SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center and Absolutely Live Entertainment announce the return of the 2021 Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival, marking the first live performances on SPAC's stage since the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered arts venues last spring.
The festival will be headlined by Dianne Reeves, Cécile Mclorin Salvant, Christian Mcbride's New Jawn, Al Di Meola, Joey Alexander and Artemis, presented by Skidmore Jazz Institute, and will also feature acclaimed local musicians including Garland Nelson Leading "Joyful Noise" And Hot Club Of Saratoga, presented by Caffè Lena.
Slated for Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27, gates will open each day at 10 a.m. with performances scheduled from noon to 6 p.m. The festival will be presented in compliance with current safety protocols to ensure the health and safety of artists, audience members and staff. As required by the State, all attendees of the festival will be required to show either proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test within 72-hours of the event.
"Our Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival is always one of the most exhilarating and anticipated weekends of the year, kicking off our summer season. While this year's festival will look a little bit different as a result of COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, the very fact that we will once again be able to join together on the SPAC grounds for live music feels absolutely miraculous,” said SPAC President and CEO Elizabeth Sobol, in a statement.
Performances from noon to 6 p.m. on both days, will take place on the main amphitheater stage. Guests are welcome to bring in food in a clear plastic bag and factory sealed water; there will also be food and beverage options available to purchase on site. In addition, guests are permitted to bring in their own blankets (no larger than their designated pod size), chairs, personal umbrellas or clip-on umbrellas and essential personal items.
Festival Line-Up
Saturday, June 26: Five-time Grammy Award winner Dianne Reeves, seven-time Grammy Award winning jazz bassist Christian McBride presents his latest project - Christian McBride's New Jawn; Indonesian jazz pianist, contemporary bandleader and composer Joey Alexander; and local premier gypsy swing ensemble Hot Club of Saratoga.
Sunday, June 27:
Internationally recognized guitar virtuoso Al Di Meola; composer, singer, and visual artist Cécile McLorin Salvant - recently named "Female Vocalist of the Year" by the 2021 Jazz Journalists Association; Artemis - 2021 Jazz Journalist Association's "Mid-Size Ensemble of the Year"; “soulist” and bandleader Garland Nelson presents Garland Nelson’s Joyful Noise.
TICKET INFORMATION:
Ticketholders who kept their seats from the 2020 Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival, which was canceled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, will be reseated in similar locations and contacted by the SPAC Box Office. SPAC Members will have early ticket access depending on membership level, beginning on May 18. Tickets for the public will be available to purchase on May 21.
Designated pods of two will be allocated and reserved for ticket buyers in the amphitheater, while designed pods of two and four will be available on the SPAC lawn. Amphitheater tickets start at $130 per pod, which seat up to two people. Lawn tickets are available to purchase for $150 for a two-person pod, or $300 for a four-person pod. Single tickets will be extremely limited and available starting at $65 for the amphitheater and $75 for the lawn. Advance ticket purchases are strongly advised as ticket availability will be limited. If available, tickets will be on sale on the day of, but are subject to an additional fee.
For more details about the event and Covid-19 Safety & Protocols, go to: spac.org.
