06/03/2026
June is here, which means the fesitval is right around the corner! Hear what Saratoga Jazz Festival Producer, Danny Melnick is getting excited about...
"I was interviewed by a prominent regional journalist yesterday for a piece on the jazz festival and he said, “I know we can talk about the music for hours, but I would like to know more about the totality of the festival because that’s what so exciting to me and my wife. We appreciate ‘everything’ about the scene there.”
I went on to explain how we are intentional about every aspect of the festival. The grounds, the layout, the set times between the two stages, the crafts, the food, the t-shirt and poster designs, the artist merchandise signing schedule, and so much more. Each individual part of the festival is tied to the others so that the audience has a seamless yet connected experience throughout the weekend.
We have over 50 craft fair vendors this year - from glassware to jewelry, clothes to pottery, home goods to natural beauty products and so much more. The craft fair has been curated and managed for years by Tim and Lisa Tobin. They spend months organizing this valuable asset and work to ensure the crafts "match the music.” You’ll know what I mean when you peruse the tents.
The food is a festival all its own. With a mix of local favorites and exciting new vendors serving everything from New Orleans-style BBQ from Mazzone Hospitality and fresh oysters from Franklin Square Market to international cuisine from Ginger Love Cafe, wood-fired pizza from Fierro’s Pizza, and plenty of savory and sweet treats.
And of course, the music. I was listening to a podcast this week with Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. He is producing Eddie 9V’s new album and said, “I just worked with Eddie Nine Volt on a new album and he is my guy. I think he carries the torch for Gregg Allman maybe even better than I do.” Eddie’s my guy too. My wife LOVES him and will be out there dancing with you during his set on Sunday, June 28.
The jazz festival draws the most diverse audience of the summer, and we celebrate this ‘radical act’ by having a good time, hearing great music, eating fabulous food and buying beautifully crafted goods from local and regional artisans.
This is community.
This is culture.
This is life.
This is jazz festival weekend.
See you there!"
Secure your spot for this year's Saratoga Jazz Festival June 27 & 28 -> https://spac.org/saratoga-performing-arts-center/saratoga-jazz-festival/
