SARATOGA SPRINGS —Local Saratoga Springs artist, Jeanne O’Connor, is set to premiere her new jazz album “The Sweetest Sounds” at Caffe Lena on Friday, July 3. During the sneak peek, CDs will be available ahead of an early 2027 release on streaming services. 

Joining O’Connor on stage is guitarist Dave Stryker, drummer Bob Halek, bassist Todd Coolman, pianist John Di Martino and vocalist Amy London.

O’Connor started conceptualizing this album during her second fight with cancer in 2023. After enduring her battle, she was able to get into the studio in May of 2025 to start recording. 

“Medianoche (for Don)” the second song off her sophomore album is a tribute to her late husband, Don Grolnick. Grolnick is a legend of the jazz world, who recorded with greats like James Taylor and Linda Rondstadt. 

This album represents O’Connor’s continuing search for new sounds that bring old works into a new life. “I’m looking back, but I’m also looking forward to what’s still waiting to be discovered. To find something new in the harmony, the lyric, or the rhythm of these wonderful songs,” says O’Connor.

Audience members will be able to hear songs from the ’40s, like “My Ship” and “Baltimore Oriole,” alongside ’60s hits like Laura Nyro’s “Save the Country” and Jimmy Webb’s “Wichita Lineman” in a new style presented by O’Connor. 

In anticipation of her performance at Caffe Lena, O’Connor remarks, “It is one of the jewels of Saratoga. A place where they really appreciate musicians and artists; a place where people listen.” For tickets and more information, visit: caffelena.org/event/jeanne-oconnor-the-sweetest-sounds-exclusive-pre-release-concert/.

WILTON — Celebrate the start of summer and the longest day of the year with Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park. On Saturday, June 20, at 8:30 a.m., Wilton Wildlife will host a summer solstice walk, where participants will learn about celestial movements that impact the natural world. The walk will take place at Camp Saratoga on Scout Road in Wilton and will cover about one mile on a trail that meanders through forest and meadow.

Registration is required at least one business day in advance. To register, or for up-to-date trail conditions or program information, please visit the website at  www.wiltonpreserve.org 

SARATOGA SPRINGS —
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is launching a seat campaign for the historic Spa Little Theater, offering community members a unique opportunity to become part of the theater’s next chapter by dedicating a seat in the newly renovated venue.

As renovation work continues in the theater, supporters may honor a loved one, celebrate a family legacy, recognize a business, or commemorate a meaningful connection to SPAC with a personalized seat plaque. 

“In 1966, members of the Saratoga community came together to build SPAC. Sixty years later, that same spirit of generosity continues through the remarkable public and private support that is making the Spa Little Theater renovation possible,” says Elizabeth Sobol, Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Performing Arts Center. “We are thrilled to invite our community to participate in this historic project by dedicating a seat in the new theater – a lasting tribute that will help ensure this treasured venue serves artists, audiences and future generations for decades to come.”

 SPAC is currently undertaking a $12 million renovation of the historic Spa Little Theater, in partnership with New York State Parks. The project marks the first major renovation of the 500-seat venue since its construction in 1935. Designed to preserve the theater’s historic character and celebrated acoustics while improving accessibility, comfort, and functionality. The renovation will transform the venue into a vibrant year-round home for artistic performances, educational programming and community events ahead of its anticipated December 2026 re-opening. 

Seat dedications are available at levels of $1,000 and $2,500 and will remain in place for a minimum of 25 years. All proceeds will support the Spa Little Theater renovation and SPAC’s Four Seasons Campaign. To learn more or reserve a seat, visit spac.org or contact seatcampaign@spac.org.

Impressions of Saratoga will be hosting artist Melissa Crase and fascinator designer, Nicole Bracken for pop-up show Friday, June 5 through Sunday, June 7. Melissa will introduce her 2026 Original Saratoga painting with prints also available. “Most of my pieces are a mix of acrylics, inks and pastels on canvas. With vibrant colors and textures being key elements in my work, you will often find ordinary things painted with unexpected colors” says Melissa. Pick up a handcrafted fascinator to sport this season at Saratoga Race Course. Nicole brings a sense of composition, color, and texture to each of her handcrafted pieces. She artfully incorporates faux florals, vintage fabrics and repurposed jewelry, creating one-of-a-kind designs that feel both timeless and imaginative.

Greg Montgomery will join the pop-up shop on Sunday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Montgomery, a local artist, has been creating the annual Travers Stakes poster for Saratoga Race Course since 1986. His versions of the Belmont Stakes and Travers posters will be available.