READY TO ROCK OUT
SPAC packs a varied lineup into concert season
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » Saratoga Performing Arts Center has a lot in store for the season ahead, including a loaded schedule of Live Nation concerts that will attract many thousands to the Spa City this summer.
Following a first-time comedy show by Kevin Hart late last month, SPAC’s concert season will kick off this weekend with Kendrick Lamar, one of today’s top rappers currently making his way around the country on The Championship Tour.
After this show, which is sure to draw a large crowd, SPAC has a long list of 28 additional Live Nation concerts that will keep fans coming throughout the season.
Pop star Janet Jackson, rockers Godsmack and Shinedown, a cappella group Pentatonix, fan favorite Dave Matthews Band, the one and only Willie Nelson and even a Beatle, Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band, are all set to grace the SPAC stage with their talents this summer.
Acts including Dead & Company, Foreigner, The Doobie Brothers, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Chicago, Kid Rock, Wiz Khalifa and Zac Brown Band will all make their return to the Saratoga Springs venue, while others new to the scene such as Halsey, Imagine Dragons, Pentatonix, Lindsey Stirling, Chris Stapleton and Charlie Puth will make their SPAC debuts.
Special events like the Outlaw Music Festival with Willie Nelson & Neil Young in September and the 107.7 WGNA Countryfest featuring Rascal Flatts in July are expected to bring the masses to SPAC for summer 2018, as are several of the popular show headliners like Dave Matthews, Zac Brown, Dead & Company and Imagine Dragons.
“There’s a lot that are really going to be big shows this year,” said Tim Tobin of Live Nation.
The company is bringing a great variety of acts to the venue for 2018, too, like the new addition of a comedy performance. As far as the music, “We definitely have a wide range of shows this year, between hip hop, classic rock, country,” Tobin said. “It’s really something for everybody, I think - from Kids Bop up to Godsmack and Shinedown.”
In total, Live Nation’s 2018 SPAC season includes 30 events, more than in any recent years. It also stretches further into September than previous seasons, with the season closer to take place on Sept. 29 with Zac Brown Band.
“It’s safe to say that this is one of the best Live Nation lineups ever,” said SPAC president and CEO Elizabeth Sobol at the organization’s recent annual meeting, calling the venue’s partnership with Live Nation critical for SPAC’s success.
More information on Saratoga Performing Arts Center and its upcoming concerts, including a full detailed schedule, is available online at spac.org, where tickets are also available for purchase.