Top 3 tickets to buy right now
Commit now, leave your home next weekend — our top events pick for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Don’t let this cozy cold snap keep you inside too long. Let’s plan ahead — commit to a ticket now, layer up and leave the house over the weekend. These music and culinary adventures (one each for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights) are too good to miss.
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.