Saratoga Performing Arts Center has announced that the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival, set for June 27-28, 2020, has been canceled due to coronavirus concerns. The event was to be headlined by Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Kool & the Gang, Cassandra Wilson and Taj Mahal. The festival had run for 42 consecutive years.

“After 42 consecutive years presenting one of the most exceptional jazz festivals in North America, to have to cancel the 2020 Festival is both heartbreaking and devastating. The loss of this event as an exuberant gathering of jazz-lovers is deeply painful – and the economic impact to SPAC, the community, and the many artists who were to perform is incalculable,” said Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center, in a press release.

“The cancellation of the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival is heartbreaking to us, the artists, the production crew and our dedicated audience but within the larger context of what we are dealing with personally, nationally and globally, is something we can ‘manage,’” said Danny Melnick, the festival producer and President of Absolutely Live Entertainment (via press release). “This festival began in 1978 and has been the longest continuously running jazz festival in the northeastern part of North America. We are working to create an online ‘festival’ experience and looking forward to returning to ’The Hang’ in 2021.”

In lieu of the event, and “in recognition of the festival’s importance to the city,” SPAC will partner with Caffé Lena to present Freihofer’s Jazz-Fest Stay at Home Sessions, “a series of live streamed performances over the festival weekend.” (Quotes via press release.) “Groups of no more than three will assemble on the Caffé Lena stage, giving audiences an opportunity to experience the musicians’ artistry, while also adhering to safety guidelines,” read a press release. “The full artist line-up, which will be announced at a later date, is slated to include a number of musicians from the Capital Region who have been affected by the pandemic.”

“In true Saratoga Community spirit, we are fortunate to be able to partner with Saratoga’s beloved Caffé Lena to bring live performances via the Caffé’s Stay at Home sessions platform,” said Sobol.

According the the same press release, “SPAC also announced an initiative to donate two tickets to first responders and local health care workers for performances during its 2021 season for every ticketholder of the 2020 festival who chooses to convert all or a minimum of $25 of their ticket purchase into a tax deductible donation.”

“SPAC depends on ticket sales and the generosity of individuals for 66% of its annual budget, therefore ticket donations will help to ensure the vitality of SPAC during these unprecedented times,” the release read.

Visit SPAC.org for more information or to exchange, donate or to request a refund.

For a full list of tours and festivals impacted by COVID-19 visit Relix.com/Coronavirus.