• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

ACE

Upstate Alliance for the Creative Economy

  • HOME
  • PEOPLE
  • PLACES
  • JOBS
  • BLACK-OWNED BUSINESS
  • NEWSLETTER
  • ABOUT
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • Show Search
Hide Search

saratogasprings

#CapNYRedAlert: Sarah Craig, Caffe Lena

November 21, 2020 By Maureen Sager

Caffe Lena’s Sarah Craig, courtesy the Daily Gazette

Caffe Lena is widely recognized as the oldest continuously-operating folk-music venue in the United States. Over 60 years of operation in the heart of Saratoga Springs, its stage has hosted luminaries including Bob Dylan in 1961 and Sawyer Fredericks in 2014. We checked in with Executive Director Sarah Craig to find out how this gutsy little venue is faring during the Covid challenges, and were not surprised to find them bravely weathering these unprecendented ups and downs.

Hot Club of Saratoga, courtesy of Sarah Dobies

The Pivot From Mainly-Live to Totally-Online Performances

Right now, Caffe Lena is not a “live performance venue;” technically, we’re a “broadcast studio.” Therefore, we’re an essential business. We were able to qualify for that designation because we’ve been live streaming every performance for over six years now. So we went into the shutdown in a much different position than many performing arts venues. Even though we’re very small and very DIY, we had the infrastructure to be a virtual venue the day the shutdown started. That’s meant that we’ve been able to hang onto our staff, and have given work to dozens of regional artists by producing live shows on our stage almost every night since mid-March. Also, the launch of the Caffe Lena School of Music coincided with the start of the pandemic. We pivoted to virtual group lessons for kids and adults, and the school is growing and growing.

A live studio audience at Caffe Lena, courtesy Sarah Dobies

Has Caffe Lena had any attendees at these performances?

As a broadcast studio, we’re allowed to have a live studio audience. This is very different than having a show — there’s a very small, prescreened audience that arrives with their masks on, and they’re taken to their seats. They’re there to applaud and lend atmosphere to a performance. It’s been WONDERFUL for the performers to get that immediate feedback for their performance. But last week we decided to dial it back to essential-personnel-only in light of the Covid numbers creeping up. We’re all frustrated about having to pause–not just the music world, but all industries–but nobody wants to risk going through this again so we’re playing it super safe.

This is a tough question, but what is the financial picture like?

We have virtually no earned income right now. We have not sold a ticket since March 13. But the generosity of the public has been astounding. People have made it clear that they really want us to continue creating work for musicians, and keep the Caffe Lena legacy intact. Our only earned revenue is tuition from the Caffe Lena School of Music – it’s a mission project, to teach the next generation the culture of folk music.

Our live streams feature a prominent virtual tip jar. It really works, because everybody wants to keep the music alive! They’ve been generous with the tip jar, which we split evenly with the performer. Most times they cover our direct production costs, sometimes not. The tip jar isn’t enough to pay all the bills, but because of a couple of very successful fundraising endeavors we’re definitely hanging on and we have no plans to stop streaming live shows. In fact, we’re looking at ways to add even more programming.

How are you, the staff, the board and the performers faring through these challenges?

This is our 60th anniversary year – what a great year for an anniversary!

A pre-Covid performance by Steel Wheels

For the venue’s first 57 or 58 years, it was an organization that just got by. Living close to the bone was a source of pride. It wasn’t until our board of directors said that this organization is incredibly vulnerable that we hatched a plan to stabilize finances and create an organization that could weather hard times. Thank heavens we turned things around before Covid hit!

But the bottom line is that we are all in this for the love of music and a deep commitment to serving the community in keeping with folk music values and traditions. We are fine living close to the bone again until this crisis passes, and there’s no sense that “we might not make it.” In fact, although we miss our audience and so many of our out-of-state bands with all our hearts, we’re mostly feeling blessed that we can still be a full-time music producer at a time when so much of the live music industry is shutdown.

As long as we can just keep putting on shows, we are satisfied.

For more on Caffe Lena, go to CaffeLena.org. Address: 47 Phila St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. (518) 583-0022.

CapNY Woman-Owned Business: Collective 131

October 28, 2020 By wordpress

“My dream of opening a gallery would be impossible in NYC. Here in the Capital Region, there’s a feeling that people want to help each other. I didn’t see that in the city or while living in Hoboken,” said Cassie Fiorenza, Founder and Director of Collective 131, a new gallery in Saratoga Springs. “Here, there’s a mindset of, ‘what’s good for me is good for everyone else.'”

Fiorenza grew up in the Albany area, worked in a major gallery in Manhattan and lived in Hoboken, NJ, and then recently found her way up to Saratoga Springs. This is where she’s decided to open up her first gallery space, in the town’s Arts District on Beekman Street. “If I can bring people to Beekman Street, it’ll be good for the other galleries on the street.”

Representing Women in Art

While working in galleries in New York City, Cassie found that female artists were underrepresented. She observed that many male artists were repeatedly being featured in shows and galleries, while the same did not hold true for women.

As a response, Cassie curated an art show in Manhattan that exclusively featuring women artists. The response was wonderful. This inspired her to start Collective 131, which originated as an online gallery.

Cassie began by featuring the works of her friends and close network, but the platform quickly grew to include the works of artists from all over the country. The goal was to develop a platform of affordable, original art created by women.

A Brick and Mortar Space in Saratoga Springs

The new space features work of two local artists, Tatiana Schynoll of Albany and Hazal Ozturk of Malta.

After an overwhelming outpouring of support for the online gallery, Cassie’s next step was to find a physical space to promote the art and mission of Collective 131. Cassie and her husband were living in Hoboken and starting to outgrow it. They were ready for a change.

When the pandemic emerged, they found it was a perfect time to make the move to CapNY. They landed in Saratoga Springs. They loved the bustling downtown area, the vibrant art scene, the restaurants, and the fact that it is surrounded by mountains and lakes.

Cassie joined Palette as a coworking member and with the support of other strong female entrepreneurs, she found a gallery space on Beekman Street, part of the Beekman Street Arts District.

Beekman Street Arts District

One Million Residents

There are one million residents across the 8-counties of CapNY. Cassie said if she was able to reach all one million of them, she would use her platform to promote the creativity of the female artists she works with…to make the art world a more inclusive place for female talent. She feels the potential of this region is endless and hopes to expand her galleries to other places across CapNY.

Collective 131 opened on 74 Beekman St., Saratoga Springs on October 27th.

Connect with Collective 131!
Website
Address: 74 Beekman St., Saratoga Springs 12866
Phone: 518-339-0512
FB / IG / Twitter / Pinterest

Discover Your Inner Pinball Wizard At UPH

August 19, 2020 By Rachel Dunn

Want to spend some time with Elvis, Dolly Parton and Mick? Always thought you could be a pinball wizard just given the chance? Well, you’ll get your chance at Universal Preservation Hall’s “Part of The Machine: Rock & Pinball Exhibit“.The interactive exhibit is on loan from Cleveland’s Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame. Rock an old-school wooden machine or test drive a spectacular, modern, high-tech model. It’s a super-fun walk through music history by way of pinball machines.

The best part is that you can PLAY the machines as much as you want during your 90-minute visit. Attempt to break the high score solo, or if you’re like my husband and me, you can go head-to-head to see who is truly a pinball wizard. Hint: It wasn’t me.

There are also artifacts from the Hall of Fame including Alice Cooper’s electric chair, a Dolly Parton concert dress and more. It’s such an immersive and fun experience that you won’t want to leave. The good news is that the tickets are just $20, which includes all the pinball you can manage in 90 minutes, so you can go back again… and again… and again. At least until September 26th, when the exhibit moves on.

Side note: If you’re concerned about safety during your visit, UPH has put your health first and created an incredibly clean and sterile environment. I felt absolutely safe the entire time I was at the venue. See details below.

The Details:

Tickets:
$20 for a 90-minute session
Purchase here
Dates:
August 11, 2020 through September 26th, 2020
Times:
Sunday – Wednesday: 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. 
Thursday – Saturday: 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. 

COVID-19 Health & Safety Protocols

UPH will follow the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and New York State safety guidelines in establishing safety protocol for exhibit visitors.

  • Each visitor, staff person and volunteer will be required to bring and wear a face mask and to wear provided gloves while playing the pinball machines.
  • All individuals will also be required to maintain proper social distancing.
  • Staff will take and record each individual’s temperature and procure proper tracing information
  • Proper sanitization of all surfaces including handrails, light switches, elevators, exhibit pieces, restrooms and common surfaces will occur before new groups are admitted.

Related Posts

  • The Museum Association of New York : The Tie That Binds – A Conversation with Erika Sanger
  • 518 Film Network : Connecting the Dots for Regional Film Producers
  • AND Casting : Lining Up Extras for Commercial and Film Based Projects

6 Things To Do In Saratoga Springs (That Aren’t Downtown)

July 28, 2020 By Rachel Dunn

Summer in Saratoga Springs. There’s nothing like it. Horses, restaurant patios, shopping… and crowds. Sometimes I crave an outing that’s a little less “populated”, so I’ve put together a few ideas on what to do in Saratoga Springs that are a bit more off the beaten path. Here are 6 of my favorites to get you started. Have a non-Broadway favorite not on the list? Let me know and I’ll include it here. Click here to send suggestion.

Commune With Nature

My husband & I exploring on a two-person kayak.

Kayak Shak – Nothing says summer to me more than being out on the water. In Saratoga Springs, we’re lucky to have Saratoga Lake and Fish Creek, which provide us with miles of scenic waterways, and they’re just a few minutes from downtown. Don’t worry if you don’t have a boat, Saratoga’s Kayak Shak rents kayaks (singles & doubles) and stand-up paddle boards to the public every day of the week. Make reservations before you arrive, and sign their waiver before boarding your kayak. Masks are required while pushing off from docks and returning to shore. After I’ve worked up an appetite, I like to sate that hunger with a delicious wood-fired pizza at Harvest & Hearth. They are located in the same parking lot as Kayak Shak, so you can go directly from the workout to the reward. Their BBQ chicken pizza is other-worldly. (Gluten-free crust available. Woohoo!)

Victoria Pool at Spa State Park
Photo: Saratoga.org

Saratoga Spa State Park – When I hear “State Park”, I think hiking, green spaces and nature. All of that is in abundance at Saratoga Spa State Park, but it’s only just a small sliver of what there is to do there. Take a swim or catch some rays at the Victoria (my favorite in an old school glam setting) and Peerless Pools (water wonderland for families and kids), soak in healing waters in a mineral bath at the Roosevelt Baths & Spa (reopening August 20th), take an outdoor wellness class and more. There’s also the Saratoga Automobile Museum on site if you want to spend some time inside and an 18-hole golf course if that’s more your thing. No matter what you choose, you won’t run out of things to do at Spa State Park. Pack a picnic, fill your water bottle at the Geyser Spring and spend the day!

Helpful hint: I prefer to see the park by bike (and avoid dealing with parking). If you do too, but don’t have a bike or feel like bringing yours with you there are plenty of CDPHP bikes for rent around Saratoga. Click here for a location map.

Brush Up on History

Greenridge Cemetery – I know this might seem morbid, but Greenridge Cemetery is a favorite of mine for a beautiful, peaceful walk, and especially great for history buffs. Dating back to 1844, there are monuments to those that fought in the Civil War, the Spanish-American War and beyond. As well, there are notable figures including poets, philanthropists, statesmen and horse racing dignitaries. Even the main gates located on Lincoln Avenue are worthy of your time. I like to wander on my own, but if you want to learn the history of some of the gravesites, download a cemetery map here. Afterwards, head around the corner to the The Thirsty Owl to grab a bite and sample their award-winning wines. Outdoor seating available. Reservations recommended.

Photo: Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation

Tour of Saratoga’s Historic Homes – One of the first things that made me fall in love with Saratoga Springs is the beautiful and significant architecture all over town. I have lived here three years, and am still stunned by homes I hadn’t noticed before. Saratoga Springs has 8 Historic Districts that make up the fabric of the town. I highly recommend the historic homes dotted along Circular Street and Union Avenue on the East Side.

From small cottages to sprawling mansions, the architecture and history of the homes make a tour a Saratoga Springs must-do. Whether you take the tour by foot, bike or car, you will not be disappointed. There are several neighborhoods and plenty to see, so you might not be able to cover all the neighborhoods in one day. Thankfully, Saratoga.com has created self-guided tour maps broken out by neighborhood to help you plan. You can find them on their site by clicking here.

BONUS: Saratoga National Historical Park – The Battlefield (Submitted by Chet Opalka) – Located just outside of Saratoga Springs in Stillwater, NY, Saratoga National Historical Park is where wildlife, nature and history come together. Walk or bike along the same grounds where, in 1777, American troops defeated the British army, in a battle that is credited with turning the tide to America ultimately gaining its independence. My husband and I visited back in April for a hike. We chose to stay on the paved roads but were still able to see some deer and stopped along the way to brush up on our history. There are many options for routes and you can download a map to help you plan here. Please note that vehicles are allowed to travel through the park as well, so stay aware and alert.

Slightly-Outside-Town Wines and Brews

Photo: Racing City Brewery Instagram

Racing City Brewery – I don’t know about you, but I think there are very few things as refreshing on a hot summer day than an ice cold beer. The Capital Region has great local breweries, and one of them is located right here in Saratoga Springs. Racing City Brewery has over a dozen beers on tap. (Wine and cocktails also available.) They also offer contactless ordering and pickup with their online system. Want to watch the races while sipping on a local brew? Racing City will be showing the races daily on the 23’x14′ TV on their outside patio. Reservations for stakes races can be made online. And what goes better with beer and ponies than pizza? Place an order from 9 Miles East (great farm-grown salads, too!) and they will deliver right to Racing City Brewery.

Photo: Saratoga Winery

Saratoga Winery – Beer is great in the summer, but so is a chilled glass of wine. As with the brewery, I like to support local when I can, and Saratoga Winery is an easy spot to get behind. Situated on the site of a former farm stand, Saratoga Winery offers 15 locally-crafted wines in a charming backyard setting. Whether you want to try a flight of wine along with your perfectly curated cheese plate or settle on one varietal to help wash down your short rib grilled cheese, Saratoga Winery has you covered. There is also beer & cider for sale. They are also the official tasting room for Saratoga Courage Distillery, so there’s something for everyone. They’re currently only open on weekends and reservations are required. Keep updated on their current hours and offerings on their Facebook page linked here.

BY RACHEL DUNN – Rachel Dunn is a Marketing & Branding Specialist, one half of CapGirls NY and an avid explorer of New York’s Capital Region.


Related Posts

  • CAP NY ACTIVATE! : 3 ARTS AND CULTURAL FESTIVALS FOR FAMILY FUN
  • CAP NY ACTIVATE : 5 Family Owned & Operated Drive In Movie Theaters
  • CAP NY ACTIVATE : 5 Family Friendly Museums You Must Visit This Summer
  • CAP NY ACTIVATE! : Destination Washington County
  • Windy Hill Farm
    The Authentic 518: Can’t-Miss Farms to Visit This Fall
  • Altmaont Winery courtesy All Over Albany
    Five Fantastic Capital Region Wineries to Visit This Fall

Cap Region Creatives: Marilyn McCabe

May 19, 2020 By wordpress

Marilyn is a published poet, living in Saratoga Springs. Her main creative outlet is poetry, sometimes making videos that blend her words with images and sound. She offers writing workshops in conjunction with the Hyde Collection and writes book reviews for the Adirondack Daily Enterprise.

In this interview, Marilyn offers insight on what it means to be “an individual and largely unknown poet” during these unique times.

How did poetry become your main creative medium?

I have tried just about everything else — fiction, essay, plays — but it’s poetry that stuck. As an editor, it’s part of my make-up to get to the point and be concise. I love rhythm and silence, both of which are essential to the craft. Poetry suits me.

Marilyn, you’ve recently published an Award-Winning Chapbook, Being Many Seeds. Congratulations! What has that experience been like?

Ordinarily I’d throw it a little book party, do some readings and open mics. But I’m reliant now on the virtual networking. I’ve got an extensive email list of friends and acquaintances, as well as Facebook posts both to my own page and group pages such as NY Writers’ Compendium, and I also have a blog.

I created a video project using poems in the collection, so I can use this as a book trailer. I may also record myself reading a few of the poems. People enjoy poets reading their work aloud; it offers insight that words on the page may not. I enjoy readings, but I don’t enjoy the schlepping around. I often spend more in gas than I can recoup in books sales, so I confess I don’t wildly miss the reading shuffle. But I do miss the interaction with listeners and other poetry fans.

Do you feel like your creativity has been flourishing or diminished by being in isolation due to the quarantine?

My life has not changed all that much under quarantine. I do miss seeing my friends, casually stopping somewhere to meet up, and particularly I miss the library — but my creative work continues in its usual fits and starts. My “practice” is haphazard anyway, and I’m fairly distractible at the best of times.

How have you seen the creative community band together during this time?

It’s amazing to see how arts organizations are sharing information and creating new platforms. Virtual readings, gallery tours, fundraising for artist relief funds, virtual concerts — the outpouring has been tremendous. I think people around the world are grateful, and are perhaps newly aware of how art feeds us.

I enjoy ACE’s profiles. The Hyde Collection has invited local artists to post work. Jacob’s Pillow has brought dance to my computer screen, and innumerable other ways in which the arts have gone viral… If anything, the proliferation of arts online has made it a bit more difficult for a largely unknown poet like me to get “heard.”

Are there any specific resources/tools, etc. you’ve been using regularly that you can share with our readers?

Several Facebook groups of women writers, such as Binders Full of Women and Non-binary Poets, help me find publishing opportunities and discover new writers. The members have been great cheerleaders for each other, which is so encouraging. New York Foundation for the Arts has tons of resources on its webpage about funding and opportunities. The Adirondack Center for Writing has been great in engaging the already isolated community of writers across the Adirondack region. The Creative Writers Opportunities blog is regularly updated with calls for work from literary magazines, etc.

Are you thinking about ways that you’ll change the way you create/do business in the future due to this experience?

I’ll reach out more globally both in terms of promoting my own work and engaging with the work of others. The online world is small, and it’s rich to reach across geographic, cultural, and national boundaries. Ironically, social distancing has spurred me to bring the world closer.

Any last words of positivity for our readers?

The best of art and science has come out of active use of our imaginations, out of joyous play. Let’s use some of this wonderful quiet to dance around with wild abandon, figuratively and literally.

Marilyn is the winner of the Grayson Books Poetry Chapbook Contest: Being Many Seeds. She has two full-length collections of poems — Glass Factory, and Perpetual Motion — and another chapbook, Rugged Means of Grace. Her themes include science, spirit, memory and identity, and how people connect to each other and the earth.

Connect with Marilyn!

Website
Facebook
Vimeo
Email

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to Next Page »

Creative Economy Updates and Other Good Stuff!

STAY CONNECTED!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: No feed found.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.

Copyright © 2020 THE UPSTATE ALLIANCE FOR THE CREATIVE ECONOMY

info@upstatecreative.org | 41 State Street, Albany, NY 12207

Design by Reach Creative