All that jazz

The Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival is back this year as a live event at SPAC.

The Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival is back this year as a live event.

After being a trimmed virtual event in 2020, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center along with Absolutely Live Entertainment announced the return of the festival for the weekend of June 26 and 27 at SPAC. Gates will open each day at 10 a.m. with performances scheduled from noon to 6 p.m.

The headliners this year are Dianne Reeves, Cécile Mclorin Salvant, Christian Mcbride’s New Jawn, Al Di Meola, Joey Alexander and Artemis, presented by Skidmore Jazz Institute. The festival will also feature acclaimed local musicians including Garland Nelson’s Joyful Noise and Hot Club of Saratoga, presented by Caffè Lena.

To ensure the safety of all those attending, all the performances will be on the main amphitheater stage.

“While this year’s festival will look a little bit different as a result of COVID -19 health and safety guidelines, the very fact that we will once again be able to join together on the SPAC grounds for live music feels absolutely miraculous,” said Elizabeth Sobol, president and CEO of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

Designated pods of two will be allocated and reserved for ticket buyers in the amphitheater. Pods of two and four will be available on the SPAC lawn. Amphitheater tickets start at $130 per pod. Lawn tickets are available to purchase for $150 for a two-person pod or $300 for a four-person pod. Single tickets will be limited and available starting at $65 for the amphitheater and $75 for the lawn. If available, tickets will be on sale the day of, but are subject to an additional fee.

Tickets will be available at spac.org. SPAC members will have early ticket access depending on membership level from May 18. Tickets for the public will be available May 21. Ticketholders who kept their seats from the canceled 2020 Saratoga Jazz Festival will be reseated in similar locations and contacted by the SPAC Box Office.

SPAC will also be adhering to all mandated New York state guidelines and all attendees are required to show proof of a completed vaccination no sooner than 14 days prior to the event or a negative 72-hour COVID -19 test.

Additionally, attendees are required to complete a health screening questionnaire and pass a mandatory temperature check prior to entry. Guests will be required to wear a face mask at all times, regardless of proof of vaccination or negative tests. Guests are also permitted to bring up to 1 gallon of factory-sealed water, food in a clear plastic bag, blankets (no larger than their designated pod size). Restrooms will be available.

Visit spac.org for more details.