MUSIC IN THE AIR
Generations unite under performing arts umbrella at First Night Saratoga
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> For those who overlooked the weather to attend the 23rd annual First Night Saratoga festivities, 2018 was a year they’d just as soon close the door on.
The year of nasty political discourse, upheaval on every front at home and abroad and many unanswered questions about what the future holds seemed washed away with the heavy rains for one evening.
More than 9,000 purchased tickets to the family friendly event that offered an opportunity for the generations to meet together under an umbrella of musical genres, and the visual and performing arts that were presented at over 30 venues throughout downtown Saratoga Springs.
Four per f ormance sites within the Saratoga Springs City Center hosted a diverse selection of local and international musical talent in close proximity. Musicians had an opportunity to work in non-alcohol centered environments at the event organized by Saratoga Arts.
The gig provides priceless broad exposure for performing artists who are compensated for their participation.
Road warrior classic rockers playing hits from the 1960’s through the ‘70’s unloaded their Marshall amps and Rickenbacker guitars to share stage space with regional Millenial bands who seemed happy to have their sounds showcased on a night where generations coexisted in creative harmony.
On the Main Stage, Woodstock, N.Y. based Professor Louie and the Crowmatix played rock and roll, gospel, American roots music and hits performed by the Canadian-American roots rock group The Band, including Rick Danko, Garth Hudson, Richard Manuel, Robbie Robertson, and Levon Helm.
“Rick Danko came up with our name” said Aaron “Professor Louie” Hurwitz, who plays keyboards, accordian and provides vocals. Hurwitz produced 150 recordings for The Band. Singer, songwriter, percussionist and keyboard player Marie “Miss Marie” Spinosa has performed and recorded with Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Garth Hudson and The Commander Cody Band.
“We travel together and have a blast. We’ll be touring Ireland in January 2019” she said.
Later in the evening Senior Radio Producer and morning DJ Dave Michaels from Exit 97.7 FM introduced Local 518 featured artists on the same stage. Michael’s unrelentless support of new local musical talent helped open the door for bands that performed as part of the First Night line-up, including alt-rock, folk and pop centered Sydney Worthly.
When asked where he finds the talented local performers, Michaels replied “They find us.”
The night of diverse musical performance continued upstairs in a performing space where world renowned Indian classical muscian Ustad Shafaat Khan presented a setlist he called East Meets West. He was joined by Mahvush Shah on vocals, Adi Shivprasad on tabla, Mo- hammad Sidique on guitar, Ronnie Kissos on keyboard, and Shailaja Rabindran on harmonium and tabla.
“We are here to promote unity, peace, love and to create bridges. Our mission is to reunite cultures and religions” said Khan, who shared that performing with the group that night were Muslims, Christians, Hindu and Jewish musicians.
Veteran local rock and soul duo Sirsy performed in a downstairs meeting room, presenting original songs fronted by Melanie (Mel) Krahmer and her husband, guitarist Rich Libutti playing a vintage Rickenbacker through a pedal board full of retro effects.
At 295 Broadway, NBT Bank rocked out ‘60’s style with beach and surf rockers Big Fez & the Surfmatics.
Earlier in the afternoon, The Children’s Museum at Saratoga opened their doors to children and their parents whom wanted to celebrate the start of a new year together as a family.
Executive Director Sarah Smith Syden and Education Director Erica Riekert welcomed kids from 4- 6 with interactive projects focused on New Year’s Eve customs from around the globe.
“We plan our activities early enough so the kids can feel they were included in a tradition. We have craft stations set up with customs from countries around the world. Kids can create a passport with stamps from the countries they “visit”. It’s special for them” said Smith Syden.
At 5:30, visiting families got to countdown to the new year together, and the evening was still ahead for parents who had plans of their own for ushering in 2019.