In partnership with Caffè Lena, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center announced that the popular Caffè Lena @ SPAC Festival will return for a free 1-day concert on Saturday, October 7 from 12-5:30pm. Taking place at SPAC’s Charles R. Wood stage, the festival will feature five bands, exploring genres including rock, bluegrass, jazz, reggae and more.
The featured performers will include Upstate, Los Sugar Kings, Soggy Po’ Boys, Amythyst Kiah, and The Clements Brothers. The Caffè Lena @ SPAC Festival highlights an ongoing collaboration between the arts center and the folk music venue in Saratoga Springs.
Upstate will close out the night with their signature blend of folk, bluegrass, jazz, and soul. The Woodstock-based collective is known throughout the state for their passionate songwriting, vulnerability, and stellar instrumentation.
This event combines the intimacy and style of Caffè Lena with the expansive outdoor setting of SPAC. Our organizations have had a great time collaborating on this project and the crowd has gotten bigger every year. This year’s line-up is really exciting featuring five inspiring artists, including our first GRAMMY nominee.
Sarah Craig, executive director of Caffè Lena.
The collaboration between SPAC and Caffè Lena first launched in 2017, resulting in jointly curated programs at both venues. Guests are welcome to bring food, drink, blankets, and lawn chairs for the concerts. Food concessions will be available. The concert will take place rain or shine.
The Blues Project, a band first formed in the mid 60s, will be performing in Saratoga Springs on Oct 8 at Caffe Lena. With the eclectic experiences of each band member, all with different backgrounds and history, it’s sure to be an experience audience members won’t forget.
The Blues Project was formed in the mid-’60s in Greenwich Village by guitarists Danny Kalb and Steve Katz, flutist/bassist Andy Kulberg, drummer Roy Blumenfeld, and singer Tommy Flanders. Al Kooper joined later in his early twenties after sitting in on the band’s Columbia Records audition (though they ended up signing to Verve).
The eclectic résumés of the musicians– folk, jazz, blues, and rock backgrounds– reflected their choice of material. While they did sing covers, they also sang the group’s own originals. These original songs were typically penned by Kooper, who had already built songwriting credentials as the co-writer of Gary Lewis’ huge smash hit “The Diamond Ring,” as well as his contributions to Bob Dylan‘s mid-’60s records.
After the release of their debut live album, they recorded their second album Projections in the fall of 1966. Projections is a good reflection of their eclectic group, as the album combines blues, R&B, jazz, psychedelia, and folk-rock.
…we’re not reviving the blues, we’re looking to interpret what’s happening today.
Danny Kalb (guitarist), 1966
Soon after Projections‘ release, Kooper and Katz left the band, and in 1968 they joined forces to form their own: Blood, Sweat & Tears. Kooper led the band on its first album Child Is Father to the Man, but he did not take part in any releases after that. Later, Kooper– then a producer for Columbia Records– recorded with Blumenfield, Stephen Stills, and Harvey Brooks for the album entitled Super Session. Katz remained with Blood, Sweat & Tears until the 1970s, and went on to produce Lou Reed’s best-selling and still-influential live LP Rock ‘n’ Roll Animal.
The Blues Project reformed briefly in the early ’70s with a modified lineup, releasing three further albums: Lazarus, Blues Project, The Original Blues Project Reunion in Central Park. Once they were again disbanded, Blumenfeld formed Seatrain and in the 2000s performed with former Country Joe & the FIsh member, Barry Melton.
The original Blues Project disbanded one final time in the 90s, but realizing they still had a passionate fan base who cared about the band and its music, Katz and Blumenfeld decided to give it another go in 2021.
Fast forward to 2023, and The Blues Project is alive and well, with Blumenfeld leading a powerful new lineup including three new talented members: Chris Morrison (lead guitar), Scott Petito (bass), and Ken Clark (keyboards/vocals).
Catch them at Caffè Lena on October 8, from 7-9PM. Doors open promptly at 6:30pm.
For more information on The Blues Project, visit their website and follow their FaceBook.
The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College has announced a public series of talks, screenings, performances, and more this fall. The series is in collaboration with the new exhibition “Forms of Awakening: Selections from the Jack Shear Collection of Himalayan Art.”
“Forms of Awakening” displays traditional Tibetan objects from the Jack Shear Collection alongside work from contemporary Tibetan artists. Together, the works reveal how such objects change our perspectives and bring light to aspects of reality unnoticed in daily life.
“Forms of Awakening” is open from August 19 through December 10. The exhibition is organized by Benjamin Bogin, Associate Professor of Asian Studies, Skidmore College; Rachel Seligman, Malloy Curator, Tang Teaching Museum; and Ariana Maki, Associate Director of the Tibet Center and Bhutan Initiative at the University of Virginia.
The Museum and Art Gallery’s new series includes a two-day symposium, with a focus on contemporary poetry and translation, featuring visiting poets and scholars. Featured guests include Sonam Tsomo Chashutsang, Lekey Leidecker, Tsering Wangmo Dhompa, and Dominique Townsend on Sept. 22–23; concerts by musician and activist Tenzin Choegyal on Oct. 13 and singer-songwriter Techung and singer-artist YESH on Dec. 2; a screening of four films by exhibiting artist Tenzin Phuntsog on Oct. 16; a dialogue between Phuntsog and Mary Kate Donovan, Skidmore College Associate Professor of Spanish and Director of Media and Film Studies, on October 19; and a tour with the exhibition curators and artist Palden Weinreb on Oct. 21.
All events are free and open to the public. For the latest information, visit tang.skidmore.edu.
The Caffè Lena School of Music will present a special fundraiser at Saratoga Springs‘ beautiful High Rock Park: Fiddles and Foliage. This is a festival like no other, styled after an old-time carnival, showcasing Caffè Lena’s School of Music.
Caffè Lena’s School of Music has been serving the community with classes for children, adults, and seniors, both in person and online. Swing by High Rock Park (112 High Rock Ave Saratoga Springs, NY 12866) to support Caffè Lena’s programming, and for fun games, songs, and food by PJ’s BAR-B-QSA, that’s fitting for the whole family. The event will run from 12-4PM on September 24, rain or shine.
See schedule and ticket information below.
12:00PM – Opening Welcome & Land Blessing with Joe Bruchac
12:10-1:00PM – Oona Grady, James Gascoyne, Matt Griffin, and Folk Ensemble students
2:00-2:45PM – The Adirondack Song Dogs
3:00-4:00PM – Open Mic/Band Scramble
Tickets are $10/adult and $8/kid under 14. For more information, visit their website. For questions and inquiries, call 518-583-0022, or email musicschool@caffelena.org.
Swing by to enjoy an afternoon of music, food, and community, with all proceeds benefiting the programming of Caffè Lena’s School of Music.
Consider the Source, NYC-based jazz fusion and progressive metal trio, have announced their next tour: Are You Watching Closely, where they’ll rock through the East Coast with two tour dates in Saratoga Springs and Rochester this fall.
Consider the Source is a band that defies easy categorization. Think intergalactic booty-shaking energy, soaked in Indian and Middle Eastern styles. A relentless touring schedule has earned them a fervent following around the world, with fans ranging from tie dye hippies, to head-to-toe black clothed metalheads.
The band is ready to get back to the face-melting electric shows they have become known for. After their most recent Maxx Power Tour, they have a lot to live up to: and they do. The band is also preparing for the release of their next album in 2024 which they have shared will include “some of the heaviest music we have written yet,” and plan to begin weaving some of these songs into their live shows on this tour.
With their tour announcement came their first ever vinyl pressing of their 2009 album Are You Watching Closely. “The original version took up about a side and a half on vinyl so we decided to do something special for this one. We added 2 bonus songs, “Kashyyyk” and “Put Your Face Away,” which we recorded remotely in each of our home studios and are calling “2023 BONUS DEMOS”. (Both songs had been performed live in the early days of the band but never recorded until now)”
Consider the Source is also giving 3 lucky fans a chance to win a FREE pair of tickets to a show, plus a vinyl test pressing of the album. Visit their Facebook or Instagram pages to enter.
“Are You Watching Closely” Tour Dates:
09.17 Wormtown Music Festival – Greenfield, MA 09.21 The Southern Cafe & Music Hall – Charlottesville, VA 09.22 Asheville Music Hall – Asheville, NC 09.23 Subterranea @ The Caverns – Grundy County, TN 10.05 The 8×10 – Baltimore, MD # 10.06 Wonder Bar – Asbury Park, NJ $ 10.07 Jam on the Grass – Philadelphia, PA 11.03 Bayside Bowl – Portland, ME % 11.09 Putnam Place – Saratoga Springs, NY ^ 11.10 Nectar’s – Burlington, VT 11.11 Stone Church – Newmarket, NH & 11.17 Flour City Station – Rochester, NY * 11.18 Thunderbird Café & Music Hall – Pittsburgh, PA $$ 12.07 Fox Theatre – Boulder, CO ## 12.08 830 North – Fort Collins, CO 12.09 Globe Hall – Denver, CO
Phish welcomed legendary guitarist Derek Trucks during the second set of their show on Saturday, August 26 at SPAC. For roughly an hour, Trucks traded guitar licks with Trey Anastasio and jammed on classic Phish songs as well as TV On the Radio’s “Golden Age.”
Photo by Derek Java
The late August shows served as a benefit for the Vermont and Upstate New York flood recovery effort. While rumors of Trucks abounded during the day, only when his amp was brought out on stage following a speedy “2001” did the audience let out an electric cheer for the guitarist of Allman Brothers Band, Derek Trucks Band, and currently, Tedeschi Trucks Band.
Photo by Derek Java
Trucks had joined Phish once prior, in Charlotte, NC on July 7, 1999, for “Funky Bitch” and “Possum,” the latter of which would serve as the encore this evening as well. Additionally, Trucks and Susan Tedeschi were joined by Anastasio at Lockn 2019 for a recreation of Derek and the Dominoes Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.
Watch Derek Trucks join Phish for “Golden Age,” “Everything’s Right,” “First Tube” and “Possum.”
Phish – Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) Saratoga Springs – August 26, 2023
Phish returned to Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on Friday, August 25th, for a pair of shows that served as a benefit for victims of flooding in Vermont and Upstate New York this summer. Their first time playing at the historic Upstate amphitheatre since 2019, Phish will record their 24th career show at SPAC, following the show on Saturday night.
Earlier in the day, Phish connected with New York Governor Kathy Hochul, announcing that the band had donated $3.5 million dollars raised from the pair of concerts, to support flood relief for Upstate New Yorkers, as well as Vermonters affected by flooding earlier this summer.
That number is sure to rise, with donations being raised during the shows through the Waterwheel Foundation’s 2023 Flood Recovery Fund, supporting victims and their families, area businesses, and non-profits. The Recovery Fund will support both shorter-term needs and long-term recovery and resiliency projects.
We are so grateful to everyone who donated their time and resources to make these benefits possible, and those that attended the shows or watched online. The joy in the room at these concerts was undeniable. But for the people affected by the flooding, it is an ongoing struggle. That’s why we are continuing to accept donations, raise awareness and distribute the funds.
Page McConnell
With rain in the forecast and a blanket of clouds enveloping the Saratoga Spa State Park grounds, fans arrived early and in great numbers, setting up a Shakedown off Route 50 while sprinkles fell intermittently throughout the evening. Filing into SPAC, fans dispersed to find spots on the lawn or head down to the pavilion, with the first notes of the evening at 8:05pm.
What might look like a pedestrian set on paper was energetic and rocking from the start, with “Kill Devil Falls” and “The Moma Dance” opening the night, the latter finding its familiar home in the two-slot, clocking in at nearly 14 minutes. The trio of “Ocelot,” “The Wedge” and “Mull” packed a punch, especially “Mull” which deftly found a segue into “Punch You In the Eye,” with fans erupting upon the first notes, carrying the energy into “Sand.”
It was within “Sand” that a classic film was paid homage to, as teases and jams based on “We Welcome You to Munchkinland” spiced the jam vehicle nicely, a tribute to The Wizard of Oz on the 84th anniversary of the film’s initial release. This tidbit had fan’s ears perking up, searching their internal database to find where this ditty derived itself from, occuring later in a second set “Chalkdust Torture” and the original recording played outright as the postshow music.
For a band that has played “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “If I Only Had a Brain” over the years, including with the legendary Ken Kesey, the band didn’t miss the chance to celebrate an inspiring American film. Drummer Jon Fishman even went so far as to put his hair in a pigtail to mimic a munchkin hairdo in the second set. The incredible “Sand” is a must hear, and led into a set closing “Rock and Roll” courtesy of Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground.
What would amount to a five song second set began with an Anastasio-penned quarantine tune “Evolve,” serving as an appetizer for the feast that was about to be plated. “A Wave of Hope” and “Simple” would pair up for back-to-back 22-minute jams, following in the vein of the excellent recent shows at Madison Square Garden. To follow were a pair of 11-minute jams in “Fuego” and “Chalkdust Torture,” wrapping up a powerful set, a true treat for the many first-timers in the crowd this evening.
For an encore, the first breather of the night arrived as “Wading in the Velvet Sea,” giving way to Kasvot Växt’s “Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.” which has found a home in the set closing/encore slot to send fans on their journey to Oz.
Phish – Broadview Stage at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs – Friday, August 25
Soundcheck: My Soul, Fast Enough for You, Wombat Set 1: Kill Devil Falls, The Moma Dance, Ocelot, The Wedge, Mull > Punch You in the Eye, Sand, Rock and Roll Set 2: Evolve, A Wave of Hope -> Simple > Fuego -> Chalkdust Torture Encore: Wading in the Velvet Sea, Say it to me S.A.N.T.O.S.
This performance was a benefit for Vermont and Upstate New York flood recovery efforts and was a free webcast with all proceeds via donation going to those efforts. Coinciding with the 84th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz being released in the United States on the date of this show, Trey teased We Welcome You to Munchkinland (or It Really Was No Miracle) several times in Sand as well as at the end of Chalk Dust Torture, Fish wore his hair with a single pigtail sticking out of the front of his head like a munchkin for the second set, and We Welcome You to Munchkinland was the postshow music. Trey also teased Dave’s Energy Guide on Sand.
In what’s become a bit of a Saratoga summer tradition, it was another ‘boot scootin’ boogie’ of a good time when the Zac Brown Band brought their “From The Fire” tour to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on Aug.13.
Playing two sets of crowd-pleasing favorites, the memorable performance also included guest sit-ins galore and a plethora of unexpected cover songs from artists like Pink Floyd, Radiohead, and The Band. Proving they are anything but your “typical” country rock superstars, the genre-defying crossover juggernaut led by Brown had something for everyone and cemented why they are considered one of today’s top live acts and party atmosphere you can count on.
The Zac Brown Band performing at SPAC on 8/13/2023. Photo by Zak Radick.
After getting the night started with stellar sets from a pair of kings, the up-and coming Nashville act King Calaway and Southern blues powerhouse rocker Marcus King, the highly prolific, Grammy Award winning Zac Brown Band took the Broadview Stage at SPAC shortly after 8 pm. Opening up the curtains to the show in dramatic fashion, “Make This Day” had the crowd on their feet and singing along to the very first note. Accompanied by a backing entourage of talented musicians Brown referred to as “the best in the business,” the collective sound of everyone playing together was massive inside the packed pavilion, overpowering the singing of the audience, both inside and on the lawn, who just seemed to be savoring every second of the show.
The Zac Brown Band performing at SPAC on 8/13/2023. Photo by Zak Radick.
Playing some of their most well-known material in the first set that included “Knee Deep,” “Keep Me In Mind,” “Where the Boat Leaves From” and a laidback version of “Free” that segued nicely into Van Morrison’s “Into the Mystic,” ZBB would also show massive respect to the handpicked opening act King Calaway by covering one of their songs, “When I Get Home.” Following that up with another cover song about home, the Atlanta, GA-based group then unleashed a high-octane, foot stomping fiddle clinic with their take of the Charlie Daniels Band classic, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.”
After working their way through “Tomorrow Never Comes” and “Same Boat,” one of the emotional high points of the night came next with a lovely tribute to Robbie Robertson of The Band who passed away just a few days earlier. Known for regularly working various songs from The Band’s storied catalog into their live shows, on this Sunday night in August, ZBB opted to go with a cover of “The Weight.” The clear influence of the Saugerties icons was on full display here and was palpable. Following an extended drum and percussion solo next, “Jump Right In” would have fans jumping for joy before heading to the concession stand for a short break in the music.
The Zac Brown Band performing at SPAC on 8/13/2023. Photo by Zak Radick.
Kicking off the second set with the opening track of 2015’s Jekyll + Hyde, the pop energy of “Beautiful Drug” instantly got the crowd moving again, before Southern blues guitarist and all-around ‘goodfella’ Marcus King would join in on the party by lending his incredible talents to a cover of Derek and the Dominos’ classic anthem “Layla.” The sweet sounds of “Sweet Annie,” was next, followed by “Whiskey’s Gone,” and “As She’s Walking Away,” before another standout of the night came in a version of “Colder Weather” that dipped its toes into Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” territory before going into the popular ZBB original tune “Toes.”
Keeping the “cover-heavy” theme of the night going strong, I don’t think anyone expected the pair of selections that came next. First reassuring anyone who might be experiencing their first Zac Brown Band show that they do, in fact, belong there was “Creep” from Radiohead’s legendary debut album Pablo Honey, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The next surprise was that of U2’s stadium-sized sing-along “With Or Without You” that saw the whole crowd doing their best Bono impressions. Following it up with a smash hit sing-along of their own, the Zac Brown Band original song “Homegrown” all but brought the packed SPAC house down, leaving fans hollering for more as the second set came to a close.
The Zac Brown Band performing at SPAC on 8/13/2023. Photo by Zak Radick.
Returning to the Broadview Stage with big smiles and time for a few more, Zac Brown Band went ‘around the horn’ so to speak, playing an impressive country-styled mashup of songs that gave each member of the band ample time to bask in the spotlight. Weaving in and out of songs like a well-oiled machine, the medley alligatored together through “Mountain Music”>”Chattahoochee”>”All My Ex’s Live In Texas”>”Fishing In The Dark”>”Callin’ Baton Rouge”>”Family Tradition”>”Boot Scootin’ Boogie”>”I Will Always Love You”>”Here’s a Quarter” and finally concluded with the crowd pleasing “Friends In Low Places.” Met with an absolutely rousing ovation, it was clear that fans not only wanted one more song from ZBB, they needed it. Happy to oblige and send everyone home happy, Zac Brown Band would conclude another year’s stop in Saratoga Springs with the song that started it all for them, “Chicken Fried.”
The Zac Brown Band performing at SPAC on 8/13/2023. Photo by Zak Radick.
After a few days of rest, the “From the Fire” tour picks back up on Aug. 19 with a highly anticipated performance at Boston’s Fenway Park, followed by a pair of already sold out shows in Gilford, NH. Fans in the New York/New Jersey area won’t need to wait long to get their next fix of ZBB though. They will play in Atlantic City on Sept. 1, followed by a pair of dates at the Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh.
Zac Brown Band
Set 1: Make This Day, Knee Deep, Keep Me In Mind, Where the Boat Leaves From, When I Get Home [1], The Devil Went Down to Georgia [2], Free > Into the Mystic [3], Tomorrow Never Comes, Same Boat, The Weight [4], Drums, Jump Right In.
Set 2: Beautiful Drug, Layla [5], Sweet Annie, Whiskey’s Gone, As She’s Walking Away, Colder Weather>Wish You Were Here [6], Toes, Creep [7], With Or Without You [8], Homegrown.
Encore: Mountain Music>Chattahoochee>All My Ex’s Live In Texas>Fishing In The Dark>Callin’ Baton Rouge>Family Tradition>Boot Scootin’ Boogie>I Will Always Love You>Here’s a Quarter>Friends In Low Places [9], Chicken Fried.
Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros have recently confirmed that they will be performing select shows in Charlottesville, South Burlington, Columbus, Philadelphia and Baltimore this September. The group, led by Weir alongside Don Was, Jay Lane and Jeff Chimenti, will also be joining Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival 2023, making stops at venues throughout New York State, including Queens and Saratoga Springs.
The band will once again be joined by The Wolfpack, a string and brass quintet featuring Alex Kelly, Brian Switzer, Adam Theis, Mads Tolling and Sheldon Brown, along with Barry Sless on pedal steel performing the expansive catalogue of Grateful Dead, Bobby’s solo albums and more.
They will be joining Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival 2023 for seven shows this September, including Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, NY, Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs and more. They’ll also make their debut performance at the legendary Farm Aid in Noblesville, IN at Ruoff Music Center on September 23.
About Bobby Weir & Wold Bros
Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros have released two notable live albums, Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros: Live in Colorado followed by Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros: Live in Colorado Vol. 2. Both volumes feature songs recorded live at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in June 2021.
Notably, the second volume received praise from Pitchfork who raved, “he stages some of the most beloved material in the Grateful Dead’s catalog with the passion and reverence of a couple spending their 50th anniversary looking back on their wedding day,” while American Songwriter said, “Weir and the Wolfs manage to stay true to the template while also taking the music beyond any original incarnation by reinventing them in ways that find imagination and intrigue well stirred in a contemporary context.”
Weir also released Ace: 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition, an album which features one of the band’s most notable performances, a show at Radio City Music Hall in celebration of his debut solo album, Ace. The band played the entire album live and welcomed a number of special guests, including Tyler Childers and Brittney Spencer.
The band debuted orchestral performances alongside the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center, as well as three nights with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at the Atlanta Symphony Hall. Each night the ensemble performed a completely unique set featuring hits from the expansive Grateful Dead catalogue, Bobby’s solo albums and more. Stanford professor and composer Dr. Giancarlo Aquilanti provided original orchestration.
The Members
Bobby Weir, one of the original members of the iconic Grateful Dead, honored with a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007, stands out as one of the rock genre’s most exceptional and unique rhythm guitarists. The Grateful Dead is still one of the highest-grossing concert attractions in the U.S. and their final tally of 2,318 total concerts remains a world record.
Weir has been honored with the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Les Paul Spirit Award, as well as a Goodwill Ambassadorship for the United Nations Development Program. His first solo album in more than ten years, Blue Mountain (2016), was critically praised upon release. Weir has been member of Dead & Company since its formation in 2015. Dead & Company has completed 10 tours and has performed to more than 4 million fans across 235 shows since the band’s debut. Weir is also a member of Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros, who were formed in 2018. The band set out performing the expansive catalogue of Grateful Dead, Bobby’s solo albums and more and has toured extensively throughout the U.S.
Don Was is a GRAMMY-winning producer and founder of the ’80s funk-rock band Was (Not Was), known for hits such as “Walk The Dinosaur” and “Spy In The House Of Love.” As an in-demand, highly acclaimed producer, Was has been honored with four GRAMMY Awards for his production work in each of the past three decades, including Best Album honors for work with the Rolling Stones and Bonnie Raitt. Production credits include the Rolling Stones, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Gregg Allman, John Mayer and Neil Young.
Albums produced by Was have achieved dozens of multi-Platinum, Platinum and Gold certifications and have sold more than 90 million copies worldwide. As one of music’s top bass players, Was has collaborated with countless musicians throughout his storied career, spanning a multitude of genres.
Jay Lane is a longtime Weir collaborator and drummer who played with Weir’s RatDog for more than 16 years. He was also one of Primus’ first drummers and has recently performed with Phil Lesh and Friends as well as Dead & Company.
Acclaimed keyboardist Jeff Chimenti has a long history of working with former members of the Grateful Dead having performed with Bob Weir & RatDog, The Dead and Furthur. He has been a member of Dead & Company since the band’s formation in 2015. In 2020, Jeff Chimenti joined the Wolf Bros.
Tour Dates
September 8—Park City Song Summit Festival—Park City, UT September 10—FirstBank Amphitheater—Franklin, TN* September 12—CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park—Simpsonville, SC* September 13—Ting Pavilion—Charlottesville, VA September 15—Saratoga Performing Arts Center—Saratoga Springs, NY* September 16—Xfinity Center—Mansfield, MA* September 17—Forest Hills—Queens, NY* September 19—The Green At Shelburne Museum—South Burlington, VT September 20—Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater—Bridgeport, CT* September 22—Pine Knob Music Theatre—Clarkston, MI* September 23—Farm Aid—Noblesville, IN September 26—Mershon Auditorium—Columbus, OH September 27—The Met Philadelphia—Philadelphia, PA September 28—Pier Six Pavilion—Baltimore, MD
*Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival 2023
Tickets and More Information
Ticket sales began on July 21, and are currently available for purchase here. VIP packages will be available for the headline dates as well.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) announced its 2023-24 Spa Little Theatre season. It will feature a robust slate of global, jazz, classical, and pop offerings. The announcement marks the continuation of SPAC’s year-round programming in the Spa Little Theatre.
Spa Little Theatre New Season
Highlighting the series are the SPAC debuts of Grammy-nominated mandolinist Avi Avital alongside accordionist Hanzhi Wang. Also featured is the all-female jazz ensemble säje. Moreover, other performances include contemporary world music virtuosos TISRA: Zakir Hussain With Debopriya Chatterjee and Sabir Kahn. Additionally, there will be appearances by the recently announced modern dance troupes Pilobolus and BalletX. The year-round residency by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center will also continue with three special performances.
The “Sounds of the Season” series will also return this December. It will feature a capella group Kings Return, trio Time for Three, and vocalist Kat Edmonson.
BalletX.
“While we have continued to expand our programming outside of the summer months in recent years, being able to inhabit the Spa Little Theatre year-round has opened up new possibilities for our year-round line-up of programming. Our 2023-24 season is a diverse and rich mix of incredible artistry offering everything from jazz to global to classical music along with full modern dance productions,” said SPAC President and CEO Elizabeth Sobol.
Tickets for the 2023-24 Spa Little Theatre season will be available to purchase on Aug. 7 at 10 a.m. for members and Aug. 10 at 10 a.m. for the general public. Multi-ticket packages will also be available in selections of three or five programs (excluding Sounds of the Season) for a discount of 15% or 20%, respectively. Visit spac.org for details.
2023 Fall Season
Pilobolus- Sunday, October 8, 2023, | 2 PM & 7 PM
Pilobolus’s show reminds us that play and creativity are fundamental to the human experience and that stories are alive and breathing. Stories can also teach, comfort, and connect us to ourselves and each other. Building on the success of their critically acclaimed Big Five-OH! Anniversary tour, Pilobolus moves confidently into the next half-century of creation and performance. Alongside groundbreaking new pieces, the company breathes new life into beloved works from the past to create an experience both timely and timeless.
Avi Avital & Hanzhi Wang– Thursday, October 19, 2023, | 7 PM
GRAMMY-nominated mandolinist Avi Avital will make his SPAC debut alongside star accordionist Hanzhi Wang, in a truly unique program that will showcase each artist’s incredible virtuosity. Avital is the first mandolin soloist ever nominated for a Grammy and has been heralded by The New York Times for his electrifying performances. Wang is a rising talent in the classical world, recently winning a roster spot with Young Concert Artists (YCA), the first accordionist ever to do so.
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: American Panorama– Saturday, October 28 | 7 PM
Led by CMS Artistic Directors David Finckel and Wu Han, this program will feature a roster of 13 musicians in a special performance of Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring along with works by Dvořák and American Composers Arthur Foote and Harry Burleigh.
säje– Saturday, November 11 | 7 PM
The GRAMMY® nominated vocal supergroup, säje, is the brainchild of vocalist/composers Sara Gazarek, Amanda Taylor, Johnaye Kendrick, and Erin Bentlage. Traversing a vast array of compelling original material, beloved jazz standards, and contemporary re-imaginings of artists such as The Bad Plus, YEBBA, and Björk, the all-female collective has demonstrated their devotion to thoughtful, sophisticated original compositions and heartfelt covers. Their highly anticipated debut album is expected to be released in the summer of 2023. It will feature new original work and compelling covers, highlighting collaborations with artists Jacob Collier, Ambrose Akinmusire, and more.
2023 Sounds of the Season
Kings Return: We 4 Kings– Saturday, December 2 | 7 PM
The Grammy-nominated Kings Return is back by popular demand following their SPAC debut last spring. The unique, harmonizing group turned internet sensation captures the essence of an old-school a cappella quartet with sounds inspired by gospel and R&B. Kings Return features tenor Vaughn Faison, bass Gabe Kunda, tenor JE McKissic, and baritone Jamall Williams. Their We 4 Kings program features pop, classical, and religious holiday classics. It also reinterprets modern and classic pop, soul, R&B, gospel, jazz, and sacred music.
Time for Three: Home for the Holidays– Saturday, December 9 | 7 PM
Defying convention and boundaries, Time For Three stands at the busy intersection of Americana, modern pop, and classical music. The trio featuring Charles Yang, Nicolas Kendall, and Ranaan Meyer, will present arrangements of Joni Mitchell, Led Zeppelin, and more. Additionally, they will also present special arrangements of holiday favorites.
Kat Edmonson: Holiday Swingin’!– Sunday, December 17 | 4 PM
Kat Edmonson is an award-winning songwriter and singer “with an equal foothold in jazz, cabaret, and vintage cosmopolitanism pop” (The New York Times). The songwriter and her band will perform Yuletide favorites along with Kat’s originals for a magical holiday evening celebration.
2024 Spring Season
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: Instrumental Array– Saturday, March 9 | 7 PM
In a celebration of instrumental odd couples, three duo teams highlight the extremes of possibility for their ensembles. Maurice Duruflé’s post-Romantic trio augments the duo format. All join for the concluding Septet by virtuoso pianist Johann Hummel, who was a pupil of Mozart and Haydn and was admired by Beethoven.
BalletX– Saturday, March 16 | 7 PMand Sunday, March 17 | 2 PM
Led by Artistic and Executive Director Christine Cox, BalletX creates extraordinary dance experiences that inspire human connection through live performances, dance education in Philadelphia public schools, free community pop-ups, and more. The company also offers free community pop-ups, dance classes, artist Q&As, open rehearsals, and in-school dance education.
TISRA: Zakir HussainWith Debopriya Chatterjee and Sabir Kahn– Saturday, March 23 | 7 PM
The pre-eminent classical tabla virtuoso of our time, Zakir Hussain is appreciated both in the field of percussion and in the music world at large as an international phenomenon. Hussain will lead his ensemble TISRA (three) with two of India’s finest young musicians, Sabir Khan and Debopriya Chatterjee. Showcasing rich folk and classical traditions, this unique trio is comprised of tabla, sarangi, and bansuri (bamboo flute). This colorful mix, combined with Indian classical music and the rich rhythm repertoire of Punjab, makes for a compelling program.
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: Wu Han, David Finckel, and Chad Hoopes– Saturday, May 11 | 7 PM
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Artistic Directors Wu Han and David Finckel return to end the season with guest violinist Chad Hoopes.
