Join us at Universal Preservation Hall as friends of Great Camp Sagamore (Dan Berggren, Peggy Lynn, Dan Duggan, John Kirk, Trish Miller and Ed Lowman) fill the hall with a diverse blend of folk and blues, ballads, gospel, and dance tunes sparked with a rare chemistry and guaranteed good time.

$15 Concert Ticket
can be purchased online

$20 at the Door

3/1/2013 Press release for immediate distribution:

Mark Thaler has previously worked on projects at Ellis Island, Valley Forge, and West Point

Saratoga Springs – Universal Preservation Hall (UPH) announced today the signing of Mark Thaler, a nationally recognized architect and historic preservation expert, to assist UPH in its efforts to obtain and utilize funds allotted in a New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYOPRHP ) grant originally approved in 2009.

“We are so pleased that someone of Mr. Thaler’s experience and stature has agreed to assist us with the continued renovation of this majestic building,” noted UPH President Teddy Foster. “It is a significant step in maintaining our positive momentum from 2012.”

In October, UPH Officials announced discussions had begun with Proctor’s Theater of Schenectady about a potential partnership between the two organizations to explore new funding sources and offer a wider range of cultural and non-cultural activities.  Consultants have been hired and the resulting report of the first of two feasibility studies was released in January.  The study’s conclusions were encouraging and noted that UPH’s uniqueness offered the opportunity to fill an important niche in Capital Region entertainment venues, and that a partnership with Proctor’s made UPH’s anticipated role that much more promising.  The second study, which will examine fundraising and other financial aspects of the project, is expected to be released next month.

Mr. Thaler, who has also worked on projects at a number of the nation’s most prestigious universities, was equally enthused about his involvement with the project.  “I am honored to be working with UPH to continue the great work which they have already accomplished. I remember what the building was like before they took control and saved this important landmark. I look forward to seeing Universal Preservation Hall become a thriving center for the performing arts. It’s an important part of Saratoga’s storied history and its bright future“, Thaler said.

UPH has received an initial portion of the $224,000 grant, and due to increasing New York State documentation requirements, UPH officials chose to partner with Mr. Thaler to facilitate the procurement of the remaining funds.  His first steps will be a complete review of the project’s documentation, which will be followed by meetings with NYOPRHP officials.

UPH officials plan on using the funds to complete work underway in the front of the building.  The new entranceway has been completed, and plans are to continue work on the façade of the building, including repair of brick and stone masonry, windows, front steps, lighting, and roofing.   “We are proud to do our part to make Washington Street even more beautiful,” noted Foster. “The Hall’s work, coupled with the planned expansion of the Van Dam Hotel, will make that area of downtown even livelier.”

UPH is an IRS approved 501(c)3 charitable organization, and donations have increased since October’s announcement of a planned partnership with Proctor’s.  Those wishing to donate may mail funds to the Hall, or may do so electronically through the Hall’s web site at www.universalpreservationhall.org and clicking on “Support”.

The building, built in 1871 as a Methodist Church, has hosted such luminaries as William Jennings Bryan and President William Howard Taft.  It also currently serves as the home of the Universal Baptist Church, which purchased the building in 1976.  Universal Preservation Hall is located at 25 Washington Street in beautiful and historic downtown Saratoga Springs.  For further information, please contact UPH Manager Mary Beth McGarrahan at info@universalpreservationhall.org or (518) 584-2627.

Happy Holiday Season, Friends of Nacre!

As Winter approaches, Nacre prepares for their upcoming 2012-2013 season with performances at the annual Victorian Stroll in Saratoga Springs on Thursday, November 29th at The Universal Preservation Hall.  Dancers RING in the season by entertaining audience members with Nacre’s very own Moving BellChoir! In addition, dancers will perform Nacre Founder & Director Beth Fecteau’s original choreography from the holiday classic Waltz of the Flowers from Tchaikovsky’s ‘Nutcracker’. Both pieces are sure to inspire and delight! These FREE performances are at 7:30, 8:00 and 8:30pm. Please click here for details.

The Saratoga Youth Symphony presents an

Open Rehearsal to benefit the Universal Preservation Hall

Sunday, November 18^th at 7:30 pm

Interact with the conductor

Sit close to the musicians

Join us at Universal Preservation Hall

25 Washington St.  Saratoga Springs, New York

$10 entrance per person, children 12 and under free.

Bring your family and friends and enjoy a wonderful evening!

Gary Stine, gifted public speaking coach and author is bringing his four-hour workshop “Public Presence” to Saratoga Springs on Saturday, November 17th from 1:00 to 5:00 pm.

The workshop helps adults of all ages to become genuinely comfortable and effective in public situation, including those requiring public speaking or performance. But it’s not about simple techniques and tricks – Gary helps participants unpeel layers of insecurity and fear to free them to be their authentic selves in public situations.

“People assume that fear of public speaking is something they’re just stuck with, that there’s not anything that can be done about it, “said Stine. “Actually, it can be dealt with quickly and successfully, with the lovely benefit of increasing the connection between speaker and audience.”

Tickets are $70 ($50 for students with a valid college ID) and should be purchased in advance at from http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/282620.  Additional information is also available from workshop leader, Gary Stine at 917-414-5571.

Four Seasons, Four Years tells the story of the Civil War on the occasion of its 150th anniversary. The songs, performed by an all-star cast of eleven musicians, are interspersed with historical narrative specific to New York State and the New York Volunteer Regiments.

Saturday, Sept. 22nd  at 7 PM

$22 advance/$25 at door

BUY TICKETS

The North Peak team is bringing history back to Saratoga Springs with this fabulous one-day auction full of fresh to the market interior furnishing, antiques, quality decoratives, furniture and other horse-inspired items! Held in the Great Room of downtown Saratoga’s impressive Universal Preservation Hall, the sale is only blocks away from Barn Star Productions fabulous antique show located at City Center! A Friday preview is available from noon-7pm; Saturday preview 8am-10am; Auction will begin promptly at 10am.

Boston Babydolls bring Burlesque to Saratoga Springs

Acclaimed troupe teams with burlesque legend April March

for “A (Re) Movable Feast” 

WHAT:       Serving up hot, fresh shimmies and shakes, The Boston Babydolls are bringing their New England summer tour to The Universal Preservation Hall on June 15^th and 16^th. A (Re) Movable Feast is a fun and flirty food-themed show with something for everyone’s taste.  A (Re)Movable Feast runs one hour and forty-five minutes with one intermission.  The revue features music, magic, and The Boston Babydolls’ brand of classic burlesque striptease.  While appearing in Saratoga Springs, the award-winning burlesque troupe will be joined by “The First Lady of Burlesque”, April March.

WHO:       The Boston Babydolls New England’s Leading Burlesque Troupe, were recently named “Best Burlesque” for the third year in a row in The Boston Phoenix’s Reader Poll.  The troupes sexy showcases, inspired by the golden age of burlesque, also earned them the title of “Best of Boston” by The Mass Media, and “Best Burlesque” by The Weekly Dig in 2011.

April March “The First Lady of Burlesque” was an international headliner from the early 1950s through the late 1970s when she retired from the stage.  Miss March was known for her elegance and grace, and she performed with burlesque greats like Lili St. Cyr, Blaze Starr, and Ann Corio, as well as performers such as Mel Tormé, Nelson Eddy, and country singer Hank Thompson.

WHEN:        Friday, June 15^th and Saturday, June 16^th.  Both shows: doors at 7:30 p.m.; show at 8:00 p.m.

WHERE:       Universal Preservation Hall

                 25 Washington St.

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

HOW:        Tickets to “A (Re) Movable Feast” on June 15^th and 16^th can be purchased through Brown Paper Tickets.

Tickets are $25 (general seating) or a VIP table of 4 for $125

Phone: (800) 838-3006

Purchase Tickets

Nacre, Saratoga Springs’ Modern Dance Company, will present a weekend of dance on April 13 and 14 at 8pm and April 15 at 2:00 pm at The Universal Preservation Hall located at 25 Washington Street.

This professionally based company will present Doris Humphrey’s 1928 “Air for the G-String” and the theatrical 1930 “Shakers”; Ruth Currier’s 1959 “Brandenburg Concerto #4” (final section); and excerpts from May O’Donnell’s “Dance Sonata”. Nacre ‘s 2012 Guest Choreographer, Heather Acomb, will premiere her new work “Of Harmony and Chaos.” Heather is a member of the Bill Evans Dance Company and an adjunct dance faculty member at SUNYGeneseo.

To round out the program, Nacre welcomes artists from the American Dance Legacy Institute who will share a selection from their repertory etudes.  Repertory etudes are short dances based on signature works of American choreographers.

Tickets are 15.00 for students and senior citizens and 20.00 for general admission.  Tickets can be purchased at www.nacredance.com or purchased at the door.  Partial proceeds from this concert will benefit the restoration of The Universal Preservation Hall.  For additional information, please email Beth@Nacredance.com or phone 518-435-0510.

The team of talented event planning specialists at Classe Catering/Event Producers can make your special day into the extraordinary! And what better place to hold it than the beautiful, historic Universal Preservation Hal located in downtown Saratoga Springs.

Click here to view their newly updated website and learn more about holding your wedding or special occasion at Universal Preservation Hall!