Grammy-Winning Artist Calls SPAC “Most Beautiful Amphitheater” in the World

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mike Farris, who won a Grammy Award in 2014 for Best Roots Gospel Album, sung SPAC’s praises last Friday night during a performance at The Parting Glass.

“[The Saratoga Performing Arts Center] may be the most beautiful amphitheater in the country—in the world,” Farris said on stage.

The founder and lead singer of the Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies also shared amusing stories of his life on the road with the Allman Brothers and Meatloaf.

Once when he was a young musician opening for the Allmans, Farris eagerly waited around prior to a show to hear the legendary group’s sound check.

“Finally, I couldn’t wait any longer so I walked up to the stage and there were several roadies standing there,” Farris said. “And I go, ‘Hey, so are you guys gonna sound check?’ And they were like, ‘We don’t sound check, man.’ And he handed me a joint, and I was like, ‘This is paradise.’”

Farris co-headlined at Parting Glass with Sugaray Rayford, whose 2019 album, “Somebody Save Me,” was nominated for a Best Contemporary Blues Album Grammy.

Farris’ latest album, “The Sound of Muscle Shoals,” was released earlier this year.