Suzanne Vega, The Music of Sam Cooke to Stage at UPH in Early 2023

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In addition to a previously announced performance by Kronos Quarter slated for January, Proctors Collaborative has announced Suzanne Vega – a leading figure of the folk-music revival of the early 1980s – and a show featuring the music of Sam Cooke will be staged at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs in early 2023. 

Suzanne Vega broke into national prominence after cutting her teeth in Greenwich Village clubs such as Kenny’s Castaways and The Bitter End in the 1980s. Nearly 40 years later, her self-titled 1985 debut album still stands the test of time for original music and lyrical storytelling. Vega will be joined on stage at UPH by her longtime guitarist, Gerry Leonard, performing favorites from across her career on Friday, April 14. 

The influence of soul music pioneer Sam Cooke has spanned more than 60 years. Cooke, who had numerous popular hits as both a singer and a songwriter, was born in Mississippi in 1931 and died in 1964 at the age of 33.

Bradd Marquis will perform songs written and sung by Cooke, with a goal is to curate and narrate a show that entertains and informs of a historical time loaded with lessons about self-empowerment and social change that are still relevant and necessary to this day. 

“The Music of Sam Cooke – A Change is Gonna Come,” starring Bradd Marquis and the Magnificent will stage at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs. on Friday, Feb. 17. 

Tickets are available through the Box Office at Proctors, in person or via phone at 518-346-6204 Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or online at universalpreservationhall.org and proctors.org.