artist book - Saratoga Arts

ARTISTS

FIRST NIGHT • THE SARATOGIAN & COMMUNITY NEWS • DECEMBER 2013 7

Soul Session is a high energy and spirited ensemble, performing multi-genre soul music with entertaining command and spontaneous originality. Led by “sou-list” Garland Nelson, former lead vocalist of the New York Players, Soul Session emotes supernatural pas-sions from material by Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Bill Withers, and many others. Founded on the belief that soul music is God’s multicultural life-line, Soul Session heightens our organic human-ity by making the audience the center of attention through call and response, dance, and praise. Every show manifests a creative classic/neo musical flavor - the audience should “strap-in” for a com-manding emotional journey. Garland’s skills were sharpened over 5+ years as the lead singer/emcee of New York Players (a touring entertainment band). His recent projects include recipient of NYS 2007 SPAF Artist Grant, Jingle work for F.Y.E., “Bill With-ers Tribute” show producer (2004), New York State Representative in 2000’s National Singing Champion-ship (Pro-Sing), Music Director of Skidmore College’s Gospel Choir (Quiet Storm). Saratoga Springs City Center Main Hall: 7pm, 9pm & 11pm

Hey Jude is first and foremost a bona fide perfor-mance of classic Beatles songs, but it’s also an engaging theatrical experience. The band members dress in a variety of Beatles costumes and bring a wealth of Scouse humor, history and hubris to their stage show. Hey Jude is detail oriented too; from their hair, to their Rickenbacker, Gretsch, Hofner and Epiphone guitars, Vox amps and Ludwig drums, their tailored suits (stitched by renowned Beatles costum-er Russ Lease) and imported (from Liverpool) boots. The band concentrates on the early songs from 1963 and 1964 (tunes like “She Loves You”, “I Want To Hold Your Hand” and “A Hard Day’s Night”) but Hey Jude’s repertoire also includes hits from later albums such as Help, Rubber Soul, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, White Album and Abbey Road. First Night with Hey Jude is guaranteed to raise a smile for Beatles’ fans of all ages as well as a nostal-gic tear, especially from British Invasion enthusiasts who lived through Beatlemania when it was happen-ing in the 1960’s. www.hair-of-the-dog.com/bio_rick/thebeatles/hey_jude. Saratoga Springs City Center Main Hall: 6pm, 8pm & 10pm

H E A D L I N E R S

SOUL SESSION

FIRST NIGHT • THE SARATOGIAN & COMMUNITY NEWS • DECEMBER 20138

Aaron Civic has a repertoire of over 60 songs from artists such as The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Eagles, Kinks, Dire Straits, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and others. Lately he has been learning Spanish Flamenco and classical style playing. Aaron has been creating original music since he was 11 years old and keeps a great beat with an engaging style and stage presence. Empire State College Meeting Room #3: 7pm, 9pm & 11pm

Accents came out of nowhere … and in a big way with an astonishingly mature debut in 2012 that oozes indie rock bliss. A five-piece Indie-Folk band from Schenectady, NY they have been climbing the indie charts in leaps and bounds. “Accents’ full-length debut offers up some of the most refreshing indie and alternative rock I’ve heard for some time. The band’s ability to fuse memorable melodies with infectious instrumentals certainly eclipses any flaws. [Their] powerfully realized song progressions dabble in modern alternative rock, indie-pop, and even hearken back to classic 90s alternative and early 2000s emo.” “Bandcamp’s Best” The Church of St. Peter, Parish Center: 6pm & 7pm

Airborne Jugglers’ amazing juggling is synchronized with lively music, laughter fills the air and you never know what will happen next! Audience volunteers find themselves in the middle of the action and the fun is contagious. The Airborne

Jugglers are unforgettable. World-class performers Joe Murray and Susan Kirby have travelled the globe entertaining audiences for over 20 years. Highlights of their professional career include performances in Japan, Europe, The Bahamas, Aruba, and The Cayman Islands. Appearances at: The Kennedy Center, Los Angeles Olympics, Special Olympics World Games and entertaining U.S. Military Troops at home and abroad. www.airbornejugglers.com. Lake Avenue School, Gym #1: 6pm, 7pm & 8pm

Aged in the Hills is a group that has been performing a mix of country, Cajun, blues, vintage rock n’ roll, bluegrass and Irish music for over 30 years in the Northeast. They have played in front of thousands of people at large concerts such as Price Chopper’s 4th of July Celebration at the Empire State Plaza in Albany and WGNA’s CountryFest. The band has also performed at numerous fairs and municipal concerts from Essex County in the north to Ulster County in the South, as well as Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. The group is an annual favorite at Saratoga Springs’ First Night. Salvation Army: 6pm, 8pm, 10pm Al & Kathy Bain play traditional country, bluegrass and gospel music and are known for their outstanding vocals and harmonies, with Kathy on upright bass and Al playing a Travis-style guitar and 5-string banjo. They have released many recordings since 1979, hosted well-known TV and radio shows in Glens Falls, and won numerous awards from the Northeast Country Music Association, including Song of the Year, Pioneer of the Year, Entertainers of the Year, and Male and Female Vocalist and have been inducted into the New York State Country Music Hall of Fame. New York State Military Museum: 7pm & 9pm

Alpacas of Breezy Hill Ranch, of Salem, NY will bring two docile alpacas to First Night to pet and feed. Owners Lisa and David Proulx will be demonstrating dry felting throughout the night and will have alpaca products to buy such as hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and socks. They will explain fiber processing from shearing to retail products. Alpacas are very gentle creatures and they hope you’ll stop by to wish them a happy New Year during the evening! NBT Bank Parking Lot: 6pm - 12pm

Anthony Fallacaro is an independent artist born and raised in the Capital District. His debut album (EP), “Hello My Name Is Anthony” is a roots rock album colored by a mix of blues, folk and pop influences and is gaining a great deal of attention. The album has received strong fan support for the authenticity of its tracks, which have a strong focus on musicianship. Anthony’s music is danceable, and at times sentimental, drawing crowds to a variety of venues, from big concert halls to small cafes across New York and New England. Anthony

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can be heard on local and regional radio throughout the northeast, as a regular selection for studio playlists. www.anthonyfallacaro.com. NBT Bank: 6pm, 8pm & 10pm

Ariana Gillis sings and strums and leaves ripples behind her wherever she goes. An impressive vocal range and a firm grasp on the craft of songwriting, make Ariana unstoppable. She won the Canadian Folk Music Award for Young Performer of the Year (2009) and has received multiple Niagara Music Awards. “Ariana is two people in one.

She’s a normal nice demure 21-year-old, but when she begins to sing her entire body is taken over by the most powerful force, and the songs become a lot more than just words or music…. her stage presence is the most visually grabbing I’ve ever seen. I was stunned at the intense connection between herself and what she was singing; I thought of the strength of character that embodied Janis Joplin’s performances.” Steve Wozniak –Apple co-founder. www.arianagillis.com. Cafe Lena: 6pm, 7pm & 8pm

Ashley Sofia is making waves. New to the music business, but not new to music she’s played and performed on major radio stations, was featured on NME, interviewed with magazines, and went on a North East tour. Her unreleased debut album, Love and Fury, is highly anticipated by radio DJ’s, blogs, and fans. Her fresh Folk Rock sound has awoken listeners from her hometown to across the ocean. Known for her ability to sing you into a memory, she makes no apology for her commitment to the lyrics. She says her songs are “poems set to music.” www.ashleysofia.com. Saratoga Springs City Center Meeting Room #2, EXIT FEST: 8pm

Betsy and the ByeGons perform that classic girl-group sound of the sixties. Bring back those happy days when the Ronettes, the Chiffons, the Shirelles and so many others lit up stages and screens around the world! Based in Saratoga, Betsy and her three backup guys give you an authentic rendition of the girl-group sound for your listening and dancing pleasure. Empire State College Rotunda: 9pm, 10pm & 11pm

Ballston Spa Film Fest’s Best of Animated Shorts The Ballston Spa Film Festival, Inc. (BSFF) is an independent not-for-profit whose mission is to promote an appreciation of films and filmmaking in the Ballston Spa and Greater Capital District communities. They do this by presenting film festivals in which established, emerging and unknown filmmakers can display their films and by organizing public forums, discussions and workshops regarding films and filmmaking. Saratoga Arts Dee Sarno Theater: 6pm - 7:30pm

Big Medicine just plain loves playing music together and it shows! With their honeyed vocals, supple r&b and folk rock groves and rich acoustic-based textures, this group has been exciting audiences in the Capital District and beyond for about six years now. Led by the ever popular Jeff Walton on vocals, guitar and harmonica and includes his wife Becky with vocals that will send shivers up and down your spine, Tim Wechgelaer on the sweetest violin and vocals you’ll ever hear, Rick Bolton singing and twanging the tastiest of guitar and Arlin Greene and Mike Lomaestro holding it all down on the bass and drums. A healthy dose of originals, seductive renditions of songs by others and an unbridled creative energy are great reasons to check-out Big Medicine. www.bigmedicinesaratoga.com. Empire State College Rotunda: 6pm, 7pm & 8pm

Blacklight Lighthouse present an abstract sound and light installation titled, DID YOU EVER SEE THE SUN AT NIGHT? Blacklight Lighthouse is a duo; a collaboration between two artists who work with the spirit of collage, much like the surrealist’s game “exquisite corpse”. Building layers of sound using loops, effects and samples, and a variety of acoustic, electric and digital instrumentation, their sounds might be described as cinematic, experimental, improvisational. In their videos, imagery has been compiled from their collection of footage and photographs taken while traveling and going about their daily lives; recordings of what often goes un-photographed. Focusing on surfaces of light, color and movement, they become journals of organic, hypnotic, psychedelic moments from their every day lives. Saratoga Springs Visitors’ Center: 6pm - 10pm


standards. Comprised of local working musicians with over 40 years of musical experience and training, the Vagabonds will grab the attention of any crowd and show them why this music is still alive and vibrant today! Saratoga Visitor’s Center: 6pm, 7pm & 8pm

The Charlie Watts Riots is a power-pop quartet from the greater Capital Area with influences ranging from The Who to The Foo Fighters. Saratoga Springs City Center Meeting Room #2, EXIT FEST: 9pm

Clowns on Rounds’ Clown Town is a colorful and fun way to bring in the New Year! Join 15 clowns from Electric City Clown Alley and play, laugh, learn and dance. Clowns will be face-painting, balloon sculpturing, uni-cycling, magic making and just clowning around. Dance the night away with the clowns to the children’s music of the Zucchini Brothers. Saratoga Springs City Center Meeting Room #1: All Night!

Crush is an energetic teenage party/rock/funk/dance band made up of students from Schalmont High School in Rotterdam, NY. They are also the winners of the prestigious SPAC Battle of the Bands contest for 2012! The Church of St. Peter, Parish Center: 8pm & 9pm.

Danny Whitecotton’s sound is unique and has been described by Albany’s Times Union Newspaper as “sad and sorrowful” but “there is always a hint of hope lingering.” At times his finger picking acoustic style is so nuanced that the most raucous crowds become quiet just to listen then are jolted back by some of Danny’s foot tapping rhythms and catchy lyrics. His folk driven genre meanders between the influences of his past. While he says he doesn’t mind the comparison to other folk artists the real truth is that this is a unique singer-songwriter with a style all his own. dannywhitecotton.com. Empire State College Meeting Room #3: 6pm, 8pm & 10pm

Carol Carroll’s Piano All-Stars Carol Carroll, has been teaching piano in Saratoga Springs for over 20 years. She will be featuring a handful of her most promising up-and-coming Saratoga Springs Piano Stars! This is a great, family-oriented First Night set. Saratoga Springs Public Library: 6pm

Captain Squeeze & The Zydeco Moshers are a Louisiana bayou-flavored, feel-good, get-up-and-dance band for everyone! Consider visiting the bayous of Louisiana to take the winter chill out of your bones. Check out CSZM as they fill the air with accordion trottoir, swamp rock through hard-rocking blues, and roots music. Bring your rubboards, play with the band, and dance the night away! Salvation Army: 7pm, 9pm & 11pm

Catskill Puppet Theater Since 1979, John Potocnik and Carol Mandigo, co-founders of the Catskill Puppet Theater, have been touring internationally, enchanting young

and old with their delightful musical productions! Combining backgrounds in art, music, drama and American folk culture they are one of the nation’s finest touring companies, receiving accolades from such premiere venues as the Calgary, Winnipeg and Ottawa International Children’s Festivals, The New England Puppetry and Family Theater Series, the New York State Museum’s Kid’s Series and hundreds more schools, libraries, fairs and festivals. Join them on an African safari through a delightful musical adaptation of a traditional Ethiopian folktale. The show features a multitude of masks and puppets ranging from three quarter life-sized to gigantic. www.catskillpuppettheater.com. Lake Avenue School Gym #2: 6pm, 8pm & 10pm C.C. Vagabonds have come to represent jazz and gypsy music in sense and style. With scorching riffs and smooth melodies, the Vagabonds have developed their own unique blend of traditional Django Reinhardt style music, with modern takes on classics and jazz


Dragon Scales and Faerie Tales by Dreamweaver Productions of Pittsburgh PA has been enchanting audiences throughout North America for 15 years. The tale is

the telling of the birth of a real live baby dragon. With the support of its loving fairy, the 8-foot dragon hatches from an extraordinary large golden egg. Together, the beautiful fairy and the audience welcome the dragon, then name it, feed it and teach it to talk. The story teaches the moral of not fearing the unknown or those who are different. Afterwards, the children are invited to personally hug the dragon goodnight, providing parents with a wonderful photo opportunity. Lake Avenue School Auditorium: 8pm 9pm & 10pm

Dan Busha has been a professional chef and an origami paperfolder for 20 years. He has taught classes in Japanese paperfolding--origami--in Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls, Troy and Albany, has participated in Larkfest’s Family Fun Zone for three years and has provided decorations for weddings and birthday parties. He also holds workshops at local libraries several times a year. Dan gives children the opportunity to discover the world of origami and all its beauty for themselves. Empire State College Meeting Room #2: 6pm & 8pm The Doug Irving Project Composer Doug Irving has eight albums, two musicals, and over forty independent releases to his name. His songs have been recorded by numerous artists, including Mirinda James, whose recording of “A Place in My Heart” has been heard worldwide and twice-garnered Song of the Year from the Northeast Country Music Association. Saratoga Springs Visitor’s Center: 9pm, 10pm & 11pm The Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company presents the provocative and richly imagined choreography of artistic director, Ellen Sinopoli, as her acclaimed dancers soak up the stage with speed, technique, personality and expression. The resident company of The Egg since 1992, ESDC invites all to delight in the exhilarating experience

of modern dance at its finest! Lake Avenue School Auditorium: 6pm & 7pm The Flipsydz travel back to a time when street corner doowop harmonies filled the air with music from the fifties and sixties. Nostalgia never felt so good! Is that a poodle skirt you’re wearing? Hampton Inn: 6pm & 7pm

Everest Rising is a tightly knit quartet influenced by folk, jazz, rock and more. Together they create a progressive acoustic sound that is unique yet comfortably familiar. Their innovative instrumental arrangements and thoughtful lyrics take the listener up less-traveled routes. With a fresh and vibrant sound, Everest Rising is on the ascent! www.everestrising.com. Cafe Lena: 9pm 10pm & 11pm

The Geo Beat Quartet is comprised of former Pangaea Guitarist and Vibraphonist, Crispin Catricala and Dave Casner. Together they mix original compositions with Brazilian Bossa Nova and Jazz standards. Tonight they are joined by bassist Leonardo Catricala and drummer Matt Niedbalski as The Geo Beat Quartet! Saratoga Arts Gallery: 6pm, 8pm & 10pm

The Glens Falls Ballet and Dance Center founded in 1965 is one of the foremost dance schools of the northeast. The school is headed by Carlene Poster with a formidable faculty including Robert Maiorano, former New York City Ballet leading Soloist. Their original presentation choreographed exclusively for First Night Saratoga will be at 5 pm in the City Center Main Hall with a Jubilant half hour of Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary and Hip Hop Dance; and a couple of surprises! Saratoga Springs City Center Main Hall: 5pm Grafton Street Trio is David Danks, David Jones, and Diane Jones. Named for the famous pedestrian walkway in Dublin, Ireland where street musicians entertain passers-by, The Grafton Street Trio’s repertoire is dominated by traditional Irish tunes, but they also enjoy playing tunes from the New England and Quebecois repertoires. Saratoga Springs Post Office: 9pm, 10pm & 11pm


Harry Pyle is a musician from the Capital Region of New York. It’s mostly instrumental music that ranges from electronic dance music to rock and metal, just about anything goes. Live performances are done with pre-recorded drum, bass, guitar and synth tracks and most often plays an accordion live. Switching between accordion, keys, guitar, and bass in longer sets is also common. His original songs number in the hundreds, so each live performance is different each time. Empire State College Meeting Room #1: 7pm, 9pm & 11pm

Heard’s original repertoire is the work of composer-arranger-pianist Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius who brings a wide array of styles --jazz, classical and world music-- into her captivating soundscape. Her inspirations come from her diverse experiences and interests and are often drawn from the raw and powerful sources that nature provides. Heard’s dynamic and eclectic lineup of musicians gives Elizabeth a multitude of talents and textures to compose for, and to perform with. Do not miss this unique performance with special guest Keith Pray. Saratoga Arts Dee Sarno Theater: 10pm & 11pm

Heavenly Echoes is a gospel group that was started fifty years ago by the late James Edmonds. Based in Albany, New York, the nine singers and musicians perform traditional and contemporary songs in a style reminiscent of the soul music of the sixties. Saratoga Senior Center: 6pm 7pm & 8pm Holly McCormack, nationally known singer, performs opera and musical theater favorites from Phantom of the Opera, The Wizard of Oz, as well as beloved Puccini operas. Temple Sinai: 6pm - 7pm & 8pm Holly & Evan epitomize the blues. Both from long, rich musical backgrounds, Holly Taormina and Evan Conway have updated the Barrelhouse tradition, with their unique style. Together, they showcase a wide range of original and cover material in the styles of Blues, Jazz, and Soul. These originals, which are often featured on WRPI 91.5, WVCR 88.3, WEXT 97.7, WEQX 102.7’s Eqxposure, and the Crumbs Café radio show, are catchy, with a lot of personality, and will appeal to audiences everywhere! Saratoga Hilton Broadway Ballroom: 9pm, 10pm & 11pm

Hot Club of Saratoga is modeled after the Hot Club of Paris in the 1930’s, and is dedicated to promoting the style of music originated and made famous by Django Reinhardt, his contemporaries, and those who have carried on the tradition of this music. Variously known as Hot

Swing, Gypsy Jazz, Gypsy Swing, Jazz Manouche, and other terms, the music is characterized by a driving guitar and bass rhythm section behind solo instrument(s), most often guitar and violin, but also including other typical jazz instruments, as well as accordion. Adirondack Trust Bank: 6pm, 7pm & 8pm

Isabel Irizarry is a young pop and classical vocalist with a voice well beyond her years. She is coached by Julliard-trained Fransesca and will help celebrate the evening with an unforgettable mix of Broadway, pop and classical pieces. First Night participants will be truly treated to the inspiring talent of an exciting young artist. Empire State College Atrium: 6pm - 10pm Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys mix candor and comedy in their performance. Jim Gaudet and his voice, like warm syrup on charcoal, carry both humanity and the humor with equal aplomb. With the help of The Railroad Boys (bassist/vocalist, Bob Ristau, mandolinist/guitarist, Sten Isachsen, and violinist/vocalist, Tim Wechgelaer), Gaudet is anchoring his deft wordplay and savvy song craft in classic roots music. It’s a unique, driving style, firmly-based in Americana; Gaudet’s guitar work is more fiery than ever, characterized by forceful, percussive rhythms with no easy comparison. First Baptist Church: 6pm, 7pm & 8pm Joan Scannell It’s in the Cards, gives a glimpse of what 2013 holds for you with a free five-minute tarot and numerology reading. Insightful, intuitive and compassionately direct, Joan is a local resident who has been giving readings in the area for many years. Through the use of numerology and tarot, Joan can tell you about your purpose in this lifetime and how to use 2013 to reach your deepest personal goals. Empire State


College Meeting Room #4: 6pm - 10pm

L.B. Walker has been described as a “stellar performer” with a rich voice. With the help of a 1930 National Steel Guitar, blues harmonica, and a foot-stompin’ tambourine, L.B. presents a sampling of traditional blues and jazzy original tunes - from the street sounds of Memphis to the rhythm of North Mississippi to the soulful sounds of the Delta. Enjoy the toe-tapping sounds of L.B. Walker and his celebration of the spirit of the blues. Saratoga Marketplace: 7pm, 9pm & 11pm

Let’s Get Cookin’ is a fun-filled performance that brings entertainment and comedy to an audience of any size and age. The show uses drama, music, complex rhythms and acrobatics. Children as well as their parents will enjoy watching and maybe even performing! These wacky “Chefs” cook up a good time for all! Lake Avenue School Gym #1: 9pm & 10pm

The Lee Shaw Trio has been a moving force in the world of jazz for over 40 years, as her performances at top jazz fests throughout North America and Europe have proven! From the Kennedy Center to Vienna to Ottawa and the Lake George Jazz Festival, Lee’s talents have earned her a steady following as well as an induction into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. She has shared billing with the likes of Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, and Anita O’Day. Enjoy Lee Shaw’s repertoire of show tunes, standards, Latin tunes, jazz, and blues! Saratoga Arts Dee Sarno Theater: 8pm & 9pm

Lemon Elefant adapts modern pop/rock tunes into instrumentals that appeal to the jazz and non-jazz fan alike. Band Leader Bill Horrace says, “We’ve always played both pop tunes and jazz standards, but the pop tunes are

more exciting for us, because they are less explored than the standards. They are simply fresher. Also, more people recognize tunes from the last decade, so the pop helps us connect with audiences. If it’s more fun for us and the listener, why not move the repertoire in this new direction?” With Bill on Bass and Dave Solazzo on piano, Lemon Elefant will incorporate drummers

of various styles including rock, funk and hip-hop. The band takes on such pop tunes as “Bitter Sweet Symphony”,” Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Clocks” by super group Coldplay. Presbyterian -New England Congregational Church: 7pm, 9pm & 11pm

Maddy Hicks Songwriting has become an increased focus for Maddy this past year since she picked up the guitar. In December, Maddy won 2nd prize at a talent competition with The Sand Lake Center for The Arts for her original song, “Love Triangle”. Another one of her songs is currently under review at the national level for the PTA Reflections program. Maddy enjoys performing with school and community theaters. In February she will star as Fern in Charlotte’s Web with the BHBL Theatre for Children, and in March she will appear as Maud Dunlop, a Pickalittle Lady, in the school production of The Music Man. Windows on Broadway, Lifestyles of Saratoga : 6pm, 8pm & 10pm Maggie & Zac started performing in 2004 at Saratoga’s Hats Off festival. Since then, they have become one of the premiere acoustic duos in Saratoga Springs. With a mix of unique covers and musicianship, Maggie Doherty & Zac Rossi are sure to entertain all ages for Saratoga’s First Night! New York State Military Museum: 8pm & Saratoga Springs Public Library: 10pm Mark Tolstrup mixes solo Delta blues and soulful originals on slide guitar and vocals. Mark is a 2012 inductee to the New York State Blues Hall of Fame. Playing a vintage National steel guitar and singing with unabashed passion - this is the blues. His music is deeply steeped in the traditional blues yet delivered with a fresh take and energy. Weather his is singing a haunting ballad or a swamp boogie Mark has “… that raw real sound that separates the posers from the genuine article” Don Wilcock, Troy Record. Saratoga Springs Public Library: 7pm & 9pm

Matt McCabe not only owns and operates the long-time landmark Saratoga Guitar shop, but he is also an accomplished guitar player of the highest order, playing to dedicated fans wherever he performs. He has played with many of the region’s finest musicians, who are always enthused to share the stage with Matt. He has been a mainstay and huge asset to the music scene


in the region, adding to its vibrancy with every pluck of his instrument! Saratoga Springs Public Library: 8pm & 11pm Mike Campese is an acclaimed guitarist and composer best known for being a member of the multi-platinum group Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Campese was picked over several guitarists in 2004 during the band’s fourth CD, The Lost Christmas Eve and received a gold record for his work. In 2008, he released his own well-received Christmas CD, The Meaning of Christmas. He is an honors graduate from the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California and is a much-respected staple in the Capital District music scene for years. Empire State College Meeting Room #1: 6pm, 8pm & 10pm

Mike Metallia and Midnight Shift is a four piece blues band that serves up a healthy dose of rock n’ rockabilly. From southeastern Pennsylvania, they spend much of their time touring throughout the US. They have shared the stage with the likes of Asleep at the Wheel, Shemekia Copeland, Graham Parker, and many others. Their latest CD’s have been nominated for “Best Self Produced CD” at the 2012 and 2013 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. “The band has always had a knack for mastering the blues bump, but now their energy is unbridled and borrows the best traits of pure, southern musical abandon.” (Mark Uricheck ). www.mnightshift.com. NBT Bank: 7pm, 9pm & 11pm

Molly Durnin’s affinity for wild things can be traced to her rural upbringing in the foothills of the Berkshires. Raised at the end of a mile-long dirt road, her heart is rooted in the freedom of open spaces. Her unmistakable connection with nature is apparent in the cover photo of her CD Run, which features not a picture of herself, but a fox. In the title song she sings, “I want to see the foxes steal the light from the streetlamps tonight and run with them”. With the release of her CD in June 2012, Molly has fast become a sought-after performer in the “518” music scene, playing at top acoustic venues including Caffe Lena, The Egg and WAMC’s The Linda. In her songs she speculates on the existence of extraterrestrials, sings of temptation, cheap wine and mermaid revenge. Her songs “The Ocean” and “Skipping Town” are aired extensively in the Capital Region. Saratoga Springs City Center Meeting Room #2, EXIT FEST: 7pm

The Mop and Bucket Company is the region’s favorite Improv Comedy Troupe. A long-time First Night Saratoga favorite, MOPCO brings to life your suggestions in story, song and games. www.mopco.org. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church: 6pm, 7pm & 8pm.

M.R. Poulopoulos’ lyrics, complemented by the steady strum or picked out tones of the guitar, always tell a story, inviting the listener into states of introspection, curiosity, amusement and reflection. They’re always poignant. Sweetly melodic and often melancholy, as well as intelligent and soulful, Poulopoulos’s songs, like him, are honest and eloquent. His guitar playing may press you to tap your feet, or sway your shoulders – sometimes both. www.mrpoulopoulos.com. Saratoga Springs City Center Meeting Room #2, EXIT FEST: 6pm

Nick Biales started creating his own comic books the moment he could hold a pencil and after years of practice he began selling his work at comic conventions. As a homeschooler, Nicholas had the opportunity to learn and work with many professionals in the comics field, like Sid Couchey, best known for his work as an artist for Harvey Comics (Little Lotta, Little Dot and Richie Rich), Stan Burdick (a political cartoonist and curator of the former Ticonderoga Cartoon Museum), Joe St. Pierre (a local commercial illustrator) and many others who were eager to share their experience. As of now he saves lives at the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Water Park, but he is always ready at a moment’s notice to teach cartooning and be creative. Empire State College Meeting Room #2: 7pm & 9pm Nisky Dixie Cats The Nisky Dixie Cats are a 7-piece ensemble performing in New York’s Capital District and surrounding areas. A family-friendly band dedicated to playing tuneful, Dixieland-style Jazz, they have become a favorite for First Night Saratoga revelers. The Nisky Dixie Cats aim to have fun and sound good while bringing byou back in time with those all time Dixieland favorites. Let the Cats help you tap your feet and dance to the songs of Jelly Roll Morton and other greats of America’s original jazz. Saratoga Springs Post Office: 6pm, 7pm & 8pm


Opera Saratoga performs for more than 25,000 people annually. The Company has performed ninety different fully-stages works by fifty-two different composers, including thirty-three works by American composers and ten premiere productions. The company’s success has been shaped by visionary leaders, talented artists, and critically acclaimed productions. Presbyterian - New England Congregational Church: 6pm, 8pm & 10pm

Party Of Three is one of the most versatile and progressive musical groups in the Northeast. They are proud of the fact that their shows can be tailored to please all audiences. From Frank Sinatra to Lady Ga Ga, from Patsy Cline to Katy Perry, their music will move you. Now with the release of their New Moon CD, their mix of jazz, pop rock and chill music is a testament to their musical prowess. PO3 is a trio that blends many genres, styles and textures. It’s music for the love of music. www.partyofthreeband.com. Hampton Inn: 8pm & 9pm

Pat Attanasio was voted “Best Acoustic Guitarist” by ‘Musician’s Friend’ National Coverband Contest, 2011 and “Best Guitarist “at Drome Sound of Schenectady, NY, 2009. Pat continues to play the guitar and expand his original style in the local area both as a solo musician and playing with his trio. While playing solo with the guitar, he gives the musical piece he is playing a full sound that not many of today’s player’s can duplicate. He is also a multi-instrumentalist and has played various instruments in his own act and with other top local bands. He continues to use the violin with his guitar in his act. Saratoga Arts Gellery: 7pm, 9pm & 11pm

Pete Donnelly and The Wise Easy’s music is built upon sturdy pop melodies, and played with a genuine sense of care. Donnelly’s songs are testaments to his artistry. Pete Donnelly, who was a member of the legendary band NRBQ, is also a founding member of The Figgs, which has a world-wide fan base, a hearty discography, and has toured and recorded several times with Graham Parker. As the ever active bass player and song writer in The Figgs, founded in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. in 1987, Donnelly has spent the better part of the past 25 years touring with the band, as well as a number of other artists such as Soul Asylum, Mike Viola & The Candy Butchers and Tommy Stinson. Living in the

Philadelphia area for the past decade, when not on the road, Pete Donnelly has been performing, engineering and/or producing for a variety of artists, including G. Love, Death Vessel, Carsie Blanton, John Legend, The Capitol Years and Amos Lee. Saratoga Springs City Center Meeting Room #2, EXIT FEST: 10pm Racing City Chorus performs a capella music in the barbershop style of harmony. Their repertoire includes ballads, up-tunes, patriotic, and religious numbers, and on occasion audience participation with sing-along on old familiar tunes. The Church of St. Peter: 8pm & 10pm Ramblin’ Jug Stompers consists of luminaries

from the Capital District music scene, including former and current members of notable Albany bands past and present -like Blotto, The Star Spangled Washboard Band,

Rumdummies, Stomplistics, Johnny Rabb’s Rockhouse, The Plague, and the list goes on. Their style nods to the great tradition of American string band music while winking directly at the classic jug bands of the sixties folk scene, including The Jim Kweskin Jug Band, The Even Dozen Jug Band, Dave Van Ronk, and The Lovin’ Spoonful. Saratoga Hilton Broadway Ballroom: 6pm, 7pm & 8pm

Rodeo Barons formed in early 2010 out of the Solo Project of singer/songwriter Chris Carey, they soon realized that all of the members could write and sing together and it became a collaborative effort. Originally the band was James Gascoyne and Chris Carey (of the band Railbird) sharing the lead vocal and songwriting duties and switching back and forth on bass and rhythm guitar, Chris Kyle (also a Railbird) on super-awesome lead guitar, and Sam Zucchini (of the Zucchini Brothers, Kate Taylor) on drums, vocals and also writing. They soon added the missing link, vocalist, songwriter, and 2nd lead guitarist Mike O’Donnell. Their music ranges from subtle alt-country ballads to huge, 3-guitar powered rock exploration (all with gorgeous 4-part harmonies). www.rodeobarons.bandcamp.com. Saratoga Springs City Center Meeting Room #2, EXIT FEST: 11pm


Saratoga Children’s Theater Singers & Songwriters will be featuring Kaeli Heffner, Molly McCarthy and Sean Conroy. These Singers and Songwriters have performed many times throughout the capital district singing rock, folk, pop and original songs. The artists will be preforming 3-4 songs each. NYS Military Museum: 6pm & Saratoga Guitar: 6pm - 9pm

Saratoga Soundtrack Chorus is a women’s acappella and chartered chorus of Sweet Adelines International. They sing everything from standards and jazz, to ballads and contemporary songs. For them, the sky is the limit...as long as it is arranged in four-part harmony! The Church of St. Peter: 9pm & 11pm

Saratoga Springs Youth Orchestra is a group of accomplished young musicians performing seasonal and classical music. These middle and high school age musicians come from all over the Saratoga and Capital District regions, and always amaze audiences with their professionalism and awesome range of talent! The Church of St. Peter: 7pm

Saratoga Youth Symphony is a brand new orchestra of high school students complete with strings, winds, brass and tympani. Come listen to beautiful music performed by talented young musicians and a dashing Italian conductor! The Church of St. Peter: 6pm

Sawyer Fredericks is a 14-year-old singer and prolific songwriter, from Fultonville, NY, who learned his first guitar chords in the fall of 2010. Since then, he has written over thirty complete songs, and countless “doodles,” as he calls them. Sawyer’s own unique talents have blossomed in an encouraging and rich musical environment. He has been on the Fab Chart, an independent music chart in England, more than any other artist in its history. On June 4, 2013 he proudly released his first full-length album, titled “Out My Window.” www.sawyerfredericks.com. Windows on Broadway, Lifestyles of Saratoga : 7pm, 9pm & 11pm

Schuylerville Community Theater brings back the fifties with doo-wop Red Riding Hood, her grandmother, the Big Bad Wolf and other fairytale

friends. Tap your toes to the music and songs as the Evil Queen and Fairy Godmother create a competition for three princes to win over Little Red’s heart. Join the Schuylerville Children’s Theater Program as it brings to life, through song and dance, a magical doo-wop journey to happily ever after. Children’s Museum Community Room: 6pm, 7pm & 8pm Sonny and Perley, This husband and wife team has spent the last several years developing and perfecting their unique blend of Jazz, Bossa Nova, Great American Songbook and International Cabaret, which has become their musical signature. They engagingly perform the timeless standards of the American Songbook such as Berlin, Gershwin, and Porter as well as the irresistible Brazilian melodies of Antonio Carlos Jobim. Adirondack Trust Bank: 9pm, 10pm & 11pm The Spirit: A Tribute to Johnny Cash – Harold Ford is one of the most iconic music artist of all time and with Nashville’s country music press hailing this show as a must see/hear to believe, we believe you’ll be talking about this one long after you stand and applaud for an encore. Join us for an intimate evening as we pay homage to “The Man in Black.” From the early days of “Cry, Cry, Cry” to the final years of “Ain’t No Grave,” the broad spectrum of Cash’s hits is presented with integrity. Mr. Ford’s performance as a Johnny Cash Tribute Artist is exceptional, his striking resemblance to Mr. Cash in appearance, persona, and voice, elevates him to a class of his own. Laura Lucy as June Carter embodies June’s playful nature, as the endearing harmonies of Johnny and June come alive. The Cash Band, an extraordinarily talented team of musicians/vocalists recreate the sounds of Johnny Cash’s rhythm section. As every note unfolds, audiences sit mesmerized by the performance of Harold Ford and leave stunned. This is a remarkable and memorable show. You can’t afford to miss this one! First Baptist Church: 9pm, 10pm & 11pm


-./0%1-203Join WEXT and First Night in Meeting Room #2 at the Saratoga Springs City Center for our 2nd Annual EXIT FEST. Highlighting the creativity of the local arts scene, Exit Fest presents 6 great, emerging and established, artists from the 518. Sponsored by 97.7 WEXT.

Thirteen Feet of Bluegrass features an engaging band that plays high-energy acoustic seventies and eighties country rock, blues, bluegrass and originals, in the unique style of Thirteen Feet. The four seasoned musicians feature powerful vocals, dynamic instrumentation and a great repertoire. The band is comprised of vocalist and guitarist, Pat Liddy; Bob Altschuler on banjo, Dobro and electric banjo; bassist and vocalist, Randy Jennings; and Nick Viscio with high energy fiddling and vocals. Temple Sinai: 9pm, 10pm & 11pm

Three Quarter North It’s all about the music for these five lads from upstate New York. Their love of bluegrass, combined with creative folk music heritage, leads them to some tasty melodies that sound familiar yet fresh. This accomplished group plays everything from traditional fiddle tunes to complex original pop weaving acoustic and electric influences into an enticing array of sounds. Homegrown and raised on tradition, Three Quarter North exemplifies the best in American roots music. www.threequarternorth.com. Saratoga Senior Center: 9pm & 10pm Uncle Joel’s Comb, formed in 2009, came into

the world when a group of close friends from a variety of musical backgrounds and previous bands came together to create a new mix of the sounds they all loved. Influenced in equal parts by the horns and upstrokes of

3rd Wave Ska and the distorted and powerful riffs of Pop-Punk bands, UJC brings a unique blend of sounds--as well as an infectious energy, wild stage presence, and genuine sense of humor--to music lovers everywhere. The Church of St. Peter Parish Center: 10pm & 11pm Washington County Line serves up straight-ahead traditional bluegrass, seasoned with bluegrass giants such as Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, the Stanley Brothers, and Red Allen, as well as folk music icons and singer/songwriters including Gordon Lightfoot, Tom Paxton, Bob Dylan, and Ralph McTell. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church: 9pm, 10pm & 11pm

Will Foley is a singer/songwriter from the Capital Region of New York. Considering himself “just a guy who sings some songs”, Will plays music to strum your heat strings. You will laugh. You will cry. You will clap. Saratoga Marketplace: 6pm, 8pm & 10pm

Zak Morgan’s unique brand of children’s music delivers songs and poems with wit and charm that inspire and tickle the funny bones of children and adults alike. When he is not writing and recording, Zak performs family concerts throughout the country. His live performances are always filled with laughter and warmth as he encourages children to read, imagine and believe in themselves. Morgan has released three critically acclaimed records and one DVD for children and was nominated for a Grammy in 2003 – a rare feat for an independent artist. www.zakmorgan.com. Lake Avenue School Gym #2: 7pm & 9pm

The Zucchini Brothers originally from Saratoga Springs, NY, but now living in a clubhouse in “ZucchiniLand”, are well-renowned for their concerts in schools, theaters and festivals throughout the country, as well as their internationally syndicated weekly radio show “The Zucchini Brothers, Live! at the Clubhouse.” Winners of the NAPPA Gold Award and the Parents’ Choice Gold Award, the Zucchini Brothers have received critical acclaim for their albums. “The Beatles of Kids’ Music” - are what the Zucchini Brothers, Jack, Steve and Sam are often called. “Words of Wisdom Set to Foot-tapping Music” are what the Zucchini Brothers deliver. www.zucchinibrothers.com. Saratoga Springs City Center Meeting Room #2: 7pm, 8pm & 9pm

artist book - Saratoga Arts

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