By Michael Hallisey

@partingglasssaratoga

Parting Glass Pub on Instagram: "Saint Patrick’s Day Loading….
…

Ode to Parting Glass

St. Patrick’s Day isn’t Parting Glass’s Super Bowl; the Big Game is only one day, and they’ve been celebrating all month.

• March 13: Steve Gray Duo, 8 p.m.

• March 14: The Ruffians, 8 p.m.

• March 15: The Prodigals, 6 p.m.

For a full schedule, click on the above video.

Today

Pot of Gold Weekend — Adirondack Winery (2 locations) | Today through Mar. 15

Adirondack Winery is celebrating its Pot of Gold Weekend at both of its (Lake George and Queensbury) tasting rooms. Today through Sunday, from12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., wine tasters can play Guess the Corks for a chance to win special prizes — and taste a free sample of the “The Leprechaun,” a sparkly, green apple wine cocktail.

saratoga.com

Friday

Live Music: Jeff Brisbin — Henry’s Irish Tavern (Ballston Spa) | Mar. 13

A long-running weekly solo set by a Saratoga-area songwriter who has held the room for more than a decade. Casual bar setting with a steady local following.

barpeople.com

Saturday

Wild Irish Acres Dancers — Saratoga Springs Public Library | Mar. 14

Celebrate Saint Paddy’s with performances of jigs, reels and hornpipes to infectious ‘Trad’ music, 11 a.m. Saturday. No registration required, but seating is limited to 90 attendees, in accordance with room capacity.

sspl.libcal.com

@sch_railway

Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway on Instagram: "🍀🎨 KIDS COLO…

The Leprechaun Limited — Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway (Corinth) | Mar. 14 & Mar. 21

A themed excursion train ride through the southern Adirondacks built around St. Patrick’s season. Family-scale tourism programming combining scenery, live music, and light theatrical elements.

corinthtrain.com

Saratoga LepreCON Pub Crawl — Participating Bars (Saratoga Springs) | Mar. 14

A St. Patrick’s weekend pub crawl spanning multiple downtown bars with live music and raffles built into the route. Social-scale turnout with a charitable tie to Blood Cancer United.

eventbrite.com

Barrel Fest — Adirondack Pub & Brewery (Lake George) | Mar. 14

An outdoor winter beer festival centered on rare barrel-aged ales from regional breweries. Cold-weather gathering with live music, bonfires, and tasting-glass culture drawing craft-beer enthusiasts from across the Northeast.

barrelfestlg.com

St. Patrick’s Day Specials — The Docksider (Lake George) | Mar. 14 and 15

Feast on corned beef and cabbage, potatoes and carrots for just $24. Lunch starts at 11:30am, dinner at 4pm. Friday and Saturday

lakegeorge.com

Opening Day — Martha’s Dandee Creme | Mar. 14

What it sounds like — think spring!

lakegeorge.com

@dancing_grain

Dancing Grain Farm Brewery on Instagram: "This week at Dancing …

From Dublin to Dusseldorf St. Patrick’s Weekend Beer and Whiskey Fest — Dancing Grain Farm Brewery | Mar. 14 and 15

• Irish-inspired pours

• Saratoga Sausagesmiths & Whisky Ridge Sourdough - Bavarian-Style Pretzels

• Live Music From Tom Powers & Friends

• Special Guests North Country Wild Care Wild Birds & Turtle

dancinggrain.com

Sunday

Padraig Timoney Trio — Carson’s Woodside Tavern | Mar. 15

Live music in the cozy bar begins at 5 p.m.

Michael Hallisey is the founder/editor of Ish Bulletin; subscribe today to stay up-to-date on all things 518.

Being out and about these last few days has felt great, no?

When the temps nosedive again, do NOT retreat back into your cocoon — get ahead of it now, by booking a ticket that will get you out of the house, and make you laugh.

As you read this, local actors are rehearsing and gearing up for their three-day run of Finnegan’s Farewell, a musical comedy (by the co-creator of Tony & Tina’s Wedding!) that’s taking the stage at UPH Thursday and Friday nights and Saturday matinee.

“It’s so much fun,” laughs UPH director Teddy Foster. “You’ve gotta come — it’s such a great time.”

The premise: You’re a guest at an authentic Irish wake and have come to pay your last respects to “dearly departed US Postal worker Paddy Finnegan.” The good-natured lad took a trip to an Atlantic City casino where he won $10 million at the slots — and then promptly dropped dead. With Father Seamus presiding, you’ll be treated to eulogies, sing-alongs and the search for a missing corpse.

Meanwhile, you’ll eat, drink, watch The Riverkids Irish dancing champions — and be invited to dance to the music of The Dublineers.

Don’t leave before they read the will!

To grab your ticket (show runs March 12-14), visit at atuph.org.

Easter is exactly one month away — please, universe, make it a little warmer by then — so we found an Adirondack getaway with a brunch worth packing a suitcase for.

The Lodge at Schroon Lake’s “Brunch and Bunnies” will boast 2,000 Easter eggs, photos with the Easter Bunny himself, carrot cake (cute) and so much more.

We wouldn’t expect anything less from the the Lodge’s perch in the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park, with its Instagram-friendly backdrop for posing casually while living your best rustic chic chalet life.

Pro tip: the 58-mile drive from Saratoga Springs is gorgeous, with plenty of detour opportunities in Lake George and Bolton Landing.

Lay of the Land

• 36 acres of property on the shore of Schroon Lake, with 116 accommodations, including chalets, cabins, hotel rooms and glamping opportunities.

• Pet- and kid-friendly, with an indoor pool, hot tub, tricked-out game room, lawn games, a private beach on Schroon Lake, and a place to dock your boat at the private arena

• Families that want to spread out and have privacy will love the Lakeview Chalets, with two bedrooms, two full baths, a living space with a pullout sleeper sofa, a private deck, small balcony, and user-friendly kitchenette.

• Pro tip: If you fall in love with the place, there are kayaks, paddle-boards and pontoons that you can rent seasonally.

@lodgeatschroonlake

The Lodge at Schroon Lake on Instagram: "There’s just something…

Eating and Drinking

• The Brown Swan offers upscale twists on pub classics, like short-rib poutine, pork schnitzel with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and chocolate mousse.

• The Tavern at Brown Swan is more upscale and social, offering beers on tap, and often a game on the big screen.

• The Bevy is, arguably, the heart of the Lodge. Think tables, bar seating, couches and easy chairs to hang out in while sipping coffee and grabbing eggs in the morning — or chilling out in at night.

• The seasonal Trailhead Vintage Truck parks all over the property, offering refreshing craft beverages, locally sourced.

• Pro tip: The Brown Swan Adirondack Pilsner is a must-try. The beer hails from nearby Paradox Brewery, and was created as the perfect post adventure pilsner: crisp, refreshing, perfect balance of sweet + bitter.

Events at the Lodge

In addition to Brunch and Bunnies, The Lodge will have specials for St. Patrick’s Day and a Mother’s Day brunch, too.

For more info and to book your room, visit lodgeatschroonlake.com.

BalletX is so cool.

But don’t take my word for it.

The groundbreaking company — they hail from Philadelphia, which has become known in the performing arts world as something of a creative incubator — is headed our way for a night to remember.

BalletX: The Four Seasons Reimagined will take the SPAC stage June 11 at 7:30 p.m., with a commissioned electronic score and four “seasons,” each by a different choreographer.

Ballet, take me away…

Tickets will be available beginning on March 6 at 10 a.m. for members (tiered by level) and on March 12 at 10 a.m. for the general public. To grab yours (at only $29, they’ll go fast), visit spac.org.

How many times have you been exposed to the opera? To the great composer, Giacomo Puccini?

If you’re thinking “zero,” you’re most likely wrong. And Opera Saratoga’s “Pasta, Puccini and Pop” dinner party is going to prove it to you.

Did you watch the Opening or Closing ceremonies to last month’s Olympics?

Missed it? How about Pretty Woman then…

Boom.

@carolina.lopezmoreno

𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐋ó𝐩𝐞𝐳 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐨 on Instagram: "The mome…

“Opera is everywhere!” says Opera Saratoga Board member Carol Markley, an organizer of the event for more than 10 years. “I’m always excited to outdo last year’s festivities — so this year, we’re celebrating the most memorable opera moments in popular culture. From Pretty Woman to instantly recognizable commercials and movie clips, the most well-known arias are right there at the center.”

The March 26 event includes a cocktail hour, dinner, trivia — and live opera performances.

“This is the annual party that local opera fans and supporters of Opera Saratoga have looked forward to for over 25 years,” Markley says. “The venues and themes change but there is always glorious, live opera singing — and this year’s theme is especially great for newcomers and lovers of any genre of the performing arts.”

This annual fundraising event is open to the public: To reserve your spot, visit operasaratoga.org. Your ticket purchase helps support the Capital Region’s only professional opera company, Opera Saratoga.

Now that Saratoga Arts (320 Broadway, at Spring Street) has debuted its major glow-up, its next era should have been obvious: an exciting calendar of classes and events worthy of the organization’s $2 million facelift.

“Giddiness” comes to mind.

“Since we reopened [last month] we’ve been overwhelmed by enthusiasm,” says Spencer Sherry, community outreach and grants coordinator.

Improvements include a new gallery with incredible lighting, two bathroom makeovers, an upgraded theater with a sound booth and new projector/sound equipment, and new lighting and ceilings throughout most of the classrooms — including a door from the main/large classroom that provides direct access to Congress Park

“We also now have upgraded WiFi, which is particularly helpful on the lower level where there was none prior,” Sherry says, plus a new boiler, new gutters, electrical panels throughout much of the building and other upgrades that may not be obvious to us, but will ensure a healthy and robust future for Saratoga Arts programming years into the future.

“We want this to be a building that hones existing skills as well as inspires new ones,” Sherry says. “So no matter who you are, come by and check out a class.”

Some special classes that caught our eye:

Journey through Abstraction, for the experienced artist ready to break new ground using diverse materials and techniques from the natural world; Intermediate crochet-Amigurumi Star Charm, including the magic circle, crocheting in the round, reading intermediate chart crochet patterns, changing color and “how to perfectly stuff a basic amigurumi shape”; and Healing through Color Expression, exploring different mediums/media to express and process emotions.

To check out all the new classes and events, visit saratoga-arts.org.

My Broadway babies know that Matthew Morrison — yes, of Glee fame — has just been tapped for a coveted three-week engagement (starting April 1) starring in Broadway’s Just in Time, a jukebox musical about Bobby Darin.

But first, he’s coming to Saratoga — in just a few days.

Since UPH has a habit of selling out shows, I recommend you commit to Thursday immediately upon reading this — after all, a few thousand others are reading this tip at the exact same time as you are.

“Captivating,” says UPH’s director, Teddy Foster. “Having an artist of his caliber perform here in Saratoga speaks to the vibrancy of our arts scene and the incredible audiences who make this city such a special place for live performance.”

Morrison boasts Tony, Emmy and Golden Globes noms, and his performance, Show Up, puts all of that magic that connects with audiences into one night. A true song and dance man, the numbers are sure to be spectacular — then throw in some story-telling, a joyful vibe, a theme of human connection…see you there?

To grab one of the last tickets — UPH loves to sell out — visit atuph.org.

In-the-know locals only please — at least for now.

Contractors, permits and staffing oh my: You can’t always plan exactly when your new future hotspot is going to open. With that in mind, two new watering holes have ended up launching during the dead of an incredibly snowy and bitterly cold winter. The result? Quiet openings, with the major hoopla being reserved for warmer weather.

First up: The Hi-Note’s opening was eagerly anticipated as early as the fall of 2025, with rumors swirling of a music tie-in. In January, the bar opened in a decidedly (but very welcome) low key. Taquero owners Brady Dillon, Corey Melancon and Ryan Reed, with newcomer Rob Rezin (and his Familiar Creature credentials) designed and masterminded the concept, which feels equal parts louche 70s cocktail lounge, a cooler version of the coolest basement you hung out in as a kid and chilled out, mellow fun.

Also new on the scene: Keuka Spring Vinyards, which just did their Chamber ribbon-cutting on Friday afternoon. “Lots more parties to come,” the tasting room’s Autumn Manning promised.

Hi-Note — which is small and cozy, but sleek in a neon / jean jacket / puff sleeve / statement blush kind of way — has the same idea. “We’ll be slowly ramping up our activity online as we continue settling into our operations,” Rezin says, “and will expand hours as we get closer to summer.”

For now, head down there both to support local — and to be one of the first ones to see these guys’ fun new concept.

“Our hope was to create a place that felt familiar and where folks would feel comfortable, where folks always leave in a good mood,” says Rezin. “It seems like we’ve accomplished that.”

The response on social media has been as spirited as the vibe: “awesome concept,” “absolutely delicious drinks,” and even just a simple “Woo!!”

Favorite tipples vary depending on the night, with food being kept to a streamlined bar fave.

“Folks seem to really appreciate the way we’ve assembled our [drinks] menu and haven’t had trouble finding something they like,” Rezin says. “It’s too soon to anoint any one as the favorite, and we’re always tinkering a little bit and trying to make improvements where we can. I can say anyone who’s had it before, really loves to see that we stock Montucky.”

The crisp, refreshing lager is sessionable—and donates 8% of its proceeds to local nonprofits. Perfect for pairing with Hi-Note’s empanadas.

“We’re keeping it simple,” he says, “and offering empanadas with a few sauce options.

Visit Hi-Note at 63 Putnam Street. Keuka Spring is located at 15 Spring Street.

For anyone seeking an urbane-chic adult experience with all of the culture and style of Manhattan (but none of the hassle and a lot a more heart): Head to Hudson. Just 71 miles from Saratoga Springs, it’s easy to head down for a day trip, or an easy overnight.

Here’s what to eat, drink, shop, see, and where to spend a night if you need an extra dose of adult serenity.

Eat:

Taiga: Siberian forest flavor that’s a rich tapestry of traditional European culinary techniques and ancient recipes from indigenous northern people. Don’t miss the Tsar’s Platter, with blini, Borodinsky bread, three caviars, butterfish, and other pickled and sea-faring accoutrements. 119 Warren St.

Via Cassia: One of the most exciting new(ish) Italian restaurants in Upstate New York, the classic fresh and extruded pastas are technically perfect — while also being highly seasonal and relentlessly creative. Swoon for the lumache with sausage and Swiss chard ragu, black truffle, smoked ricotta salata. 214 Warren Street.

Cafe Mutton: Perched quietly off the beaten path, you will likely still have to wait for a table (it’s worth it). And whatever you do, don’t ask for substitutions: just trust the kitchen and eat that headcheese on a baguette slathered in aioli. Or be beige and order the crepes with butter and maple, a staple for a reason. 757 Columbia Street.

@thehereafterhudson

The Hereafter on Instagram: "FROZEN GRASSHOPPER VARIATION
leban…

Drink:

The Hereafter: The perfect date night or best friend hang where the bartenders are friendly, the people-watching is epic, and the drinks are well-crafted and zany. Try to resist the Hellcat, a mezcal infused with ancho and pasilla peppers, then toppled up with strawberry amaro, guava, lemon and agave. Killer small plates too. 721 Columbia Street.

Spotty Dog Books & Ale: A place that serves excellent craft beer (plus wine and cocktails), much of it locally sourced, while curating a collection of classic + ultra-progressive books I want to read? You haven’t gone to heaven, you’ve stepped into Spotty. Watch out, or you’ll stumble out, buzzed with a pile of books. 440 Warren Street.

Shop:

Neven & Neven Moderne: Hudson got a shout-out in Billions for its epic antique shopping opps, but their mid-century modern fair is even better. Neven & Neven is the most rigorously curated and silver-sleek fierce of the bunch. 618 Warren Street.

Mel the Bakery: Do I need to make a special stop at a bakery in Hudson, you might ask? You haven’t tried Mel’s sourdough chocolate croissants, nut-brown boules, or perfectly overstuffed Italian sandwiches, I will answer. 324 Warren Street.

Nikki Chasin: Delicious, cozy, urban-country-chic loungy comfort threads that look like the sartorial love child of Eileen Fisher and The Row. 553 Warren Street.

See:

Carrie Haddad Gallery: The first of many fine art galleries in Hudson, the O.G. was launched in 1991. A recent exhibit was dubbed, “Earth Endures, Stars Abide: An Exhibit of Hudson Valley Landscapes,” with works from Tracy Helgeson. 622 Warren Street.

Olana State Historic Site: Today, it’s a historic house-museum in the Victorian / American Exotic Revival style of architecture with 250 acres worth of stunning grounds offering romantic gardens and long-winding paths to wander, with views of the Hudson River. In yesteryear, it was home to Frederic Edwin Church, one of the most lauded figures in the Hudson River School of landscape painting. 5720 NY-9G.

Stay:

The Maker: This is a hotel for anyone who wants to live like a Parisian writer with a rich patron, circa 1921. Think a hotel that feels like a lifestyle, with eclectic, masterfully crafted, bespoke furniture and décor. Edith Wharton, but make it sexy. Get brunch in the dreamy on-site restaurant. 302 Warren Street.

Rivertown Lodge: This is clean, Scandinavian lines, Workstead brass lighting, locally crafted furniture … in a rigorously upcycled movie theater. If you weren’t hip when you arrived, you’ll feel hip when you leave. Grab a sexy dinner at the convivial bar. 731 Warren Street.

Is it because it’s been so cold that I’m not thinking straight?

Or maybe I know that many of you prefer last-minute planning…

Whatever the reason for my tardiness, I’m excited to announce:

I’ll be speaking this Monday!

And you’re invited. (In fact, I would LOVE to meet you.)

DETAILS HERE

Saratoga Journalism at a Turning Point

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. (No reservation needed!)

DINNER: Optional dinner and cash bar start at 5:30; email Richard Lynch at torchman999@gmail.com by EOD Friday/tomorrow to reserve your dinner.

WHERE: Saratoga Springs Holiday Inn

ORGANIZERS: The Torch Club

I’ll be talking about the Substack you’re reading right now.

• How reader behavior has changed

• What AI can’t do — and what it can

• The frank business realities of this new world of journalism

• How nostalgia isn’t a business strategy

• The excitement of this whole new world and what it means for human connection

And much more!

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE DETAILS

See you there!

Tomorrow night’s headliner at Caffè Lena has all the bragging rights one could possibly ask for: “effortless” modern folk musicianship, laughs, a bold-faced name, has toured with groups such as the Indigo Girls…yes, we’re talking Lucy Wainwright Roche.

Lucy is a second-generation Caffè Lena performer, the daughter of Loudon Wainwright III and Suzzy Roche (and half-sister to Rufus, whom she’s also toured with).

“She inherited musicianship that appears effortless, and a dry sense of humor that gives the audience that delicious feeling of being in on the joke,” says Caffè Lena’s executive director, Sarah Craig. “She’s so smart. And she’s a mom, a brilliant songwriter, and just the kind of person you want to hang out with for a cozy evening at Caffe Lena.”

Lucy might come from music royalty, but she never took it for granted — earning degrees in creative writing and education (she taught elementary school in North Carolina and New York before jumping off into music full-time in 2007). She’s been described as having a “crystal-clear voice, disarming wit, and an understated storytelling style that cuts straight to the heart.”

To grab your ticket for tomorrow’s show and for more information, visit caffelena.org.

I have followed Julie Natale from salon to salon — she’s been at downtown’s Breathe Salon & Spa for the last five years — because she not only gives great age-busting facials, she goes deeper, supporting and massaging the exhausted and zapped fascia and underlying muscles hanging on by a thread under my epidermis.

I leave, every time, looking more sculpted, less puffy, my skin fresher and plumper. But I feel, perhaps more to the point, rejuvenated, empowered and ready to take on life’s frenzy with more focus and calm.

KW: Why does a skincare treatment have such an effect on my mood and outlook?

JN: It’s all connected — the stress of life, of work, of supporting a family takes a toll on our skin, but also our entire system. When I welcome a client in, they’re often frazzled. It’s not just you.

KW: Do clients leave that frenetic energy behind? Do I leave you with a pile of my frazzle?

JN: There is an energy transfer. During the pandemic, when we were all at our limits, I learned how to manage that better. I learned how to help people, without taking on the energy myself and being left drained.

KW: What brought you to this line of work?

JN: I was a mother of three children and working full time as a commercial real estate agent. I was one of three women in commercial real estate in the Capital District at the time. I was very good at my job, but it was cutthroat, so stressful.

[I met a great esthetician and started to get facials.] It was really intense. I would just go in and sometimes cry through the facial. She really helped me find some release and actually encouraged me to pursue this line of work, saying I’d be good at it. It was so inspiring to see a woman support and encourage me, and eventually, after selling one of the biggest properties on my list, I decided to go for it.

KW: What would you tell a nervous first-timer?

JN: My job is to give you a space where you can leave that frenetic energy for a time. I never just dive into a facial. I will give them privacy to settle in, and when they’re on the table, I talk to them, softly touch parts of their head, give a releasing massage to the neck. It’s about creating a nurturing atmosphere, because if you feel safe and supported, your nervous system will relax, your blood flow will improve, and your skin will react better to the treatment.”

My personal favorite treatment at Breathe is Julie’s Raw Earth Facial, with a side of dermaplaning. Equal parts zen, massage, exfoliation, and hydration, and super-glow inducing empathy.

To book a holistic facial with Julie Natale, call or text Breathe Salon & Spa at 518-369-6531.

The Seahawks/Patriots matchup is gearing up to be quite a game.

But the food matters, too. Like, it really matters.

So if you’ve been in a cold-snap malaise and haven’t made plans yet, we’ve got your back. Here’s how to make the most of the second-biggest eating and partying day of the year.

Eat-In Options

Ready to strap on your stretchy pants and make a day of it? Here are some great ways to do it, without actually preparing the food:

Rustic Pizza Saratoga is offering free delivery for the ’bowl, with notable deals to boot: $15 bone in or boneless wings, $29.99 24-cut pizza, $18 Detroit deep dish or 12-cut cheese, $35 for 12-cut cheese pizza, wings, and 2 liters of soda. Call 518-871-1069.

Augie’s Family Style is offering a family-style blowout, with half trays of sausage & peppers, chicken parm, baked ziti, and sides of house salad and bread for $165. This will feed 15-20 people. Call 518-884-8600.

Walt & Whitman is offering packages, including The Whitman for $85, which offers chips + dip, 24 chicken wings, 8 Bavarian soft pretzel sticks + beer cheese, 2 Detroit-style pizzas, or The Deluxe for $125, which includes chips + dip, 24 chicken wings, 8 Bavarian soft pretzel sticks + beer cheese, 3 Detroit-style pizzas, and two four-packs of your choice. Call 518-682-3602.

Cardona’s Market is offering Game Day Party Packs with a range of subs, meatballs, salads, arancini, cold cut platters and more to choose from. Call 518-587-6004.

Party-Out Options

If you want to celebrate with fellow food (and music / football) fans, here’s where to go:

The Bunker is hosting a VIP Watch Party on the upstairs mezzanine level, with complimentary appetizers, promo items to take home as mementos, raffle giveaways, and the best views of the game. The main bar area and dining room will be open to the public for free. $30 for VIP access, with the party starting at 5 pm and going until 11:30 pm.

Saratoga Hotel & Casino is hosting a party starting at 5 pm, hosted by Chris Onorato. $60 gets you a buffet, one drink ticket, specials and a $10 free play.

BWP is throwing a Super Bowl special, with great offers on food all day, including 2 one-top pizzas and 1 pound of boneless wings for $40, and a choice of 6 sliders with a large side of fries for $30.

Putnam Place is hosting a Big Game Party starting at 5:30 pm. $10 admission includes pizza and wings, with $5 draft specials.

Thursday, February 5

Everyone Hot Pot with Natasha Pickowicz

Venue: SPAC

Chef and four-time James Beard Award finalist Natasha Pickowicz hits SPAC’s Culinary Arts series with her new book, Everyone Hot Pot. Dig into a festive exploration of Lunar New Year festivity via the ancient East Asian tradition of hot pot, starting with shrimp dumplings, scallion pancakes and — of course — cups of warm-your-belly hot pot broth. The after-dinner chat with Pickowicz will be led by Saratogian Tiina Loite, formerly of the New York Times.

BONUS: There’s just something about seeing the sweeping SPAC lawn — a dream of summer memories — blanketed with snow as you make your way to the warm and toasty (indoor) Pines events space.

For tickets, visit spac.org.

Friday, February 6

Yonder Mountain String Band

Venue: UPH

If cozy is your current vibe, nothing is cozier than the flannel-bedecked Yonder Mountain String Band and its roots music. Known as a driving force in progressive jamgrass (think bluegrass, rock and country with “soulful, funky grooves”), the Grammy-nominated, five-man band bring it down on the banjo, fiddle and mandolin. Heartfelt hits include “Here I Go” and “Didn’t Go Wrong.”

BONUS: UPH is right downtown, so make a night of it and pre-game at a restaurant you haven’t been to yet this winter.

For tickets, visit atuph.org.

Saturday, February 7

Beppe Gambetta

Venue: Caffè Lena

Internationally celebrated guitarist, singer and composer Beppe Gambetta is known for his soulful blend of American roots and European folk traditions — and his flatpicking, lyrical melodies and storytelling. “People have started referring to Phila Street, with its array of new restaurants, as Little Italy,” says Caffè Lena executive director Sarah Craig. “Well, nothing pairs better with dinner at Solevo, Danny’s, Noah’s or Elody than a performance by Italian guitar virtuoso and spreader of good vibes, Beppe Gambetta. He’s fun, classy, warm and very entertaining.”

BONUS: Gambetta even has his own cookbook, which he’ll be happy to sign for you after the show.

For tickets, visit caffelena.org.

After surviving a terrifying shooting, Kristen Renaud turned to the writings of others who had experienced trauma and grief as her “guiding light.” Resiliency, she learned, was the common thread. “Surviving a shooting and experiencing PTSD,” she says, “felt like being dumped in the wilderness with a completely blank map as my only guide out.” As she made her way, she started to write — and won the 2025 winner of the prestigious Saratoga Arts Individual Artist grant to share her story. “While no one can chart someone else’s recovery path,” she says, “we can leave landmarks and reference points on a map.”

At 11 a.m. tomorrow, Renaud will read an excerpt from her book — Moon, Milkweed, and Myth: Reflections on Surviving and Healing from Gun Violence — and answer questions at a free event at Saratoga Arts.

AT: What is the “myth” part of your book?

KR: The book begins with an account of my own experience during the shooting — that’s the heaviest section and explains how my PTSD symptoms, such as night terrors, led me to develop a healing relationship with the symbology associated with the moon. In Part II, I explore the Greek myth of the abduction of Persephone and detail my own symbolic Underworld journey of finding hope in the darkness.

AT: How did sharing your story help you heal?

KR: A story of survival and healing is necessary in a society that demands we remain silent about the daily struggle of gun violence and trauma. I wanted to see more stories of healing, hope, and resiliency, so I contributed one to the world. The last section, Art and Beyond, explores my relationship with art as a healing modality, and the cathartic experience of writing this project.

AT: Why is your story especially timely now?

KR: I have three dire statistics from everytown.org:

• Americans are 26 times more likely to be shot and killed than others in high-income countries.

• Since 2017, guns are the leading cause of death of children in the United States.

• In 2025, for the seventh consecutive year, the number of mass shootings outnumbered the days in the year.

But we can do something about this. There was a time in history before gun
violence, and there will be a time after. So I plant the seeds I can now.

This free reading and reception is Saturday, Jan. 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway at Spring St.

When Clifford Oliver’s exhibit opens at the Crandall Library Feb. 2, viewers might do a double-take. The veteran photographer decided that for this special homage to the Revolutionary War — our entire country will be celebrating the Revolution’s 250th anniversary this year — he would need to do something a little bit different.

“As a photographer of historic re-enactors for the last 25 years, it didn’t take me long to realize the authenticity I was seeking in my photographs insisted that I not photograph but paint,” he says of the 30 images that will be on display. “Thanks to my newfound skill in PhotoShop I converted my photographs into ‘paintings.’”

It was important to Oliver to reflect the entire story of the people who were there — including Native Americans, Black soldiers, patriots, loyalists and even women. “I did not focus on any one battle,” he says, “but on RevWar camp life and death. All of these time warp scenes could have happened at Saratoga Battles but were staged at various sites in the Saratoga/Capital region.”

The exhibit takes place at the Crandall Library in Glens Falls Feb. 2-28, with an Opening Night reception Feb. 5 from 5-7 p.m.

Our next long weekend — Presidents’ Day — is just one month away. ❄️ Planning a getaway? Might we suggest High Peaks Resort in the winter wonderland of Lake Placid.

See you there?

🏅The stunning, rustic-chic village of Lake Placid is famous the world over, thanks to its hosting of two Winter Olympics (1932 and 1980) and Hollywood’s current fascination with the 6 million-acre Adirondack Park. But it holds a more precious charm for locals in the region, who will find the upcoming three-day Presidents’ Day weekend — which this year includes Valentine’s Day — a siren call of a cozy, easy getaway.

🎿And when it comes to unwinding between activities (think skiing, snowshoeing and bobsledding, for starters), nowhere matches High Peaks Resort, which embodies the charm of an idyllic Adirondack escape — from multiple drinks and dining outlets and indoor swimming pools, to activities that match any level, it’s the perfect retreat for travelers in need of adventure and activity, or romance and calm.

History

The land the resort is situated on has long served as a respite for weary travelers, with a history that dates back to the early settlement of the village in 1800. In the 1850’s, the nascent resort (then just a humble Red House built by Joseph Nash) became one of the first public lodgings in the region. Over the 175 years that have passed since then, Gilded Age financiers and middle-class families alike have enjoyed the resort’s bounty — and it’s no wonder why.

Location, location

Perched on Main Street, right across from Mirror Lake, many of the resort’s modern, Adirondack-style rooms offer views of the pristinely cinematic lake. And for the upcoming Presidents’ Day weekend, in addition to the world-renowned outdoor adventures, guests can eagerly anticipate pop-up activities and dining opportunities that make it an invigorating stay for romantic escapes, family fun or solo resets.

Mountain Romance

High Peaks Resort offers a special Adirondack Romance Retreat, ideal for rekindling the spark, or just fanning the flames. The package includes a selection of rooms with mountain and lake views, dinner for two at Dancing Bears Restaurant, and a welcome toast of chilled sparkling wine paired with hand-crafted truffles from the beloved local confectionary Barkeater Chocolates.

If you stay over Saturday, Feb. 14, get your creative juices flowing with a pre-dinner Paint and Sip experience creating a beautiful, take-home Adirondacks landscape with your love. The activity is included in your room stay, but book ahead! (The class is also being held Feb. 18).

Snuggle up at night with a glass of red wine and your own S’mores kit at the Lake House fire pit. Marshmallows and Pinot Noir are a thing, right?

Authentic Fun for the Whole Family

If you and your crew need a reason to set aside the screens and find a way to reconnect, High Peaks Resort can serve up the kind of togetherness everyone will (actually) enjoy.

The Resort offers a Ski & Ride package with cozy accommodations with views of Mirror Lake and the Adirondack Mountains, a $25 per night property credit to use at Dancing Bears Restaurant or the Market at High Peaks Resort (grab your breakfast noshes or snacks there), and a late checkout on your departure to accommodate last runs on the slopes.

You’ll be welcomed with a beverage and have access to morning coffee and afternoon snacks, plus a complimentary snowshoe rental.

At night, unwind from the day on the slopes at the Lake House fire pit with a S’mores kit. TikTok can’t compete with toasting marshmallows, melting chocolate and dancing flames.

And for a taste of local sports culture, pull your chair up for the nightly Olympic Watch Parties at the Lake House bar, with an Olympic-themed cocktail menu.

Indulge in needed “me time” on a Solo Retreat

In need of some mindful “me time”?

Reconnect with yourself in one of the prettiest settings in the world. High Peaks guests enjoy free access to the Whiteface Club & Resort Nordic Center, a premier cross-country skiing and snowshoeing destination. Spend the day in pristine wilderness skiing miles of groomed trails designed for novices and experienced skiers alike.

Get in touch with your wild side during a Birds of Prey demonstration that includes owls, hawks and falcons. Raptor expert Mark Manske will share insights into their behavior, habitats and conservation. The Birds of Prey demonstrations are set for February 14 and 21 at 10 am.

But is it a mindful retreat without time on the mat? Meditate on that during yoga, offered Feb. 14, 18 and 21 at High Peaks. Each class is welcoming and suitable for all levels, with gentle flow, and a pace that meets you where you are.

Essential High Peaks, At a Glance

🛏️Choose from three distinct lodging experiences: High Peaks Resort (105 rooms, Adirondack style, rooms overlook Mirror Lake or the Adirondack Mountains); Lake House (44 guest rooms, most with balconies or patios overlooking Mirror Lake and the Adirondack Mountains); and Waterfront Collection (28 rooms with access to the Waterfront Lawn and Mirror Lake, an outdoor pool).

🍽️Dining options include Dancing Bears Restaurant (open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with pizza, burgers, strip steak and the like) and The Bar at Lake House (open in the evening, with a fireplace, cocktails, board games).

• There are two indoor heated pools, two seasonally available outdoor pools, and one indoor jacuzzi tub.

• Hotel guests have private access to Mirror Lake, with seasonal kayaks, paddle boats, stand-up paddleboards and snowshoes available.

• Dog-friendly! A portion ($5) of every nightly pet fee is donated to dog-focused charitable organizations. Last year, more than $10,000 went to the Tri-Lakes Humane Society.

• The resort is available for corporate retreats (with 10,000 square feet of meeting and conference space), weddings, special events and private parties (with personalized catering services and versatile venues to fit any type of party).

• Amenities include: private, gated parking and high-speed, free internet. Plus, all rooms include HD flat-screen TVs, in-room device charging ports, a coffee maker and a mini-fridge.

• Available upon request, at an additional charge: microwave, rollaway bed, Pack n’ Play.

👉 For Saratoga Dispatch readers only, High Peaks is offering a 10% discount for two or more nights. Use the code “DISPATCH at highpeaksresort.com. *To receive the discount, your stay must take place in 2026 and be booked by April 30.

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Spencer Sherry is doing it again, and this time, it will be bigger than ever. That’s right folks, the 2nd Annual Saratoga Film Showcase is set to roll out the red carpet at Putnam Place and Saratoga Arts January 23 to 25.

“This year, we’re focusing on short indie films, and we received submissions from across the country,” says Sherry, the event’s founder and director. “We will have films from people who worked on Saturday Night Live and other established directors, plus several from first-time filmmakers.”

The show kicks off on Friday at 7 p.m. at Putnam Place, with a rotating schedule of short films, panels, demonstrations, cocktail parties (whooo!), and more all weekend long.

Sherry, considered by many to be the tireless Superman of the arts scene in Upstate New York — community outreach and grants maestro by day at Saratoga Arts by day, foe of boring art and filmmaker by night — is quick to credit the corporate sponsors, partners, and supporters (including Saratoga Arts, Discover Saratoga, the 518 Film Network, KOS, and Harvey’s Restaurant) he’s rallied for the expected success of the showcase.

“I am so fortunate and grateful, because not only have they helped make the Showcase for the second year, they have helped ensure that I can offer a sliding scale for ticket prices,” Sherry says. “I want students, budding filmmakers and folks who can’t spend $100 on tickets to be able to enjoy the showcase. These guys get it.”

Sherry himself is paying it forward, and using the Showcase as a means to raise money and provide scholarships for kids who want to attend Art Week at Camp Stomping Ground this summer.

“The sense of community in the arts scene in the Capital Region is incredible,” Sherry says. “I can’t wait to share that and these incredible films with a wider audience.”

For more information and to buy tickets, visit saratoga-arts.org.

Schedule of Events

Friday, January 23 | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Putnam Place

The weekend opens with Shorts After Dark, a bold, high-energy screening of inventive short films, followed by an opening night party.

Saturday, January 24 | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Saratoga Arts

Saturday’s programming explores two curated film blocks:

• Coming to Terms – Stories in which characters face something unexpected, the unknown, or their own fears

• Art About Art – Films that feature another artistic medium in their narrative

Sunday, January 25 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Saratoga Arts

Sunday’s Home-Grown program is dedicated entirely to locally made films.

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Mark your calendars for Chowderfest, Feb. 7!

The local business community is calling for fun-loving folks of all ages to descend upon Downtown Jan. 17 for a first-ever Snow Day — no matter the weather.

The first-ever Saratoga Snow Day — presented by the Saratoga County Chamber in partnership with Discover Saratoga and the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association — is forecasted to be a celebration of winter, inviting residents and visitors to bundle up and enjoy a full day of snowy adventures, cozy experiences, and vibrant downtown energy.

“We’re thrilled to light up the winter season with an event that brings our vibrant Saratoga community together,” says Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. “Saratoga Snow Day highlights the warmth of local businesses and invites everyone to explore, shop, dine and make winter memories in our walkable city.”

The event will transform Downtown into a winter wonderland of fun activities including a Snowman Scavenger Hunt among the downtown shops and sites, a Fire & Ice Trail with specialty creative winter-themed bites and beverages, and a free family movie screening starting at 11 a.m. at the Saratoga Springs City Center. The movie will be announced soon, but attendees are encouraged to wear cozy attire for a flannel photo contest.

Deann Devitt, president of the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association, welcomes one and all to explore what the district has to offer during Saratoga Snow Day. “We’re excited to celebrate winter with an event that connects our Saratoga community,” she says. “From shopping and dining to strolling our charming streets, this new event encourages everyone to get out of winter hibernation and embrace the season by supporting our local businesses.”

For young eventgoers, The Children’s Museum at Saratoga will offer winter educational programs for visitors to learn about the snowy season.

Additional downtown restaurant participants include Cantina, Druthers Brewing Company, Hattie’s Restaurant, Henry Street Taproom, Kindred, Lucy’s Bar, Rhea, Scallions, The Bourbon Room, The Mercantile and The Thirsty Owl; all venues will take part in the Fire & Ice Trail experience with treats such as seasonal cocktails and warm, hearty fare.

For more details about Saratoga Snow Day visit saratoga.org.

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Finding fun new things to do in the middle of an Upstate New York winter requires…a certain mindset. So we asked Saratogians what is actually getting them out of the comforts of their warm houses and into the great outdoors.

Lydia Mawad, pediatrician at Amsterdam Internal Medicine & Pediatrics

“I’m going ice skating this year! And I want to try cross-country skiing.”

Where To Go:

Saratoga Springs offers two indoor ice skating rinks on Weibel Avenue, from Olympic to NHL-size. You can rent skates there. (Those and other nearby ones on saratoga.com.) Plus, there are a number of public ponds and lakes to tackle if you’ve got your own blades.

Lesley Hostetter, EVP at Lautman Maska Neill & Co:

“I’m looking forward to using my Indy Pass this year with my family, and checking out new-to-us mountains like Saskedena Six and Magic Mountain, as well as old favorites like Bolton Valley and West.

What’s the Indy Pass?

Buy one pass for access to 270+ resorts on four continents. Boo-ya!

Christa Hyland, social service provider at Wellspring Cares

“I want to go sledding more this year — both in my neighborhood and around town.”

Where To Go:

Options abound, from formal tubing and sledding activity centers at West Mountain and Lapland Lake, to killer hills at McGregor Links Country Club, Woods Hollow Nature Preserve, and Saratoga National Historical Park. (See saratoga.com for the most thorough roundup.)

Laura Tilton, manager and sales enablement

“I want to go cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing a lot this year.”

Where To Go:

Once again, Saratoga Springs and the surrounding areas abound with cross-country skiing options. Saratoga Spa State Park offers 12 miles of trails. Into the Woods Farm offers guides snowshoe adventures, with rentals available.

Kathleen Willcox, roving reporter and general global rover

“I am getting revved up for the Christmas Tree Disco Inferno!”

See you there?

Yup, I’ll be on the scene for the big event, which burns this year’s finished Christmas trees (it’s not too late to donate) during a brewery bash — and the money goes to the South Glens Falls Fire Dept. Read all the details here:

📌 ICYMI…

Race to birth: dad trapped on tarmac at ALB

Saratoga Arts is baaaack… (party’s Jan. 9!)

UPH kicks off 2026 with 2 sold-out shows

(REVIEW): Bear’s Cup Bakehouse’s sweet debut

Anti-screen time movement kicks off in Saratoga Springs