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 Arts, civic, business and academic leaders from Saratoga Springs gathered on April 15 at Skidmore College to unveil plans for the second annual SaratogaArtsFest, a citywide arts celebration to be held June 13–15, 2008.
Organizers say the total number of events scheduled for ArtsFest weekend is expected to double from the inaugural year.
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| | | Gerald Clayton
| Accompanied by jazz pianist prodigy Gerald Clayton, one of this year's headline acts, and local visual artist Frankie Flores, ArtsFest coordinators unveiled an expanded roster of performances and exhibits for the upcoming weekend-long celebration of the arts.
In addition to Clayton, the 2008 SaratogaArtsFest will include such headliners as the legendary Martha Graham Dance Company; the Boys and Girls Choir of Harlem Alumni Ensemble; poet and nonfiction writer Honor Moore; the ensemble-based theater group SITI Company; The Equus Projects: Dancing with Horses; and Carnegie Hall's ACJW Ensemble.
"We are extraordinarily proud to solidify SaratogaArtsFest as the gateway for the arts season and to become a tradition for Saratoga Springs as we present the second annual event," said Marie Glotzbach, festival coordinator. "We are confident that the 2008 ArtsFest will not only dazzle those interested in the visual, literary and performing arts, but will further establish Saratoga Springs as a center for culture, arts, and entertainment."
Designed for both the seasoned arts enthusiast and the casual arts consumer, including families with young children, SaratogaArtsFest will offer a wide array of entertainment and events.
As part of the expanded programming, the ArtsFest will present the a cappella, humor, and jazz quartet The Bobs; installation dancers Wire Monkey; theater troupe Shakespeare and Company; the Albany Symphony Chamber Orchestra; and Sara Gruen, author of the New York Times No. 1 bestseller Water for Elephants, chosen as the Saratoga Reads book of choice for 2008.
In addition, audiences will have the opportunity to experience Saratoga's own extraordinary arts organizations such as the Lake George Opera Company, Epiphany Theatre, and a special offering at the Saratoga County Arts Center.
Appealing to a younger audience, SaratogaArtsFest will offer an extensive lineup of activities for children, including an "art rally" scavenger hunt for kids, a teen "bandbash," the Amazing Kids Circus, and an adventures in acting workshop, as well as performances by the Saratoga Children's Chorus and the Saratoga Spring Youth Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble.
Events and activities will take place at locations throughout Saratoga Springs, including theaters, museums, restaurants, and schools.
The ARTSPASS, the admission package for SaratogaArtsFest events, will also provide pass holders with discounts and perks at area shops and eateries this year. With online sales beginning May 1, the ARTSPASS Admission Package includes:
- An ARTSPASS, a collectible art piece that provides free and discounted admission to all ArtsFest events
- Discounts at over 40 local shops and over 25 local restaurants during ArtsFest weekend
- The 2008-09 Saratoga Arts Guide with season ARTSPASS benefits at participating arts organizations throughout the year
- A Festival Book, with detailed event descriptions and artist information
- A tote bag to the first 500 who purchase the package.
The admission package will be available for $30 for adults; $25 for senior citizens; and $15 for students and military personnel. A Junior ARTSPASS for children 3 to 11 will cost $5. Children under 3 are free.
The mission of SaratogaArtsFest is to establish Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as a premier arts destination. The ArtsFest is committed to increasing appreciation for the arts and strengthening cultural tourism in the Saratoga region.
For more information, visit www.saratogaartsfest.org.
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