In the span of nearly two decades, Saratoga Springs has transformed itself from the place to be in August to the most happening New Year’s Eve jaunt this side of Times Square.
Saratoga Arts has been responsible for turning The Spa City into the region’s New Year’s party central since 2011, and presently boasts having the largest First Night celebration in the state outside of New York City.
Alix Jones, the event coordinator for the non-profit arts service organization, was asked to reflect on her first year at the helm as the big night approaches.
“It’s not over yet, right?” she asked. Jones explained that preparations for New Year’s Eve stared back in February, and continues right up to before the event begins. “There’s a learning curve, but the staff is great and has made things run smoothly.”
“By no means am I the one that does everything,” she said. “I’m just the glue that keeps all the departments together.”
An estimated 10,000 people migrate to the city each year to visit local venues and shops throughout the evening. The number of corporate sponsors, individual volunteers, musicians, artists, and local businesses who contribute to the cause is staggering.
“Oh, it’s a lot of people,” said Jones. “Let’s do some quick math here… 70 groups… multiply by four… 200 volunteers… Staff…”
“Over 500 people,” she said.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Saratoga without some kind of foot race. The events kick off at 5:30 p.m. with the annual First Night 5K Run. And, for those who prefer to race around the city’s many eclectic shops, several store fronts on and around Broadway will keep their doors open throughout the evening.
But, the magic of live music will allow Saratoga Springs to rival that of Austin, Texas for the distinction of Live Music Capital of the World. From the official schedule of events, there are 31 stages boasting live acts each hour from 6 p.m. right up to the midnight hour. In all, 70 music, art, comedy, film, dance and kids events are to take place.
Live music will include all genres. Folk artists, holiday choruses, rhythm & blues singers, jazz musicians, rock ‘n roll artists, country music bands, pop singers, classical orchestras, a capella groups, and opera singers are all represented.
Acts that are scheduled to return to this year’s gala include Harold Ford’s acclaimed Johnny Cash tribute, Jim Gaudet’s award-winning bluegrass, jazz legend Lee Shaw and headliners the Tartan Terrors.
Jones explained that one of the first steps to organizing First Night is reaching out to artists and musicians. In recent years, Saratoga Arts has concentrated and broadening the scope of talent to include acts from outside the immediate vicinity of the Capital District. The schedule includes some of the best-loved local bands and we are bringing new regional and national bands to the mix, including Brooklyn’s retro combo Miss Tess & the Talkbacks, New York City soul-funk outfit the Nat Osborn Band and New York City’s witty cowboy-country rocker Jack Grace.
EXIT 97.7 WEXT is to host some of the most talked about local bands, including songstress Olivia Quillio and indie rock bands Beaked Whale, Great Mutations, Bear Grass and the Orange – the popular ‘90s band is to play one of their first shows since their recent reunion.
Acclaimed local artists appearing for the first time include rockabilly master Graham Tichy, the national touring act Sirsy, and beloved roots-rock band The Lustre Kings.
Rounding out the different genres for all to enjoy include country-rock (18 Strings of Trouble, Dry Town Drifters, Red Haired Strangers), ‘60s retro (Betsy and the ByeGons, Big Fez and the Surfmatics), Dixieland jazz (Brass and Blues), folk (Phil Henry and Don White), and eclectic world music (HEARD).
Indie Fest is also brought back to the end-of-year celebration to feature up-and-coming local bands Rebel Darling, Party Boat, and Gusto.
A dynamic, 70-year difference in ages will also be on display as 18-year old fiddler Seina Shirakura will perform as 88 year-old master jazz pianist Lee Shaw plays in front of revelers in one evening.
The abundance of live music will be evident throughout the evening, but so too will other means of entertainment. Other acts include magic acts, comedy shows, and art exhibits. There will even be a vast array of age-appropriate entertainment for children at the Lake Avenue School, including a vaudeville show, a juggling act, a magic routine, and face painting.
Saratoga is no stranger to the fine art of ballet in the summer months. To tie the evening together with all that is familiar in Saratoga – racing, live music, ballet – the Saratoga City Ballet is to perform as well.
Before the countdown finally begins for 2015, Mayor Joanne Yespen will share a few words with revelers as the city also celebrates its centennial anniversary. Spring Street will be closed off from traffic, as party-goers stand to enjoy a fireworks display to usher in the new year.
Those planning to attend are encouraged to buy their First Night buttons ahead of time. Buttons are $15 each from the following locations: Adirondack Trust, Courtyard by Marriott (Saratoga Springs)m Crafter’s Gallery, The Doug Neil Insurance Company (Latham and Clifton Park), Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, Price Chopper Supermarkets, Residence Inn Saratoga, Saratoga Arts, Saratoga Guitar, Stewart’s Shops, Saratoga Regional YMCA, and The Saratoga Hilton Giftshop.
In conjunction with GE Kids in Free Days, with each purchase of a button, a child 12 or younger can attend events for free. Other perks associated with the button includes free shuttle and bus trips to all of our venues through CDTA.
Tickets can be purchased online by visiting firstnightsaratoga2015.brownpapertickets.com. But, remember to redeem your “brown paper” receipt to receive your official First Night button, said Jones.
