An epic road trip
Matt Damon and his wife, Luciana, relax at yesterday’s World Cup finals. His blockbuster hit ‘The Odyssey’ has brought some tongue-in-cheek attention to the Capital Region.
From the editor
Hey, Dispatchers,
The United States’ epic World Cup ended yesterday, it’s the last week that the track has an extra dark day, and the sun is shining ahead of two potentially rainy days.
Will you forgive me if I keep this a little short today?
— Abby
In this issue:
The Dispatch in the news!
Lifetime TV made this Saratogian a hit in 100 countries
The Odyssey is bringing attention to … the Capital Region?
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Dispatch in the news!
When I started the Dispatch a little over a year ago, it was my dream to create a local news hub that would not only share Saratoga’s local stories but become something bigger that drew us all together.
In an early newsletter post that recapped a talk I did with our local Torch Club, I explained that “local news readers (like you!) are more likely to be involved in their communities and know their neighbors.”
You see, it’s all connected … And Gabriella O’Keefe of the New York Press Association wrote a beautiful article that showed that coming to life.
This is the work I care about — not just reporting on a community, but helping build one.
Thank you, Gabby!
FEATURED EVENT
Cassandra Kubinski’s exclusive hometown preview of the songs that brought her worldwide fame.
Saratogian Cassandra Kubinski is releasing an album of her music that found fame on Lifetime TV, and will preview it Thursday at Caffè Lena.
Cassandra Kubinski’s voice has an ethereal quality that’s tough to forget — and I should know. When the singer told me that her music found fame on Dance Moms, I knew immediately that it had to be the emotional lyrical music I hadn’t heard in the many years since the reality TV hit first went off the air. (I was right, I learned later.)
And now the Saratogian (full time since 2020) is gearing up for an album release of said music — which has been featured on Lifetime Television in more than 100 countries. But first, a hometown preview Thursday at Caffè Lena.
“If you prefer fresh pop over folk, but still want smart lyrics and a true heart, Cassandra will be your new favorite,” says Caffè Lena’s executive director, Sarah Craig — who called Kubinski a “powerhouse, world-touring, Billboard Heatseeker.”
Abby: What was it like becoming a Lifetime TV star?
Cassandra: It was incredible having songs reach a global audience on Dance Moms — the show is aired in over 100 countries. It's amazing to see where people are discovering these songs and to be able to connect with people through the wonder of the internet and social media.
A: What was it like working with none other than Abby Lee Miller?
C: Great. She is truly a gracious creative and driven leader. She really respects the musical artists from Dance Moms and knows that we had our songs in the show mostly uncredited and never paid up front. So she really makes an effort to share her enormous platform to highlight our songs, which is absolutely amazing because she does not need to do that.
‘Dance Moms’ star Abby Lee Miller and Kubinski.
A: What’s one thing you can tell us that fans wouldn’t know?
C: Her musical background is very theatrical... I dove into it with her in an interview I did with her at Saratoga Arts during our sold-out weekend in May. The interview will start rolling out on YouTube at the end of July!
A: Tell us what to expect on Thursday.
C: The show is a preview of my upcoming album, which features acoustic versions of songs I had on the show — with me on piano, Sam Zucchini on percussion, and Tara Hanish on cello. (You can presave the album now.) It's going to be a beautiful, intimate vibe to showcase some of these songs that I have never played at the cafe.
In my shows, I tend to focus on songs that are more recent — but for this show, we are taking it back! Many of the songs on Dance Moms, I wrote very early in my career. Audiences can also expect some behind-the-scenes stories of how the songs got on TV and how that changed my life, and 2 musical sets ranging from contemplative to dramatic to whimsical.
To buy your tickets to the 7 p.m., July 23 performance at Caffè Lena, visit caffeelena.org.
📌 ICYMI…
Matt Damon’s 'The Odyssey’ is putting the Capital Region on the map.
The numbers are in. With an eye-watering opening weekend of more than $264 million, The Odyssey has more than defied expectations — and in the process, made the Capital Region a social media star.
Here’s the image that’s gone viral (often with a quip about avoiding tolls):
In reality, Odysseus of course was actually crossing (primarily) the Mediterranean from Turkey to Greece — until divine intervention (aka a majorly pissed off Poseidon) got in the way.
Although Troy, NY was indeed named after the legendary, mythical city.
📰 IN BRIEF
Six weeks of track isn’t enough: Shake Shack has a signed lease in Clifton Park (and is also expected to open at Stuyvesant Plaza), reports Albany Business Review.
Journalism proves a sure bet as he overcomes a disastrous start to win the San Diego in Del Mar, shares Thoroughbred Daily News.
New Lake George boating showroom bets on Lake George's long-term boating dominance, says Albany Business Review.
A trip down Memory Lane for SPAC’s 60th includes John Denver and three “bad kids,” writes New York Almanack.
Golden Tempo is baaaaack…
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