Événement

First Night Saratoga 2020: A New Dimension

First Night Saratoga is one of the oldest and largest celebrations of its kind in the country. Now in its 23 year, First Night Saratoga, is a Saratoga Springs tradition. Every year, Saratoga Arts teams up with 30 partner venues, over 40 sponsors, 300+ artists, and 150 volunteers to present the largest New Years Eve celebration between New York City and Montreal. First Night Saratoga has something for everybody music in all genres, magic, mind arts, and more!

10,000+ revelers
The 5k roadrace at Skidmore College
Performances take place in 30 venues throughout Historic Downtown Saratoga Springs
70+ regional and touring acts performing live music and dance from 6pm to midnight!
Kids 12 and under are admitted for free
Free CDTA bus service

First Night Saratoga, this year, is forgoing the fireworks at midnight to instead present a "Digital Midnight" display that everybody can access via a unique url.

This year we are welcoming back First Night favorites from the past and stepping into a New Dimension with dozens of new artists from all over the region and beyond!

Throughout the evening at the City Center, First Night revelers will journey through time with the Joey Thomas Big Band, a Grammy-nominated swing group that plays everything from Big Band music of the 1930 and 40s to horn music of the 60s and 70sas well as classic rock and contemporary hits of today. They share the headlining stage with Wild Adriatic, a rowdy blues-rock band with an explosive live performance to keep the dance party going. Also, at the City Center, Saratogas legendary rock band The Figgs, pop-rock favorites Sirsy and high-school heavy metal band Reprise play side stages.

This years First Night theme is A New Dimension and the festival introduces a host of new acts to Saratoga Springs this year. Progressive string quartet Blind Crow, a crew of virtuoso pickers, brings their infectious rhythms, technical proficiency and insane energy to Caffè Lena. New York City's acclaimed Chinese Theater Works appear at Lake Avenue School to perform Tiger Tales, a shadow puppet performance drawing on Chinese folktales and literature. Over at the Saratoga Arts Gallery, DJ and emcee Sime Gezus warms up the crowd with chill beats.

Other acts bringing new energy and perspective to First Night 2020 include jazzy-funky jam band Lets Be Leonard and Tambourelli & Her SuperTrips, led by a vocalist with a powerful and captivating presence reminiscent of Janis Joplin. Guitarist and composer Nick Millevoi (John Zorn, Nels Cline) unveils his Desertion Trio, which fearlessly explores the history of instrumental electric guitar music. Drank the Gold is a new duo from Saratoga Springs with a rising reputation and an innovative take on traditional old-time North Atlantic folk music.

Returning acts this year include favorites the McKrells, one of the regions most influential and best-loved Celtic acts. The North & South Dakotas pay homage to the spirit of old-time American music and mountain folk with a harmony-rich sound. Robanic Reggae Band gets funky with a colorful range of Caribbean music, including old-school reggae, calypso and the latest dancehall sounds from Jamaica. And darkly nostalgic singer-songwriter Belle-Skinner brings her hauntingly beautiful pop to New Years Eve.

A budget-friendly $20 button provides admission to all of the performerswhich also includes surf music, storytelling, skateboarding demos, country line dancing, face painting, martial arts, tarot reading, barbershop singing, Shakespeare improv, punk and party bands, educational animal shows, Saratoga Youth Symphony and much more.

For information, maps, button sale locations and a full schedule of performers, visit Saratoga-arts.org. As of Dec. 1, buttons will be available at Saratoga Arts on 320 Broadway and at other area businesses, including select Price Chopper and Market 32 stores. First Night Saratoga is a kids-in-free eventone child aged 12 and under will be admitted free with each paid adult. Buttons can also be purchased in advance at Saratoga-arts.org.