SaratogaArtsFest sees dramatic growth in second year

The SaratogaArtsFest just completed its second annual celebration, June 13-15, and it marked year two with dramatic growth. Compared to last year, the festival doubled both the number of events held and the number of ARTSPASSES sold.

With more than 100 events held at locations throughout Saratoga Springs, the three-day festival was designed to appeal to just about everyone, from the seasoned arts enthusiast to families with young children. In addition to performances, the weekend included workshops ranging from puppet making and watercolor painting to circus arts and jewelry making.

Among the headlining performances were jazz pianist Gerald Clayton; the legendary Martha Graham Dance Company; the Boys and Girls Choir of Harlem Alumni Ensemble; poet and nonfiction writer Honor Moore; the ensemble-based theater group SITI Company; The Equus Projects: Dancing with Horses; and classical music talent from the Carnegie Hall-affiliated Ensemble ACJW.

The ArtsFest also presented performances by a cappella, humor, and jazz quartet The Bobs; installation dancers Wire Monkey; theater troupe Shakespeare and Company; the Albany Symphony Chamber Orchestra; and New York Times #1 bestselling author Sara Gruen, author of Water for Elephants (chosen as the Saratoga Reads 2008 book of choice).

In addition, audiences had the opportunity to experience the Saratoga area's own extraordinary arts organizations, including Lake George Opera Company at Saratoga, Home Made Theater, and several special offerings at the Saratoga County Arts Center.

"We are extraordinarily proud to solidify SaratogaArtsFest as the gateway for the arts season and to become a tradition for Saratoga Springs as we presented the second annual event," said Marie Glotzbach, president of the SaratogaArtsFest board of directors.

Read local coverage in the Glens Falls PostStar and the Saratogian.

The Boys and Girls Choir of Harlem Alumni Ensemble, who performed on Saturday night, head off to the Skidmore campus. CDTA assisted with the group's local transportation.