Classical arts have seen a decrease in popularity in recent years and a tough economy isn't helping matters much. Still, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center is pushing forward, once again, this season.
The New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra will return this year, although this summer the ballet will perform for two weeks, down from the usual three. SPAC depends on membership support to continue with the ballet and orchestra venues. It's a little different than the live concerts, which is organized through a relationship with Live Nation, a company that books all the rock and pop acts for the season. And speaking of the summer concert season for SPAC, it kicks off Wednesday night with the band Coldplay.
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And despite the rough economy, art is growing in popularity elsewhere. Saratoga ArtsFest, a four-day celebration of the arts, continues to expand. The four day event features everything from music, dance and visual art. For this year's festival, nearly 100 events are scheduled. The Downtown Business Association Committee has confirmed support from 104 local businesses for the festival, up from 80 in 2008. The Saratoga ArtsFest runs June 11 through the 14th throughout downtown Saratoga Springs.
And Willy Wonka is coming to town, well, the film that is. The movie will be shown in Wiswall Park in Ballston Spa on June 5th, as part of the village's First Friday event. The outdoor showing is sponsored by the Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association. It's also in conjunction with the Ballston Spa Film Festival. And you can even get a Wonka Bar.
Organizers of the film festival expect to feature about forty short films. It takes place August 7th and 8th in Wiswall Park, Ballston Spa.