Saratoga’s arts, civic, business and academic leaders have announced the launch of the inaugural SaratogaArtsFest, a weekend-long celebration of local, national and emerging artists. SaratogaArtsFest will kick off the summer arts season by bringing dozens of performances and exhibits to locations throughout Saratoga from June 15 to 17, organizers said at the National Museum of Dance Jan. 17.
Saratoga Springs has long been considered a center for culture, history and the arts, said Marie Glotzbach, festival coordinator for the SaratogaArtsFest. `We are thrilled the entire community has come together to create a comprehensive, family oriented arts festival. We are very fortunate to have such high caliber talent at our inaugural event and look forward to the SaratogaArtsFest becoming a summer tradition in Saratoga.`
Glotzbach said SaratogaArtsFest aims to expand appreciation for the arts with performances and exhibits by emerging and established artists with local, national and international reputations at diverse performance venues and exhibit spaces in Saratoga Springs.
So far, the SaratogaArtsFest will include headlining performances by dance legend Bill T. Jones and his company; legendary Texas songwriter Guy Clark, whose songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Lyle Lovett and Jimmy Buffet; rising jazz star Jeremy Pelt’s quintet; celebrated author Russell Banks; the Ron Wasserman Trio with New York City Ballet orchestra members; and the Epiphany Theater Company.
`We have an extraordinary line up of local and national artists,` said Don McCormack, chair of the SaratogaArtsFest programming committee. `With such a broad range of performers, artists and musicians, we are confident the SaratogaArtsFest will provide an opportunity for the entire family to participate in the arts.`
McCormack said the organizers of the event will try to present a mix of national and regional and local artists.
`We’re hoping to have a good mix of both,` he said.
SaratogaArtsFest patrons will be able to see exhibits and performances at numerous locations throughout Saratoga, including area theatres, museums, restaurants and schools.
`This destination has always been known for its arts and culture,` said Gavin Landry, president of the Saratoga Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Organizers project it will cost $50,000 to $100,000 to put on the SaratogaArtsFest. The festival is supported by various groups through the city, said organizers, and Skidmore College is helping fund the program. Glotzbach’s husband is Skidmore College President Philip Glotzbach.
SaratogaArtsFest is still seeking local artists and entertainers interested in performing during SaratogaArtsFest weekend. Those interested in taking part in the festival, either as an artist or a volunteer, are invited to visit www.saratogaartsfest.org for more information.
Beginning May 1, patrons can purchase a SaratogaArtsFest admission package by visiting www.saratogaartsfest.org. The admission package will be available for $25 for adults ($15 for seniors, students, Saratoga Arts Council Members and military). Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.
The admission package includes:
An ArtsPass, a collectible art piece which provides free and discounted admission to all SaratogaArtsFest events.
Discounts at local participating businesses during SaratogaArtsFest weekend
Discounts at participating arts organizations throughout the year
A SaratogaArtsFest program book and tote bag
The SaratogaArtsFest Admission Packages will also be on sale at designated locations beginning May 29.
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