SPAC Concert Schedule - Bob Dylan Announced

[MedicCook]

2008 Schedule

June 20 - Dave Matthews Band
June 21 - Dave Matthews Band
July 3 - Chicago & Doobie Brothers
July 5 - Rush
July 13 - Brad Paisley with Julianne Hough, Chuck Wicks, and Jewel
July 20 - 3 Doors Down with Special Guests Staind and Hinder
July 31 - Sheryl Crow
August 1 - The Police with special guest Elvis Costello & The Imposters
August 8 - Jonas Brothers & Avril Lavigne
August 10 - O.A.R. - All Sides Tour
August 12 - Counting Crows and Maroon 5 with special guest Sara Bareilles
August 19 - Allman Brothers Band
August 24 - Journey with Heart and Cheap Trick
August 29 - Crue Fest feat Motley Crue, Buckcherry, Papa Roach, SIXX:A.M. & Trapt

[MedicCook]

SPAC board discusses audience trends

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Busy people don't like to make advance plans.

The increase in the number of last-minute ticket buyers at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center was a surprise.

'We never expected last-minute walk-ups (There were nearly 5,000 at the Journey/Def Leppard concert Sept. 16.) That's the trend now. We have to prepare for them,' SPAC president Marcia White said.

'You can't be what you were the year before,' White said. 'We have to change our program as people change.'

Keeping up with audiences was just one of the topics discussed at the at Thursday's board of directors meeting at the Hall of Springs.

As of Aug. 31, SPAC's operating surplus was $130,000. We're pretty close. We're holding our own,' CFO Rick Geary said. Balance sheets showing current assets and liabilities weren't available to the press.

'The season just ended a couple of days ago,' White said. 'We have to close out the year to see what our financial situation will be.'

An earlier announcement to replace SPAC's 5,100 seats in the amphitheater before next season gave way to a discussion on what to do with the old seats. 'A local baseball team in Saratoga called and would love to have the seats. We could help out organizations in town,' board member Ed Lewi reported

'It would be a great thing to utilize those seats. They have a lot of historical value to people. A lot of people met their spouses at SPAC,' said White. Individuals and clubs may be interested.

Whether the state owns the seats -- or the construction company that will remove the seats owns them -- needs to be determined. 'Getting the seats out safely, and making sure they usable,' are her other concerns.

The newly-refurbished amphitheater this spring 'will be a great splash to start the season,' White said.

Board chairman Bill Dake suggested installing 'an attractive curtain treatment by the side sections to make it more cozy and to make the theater look more full.'

Keeping up with the times was a recurrent theme.

'People's lives are busy, especially young people, who come home from work and want to cook dinner before heading out to a performance,' said board member Dee Sarno. 'The new 7:30 p.m. start time makes that difficult.' Her informal poll showed 70 percent against the early start time, and 30 percent in favor. Concerts had begun at 8:15 p.m.

A majority of board members favored a start time of 8 p.m. as a compromise in their informal poll.

Saturday night is no longer the big night for many venues. 'Saturday night is gone, down the tubes,' said CFO Rick Geary. White said the Philadelphia Orchestra's lightest audience was on the weekend.'

Orchestra matinees could be the newest thing on SPAC's menu. The orchestra would not play the evening of a matinee, White said.

Free lawn tickets for children for the ballet and orchestra are a must, White said, as SPAC must draw more families to succeed. Adirondack Trust Co. was the sponsor last season, and she has three 'very good' prospects for next season.

'The lawn and group sales are two areas where we can improve on,' Lewi told the board.

'We need to build up, ramp up some awareness in the spring,' said Dake.

White reported 138 new members and renewals for the quarter.

The new board and staff at the National Museum of Dance are 'really doing an excellent job,' Geary said. The museum had a surplus on Aug. 31 of $80,000, compared to an $80,000 deficit the year before. The museum gala was budgeted to make $50,000 but brought in more than $100,000.

'Maybe we ought to take them back,' one board member said.

http://www.saratogian.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17233006&BRD=1169&PAG=461&dept_id=17708&rfi=6

[MedicCook]

SPAC makeover underway

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- There are already plenty of important dates on Saratoga Performing Arts Center's 2007 calendar.

April 30 is one of the most important. That's when the latest round of renovations, about $2 million worth, will be unveiled just weeks before the facility's 42nd season.

Widescale work from roof repairs to in-ground drainage has been ongoing this fall, including the removal of all 5,200 amphitheatre seats that are giving way to wider, cushioned versions.

'This $2 million is being spent on things our patrons will see,' said John Nigro, a SPAC board member and its Facilities Committee chair.

Last year, a similar amount was spent for things that don't meet the public's eye, including a new roof and mechanical systems. Long-range, improvements could total $10 million, extending to the parking lot and nearby buildings such as the Hall of Springs, where plans call for rehabilitating the patrons' entrance.

That will depend in part on the degree of commitment from a new administration in Albany.

'We're hopeful that our significant partners from the government and private sector will keep us moving forward,' said SPAC President Marcia White. Less than two years ago, SPAC was reeling from a critical state audit that unveiled questionable business practices and a very bleak financial outlook. Since then, the non-profit arts organization has made a significant turnaround, highlighted by budget improvements and state-funded capital projects.

'It's amazing to look at the past, how bad things were and where we are now,' Nigro said. 'It's a tremendous thing to be a part of, this whole rebirth. This renovation is going to be a major event in the community. Everybody has spent time in this theater during the course of their life. It's going to be a great event in the Capital District.'

The first scheduled event at the overhauled amphitheater is The College of St. Rose graduation ceremonies in May. New York City Ballet's season starts in early July, followed by the Philadelphia Orchestra with numerous popular events mixed in.

City ballet hasn't committed to SPAC beyond 2007, but White said she isn't concerned. The top priority, she said, is getting attendance to levels capable of supporting the ballet.

This year, the ballet had two fewer dates than normal because of the July 4 holiday, and extra work involved with setting up for 'Swan Lake,' the season's first show. Spokesperson Siobhan Burns said the ballet expects to have a full three-week schedule next summer.

Amphitheater improvements are geared toward performers and audiences alike, White said.

A crucial part of the current work has been reconstructing the rehearsal room, located behind the amphitheater. Settling caused the floor to sink and walls to crack. Water has always been a problem because of the amphitheater's location, surrounded by slopes. Sometimes water would actually run down through the seating area during concerts, which should no longer be a problem thanks to a sophisticated new drainage system.

The main work is being handled by Waterford-based Jersen Construction Group, which is in a race against time to get weather-dependent jobs finished before winter arrives. Plans call for enclosing the amphitheater and working straight through till spring. SPAC leases its facilities from the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The parks department hired an acoustical engineer to review all aspects of the renovation before work began, White said.

The next phase, when more funding becomes available, will involve updating SPAC's signature globe lights and painting the exterior façade. A new color scheme hasn't been selected, but that will definitely be included, Nigro said.

'A lot of people are going to be glad to get rid of brown and turquoise,' he said, laughing.

http://www.saratogian.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17453539&BRD=1169&PAG=461&dept_id=17708&rfi=6

[MedicCook]

New Shows Added.


May 30 - Fall Out Boy, Cobra Starship, Paul Wall, +44, The Academy Is
July 15 - John Mayer
July 25 - Kenny Chesney, Sugarland, Pat Green

[MedicCook]

New Show Announced Today


June 30 - Rush

[MedicCook]

New Show Added


August 14 - Dave Matthews Band

[MedicCook]

New Shows Added


July 24 - Goo Goo Dolls w/ Lifehouse
July 28 - An Evening with The Moody Blues

[MedicCook]

New Shows Added


July 8 - Nickelback with special guests Staind & Daughtry
July 22 - Meat Loaf
August 5 - The Allman Brothers Band with special guests North Mississippi Allstars, JJ Grey & Mofro
August 7 - Channel 103-1's Big Day Out with Family Values Tour featuring Korn & Evanescence with special guests Atreyu, Flyleaf, Hellyeah, Trivium & more!
August 13 - Incubus with special guests The Bravery, Simon Dawes
August 14 - Dave Matthews Band with special guest Toots and The Maytals
August 19 - O.A.R. / OAR (Of a Revolution)
August 24 - Aly & AJ, Corbin Bleu, Drake Bell and Bianca Ryan

[MedicCook]

Updated Shows


July 30 - EQX Fest featuring 311 & Matisyahu with special guests The Nightwatchman (Tom Morello), Perry Farrell's Satellite Party, TV on the Radio, Shiny Toy Guns
August 26 - Poison with Ratt & special guest Vains of Jenna

[MedicCook]

New Shows


August 23 - Velvet Revolver, Alice in Chains, Kill Hannah
August 25 - Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Flynnville Train

[MedicCook]

Police, Elvis Costello headed to SPAC
One of 2007's hottest tours comes to Saratoga on Aug. 1

The Police, the hitmaking trio behind "Roxanne" and "Every Breath You Take," are coming to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. August 1. The reunion of singer-bassist Sting, guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland was the most-talked about rock 'n' roll reunion tour of 2007, and the winner of the major tour of the year award at the Pollstar Concert Industry Awards earlier this month.

Adding to the buzz, Elvis Costello and the Imposters will open for the Police at SPAC. Costello played a sparkling solo show at the Times Union Center last year, opening for Bob Dylan.

Tickets for the Police and Costello at SPAC are priced at $96 and $231 for reserved amphitheater seats, while general admission lawn tickets are $46. There is a four-ticket limit per puchaser.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at all Ticketmaster locations, online at livenation.com and ticketmaster.com. Tickets will also be available through Charge by Phone at 476-1000, (802)862-5300, (845) 454-3388 and (315) 472-0700.

Tickets are available earlier than that through a variety of presale options, including one offered by the tour's sponsor, Citi (formerly Citibank), beginning at 10 a.m. Monday at http://www.privatepass.citi.com, and through the band's Web site, http://www.thepolice.com.

http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=663756&category=&BCCode=&newsdate=2/14/2008

[MedicCook]

2008 Schedule

July 3 - Chicago & Doobie Brothers
July 5 - Rush
August 1 - The Police with special guest Elvis Costello & The Imposters

[Dave]

I've never been to a concert at SPAC.

[MedicCook]

It is a great place to watch a show. I saw Tom Petty from the grass when I was in high school, saw Godsmack a couple of times there. I would rather be inside than on the grass just for keeping dry if it does rain.

[Dave]

My brother worked security there for a couple summers. He said the beer. pot and marshmallow fights were pretty outragious.

[MedicCook]

If Tom Petty goes there this summer I might make him my 3rd option for a concert.

[Dave]

If Tom Petty goes there this summer I might make him my 3rd option for a concert.

I used to like Tom Petty. Although, I wasn't impressed with his SB performance. It didn't sound like him, he looked really old and he didn't really look like he was enjoying himself. It was very forgetable.

[MedicCook]

His last couple of albums are pretty good. He has been making a lot of music about how fucked up and corrupt the music industry is. I will upload them to the music section later for you to check out.

[Dave]

That'd be cool. Thanks.

[Queenie]

I've been to quite a few concerts at SPAC, both inside and out. This is the second year in a row that Dave Matthews is only doing one show, surprising. He always did two shows until last yeat.

[MedicCook]

That is fine with me. I think he is over rated.

[Queenie]

He actually puts on an amazing show.

[MedicCook]

I just can't get into his music. I have never been a big fan of the stoner-esque mellow music that he plays.

[Queenie]

That's exactly what it is too. I swear there is a greay cloud of smoke hanging over SPAC for 3 days after his show.

[MedicCook]

It was not as bad as the Phish though. At least with Dave it is mainly booze & pot. With Phish it was exotic drugs. Always made for interesting nights on the ambulance.

[Queenie]

Yeah my parents camp at Lee's campgroung on the lake and anytime there are those type of concerts, they get a ton of tenters. We saw some pretty crazy shit for the phish crowd.

[MedicCook]

Phish-heads linger also. They will still be in their tents 2 or 3 days after the show recovering from their stoneing.

[Dave]

I saw Dave in Utica. He did an accustical show with one of his other band mates. It was pretty cool.

[MedicCook]

Updated


2008 Schedule

June 20 - Dave Matthews Band
June 21 - Dave Matthews Band
July 3 - Chicago & Doobie Brothers
July 5 - Rush
July 13 - Brad Paisley with Julianne Hough, Chuck Wicks, and Jewel
July 20 - 3 Doors Down with Special Guests Staind and Hinder
July 31 - Sheryl Crow
August 1 - The Police with special guest Elvis Costello & The Imposters
August 8 - Jonas Brothers & Avril Lavigne
August 10 - O.A.R. - All Sides Tour
August 12 - Counting Crows and Maroon 5 with special guest Sara Bareilles
August 19 - Allman Brothers Band
August 24 - Journey with Heart and Cheap Trick
August 29 - Crue Fest feat Motley Crue, Buckcherry, Papa Roach, SIXX:A.M. & Trapt

[MedicCook]

Updated, bold are the newst shows.


2008 Schedule

June 20 - Dave Matthews Band
June 21 - Dave Matthews Band
July 3 - Chicago & Doobie Brothers
July 5 - Rush
July 13 - Brad Paisley with Julianne Hough, Chuck Wicks, and Jewel
July 20 - 3 Doors Down with Special Guests Staind and Hinder
July 27 - Big Day Out - Godsmack, Alterbridge, more to come
July 31 - Sheryl Crow
August 1 - The Police with special guest Elvis Costello & The Imposters
August 8 - Jonas Brothers & Avril Lavigne
August 10 - O.A.R. - All Sides Tour
August 12 - Counting Crows and Maroon 5 with special guest Sara Bareilles
August 19 - Allman Brothers Band
August 24 - Journey with Heart and Cheap Trick
August 25 - John Mayer
August 29 - Crue Fest feat Motley Crue, Buckcherry, Papa Roach, SIXX:A.M. & Trapt

[MedicCook]

Updated show


2008 Schedule

June 20 - Dave Matthews Band
June 21 - Dave Matthews Band
July 3 - Chicago & Doobie Brothers
July 5 - Rush
July 13 - Brad Paisley with Julianne Hough, Chuck Wicks, and Jewel
July 20 - 3 Doors Down with Special Guests Staind and Hinder
July 27 - Big Day Out - Godsmack, Alterbridge, more to come
July 31 - Sheryl Crow
August 1 - The Police with special guest Elvis Costello & The Imposters
August 8 - Jonas Brothers & Avril Lavigne
August 10 - O.A.R. - All Sides Tour
August 12 - Counting Crows and Maroon 5 with special guest Sara Bareilles
August 17 - Bob Dylan w/Levon Helm, and others
August 19 - Allman Brothers Band
August 24 - Journey with Heart and Cheap Trick
August 25 - John Mayer
August 29 - Crue Fest feat Motley Crue, Buckcherry, Papa Roach, SIXX:A.M. & Trapt

[mb*]

i'm going to see DMB next friday. the seat is 3rd row, and more importantly, it was free. and i don't have to drive. i'm stoked.

[MedicCook]

The only show I want to see is the Godsmack one but that is not going to happen.

[mb*]

i REALLY want to go to the vigin festival at the pimlico race track in baltimore. it's a 2 day festival, there are a shitload of really great bands (i'm really looking forward to citizen cope and bloc party), we'll see where i'm at mid july.