Tag: Saratoga Springs

46th Annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival Reveals Lineup of Music Icons

The Saratoga Performing Arts Center will play host to the 46th Annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival on Saturday, June 24, and Sunday, June 25, 2023, for a full two-day and two-stage thrilling festival experience. The line-up is anchored by musical legends including Bonnie Raitt, Pat Metheny, Angelique Kidjo, and twenty-one more musical ensembles, who will be bringing a variety of genres ranging from jazz to roots, funk, blues and beyond.

Jazz Artist Angelique Kidjo

Grammy Award-winner and Rock and Roll of Fame Inductee Bonnie Raitt will be making her highly suspended return to the festival since 1988. She is known for her blend of blues, R&B, rock and pop classics like “I Can’t Make You Love Me,”, “Something to Talk About” and “Nick of Time”.

Bonnie Raitt

On Saturday, the festival’s major draw will be the explosive 19-piece megaband Snarky Puppy, which is making its second appearance. The enthralling jazz, rock, and funk trio is described as “An exultant throwdown of brilliant danceability” by the Village Voice. The group has won four Grammy Awards, the most recent one in 2021 for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.

Jazz Ensemble Snarky Puppy

Jazz and funk guitarist Cory Wong, best known as a frequent guest rhythm guitarist for Vulfpeck as well as for his ebullient solo material; eight-piece psychedelia and funk fiery band St. Paul & The Broken Bones; jazz and rock drum dynamo Cindy Blackman Santana, who is the regular touring drummer for Carlos Santana and previously Lenny Kravitz; and “Silky-voiced rising jazz star” (New York Times).

Cory Wong

Cindy Blackman Santana

Having originally been founded as “the Newport Jazz Festival at Saratoga”, the musical event was renamed Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival in 1998 and is one of the most prominent jazz festivals in North America.

Saratoga Jazz Festival

On Saturday, June 24, performances will begin at 11 a.m. on the Charles R. Wood “Jazz Discovery” Stage and 12 p.m. on the Amphitheater Stage, and at 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m., respectively, on Sunday, June 25. Fans may enjoy a magnificent arts and crafts market, artist CD signings, and fresh and diverse culinary selections in addition to two nonstop days of outstanding music on two stages. Tickets can be purchased here.

2023 FREIHOFER’S SARATOGA JAZZ FESTIVAL LINEUP

SATURDAY, JUNE 24

Amphitheater:
Snarky Puppy
Angelique Kidjo
Cory Wong*
Tower of Power
Chucho Valdes Quartet
Cindy Blackman Santana Band*

Charles R. Wood “Jazz Discovery” Stage:
Kurt Rosenwinkel
Emmet Cohen Trio*
Claudia Acuna*
Carolyn Wonderland*
Glen David Andrews*
Nduduzo Makhathini*

SUNDAY, JUNE 25

Amphitheater:
Bonnie Raitt
Pat Metheny Side-Eye
St. Paul & The Broken Bones*
Hiromi: The Piano Quintet feat. PUBLIQuartet

Charles R. Wood “Jazz Discovery” Stage:
Samara Joy*
Jupiter & Okwess*
Melissa Aldana
Mark Guiliana*
Skidmore Jazz Institute Faculty All-Stars Centennial Celebration of Wes Montgomery, Tito Puente & Dexter Gordon featuring Clay Jenkins, Jimmy Greene, Michael Dease, Dave Stryker, Bill Cunliffe, Todd Coolman and Dennis Mackrel

December 18, 2022
Goodnight Moonshine Keeps the Spark Glowing at Caffe Lena

Married couple Molly Venter and Eben Pariser brought their project Goodnight Moonshine to Caffe Lena on a Saturday in early December 2022. The duo plays acoustic guitars and sings into a solitary mic. This highlights the spark of their harmonies, both vocally and from their instruments. The audience enjoyed the couple’s banter and playing throughout the show, joining in impromptu with backup harmonizing and also when asked to join in by the band.

Goodnight Moonshine at Caffe Lena. Photo by Derek Java.

Earlier that day, Goodnight Moonshine had performed for a group of young children at Caffe Lena. Transitioning to the adult crowd, the couple was having fun realizing that their child-safe filters were still on. Someone from the crowd asked, “How many wheels on the bus?” Venter was quick to reply, “As many as it takes to get them to stop crying!” This was one of many enjoyable moments throughout the evening.

Molly Venter of Goodnight Moonshine. Photo by Derek Java.

Venter dedicated a song called True North to her father. Lines such as “there went my peace of mind with you on the otherside” and “taught me to speak true” brought to light her love for her father. Venter’s soulful voice is a story-telling gem.

Later in the long set, Pariser asked the audience for participation. He asked those with low voices to sing a low “drown in my own tears” and the higher voices to sing a harmony to the same line. This was fun, and as always the crowd at Caffe Lena did not disappoint the artist.

Goodnight Moonshine basking in the spark of the crowd at Caffe Lena. Photo by Derek Java.

For this listener, two songs highlight what connects this pair to their audience, and the rest of the world for that matter. One is about the couple’s twins called “Already Who You Are” and the other is called “Stars.” Both have lines about everything being “made of stars.” Speaking true indeed. Keep an eye out for Goodnight Moonshine next year and see them if you can. You can stream shows from Caffe Lena, as well. Information can be found here.

Photo by Derek Java.

Photo by Derek Java.

Photo by Derek Java.

Photo by Derek Java.

Photo by Derek Java.

Photo by Derek Java.

Photo by Derek Java.

Photo by Derek Java.

December 5, 2022
Caffe Lena Presents Third Annual TrueSongs Concert

Caffe Lena will present the third annual TrueSongs concert on Sunday, November 12^th at 8pm, highlighting local lives changed for the better by Capital Region non-profits. The concert features previously untold redemption stories involving a local non-profit organization, each will be told in words and songs at Caffe Lena.

A young woman builds her life back after a stroke, two friends start a music shop in Haiti. A daughter finds peace and fulfillment in her final days with her mother, and a woman moves forward after homelessness. Each of these previously untold redemption stories involves a local non-profit organization, and each will be told in words and songs at Caffe Lena.

TrueSongs was created in 2019 by the Saratoga Springs music venue Caffe Lena to show how arts and social service organizations can work together to create a healthy, whole community. Now in its third year, TrueSongs will give five community members the chance to share their personal story with a live audience.

Each storyteller has been working with a songwriter who will follow the story with a compelling new song meant to bring out the emotional heart of the experience.

“We proudly partner with schools, churches and community centers throughout Haiti,” said Bill Cole, owner of Cole’s Woodwind Shop and founder of the non-profit Horns for Haiti. “The resilience of the Haitian people and their love of music has made it possible to implement projects during a very difficult time in this third world country. We’re providing musical instruments and supplies to hundreds of school children and also mentoring young entrepreneurs in starting their own sustainable businesses in the music industry.”

The TrueSongs Lyrics of Life concert will take place on Sunday, November 12^th at 8p.m. at Caffe Lena. Tickets bought in advance are $20 to the general public and $10 for students. Tickets bought at the door are $22 for the general public. Likewise, $5 student rush tickets will be sold at the door with valid ID. The concert will also be available to live stream for free on Caffe Lena’s YouTube channel. For more information and to purchase advance tickets, click the link here.

October 27, 2022
Joe Jencks and Kray Van Kirk trade songs at Caffe Lena

Joe Jencks and Kray Van Kirk traded songs at Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs on Sep. 16. The night was divided into three sets: a solo set by Van Kirk followed by a solo set by Jencks, then both singers came on stage to trade songs back and forth for a story-filled hour plus from these two singer songwriters. Joe Jencks was last featured on NYS Music at the folk music Old Song Festival of Traditional Music and Dance.

In the solo sets, Kray Van Kirk started the night off. A highlight from Van Kirk for this listener was when he introduced a song with this: “I am going to spend my time rejecting my heritage.” He then sang a song of solidarity with people of all kinds. Van Kirk said after the show that his “ancestors were slave owners in this country.” He finished his solo set with the title track from his most recent album Midnight Commander.

Joe Jencks took the stage for his solo set and began by saying that he was standing in solidarity with the workers of Amtrak. Jencks mentioned that his friend Van Kirk, who lives in California, was fortunate that he took a plane over to the Northeast, as a trip via train could have been tricky. The highlight for this listener was also a title track. This time it was Jencks singing the title track to his new album The Coming of the Years. Jencks mentioned how this song was an homage to “getting together” and how nice it was to get together with an audience considering the past couple years of the Covid pandemic.

During the combined set, Van Kirk told an incredible story/legend about Irish Selkies. These are the Irish people’s version of Mermaids. Jencks continued the theme of water-related storytelling. He sang a song of acceptance that centered on “The Lady of the Harbor” (Statue of Liberty). Both singers spun tales of politics and bravery. Concluding the night, the two singer songwriters invoked Pete Seeger telling the US Congress that he was not invoking his 5th Amendment rights; he was invoking his 1st Amendment rights. Then the crowd sang along to a swelling rendition of The Youngbloods’ Smile on Your Brother.

Photos by Derek Java Photography

Joe Jencks listening to Kray Van Kirk.

September 19, 2022
More Music Less Violence Showcase Comes to Caffe Lena on June 26

On Sunday, June 26 from 4-8 pm, the More Than Music LLC will hold their fourth artist showcase, More Music Less Violence, in Saratoga Springs at Caffe Lena.

The artist showcase on June 26 will feature local artists from all over the Captial Region. Performances include the likes of Emaculit, Precedence, spoken word artist The Young Optimist, GianLife, Ahzie, Mikayla Mclean, Quaudy Rouse, and Symone Noelle.

More Music Less Violence started as a pop-up event in the summer of 2020 by Mario Johnson (also known as DJ HollyW8D), and has since been established as a permanent organization with influence throughout the Captial Region. The organization hopes to provide spaces for creative freedom and healing to bring in a new era of musicians.

Photo Courtesy of EQPix

Due to the COVID pandemic, there was no events going down, so I made an event. Music is a common factor that always brings people together and growing up in Brooklyn you saw violence every day. I don’t want to see it where I am living now.
– Mario Johnson, CEO of More Than Music LLC

In addition to the live music at the event, audiences will also hear from Team H.E.R.O.E.S.’s Jerry Ford. Team H.E.R.O.E.S. (Helping Everyone Recognize Opportunities) helps communities empower young people and families with their long-term strategies and multiple programs.

The audience will also get a chance to see art as it is created. BOGRAN LLC will host a live painting, and Saratoga’s C.R.E.A.T.E Community Studios will be overseeing the making of a vibrant and collaborative community banner.

A photo booth and raffle drawings are also open to everyone in attendance. Donations will be accepted and encouraged as the More Music Less Violence team wishes to expand its outreach in an effort to stop the spread of community violence.

Tickets to the More Music Less Violence Showcase are $20 at the door, or the fee for the event live-stream can be purchased for $5.

June 24, 2022
Universal Preservation Hall Announces 2022 Season Shows

Universal Preservation Hall has announced shows for the 2022 season, including an In the Round series, a silent disco, a few notable names sharing their talent, and holiday classics to bring in December.

A view of Universal Preservation Hall is seen during the media tour and ribbon cutting of the new concert hall in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (Jenn March, Special to the Times Union)

Universal Preservation Hall, “UPH”, is the performing arts, and community events venue located in Saratoga Springs. It was reconstructed from an 1871 former Methodist church and transformed from 19th century High Victorian Gothic church to state-of-the-art performance facility will be nothing short of amazing.

Silent Disco — 7 p.m. July 29

Silent Disco

A silent disco is in an activity where people dance to music listened to on wireless headphones. Rather than using a traditional speaker system, music is broadcast via a transmitter with the signal being picked up by wireless headphones worn by the participants. Grab your headphones, pick your music and make the Silent Disco your own as you tear up the dance floor.

An Evening You Can’t Refuse with Gianni Russo — 7:30 p.m. August 5

Gianni Russo, known for his iconic role in The Godfather, as well as other film and television credits. Join us as Gianni Russo inspires audiences with the legendary journey of his music, storytelling of his life and acting career.

Country Thunder: Country Legends Tribute — 7:30 p.m. August 20

Country Legends Tribute Tour is now firmly established as North Americas #1 Country Music Tribute show featuring the music of the biggest names on the American scene including Garth Brooks, Shania Twain and Keith Urban!

In the Round Series: KAINA and LI & The Little Idea — 7 p.m. October 1

KAINA has created generational music that surpasses borders, a unified expression of her native Chicago coupled with her Venezuelan and Guatemalan heritage. LI & the Little Idea is a true music lover’s dream band offering listeners an experiential journey across various regions and eras of American music. It’s lyrical, it’s “dancy,” it’s authentic and it’s real.

Cordâme – Da Vinci Inventions — 8 p.m. October 14

Composer Jean Félix Mailloux interprets music inspired by the Italian Renaissance. This show of music and jazz will make you experience a whole range of emotions with surprising music, transcending beauty and wonder.

Issac Mizrahi — 7:30 p.m. October 29

Isaac Mizrahi, an actor, host, writer, designer, and producer of 30 years, now brings his singing talent to UPH for the first time! A Cabaret style performance you can’t miss.

Justin Roberts (Not Ready for Naptime) — 6 p.m. November 10 / School Day Performance at 10:30 a.m.

For nearly 20 years, Justin Roberts has been creating the soundtrack to families’ lives, helping kids navigate the joys and sorrows of growing up while allowing parents to remember their own childhoods.

It’s a Jazzy Christmas — 7:30 p.m. December 16

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and It’s a Jazzy Christmas has all your favorite holiday songs!

Remembering the Fifties Holiday Show — 7:30 p.m. December 17

Celebrate the holidays with a salute to The Platters! This four-person tribute group brings their hits like “Only You” and “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” to life with a Motown live band!

The Queen’s Cartoonist — 7:30 p.m. December 22

The Queen’s Cartoonists play music from classic cartoons and contemporary animation. Performances are synched to videos of the original films while the band leads the audience through a world of multi-instrumental mayhem and comedy!

Samara Joy — 8 p.m. December 23

Samara Joy has dug deep to discover her jazz roots, without losing sight of the innate simplicity that makes her sound shine. With a voice as smooth as velvet, Joy’s star seems to rise with each performance!

Tickets are available through the Box Office at Proctors or online at proctors.org.

June 21, 2022
Black Opry Revue Announced For June 24 At Caffe Lena

On June 24th, Black Opry Revue will perform at Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs, bringing with them styles that include country, blues, folk, and Americana music.

Black Opry Revue

Black Opry is a home for Black artists and Black fans of country, blues, folk, and Americana music. It was firstly started by Holly G., a Black country music lover in the format of a website. It connected Black country performers and connect with likeminded fans. The musicians gathered together and started their tour to bring racial equality to country music. The Black Opry Revue has performed sold out shows in Nashville, Memphis, Houston, Chicago, New York City and Atlanta with a revolving group of performers that represent a wide, diverse range of styles.

Country music has been made by and loved by Black people since its conception. For just as long, we have been overlooked and disregarded in the genre by fans and executives. Black Opry wants to change that and create a joyful, supportive space where Black artists can be heard and celebrated.
Black Opry founder Holly G.

Caffè Lena is a premiere concert venue presents extraordinary music in an intimate setting with 82 years’ history. Located in Saratoga Springs, it is renowned as the longest continuously operating folk music venue in the United States. In person or virtually, Caffe Lena provides stage for various artists and bands nearly every night. They also offers homemade desserts, locally sourced light fare, coffee, wine and beer to enjoy during the show.

Caffe Lena

Since 1960, our mission at Caffe Lena has been to provide a stage for American roots music to flourish. This music wouldn’t be here without the contributions of Black culture. Black Opry Revue is a really special opportunity to celebrate that culture and the performers who are working to break down walls within the music industry.
Carolyn Shapiro, marketing manager at Caffe Lena

The performance at Caffe Lena will be a writers-in-the-round concert. Besides the singing performances, artists will also share the stories behind their songs. The artisits include singer-songwriters, Roverta Lea and Nikki Morgan, and country music singer Tae Lewis. Roberta Lea blends soul, pop and RnB with thought provoking lyrics while Nikki Morgan developed traditional gospel music and now creates captivating melodies and insightful lyrics. Tae Lewis is a fast-rising country music singer from North Carolina.

Black Opry Revue will take place at Caffe Lena on Friday, June 24th with doors at 7:30pm and the show beginning at 8pm. The show will also be available to live stream for up to one week on Caffe Lena TV, the venue’s live streaming platform. In-person tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Student rush tickets are available at the door for $5. Buy tickets and view the schedule here

June 13, 2022
New Caffe Lena TV App Now Available

Caffe Lena is known for its extraordinary music and for being the longest operating folk music venues within the United States. Caffe Lena has now taken it to another level with their launch of their brand new app “Caffe Lena TV.”

The app allows easy access to live streaming concerts, archived videos, and the opportunity to be an interactive audience member by texting comments throughout the show. To download the app, just search “Caffe Lena TV” in your AppStore (iOS), PlayStore (Android) or Roku Store or click the link above and follow the instructions to sign in!

Caffe Lena launched a School of Music in 2020 which helps to carry on the folk tradition of music for students, children and adults. Some of America’s best loved songwriters have gotten their careers launched from Caffe Lena like American-blues songwriter, Sawyer Fredericks.

Caffe Lena was called “An American treasure” by The Library of Congress and is recognized for their help in the development of American music from The GRAMMY Foundation.

Check out Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs and the world-class performers that will get your foot tapping to the music. The Caffe Lena App thanks those for supporting their non-profit venue and keeping independent music alive!

April 26, 2022
Saint Paddy’s Day Spectacular: Prince Bowie & Midnight Sun at Putnam Place

On Thursday, March 17th, Saratoga Springs came together for a spectacular night of music at Putnam Pl a ce. Everybody was Irish this evening, and all were in for an extra-special treat. Led Zeppelin cover band, the Midnight Sun Project kicked things off, and Prince Bowie headlined, leaving everyone breathless, a little sleepy, and very satisfied.

The Midnight Sun Project

Tonight was the first for many hearing Midnight Sun Project perform. Previously, most had never heard Led Zeppelin sung by a female lead. Once you have, you may not want it any other way. Lead singer Shannon Lynch‘s voice absolutely blew me out of the water from start to finish.

With Vinnie Amico (of moe.) on the drums, Shannon Lynch on lead vocals and tenor sax, Christian deFrancqueville on bass, and Doc Danielson on guitar, the Midnight Sun Project rocked everyone’s socks off and then some.

Setlist: Communication Breakdown, Ramble On, Good Times Bad Times, The Rover, The Ocean, Out on the Tiles, Misty Mountain Hop, Bring it on Home, Immigrant Song, Custard Pie, Black Dog

Prince Bowie & The Horn Section

After an energetic opening set, everyone was more than ready for the main event. Prince Bowie took the stage and did what they do best — glorious glam rock mashups. However, for a St. Paddy’s Day present, we all had an extra special treat: The Horn Section, formerly of Turkuaz.

Whoever it was that decided to put Prince and David Bowie music together was a genius. Having never gotten to see either in concert, this was a close as some of us will ever get to the real thing. But the fact is, this lineup was so good, it doesn’t matter.

The band this evening featured Eric Gould (Pink Talking Fish, bass) Cal Kehoe (Pink Talking Fish, guitar) Michelangelo Carubba (Death Kings; formerly of Turkuaz, drums) Alric Carter (TAUK, keys) Matt Wayne (Bobby Deitch Band, saxophone) and The Horn Section (formerly of Turkuaz) featuring Josh Schwartz, Greg Sanderson and Chris Brouwers. With spot on energetic Bowie covers of “Fame,” “Starman,” and “Let’s Dance,” the group sequed smoothly into “Cream,” “I Wanna Be Your Love” and “I Feel For You.” The set closing finale of Bowie’s “Heroes,”

The crowd was perfectly satisfied with Prince Bowie’s set. However, they leveled things up and brought Shannon Lynch and her incredible pipes back out on stage for an encore of “Purple Rain.” Lynch performed on several songs during the night, singing and playing the sax, to the delight of everyone present.

Setlist: Rebel Rebel, Raspberry Beret, Fame, 1999, Under Pressure*, DMSR*, Starman, Kiss, Let’s Dance > Cream, Changes, I Wanna Be Your Lover, Moonage Daydream, Nothing Compares to You*, Young Americans*, I feel For You, Heroes Encore: Purple Rain *Shannon Lynch on vocals/sax

The Lineup

Prince Bowie doesn’t have a standard lineup. Instead, this group is a rotating cast of some of the top musicians in the northeast and beyond. If you want to catch this lineup, however, don’t fret. Catch them live on April 29th in Norwalk, CT at Wall Street Theater and April 30th in Beverly, MA at The Cabot.

Listen to The St. Patrick’s Day set via Archive.org

March 21, 2022
Universal Preservation Hall announces Fleetwood Mac Tribute and Ladysmith Black Mambazo Pperformances

The Seven Wonders – Fleetwood Mac Tribute and Ladysmith Black Mambazo take the stage in Saratoga Springs at the Universal Preservation Hall the first week of March. On Friday, March 4th at 7pm, the The Seven Wonders will perform and Ladysmith Black Mambazo on Saturday, March 5th at 7pm.

The seven premier musicians from Western New York make up the Fleetwood Mac Tribute band, the Seven Wonders who play homage to Fleetwood Mac’s music. The Seven Wonders shows are packed full with liveliness that creates energetic energy and passion into the renditions of the timeless tunes performed by the band.

The Seven Wonders – Fleetwood Mac Tribute draws fans from all over the region as they continue to have numerous sold out shows with packed venues from now and back to when the band was established in 2017.

For over 60 years, the uplifting harmonies, the signature dance moves, and the onstage teasing remarks from Ladysmith Black Mambazo has touched the hearts of their audiences tremendously with their message of peace, love, and harmony.

The group caught the public eye after the late former South African President, Nelson Mandela named the group “South Africa’s cultural ambassadors to the world.”

The young farm boy, Joseph from Ladysmith Black Mambazo assembled the group in the early 1960s where he constructed the groups name from familiar things he surrounded himself with. Joseph’s hometown where he grew up was Ladysmith, Black is a reference to the farms strongest animal that was an Oxen and Mambazo being the Zulu word for chopping axe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCfoyYKUM20

The Seven Wonders – Fleetwood Mac Tribute, UPH at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 4; $20-45 and Ladysmith Black Mambazo will be at UPH at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 5; $35-65.

For tickets and information, call the Box Office at Proctors 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday-Friday at
518-346-6204 or visit https://universalpreservationhall.org

March 4, 2022