FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact:
Greg Dixon
Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce
518-584-3255
gdixon@saratoga.org
www.saratoga.org
 
Saratoga Abounds in Art and Culture This Summer
 
Saratoga Springs, NY – 
 
Saratoga, New York is a cultural treasure, embracing the arts in all its forms.  Visitors to Saratoga this summer will find a genuine arts destination with events and festivals.
 
Now in its third year, SaratogaArtsFest, showcases emerging and established artists of local, national and international acclaim, through dance, music, theater, fine art, film and writing.  This community-wide, four-day festival has 100 events at 54 venues throughout Saratoga Springs from Thursday, June 11 through Sunday, June 14, 2009.  For a complete schedule of events and to purchase an ARTSPASS, go online to www.SaratogaArtsFest.org.

For decades the sounds of jazz have filled Saratoga’s unique amphitheatre at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC).  The 32nd Annual Freihofer’s Jazz Festival will take the stage on Saturday, June 27th and Sunday, June 28th, 2009.   Highlights include performances by Patti Labelle, Gary Burton, George Benson, young jazz sensations and many more.  For more information and the full performance line up, visit www.spac.org.   

Visitors can admire the grace of The New York City Ballet during their Saratoga residency at SPAC.  Their 43rd season will comprise of 20 ballets, including Coppelia, Slaughter on Tenth Avenue and Swan Lake, July 7 – 18, 2009, Thursday through Saturday.  Special pre-performance events for all ticket holders, including Date Night and Family Night, will complete the ballet experience.  Another long-standing SPAC tradition is the presence of the Philadelphia Orchestra.  Highlights include special solo appearances by Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Emanuel Ax and more, plus narrative by actor Alec Baldwin.  Concerts will be Wednesday through Saturday, August 5 – 22, 2009.
 
SPAC also hosts a number of music concerts this June, July and August, including Dave Matthews Band, Coldplay, Nickelback and many more.  For more information, go online to www.spac.org or call the Box Office at 518-476-1000.

The Lake George Opera at Saratoga presents three works at the Spa Little Theater, in the Saratoga Spa State Park.  Madame Butterfly (July 2, 5, 8, 10 and 12), Don Pasquale (July 3, 7, 9 and 11) and the developmental premier of Eleanor Roosevelt (July11). For more details, visit www.lakegeorgeopera.org.

Saratoga is home to numerous museums, galleries, exhibits and studios dedicated to the arts.  The Saratoga County Arts Council & Arts Center offers workshops and classes, an art gallery, showings of independent films and special events, including First Saturday Arts Night, with free receptions at participating businesses each month. Caffé Lena, the oldest continuously operating coffeehouse in the country, offers theatrical performances, music concerts, poetry, open mic nights and workshops.  Beekman Street Art District encompasses art galleries, exhibits, specialty art stores with a variety of handmade artwork and goods made by regional painters, sculptors and designers, as well as eateries.  Saratoga’s Yaddo Estate, a dedicated artist retreat, is internationally known and host to award-winning individuals.  Visitors can also explore the National Museum of Dance, Tang Teaching Museum & Art Gallery at Skidmore College, National Bottle Museum and more.  A comprehensive list of art and cultural establishments can be found at www.saratoga.org.

Several arts related vacation packages are available online at www.saratoga.org for visitors.  For more information or to plan a trip, go to www.saratoga.org or request a free travel guide by calling 1-800-526-8970.
 
About Saratoga, New York

Saratoga’s attractions and spectacular scenery have made it a premier Northeast destination for centuries.  Located approximately three hours from New York, Montreal and Boston, Saratoga features world-class horse racing, the performing arts, gaming, polo, award-winning golf courses, museums – including three National museums, a National Battlefield, Victorian architecture, great shopping, plentiful outdoor activities and so much more.

Visitor information is available online at www.saratoga.org or by calling 1-800-526-8970.  The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce is the official Tourism Promotion Agency of Saratoga County, New York.