SEPTEMBER, 2023 - 518 PROFILES MAGAZINE

Garland Nelson: Musician, Entertainer Saratoga’s Own Practitioner of Joy

pg. 6

PUBLISHER / FOUNDER

Stephanie Sittnick

COPY EDITOR

Elisabeth Allen

WEBMASTER

Tony Graveheart

ADVERTISING SALES

Stephanie Sittnick - Director of Sales

( 860) 227-8199 advertising@518mag.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Carol St.Sauveur Ferris, Karen Richman, Rona Mann

Chandler Stevens, Lawrence White, Kirsten Ferguson, Alan B. Richer, Crystal Cobert Giddens, Nellie Ackerman-Vellano, Kristina Watrobski

Chef Armand Vanderstigchel

COVER

“Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Museum” 24 x 36

by Robert Whiting

Welcome to the September issue! It’s the month that brings so much beauty, from the crisp sunny days to the changing color of the leaves. It’s the month when you make that switch back to warm beverages and long pants. Also... (and I’m sure others feel the same) – you can start decorating for the upcoming holidays. September is truly a gem of a month to get outside and enjoy. And when it’s a cooler day or raining, there’s nothing like fall baking with the windows open and the delicious aromas of autumn wafting through your home. Whether you take the time to plan a walk in the woods or find the perfect spot to curl up with 518 PROFILES, I hope you embrace this beautiful time of year.

As always, our goal at 518 PROFILES, is always to focus on the good, the beautiful and the positive by publishing stories with heart and soul. We str ive each month to deliver authentic and unique content about cre ative people and interesting destinations. Enjoy!

Stephanie Sittnick Founder / Publisher

518 PROFILES 587 Grand Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

It’s the Binding Agents that Make for Success And Chef Michael Fortin Knows How to Bind!

pg. 16

Just a Couple of Artists Sharing Love, Life, and Painting.

pg. 26

Take a Walk On the Other Side of the Tracks

Off the “Beekman Path!”

pg. 34

Sweet Nostalgia pg. 40

Words and Music: A Childhood Memory

LIFEspa pg. 42

Food Prep and Rebranding Leftovers

Culinary Destinations: pg. 44

Finger Lakes - Part 1

September Events pg. 47

Events throughout the Capital Region

The Laffer Gallery

American Art at the Arkell Museum

Walter L. Greene, In the Mohawk Valley, 1937

Featuring: Robert Moylan, Mikel Wintermantel, William McCarthy, Nancy Magnell and Valerie Craig.

Garland Nelson: Musician, Entertainer Saratoga’s Own Practitioner of Joy

By Lawrence White

The Capital Region of New York is a blazing hotbed of local artistic talent. This is particularly true in the field of music where live musical performances of several styles are scheduled nightly throughout the year. There are venues of all sizes from large concert halls that seat thousands to small pubs that only have space for solo acoustic acts plus massive festivals that last for days.

The city of Saratoga Springs is at the heart of this creative cauldron. The design of downtown Saratoga Springs allows for a density of venues including the City Center, clubs, coffee houses, and pubs, all within walking distance of each other. It is possible to park the car in one spot and then walk to several establishments to hear live music and have an excellent meal while you are at it.

The dramatically positive effects of an active arts environment can re main civically vibrant and nourishing for decades. A prime example of the benefits of this sort of creative/civic ecology is the remarkable career of local musician/performer Garland Nelson.

As I make arrangements to meet and interview Garland (or “G” as he is often called), it is necessary to choose a lightly trafficked location. Gar land is so universally beloved in the Saratoga area that meeting in a public location for even a few moments will result in the sincerest form of love and affection raining down on him from many of those passing either in cars or on foot. It is quite a remarkable phenomenon to witness as a close observer.

It must be noted that in 1992 when Garland first arrived in Saratoga Springs from Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn on a scholarship to Skid more, he was a nice-looking, unsure, shy young man with great magnetism who excelled at academics, worked part-time in a copy shop, and was DJ on the college station. "It was a huge change from Bed-Stuy, and I worked hard to make the most of it," Garland recalls.

Remarkably, after a short period in Saratoga Springs, Garland evolved into a masterful and exciting performer with a tremendous singing voice while also becoming respected as a wise and trusted businessperson who is well known for his ability to fulfill contractual obligations with the utmost integrity. Garland may not have been born in Saratoga Springs, but he certainly was reborn here.

I ask Garland to relate the profound metamorphosis he has experienced in Saratoga, and he tells me, “In my family home, I was the little kid hiding behind my mother’s apron. I tried to be silent, to be invisible, and

“We are all part of a circle of life. My mission is to inspire as much joy as possible while I am part of the circle.”

...Garland Nelson

Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, NY

not draw attention to myself. That put me in a position that allowed me to take it all in and learn.”

“My uncle had an amazing record collection. He helped me learn about the different moods from the different songs and styles of music. I saw that no matter what the emotions were in the house, once the music started, everyone re sponded to it. Music brought people together who had been arguing and fighting, so I saw how powerful it was as a healing energy. That revelation was when the career I have now actually first took seed.”

Garland goes on to explain how he connected to his talent. “After being in Saratoga for a while, I felt kind of lost. I had done very well, but truthfully, I still had not connected to my inner self. There was more that I had to offer. I had to find out who I was and who I wanted to be.”

Garland studied how to manipulate and control his voice at Skidmore. “I was educated in the techniques that allow me to sing different styles of music including classical, Broadway, and gospel, even singing in different languages. My teacher told me I was good, but that I could be better if I would stop trying to justify my ability to move people with my voice.”

Local musician, Jeff Brisbin started performing live music at the same time as Garland and was on the same path. The two would meet over breakfast and have long discussions

Jeff Brisbin, Rick Bolton, Seated-Jeff Walton, Garland Nelson

Gospel group Joyful Noise

about the local scene and their part in it. Jeff once advised Garland, “You radiate a unique light. You are special. Don’t think of anyone or anything else when you perform. Be you. That is what we all want.”

Earlier, in the 1970s, highly respected guitarist /songwriter Rick Bolton had moved to Saratoga and soon began to play gigs in clubs and coffee houses. Not long after, Rick began to work with fellow musician Jeff Waldron and the owner of Bai ley’s Pub on Phila Street to hold open-mic nights featuring local talent.

Rick tells me, “The big stars came to Saratoga, but after their performances, they left town. I wanted to find a way

to feature the talented musicians who lived here in a positive way that supported and in spired them.”

Rick recalls seeing Garland perform at open mic for the first time at Bailey's on Phila Street in 1998. “Garland was very shy, but the moment he hit the stage, you immediately recognized that this guy is headed for bigger things.” Rick

continues, “Barrooms are generally noisy places, and Baileys was no exception. Yet, the entire crowd became respectfully silent as Gar land sang three songs acapella that night and blew the room away. That moment changed Garland’s life, and he has been on the rise ever since.”

Rick continues, “G’s career has been astonishing to witness. In the years after that night, he created a full band, Soul Session, and became the lead vocalist for the gospel group Joyful Noise. He provides the lighting and multimedia aspects of the shows. He makes all the arrangements, moves and sets up the equipment, plus, he makes sure that he and the others are paid. His energy is simply amazing on and off the stage.”

Soul Session opening for Salt-N-Pepa in Albany with daughter

“Sometimes before he goes on stage, Garland wears a headband with a GoPro camera and live streams a sort of drum march with other musicians to get people revved up and involved. It is one of the coolest things I have ever seen. Garland is always playing events that are based on improving the community and making people’s lives better. He does not interpret a song; he lives it and shares his experience with us. His performances are a true spiritual happening.”

Fellow open-mic organizer and musician Jeff Walton agrees, “The magic happens if it is allowed to happen. Our area has seen a real uptick in the population of the creative community since the days when we and Richard Endres at Gaffney’s first started opening up the stage to local talent like Caffe Lena does today.”

Observing Garland in a performance reveals his unique ability to shape the music to the moment so it grabs the listeners in a very personal way. It is great fun to be present when Garland brings it all together. “We make the audience the focal point of the per formance," Garland explains. "Music is God's multicultural, multiethnic, multicanonical lifeline, and we all share in that sweet energy together.”

In 2019, Garland won several awards at the Inaugural Capital Region Thomas Edison “Eddie” Music Awards. Garland’s young daughter, Imani, was beaming divine light as he thanked the committee and others for the recognition bestowed upon him. The significance of this

rhapsodic moment illustrates how meaningful a supportive creative habitat can be for both the artist and the community.

As he is packing up his guitar, I ask Garland about the moment he experienced in Bailey’s in 1998 that changed his life. He replies with characteristic sincerity, “That first open mic night gave me a real family. It was the support of the creative community here that allowed me to accomplish everything that has come my way since. The music en vironment is very active in the Capital Region, but it is strongest in Saratoga Springs. I have seen nowhere else that this could have hap pened to me, and I pray with all my heart that it continues for others.”

Soul Session Band/A Joyful Noise

https://www.soulsession.com (518) 583 – 8102

Rick Bolton Music

https://www.rickboltonsaratoga.com

Jeff Walton Music

https://www.jeffwaltonmusic.org/trios--duos

Jeff Brisbin Music

https://jeffbrisbin.com

Bailey’s Saratoga

https://baileyscafe.com (518) 450-1305

Caffe Lena

https://www.caffelena.org (518) 583-0022

First Annual Eddies Music Awards. Garland with daughter, Imani, winning R&B Artist of Year.

Waiting line for Open Mic Night at Caffe Lena

It’s the Binding Agents that Make for Success And Chef Michael Fortin Knows How to Bind!

By Rona Mann

Some use eggs. Others choose bread crumbs, milk, or even dry oatmeal. In culinary terms they’re called binding agents, and in many dishes they are the unsung heroes because they hold the ingredients all together so the end result is successful.

Chef Michael Fortin knows this well and uses the binding princi ple in more than just food. He utilizes it in his life with his family, his employees, and his restaurants making him one of those people who makes it all work. He’s got that undeniable combination of talent with a heck of a sprinkling of serendipity, but he also has something many lack. He is fortunate to have a devoted network of people who truly like him, believe in him, and forever have his back: first and foremost, his family about whom he refers quite frequently in any conversation regarding his suc cess because above all, they are his #1 priority. Next, are members of the culinary teams in the two restaurants he ownsteams that he trusts implicitly for their individual talents, their loyalty to the restaurant and the customer, and for what they bring to the mix. And surely the one element he absolutely cannot leave out of the mix or ever take for granted is the loyalty of his customers - local folks who’ve been with Fortin since he bought the popular hangout, Joe’s Tavern in Cohoes some 12 years ago.

Back then, the Chef had a tiny, but well-established local venue with just 36 seats and 11 bar stools, to many just a “local joint.” But Fortin treated the task of preserving the 90-year-old building and pleasing its “regulars” while growing his own clientele and earning a reputation for cooking the finest pizza, spaghetti, and meatballs, as a daily goal. Therefore, in a very short time, the “local joint” had to resort to “Reservations Only” to score a seat for dinner.

Just five minutes down the road was the town of Halfmoon which re peatedly summoned him to open a restaurant in their town. “It was just five minutes and one zip code down the road,” Fortin began, “but a world away.” Although the timing wasn’t right just then, Fortin quickly learned you can halt plans, but you can never halt dreams; you just put them on hold for a bit.

Chef Michael Fortin photo by Stephanie Sittnick

Above - Jamaican Jen Salmon (seasonal) Below - Portobello Stack

So in 2018, the chef opened Max 410 at the Van Schaick Island Country Club also located in Cohoes, and staffed it with a tal ented team who brought to the table their own unique and individual strengths, which when combined with Michael’s culinary expertise, made for an immediate and popular hit that still continues to be wildly successful and draws in people daily.

During Covid, the chef was restless. Maybe it was time to consider another restaurant. Half moon was a place where Chef Michael could check all the boxes beginning with the location. Finding a property in the former spot where Romano’s had been 20 years prior, the new Emma Jayne’s Restaurant is now sit uated along busy Rt. 9. “Where Joe’s was in Cohoes, we had about 200 cars a day pass by our front door. Now we have about 25,000,” laughed Fortin.

Flatbread Du Jour

photo by Stephanie Sittnick

Additionally, he now has seating for 155 patrons, plenty of parking, and added a 1200 square foot deck featuring live music which has proven to be very popular throughout the summer months and will continue to be a requested part of the restaurant straight into the Fall.

“It’s not just me,” Fortin once again echoes. “We have a great team at Emma Jayne’s Restaurant. It begins with smiles, and those smiles start at the front door. People are greeted, they are greeted again at the table by their server. We want to always let our clientele know how much we care, and we never wanted to lose that ele ment going from a smaller to a larger venue. We want people to feel relaxed and make themselves at home here.”

Wondering about the cuisine? Normally, a chef will define his flavors with the same tired and over-used terms like “New American,” “Fusion,” “Up scale Casual,” and the like. Ask Chef Fortin what the cuisine is at Emma Jaynes and he quickly answers, “My Life.” Fortin has lived and worked as a chef in many different geographic areas serving different cuisines, so he has married the high spots of his culinary journey in this restaurant as well as making note of the preferences of his customers.

Shrimp and Crab Cocktail photo by Stephanie Sittnick

Chipotle Chicken Tacos

Shrimp and Grits

photo by Stephanie Sittnick

“We have Italian, we have steaks, also southern comfort food, fresh seafood, appetizers, sandwiches...my life.”The chef wishes to cater to every taste whenever possible and has developed delicious meals that are gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan as well.

“I could not do what I do without my family. I have a fantastic wife an d kids, and my parents have been supportive of everything I wanted to do since Day One. They all let me follow my own direction.” (Inci dentally, both Chef Michael’s restaurants are named for his children. Max 410 is for his son Max, and if you say the 410 quickly, you’ll catch the clever humor that makes up the rest of the moniker. Max is six and Emma Jayne is now three and both enjoy “arguing” as to which “my” restaurant the family might be going on any particular day).

At both Max 410 and Emma Jayne’s, Fortin re lies heavily on his team. “They are great teams,” the Chef adds, “and it shows on the plate and throughout the restaurant itself.” Both restaurants have an Executive Sous Chef and additional sous chefs in the kitchens at each location. “I can step on the line, if needed, but I’d rather let them handle it, so I can keep my hands in recipes and procedures. I really trust all the people I have in place because when you surround yourself with great people, anything’s possible.”

When asked if he’s “known” in the Capital Re gion for his restaurants, his flavors, his reputation, and his hard work, Fortin takes a

moment to reflect, then says, “I don’t feel like I’m known. If I’m suc cessful, it’s because we always try to do the right thing, and we do it because it is the right thing.”

And when you come right down to it, that’s really the best binding agent of all.

Emma Jayne’s Restaurant is located at 1475 Rt. 9 in Halfmoon. (518) 982-1526 www.emmajaynesrestaurant.com

In Cohoes, visit Max 410 at the Van Schaick Island Country Club (518) 370-5300 www.max410.com

Caprese Stack

Seafood Risotto

photo by Stephanie Sittnick

SAWYER FREDERICKS

WILL EVANS

CRYSTAL BOWERSOX

THE KENNEDYS

MARY GAUTHIER

STONY CREEK BAND

VIENNA TENG

TAYLOR ASHTON

MARTIN SEXTON

MICHAEL JERLING

DANIEL CHAMPAGNE SARA MILONOVICH

Just a Couple of Artists Sharing Love, Life, and Painting.

by Carol St. Sauveur Ferris

Susan Bayard Whiting and Robert Whiting are con nected on so many levels. First, as a married couple and more recently as artists-in-residence at their beau tiful studio gallery in Argyle, New York. In be tween they’ve had two children and busy careers doing other things. No doubt the Whitings are incred ibly fortunate to share so much.

Both artists are from New York State. Sue was born in Glens Falls, New York but lived most of her young life in South Glens Falls and Gansevoort. She was one of four children who enjoyed a typical childhood but was always most interested in drawing and art. But as she grew up, her interest became more focused on graphic design and illustration in part because of Loren Black burn, a design engineer who worked with her draftsman father.

Bob was born and raised in Glens Falls, New York and was one of three children. He too enjoyed art as a kid and was encouraged by his parents who enrolled him in early art classes. Later on, he took whatever art classes were offered in his high school at the time. Coincidently, Bob and family lived on the same street as celebrated Glens Falls illustrator, Spencer Douglas Crockwell, whose work appeared on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post magazine. He frequently mod eled for Crockwell’s magazine illustration work but a self-deprecating Bob shares that he was simply a kid interested in art. “I didn’t play sports as a kid. I drew pictures. I played in rock bands but was a mediocre kind of guy.”

Following high school, Sue attended SUNY Adirondack to study technical illustration and went on to work in a variety of jobs from Assistant Assessor to Managing Online education for Master’s Degree programs

through Canada’s EdTek Services. Bob went to Far m ingdale State College of New York for graphic arts and went on to a career in the New York State Depart ment of Corrections.

So, the question is, how do an assistant assessor and a corrections officer cross paths and become partners for life. The answer? “We met through some mutual friends, and didn't really care for each other at first, but then six months later Bob proposed.”

That was in 1974, and by April 1975 they were married and embarking on what is now a 48-year union. Sue didn’t pick up a paintbrush until after the birth of their first son, and it was at Bob’s near insistence. He knew she needed something else to do so he bought her a set of acrylics, suggested she paint, and the rest, as they say, is history.

According to Bob, both he and Sue painted regularly. Besides their family and each other, it was their shared passion despite the gloom of a basement studio.“Since being married we have both found time to paint, albeit in the basement where creativity usually goes to die. We were able, however, to create some decent work.”

It was much more than decent work, to say the least. Finding their way into the hands of collectors, their pieces hung in exhibitions and on the walls of galleries. And not long ago, after paying off their mortgage and retiring from their careers, they were able to de sign and build the studio/gallery of their dreams where they can be found nearly every day living their passion.

Whiting Studio and Gallery is a spectacular, timberframed space. It was designed by Sue whose technical

illustration training enabled her to render her vision for the couple’s perfect aerie. Together with Vermont Timber which drew up the plans and their contractor, the Whitings began to build the studio/gallery in November 2013. The doors opened in June 2014 and with exhibitions of their own work and that of other artists, the Whiting Studio and

Gallery has been a busy place ever since. Of course, both Bob and Sue can be found there painting nearly every day together as well.

However, in any healthy relationship individual differences are as important as what two people have in common, and together they make for an interesting and often compelling dynamic. The Whitings are no exception.

Though happily married for 48 years with the common goals of love, family, and career, their paint ing styles are as distinctly dif ferent as is their inspiration. Sue is more of an impressionist painter, painting what she feels and sees in the moment while Bob is far more deliberate and precise, painting trompe l'oeil and collage compositions with a very specific outcome.

Robert Whiting “A Tribute to Washington County” 36 x 48 oil on canvas

Robert Whiting “Apollo's Niche”24 x 30 oil on canvas

was made popular by Dutch artist Frans Hals in the 16th ce ntury. It became the preferred approach to painting for most of his fellow painters during the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist movements.

Alla Prima painting allows for the addition and subtraction of paint and the opportunity for better blending and softer edges. And while the color palette is a careful consideration before painting any piece, it also encourages distinctive brushwork which is one of the hallmarks of impressionist paintings. Throughout the process, the artist must not overthink their work. Being quick and fearless as they paint is paramount.

In contrast, Bob sketches out his entire composition, taking bits and pieces from the Masters he continuously studies as well as other artists of note, then adds in a variety of images and symbols from his own life and interests.

Sue never sketches out what she paints beforehand. Instead, when she discovers a beautiful landscape, she feels compelled to immediately begin the painting in order to capture the light of that particular day and time.

“I don’t ever sketch out what I want to paint. I am more comfortable toning my canvas, and when that color is still wet, removing paint to give me kind of a negative impression of where the painting is going.”

Sue tones her entire canvas with one paint color then selectively removes the color which gives shape and depth to her composition. This approach is called Alla Prima, an Italian term meaning “at once", which

Susan Bayard Whiting “Shelving Rock Trail” 16 x 20 oil on canvas

Susan Bayard Whiting “Paper Birch-Between a Rock and a Hard Place” 10x20 oil on canvas

Susan Bayard Whiting “Another One Lost” 20 x 36 oil on canvas

“I completely sketch out what my concept is, most likely in pencil and then add only one color to create the grisaille. My original plans for a painting usually start to change by my adding more images to create a collage of sorts. I like my art to inspire the viewer to take time discovering what I’ve done.”

Grisaille is a French term meaning “greyness”, a monochromatic painting technique which 16th century artists quickly adopted. Originally used for underpainting, gri saille became popular because it was less time-consuming, less expensive, and gave their pieces a very three-dimensional quality like sculptures. Grisaille’s popularity waned after the 17th century but it is a technique still used by many painters today who find it an effective approach to laying out their composition without complicating it with color considerations. That said, artists like Bob will follow with many layers of color and detail.

Aside from their very different painting techniques, the Whitings experience the creative process

Robert Whiting “The Art of Killing Time” 12 x 24 oil on canvas

Susan Bayard Whiting “Last Harvest” 16 x 20 oil on canvas

Susan Bayard Whiting “Fan and Peaches” 24 x 40 oil on canvas

Robert Whiting “Passing The Buck” 24 x 36 oil on canvas

quite differently as well. Sue is completely and happily immersed in the moment. Focused en tirely on recording what she sees then and there, she admits to being able to paint for hours and hours, losing track of time.

“I have always felt that cre ating art is like having that tickle at the back of your throat. The only way I get to stop that tickle is to paint, sometimes all day, forgetting that there are meals to cook or housekeeping that needs doing”.

In contrast, Bob is intense and focused on every detail of the composition. He is al ways thinking about what the viewer should see and the message he wishes to convey.

“I work at painting for about an hour at a time then take a break. Sometimes going o ut to mow the lawn is where I find in spiration. Clearing my mind of the stress al lows me to come back to the easel refreshed.”

You may wonder if they critique each other’s work and the answer is, yes they do, but not often. They’ve learned to give each other the space they need to create. Sue calls herself a happy painter who doesn’t need to love everything she’s done because the process is the pleasure whereas Bob is far more intense and has to be happy with every detail of his composition. In a nutshell, for Sue it’s more about the experience, and for Bob, it’s all about the goal.

Both have exhibited at galleries in New York and Florida but are now focused on showing in their own beautiful studio and gallery in Ar gyle, New York. And like so many artists, post-pandemic has been a time for learning and understanding the new mar ketplace and how to best present their work for the public to appreciate and collect. To that end, they are currently planning future art shows and look forward to introducing their work to ex isting and newly minted art enthusiasts and collectors very soon.

Be sure to attend " On Our Own " Newly cre ated work as well as "old favorites" by Robert Whiting and Susan Bayard Whiting. Opening Reception Oct. 13 5-7pm. Exhibit remains open Oct 14-21 10-4pm and Oct 2231 by appointment.

website: www.whitingartwork.com

Or visit them in person at Whiting Studio and Gallery, 105 Holmes Rd. Argyle NY

Robert Whiting “What Da Ya Want For A Buck” 24 x 36 Oil on canvas

Susan Bayard Whiting “Sitting in the Hudson” 16 x 20 oil on canvas

Susan Bayard Whiting “Posted” 11 x 14 oil on canvas

Take a Walk On the Other Side of the Tracks Off the “Beekman Path!”

by Rona Mann

Photo by Modern Mix Marketing

It’s really quite common, you know.

Most folks living in Manhattan, natives who were born and lived there all their lives, have never, ever visited the Statue of Liberty nor ridden to the top of the Empire State Building.

The majority of Parisians dislike the Eiffel Tower – they feel it does not fit properly in the landscape of their city, so they have more or less boycotted it and most have never ventured forth.

A strong majority of dyed-in-the-wool Washington, D.C. residents have never visited the monuments, museums, and landmarks that belong to us all, yet they are visited by just under 21 million tourists a year who flock to the nation’s Capitol. Not the locals!

And in beautiful Saratoga Springs, New York there’s Beekman Street, since 2001 the home of the Beekman Street Arts District, yet there are many Saratogians who not only have never visited, but never knew this hidden nugget even existed on the other side of the tracks.

The Beekman Street Arts district is a thriving, vibrant part of the west side of Saratoga Springs and is rich in history. A multi-ethnic three block mixed-use neighborhood, it extends on Beekman from Grand Avenue to West Circular. All the businesses that are con sidered part of the Arts District are located here with the excep tion of the Principessa Elena Society which is a half block from Beekman. Mid-19th century into the 20,th Beekman Street was the home for enclaves of Irish and Italian immigrants and in the mid 1900’s was home to members of the black community who owned businesses and worked in the hospitality industry. The tradition of entrepreneurship has continued into the 21st century as many arti san businesses now line the street. The general stores, bakeries, and restaurants of yesteryear have now become the creative spaces of artists and entrepreneurs.

The District was founded in 2001 by clay sculptor, Amejo Amyot who, determined to bring an arts district to Saratoga Springs, re cruited a small coterie of like-minded creatives and looked for an area of town where affordable buildings might be converted into studios and galleries. With the help of a building restoration grant from the state, the process of renovation began. Slowly, artists and artisans took note and were drawn to the district to set up working

Amejo Amyot with artist and grandson Gianni

studios and galleries. After several years, The Beekman Street Arts Dis trict, after a lengthy process of lobbying, became a 501(c) (3) non-profit, nicknamed SSADI with Amejo Amyot as its first President. Legally named Saratoga Springs Arts District, Inc., a mission statement was created:

enrich

for area residents of all ages and needs by providing edu cational and recreational opportunities, promoting artists, art groups and businesses, and guiding the advancement of the arts.”

Finally, in 2021, after another lengthy lobbying process, Beekman Street was officially zoned as the AC (Arts and Culture) District – the only Arts District in Saratoga Springs.

“It is a place to immerse yourself in art and the creative process,” says Cecilia Frittelli,

Vice-President of SSADI. Together with Past-President, Eden Compton, they and their membership of some 20 artists, non- profits, and related businesses maintain this neighborhood organization. Compton adds, “We are an arts organization run by our member businesses, and in turn, we are members of the local Tourism Board which helps us promote our district to visitors and locals.

As we go to press, membership is steadily growing and currently includes:

TEXTILE STUDIO: a working weaving studio with displays of handmade apparel, accessories, and home goods designed by Cecilia Frittelli and Richard Lockwood.

EDEN COMPTON STUDIO: a fine art gallery and teaching studio offering cu rated shows with work from local and nationally-known artists.

UPSTAIRS ARTISTS CO-OP: a cooperative of working artists inhabiting studios with

photography, oil and pastel painters, a clothing designer, and jeweler.

STOOR ROOTS : an eclectic mix of vintage, upcycled clothing, and home décor.

LIVING RESOURCES: a non-profit business which provides community-based arts services and classes to those of all abilities.

C.R.E.A.T.E COMMUNITY STUDIOS: a nonprofit providing community-based arts services, therapy, and workshops.

THE COTTAGE OF ART & DESIGN: a collective gallery representing the work of six local artists featuring jewelry, fiber art, pottery, tiles, quilts, painting & mosaics.

PLUM AND CRIMSON: a full service interior design firm

...“to

the quality of life

Eden Compton

Cecilia Frittelli

The Cottage of Art & Design - 3 photos - by Stephanie Sittnick

MARIAH-FIED: upcycled clothing and accessories fashioned from remnants.

THE DARK GEM SHOPPE: handmade jewelry, supplies, classes.

COMMUNITY ROOTS SCHOOL: a pre-school focused on play-based learning

FREDERICK ALLEN LODGE BPOE: BLACK ELKS CLUB : providing charitable services to the community at large

PRINCIPESSA ELENA ITALIAN SOCIETY: 123 year-old society originally assisting Italian immigrants, now supporting local organizations through public Fri day night dinners

Thanks to Community Arts Grants from Saratoga Arts, for the last 10 years peo ple have enjoyed the Beekman Street Art Fair, a one-day event held each June which brings awareness to the district and attracts thousands of people to enjoy the fine art and craft fair, food, live mu sical entertainment, and to become familiar with the arts neighborhood. Additionally, from May to October, the district hosts a Friday Art Market inviting local artists from around the region to set up displays outdoors on Beekman Street lawns and porches. All the existing shops are hosts for this, staying open late, serving wine and cheese compliments of those already established in the district. This year, the Beekman Street Arts

District was proud to be awarded a generous grant from Mayor Ron Kim’s non-profit com munity grant program which enabled them to hire professional event planners, mu sicians, and demonstrating artists.

Residents and visitors may sign up on the website below to receive a seasonal email and find out when the next events are happening. The next two scheduled Friday Art Markets will be held August 18th and September 22nd.

While Broadway represents Saratoga Springs to many, the Beekman Street Arts District

Eden Compton Studio -

photos

Textile Studio - 3 photos

Principessa Elena Italian Society - 2 photos - by Stephanie Sittnick

of fers a quieter alternative and therefore is just per fect for a casual stroll down tree-lined streets, darting in and out of the galleries and shops, stopping for a cocktail and a meal. Or spend an afternoon at one of several studios offering classes and workshops throughout the year- learn to weave, paint, work with clay, make jewelry, or sculpt! Along with the art businesses, several restaurants, health and beauty services, and apparel shops add to the eclectic mix.

There is also much history to enjoy here. You can see it in the architecture and hear it in the stories from the artists who lovingly embrace the heritage of their creative spaces. There are many stories yet to be told, stories of immigrants who traveled here, had a hardscrabble life, but worked diligently and made it in America whose families now have a life here and are adding to the fabric that is so uniquely Saratoga

Plum and Crimson - 2 photos

Living Resources

Artist Carolyn Justice - part of the Upstairs Artists Co-op photo by Stephanie Sittnick

Frederick Allen Lodge BPOE: Black Elks Club

photo by Stephanie Sittnick

Springs. In the future, the Arts District hopes to expand both geographically and to unearth and share these wonderful stories that are so much an integral part of this special place.

In the meantime, people are continuing to find the Beekman Street Arts District powered by the strength of social media – find them at @artsonbeekman - and the undeniable power of word of mouth. Join them as you stop and smile, so glad to have made the discovery and vowing to return again and again to this special

place away from the traffic, away from the cacophony of other parts of this bustling city, away from the familiar. For now you will have found the unfamiliar and want to embrace it; and in so doing you will realize a whole new world within this beautiful arts district just on the other side of the tracks...

…just off the Beekman path.

For more information, maps, and a suggested walking tour, visit: www.saratogaartdistrict.com

C.R.E.A.T.E Community Studios photo by Stephanie Sittnick

The Dark Gem Shoppe - 2 photos

Words and Music: A Childhood Memory

by Karen Richman

My father worked hard. Six and a half days a week. Every week, re gardless of the weather or if he had a cold, he worked. If he was tired, he never complained. He just worked.

On weekends, we all had dinner together as a family, but weeknights neither he nor we ever knew exactly when he’d be home. 6:30, sometimes 7 or 7:30, sometimes even later. But my mother always had dinner ready and sat with him while he ate. By then, I was usually upstairs doing my homework, because Mom and I had eaten earlier. But on special nights following our dinner for two accompanied by banal conversation about school or friends, we did not go our separate ways. Instead of going straight up to my room to study, she and I went into the living room...and that’s where the piano was!

my photo on the cover in an equally beautiful dress fashioned of taffeta and lace.

However, neither Mom nor I had the kind of vocal chops that would ever get us on the cover of sheet music, although we could both carry a tune, and my mother knew how to change chords and take the rhythm up a notch. I loved that and thought she was the best piano player in the world. I also loved when we would go to the music store to check out all the new “releases.” Most of them cost 60 cents back then; if it was a hit from a current Broadway show like “The King and I” or My Fair Lady,” it was usually a dollar. Thinking back now, I’m sure it was because of royalties, but as a child, I had no idea. I just felt it had to be very important and very special if it cost a whole dollar.

I did not play. There’s a good reason for that. My mother had learned to play as a young girl and wanted me to do the same, so despite my pleading for ballet lessons, she had a piano teacher come to the house. I hated him because he wouldn’t listen to me when I told him I could not understand what he was trying to teach. He just kept talking faster, trying to drown out my protestations about not “getting it.” His fin gers would fly across the keys as he talked, talked, talked AT me. Since my hands weren’t getting it, and he wasn’t listening to me, I had no choice but to let my teeth do the talking, so, I bit him. End of piano lessons, beginning of ballet.

Mom, therefore, would be the one to play, and we would both sing aided by the wonderful sheath of sheet music buried deep in the piano bench. I loved the contents of that bench. It was a veritable treasure trove, for when I put my hand in, I’d never know what I might pull out. Mom had amassed a wide variety of songs ranging from the hits of the day like “Tammy,” “Que Sera, Sera,” or “Allegheny Moon” along with those from an earlier time like “P.S. I Love You,” “For All We Know,” and “The Anniversary Waltz.” I’d look longingly at the photos of the vocalists on the covers of the sheet music, glamorous women like Patti Page and Rosemary Clooney in very ornate, flowing gowns, and I’d pretend that one day I might be one of them and have

Sheet music was actually invented way back in 1473 and was the way musicians and vocalists alike could follow a song if they could not play or sing “by ear.” Still, there have been a surprising host of famous vocalists over the years who could not read sheet music at all – among them Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, Irving Berlin, Elvis Presley, and Luciano Pavarotti. Today, like everything else, sheet music is still around but most of it is now in digital form, and you pay each time you download it...way more than a dollar!

I often wonder if any little girls these days are sitting on the piano bench with their mothers happily engaging on a rainy afternoon or evening just singing along, watching long, slender, beautifully mani cured hands fly over the black and white keys. Back then we lived and enjoyed a black and white kind of life. It was simple. It was pure, yet there was something very special about it. It wasn’t about the sheet music at all, really. It was about words like, “Que sera, sera, whatever will be, will be. The future’s not ours to see” that made you think and appreciate. But thinking back all those years ago it was special and important.

It was the words and music of our lives, and it made memories that would never go out of tune.

Food Prep and Rebranding Leftovers

Crystal Cobert-Giddens, LE

Cooking has always been my thing. My stress relief. The kitchen is my happy place. Or it was…

Let me explain: our home has been invaded by a growing 15 year old boy and a bottomless pit, 9 year old girl with a raging sweet tooth.

I’ve been cooking for 2 health conscious adults for over 18 years. We still en tertain, but I plan those events way in advance. I can whip out a fab ulous spread for any birthday or holiday. No sweat…but teenagers and pre-teens? This grandma was not prepared.

I never fed my daughter cereal. I didn’t like cereal as a kid and didn’t keep it in the house unless she was having a sleepover.

So when the grandkids begged for cereal, I caved in. They didn’t stop with cereal. Oh no, they wanted chips and juice and cook ies and ice cream. The amount of JUNK food these kids (and their friends) can inhale is incredible. By week 3, I had to go back to my mom days and revisit some of my sanity and budget saving tips.

Can I tell you? Food prep and cooking with starters is LIFE. What’s a starter? It’s a renamed, rebranded leftover lol!

Here’s a simple “How to," to help you get started:

STEP 1:

There are lots of websites and books that teach you how to prep and make food easily for the week!

When choosing recipes, consider the following: Will your family love these dishes? Are they budget friendly? Are they kid-friendly for picky eaters?

Once you've chosen your recipes, determine the number of servings you will need based on the size of your family and your weekly meal needs. Be flexible…this takes practice!

STEP 2:

Organize and clean up your pantry. Toss anything that is expired and make sure you have basic spices and other staples on hand. Then, create an ingredient list and figure out what’s needed for the week ahead.

STEP 3:

Prep the ingredients. These tasks might include marinating meat or poultry, washing and cutting

up vegetables, roasting or blanching vegetables, hard boiling eggs or preparing a big pot of rice! P.S. My go-to ideas for rice are listed below!

STEP 4:

When you're ready to make a meal, pull out one of the recipes for the week.

Following the recipe instructions, make the dish with the already prepped and cooked ingredients.

Clean up is the worst part of making dinner until you realize that tomorrow’s meal is already started! Here are some basic food storage proto cols to keep in mind as you prep and cook your way through September!

You can put the cooked grains into a soup and take it to school or work for lunch. The next evening, you can add fresh vegetables and leftover protein (another starter) and stir fry it with toasted sesame oil!

If you’re making veggies and want to save some for later, it’s good to run that portion under cold water to stop the cooking process so that they will not be overdone when you reheat them or use them in a new dish.

Simple Add In Ideas for Breakfast: Tahini, Peanut Butter, Almond Butter, Hazelnut Butter. Sliced Apples or Bananas. Raisins, Dried Cherries, Dried Pineapple. Shredded Coconut, Dates and Slivered Almonds.

Ideas for Lunch:

Cooked Grains mixed into a salad. Add Feta and roll the salad up with a wrap.

Create a grain salad pilaf, with dried fruit, chopped celery, olive, avocado or a nut oil, rice wine vinegar and chopped chicken. Toss and finish with chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans and a handful of fresh herbs.

Ideas for Dinner: Make a rice based appetizer like arancini (rice balls), make a pilaf as a side dish, add to soups or stews, create a stir fry or make a warm, cinnamon rice pudding.

I hope these ideas will help you ease into fall.

~ Let cooked foods cool before transferring them to the refrigerator or freezer for storage. This will help keep your refrigerator and freezer at a constant tem perature, with no warm spots.

~ Mark your stored meals and prepped ingredients with the dates on which you made them! This will help you as you prioritize starters or what to cook throughout the week.

~ Use airtight containers for storing foods. If you're storing something in a plastic freezer bag, be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag.

Leftovers: Let’s stop calling them “leftovers” and start calling them “starters!”

Whenever you cook, make extra. Take grains as an example. You can use any cooked grain for your hot breakfast cereal and add fresh fruit or raisins, and something hearty, like tahini or nut butter.

P.S. Pull the entire family into the kitchen for a tour and let them help you reorganize the pantry. I tried this last week and no one has asked where I keep the plastic wrap or the nuts!

Aha moment: Don't let dishes sit out on the counter too long! You ideally want to store them within one hour. Getting your kids to clean up and put away the next meal “starter," is a great way to help your kids think about creative ways to cook with little to no waste.

FACES of Saratoga

55 Beekman Street Saratoga Springs, NY

One of the great advantages of living in the Albany/Saratoga Region is a wealth of beautiful travel destinations within a few hours by car.

Who does not love the Adirondacks, Vermont, Lake George, the Hudson Valley, Cooperstown, and the extremely popular Finger Lake regionhome to exceptional vineyards and wineries.

In anticipation of the summer/fall season, I de cided to explore the Finger Lakes region as an en thusiast and supporter of New York State wines.

Geneva, NY is my first stop, a mere three-hour drive from Albany, exclusively by I-90 highway. New York State tourism is booming, as seen emblematically at all the new renovated rest-stops and welcome centers. The promotion of scenic attractions and sales of locally curated culinary delights are prevalent and met with enthusiasm by visitors.

After exit 28 on I-90 westbound, consider stopping at the Mohawk Canal Welcome center. Newly built, it resides directly on the Mohawk Canal, complete with Canal locks and a scenic park for relax ation and stretching your road weary legs. Educational info signs along the walking path explain the history of “the Canal that changed America.”

518 Culinary Destinations; Finger Lakes - Part 1

By Chef Armand Vanderstigchel

When you arrive in Geneva, start your Finger Lake wineries journey by visiting the beautiful Fingers Lake Welcome center within a walking distance of prominent hotels. It sits directly on Lake Geneva and is surrounded by the scenic Lakefront Park featuring a boardwalk with Adirondack Chairs and a stunning landscape design of beautiful flowers and trees. Inside is wealth of local information and foods.

The Wyndham Geneva Lakefront hotel wit h scenic views of the Lake features a high recom mended restaurant called F2T Kitchen. Open for breakfast/lunch/dinner it pleases many palates interjecting local ingredients with international flavors. Breakfast favorites are Eggs Benedict, Pancakes, Omelets and French Toast. I visited them for dinner and en joyed the Shrimp & Cheddar Grits with Spinach, Classic Buffalo Wings and Peel & Eat Shrimp Old Bay style while seated on the large outside deck overlooking the lake.

A short walking distance into downtown Geneva finds a highly recommended Tavern /Restaurant “Beef & Brew.” They are famous for their Beef & Brew Stew, Shepards Pie, Beef Stilton Pot Pie and western NY classics such as Fish & Chips and Buffalo Beef on Weck. Clearly a culinary infusion of Irish/British classics with a local touch. The bar features 160 varieties of beer from local Seneca Squall Oatmeal Stout to Orange Chantilly from Illinois.

The following morning it is time to visit the many wineries nestled in the sloping hills surrounding the vast Lake Geneva. It is no wonder that the Finger Lakes reminisce visitors of the Glacier Lakes in Switzerland and the sloping Rhine Valley scenery in Germany. The Finger Lakes enjoys a cool climate made cooler by the fact that it includes eleven glacial Lakes and is bordered by Lake Ontario. This climate is perfect for growing certain varieties of vine such as European Vitis Vinifera as well native wines like Labrusca.

The first winery to explore is a major attraction in the region. The Belhurst Castle houses two restaurants, a tasting room, luxurious lodging, and a Spa. The outside veranda has a beautiful outside relaxation area overlooking the lake while you enjoy a glass of wine accompanied by local cheese. It has been voted in the top 3 of USA Today

best wine country hotels and one of the most romantic places in NY State. In addition to its house wines la bels, Belhurst sells and produces its own Hard Cider and Belhurst Craft Beer.

Next on my list is an important winery, which I am a big admirer of and excited to visit-Dr. Konstantin Frank in Hammonds Port. Uniquely located on the southwestern slopes of neighboring Keuka Lake, it was here in 1958 that Dr. Konstantin Frank planted the first Vinifera vines and ignited the Vinifera Rev olution. This historic moment would forever change the course of winemaking in the Finger Lakes.

Driving inland from lake to connecting lake, showcases a bounty of small farms sustained by Amish farm families. Fields of beautiful crops and free- range chicken happily exploring treats in the grass are a reminder of what real organic sustainable farming is. Drive with caution-horse drawn buggies are everywhere.

Arriving at Dr Konstantin the parking lot is already packed and devotees line up to taste the delicious Gewürztraminer, Rieslings, Gruner Veltliner or Chardon nay in terms of the popular styles.

Eugenia’s Garden named after his wife, is a beautiful seating area to enjoy wines and a charcuterie board. An extensive well-maintained vegetable garden with fresh Tomatoes, Cucumbers and Dill are used in the kitchen and sold to visitors. Booking a seated tasting in advanced is highly recommended and educational. Voted the best winery tour in 2022, the “1886 wine experience” here gives visitors an in-dept two-hour tour of history and winemaking paired with wine flights and creative foods. This is a must visit winery!

With a large bag of fresh Dill from Eugenias garden and bottles of purchased wine varieties, I head back to my lodging in Geneva, contemplating my next Finger Lake wineries visits ahead.

To be continued......

Eugenia and Konstantin during harvest on Keuka Lake

JAZZ AT THE LAKE GRAPHIC DESIGN EXHIBITION

AUGUST 23 - SEPTEMBER 23

2023 JAZZ AT THE LAKE WEEKEND SEPTEMBER 15, 16, & 17

WWW.LAKEGEORGEARTS.ORG

September 1-2 - Albany

"Being Human: Form and Frailty" Pop-Up Exhibition at Albany Center Gallery -  The Humanities in Medi cine Club at Albany Medical College presents a pop-up exhibition at Albany Center Gallery from Tues day, August 29 to Saturday, September 2, 2023. Being Human: Form and Frailty showcases the experience of being human as seen through the eyes of medical students and faculty. There will be an Artists' reception and celebration on Saturday Sept 2 from Noon to 5 p.m. with live music, open-mic per formances, light refreshments and pastries, and more. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Learn more at albanycentergallery.org

September 1 - 21 Ticonderoga

Tom Ryan & Drayton Jones. Drayton Jones and Tom Ryan are both watercolor artists.  Drayton often paints local sites with strong bold lines that feel spontaneous. Tom lives in Glens Falls, NY. He believes that watercolors can capture the natural beauty of the Adirondacks and all the moods that are created by light, fog, rain, mist or snow. Opening Reception, Friday Sept 1, 5-7. Ti Arts Gallery, 119 Montcalm St, Ticon deroga, NY

September 1 - October 27 Saratoga Springs

Royal Brown "The Evidence of Things Unseen" Spring Street Gallery welcomes Royal Brown, an artist, shaman and mystic to our gallery August 23 - October 27. Brown shares intimate, spiritual creations born from meditation, artistic experience, and engineering skills. Join us in cel e brating this spiritual and creative journey. Opening Re ception: August 26, 5-7 pm. Spring Street Gallery, 110 Spring Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. springstreetgallerysaratoga.com, springstreetgallerylist@gmail.com

September 1 - 20 Glens Falls

Show VI: Oakroom Artists, featuring work from the Oakroom Artists. This long-standing artists group based in the Capital Region brings together artistically diverse, established artists in solo and group exhibits throughout the region. Works on view and available in this show cover a wide range of genres, mediums, styles and techniques by this active artistic group.Show Dates: August 18Sep tember 20. At LARAC Mountain Gallery, 21 Bay Street, Glens Falls

September 1 - December 30 Canajoharie

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

September 1 - October 21 Clifton Park

The Blooming Artist Gallery pres ents our newest exhibition, In terpretation. This exhibit, featuring the works of all local artists, serves as a manifest realization of the art of interpretation. We invite you to witness this unique collection with us during our Community Opening Art Reception on Friday, September 8th from 6-8pm. As always, this re ception is open to the public and all are welcome. The Blooming Artist Gallery, 675 Grooms Rd, Clifton Park, NY 12065. www.thebloomingartist.gallery (518) 280-4928.

September 1 - 2 Albany

Being Human: Form and Frailty: a Pop-Up Exhibit curated b y Hu manities in Medicine at Albany Med from August 29 - September 2, 2023. Learn more at albanycentergallery.org

September 2- October 14 Glens Falls

Big Eyed Phish. The Dave Matthews Tribute Band. Based out of Rochester, New York, BIG EYED PHISH is the only touring full 8-piece Dave Matthews Band Tribute in the country. In the 14 years they have been performing together, they have grown to become a highly sought-after headlining act for festivals, resorts, casinos, and live music venues. The band is led by Benjamin Sheridan and he is backed up by an engaging band of professional mu sicians. They are also the only DMB Tribute that has a full time keyboard, lead guitar, trumpet, and vi olin; this allows them to be the only fully accurate DMB Tribute in the country - able to cover the full spectrum of the catalogue throughout the years! Sat, September 2, 2023. DOORS OPEN: 7:30 PM SHOW TIME: 8:00 PM. The Park Theater, 14 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801. 518-792-1150

September 2 - 3 Saratoga Springs

Sawyer Fredericks. Sawyer Fredericks’ honest and elegantly stripped down Americana “free range folk” style incorporates elements of blues, roots, rock and jazz. Saturday September 2, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday September 3, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

American Art at the Arkell Museum

Through December 30, 2023

American Art at the Arkell Museum: The Role of the Macbeth Gallery in Shaping the Collection. The Macbeth Gallery had a profound impact on the development of American art. It was the first gallery in New York City to focus on work by American artists, and held many groundbreaking exhibits. Today, the gallery is rec ognized for raising an interest in and creating a market for American art during its sixty-plus years as an influential firm (1892-1953). The Arkell Museum, 2 Erie Boulevard, Canajoharie, New York

September 1 - 20 Glens Falls

Show VI: Running Towards a Place, featuring artists Gary Zack and Christopher Smith. LARAC Lapham Gallery - 7 Lapham Place, Glens Falls.

September 24 Saratoga Springs

Martin Sexton. Singer-songwriter Martin Sexton is a musical force, weaving folk, rock, blues, and gospel into an unwavering commitment to the power of song September 24, 4:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

September 29 - October 1 Saratoga Springs

Vienna Teng. Singer/Songwriter Vienna Teng is a classically trained pianist who composes in a dazzling, cinematic style she likes to call chamber-folk. Three shows: Friday September 29 at 8:00 p.m., Saturday September 30 at 8:00 p.m., Sunday October 1 at 7:00 p.m.

CAFFE LENA 47 Phila Street Saratoga Springs, NY

September 13 - October 12 Delmar

Thomas Joseph Exhibit, ‘Ladies at Leisure Part 3”. Thomas Joseph is a physician who, in retirement, has taken up painting. This is his temporary exhibit, and sale, and it is one of the ways the shop meets its mis sion of connecting artists, their works and the Community. Sept 13- Oct 12 at Merriman and Pfis ter’s Marketplace, 388 Kenwood Ave, Delmar. For more information, call 518-588-7268 www.merrimanpfister.com

September 14 - October 14 Lake George

MARRIAGE IS MURDER by Nick Hall. Ex- spouses Paul and Polly Butler used to write murder mysteries together. Now Hollywood has come calling for an original thriller based on one of their old detectives. Can they avoid killing each other long enough to come up with a new story? Find out in this murderously funny comedy!

Luncheon Shows: Tue, Wed, Thu

Luncheon Seating at 11:30 PM, Curtain at 1:00 PM

Dinner Shows: Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat

Dinner Seating at 6:00 PM, Curtain at 7:30 PM. Holiday Inn Resort Lake George, 2223 Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12845

September 15 - 17 Lake George

The 39th Annual Jazz at the Lake Music Festival! Jazz at the Lake is one of the Northeast’s premier jazz festivals. Set against the backdrop of beautiful Lake George, Jazz at the Lake (Lake George Jazz Weekend) celebrates the vibrant and diverse genre of jazz and brings together talented musicians from around the country. This year, we've got 8 acts on the Shepard Park stage, plus 5 performances during special events around town. Friday, September 15th though Sunday, September 17th. Thursday, September 14th 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Reception in the Courthouse Gallery for the Jazz at the Lake exhibition. Learn more about this year's artists at our website: www.lakegeorgearts.org/lake-georgejazz-weekend/

September 19 - October 7 Albany

45th Annual Photography Regional at Albany Center Gallery -  The exhibition will begin with a salon-style show that includes all submissions. It is on display from Tuesday, September 19 through Saturday, October 7, 2023. The submitted work will be juried, and re-installed as the Photography Regional Select Show, which will be on display from Tuesday, October 17 through Sat urday, November 4, 2023. Artists’ Reception will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023 from 5 - 8 p.m. The exhibits are free and open to the public. Learn more at albanycentergallery.org

September 21 - 24 Glens Falls

50th Annual Adirondack Balloon Festival 2023. A major highlight of the Lake George/Glens Falls region each fall - don't miss the Adirondack Balloon Festival, celebrating it's 50th anniversary in 2023! a pre-festival Cocktail Reception & Moonglow at Hiland Country Club on Wednesday the 20th, a 50th anniversary parade in Glens Falls on Thursday (pending approval) and a Dawn Patrol Launch on Sat urday with 5 to 10 balloons prior to the typical morning launch.Thursday, Sept 21, 2023 until Sunday, Sep 24, 2023. Visit AdirondackBalloonFest.org for more information(518) 222-4593

September 22-October 27 Saratoga Springs

American in Paris: watercolor paintings of Europe by artist Matt Chinian. Reception is Friday, September 22 from 5 to 7. Show runs through October 27. Eden Compton Studio & Gallery, 79 Beekman St., Saratoga Springs

September 23 - 24 Greenwich

2023 Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival. Experience Everything Fiber Arts. The Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival will continue to offer education on the products produced in fiber arts, raw fleece, roving, spinning supplies, needle felting, dyes, yarns, and items needed to knit, crochet, and weave. Located in beautiful Washington County, New York, a top producer of animal fiber, the Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival is a great way to spend the day, browsing, shopping, and learning. Highlights will include over 100 booths, supplies for sale, family-friendly fun and demonstrations, and more. Washington County Fairgrounds, 392 Schuylerville Road Greenwich, NY 12834

September 29 - 30 Glens Falls

Axis Mundi; Immersive Mixed-Reality

Ex perience. A Multimedia Art Installation by Jack Montoya. Show Dates: September 29th & 30th. At LARAC Lapham Gallery, 7 Lapham Place, Glens Falls

September 29 Glens Falls

Comedy After Dark, Gabe Mol lica. On the Final Friday of each month, The Park Presents: Comedy After Dark - showcasing a Headliner along with a feature act, a host, and a guest comedian to make up nearly 2 hours of en tertainment. Fri, September 29, 2023. SHOW TIME: 8:00 PM. DOORS OPEN: 7:30 PM. The Park Theater, 14 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801. 518-792-1150