Saratoga Performing Arts Center is located in the historic town of Saratoga Springs, and houses one of America’s most prestigious summer festivals.
SPAC is pleased to announce premieres and debuts by women and BIPOC composers, choreographers, performers, and conductors this summer alongside the classical work.
The NYCB residency from July 12-16 will have highlighted contemporary works by Jamar Roberts, Pam Tanowitz, and Justin Peck. Other programs include one dedicated to 20th-century masters, a story ballet of A Midsummer Night’s Dream,and a special presentation of “NYCB On and Off Stage.”
The Philadelphia Orchestra residency from July 27-August 13 will feature the return of music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin in four programs including a finale featuring Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.
The Philadelphia Orchestra.
The NYCB.
President and CEO of SPAC, Elizabeth Sobol, said it is exciting to have people back after two years of uncertainty.
After two long years without the full New York City Ballet in residence at SPAC, it is tremendously exciting to be announcing the return of the full Company in July 2022…SPAC’s ambitious and artistically inspiring programming continues our effort to bring significant contemporary works and iconic classics that have never been performed at SPAC to our stage, while also presenting a record number of works by BIPOC and female composers throughout the season.
The SPAC 2022 season will also feature film night, with Harry Potterand the Prisoner of Azkaban and The Princess Bride. Tickets for the season will go onsale to members on March 7, and March 16 for the general public, available here.
This past Friday, Chris Pierce stopped by Caffe Lena and put on a passionate show for a small, but excited Saratoga crowd. The singer/songwriter recently released his latest album titled ‘American Silence,’ from which he performed a number of songs. Chris opened his set with the title track of his new album, and this set the tone for the evening. He sang soulfully, shared personal stories, and welcomed the crowd in to his world for over an hour and a half.
Chris also played the song ‘It’s Been Burning For a While.’ The song perfectly highlights his abilities as a musician and a lyricist. Chris put his vocal control on display all night, ranging from pained whispers to powerful roars. Chris even told a story of a childhood vocal coach who would, kindly, hit students in the stomach while attempting to hold out a note. The emotion and tone of his voice were allowed to breath all night, as Chris accompanied his voice only with his guitar, and on occasion a harmonica.
Chris Pierce heads to the West Coast next, and you can see all his future tour dates on his website.
Setlist: American Silence, The Bridge of John, Chain Gang Fourth of July, Sound All the Bells, Static Trampoline, Let Me Be Your Sunshine, Young Black and Beautiful, We Can Always Come Back to This, Stand By Me (Ben E. King), Are Your Beautiful, Invisible People, Residential School, It’s Been Burning for a While, Call it a Day
Denver-based guitar artist Marcus Rezak has set Winter 2022 tour dates to continue his latest EP ‘Truth in Sound.’ The tour kicks off in Colorado and will will wrap up in California. Shows will feature a variety of artist including Russ Lawton, Hayley Jane, Skull & Roses Festival, and many others.
In the middle of the tour Marcus Rezak will be performing at Nanola in Malta with Shred is Dead ft. Russ Lawton & Zdenek Gubb. Rezak’s 4-track sophomore EP features artist such as Russ Lawton who will be joining him on the Winter Tour.
Recording with Marcus for his new album Truth in Sound, felt like we had been playing together for years; cool songs with deep grooves, just the way I like it.
Russ Lawton, drums (Trey Anastasio Band)
Known as a master of jazz improvisation and for the ability to command the stage during his performances brings Marcus Rezak tour ready to hit the road.
1/14 – Old Town Pub – Steamboat Springs, CO * 1/15 – Old Town Pub – Steamboat Springs, CO # 1/16 – Your Mom’s House – Denver, CO * 1/21 – Kenny’s Westside Pub – Peoria, IL – 1/22 – Bourbon on Division – Chicago, IL % 2/4 – Whiteside Theater – Corvallis, OR ^ 2/5 – Stage 722 – Portland, OR ^ 2/6 – Gem and Jam Festival – Tucson, AZ % 2/11 – Broad Brook Theatre – Broad Brook, CT – 2/12 – TBA 2/16 – Zenbarn – Waterbury, VT * 2/17 – Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center – Greenfield, MA * 2/18 – Aeronaut Cannery – Everett, MA * 2/19 – Nanola – Malta, NY * 2/24 – The Windmill Bar – Saint John, USVI ! 2/26 – The Windmill Bar – Saint John, USVI ! 3/1 – The Windmill Bar – Saint John, USVI ! 3/2 – The Windmill Bar – Saint John, USVI ! 3/4 – Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom & 3/5 – TBD 3/6 – TBD 3/17 – 3/19 – SXSW % 3/25 – Sanctuary – Event and Live Music Venue – Maynard, MA * 3/31 – Flat Iron – Greensboro, NC $ 4/1 – TBD 4/2 – 5 Points Music Sanctuary – Roanoke, VA @ 4/9 – Skull & Roses – Ventura, VA *
– Shred is Dead *Shred is Dead ft. Russ Lawton & Zdenek Gubb # Truth in Sound ft. Russ Lawton & Zdenek Gubb % Artist at Large ^ Rezak plays Zappa & more w/ Ike Willis $ Truth in Sound Band & Truth in Sound & Kick the Cat ! Shred is Dead ft. Hayley Jane @ Rezak’s Freek is Shred (Shred is Dead + Freekbass & The Bump Assembly)
On Saturday, January 15, The Campbell Brothers played a high energy set for a small Caffe Lena crowd that braved the elements to make it out. The self-described church music group rocked Caffe Lena with their unique style that combined funk, soul, gospel, folk, and everything in between. The Campbell Brothers’ energy was contagious and the small cold crowd helped sing along to their entire hour and fifteen minute set.
To get a real sense of what The Campbell Brothers’ music is all about by listening, check out this clip of “Morning Train” from 2011.
The Campbell Brothers’ set included “Morning Train” and a number of other energetic tunes including “I’ve Got a Feeling,” “Hell No,” “Heaven Yes,” and “Jump for Joy”. This clip of “Morning Train,” though, is a perfect representation of the tone, mood, and level of musicianship present at the show on Saturday night.
Whether it was Phillip’s touch on guitar, Denise’s powerful vocals, or Chuck’s superb control on the pedal steel, The group hit notes that anyone can enjoy. Their simple hooks made it easy for the crowd to learn the lyrics and sing along with Denise throughout the night.
There is no substitute for witnessing their music performed live in person, and it is an experience that music lovers will crave again and again. So the next time The Campbell Brothers morning train rolls into your town, the only question you need to ask yourself is, “how many tickets am I buying?” Also, be sure to check them out on Facebook.
Zac Brown Band has announced their “Out in the Middle Tour” for summer 2022, including stops at Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Center (SPAC), Citi Field in Queens and En-Joie Golf Course in Endicott.
The “Out in the Middle Tour” will showcase the band’s old-school country roots and southern-rock style, serving as an ode to their country pride and life’s simple pleasures. Joining the band once again will be Caroline Jones, who performed as a special guest during “The Comeback Tour.” Zac Brown Band also welcomes Robert Randolph Band as the opening act on select dates throughout the tour.
Performing in front of millions of fans around the world is one of the most electrifying and humbling feelings. We’re so excited to go back out on the road and keep the unbelievable momentum going from ‘The Comeback Tour.’ It’s been such an incredible year for the band, debuting some of the best music we’ve ever made, and we are thrilled to continue playing live for our amazing fans.
Zac Brown
ZBB will make three stops in the Empire State this summer, starting at SPAC in Saratoga Springs on Thursday, June 2, Citi Field in Queens on August 18, and at En-Joie Golf Course in Endicott, just west of Binghamton on the Susquehanna River.
Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, January 21 at 10 AM at ZacBrownBand.com. Zac Brown Band will offer VIP packages for each show that include premium tickets, access to the Uncaged Lounge with complimentary wine, beer & appetizers, an exclusive VIP gift item & more. Package contents vary based on offer selected. Fans can visit VIPNation.com for more information. The “Zamily” Fan Club pre-sale will begin on Tuesday, January 18 at 10AM, followed by the simultaneous Spotify and Live Nation Pre-Sales on Wednesday, January 19 at 10 AM. For tickets or more information please visit ZacBrownBand.com.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iNTErjy1Xk
Zac Brown Band “Out in the Middle Tour” 2022 Dates
At 74 years old, New Hampshire folk musician Bill Staines died on Sunday, December 5, 2021. For more than 45 years, Bill Staines has been the classic folk songwriter, singing his songs at the country’s top festivals, concerts, clubs and coffee houses. Above all, Staines performed at Saratoga Springs coffeehouse Caffe Lena twice a year from 1968 to 2021, once in the winter and once in the summer.
Staines held a special role at Caffe Lena, having performed more than 100 times at the venue. In addition, Staines decided to play at Café Lena twice a year in 1968 and kept his promise. Across the world, many fans have been morning the loss of Staines.
Bill Staines has passed away from cancer and our hearts are breaking. He played Caffe Lena summer and winter every year since 1968. He’s our nearest and dearest and it won’t be the same without him.
Caffè Lena
On January 22nd, Caffe Lena will host “Crossing the Water,” a tribute concert celebrating the life and legacy of the beloved songwriter, Bill Staines. The tribute will take place on the date that would have been Staines’ winter show for 2022. It will feature Staines’ songs, passages from his autobiography, and video clips from his final concert at the venue on September 17, 2021. Furthermore, there will be additional performances by Dan Berggren, Kate McDonnell, Vivian Nesbitt and John Dillon, Wanda Fischer, Kevin McKrell and Arlin Greene, Jonny and Annie Rosen, and John Kirk and Trish Miller.
Staines had wonderful songs, charm and gentle humor, He was known for being an amazing musician and likable person. Along with his his kindness and gentle wisdom, he was said to have driven more than 65,000 miles every year to perform at music festivals, churches, concert halls and sometimes even in private homes.
For many years I have referred to him as an anchor to our heritage. So much has changed over the years. But Bill has remained a constant.
Executive Director Sarah Craig.
In-person attendees must present proof of vaccination and masks are required. For those unable to attend, a free live stream will be available on Caffe Lena’s YouTube channel. Tickets and streaming information are available at caffelena.org
