Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) will host a series of special events and offers this summer to commemorate its 60th anniversary, the performing arts center announced.
The events include a visual arts exhibition, a limited-edition ice cream flavor, a collection of vintage poster prints, anniversary lawn ticket prices and an anniversary night celebration on July 9.
SPAC, which had its opening night in 1966, is one of the nation’s most prestigious outdoor amphitheaters, located in Saratoga Springs. The performing arts center hosts performances by companies such as New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Saratoga Jazz Festival and concerts by Live Nation.
“As we celebrate 60 years, we’re honoring the artists, audiences, and moments that have shaped this place, while inviting our community to be part of what comes next,” said CEO of SPAC Elizabeth Sobol of the festivities.
This Place Loves You Back
Among the anniversary offerings, This Place Loves You Back is a visual arts exhibition by photographer Whitney Browne. The exhibition is on display in The Pines at SPAC. Browne, who has spent more than a decade developing experimental, movement-based photography methods, said the exhibition reflects certain patterns in the moments captured both on stage and in the crowd.
“Over time, places that hold this kind of shared attention begin to gather memory. They accumulate stories, traditions, friendships, and the quiet imprint of the people who have passed through them. This exhibition moves through those traces—photographs and fragments of time,” Browne said.
The exhibition, drawn from SPAC’s archives, features photography by Francesco D’Amico, Dave Bigler, Jake Ritz and Juan Soler of Ironglass Productions, Bryan Lasky, Erica Miller, Rebecca Loomis, and Shawn LaChapelle.
Fireworks on the Lawn
In partnership with Stewart’s Shops, SPAC also introduced a limited-edition ice cream flavor, Fireworks on the Lawn. The flavor features a vanilla ice cream with a cherry swirl and red and blue Pop Rocks. It will be available May 18 through August 30 at Stewart’s Shops locations throughout the Capital Region.
Stewart’s Shops will also serve free scoops at SPAC during The Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists on May 31 and Family Nights at SPAC on July 10 and August 5.
Vintage Milton Glaser Poster Collection
SPAC will also release a collection of vintage poster prints by Milton Glaser, designer of the iconic “I Love New York” logo. Glaser previously worked with SPAC, creating a series of posters in 1980, 1982 and 1990. Digital prints, signed posters, and limited edition signed and numbered silkscreens will be available for purchase.
Anniversary Night
On July 9, SPAC will commemorate New York City Ballet’s inaugural performance at the amphitheater. The celebration will feature complimentary wine and beer tastings, Nothing Bundt Cakes, souvenir photo opportunities and other activities. Access to these activities is included with a ticket to the performance.
SPAC will also offer lawn tickets at $19.66, honoring the year the performing arts center opened. The ticket offer applies for performances by New York City Ballet from July 8 to 11 and The Philadelphia Orchestra from August 5 to 22.
SPAC’s 60th anniversary programming this summer will honor its legacy as a home for world-class artists while highlighting its continued evolution as a year-round cultural destination.
“From the quiet memories held on our grounds to the joy of gathering together on a summer night, this anniversary is a celebration of connection—through art, through nature, and through one another,” Sobol said.
Comments are closed.