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From the editor
A quick hello, Dispatchers…
I’m gearing up for Day 3 of six major event days in a row. We can sleep in September, amirite?
— Abby
In this issue:
✌️ Last call
🀄 New mahjong class added (the other one sold fast!)
👕 Thrift in the news: What’s open, what’s closed
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✌️ All good things…
Last chance: Two of Saratoga summer’s top outdoor traditions wind down this weekend.
Star power: The Philadelphia Orchestra finishes its milestone 60th anniversary season this weekend, including tomorrow night’s ‘Star Wars’ movie night.
Philadelphia Orchestra’s summer residency
SPAC President Chris Shiley: “Gemma New, one of the most exciting young conductors of her generation, will make her SPAC debut. It's such a beloved work, and there's something especially magical about hearing George Gershwin's music outdoors at SPAC.
We're also welcoming Grammy Award-winning pianist Michelle Cann for her SPAC debut. She's doing something quite unique by performing two piano concertos on the same program: Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major and Florence Price's Piano Concerto in One Movement.”
CS: "We're especially excited to bring back Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert. The last time we presented it was in 2018, and then COVID derailed our Star Wars saga plans.
It's one of the most iconic films ever made, with one of the most recognizable scores in cinema. Everyone knows the music, but hearing the Philadelphia Orchestra perform it live while the film plays is an incredible experience.”
CS: "We'll close the residency with Gregory Alan Isakov, the acclaimed singer-songwriter, making his SPAC debut. He's known for his beautiful folk-inspired music, and years ago recorded a stunning collaborative album with the Colorado Symphony.
Gregory is an exceptional songwriter who's been building a devoted following for years. More recently, he's toured with artists like Noah Kahan, introducing his music to an even broader audience."
Upbeat on the Roof
Aaaaaand … Upbeat on the Roof, the FREE concert series at the Tang Museum, finishes up its summer with the super-popular Millstone Rounders.
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🀄 MAHJONG
There’s only ONE TICKET LEFT for the 1 p.m. beginner’s mahjong class on Sunday, August 30. But don’t panic — the instructors agreed to add an additional class at 4 p.m.! There’s also a class on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
🍽️ DINNER CLUB
Have you been “meaning to do” Dinner Club? Why wait! Join 50+ of your neighbors (who can’t wait to meet you) for dinner at restaurants all over town on Wednesday, Sept. 9 — then have a nightcap with me to tell me how it all went down.
🏇 TRACK REPORT
Manny Franco’s on fire! He’s been neck and neck with Flavien Prat for the No. 2 spot in this season’s jockey standings, but yesterday all the chit chat was about Manny. By the end of the card, he had 46 wins to Flav’s 40 (behind only Jose Ortiz’s 58). “This meet is a career-changer for him,” one insider told me.
But he wasn’t the only name everyone was buzzing about. “It’s a Golden Schauer kinda day,” wrote the Spa Infield Goose of the former limo, rising star trainer. “Better than Ness, Rice, Brown, Cox, Baffert,” added The Staggie Man. In the comments: “Horse whisperer” and “He is the next Bob Baffert…”
Jockey Tyler Gaffalione is suspended today through Sunday, writes Daily Racing Form.
📰 IN BRIEF
Saratoga Eagle gears up for a merger, reports Albany Business Review.
Tuesday’s City Council meeting included: our Deputy Mayor presenting the proposed Capital Budget rec, UDO amendment debate, and a Regeneron expansion update, reports Saratoga Civic Pulse.
👕 Thrift report: What’s open, what’s closed
By Kathleen Willcox
NEW
Stirrup Saratoga (19 Maple Ave., in the former Frankie Flores gallery): Ralph Lauren + heritage brand heaven.
Upstate Retro Clothing (49 Front Street, Ballston Spa and the brand-new Collective at Chow Bella, 260 Broadway in Saratoga): Vintage, un-fussy, fun.
CLOSED
Grateful Threads (30 Beekman Street): Local, handmade goods.
Ye Olde Wishin’ Shoppe (19 Low Street, Ballston Spa): Oddities, clothes, records—all vintage.
OPEN
Treasures Consignment Boutique & Thrift Shop (60 West Ave.): Cheap, often chic, for charity.
Saratoga Closet Consignment (Wilton Mall): Exceptional pre-owned bridal, designer wear.
Gateway House Thrift Shop (404 Geyser Rd, Ballston Spa): Furniture, housewares + more, for a cause.
ReShop for the Good (132 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa): Housewares, furniture + more, for a cause.
Plato’s Close (400 Clifton Corporate Pkwy, Clifton Park): Vintage + gently used clothes, skewing teen-20s.
Thrifting can be fun — even with fashion-crazed teens in tow. Read my review of my experience at Plato’s here.