Stephanie Sittnick - Director of Sales ( 860) 227-8199 advertising@518mag.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Carol St.Sauveur Ferris, Karen Richman, Rona Mann
Chandler Stevens, Lawrence White, Susan Brink, Crystal Cobert Giddens, Chef Armand Vanderstigchel, Alan B. Richer, Kirsten Ferguson
Ty Bolster - Photographer Capturing Life’s Special Moments Through the Eye Of a Lens pg. 6
Welcome to the vibrant world of arts and music! As we dive into the sunny days of August, we’re thrilled to bring you a collection bursting with creativity and inspiration.
Get ready to indulge in features that will spark your curiosity and de light your senses. Discover the latest exhibits that are turning heads, hear from artists who are reshaping the landscape, and let the rhythms of summer guide you through our carefully curated theatre and music venues. We know that summer is a time for exploration, so let’s embark on this artistic adventure together!
So grab your favorite ice-cold drink, settle into your cozy spot, and enjoy all the artistic wonders we have in store for you. Let the music play, and let the creativity flow!
As always, I’m so grateful to our talented writers, our group of advertisers that grace our pages, to our readers for their curiosity, and to the creative community for your co ntinued embrace of 518 Profiles.
Happy reading and keep the arts alive!
Stephanie Sittnick Founder / Publisher
The Strand Theatre
Leading the Civic Rejuvenation of a Historic New York Village pg. 14
The Winning “Combination Plate” of Lake George pg. 32
ENCORE
Donald Russell - Artist Capturing the whimsical and ironic in life. pg. 22 518 PROFILES 1624 Perth Road,
Ty Bolster - Photographer Capturing Life’s Special Moments Through the Eye Of a Lens
By Carol St.Sauveur Ferris
An artist’s journey begins the moment they can hold a pencil, a paintbrush, and more in their hands. It speaks to them in a voice only they can hear, and, more often than not, they cannot turn it off. For some, it’s decades before creative urges can be explored; for others, it’s a path that begins in early childhood and evolves over time. For Ty Bolster, the journey was the latter.
Ty was born in Saratoga Springs, New York,, and is still a resident of the town. He is one of three kids whose father, John Bolster, is a suc cessful graphic designer. He also has a grandfather, Gary Zack, who is an accomplished painter and glassblower; and a great-grandfather, George Bolster, who was a very successful and well-known Saratoga Springs photographer in the 1900’s. Surrounded by these seri ously creative people, both past and present, it’s no surprise that by virtue of legacy, DNA, and exposure, he was bound to try some form of art one day.
At a very young age, he attempted to draw, but claims he wasn’t very good at it, and also admits that he was and still is very hard on himselfalways seeking perfection. By age eleven, the young perfectionist put down the drawing materials and de cided to take up photography. Ty
Ty with his grandfather Gary Zack
shares that it just came to him one day that working with a camera would be fun, so that very year he put it on his Christmas list. As luck would have it, Santa came through and left a Canon Rebel T7i under the Christmas tree, and ever since, Ty has never been without a camera.
He was also an athletic child and ac tually ice-skated at age 3. It’s no surprise that by the age of five, he was playing and loving the game of hockey. He stayed with it but wasn’t great at it at first, and admits to just showing up and playing in his very young years.
“At first, I wasn’t exactly on a path to the NHL! I wasn’t super serious
about it, and while attending all games and practices, I wasn’t inclined to do anything outside of the regulated ice time until I hit 12 -13.”
At the age of 13, Ty started to learn the value of hard work and commitment, es pecially when you have a goal in mind. He began playing and practicing with his friends every chance he got outside of
school, as well as practicing on his own. By the age of 14, his goal was to make the Saratoga Varsity hockey team as a freshman. To that end, he spent many more hours on the ice. It all paid off, and Ty made the team while learning some very important life lessons.
“I learned a lot from my time spent practicing and not just getting better as a hockey player. I learned the value of hard work and focus that I then applied to my budding photography career at the time.”
Outside of hockey, his passion was photography. He started out taking photos at school sporting events, especially hockey - naturally. Some were action shots, and others were stills of his buddies on the ice. But Ty didn’t limit himself to just sports photography. No matter where he went, his camera was always in his hand, capturing moments in time and teaching him how to be a better photographer. Pictures of friends, family, nature, pets, and school gatherings, you name it, Ty probably photographed it.
Interestingly, he also spent time shooting the astrosphere, which entails watching the night sky and knowing your stars. Each star has its own astrosphere, and they are fascinating. Think Milky Way. Other nighttime photos of his in clude streaks of light that whirl in circular patterns and almost look like neon against a dark sky. They are created by leaving the camera shutter open for two to eight hours. The longer the shutter is left open, the more it captures the formation of a complete circle of stars around the unmoving North Star. Breathtaking.
While in high school, Ty took many art classes, but claims that nothing ever really resonated with
him except videography. He saw videography as a way to tell a more elaborate story than simply sharing a photograph and leaving the viewer to decide what’s happening. Ty found it enjoyable and knew that expertise in this area would comple ment his pursuit of a career in photography one day.
Following high school, he attended SUNY Adirondack and majored in business, but realized early on that it was not how he wanted to spend his time. After discussing it with his family and with their support, Ty left SUNY in 2022 and has been working hard on his craft ever since, while building his reputation as a creative, skilled, and caring photographer. And as many of us know, starting a business is not easy, es pecially from scratch. The foundation needs to be well thought out and in place before launch, and that’s where his family came in again. In addition to providing creative advice and support, both his fa ther and grandfather have mentored him as expe rienced entrepreneurs themselves. With their help, Ty has designed a very cool website and offi cially launched Ty Bolster Media in 2022.
Ty’s growing portfolio is featured on his website and showcases a va riety of his work across categories. The categories include Animals and Nature, Portraits, Sports, Videography, and Automotive. His photos of animals and nature are special. He captures the individual personalities of puppies and dogs, as well as the natural beauty of waterfalls, sandy beaches, and streams. His portraits convey joy and connection. His sports photography is full of action, whether on the ice, on the lacrosse field, at the skateboard park, on the basketball court, or on the fairways.
But truth be told, cars are a big passion, and Ty will travel wherever they might be racing or exhibiting. He’s photographed all sorts of cars at several race tracks, including Watkins Glen International in Dix, New York, and Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, CT.
When he shoots at car shows, the challenge is capturing the car at its best. He has recently started using a tripod at the track to keep his camera in one place. The car enthusiasts are always moving around, so he waits for them to be moving behind or away from the car, then shoots, leaving the shutter open for about 10 seconds. This process
creates a really cool, blurred effect around the car's crisp lines. It’s a way of capturing both the feeling of action and power simultaneously. When he returns to his studio, he often works on the photos, digitally enhancing key features to create a unique shot of the car.
Lest we forget, there is one very special car he is allowed to take out on location, and he enjoys every minute of it. That car is a 1974 Mille Miglia Red Corvette Stingray and belongs to his grandfather, Gary. Besides his art, Gary has
Over time, his portfolio has continued to grow and now includes wedding photography, which he truly enjoys. In Saratoga Springs and beyond, there’s always a new bride and groom looking for a photographer with the expertise and sensitivity to capture their precious, oncein-a-lifetime moments on their wedding day. They need not look far. Ty is all that and more, and for those family shots that are extra special and fleeting, he understands and patiently works hard to create the perfect settings and atmosphere so everyone can relax, be themselves,
To see Ty’s work and follow the career of this talented young man, be sure to visit his website at www.tybolstermedia.com or check him out on Instagram @tybolstermedia.
You can also give him a call at (518) 480-9930. Regardless of how you reach out to him, don’t hesitate. Ty looks forward to discussing your event and capturing your once-in-a-lifetime moments.
been a sports car aficionado for years, and this Vette is in mint condition and quite the ride. Without hesitation, he hands Ty the keys and lends him the perfect car to shoot on a sunny day. How lucky can you get?
“I owe a lot to my family, but especially my Dad. I’m so thankful that he understands that I want to create for a living and how passionate I am about this. While he isn’t a photographer, he understands how to navigate the world of freelance creation in many respects. I’ve certainly taken inspiration from him.”
and enjoy the time together, knowing their special moments are in good hands.
Talent notwithstanding, it’s clear that growing up in an entrepreneurial home with a creative father and grandfather has certainly been beneficial to Ty and has helped him lay a solid foundation for his continued success as a pho tographer. That, coupled with his drive, determination, and dedication, there’s no doubt he is well on his way to making a name for himself in the industry. We applaud him and wish him nothing but the best.
photo by Stephanie Sittnick
The Strand Theatre - Leading the Civic Rejuvenation of a Historic New York Village
By Lawrence White
"The arts are not a way to make a living. They are a very human way of making life more bearable.” Kurt Vonnegut
Hudson Falls, NY - Studying local history shows that the Adirondack/Capital Regions were once centers of commerce and industry. There was wealth to be had and wealth to be spent. This meant a need for fine housing, restaurants, and transportation, with culture and entertainment at the top of the list. Without culture, the most qualified people for the industries would not come to such a boring place. A priority became building first-class, state-of-the-art small, mid-sized, and grand theatres to satisfy the growing desire for entertainment.
Then, by the 1960s and 70s, knowledge of the effects of pollution from these industries shut them down, emptied the villages, and
closed many of the theatres. This includes the classic circa 1923 Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls. As the area slipped into an economic malaise, the theatre served as minimally used office space and fell into disrepair.
As history also shows us, this is the exact type of civic moment that the arts community sees as an opportunity in the low rents and depressed buying prices and moves in. The arts and culture arriving in these depressed areas is like watering a dry flower bed. Life begins again. This rebirth scenario is un folding in Hudson Falls, and the restored Strand Theatre is at its heart.
Composer, music teacher, and classical and rock musician Jonathan Newell is about as local to Hudson Falls as you can get. His grandmother was a music teacher in Hudson Falls, and Jonathan recalls her
by
Jonathan Newell photo by Stephanie Sittnick
photo
Drew Suto
playing a stand-up piano on the flatbed of a truck in a parade on Main Street.
“Hudson Falls was a wonderful environment to grow up in. The town was picture perfect, and you felt safe and excited at the same time. There was always something going on.”
“By the 1970s, the industries had left. The environmental laws forced them to close because of the pollution, which really gutted the town. Without jobs, the houses and streets suffered, and the businesses closed. Hudson Falls was not a ghost town, but it was not the same in manner or form.”
While environmental laws eventually saved much of the region from total ecological col lapse, the regulations and the pollution they generated fundamentally devastated local economies. Towns heavily reliant on manufacturing, tanning, and commercial fishing suffered severe job losses and economic
displacement as industries buckled under new regulatory costs or public fishing bans.
Between 2009 and 2015, GE completed a massive, EPA-mandated dredging project in the Upper Hudson River. Over 2.75 million tons of sediment contaminated with PCBs were removed from a 40-mile stretch between Hudson Falls and Troy, NY. Today, long-term environmental monitoring and floodplain evaluations are ongoing as part of efforts to restore the ecology.
That was the world Jonathan returned to, and he started working right away. I wanted a place for the community, and I wanted a place to rehearse and play, so the quest began,” Jonathan says with a smile.
In 2010, he started restoring the village’s abandoned courthouse, which eventually became
photo by Stephanie Sittnick
photo by Stephanie Sittnick
Old Town Hall
Old Town Hall construction
Lower Balcony
a restaurant, and the Hudson Falls telephone offices, which now house Jonathan’s Hudson River Music Hall (HRMH) production offices.
In nearly all respects, the theatre has the charm and acoustics of a classic old New York City venue, with decorative ceilings, gold-leaf florets, a grand foyer, crystal chandeliers, plush carpets, cushioned seats, a cozy green room, and a backstage dance studio. The stage is 24 feet deep by 32 feet wide and features a professional soundboard once used by Tom Petty.
Jonathan details the progress, “Overall, the restoration cost nearly $425,000, almost all donated or provided through grants. Several correction officers from New York State and members of the Police Benevolent Association were on the original working crew, along with men from Washington County’s Alternative Sentencing Program.”
“The plush old auditorium seats were donated by The Granville Cen tral School District and a local family who designed sets for NBC. BOCES donated lights from their defunct theater program. A local gun club returned some of the Strand’s original seats and decorative wall columns, and Stewart’s Shops paid for the backstage restoration and
photo by Drew Suto
bathrooms. The vintage chandeliers that add a warm tone to the at mosphere in the theatre and foyer were also a donation. Once this community knew what was going on, they overwhelmingly wanted to be part of it.”
“Our state senator at the time, Betty Little, secured grants for heat and air conditioning, and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner was successful in getting another grant to repair the roof. Sandy Hills Village Foundation also donated $150,000 during a crucial period of the renovation.”
And the results could not be more obvious in the village. Retired Skidmore Professor and HRMH treasurer, Nick Buttino, tells me, “It is like a renaissance in the sleepy village of Hudson Falls. It is great to drive down Main Street on a Friday or Saturday night and see all the
photo by Drew Suto
photo by Drew Suto
activity. Cars parked on the street, businesses open, and people walking around having a good time, enjoying the atmosphere.”
HRMH supports local artists by offering affordable workspace and an incubator for creativity and entrepreneurship. Besides touring profes sionals, the theatre hosts local talent and holds open mic nights during the week as a launching pad for local musicians. Music lessons for all ages with free in struments are available through HRMH.
In 2013, HRMH partnered with the village board of Hudson Falls to create an outdoor amphitheater, now known as Grace Park, as a gathering place to showcase the village's natural beauty.
This sort of cultural healing for communities is nothing new in the USA. Wise city officials en su re that the arts play a large part in their zon ing and city planning. Suc cessful arts dis t ricts in the U.S. blend creative infra structure wi th urban revitalization, often trans forming neg lected industrial zones into vibrant hubs of low-crime, high-excitement activity. Standout exa mples include Dallas Arts Dis trict, Miami’s Wy nwood, and Cleve land’s University Circle, each gaining significant economic and cul tural vi tality through the presence of the arts.
feature highly educated, mixed-ethnicity, affluent, and young adult demographics (primarily ages 25–64).
A generalized demographic profile of a typical arts district visitor in cludes the following majority characteristics: Age: (20 to 45), Educa tion: Over 50-80% of regular cultural district patr ons have com pleted higher education, Income & Occupation: work heavily in creative in dustries, tech, or profes sional services, allowing for flexible spending on din ing, tickets, and boutique retail, Group Composition: Visitors prioritize learning, reflection, and inspiration. Travel Status: In urban centers, tourist spending can account for a sub stantial share of district revenue.
Strand Theatre Board President, and highly regarded producer/songwriter, Stu Kuby, tells me, “In its day, The Strand was an absolutely gorgeous place, but by the time I got here, that was all gone. Now, after years of work ing with Jonathan and Nick, plus co ordinating with people from every possible po litical and economic background, the theatre is alive again. There are great restaurants, a fan tastic park, thriving businesses, and families living in homes in Hudson Falls again. I am so proud to be part of it.”
According to research by the Los Angeles Times, arts districts typically
www.mystrandtheater.org 210 Main Street Hudson Falls, NY 12839 (518) 832 - 3484
photo by Drew Suto
Donald Russell - Artist Capturing the whimsical and ironic in life.
By Carol St. Sauveur Ferris
Scale. Proportion. Perspective. Color. Texture. Density. Palette. Space. Sharp. Dull. And so on. Do these adjectives describe the work of artists or that of builders and woodworkers? When you pause and think about it they are quite interchangeable and many of the skills are as well. And for Donald Russell, contractor and artist, they most certainly are.
Donald was born in Cambridge, MA, and was the oldest of five kids. The family eventually moved to Ridgewood, New Jersey where he at tended public school. He was very artistic from a young age and
and crayfishing. Later they played baseball, golf and went skiing in the winter. He also worked as a paper boy and saved his money until he could buy his own bike. It was an orange Schwin Stingray with a 5-speed stick shift and his pride and joy.
Creativity dwelled in his home. There was a baby grand piano in the living room which his father played and as a result of mandatory les sons, Donald did too. His mother could draw very well and came from a family of painters and ceramicists. But it was his grandmother who spent the time reviewing his drawings and providing support and
always loved to draw. His specialty at first were drawings of buildings and trees, then he graduated to drawing horses, lobsters and other shellfish. Apparently all the little girls liked his drawings, as Donald tells it, so he kept at it and gave the drawing of the day to one of his lucky admirers.
It was a very different time during his childhood and many can relate. He had breakfast bright and early in the morning then ran out the door to meet his friends. The only requirement was to be home before dark. He and his neighborhood crew played outdoors all day long, exploring field and forest as he puts it. They did usual kid things like frogging
“Keep an Eye out for Me”
guidance. That loving support encouraged him to take classes in art, creative writing and English. He was also very fortunate to have support from his teachers as well, especially Mrs. Mahoney, who took him and fellow students on trips to NYC galleries and museums.
Following high school graduation in 1972, Donald attended college at Southern Utah State for almost two years taking many courses in art but sadly, his father discouraged him from pursuing it as a career. Dur ing summer breaks he worked in Little Ferry, New Jersey for Sci entific Design, his father’s construction company. One summer he also worked construction in Houston, Texas which marked the official
All my paintings have a story and this one is of young Billy, a childhood cancer survivor. In the back ground is the angel of d eath which Billy faces head on with the help of his favorite little pug ,“Woobie”, and the gargoyles. Gargoyles represent defenders against evil spirits and generally bad things.Billy is n ow 20yrs old and studying to be an RN.
end of his formal art education and the beginning of a long career in the industry. He discovered he really enjoyed working outdoors, plus the wages were good, and he liked working with his hands. After moving around the country, he settled in Lake George and in 1980, founded Russell Construction. He has been very successful designing and building custom homes ever since.
Yet, despite running a successful business, two marriages, raising three sons, and enjoying time with the grandchildren, Donald has always found time to draw. Even now, he always takes drawing boards with him on family vacations and business trips. As a teenager he always loved Mad Magazine and the underground comic world, so much of his work follows suit, finding humor and irony in the world we live in and the he’s visiting.
In 2008 he had a triple bypass and spent much of his recovery time making art, specifically with watercolors. He took watercolor classes with Betty O’Brien who passed away five years ago and later studied under John Hampshire, art professor at SUNY ADK. Both left a lasting impression on him. Since then, he often combines his pencil drawings with watercolor.
Donald has never had a studio nor does he have a definite routine or schedule. When the urge to make art strikes, he simply sets up out on the porch or on his dining room table and gets lost in the moment. When done, he breaks it all down and clears out.
For years his favorite drawing tool had been a red clay pencil which Leonardo DaVinci used as well. As the drawing took shape he would pick up black and white Prismacolor pencils to give the piece more depth and a greater degree of light. However, once the pandemic arrived he started to use the entire color range of Prismacolor pencils which turned out to be a lot more challenging than he expected, in part because he always strives to be different.
“Hello Nancy”
“Klondike Cleveland”
“Summer Breeze”
Today, Donald’s process is quite simple. He typically comes up with a theme that involves single or multiple individuals, then he lays out the composition using hard pencil. Re gardless of media, he usually works from a photograph and begins with the face. He shares that he thinks and draws in shapes for basic definition and congruency. As the drawing progresses he defines the features and sometimes distorts them while keeping the image recognizable. Some of his drawings are whimsical and fun, especially those of his grandchildren who he transforms into their favorite super heroes, or depicts them “cavorting with their favorite cartoon characters”, much to their delight.
Donald initially uses light marks and lines that will disappear as he works. If the face is not working out to his satisfaction he will simply discard it and start over. He has no problem changing midstream because he be lieves that the discarded drawing gave him insight into how the image should really be drawn at the very least. Once satisfied Donald switches to highly pigmented soft pencils to complete the piece.
“I incorporate a lot of foreshortening and motion in my pieces along with size distortions and sometimes outright abstract fin ishes and infill.”
When asked how long it takes to create a typical drawing he esti mated three to four hours but not necessarily all in one session. According to Donald, he can do a quick piece in 15 minutes but his more challenging ones can take days. He also does marathon drawings with live models for two to three hours straight but in the end, Donald much prefers to work in 30-minute increments. It gives him the opportunity to see the finished piece in his mind a bit differ ently when he steps away, then make the changes and additions to it when he returns.
Outside of his construction business and creating his own artwork, Donald has been president of the Upper Hudson Valley Watercolor Society (UHVWS) since 2016. The membership welcomes artists with all levels of watercolor experience, from new comer just picking up the brush to award winning professionals. The UHVWS holds monthly meetings and of fers workshops and exhibit opportunities in group shows which Donald has participated in. He also has a wall space at Birds of a Feather Stu dio & Gallery in Chestertown, New York specifically for his work, and consistently rotates his pieces to keep the ongoing ex hibit fresh.
Donald’s first and only award came when he exhibited at LARAC and took 2nd place for a black and white sketch he did of his first wife lounging on an island on
Lake George. There have been none since but he does not focus on winning awards, so drawing for that express purpose is simply not on his agenda.
“Don’t much think in terms of awards as I don’t produce to procure them. I am just ex pressing my thoughts and getting a rise out of my viewers whether positive or n egative and have interesting conversations.”
Donald has also taught watercolor at Bolton High School. Apparently the kids really
“Archie with his Super Hero buddies”
“June with Sponge Bob and friends”
“Winnie and Chalese Two Step”.
loved his class and Donald loved teaching them. He also stays busy doing commissions, many of which are pencil drawings lampooning global con cepts. His more serious commissions are done in watercolor but regard less of medium, his pieces range in size from 8” x 8” up to 24” x 36”, with most measuring 12” x 16”.
Up until recently construction has been all consuming, but one of his sons will be taking over the business soon. He is really looking forward to that day so he can retire and keep on drawing and painting in addition to spend ing days gardening, antiquing, playing golf, boating, traveling and putting his private pilot’s license to good use. From the sounds of it, Donald has a very busy retirement ahead of him and no doubt there will be new and interesting artwork coming from it.
For those interested in viewing or purchasing Donald’s work, he can be reached by phone at (518) 791-1276 or by email at drussellquickdraw@gmail.com.
In addition, he can be reached through Birds of a Feather Studio & Gallery, located at 6375 Rte. 9, Chestertown, New York. To be sure you catch his work, put a visit to Birds of a Feather Studio & Gallery this summer on your calendar where he will be sharing the spotlight with Maria Clara Costano, an accomplished organic jewelry designer, who just happens to be his wife. The exhibit runs August 1st through August 29th with a grand opening on August 8, 2026 from 4 PM to 6 PM. It promises to be fun and interesting!
” Hecker Island”
“Bones from Heaven “
The Winning “Combination Plate” of Lake George
by Rona Mann
One of the most delicious choices in a Chinese restaurant is the time-honored, always popular combination plate.
It gives the diner the opportunity to sample several different dishes all on one plate and is a wonderful way to introduce young diners to an Asian restaurant for the first time.
Well, this story is not about a Chinese restaurant, but about a combination that’s become an institution in the Lake George area and a legacy for all those who have come to love it for some 59 seasons. It’s the Lake George Dinner Theatre, one of the oldest and most beloved combinations of excellent food paired with first-rate theater in the country, and this is their story.
“It’s a family to me,” Managing Director, Sara Friedman begins. “I grew up with this theater first stage managing my first professional production in 1996.” The role of a stage manager is both rigorous and involved as he or she must oversee all aspects of the production. That involves coordinating re hearsal schedules, being thoroughly involved in all things technical, handling any script changes, recording blocking (movement) for the actors, and the total and complete integration of lighting, sound, and all set changes. A stage manager is the main link of communication between the actors, designers, and production staff. It is a highly detailed,
professional role, and one that was tailor-made for someone with the skills, love of theater, and experience of Sara Friedman.
After receiving a Masters Degree from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Friedman worked for 10 years in New York in both theater and with non-profits, returning to the Capital Region in 2013 and
Sara Friedman
re turning to the Lake George Dinner Theatre where she had cut her teeth and just couldn’t stay away. Last year, Sara was named Managing Director of what has become an institution in the area, drawing audiences for half a century.
The concept of dinner theater seems simple enough on the surface, a combination plate of
food and performance; but when a community keeps it alive for decades, it becomes larger than just another avenue of entertainment. It evolves into the community and becomes a legacy shaping local identity, nurturing talent, and anchors generations of shared memories. Dinner theater is a place where storytelling, hospitality, and tradition intertwine so that the
theater itself is not just a venue, but a landmark of belonging. In the case of the Lake George Dinner Theatre, that very special venue is the Holiday Inn where the Lake George Dinner Theatre has made its home since 1976.
Friedman adds, “50 years at The Holiday Inn and 59 seasons overall. Next year, we will
Center Cut Bone in Pork Chop -All natural 8 oz center cut chop lightly blackened with pineapple mango mint chutney. (Gluten Free)
Chicken Française - Seared egg-battered chicken with supreme sauce. (Gluten Free upon request)
Faroe Island Salmon - Salmon with lemon beurre blanc sauce. (Gluten Free upon request)
Pasta Primavera (Vegetarian) - Pasta with fresh vegetables tossed in basil pesto sauce. (Gluten Free upon request)
All entrees are served with house salad, rolls, market vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, ultimate chocolate cake, and coffee or hot tea.
joy ously celebrate 60 years!” She credits the community for this longevity. “It’s always a great meal that the Holiday Inn creates and the hotel servers are absolutely wonderful. The piece of theater that follows the meal is always professional and first-rate, but it is the community that keeps coming back for more. We are a legacy.”
Indeed, the Lake George Dinner Theatre is a legacy in so many ways too so many local people. It’s a place w here families al ways come for Grandma’s birthday or to celebrate graduations, an niversaries, and other landmarks in their lives, thus becoming a landmark of be longing to the community. Those who come alone or without an entourage always find new friends to sit with, to raise a glass with, and to join with in appreciating good food and great theater.
Lunch With Mrs. Baskin by Sam Bobrick
Jarel Davidow (Artistic Director) welcomes the audience to the opening of the 2025 season
Very few dinner theaters can claim a survival record such as this became the Lake George Dinner Theatre has become woven into local life and is part of the region’s DNA. It’s the perfect place for a couple to get to know each other on a first date; where retirees can gather for matinees while enjoying old friends and new shows over great food, and a place the local school might want to bring students to introduce them to the magic, mystery, and wonder of live theater. For everyone it continues to provide a
Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help by Katie Forgette (2025) Closing night Cast
Rehearsal
platform for local actors, musicians, directors, designers, and musicians to do what they do best.
This Capital District “combination plate” manages to engage two of our senses at the same time: both taste and sight. The meal is never an after-thought, but an integral part of the total experience. It provides a ritual as well as a comfort.
Sara Friedmann agrees by saying, the plays are usually chosen by Artistic Director, Jared Davidow with the support of a committee to make certain they are a “fit” for the community and their audiences. “There is enough stress and unhappiness in today’s world, so we select plays that are light, happy, fun, and make you feel good when you leave the theatre.”
Any theater, especially a dinner theater, that lasts for decades becomes a witness to community history when it survives this long. They know what their community enjoys, and that’s what they strive to give them. The community, in turn, takes pride in it not only as a place of entertainment, but as a place to celebrate their own personal milestones and traditions. It is the stuff of which true legacies are made and live on, not in the building, not in the menus ,or even the shows. It lives on in the connection with the people who sit in the audience. For every season. For every show.
May they long continue to put their hands together to applaud, in the knowledge that what they have in the Lake George Dinner Theatre is very, very special indeed.
CALL THE BOX OFFICE NOW FOR YOUR LAKE GEORGE DINNER THEATRE “COMBINATION PLATE!”
Contact the Lake George Dinner Theater at: www.lgdt.org Box Office: (518) 668-5762 Ext. 411
Guys On Ice, Book and Lyrics by Fred Alley, Music by James Kaplan (2025)
Shear Madness 2023
"The Marvelous Wonderettes"
Mosquitoes and The Great Pillow Tag Caper
by Karen Richman
When I was about nine years old, I committed a crime. Actually, it was a pretty heinous crime given the times in which we lived, a time when children did what they were told and obeyed their parents...at least most of the time, that is.
I grew up in New Jersey where summers were hot and oppressively humid, and the mosquitoes were so big I thought they should be on leashes. I never liked summer when I was a kid, probably because it was hot, oppressively humid, and the mosquitoes around our property were so big they should have been leashes. I can remember night after night lying awake in bed for hours listening to those hated insects intone their monotonous whiny song as they circled above my head, and I lived in fear I would get bitten. And I always did too.
My mother tried valiantly, but unsuccessfully to help and appease me. She bought what was purported to be the great mosquito elixir of the day, some God-awful stuff called 6-12. Remember 6-12? They don't make
said why. But whether it was furniture, mattresses, or pillows, her warning was always the same, "Don't rip the tag off!"
So this one night, I got my flashlight out and shone it on the tag. Oh, it was certainly ominous because it stated in no uncertain terms that it was against Federal law to remove that tag. "Under penalty of law this tag not to be removed by the consumer." Yipe! I shuddered in fear wondering what would happen if I just accidentally removed the tag. I mean, what if I rolled over one night, and it came off on its own? That wouldn't be my fault, right? But Federal law? That was something with which to be reckoned.
Well, my 9-year-old curiosity finally got the best of me, so on this night I made just the teeniest, tiniest tear in the tag. My heart was pounding, and I saw erect in bed wondering if somehow that tag was connected to some master switch at the pillow tag factory that would signal the manufacturer, and soon they would come in a police car and take me
it anymore, probably for good reason. It was a very thick, sticky, sweet- smelling oil that came in a clear glass bottle with a yellow and blue label proclaiming, "Hours of Protection." The idea was to slather 6-12 all over your body, and according to the advertising on the bottle, it would keep not only the mosquitoes away, but also chiggers and other flying, biting insects from tainting the flesh. Sounded promising, but promises don't always mean truth. Every night I would grease myself up as though I were going to swim the English Channel, and 6-12 had the following result: NOTHING! 6-12 did absolutely nothing except for the guy's bank account who invented it. It smelled so nauseatingly sweet that the mosquitoes loved it. Totally attracted, they now came in swarms...I was their candy store, their single, whiny voices blending to gether in a chorus, and they bit the living heck out of me night after night.
So as I lay there night after night all greased up and waiting for the expected and inevitable onslaught, I would think up things to do to pass the time to take my mind off the imminent mosquito attack. One partic ularly oppressive night while tossing and turning, my hand came upon the tag that hung off my pillow. I remember my mother telling me NEVER, EVER to remove the tag that hangs off the pillow...but she never
away. But nothing happened that night. With each succeeding night, I got bolder and bolder until that tag hung for dear life from the pillow by just a single thread.
The very next night I decided this was it, this would be the night. Obvi ously this pillow tag business was the biggest lie ever perpetrated on the American public, and I, little 9-year-old- Karen from New Jersey, would be the one to prove it a laughable hoax and bust the myth wide open.
I prepared well for the event, steadying myself in bed, a strange sense of euphoria washing over my entire body. I sat up ramrod straight, put the pillow in my lap and nonchalantly stroked it, turned it over, and played with it for a very long time. I made sure everyone else in the house had gone to bed and all was quiet. Very, very quiet. Then, with a very deep breath and one deliberate motion, I pulled that sucker free...and at that very moment...an ambulance, I guess, or a fire engine, or a police car...whatever it was...came roaring around the corner outside my window with the siren screaming loudly.
And I wet my pants.
Somewhere in August, summer begins to melt around the edges.
July is bright and loud and overflowing with energy. August softens. Lengthens. The light changes. The evenings arrive a little earlier. Even the air feels heavier somehow, thick with heat and the quiet realization that summer will not last forever.
Maybe that’s why ice cream belongs to August more than any other month. Not because it’s trendy. Not because it’s artisanal. Not because someone turned it into a personality trait online. Because ice cream still feels tied to something older than that.
Memory. There are certain summer rituals that seem almost untouched by time. Fireflies. Drive-in movies. Sitting on a porch after dark listening to distant thunder. And somewhere alongside all of it lives the sound of an ice cream truck echoing through a neighborhood at dusk. Even now, that music does something to people.
Adults stop talking mid-sentence. Kids appear out of nowhere. Someone instinctively reaches for cash they probably don’t carry anymore. For a few seconds, everyone becomes eight years old again.That’s the strange magic of ice cream. It’s never really been about dessert. It’s about summer itself. Sticky fingers after a melting cone. Paper napkins that never quite do their job. Soft serve eaten too fast before it slides down your wrist. Sitting on a curb outside a roadside stand while the sky turns gold behind the parking lot.
A few weeks ago, one of my daughters called from Florida while stand ing in ninety-eight degree heat with what felt like ninety percent humidity. She wanted ice cream.
Not a slushie - Not Italian ice. Not a snow cone - Not hard ice cream.
Specifically…soft serve. A chocolate and vanilla twist with rainbow sprinkles. Which somehow felt funny considering she was calling from a place where summer practically exists year-round. But maybe that’s the point. Soft serve belongs to a very specific kind of summer. The kind with roadside stands and glowing neon signs after dark. The kind where you eat too quickly before it melts down your hand. The kind tied to lit tle league games, lake weekends, warm pavement under bare feet, and standing at a tiny sliding window while someone hands you a cone already beginning to drip in the August heat.
Places like Martha’s Dandee Creme or a quick stop at Stewart’s Shops aren’t just places people buy ice cream. They’re woven into memory. Summer baseball games. Family road trips. First jobs. First dates. Tiny moments that somehow stay with people longer than the important things they thought they’d re member forever. And maybe what feels so com forting about ice cream is how unapologetic it used to be.
Nobody stood at the ice cream counter in 1987 discussing protein intake. Nobody needed dessert
to become a “better version” of itself. Summer treats simply existed to make summer feel sweeter. There’s something refreshing about that now.
Not everything needs to be optimized. Not every joy needs to justify itself. Sometimes life is just a humid August night, neon lights glowing over a roadside stand, someone handing you a cone already starting to melt before you even take the first bite. And somehow, that feels like enough.
Maybe that’s why people hold onto these traditions so fiercely. Because deep down, ice cream has never really been about the ice cream. It’s about permission. Permission to slow down. To stay out later than you planned. To sit outside while the air still smells faintly like sunscreen and cut grass. To let yourself enjoy something fleeting without trying to improve it.
August understands that kind of joy better than any other month. Be cause by now, summer knows it’s temporary. The back-to-school displays are already appearing. The sunsets arrive a little sooner each night. You start noticing the way certain trees look tired in the heat. Even the crickets sound different somehow.
And maybe that’s why an ordinary ice cream cone can feel strangely emotional in late summer. Because part of us already knows we’re try ing to hold onto something that’s beginning to slip away. One more lake day. One more late-night drive. One more melting cone in the warm evening air while August lingers just a little longer.
Crystal Giddens is the founder of FACES NEW YORK in Saratoga Springs. Through her monthly essays for 518 Profiles, she explores beauty, wellness, seasonal living, and the small rituals that shape how we experience everyday life.
ICE CREAM in the 518
Martha’s Dandee Creme - Classic Upstate summer nostalgia. The kind of place that feels almost unchanged in the best possible way.
Stewart’s Shops - Not fancy. Not trying to be. Somehow connected to nearly every childhood memory in the Capital Region.
Jumpin’ Jack’s Drive-In - A classic summer night stop woven directly into local memory.
Farmer’s Daughters’ - One of those places that instantly feels like childhood the second you pull into the parking lot.
Dairy Haus - Coffee Heath Bar and Coffee Oreo yummm. You can thank me later.
The month of August is the beginning of the long summer holiday and track season in Saratoga Springs. The Lake George region and the Adirondacks is ramping up for visitors seeking lake-side cooling, boating and camping enjoyment. You can feel the mixture of excitement, anticipation and restless ness among proprietors of the hospitality industry. Chefs and restaurant owners have finished their summer menus, which offer utilization of the summers’ bounty of fresh produce produced by the many local farms and producers in the North Country and Hudson Valley. Around this perimeter, farm-stands and farmers markets are loaded with fresh Vegetables, Fruits, Pies, Preserves and Cheese. This is the time the year for cook-outs, BBQ and family dinners. I am going to post below a few recipes from my nationally published cookbook “Adirondack Cuisine” which feature local ingredients and produce available at Farmers Markets.
Saratoga Springs has a wonderful Farmers Market in High Rock Park on Saturday morning 9-1 pm and Wednesday 3-6 pm with representation of farms such as Half moon harvest, Wintervine Farms. Gilford Farms, Scotch Ridge Berry Farm, Leaning Birch Farm, Grazin’ Acres Farm and many com plimenting artisanal entities. In the vicinity, a year-round Farmers mar ket is the Spa City Farmers Market held on Broadway at the Lincoln Baths, held conveniently on Sundays from 10 am-2, featuring Humiston’s Farm, Clyde O’ Scope Farm, Simply Garlic and more. In addition, vendors with grass-fed Beef are present to complete your BBQ shopping.
Brick and mortar farm-stands locally are Pitney Meadows Farms on West ave in Saratoga Springs, Vincek Farm on Smith Bridge Rd, Saratoga Springs and a local favorite “Greenfield's. Wilton. The concluding is popular for their
organic practices and families love to self-pick Blueberries and Raspberries. Very popular in Ballston Lake is Lakeside Farms on Schauber Road, a one-stop shopping paradise for farm-fresh produce, baked-goods and condiments.
For Meats & Sausages I highly recommend the fresh Sausage of Parillo’s on Washington Street (close to Broadway) in Saratoga Springs. Oscars Smokehouse in Warrensburg is a one-stop shop for smoked Meats, fresh Meats, Cheese and condiments-world famous! In Clifton Park on US-9 is “Fred the Butcher”, a market to find restaurant grade Meats, Poultry and fresh party Salads.
Gourmet stores that feature local delicious Artisanal cheese to enhance your gatherings or Wine get-togethers are Healthy Living at Wilton Mall, Putnam Market and Franklin Market in Saratoga Springs. You will find local arti sanal Cheese delicacies such as Nettle Meadow, Jaspers Farms, Chase holm Farms Creamery and Five Fat Fowl-amazing products!
In terms of Seafood most markets have a good seafood department. For restaurant level quality I recommend Franklin Market and Healthy Living as aforementioned.
While writing my cookbook and developing recipes for Adirondack Cuisine I would purchase local products and start experimenting. The summer has brought many new and long-standing friends to the region to enjoy the wonderful culinary treasures and scenery of this region. Welcome back!
Nettle
meadow Summer Tomato Salad
Founded in 1990, Nettle Meadow is home to more than 40 award winning Cheeses mainly milk from Goats, they have a tasting room now on Lake Avenue in Lake Luzerne.
Ingredients:
1 cup diced local Tomatoes
2 cups diced local Cucumbers (remove seeds)
½ cup finely diced Red Onions
2/3 cup soft Nettle meadow Chèvre
2 Garlic Cloves minced
¼ cup fresh chopped Basil
2 teaspoons Balsamic Vinegar
½ cup Olive Oil
1 teaspoon Soy Sauce
½ cup shelled Pistachios or Pecans
1. In a medium mixing bowl combine the Tomatoes, Cucumbers and Onions.
2. In a separate bowl combine the Cheese, Garlic, Basil, Vinegar, Olive oil and Soy Sauce-whisk until smooth. Pour the mixture over the Vegetables. Place in a decorative bowl. Sprinkle Salad w choice of nuts. Serves 2-4
Saratoga Farmers Market Roadside Lemonade
Smoked Chicken Salad
A Chicken Salad craze is sweeping the nation-we are using a smoked Chicken breast from Oscars Smokehouse in Warrensburg. For convenience there are also companies on-line such as Nodine’s Smokehouse of CT.
In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients with a rubber spatula. Serve on your favorite bread (Rye is recommended). Serves 2-4
Pick-up some fresh local Strawberries (or visit a you-pick Farm), real Artisanal Honey and Mint and you are on your way!
Ingredients:
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
1 ½ cups hulled & slice strawberries
4 fresh mint leaves
½ cup warm local light Honey
1 cup ice
3 cups cold water
Fresh lemon Verbena or Mint Sprigs for garnish
Method
In a large blender add Lemon juice, Strawberries, Mint & Honey. Blend mixture until smoothadd ice-crush and blend, Add the water and blend until frothy, Serve immediately into tall chilled glasses. Makes about 2 quarts.
Month of August - Glens Falls
• North Country Arts Gallery: ”Stars Colliding” continues through August 15, w/ Ruth Victoria Ward’s artwork “A Life in the Visual Art” in Betty O’Brien Gallery #120, The Shirt Factory, 71 Lawrence St., Glens Falls (Gallery open Thurs.-Sat. 12-5)
• NCA's 2nd Fl. Gallery: “Soft Worlds” fiber arts and needle felting by Bella Zh danova, continues through September 26, Reception: Friday July 10, 5-7pm at City Hall, 42 Ridge St, Glens Falls (Gallery Hours Mon.-Fri. 8:30-4:30)
• NCA Mezzanine Gallery: “Summer Show” NCA Members art exhibition continues through Sept.26 at THE QUEENSBURY HOTEL, 88 Ridge St. Glens Falls (Open Daily)
• Artist’s Creative Insights: Free Drop -in event, open to all artists working in any medium. Bring 1-2 pieces of art to share & discuss your creative process, get ad vice/suggestions about any creative issue you may be experiencing. Moderated by Rebecca Pelchar, Assistant Professor of Art History at SUNY Adirondack. Sunday August 9, 2-4pm, at the NCA Gallery, #120 in the Shirt Factory, 71 Lawrence St., Glens Falls
For more Info about events visit: northcountryarts.org
August 1 - 9 Canajoharie
August 1 - August 22 Clifton Park
The Green Room. Works are by local artists and showcase the symbolic lan guage of the color green. July 01 - August 22. The Blooming Artist Gallery, 675 Grooms Rd, Clifton Park, NY, United States, 12065
Kevin Kuhne: Bygone Framework. Kuhne’s body of work on exhibition i nvestigates the overlooked architecture of the Capital Re gion and Mohawk Valley, from abandoned factories and aging storefronts to neglected hom es that quietly bear witness to the region’s industrial past. These structures, often dis missed as blight, are central to the visual and cultural identity of what is commonly called the “Rust Belt” and the key subject matter to Kuhne’s work. May 16, 2026 through August 9, 2026. The Arkell Museum • 2 Erie Boulevard • Canajoharie, New York
Month of August Hudson Falls
8/8 The Strand House Band Summer Slam. Playing the great rock songs of the 60’s through today by bands such as Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Heart, Journey, Boston, Weezer, Oasis and much more. Saturday, August 8, 2026, 8:00 PM 10:30 PM
8/14 Shakey - An Evening of Neil Young Music solo. Join us at the Strand Theatre for Shakey: An Evening with Neil Young...Almost. This solo acoustic tribute show features Briz, the acclaimed artist from Goldrush. Experience the heartfelt music of Neil Young classics! Friday, August 14, 2026, 7:30 PM 8:45 PM
8/22 Peter, Paul and Mary Alive! Peter Paul and Mary "Alive" performs a "fam ily friendly" concert for all venues from festivals, clubs, theaters, to pri vate parties. Saturday, August 22, 2026, 7:30 PM 9:30 PM
8/29 Rush Tribute with Run For Cover. Run For Cover is a Rush tribute band with Upstate NY veteran rockers Rob Jackson-vocals; Carl Schultz-Bass/Keyboards; Mike Cappadozy-Guitars; and Michael Mumblo-Drums. Saturday, August 29, 2026 8:00 PM 10:00 PM
Visit www.mystrandtheater.org for the full list of events. Strand Theatre, 210 Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY, 12839. 518-832-3484
AUGUST EVENTS
August 1 - 8 - Lake George
Mary Pat Wager Presents “Rem nant / Revelation” In this solo exhibition, assemblage sculptor Mary Pat Wager presents a body of steel sculptures and wall pieces constructed from industrial, agrarian, and vintage materials — objects sourced from junkyards, estates, and the quiet edges of a century that built everything and preserved almost nothing. Through welding, deconstruction, and reconstruction, Wager forces these remnants into new configurations, new conversations, and new meaning. Courthouse Gallery, 1 Lower Amherst Street, Lake George, NY. 518-668-2616
August 1 - 23 Cambridge
Mother–Son Art Show: At the Moment. Experience At the Moment, a mother–son exhibition featuring the expressive work of Anne Sutherland and Seth Butler. Original oil paintings and giclées showcase two distinct artistic perspectives united by bold color, movement, and unique point of view. Anne incorporates various materials; oil bars, charcoal, acrylic paint with traditional oils creating a history of layers, intentionally revising to find a conversation between color and composition. Seth’s immediate style weaves bold pattern, vibrant color, and surreal elements—blue tree trunks, dreamlike paths, and skies that shift time and tone—into scenes that invite reflection, bend perception and offer discovery. July 31–August 23, Opening Saturday August 1, 3-5pm. Valley Artisan Market Little Gallery 25 E. Main Street, Cambridge, NY
AUGUST EVENTS
August 1 - 7 Glens Falls
Summer Concert Series. The Park Theater Foundation is back for its sixth year bringing FREE live music to the Crandall Park Bandshell every Friday evening from July 10 - August 7th! Get ready for an eclectic lineup of talented local and regional musi cians that you won't want to miss! Pack up your favorite lawn chairs, grab your blankets, and round up the whole crew for the perfect start to your weekends! Concert Location: Crandall Park Band shell (Fire Road, Glens Falls, NY 12801)
August 1 - 2 Glens Falls
The Hyde Collection is proud to announce the First Annual Glens Falls Plein Air Festival, a vi brant week-long celebration of outdoor painting to be held in Glens Falls, New York. Community members and visitors are invited to witness the creative process firsthand as artists work outdoors in real time, transforming everyday views into original works of art. Schedule of Events: August 1, Finished artwork created during the Plein Air Festival week will be displayed in a special weekendonly exhibition, offering the public a unique opportunity to view and purchase freshly created local landscapes. 10 am-5 pm
August 2, Everyone is invited to The Hyde Collection for Community Day free of charge to view the exhibitions, take a tour, enjoy music and food, and view the Plein Air Festival exhibition. This will be the last day to view the Plein Air exhibition, and a Quick Draw competition will take place as we celebrate the participating artists. 10 am-4 pm. The Hyde Collection, 161 Warren Street, Glens Falls, NY
August 1 - 29 - Chestertown
Donald Russell, Prismacolor Drawings, and Maria Clara Castano, Jewelry. Re ception Saturday, August 8, 4–6pm. Birds of a Feather Studio & Gallery, Main Street - 6375 Route 9 - Chestertown, NY 12817 Tuesday - Saturday 10 to 5
August 6, 13, 20 - Chestertown
Monotype Workshop: Instructor Chris Ann Ambery. Learn to make exciting one-of-a-kind prints. Monotype is an expressive form of printmaking that embraces painterly techniques. In this class you will be introduced to various printmaking materials as well as inking, and printing techniques. During this workshop participants will create single layer and multi-layer monotypes. No prior printmaking experience necessary. This form of printmaking can be done with or without a press. Thursdays, August 6, 13, 20, 11am–1pm: Fee $150 per person includes materials. Birds of a Feather Studio & Gallery, Main Street - 6375 Route 9 - Chestertown, NY 12817 Tuesday - Saturday 10 to 5
August 7 - 9 Greenwich
Laura Von Rosk, Paul Sattler. The 2026 season of the Recent Work series of five pop-up exhibi tions featuring seven North Country painters in the bucolic countryside outside Greenwich, NY. Curated by Dan Cameron. The month of August features eye-popping new paintings by Laura Von Rosk. Paul Sattleropening reception Friday August 7th 5 pm to 7 pm and open Saturday Aug 8, Sunday August 9th noon to 5
1522 North Rd Greenwich
August 7 & 9 - Saratoga Springs
John and Susannah Morrissey Return to Saratoga Springs. Award-Winning Historical Trilogy Cele brates the Couple Who Helped Shape Saratoga’s Rise. The three-volume series traces the extraordinary rise of Irish immigrant John Morrissey — prizefighter, entrepreneur, Congressman, horseracing pioneer, and founder of Saratoga’s fa mous thoroughbred racetrack — alongside his brilliant and often overlooked wife, Susannah Smith Morrissey. The Morrisseys survived financial collapse, political warfare, violence, illness, and reinvention. The Dark Horse Mercantile at 445 Broadway in Downtown Saratoga Springs is looking forward to hosting Baillargeon on Friday August 7, from 6:00-8:00 and Sunday August 9 10:00-1:00. Meet Bailargeion, learn more about John and Susan nah Morrissey and pick up a signed copy of each of his three books. Books are already in stock at The Dark Horse Mercantile and pre-orders are encouraged. Stop in or call 518-587-0689.
August 15 Saratoga Springs
Joan Osborne. Few voices are as in stantly recognizable or as deeply expressive, as Joan Osborne. From her multi-platinum breakthrough Relish to decades of genre-spanning work, Osborne has built a career de fined by fearless songwriting and a voice that moves effortlessly be tween soul, folk, blues, and rock. Saturday, August 15, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Doors Open: 4:30 pm. Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
August 17 - Saratoga Springs Ceasefire: EP Release Show. Monday, August 17th 7:0010:00 PM. Reality Distortion, the Eddie-nominated dream-pop sibling duo of Devon and Linnea Seegers, bring surround sound and songs of peace, protest, and possibility, one week after the release of their new EP. Doors are at 7:00PM, show is at 7:30PM. Tickets are $20 in advance and are limited so get yours now! Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518.584.4132
August 21 Saratoga Springs
Momentum Series: Carolyn Wonderland. A true force of nature, Carolyn Wonderland delivers blues with grit, grace, and an unshakable voice that can raise the rafters or still a room. Hailed as “The Bluesman” by Aretha Franklin and praised by Bob Dylan for her songwriting, Wonderland is a genreshaping guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter whose life story reads like a legend, and whose live shows burn with passion and presence. Friday, August 21 TIME 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
August 29 Saratoga Springs
Rock Hearts. With soaring harmonies, seasoned picking, and a passion for tradition with a modern twist, Rock Hearts has emerged as one of bluegrass music’s most exciting bands on the rise. Formed in 2013 by five veteran musicians from Southern New England, Rock Hearts blends classic bluegrass and old country with fresh arrangements of unexpected tunes—delivering what they call “bluegrass-ified” favorites with skill and heart. Saturday, August 29, 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Doors Open: 7:30 pm. Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
