Saratoga’s New Year’s celebration: Yes music, but so much more

Oh, what a night! Saratoga New Year’s Fest wasn’t just about music, comedy, a block party or fireworks. It was about so much more – if you were paying attention.

The New Year’s Eve celebration started early – all weekend, even – but the majority of the acts were slated for the last day of 2023. If one were to attempt to start early and go through until midnight (or later), it meant a very long day as shows started at 2 p.m. and went long into the first day of the new year. It was a time to grab your sparkles but definitely wear comfortable shoes. 

I don’t know what it is about Saratoga Springs – maybe it’s the hometown feel or the Hallmark movie vibe, with its seasonally decorated storefronts – but it’s a perfect location for a night of celebratory entertainment. For a small fee, a button would get you admission to a variety of acts at various venues around the city. There was so much to do and see, one would never be able to catch everything. But you aren’t supposed to — the festival is designed to appeal to every palette. From local to regional and even national bands in a variety of genres, to comedy and even a children’s magic show, there was something for everyone. 

Universal Preservation Hall boasted the Gibson Brothers, a bluegrass and Americana band with lyrics from the heart so profound that if you were looking to reflect on the previous year and head into the new year with hope, this was the band you wanted to see. With wholesome songs about family, love, good friends and even driving, the brothers would transport you to a time in your own life when these same memories exist. Hudson Valley fiddler Sara Milonovich joined the Gibson Brothers for their set. 

We headed over to the block party where there was an outdoor stage just in front of the City Center. Outdoor stages in the freezing cold are not only cool but really just scream badass. Braving the winter elements – all bundled up, dancing to the grooves laid out by Tops of Trees, a funk rock band – not only felt like a New York thing to do, everything about it felt like a 518 thing to do. Tops of Trees took us right into the 6 p.m. fireworks show. The early display seems to be a big hit, as families, revelers, the old, the young and even a dog or two filled the streets, looking on with awe and joy. 

Time for a warm up. The City Center was the hub of sorts, especially as the night wore on. Those who splurged on a VIP pass were able to enjoy a sit-down dinner to wonderful flute and piano music. Aside from all the music and front-of-stage viewing, the dinner alone was worth the relatively inexpensive cost of the VIP ticket. Music filled our hearts, but the delicious, hot meal filled our bellies. 

The night was still young and already we had the sense that this event was bringing people together. Strangers sharing tables, random folks filling the streets just talking to other random folks they didn’t know, others sharing dances together – and smiles everywhere. “Happy New Year” was freely offered, as were hugs. Robert Randolph, Halfstep, Organ Fairchild – it was hard not to bounce from room to room, dancing on our tired yet happy feet. We headed back over to UPH to try to catch Toubab Krewe, an instrumental sonic creation of rock and African traditions. That’s where our global senses seemed to be tapped with every beat of the drums. 

We excitedly walked over to Putnam Place for the grand finale, Dogs in a Pile. Putnam Place was packed with a line outside the door waiting to see the band. In all honesty, while I have heard of Dogs in a Pile, I have never actually listened to their music. I was not only pleasantly surprised by their sound but I enjoyed them so much, I stayed much longer than I had intended. While I’m pretty sure they’re pigeonholed into the category of jam band, they very much rock ‘n’ roll pretty darn hard. I had mentioned to a couple of ladies in the bathroom that this was my first show and they were so excited that they “welcomed” me to the family. A great band is made even better when its core fan base is simply awesome.

Ten, nine, eight…three, two, one. The clock hit midnight. Balloons fell from the ceiling and Dogs in a Pile broke out with a rendition of “Auld Lang Syne.” It was time for me to head home. I walked over to coat check and my coat was gone. Yikes!

We searched everywhere for my coat. I wasn’t upset; these things happen, but it was definitely too cold to go anywhere without one. Someone in the band/crew had gotten word and stepped in. In an absolute act of kindness, that individual with the band made sure I would be protected from the cold. I was looked after by an angel. The message the universe sent was clear, and Dogs in a Pile packaged it up with warmth and love. It was the perfect way to start the new year. 

Everything had come together – community, service to others, kindness and love. That’s what this festival was about.