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Saratoga Race Course 2019: Celebrate Opening Week With Mariano Rivera Day, Annual Hat Contest

Jeff Dingler
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Saratoga Race Course 2019: Celebrate Opening Week With Mariano Rivera Day, Annual Hat Contest

And they’re off! Yes, Saratoga Race Course opens this week. Get your fedoras and fancy, frilly hats ready because, in addition to all the Thoroughbred racing, there’s a lot to do at the track this week. First up, Opening Day on Thursday, July 11 will kick off with the traditional running of the Grade 3, $150,000 Schuylerville Stakes. Opening Day also marks the track’s first giveaway day of the season—if you’re a season pass or season ticket holder— with a free white cooling towel up for grabs (show up early because supplies are limited).

For Friday, July 12, the highest graded stakes that day is the Grade 3, $150,000 Forbidden Apple Stakes. The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce also invites patrons to Saratoga Race Course’s brand-new 1863 Club for a July Day Long Mixer. The event includes all-day access to the club’s food buffet and drinks selection, as well as a cash bar and access to betting machines. The July Day Long Mixer will also offer attendees the opportunity to meet-and-greet New York Racing Association’s (NYRA’s) new president and CEO, David O’Rourke. The NYRA exec won’t be the only big name at the track on Friday: New York Yankees legend (and soon-to-be inducted Hall of Famer) Mariano Rivera  will be on hand for Mariano Rivera Day, in which Rivera will be honored with a ceremony in the Winner’s Circle and will address the crowd. (Tickets can be purchased here.) From 12-1:30pm, a long sold-out private event will include a chance to meet and chat with Rivera as part of a luncheon in the paddock tent, which will also include a Q&A session, an auction and plenty of photo opportunities.

Saturday, July 13 will be the only day at the races during Opening Week to feature a coveted Grade 1 stakes race: the $500,000 Diana Stakes. Make sure to bring canned goods and nonperishable goods—along with your wine coolers and six-packs—as The Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council (EOC) will be at the track all day for its annual Saratoga Food Drive. Racing patrons who donate at least three non-perishable goods to EOC’s outreach booth will be entered in a raffle to win some great prizes, including free tickets to the 150th running of the Runhappy Travers on Saturday, August 24. Also on Saturday, American Idol finalist and local rising star Madison VanDenburg will be part of the Opening Weekend festivities. The pop artist will show off her impressive vocal chops to racing fans at several live performances from Saratoga Race Course’s Don Julio Stage.

Lastly, at least for Opening Week that is, Sunday, July 14 will feature the $100,000 Coronation Cup, as well as the track’s second giveaway day: Show up early and get a free Saratoga Picnic Cooler. (What better way to wheel in your food and beverage of choice?) In addition to the cooler giveaway, Sunday marks the 28th Annual Hat Contest, where anyone donning a creative, whimsical headpiece who registers, starting at noon under the Grandstand, can be in the running for a chance to win. The contests will take place following the second, third and fourth races of the day. And may the best hat win!

Not exactly a horse person? There’s plenty of other events going on this week. Feast your eyes on saratoga living‘s hand-curated entertainment calendar below, now including picks from Saratoga County, the Capital Region, Hudson, Rhinebeck and select events in New York City.

 Monday

Take part in one of Camp Saratoga’s 5K Trail Fun Runs in Wilton (July 8)

Tuesday

As part of the annual Skidmore Jazz Institute, the Slyvia Cuenca Quintet will be performing at Skidmore’s Arthur Zankel Music Center (July 9)

Proctors’ summer schedule is packed with great music documentaries, including The Quiet One, which tells the story of the life of Rolling Stones founding member Bill Wyman (July 9)

Hear David Babinet, Opera Star, deliver a diverse repertoire of music including Broadway, Yiddish and Israeli melodies at Saratoga Chabad in Saratoga Springs (July 9)

Wednesday

Attend the reception and author signing of The Travers: 150 Years of Saratoga’s Greatest Race by local authors Brien Bouyea (also saratoga living’s Sports Editor) and Michael Veitch at the National Museum of Racing in Saratoga (July 10)

The 26th Annual Newton Plaza Siro’s Cup at Siro’s in Saratoga is honoring award-winning jockeys Irad Jr. and Jose Ortiz. (July 10)

The Sembrich Studio in Bolton Landing presents World Music Wednesdays with The Fretless Ensemble, a unique mix of traditional Celtic and Canadian music (July 10)

Thursday

For one night only at the Spa Little Theater in Saratoga, Opera Saratoga is performing Mozart and Salieri, a classic tale of music rivalry between two real-life composers (July 11)

Enjoy “Hope on the Hudson,” a night of short films from writer/filmmaker Jon Bowermaster’s Hope on the Hudson series at the Linda in Albany (July 11)

Country music star Luke Bryan brings his Sunset Repeat Tour to SPAC in Saratoga (July 11)

The New York Summer Writers Institute presents a free reading featuring novelist Mary Gaitskill and poet Vijay Seshadri at Skidmore College (July 11)

Pick up some baklava and much more at the 10th Adirondack Greek Festival at St. George Church in South Glens Falls (July 11-13)

There’ll be food and laughs aplenty at the Lake George Dinner Theater’s spoof of The Hound of the Baskervilles at the Holiday Inn Resort in Lake George Village (July 11-August 31)

Friday

One of Saratoga’s favorites, the Dave Matthews Band, returns to SPAC for two nights of performances (July 12-13)

Thanks to Brides Across America, active military members, first responders and veterans will be able to shop from a selection of designer dresses at Lily Saratoga and take one home for free (July 12)

Light up the Night celebrates Albany Medical’s Department of Emergency Medicine with gourmet food, live music and fireworks at dusk (July 12)

The Spa City’s own powerhouse band Ten Most Wanted is coming to Putnam Place in Saratoga (July 12)

This year’s Rock the Dock Music Festival rocks out at the Lake George Steamboat Company in Lake George Village (July 12)

Multiplatinum-selling ’90s band Smash Mouth is headlining Schenectady County’s free SummerNight concert in Downtown Schenectady (July 12)

The Afro-Latino Fest kicks off two days of great music and vendors at Albee Square in Brooklyn (July 12-13)

Superstar Jennifer Lopez celebrates her birthday with her It’s My Party Tour at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan (July 12-13)

Catch some colorful hot air balloons, exhilarating helicopter rides and more at the 28th Annual Hot-Air Balloon Festival at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck (July 12-14)

Support local artists and craftspeople by visiting the Artisan Trails in Washington County at various locations throughout Washington County (July 12-14)

Saturday

Get ready to stuff yourself silly at the 12th Annual Troy Pig Out BBQ at Troy’s Riverfront Park (July 13)

Saratoga Bridges’ annual The White Party Gala will be held at Saratoga National Golf Club (July 13)

The 9th Annual BMW Vintage at Saratoga brings the best classic BMWs to the Saratoga Automobile Museum (July 13)

Enjoy a combination music festival and carnival with The Greatest Day Ever at the Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn (July 13)

Shop a wide selection of handcrafted items, antiques and collectibles at the Craft and Antique Fair at the Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa (July 13)

Come to Gavin Park in Wilton for Wilton ParkFest 2019 to enjoy free entertainment, rides and fireworks at dusk (July 13)

Lace up your jogging shoes for the 22nd Annual Silks & Satins 5K starting at Fasig-Tipton in Saratoga Springs (July 13)

The Golf for a Cause Tournament to Benefit Gateway House of Peace will be held at Brookhaven Golf Course in Porter Corners (July 13, rain date on July 14)

Don’t miss Hudson NY Shorts, a mixed genre short film festival, at Time & Space Limited in Hudson (July 13)

Enjoy a night of Dinner and Dancing at Doc’s restaurant and the Park Theater in Glens Falls (July 13)

Sunday

Saratoga’s Summer Strolls is offering a walking tour of the historic Victorian and Craftsman houses on Fifth and Madison Avenue (July 14)

The Tedeschi Trucks Band is stopping by SPAC in Saratoga as part of its Wheels of Soul tour (July 14)

Take part in a three-hour East Village Prohibition Pub Crawl starting at Scheib’s Place in Manhattan (July 14)

Congregation Shaara Tfille in Saratoga will give a screening of the funny and warmhearted film, Dough & Delectables (July 14)

Wellness Road Trip: Yoga Vida Farms In The Hudson Valley

Marco Medrano
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Wellness Road Trip: Yoga Vida Farms In The Hudson Valley

When Yoga Vida Farms extended saratoga living an introduction to its all-in-one, self-contained 64-acre estate in the Hudson Valley, of course we jumped at the chance to cover it. Your retreat here will almost assuredly be a turning point or even a life reset. Whether it be as a yoga aficionado and wellness-seeking, “where do I begin?” type, or as a global, ashram-loving, Pilates guru—Yoga Vida Farms is for you.

And if you’re a farm-to-table foodie who likes to walk, trail, bike, swim or mingle in a game room, then likely you, too, will find it thrilling. Did I mention chef prepared meals sourced from acres of immaculate, self-contained gardens and locally-derived products that can accommodate any palette or dietary restriction?

Yoga Vida is no newcomer to the wellness space. It’s kind of the Studio 54 of New York City yoga, with jam-packed classes of up to 60 people per class in four different locations (five if you’re counting Yoga Vida Farms). And being just two hours south of Saratoga Springs in Wawarsing, NY, it’s a quick drive, train ride or group minivan excursion that’s well worth this wellness road trip.

Yoga Vida Farms offers its guests chef-prepared, farm-to-table meals. (Yoga Vida Farms)

Trust me: If something is missing from your life or you know you want to take an unknown fork in the road, then real yoga and meditation always brings an “a-ha” moment. Monumental for some, merely noticeable for others, yoga always brings in positivity and possibility. Ultimately, there are two things in this life we can’t live without, literally: water and oxygen. The latter being the central part of healing your mind and body via breathing during yoga and meditation. I originally started yoga to merely stay limber, as 50-ish is the new 30-something. While youth and longevity via smart wellness choices are definitely the new black.

But who wants to feel “captured” on a quasi-remote, trippy-dippy estate once your yoga class, wellness introduction, massage or acupuncture is over? You do! Honestly, the hotel feels like a movie star’s enormous entertainment compound with rich, modern, minimal design. The estate has many hidden gems. Knowing the staircase and handrails were imported from the original Plaza Hotel in Manhattan grounds the property’s design aesthetic, should you need remote convincing. Outside of the gym or hot yoga, I really don’t enjoy sweating. And you won’t either, as the structure was rebuilt as a temperature-controlled, air-sealed fortress with impressive ensuite bathrooms—another non-negotiable criteria for me. While the overall scale lets you spread out, the beds and linens are new and the handmade boutique toiletries are superb.

Most importantly, the staff walks the talk without judgement. This seems to be their credo. They’re all impossibly kind, helpful and humble—and expertly trained. They want to help you find your best (new) self or be there to serve if you’ve already turned that corner. The pool is amazing, as is the spring-fed pond for dipping. Aside from all-around yoga and wellness, Yoga Vida Farms isn’t asking you to be in a stringent, full-detox mode. The attitude throughout by everyone is exceedingly tolerant, coupled with the wine and aperitif packages and fireside sweet treats makes for a happy road trip indeed. I can’t wait to go back because Yoga Vida Farms lets us be our everything-in-moderation selves in full discovery. Namaste.

SPAC Swaps In Musical About Afrobeat Pioneer Fela Kuti For Cancelled YAMATO Show

Jeff Dingler
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SPAC Swaps In Musical About Afrobeat Pioneer Fela Kuti For Cancelled YAMATO Show

The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) announced on July 3 a change to its summer global music lineup. Fela! The Concert, a stripped-down version of the Tony Award-winning, Afrobeat-inspired musical Fela!, will replace YAMATO: The Drummers of Japan at SPAC on Monday, July 29. YAMATO, which would’ve featured performances on traditional Japanese taiko drums of all sizes, had to cancel its US tour due to a denial of its visa by US Citizenship and Immigration Services. “It’s a great shame that a group like YAMATO, with a 20-year touring history—including many previous visits to the US—has been denied a visa, depriving our region of a unique and powerful performance,” says Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of SPAC. “Nonetheless, we’re incredibly fortunate to have been able to secure, on the same night, a performance of Fela! The Concert.”

Being able to enjoy Fela! The Concert instead of YAMATO is certainly no loss. This concert version of the 2010 hit Broadway musical Fela! chronicles the life and career of Fela Kuti, the Nigerian musical prodigy and father of Afrobeat, a mix of jazz, funk and traditional African rhythms and harmonies. This vibrant, upbeat show features Kuti’s own eclectic music and powerful, often politically-inspired lyrics. Additionally, some of the cast in this tour of Fela! The Concert were members of the original Broadway show, which took home three Tonys, including awards for Best Choreography and Best Sound Design of a Musical.

Prior to the concert, SPAC will also present a high-energy, final performance of The Performance Project: Youth in Motion, a local, two-week dance intensive that offers local students between the ages of 8 and 12 professional dance instruction by visiting teaching artists from the National Dance Institute in New York City (this additional show is included in the ticket price). This pre-show performance will include 80 young dancers on SPAC’s main stage and is presented in collaboration with the Capital District YMCA, the Saratoga Regional YMCA, and the National Dance Institute.

All tickets to YAMATO: The Drummers of Japan will be automatically transferred to Fela! The Concert. You can also call or email SPAC for a full refund or gift certificate.

The Capital Region Joins The Canned Cocktail Revolution

Hannah Sacks
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The Capital Region Joins The Canned Cocktail Revolution

Still drinking out of a glass? Get with the times. Beer enjoyed its time as the only aluminum-canned alcohol for too long and now has had to share the spotlight with a slew of other boozy beverages. Canned cocktails and wines are sweeping the nation—haven’t you noticed the explosion of spiked seltzers in the beer aisle?—and it seems they’re here to stay. From Arnold Palmer Spiked (a personal favorite) to the ‘Merican Mule, which somehow found its way into the saratoga living mini fridge last summer, canned drinks are the no-sweat way to enjoy your favorite summer drink, anytime. Rachael Ray has even taken note, offering up her favorite canned concoctions, which include a Hochstadter’s Slow & Low Rock & Rye and a Cutwater Fugu Vodka Spicy Bloody Mary, in the July/August issue of Rachael Ray Every Day.

Besides the obvious benefit of not actually having to make yourself a drink, canned cocktails are also available for purchase later (’til 3am!) than packaged liquor, which can only be purchased until midnight Monday-Saturday and 9pm on Sundays in Saratoga County. And forget about having to go all the way to the liquor store: pre-made drinks are sold right in convenience and grocery stores across New York. Your late-night booze runs have never been easier.

Of course, local companies have taken note. Albany Distilling Co. recently released its Cocktail Club canned drinks, which consist of ALB Vodka, club soda and one of four natural flavorings. “The thing with spirits is that sometimes when you’re on the go, whether you’re going to the track or the beach, you’re not just going to bring a bottle of vodka,” says Albany Distilling Co. General Manager Alicia Hendricks. In other words, you’re likely going to need all the mixers, too, and that can take up a lot of space and weigh you down. “We’ve made it very easy for you,” she says. Cocktail Club drinks are gluten-free, zero-carb and low-calorie, plus, they contain eight percent alcohol by volume—take that, beer! Another reason you should be canning it, locally? Saratogians do some of their best drinking, in season, at Saratoga Race Course, where glass bottles are prohibited.

And don’t forget about wine! Rather than pouring your vino into a water bottle for a day at the races (admit it, you’ve at least thought about it), opt for Old Tavern Farm Winery‘s Farm Fresh Canned Rosé, which was released June 1. Actually, you may have to go for Old Tavern Farm’s 2018 Rosé Can, since this year’s product sold out within 16 minutes of its release!

It’s safe to say the alcohol industry has hit a jackpot on this one. Move over glass; aluminum has foiled you again.

Saratoga Jazz Festival 2019: Exclusive Photos From Saturday And Sunday’s Packed Lineups

Will Levith
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Saratoga Jazz Festival 2019: Exclusive Photos From Saturday And Sunday’s Packed Lineups

If you count yourself among the faithful fans who show up year in and year out for the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival, this year, you would’ve been doubly blessed. For one, Mother Nature gifted concert-goers on June 29-30 with near-perfect weather. And, well, the brains behind the Saratoga Performing Arts Center one-upped themselves once again, putting together one of the single greatest lineups in the festival’s four-decade-plus history. This included multiple Grammy Award-winning headliners George Benson (Saturday) and Norah Jones (Sunday), along with jazz heavyweights such as Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, the Mercy Project. Talented up-and-comers also got the call, including Cha Wa and Kansas Smitty’s House Band, featuring Saratogian Giacomo Smith.

Now, if you missed out, there’s always next year. Or you could just live vicariously through these wonderful photographs that saratoga living‘s own Francesco D’Amico snapped at the event on Saturday and Sunday. Click on the above gallery to check out his handiwork.

American Cancer Society Celebrates The Red, White & Blue

Hannah Sacks
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American Cancer Society Celebrates The Red, White & Blue

Nothing beats celebrating the beginning of the summer season with a barbecue on a hot summer’s evening. No one knows that better than The American Cancer Society, which hosted its popular annual Red, White & Blue Party at Saratoga National Golf Club on June 28. Nearly 500 professionals and community leaders came dressed in red, white or blue (or all three!), and enjoyed Mazzone Hospitality’s gourmet barbecue and an open bar. The night also featured a live auction and live music by Funk Evolution, and culminated in a fireworks show.

The Hyde Collection’s Summer Luncheon Raises More Than $20,000

Chloe Knapp
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The Hyde Collection’s Summer Luncheon Raises More Than $20,000

On June 24, the Hyde Collection hosted its Summer Luncheon, which honored Alan and Dorie Redeker, longtime supporters of the Hyde Collection, at the beautiful Lake George Club. The afternoon included live music, a raffle and a special viewing of the work of fine art photographers Robert and Shana ParkeHarrison. The Annual Summer Luncheon celebrates the numerous volunteers who support the Hyde Collection. This year’s event raised more than $20,000.

Saratoga Race Course 2019: All The Track Giveaway Days And What You Can Get On Them

Will Levith
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Saratoga Race Course 2019: All The Track Giveaway Days And What You Can Get On Them

Several years ago—probably longer than that, actually—I stood in line at Saratoga Race Course with my buddy John and got the collector’s mug they were giving away. Then I quickly exited the line—and the track, for that matter—so I could secure another mug. That day, I think I got ahold of three, all pristine, which have not made me a fortune on eBay and are still sitting in my parents’ basement. (Anybody interested?)

This year, there won’t be any collectible mugs or bobbleheads as there have been on past giveaway days, but the New York Racing Association has upped the fashion ante quite a bit in terms of what it’ll be giving away this year. Think: fashion forward.

This year’s giveaway days and items are as follows:

Thursday, July 11 – White Cooling Towel*
This giveaway comes with an asterisk, because it’s only available for season pass and season ticket holders, who show up on Opening Day. The towel will feature a red Saratoga Race Course logo on it and be available while supplies last. Perfect for toweling off your sure-to-be-sweaty brow, whether it’s blazing hot out or you’re nervous about the number of C-notes you just put down at the teller window.

Sunday, July 14 – Saratoga Picnic Cooler
This one’s the season’s first official giveaway and offers fans an easy way to carry in beer, chilled wine, Roma subs or whatever else they might be looking to wheel into the track for a day at the races. It’ll come in one color, red, and feature the Saratoga logo in white. Also happening on picnic cooler giveaway day? The 28th annual Hat Contest. So make sure to bring your most hatsational chapeau.

Wednesday, August 7 – Saratoga Baseball Cap
Camo, anyone? This year’s hat tips its, er, cap to the military, with a white Saratoga logo against the backdrop of a red, black and gray camouflage print. The cap’s camo theme is no accident; the giveaway coincides with First Responders Day at Saratoga Race Course, on which all first responders will receive free Grandstand admission with proper ID.

Wednesday, August 21 – Saratoga Beach Towel
Since the closest thing we have to a beach here in Saratoga Springs is the shores of the water running through Congress Park, you’ll have to drive to Lake George’s Million Dollar Beach—or somewhere comparable—to enjoy August 21’s giveaway: the Saratoga Beach Towel. The towel giveaway also begins the countdown to the 150th running of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers Stakes. The circular beach towel features a colorful rendering of a Thoroughbred racehorse and jockey thundering along Saratoga Race Course’s main track with the Saratoga Grandstand in the background. And down the stretch we come!

Sunday, September 1 – Saratoga Zip-up Hoodie Sweatshirt 
The final giveaway of the track season comes on September 1 with one of the better items I’ve seen in all the years I’ve been patronizing the track: a gray hooded, zip-up sweatshirt, featuring the red Saratoga logo. It’s sure to be the fall-weather Saratoga fashion statement du jour. Did I just say “fall”? Ugh.

Now, unless you want to buy one or all of these items on the secondary market (i.e. eBay), I’d suggest you show up on those days and claim your prize. Hey, take it from a free-giveaway-day expert: There’s nothing better than free.

Saratoga’s Fourth Of July Week Culminates With Annual Fireworks Display In Congress Park

Jeff Dingler
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Saratoga’s Fourth Of July Week Culminates With Annual Fireworks Display In Congress Park

Pop! Bang! Kapow! Soon Saratoga’s skies will be sparkling with Fourth of July fireworks. And the Capital Region’s breaking out all the sparklers and poppers and special effects for its festivities this year, and saratoga living has already done the hard work of carefully curating a list of all the Fourth of July fun to be had in the area. In Saratoga Springs, the city will be proudly putting on a lot of red, white and blue for the annual All-American Celebration, which kicks off at 9am with the Firecracker 4 Road Race, a four-mile race that starts on Broadway in Downtown Saratoga and winds through Skidmore College before ending again downtown. There will also be a concert just outside of Congress Park at 6:30pm featuring Upstate New York rockers The Audiostars, plus a live reading of The Declaration of Independence by an actor portraying Benjamin Franklin at 9:15pm. Immediately following this will be Saratoga’s famous fireworks display.

In addition to the Spa City’s All-American Celebration, Saratoga Casino Hotel will be hosting its own All-American Celebration (yes, same name) with four nights of fireworks, harness racing and gambling, loads of food and drink specials, as well as live music from local singing sensation and American Idol finalist Madison VanDenburg on July 3. On Independence Day, there will also be a 4th of July BBQ Dinner at The Adelphi Hotel— savory open fire pit grilling from 4-8pm—and, for later in the evening, a chance to let loose a little at the July 4th Extravaganza with The Shakedown at Dango’s on Caroline Street.

Of course, it’d only make sense to pay a visit to the Saratoga Battlefield in Stillwater as well, where back in 1777 an American army won two decisive victories against the British. The battlefield, which is now a national historical park, is hosting two interesting events on Thursday, July 4. First up is a celebratory naturalization ceremony from 10-11am where 20 immigrants will become citizens, and then from 2-2:30pm, a park ranger will portray a town crier declaring American independence before leading several patriotic toastings.

Outside of the Saratoga area, there’ll be plenty of fun as well. Lake George Village’s annual Thursday Night Fireworks kick off on the Fourth at 9:30pm (and will keep going, weekly, through Labor Day), and The Great Escape in Queensbury is hosting its Coca-Cola July 4th Fest, a three-day, family-friendly party from July 2-4, filled with all-American activities and traditions. And, of course, down in Albany’s Empire State Plaza, the Capital City will be hosting its own New York State’s Fourth of July Celebration. This is the largest Independence Day celebration in the Capital Region and includes a military flyover, a naturalization ceremony, dozens of local vendors and lots of live music.

For everything else going on in the Capital Region and as far south as New York City (!), take a look at our hand-curated list of can’t-miss events below.

Monday

Lil Wayne and Blink-182 will be performing at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) (July 1)

Skidmore College’s New York State Summer Writers Institute begins a month of free authors readings, panel discussions and more (July 1-July 28)

Tuesday

The jam band Phish, one of Saratoga’s perennial favorites, is coming to SPAC for two nights (July 2-3)

Skidmore Jazz Institute concerts kick off with a performance by the Sullivan Fortner Quartet at Arthur Zankel Music Center (July 2-July 12)

Wednesday

The Glens Falls Symphony presents its annual Summer Pops Concert at Crandall Park in Glens Galls (July 3)

The Warrensburg Summer Concert Series begins a season of great shows with Roxy and The Road Kings at the Warrensburg Bandstand (every Wednesday through September 4)

Thursday (Fourth of July)

Artist Greg Tomb will be setting up a temporary glassblowing studio next to the Gideon Putnam in Saratoga and offering regular glassblowing classes (July 4 through September 3)

Enjoy live music, symposiums, performance art and more at the International African Arts Festival at Commodore Park in Brooklyn (July 4-7)

Friday
The legendary singer-songwriter Jackson Browne is playing with special guest Lucius at SPAC in Saratoga Springs (July 5)

Pianist and composer Andy Iorio will be playing his latest album Awakening live at the Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls (July 5)

Lace up your hiking boots for the Lake George Land Conservancy Hike-A-Thon at various locations throughout the Lake George region (July 5)

The New York Mets will face off against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field in Flushing, Queens (July 5-7)

Monty Python and the Dark Ages collide in this musical comedy The Enlightenment of Percival von Schmootz, which starts a week of performances at the Adirondack Theatre Festival in Glens Falls (July 5-13)

Opera Saratoga brings this freshly reimagined version of Hansel and Gretel to Saratoga’s Spa Little Theater (July 5, 8, 10 and 14)

Catch an authentic rodeo at the Double M Rodeo in Ballston Spa; includes drinks, burgers and BBQ, plus line-dancing (every Friday through August 30)

The 2019 Saratoga Polo Tournament Season begins with the Saratoga Tournament in Greenfield Center (every Friday and Sunday, July 5 through September 1)

Saturday

Kansas Smitty’s House Band is performing at Skidmore’s Arthur Zankel Music Center (July 6)

The 16th Annual Powers Park Concert Series in Troy kicks off with rising rock star, Moriah Formica (July 6)

Enjoy a night of Caribbean music with pianist Milton Ruben Laufer and soprano Marina de Ratmiroff, performing “Reflections of the Caribbean” at The Sembrich in Bolton Landing (July 6)

The 3rd Annual SUPERTONE Music Festival, a showcase of rock and honky-tonk music, returns to the Basilica Hudson in Hudson (July 6)

Blind Crow, a homegrown Capital Region bluegrass quartet, is performing at Caffè Lena in Saratoga (July 6)

Manhattan’s Museum of Modern Art kicks off its MoMA PS1 Warmup, one of the longest-running music and dance programs held within a museum (every Saturday from July 6 through August 31)

Located in the heart of the Lower East Side in Manhattan, the Hester Street Fair offers more than 60 incredible vendors selling crafts, food and more all summer long (every Saturday through August 31)

Sunday

Take a Summer Stroll through the Saratoga Spa State Park Complex with Linda Harvey-Opiteck (July 7)

Get ready to run the Paul Luther Memorial 5K starting at Park Place in Mechanicville (July 7)

Celebrate Adirondack Theater Festival’s 25th Anniversary with a night reliving their greatest hits at the Charles R. Wood Theater in Glens Falls (July 7)

The 2019 Music Haven concert series begins its free, summer music program at Music Haven Stage in Schenectady’s Central Park (July 7 through August 18)

Daily Racing Form: NYRA Dismisses Three Executives In Management Shake-Up

David Grening, Daily Racing Form
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Daily Racing Form: NYRA Dismisses Three Executives In Management Shake-Up

The New York Racing Association on Thursday fired three executives and added job titles to three others in a management shake-up that comes two weeks before the opening of the Saratoga meet.

In an internal company memo obtained by Daily Racing Form, NYRA president and CEO David O’Rourke described these moves as “an internal restructuring to the executive team that will position our organization for continued success.”

Lynn LaRocca, NYRA’s chief experience officer, Bob Hughes, chief information officer and Jim Ranton, senior vice-president and chief human resources officer, were all fired on Thursday. Replacements for those positions were not immediately identified.

LaRocca had been with NYRA since May 2014 while Hughes and Ranton each had their positions since 2015.

“We appreciate their many contributions to the company and wish them success in the future,” O’Rourke wrote in his company e-mail.

A NYRA spokesman declined to comment on internal personnel matters.

Jelena Alonso, vice-president/controller, has been promoted to the position of chief accounting officer, with broad responsibilities over all internal accounting and financial reporting functions.

Gordon Lavalette, the company’s chief financial officer since 2016, will also serve the company’s chief operating officer. He will supervise frontside operations including sales, food & beverage and parking.

Tony Allevato, president of NYRA Bets and executive producer for NYRA TV, is now the chief revenue officer as well, overseeing sponsorships and marketing.

These changes come just two weeks before the opening of the Saratoga meet on July 11. They also are the first major moves made by O’Rourke, who took over as president and CEO in January after the abrupt firing of Chris Kay.

Prior to filling that job, O’Rourke at NYRA held titles of director of financial planning, vice president of corporate development and, in 2013, he was appointed senior vice president and chief revenue officer.

This story originally appeared on DRF.com.

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