues its Touba Family Foundation World Music Wednesdays concert series with Russian Folk Trio Moscow Nights at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28.

Moscow Nights features a versatile trio of world-renowned, prize-winning musicians from Russia. Now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, the classically trained ensemble has established itself as one of the most popular folk groups in the United States and Western Europe. Lilting Balalaikas, dynamic Bayan Accordion, unique Treshotky & Loshky, humorous dances, and superb vocals combine for an exhilarating and educational performance for audiences of all ages.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at TheSembrich.org/festival or by calling The Sembrich’s office at 518-644-2431. This is the second of three performances in the Touba Family World Music Wednesdays concert series. The next concert in the series is “A Journey Around the Globe” with Fiddler Mari Black and Accordionist Cory Pesaturo on Wednesday, August 18 at 2 p.m.

The Sembrich is located at 4800 Lake Shore Drive, Bolton Landing. For more information, visit www.TheSembrich.org or contact us at 518-644-2431 or Office@TheSembrich.org

LAKE GEORGE — Johnny Cash tribute artist Harold Ford, Our June & The Cash Band will perform a free concert 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 28 at The Shepard Park Amphitheater.

The show is part of the Lake George Arts Project Summer Concert Series at the park on Wednesday nights. Upcoming shows include Alex Torres and His Latin Orchestra on Aug. 4; The Dylan Perrillo Orchestra on Aug. 11, The Stony Creek Band on Aug. 18, and Mark Gamsjager & The Lustre Kings on Aug. 25. 

For more information, go to: LakeGeorgeArts.org.    

ALBANY — Comedian Hasan Minhaj showcases and prepares new material for his new one man show in an intimate setting at Capital Repertory Theatre Aug. 5 – 8.

Hasan Minhaj was the host and creator of the weekly comedy show Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj that premiered on Netflix in October 2018. The series explored the modern cultural and political landscape with depth and sincerity through his unique comedic voice. The show received a 2019 Peabody Award, a 2019 Primetime Emmy Award for “Outstanding Motion Design,” and was recognized for a 2020 Television Academy Honor.

In 2017, Minhaj earned rave reviews for his performance hosting the 2017 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, and for his one-hour Netflix comedy special Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King, which earned him a 2018 Peabody Award. 

A first generation American, Minhaj joined The Daily Show with Jon Stewart as a correspondent in November 2014, where he was Jon’s last hire. He continued on in that role after Trevor Noah took over as host the following year and remained on the show through August 2018.

Covid Restrictions: In accordance with CDC and NYS guidelines for full capacity venues, everyone entering the facility must show proof of completed vaccination. Acceptable forms of proof are vaccinations cards or the Excelsior Pass.

No cell phones are allowed in the theatre during this performance. Patrons will be required to use the provided Yondr cell phone locking bag service if they are brought into the building 

MALTA — A full afternoon of music is slated to be staged at the Inaugural ROCKTOGA benefit – a family-friendly event with proceeds to benefit the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center.

The Melodies Center is the only provider of care for children and teens with cancer and blood disorders in 25 counties in the Capital Region and beyond. 

The event takes place noon to 6 p.m.on Sunday, Aug. 1 on the grounds of the Malta Drive-In, 2785 U.S. Rt. 9, Malta.

The music lineup includes Grand Central Station, Big Sky, Jocamo and Superposition. During the day, food trucks will be on-site and raffles will be held. 

Admission is $25 per carload in advance, $30 on August 1. Advance admission can be purchased by going to www.eventbrite.com/e/rocktoga-charity-event-tickets-157992322289

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Jefferson Airplane, Bo Diddley, and The Doors are among the musical legends whose names cling, often in a creative, spiraling fashion to the posters of a new exhibition at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. 

Chromatic Scales: Psychedelic Design from the Tang Teaching Museum Collection features more than 30 recently acquired 1960s San Francisco psychedelic rock concert posters designed by artists such as Jim Blashfield, Lee Conklin, and Bonnie MacLean, and the Big Five’s Wes Wilson and Victor Moscoso. 

The collection, which opened July 19, will be on view in SPAC’s new “The Pines” facility lobby and includes show of the era’s legendary west coast venues The Matrix, Avalon Ballroom, and the Fillmore Auditorium. 

Chromatic Scales is curated by the Tang in coordination with Christopher Shiley, Senior Director of Artistic Planning at SPAC.

Open to the public noon – 5 p.m. daily through July 30. Free. Check in at the Route 50 entrance.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 28th Annual The Shoppes at Newton Plaza Siro’s Cup was held at Siro’s Restaurant July 14. 

The fundraising party, held on the eve of opening day at the Saratoga Race Course, featured a presentation ceremony posthumously honoring Marylou Whitney and Chef Tom Dillon, as well as recognizing Tiz the Law, Sackatoga Stable, Jack Knowlton, Barclay Tagg, Robin Smullin, Heather Smullin and Manny Franco. The event is a benefit for the Center for Disability Services Foundation, Inc. 

The Center for Disability Services is a resource for people of all ages who have disabilities or health- related conditions and their families. The Center has a 79-year history in the Capital Region, North Country and beyond. It is known as the place where people get better at life.