Courtesy SPAC
The Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival was recognized for its landmark 40th anniversary by the State Legislature on April 25 in a joint resolution sponsored by Sen. Kathleen Marchione and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner.
Presented annually by Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) since 1978, the two-day festival is one of the longest running and most acclaimed events of its kind. Present for the occasion were Elizabeth Sobol, SPAC’s president and CEO; festival producer Danny Melnick, president of Absolutely Live Entertainment; and William Sullivan, director of sales for Freihofer’s Baking Co., the title sponsor of the festival since 1998.
“The 40th Anniversary of the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival is a milestone worth celebrating, not only for the longevity it represents, but for its contributions to this extraordinary, uniquely American art form, which marks its own 100th anniversary this year,” said Sobol.
“In each of those 40 years, this festival has showcased the jazz giants, innovators and rising talents whose music has kept the genre thriving, evolving and expanding to new audiences. At its most personal, this event has been, and continues to be, a meaningful and joyous part of the lives and memories of countless people, including many for whom it’s an annual tradition. It all adds up to an impressive legacy and one that grows with each new season,” she said.
The event is also an annual boost to tourism in the city.
The festival, originally titled the Newport Jazz Festival – Saratoga, was founded in 1978 by iconic jazz impresario George Wein, the creator of the celebrated Newport Jazz Festival, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and several other nationally recognized music events.
Dozens of jazz greats, past and present, have graced the festival stages over the years, including Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck Ella Fitzgerald, B.B. King, Ray Charles, Diana Krall, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Jack DeJohnette and Wynton Marsalis.
“The Saratoga Jazz Festival has a rich history with a deeply committed audience,” said Melnick, a protégé of Wein. “We have successfully maintained our cultural relevance, while still throwing a fantastic party, by presenting the best artists in jazz, blues, soul, Latin, funk and beyond. Our 40th festival will celebrate that amazing legacy.”
“It is an honor commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival. In speaking about jazz, Louis Armstrong once said ‘What we play is life.’ And it is true. Jazz reflects and enriches our lives. Jazz music is the rhythm and melody of America, an art form that is uniquely American and as much an indelible, indispensable part of our great nation’s cultural character as mom and apple pie,” said Marchione, a member of member of the Senate’s Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation Committee.
“This festival is one of the many reasons why the Saratoga Performing Arts Center has been and remains such a popular destination for local residents and tourists alike, and has been important in sustaining the Saratoga Springs community’s vibrant artistic culture,” said Woerner.
William Sullivan, Freihofer’s director of sales, lauded the resolution, stating the anniversary “is an extraordinary milestone and one we look forward to celebrating. We are tremendously proud of our role as the long-standing sponsor of this iconic event, a partnership that recognizes the roots of the Freihofer brand, as well as a broader commitment to investing in the quality of life of our communities.”
The milestone 2017 festival takes place June 24 and 25. For information visit spac.org.