‘No’ always means ‘no’
Series returns with two upcoming free evenings
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> The Freihofer’s Live at the Jazz Bar series is returning for another season by popular demand, kicking off with Alta Havana on Thursday.
The winter series, debuted by Saratoga Performing Arts Center in February 2018, is returning with two upcoming free evenings dedicated to Latin and swing music and dancing, held at the Hall of Springs.
Jazz Bar attendees will have the opportunity to learn salsa and the chacha- cha on Latin Night with Alta Havana from 7 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 1, and swing, the LindyHop, and the Charleston on Swing Night with Annie and the Hedonists on Thursday, Dec 13. Both classes are led by Diane Lachtrupp and Johnny Martinez, co- directors of Tango Fusion Dance Company.
“Our Winter Jazz Bar series that we introduced at the beginning of the year was met with incredible enthusiasm from social dancers and connoisseurs of great live music, bringing hundreds of guests to our grounds during the winter and spring months,” said Elizabeth Sobol, SPAC’s president and CEO, in a press release. “The series, an extension of our summer season, is part of our new vision to bring year-round programming to SPAC and free experiences to the community.”
Freihofer’s “Live at the Jazz Bar” event began in 2017, revitalizing a unique space that’s evocative of the jazz era that was flourishing when the Hall of Springs was built. The series features live music by jazz, folk and swing ensembles in addition to dance lessons during the winter months and is part of an effort to expand its offerings beyond the stage, while also creating a dedicated space for social dancers and music connoisseurs.
This week’s event will feature the richness and exuberance of traditional Cuban music and its many variations, performed by Alta Alta Havana members, Miguel Valdez (congas), Engels P. ContrerasTortolo (vocals), Oriente Lopez (f lute) and Jorge Gomez ( keyboard/piano). All highly acclaimed musicians who have performed independently and with other ensembles on major festival stages around the world, the collaboration of their unique styles is a fresh, exciting take on Cuban music.
Next month, Annie & The Hedonists will interpret the songs of the great female blues artists of the 20s, 30s and 40s. This group, led by Annie Rosen (vocals), also includes Jonny Rosen (guitar/vocals), Peter Davis (clarinet/tenor guitar/pi- ano/vocals) and Don Young (upright bass/vocals).
A cash bar from Mazzone Hospitality will be available at these events.
Reservations for the free events are recommended; visit spac.org for details.