Partial proceeds from this performance

benefit the restoration project

for Universal Preservation Hall.

GIRLS NIGHT: THE MUSICAL has been thrilling audiences and earning raves from critics throughout North America since it began touring after its sensational Off-Broadway debut.  This touching and hilarious ‘tell-it-like-it-is’ musical takes audiences on a journey into the lives of a group of female friends. And, audience members can’t help but laugh, cry and even find themselves singing and dancing in the aisles as some of the most popular hit songs of the 80s and 90s make this musical a fan favorite! Follow five friends as they visit their past, celebrate their present, and look to the future on a wild and hilarious karaoke night out … and you’ll recognize a bit yourselves in every one of them! It is described as “Desperate Housewives meets Mamma Mia” (Applause Magazine), “A boisterous, bust-out, bawdy musical revue” (Wisconsin State Journal), “An infectious, exhilarating sense of intoxication (Hollywood Reporter) and “As funny and outrageous as Sex in the City!” (The Advocate).GIRLS NIGHT is bursting with energy and is packed with hits “Lady Marmalade,” “It’s Raining Men,” “Man I Feel Like A Woman,” “I Will Survive,” “We are Family” and many more.  Show will be 2 hours long with a short intermission.  Seating is cabaret-style, round tables of 8.

Performances of GIRLS NIGHT: THE MUSICAL at Universal Preservation Hall at 25 Washington St, Saratoga Springs, NY are December 1, 2, 3 at 8pm, and December 4 at 4pm. Ticket price is $40. Tickets available at 800-838-3006 or online at www.brownpapertickets.com.  To purchase tickets or for more information about group rates, call Universal Preservation Hall at (518) 584-2627.

For press information, interview requests and photography contact, Andrew Meader at andrew@applausefactory.com or (518) 307-0389.

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The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Universal Preservation Hall goes retro freaky for Halloween!  The 70′s cult hit movie that has taken the world by storm for over 35 years will rock this historic Hall on October 28.    Doors open at 8:00pm and the screening is at 9:00pm.  Tickets are $12 in advance, $16 at the door.  Advance tickets are available at 1-800-838-3006 or at Brown Paper Tickets.com. Costumes encouraged with a prize for the best dressed character from the film.  This screening of Rocky Horror Picture Show is made possible with the generous sponsorship of Aeon Nexus Corporation.

Movie Plot: Brad and Janet take refuge in the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite mad scientist who is about to unveil his greatest creation – and have a bit of fun with his reluctant guests. This now-beloved film features risque costumes and horrifying effects. If you’ve never before taken part in this interactive experience, plan to participate in this ‘for-fun’ classic when you buy a ‘survival kit’ available during the cocktail hour! It’s certainly something to experience at least once in your lifetime!
This movie is Rated R by the MPAA. Due to adult content, people under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

When: Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Tickets: $15 single, $25 couple, $30 max family

on line at www.caffelena.org

$20 at the Door; $6 Student (at the door)

Ticket Information: 518-583-0022 or 690-0293

All proceeds benefit Universal Preservation Hall & Caffe Lena

Since 1942, the famed Colgate Thirteen has delighted audiences with fun, musical surprises, and the best collegiate a cappella sound anywhere. Many consider the 1960s, a decade during which the group took on popular new material and deepened their commitment to harmony, to be the musical high point of the Colgate 13.

This chorus of more than twenty-five alumni singers from the 1960s gathers once a year to celebrate their undiminished joy in singing together. With a repertoire of more than fifty crowd-pleasing songs, we promise you an afternoon of delightful entertainment in the beautiful, historic setting of Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs.

Opening the concert is Skidmore College’s charity co-ed a capella chorus the Drastic Measures, and the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs’ A Capella chorus.  The proceeds of this concert will benefit Caffe Lena and Universal Preservation Hall.

Check out www.dancintime.com for more info on their other services and classes available.

Wine Lovers, A Wine Tasting Musical

WINE LOVERS – THE WINE TASTING MUSICAL is a unique, interactive experience that allows audiences to drink six wines while enjoying a musical comedy!!!

70 MINUTES.
6 GLASSES OF WINE.
3 FABULOUS PERFORMERS.
ONE AMAZING EVENING!

BUY TICKETS NOW!

WINE LOVERS REJOICE

THE WINE TASTING MUSICAL RETURNS TO THE EAST COAST AS PART OF THE 2011 RACING SEASON IN SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK

Audience Members See, Swirl, Smell, Sip and Savor Six Wines while watching a hilarious musical comedy!

WINE LOVERS, THE WINE TASTING MUSICAL which has enjoyed Sold Out runs in New York City and New Orleans, will kick off it’s upcoming 2012 National Tour with a limited two-week run in Saratoga Springs, NY at the Universal Preservation Hall.

The Saratoga engagement, presented by Universal Preservation Hall and Andrew Meader of the Applause Factory will feature the talents of Broadway favorites Kristy Cates (Wicked), Bryan McElroy (Jersey Boys) and Jamie Wax (Treme), as wine teacher, Charles Thompson. Holly-Anne Ruggiero (Jersey Boys) directs, with Musical Direction by Gary Negbaur and Choreography by Holly Cruz (Seussical).

This incredibly unique show, in which audiences drink six glasses of wine during the 70 minute musical, has been beloved by audiences since 2007, premiering at the Triad Theatre in New York City.

“WINE LOVERS is the perfect hybrid of music, laughter and libation. I have yet to see anyone walk out of this show without a huge smile on their face, music in their heart, and wine on the brain! We are thrilled to bring this one of a kind show back to the East Coast during the 2011 Saratoga Racing Season!” says Wine Lovers Director and Lead Producer Holly-Anne Ruggiero.

WINE LOVERS tells the story of lovable painter Brian Scott and know-it-all business woman Katherine Reese, two mismatched students, attending a wine class led by an effervescent teacher, Charles Thompson, whose goal in life is to take the mystery out of wine. Over the course of 70 minutes, Brian, Katherine and the audience learn all about reds, whites, screw caps, Zinfandels…and a little bit about love.

“The original concept came out of the inherent theatricality of a wine class, and the reasons why people attend such a class,” says Michael Green, the show’s creator and a long-time participant and seminar panelist of the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience. “Wine is such an inherently romatic beverage that turning a wine tasting into a musical love story just felt natural.”

Hailed as a “great evening out” by the New York Post, WINE LOVERS “has something for everyone beginners and wine snobs alike!  You’ll be drunk with love over this unique, witty show!” (DrVino.com).

WINE LOVERS features a score written by international wine expert Michael Green and jazz pianist Gary Negbaur and book by Travis Kramer with additional contributions by Green and Negbaur.

Universal Preservation Hall is located at 25 Washington Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, (518) 584-2627. To learn more and to purchase tickets, go to www.universalpreservationhall.com or www.wineloversthemusical.com. Tickets are $59, which includes the 6 tastings of wines. For Group Sales of 10 or more, please email groups@wineloversthemusical.com

The show will run for two weeks in August – Aug. 9-14 and Aug. 16-21. Shows will be at 7 PM and on Saturday and Sundays, a matinee at 2 PM will also be available.  Tickets are $59 and can be purchased through Brown Paper Tickets. To see more, go to http://www.wineloversthemusical.com/

Thank you to our sponsors:

Colin Hay

PURCHASE TICKETS NOW

While his voice and visage are still familiar to millions from his tenure as front-man, principal songwriter, and lead vocalist of pop sensations Men at Work (“Down Under,” “Overkill,” “Who Can It Be Now?”), the past 10 years have found him quietly re-introducing himself to new generations of fans.

“Although I’m not technically an American citizen, I’ve been living here for 20 years,” reflects Colin Hay from his home in California. “I like it here. You look up at the sky, and there’s no evidence of anything. It’s amazing to think that, under that sky, there is so much horror going on here but it’s so beautiful at the same time.” Hay’s new album, American Sunshine is marked by several sideways glances at the American dream that perilous balance between potential and reality along with knowing ruminations on the transformative effects of love and the passing of time, set to some of the purest pop, hardest rock, and most emotionally bare acoustic balladry Hay has yet laid down. Curiously, the America of American Sunshine is profoundly shaped by two very different dream factories on nearly opposite ends of the country: California and Nashville.

American Sunshine’s tracks include themes of redemption and renewal, which come naturally to Hay, as he is in the midst of a remarkable renaissance. While his voice and visage are still familiar to millions from his tenure as frontman, principal songwriter, and lead vocalist of pop sensations Men at Work (“Down Under,” “Overkill,” “Who Can It Be Now?”), the past 10 years have found him quietly re-introducing himself to new generations of fans. The frequent use of his music on soundtracks including the hit television show Scrubs (on which he has also had several cameos) and the sleeper-hit soundtrack to the film Garden State has proven the timeless appeal of his songs’ personae: quizzical, curious, cynical yet open-hearted. Combine that with tireless touring and an ongoing successful partnership with Nashville-based indie Compass Records, and Hay is poised to enter a new phase in his already storied career.

Most artists who have experienced the levels of success and adulation Hay has would be content to sit back and earn a living walking to the mailbox and back. Yet Hay is restless, eager to move forward and continually hone his craft while continuing to challenge himself. While the resultant performances have an easy-going clarity and honesty, the process behind much of American Sunshine was actually designed to take Hay out of his element and try working methods that were at once classic and unfamiliar. “Six of the songs,” he says, “are from a two-day session in Nashville.”

Much of the stripped-down energy and unflinching clarity of American Sunshine can also be attributed to Hay’s endless tour itinerary, which consists of both solo and full-band shows. Just prior to the release of American Sunshine, he traveled for a little over a month, playing 28 solo acoustic shows, 26 of them sold-out. “It was, honestly, the best tour I’ve ever done,” he says no small claim from a man who has performed in every possible situation, from packed arenas and enormous outdoor festivals with a full band to demanding, intimate shows in small rooms with just his guitar. Hay’s solo shows intersperse classic and new songs with hilarious, poignant, and downright surreal stories drawn from his often unbelievable experiences over the past three decades.

Who: Colin Hay concert

When: Wednesday, August 24th, 2011 @ 7:30 PM

Where: upstairs in Great Hall of UPH

Tickets will be $48 & will be on sale through Brown Paper Tickets, by calling 800/838-3006 and on sale at door evening of the show.

Tickets available through Brown Paper Tickets or by calling 800.838.3006.

Click here to purchase tickets now!

Loeb continues to grow as an artist and to push herself and her career forward with a creative zeal and an inner drive not often seen.  After her recent marriage and becoming a mom in 2010, she is currently working on “Camp Kappawanna”, a children’s musical inspired by her CD Camp Lisa (with music and lyrics written by Lisa Loeb, Michelle Lewis and Dan Petty).  The musical debuted in July 2010 in Miami, FL at The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.

Tickets available through Brown Paper Tickets or by calling 800.838.3006.

Click here to purchase tickets now!

Over four decades, the contributions of John Sebastian have become a permanent part of our American musical fabric. His group The Lovin’ Spoonful played a major role in the mid-’60s rock revolution, but what leader, singer and songwriter Sebastian had in mind was actually a counter-revolution. “We were grateful to the Beatles for reminding us our rock & roll roots,” John explains, “but we wanted to cut out the English middlemen, so to speak, and get down to making this new music as an ‘American’ band.”

Lisa Loeb

Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Lisa Loeb started her career with the platinum-selling Number 1 hit song “Stay (I Missed You)” from the film Reality Bites. To this day, she is still the only artist to have a Number 1 single while not signed to a recording contract.  This is a remarkable and unparalleled feat for an unsigned artist, though perhaps not a surprising one, for the recent Brown grad, the girl with the cat-eye glasses, who at the time was already making her mark in New York’s burgeoning singer-songwriter scene.
Loeb continues to grow as an artist and to push herself and her career forward with a creative zeal and an inner drive not often seen.  After her recent marriage and becoming a mom in 2010, she is currently working on “Camp Kappawanna”, a children’s musical inspired by her CD Camp Lisa (with music and lyrics written by Lisa Loeb, Michelle Lewis and Dan Petty).  The musical debuted in July 2010 in Miami, FL at The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.  Also, Lisa is writing songs for another studio CD aimed at her “grown-up” audience. In March 2011, the girl with the cat-eye glasses launched the release her own line of eyewear. The artist is constantly looking for different ways to explore her creativity and tell new stories, whether writing a book, producing a TV show, or furthering her acting career.

Concerts will be held on Wednesday, July 27th. Kids show will be at 4:00 & tickets are $15; evening performance will be at 8:00 pm & tickets are $35.  Tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets.

 

Jeffrey Gaines & Closer Still

Jeffrey Gaines & Closer Still LIVE at UPH on June 1, 2011 at 8:00pm.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased via BrownPaperTickets or by calling 1 (800) 838-3006.

Tickets also available at Saratoga Guitar locations at 8 Caroline Street or 60 West Avenue in Saratoga Springs.  This concert is presented by the Applause Factory and Universal Preservation Hall.

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Since Jeffrey Gaines‘ self-titled debut was released, this expressive and dynamic singer, guitarist, and songwriter has been heralded for his soul-searching confessional lyrics and his powerful live performances. His accolades include Emmy nominations, POLLSTAR”S best live solo artist, and world-wide theatre, club and arena tours.  ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE heralds Gaines as “an ethereal soul, insistent, impassioned, full of self-knowledge.  He is the voice of a new generation.”

Joining Jeffrey Gaines in this intimate acoustic evening is Closer Still.  This local band has a unique blend of harmonies atop an intricate framework of fingerstyle guitar, playful piano, and flavorful hand percussion. Their sound is often labeled as “pop-folk,” but leaves hints and traces of influence from many other genres. The depth of each song is easy to relate to on both a lyrical and instrumental basis, but simultaneously rich with arrangement that will leave your eyes and ears wanting more. The group is Maggie (vocals and piano) & Maynah Goble (vocals), Jason Checkla (vocals, guitar) and Tom Miles (percussion). The variety of voice and texture creates for a natural blend of sound that is incomparable. This provides for an experience that is just as powerful live as it is as a studio production.

Dancin' Time Dance Lessons

Dancin’ Time is the perfect Albany DJ, Saratoga DJ for your Wedding Ceremony and Reception, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Company Party or School Event.

DANCIN’ TIME Albany disc jockeys help plan and organize your perfect event schedule, provide top notch music selection, audience interaction, and entertain your guests to create memories that last for a lifetime.

Your celebration flows from start to finish! Every Bride and Groom, Mom and Dad and Event Planner meets face to face with a DANCIN’ TIME professional to customize special celebration.

Dance in a New Light
April 8, 8:00PM
April 9, 8:00PM
April 10, 2PM

A spectrum of modern dance styles will be presented at Nacre’s spring repertory concert. In conjunction with this concert, a specialty dessert created by Sperry’s pastry chef will be offered to Nacre ticket holders at Sperry’s Restaurant at 30 1/2 Caroline Street with the purchase on a dinner entree from April 8-10.

The program boasts Doris Humphrey’s “Passacaglia and Fugue” restaged by former Limon company member, Paul Dennis. Dennis along with area dancer Deb Rutledge will perform the lead roles silhouetted by eleven female corps members and University of Massachusetts at Amherst male dancers Tom Seibold and Jaxon Hall.

Accompanying this on the program is Isadora Duncan’s classic “Southern Roses” , Donald McKayle’s powerful “Rainbow Round my Shoulder” etude from The American Dance Legacy Institute, Doris Humphrey’s dramatic solo “Two Ecstatic Themes”, and excerpts from May O’Donnell’s (former Martha Graham dancer) “Dance Energies” set to the unique music of Ray Greene (O’Donnell’s husband and composer.) Joining Nacre for “Dance Energies” are visiting male dancers Aaron Nichols, Tim Kochka and Clint Martin.

To complete the program, Nacre will excite the audience with a humorous piece created by 2011 Guest Choreography Caitlin Trainor.

Tickets will be 15.00 for students and seniors. 20.00 for general admission. For tickets, click here to purchase now, or call us at 518-435-0510. For dinner reservations to Sperry’s Restaurant, please call 518-584-9618 or visit www.sperrysrestaurant.com. Partial proceeds from the concert will benefit the restoration project at The Universal Preservation Hall.

Join us in December when Nacre Dance presents Charles Weidman’s Christmas Oratorio on Sunday, December 12th. Nacre’s production is based on Charles Weidman’s later version of “Christmas Oratorio”, which opened in New York City in 1961 to wide critical acclaim, and has remained a much-loved classic work of modern dance.  This historic work tells a story of the Nativity through modern dance.  In this rendition of the work, Weidman focuses on feelings and emotions such as joy, compassion, and friendship in this dance of rejoicing.  Dancers move in wonderment and reverence and their hands are often clasped in prayer or raised in exultation.  Sensitive portrayals of biblical figures and Bach’s passionate music combine to make this a moving and unforgettable experience.

Only a few select dance companies in the world have performed the Christmas Oratorio. Our performance is a unique opportunity to see this beautiful and rarely produced work of art! A tea service will provided by Classe Catering.  Tickets are now available for both shows, 1 PM & 4 PM: $25.00 General Admission and $20.00 for Seniors (55+)/Students (w/ID) and 18 & under.  Group discount of $5.00 off per ticket for groups of 20 people or more.

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Nacre Performing Christmans Oratorio