Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival Cancelled

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 2020 Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival has been canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Saratoga Performing Arts Center announced the cancellation May 4. The two-day event, originally scheduled for June 27-28, was to present a rich roster of artists including Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Kool & the Gang, Cassandra Wilson and Taj Mahal. 

“After 42 consecutive years presenting one of the most exceptional jazz festivals in North America, to have to cancel the 2020 Festival is both heartbreaking and devastating.  The loss of this event as an exuberant gathering of jazz-lovers is deeply painful – and the economic impact to SPAC, the community, and the many artists who were to perform is incalculable,” Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center said in a statement. 

The festival began in 1978 and has been the longest continuously running jazz festival in the northeastern part of North America.

A series of live streamed performances over the festival weekend will be presented by SPAC and Caffé Lena. Titled “Freihofer’s Jazz Fest Stay Home Sessions,” the artist line-up will be announced at a later date and will include local musicians. 

SPAC also announced an initiative to donate two tickets to first responders and local health care workers for performances during its 2021 season for every ticketholder of the 2020 festival who chooses to convert all or a minimum of $25 of their ticket purchase into a tax deductible donation. SPAC depends on ticket sales and the generosity of individuals for 66% of its annual budget, therefore ticket donations will help to ensure the vitality of SPAC during these unprecedented times. Visit spac.org for options to exchange, donate or request a refund.