Mysterious 🎪 'Night Circus'-esque cirque. Jazz fest!
PLUS: An afternoon concert for a cause. 🗓️Events calendar June 26-July 1
Happy Friday Dispatchers!
Your events calendar is fashionably late this week. (Apologies to last night’s events I missed announcing.) If only there were more hours in a day during high season…
Hope you got some beauty sleep last night — this weekend is packed.
— Abby
🗓️ Events Calendar June 25 26-July 1.
In this issue:
Patti LaBelle, 82, performs HERE — as she makes headlines for returning to the studio for her first R&B album in 20 years.
Last chance to catch My Fair Lady
A dark and mysterious traveling Cirque with Night Circus vibes.
Got an event to share?
HEADS UP
Jeanne O’Connor’s July 3 album sneak peek
Jeanne O’Connor has poured her “heart and soul” into her upcoming album, The Sweetest Sounds — her first in nearly two decades — and has chosen Caffè Lena for its sneak peek months ahead of the official release.
“Caffè Lena has always been a special place for me as a performer,” she says of the “warm and intimate” space. “Sarah Craig and the staff have done so much to keep a community feeling to the venue, even though national acts now make a stop there on their tours. I wanted to bring the music first to my upstate fans, who are so wonderful!”
She’s bringing some of her finest musicians from both NYC and upstate; one highlight includes a “Cuban-tinged” song written by her late husband, Don Grolnick, for which she wrote lyrics.
To grab one of the last available tickets for the 8 p.m. show on July 3, visit caffelena.org.
FEATURED EVENT: CONCERT
‘Turn it Up’ Sat. afternoon at Putnam Place for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Men’s mental health holds a special place in my own heart, and these guys are gearing up for an amazing show in honor of this important cause.
Stop by Putnam Place tomorrow afternoon from 1 to 3 p.m. for sets by indie rock band the dynamic Stealing Signs (that blends funk, jazz, rock, and pop), Leaky Faucet and jam band Melon (who also cover everyone from the Grateful Dead and Bob Marley to Sublime and Stevie Wonder) — three bands with heart, and interwoven connections to the young man to whom the concert is dedicated.
“Unfortunately, the story behind the cause is never a good one,” says Saratogian Lance Meeson. “I lost my son, Garrett, on July 9, 2019 when he was just two weeks shy of his 15th birthday. His big brother, Lance Myles, is in the band Stealing Signs along with his friends from college. One of Garrett's best friends, Katie Lee, heads Leaky Faucet. One of my friends owns Harvest and Hearth and his son Sam leads Melon.”
Suggested donation of $20 at the door at Putnam Place, 1 p.m. June 27.
Can’t make it? Donate to the cause.
REMINDER
iTheatre Saratoga’s It Can’t Happen Here
Your favorite middle-aged, newsletter-writing, freedom of the press advocate 🙋♀️ implores you to consider iTheatre Saratoga world premiere play reading of It Can’t Happen Here — tonight and tomorrow night at Saratoga Arts.
Adapted from the iconic Sinclair Lewis novel by Mary Jane Hansen, the story unfolds during the presidential election of 1936. Our protagonist, Doremus Jessup, is a small town newspaper editor — a true “foot soldier of the first amendment,” as my journalism profs would say. He’s gutted as he watches Buzz Windrip run on an authoritarian platform — and win.
A $10 donation made online guarantees you a seat; go to itheatre.saratoga.ticketspice.com.
Beyond Saratoga County: For a listing of events across the greater Capital Region, visit our friends at ishbulletin.com.
Friday, June 26
Mini City’s 10th Annual Big Bubble Party — Congress Park | 1 p.m.
Now in its 10th year, this joyful, all-ages party in the park is the perfect summer Friday. Wear your rainbows!
Opera Saratoga Presents: ‘Drift’ — Universal Preservation Hall | 2 p.m.
Opera Saratoga’s first-ever mainstage commission from an all-female creative team: the haunting story of a young woman caught between the fragments of her past and the forces that seek to define her memory.
Live Music: Jeff Brisbin — Henry’s Irish Tavern | 5 p.m. (recurring)
A local legend at a Saratoga institution.
Patriotic Piping Class — Ladylily’s Place | 6 p.m.
Learn to make your own delicious patriotic sugar cookies that will be the hit of your July 4 BBQ. (Take a look at the pics!)
Guided Meditation and Charcuterie — Petal + Hive | 6 p.m.
Meditation, mocktails and snacks by Gouda Giggles: TGIF.
Live Music! — Spa City Tap and Barrel | 6 p.m.
”Dad’s Night Out”
🎭 ‘My Fair Lady’ — Universal Preservation Hall | 7 p.m.
One of the most beloved musicals of all time. Featuring timeless songs like “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” and “I Could Have Danced All Night,” Opera Saratoga’s production is a love letter to theater itself.
Paranormal Cirque II — Wilton Mall at Saratoga | 7:30 p.m.
A dark circus production at the mall’s outdoor space — think magical and mysterious cabaret and cirque acts under a stunning black and white striped big top tent.
Saturday, June 27
👩🔬 Serum Bar — Petal + Hive | 8 a.m.
Walk in any time between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to make your custom serum! Learn from founder and Cosmetic Chemist, Jillian Ehrenberg, about different skincare ingredients and how each product gets made. No RSVP necessary, $34 per person.
History Caravan — Saratoga National Historical Park | 9:30 a.m.
A mobile history program at the Battlefield, via a guided caravan-style tour of the battlefield.
Goat Yoga — Into The Woods Farm | 10 a.m.
Outdoor yoga with goats, surrounded by forest and a stunning farm.
Saratoga’s Jazz Festival — SPAC | 11 a.m.
The beloved unofficial kick-off to Saratoga Summer. Today’s lineup: Patti LaBelle, Miles Electric Band, The Dip and many more.
Beats & Brunch — Standard Fare | 12 p.m. (recurring)
Vinyl-spun brunch vibes: brunch, cocktails, and beats by DJ Jackson.
Opera Saratoga Presents: Capital Region Composers’ Concert — UPH | 2 p.m.
A program devoted entirely to composers from the Capital Region.
🏳️🌈 Saratoga Pride 5th Annual Softball Game — Geyser Park | 6 p.m.
Cheer on the teams during this 5th annual game. After-party to follow.
Paranormal Cirque II — Wilton Mall at Saratoga | 6:30 p.m.
A dark circus production at the mall’s outdoor space — think magical and mysterious cabaret and cirque acts under a stunning black and white striped big top tent.
🎭 ‘Elixir of Love’ — UPH | 7 p.m.
Final chance to see the show that inspired the tough Berkshire Eagle to rave: “Opera Saratoga’s ‘The Elixir of Love’ turns Donizetti’s classic into Hollywood magic.” Glam! High fashion! Fellini-esque reimagining!
Paranormal Cirque II — Wilton Mall at Saratoga | 9:30 p.m.
A dark circus production at the mall’s outdoor space — think magical and mysterious cabaret and cirque acts under a stunning black and white striped big top tent.
Sunday, June 28
Mandolin Recital with Alan Epstein — Caffè Lena | 10 a.m.
A recital showcasing the work done in the mandolin workshops.
Post Time! Sunday Stroll — SE corner of Nelson & Union avenues | 10:30 a.m.
The Preservation Foundation’s racing-themed walking tour, timed to the opening of the Thoroughbred season in just one week. Led by Georgia Horner.
Saratoga’s Jazz Festival — SPAC | 11:45 a.m.
The beloved unofficial kick-off to Saratoga Summer. Today’s lineup: The Revivalists, Dianne Reeves, Eddie 9V and many more.
Malta Repair Cafe — Innovation Center at Saratoga | 1 p.m.
A community repair event where volunteers help fix broken household items rather than replace them — hooray for sustainability and practical skill-sharing.
Virtues & Music — Saratoga Springs Recreational Center | 1 p.m.
Interactive class for kids ages 8 - 11 plus music instruction in a ukulele band!
🏳️🌈 Saratoga Pride Festival — High Rock Park | 1 p.m.
The festival closes out Pride weekend at High Rock Park with an awesome lineup of musicians (including Trace Ellis and Raya), drag performers (including Starling Silver and Lexxi Pro), local food vendors, and community partners.
🎭 ‘My Fair Lady’ — Universal Preservation Hall | 2 p.m.
Final chance to see Opera Saratoga’s performance f one of the most beloved musicals of all time. Featuring timeless songs like “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” and “I Could Have Danced All Night,” Opera Saratoga’s production is a love letter to theater itself.
Folk Heritage Series: The Seldom Scene — Caffè Lena | 3 p.m.
One of the most influential bluegrass bands in the tradition’s modern history, now in their sixth decade of playing together.
🏳️🌈 Pride Festival After Party — Whitman Brewing | 5 p.m.
The official Pride Festival after-party.
Paranormal Cirque II — Wilton Mall at Saratoga | 5:30 p.m.
A dark circus production at the mall’s outdoor space — think magical and mysterious cabaret and cirque acts under a stunning black and white striped big top tent.
Folk Heritage Series: The Seldom Scene — Caffè Lena | 7 p.m.
One of the most influential bluegrass bands in the tradition’s modern history, now in their sixth decade of playing together.
Latin Night w/ Rafy Cabrera Band ft. BoyBoy — Putnam Place | 7 p.m.
Free dance lessons start at 7; party rages until 1 a.m.
Paranormal Cirque II — Wilton Mall at Saratoga | 8:30 p.m.
A dark circus production at the mall’s outdoor space — think magical and mysterious cabaret and cirque acts under a stunning black and white striped big top tent.
Monday, June 29
Martini Mondays — Chianti Il Ristorante | Recurring
Kick off your week with Martini Mondays! Enjoy classic & creative martinis for just $10.
Live Music: Jeff Brisbin — The Hideaway at Saratoga Lake Golf Club | 5:30 p.m. (recurring)
Monday evening residency!
A Conversation with Poet and Community Builder Rachel Baum — Zoom | 7 p.m.
The Torch Club presents Rachel Baum, one of the Capital Region’s most accomplished literary voices and an energetic advocate for the arts.
Paranormal Cirque II — Wilton Mall at Saratoga | 7:30 p.m.
A dark circus production at the mall’s outdoor space — think magical and mysterious cabaret and cirque acts under a stunning black and white striped big top tent.
Twilight on the Trails — Hudson Crossing Park | 8 .m.
A family-friendly evening trail event — lit up by the full moon — at Hudson Crossing Park.
📌 ICYMI…
📸 So many SPAC and opera pics! Missing your own party.
PBS’ all-Saratoga 🇺🇸 ‘Revolutionary Road Trip’ comes home.
Were you seen 📸 by Seen in Saratoga last Wednesday night?
Tuesday, June 30
Joy Circle — Petal + Hive | 10 a.m. (recurring through June)
A weekly gathering focused on cultivating joy as a practice rather than a feeling.
$1 Oyster Night — Henry Street Taproom | Recurring
Just what it sounds like — slurp $1 oysters all day.
Rich Ortiz — The Hideaway at Saratoga Lake Golf Club | 5:30 p.m. (recurring)
Two residencies in the same night? This is your man. Catch him at The Hideaway if happy hour time is your jam.
Live Music: Tim Wechgelaer — Morrissey’s Lounge & Bistro | June 30, recurring weekly on Tuesday
A solo set fills the same room later in the evening.
🏳️🌈 Pride Bowling Night — Saratoga Strike Zone | 6:30 p.m.
A one-off league-style play to close out Pride month.
Rich Ortiz — Caroline Street Pub | 10 p.m. (recurring)
And for his late-night fans, Ortiz takes the stage for his second recurring show of the night.
Wednesday, July 1
Ladies Night — Standard Fare | Recurring
“Girl Dinner” special: Crunchy Caesar salad, truffle fries, and a Tiny ‘Tini for $30 bucks.
Harvey’s Famous DJ Trivia — Harvey’s Restaurant and Bar | 7:30 p.m. (Recurring)
A Saratoga tradition with resident DJ Aiden. Win prizes provided by Harvey’s and swag from our monthly rotating sponsors.
🏳️🌈 Pride Open Mic Night — Caffè Lena | 7 p.m.
A Pride-dedicated open mic at the beloved Caffè Lena
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— Abby