SPAC’s 2010 Season Opens This Weekend – Three Days; Three Exciting Events | May 21, 22 and 23

The 2010 Season of Saratoga Performing Arts Center officially opens this weekend with Friday and Saturday performances at the Spa Little Theatre, presented as part of SPAC's Extended Season - Emerging Artist Showcase.  Sunday introduces another "first" for SPAC - the "Rock & Run" 5K through the Saratoga Spa State Park.  

Friday, May 21 at 6 p.m. SPAC's First-Ever "Battle of the Bands"  (Spa Little Theatre)  

Ten finalists will compete in SPAC’s first-ever “Battle of the Bands”. The event, an addition to SPAC’s Extended Season -- Emerging Artist series, will take place in front of a live audience and a panel of celebrity judges that includes Debbie Gabrione, lead singer of Ten Year Vamp, WEQX host Jason Irwin and restauranteur and FridayPuppy.com blogger, Matt Baumgartner. Judges and audience members will select the winner who will receive a prize package valued at approximately $5,000. Fox 23 sports reporter Dani Stein will serve as MC for the evening. Chef David Britton's "Pies on Wheels" will be selling wood-fired, artisan pizzas.  Tickets are available at http://www.spac.org/ or at the door.

 In addition, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Network will be hosting a pre-event “Tailgate Picnic” prior to Battle of the Bands at The Gideon Putnam at 4:30om.  Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Chamber at 584-3255.

 Saturday, May 22 at 8 p.m. Thelonious Monk Jazz Award Winner “Ben Williams and Sound Effect” (Spa Little Theatre)

Jazz bassist Ben Williams, 2009 winner of the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, will perform with his quintet, Sound Effect, which includes jazz pianist Aaron Goldberg whose newest album was recently named a New York Times "Critics Choice," and saxophonist Marcus Strickland, considered one of the leading saxophonists of his generation. Tickets for the performance are $25 and are available at http://www.spac.org/ or at the door. If you love jazz, don't miss this opportunity to hear one of the finest, freshest talents on the scene today!

 Sunday, May 23, SPAC’s First-Ever "Rock & Run" at 10:30 a.m. (kid’s 1-mile race begins at 10:00 a.m.) – Saratoga Spa State Park – The 5K walk/run kicks off on the 'apron' of SPAC's Amphitheatre. Runners will enjoy live entertainment at designated locations along the course by popular local bands and musicians including Rock Box, the Accents, Girls Nite Out, Emeralds of July and Garland Nelson. The race concludes with a party on SPAC's lawn which is open to both participants and spectators. Day-of registration: Kids Race - 8:00 to 9:45 am, SPAC Amphitheatre, $5 per person; Adults 5K - 8:30 to 10:15 am, SPAC Amphitheatre, $25 per person. For more information, call 518-584-9330.