You Can Catch a Nap on the Lawn; But Don’t Go To Sleep On Hanging On the Lawn
SARATOGA SPRINGS – They come every year, from Central New York and other places. They come to pay homage to the one they lost.
And to toast his memory.
You can find them on the lawn. It’s not hard, they’re hardly hiding. And they are worth looking for.
For they are a great story, one of many you’ll find spread across the Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s lawn’s expanse… real people with real stories.
You don’t have to dig very deep to find them, but you have to dig…
You dig?
Find these people today and say hello. If you are 21+ they might offer you a drink… or dance with you!
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For this is a day for the people. Local people and people from everywhere. Here to relax, hang and groove. People of all types, united for one weekend’s oasis, in a respite from the grind of life. Interesting people with interesting character. Like my pal here:
Evidently, a future HOF spinner. I predicted he will be famous on the World Wide Web – and now he is.
End to end, you see people you know, and just as importantly – people you are glad to meet:
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Like Pitmaster Ryan, a local from the West Side: “The West Side is the best side!” he says with relish. Today was warm, but Ryan was smoking, and grilling and steaming – holding down the New Orleans/Cajun BBQ tent near the Hall of Springs. WELL worth a visit, and reasonably priced for what you get. Consider yourself touted.
A well-timed flip!
Experienced grillers know that the sauce is held till the end – just before serving – dig in!
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Speaking of digging, I truly dig this:
Destination: Gazebo!
Pardon my French – but Holy Crap! As far as i’m concerned, they could hold the whole Jazz Festival right here, and it would be fine with me…
… and I guess I’m not alone!
Well, of course they need the big stage for the mega-megas like Chaka and the Gypsy Kings at night, but during the day I cannot fathom why anyone would not want to spend serious time here. The new gazebo is a significant upgrade – in acoustics, in everything. Here is where you will see the rising stars, and also jazz at both it’s purest and cutting-edgiest. You might need a nap after Pitmaster Ryan’s BBQ, but don’t go to sleep on a trip to the Gazebo. Consider yourself touted twice.
Two professionals, shot by one hack: Nippertown’s Andrzej Pilarczyk (L.) and Saratoga Living’s Lawrence White.
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I think I am finding my center, and so are they…
Of course, one who is totally centered is Saratoga’s self-proclaimed “Governor” Angie Jones – who always takes time from her “official” duties to greet her adoring public.
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As night falls, a new wave of people – long-time friends and new ones – take time to say hi whilst selling souvenirs or scurrying to their seats for Chaka Khan…
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Oh BTW, there was music – pretty good actually…
… but, I have to leave something for the rest of the media to talk about, don’t I?
There’s no doubt in my mind that I got the best of this deal. I’m looking forward to seeing the Ray Charles tribute and The Gypsy Kings today, but if I see you, don’t be surprised if it’s on the lawn. If I do, trust me – it will be my pleasure, indeed.
Arthur Gonick
June 25, 2017
