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Soul, Jazz and a Century of Daggs: Saratoga Soul Centennial Celebrates City and Local Lineage
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Music and photography combine for a dynamic evening on August 4 that celebrates the historic centennial of Saratoga Springs. The Saratoga Soul Centennial Jazz Concert and Photographic Exhibit celebrate the ancestry of the Daggs family, who has resided in Saratoga since the nineteenth century. This centennial celebration will take place at the Spa Little Theater in Saratoga State Park on Tuesday, August 4. The photographic exhibit will be on display from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and the concert will begin at 7 p.m.
There are over 100 photographs spanning 100 years of the Daggs family in the exhibit. Many of the photos were found in boxes after members of the Daggs family passed. Others were taken by Carol Daggs, a prominent member of the Daggs family and musician in Jazzage, which will be performing the jazz concert.
“Surprises and excitement have been the energy of the entire project,” said Carol Daggs. “It’s sometimes difficult to conceive how your ancestors might have dealt with life day-to-day at school, at work, at play. It’s nice to see images of people you’ve never met but heard stories about or have only seen in photographs.”
One photo featured at the exhibit, a picture of Ethel Daggs in Congress Park in the early twentieth century, was chosen to be showcased at the Black Arts and Cultural Festival in Albany on August 1.
With all of the changes and developments happening in Saratoga in recent years, Carol Daggs emphasized how important it is to preserve the community history. This event will serve as a memorial that will honor the history of Saratoga families, like the Daggs family, which have thrived in the area for generations.
The photo exhibit is the prelude to a concert by Jazzage, which will be performing jazz, soul and rhythm and blues. Carol Daggs is on piano and vocals, her brother James Daggs is on upright bass and Billy Arnold is on drums. Carol Daggs defines Jazzage as “the artful application of musical jazz sounds to the auditory apparatus and soul via vocal and instrumental flow.” There will be CDs on sale the night of the event.
“People should expect to leave that evening feeling inspired. It’s important to celebrate these 100 years,” Carol Daggs explained. “With all the funky junk in the world you’re lucky if you get 100 days or 100 minutes of something. Life can be more celebratory than we know. It needs to be celebrated.”
Tickets to the Saratoga Soul Centennial are $25 regular admission, $15 for students and seniors and $40 for couples. Tickets are available at the SPAC box office or by calling 518-584-9330 ext. 135 (except for $40 couple’s tickets, which must be purchased in person.)
