Troy, NY - The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall rolls out a dynamite 2007-2008 season sure to please the pallets of classical, jazz, world and acoustic music fans with such stand-out performers as James Earl Jones, Queen Latifah, The Empire Brass, Leo Kottke and more.
Once again, the Music Hall is proud to partner with WMHT to present the entire 2007-08 Classical Concert Series and with the New York State Council on the Arts, A State Agency.
* connotes Special Event. FF connotes family friendly.
Here’s the season to date:
JAMES EARL JONES IN “POETRY I LOVE TO READâ€*
Saturday, October 13 at 8 p.m. - $53/$49
One of the most distinctive voices of our time stops at the Hall in this exclusive engagement. As a child, the power of poetry helped him overcome a crippling stutter. Now this Tony Award winning actor and Oscar nominee will read his favorite poems aloud, weaving them into a vivid tapestry of images, sounds. Join him on this journey into the poetry of Frost, Whitman, Poe and others. An exceptional evening with an extraordinary man.
PAT METHENY TRIO*WITH CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE AND ANTONIO SANCHEZ
Thursday, October 18 at 8 p.m. - $54/$49
One of the brightest stars of the jazz community and winner of 16 Grammys, guitarist Pat Metheny has reinvented the traditional “jazz guitar†sound for a whole new generation of players. Metheny and his trio play with great depth, beauty and complexity, pushing the limit in composition and performance. This trio has blown away audiences the world over!
ANÚNA “It was Anúna which gave Riverdance gravity†--Elvis Costello
Saturday, October 20 at 8 p.m. - $32/$29
What do Riverdance and Celtic Woman have in common? Anúna… where it all started. This Irish chorale ensemble creates music that is pulsating, hair-raising, emotional, mystical and unusual. Having appeared with such notable artists as the Chieftains, Sting, and Elvis Costello, they now have their own PBS special. Their music touches the soul & creates a lyrical atmosphere that enthralls.
QUEEN LATIFAH*
Friday, October 26 at 8 p.m. - $85/$79
Singing songs from her upcoming new album Trav’lin’ Light, Queen Latifah is backed by a killer 13-piece big band for a swinging evening of jazz classics, along with a little blues, pop and R&B, presented with plenty of sass. Versatile & talented, this Oscar nominated movie star (for Chicago) and Grammy nominated singer can do it all! Don’t miss this command performance by the Queen.
SPANISH HARLEM ORCHESTRA
“…all righteous pleasure, with booming brass and vocal improvisations.†-- NY Times
Thursday, November 8 at 8 p.m. - $28/$25
Come hear songs off their new critically acclaimed CD “United We Stand,†as the Grammy award winning orchestra—directed by world-renowned pianist, arranger, and producer Oscar Hernández—reintroduce the classic sounds of retro-style salsa to the Capital District. This is music to dance to, fiery Latin beats at their best! Nov 8
SONGS OF THE SPIRIT
Saturday, November 17 at 8 p.m. - $40/$37 FF
For one night only… we are the world, presenting a unified voice amidst the confusion of global society today. Featuring over 70 musicians, this extraordinary program brings together popular music and spoken word performances with traditional sacred music of diverse faiths and cultures.
Featured artists: Kenya’s Shangilia Children’s Choir, the legendary Odetta, South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela and jazz trombonist Craig Harris, the Tibetan Monks of the Druepung Loseling Monastery, and from The Klezmatics, special guests Frank London and Lorin Sklamberg.
GEORGE WINSTON
Wednesday, December 5 at 8 p.m. - $30/$27
This consummate contemporary composer and performer, best known for his melodic rural folk piano style, returns to The Hall in a solo piano concert featuring songs from his latest CD “Gulf Coast Blues and Impressions—A Hurricane Relief Benefit†as well as selections from his seasonal favorites, New Orleans R& B piano, and stride piano. His dramatic blend of R&B, jazz, blues, pop and folk make his compositions and interpretations dynamic and moving.
EMPIRE BRASS HOLIDAY CONCERT
“They simply have no competition when it comes to the beauty and clarity and accuracy and balance and interaction of their playing….†--Boston Globe
Wednesday, December 19 at 8 p.m. - $32/$29
Don’t miss North America’s finest brass ensemble, renowned for its brilliant virtuosity and unparalleled diversity of its repertoire. From Bach and Handel, to jazz and Broadway, Empire Brass easily transverses these musical genres to create a fun, unique and musically brilliant evening of entertainment. Soar, sing and swing! Special Guest: Douglas Majors, organist
LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO FF
Saturday, January 19 at 8 p.m. - $30/$27
Guardians of indigenous South African music and dance, Ladysmith Black Mambazo return to the Hall for an uplifting a cappella performance. Winners of numerous accolades, including two Grammy award nominations for their 2006 CD “Long Walk to Freedomâ€, Ladysmith has influenced musicians and amazed audiences worldwide with their deft mix of politics, personal experience and artistry.
BILLY CHILDS JAZZ-CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
Friday, January 25 at 8 p.m. - $27/$24
We got a taste of his Grammy winning genius when he joined Chris Botti for two sold out shows at The Hall. Pianist and composer Childs revolutionized the concept of modern jazz composition with a unique six piece ensemble that mixes harp and woodwinds with traditional jazz instruments, blending jazz and classical music into one cohesive form without compromising either form. Complex and edgy, it is a fantastic night for jazz.
LE MYSTERE DES VOIX BULGARES
“One of my favorite records of the last five years.†- Pat Metheny
“They’re like angels… exceptionally pure, really polished. Our song “Uncle John’s Band†was inspired by the village music of Bulgaria.†- Jerry Garcia, The Grateful Dead
Saturday, February 9 at 8 p.m. - $30/$27
With their bell-like voices that float lightly through space, this Grammy award winning Bulgarian female folk choir has perfected their signature blend of six-part a cappella. Dressed in traditional costumes, yet using modern arrangements, the sound they produce has been described as mystic and hypnotic. Performing songs that highlight their beautiful timbres and irregular rhythms, their performance leaves the listener breathless.
QUARTET SAN FRANCISCO’S WHIRLED CHAMBER MUSIC WITH TANGO - DANCERS SANDOR & PARISSA FF
New York City International Tango Competition – Grand Prize Winner! – 2004
Friday, February 29 at 8 p.m. - $29/$25
Breathing new life into chamber music, QSF creates a passionate evening of world chamber music and tango dancing! With double Grammy awards on the shelf for their latest release, Látigo, Quartet San Francisco offers up a musical mix of genre-bending styles that defy all preconceptions. Called “virtuosic and engaging, passionate and sincere, playful and non-traditional,†this is an evening of superb entertainment.
YUNDI LI
“vivid and enormous…And he has the kind of keyboard touch in which tones don't so much sound as speak.†-- The New York Times
Sunday, March 16 at 7 p.m. - $35/$32
At 18, Yundi Li was the youngest pianist ever to win the Gold Medal at the Frederic Chopin Competition in Warsaw. Since that triumphant performance, this talented virtuoso’s career has exploded and The Hall is thrilled to present this poetic and passionate player. Known for his brilliant interpretations of Chopin and Liszt, his recital program will also include works by Berg, Ravel, Ginastera and Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.â€
LEO KOTTKE
Saturday, April 12 at 8 p.m. - $29/$26
For nearly four decades, 6- & 12-string guitar virtuoso Kottke has dazzled audiences with his amazing fingerstyle approach. His skills as a guitarist and composer are universally acclaimed and he has worked with an eclectic array of musicians, from Doc Watson and Lyle Lovett to Phish bassist Mike Gordon. Audacious, intelligent, and good-humored, his music defies traditional categories and is, simply put, a delight to hear.
RICKY SKAGGS & BRUCE HORNSBY WITH KENTUCKY THUNDER*
Thursday, April 17 at 8 p.m. - $48/$42
Twelve-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Skaggs, known as one of bluegrass music's most recognized ambassadors, teams up with virtuoso pianist, singer-songwriter, and Grammy winner Bruce Hornsby for an amazing evening featuring music from their brand new chart-topping duo album. Backed by the hard-driving Kentucky Thunder, they draw from deep roots in mountain music – adding Hornsby's piano and inimitable songwriting skills to the core bluegrass lineup of mandolin, guitar, bass, fiddle, and banjo. Combining originals, traditional songs, re-invented ballads, like Hornsby’s Mandolin Rain, and their own rave-up interpretation of Rick James Superfreak, their live concert is sure to be one of the highlights of the coming season.
KEVIN LOCKE NATIVE DANCE ENSEMBLE FF
Saturday, April 19 at 8 p.m. - $29/$26
Whirling hoops and ornate costumes combine with high energy ritualistic dancing for a dazzling celebration of the diverse American Indian tradition. Representing the Lakota, Anishinabe, Comanche, Choctaw, Ojibwe and Oneida tribes, this ensemble of champions interweaves a rich variety of traditions and aesthetics in dance, instrumentals, song, storytelling, sign language and audience interaction. Bring the entire family!
Tickets go on sale to members on Monday, August 6. Single tickets go on sale August 20. Tickets can be purchased at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Box Office, 30 Second Street, Troy, Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. Orders are accepted in person and via phone at (518) 273-0038 and via facsimile at (518) 273-1564. The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall’s season schedule is available at www.troymusichall.org.
The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, named a National Historic Landmark in 1989, is in use over 150 days a year. Since it opened its doors in 1875, the Hall has hosted performances by numerous world-renowned artists including Marion Anderson, Dizzy Gillespie, Pete Seeger, Ella Fitzgerald, Isaac Stern, Yo-Yo Ma, Henri Vieuxtemps, Ignace Jan Paderewski, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Jose Iturbi, Vladimir Horowitz, Yehudi Menuhin, and Artur Rubenstein, among many others.
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Friday Front Porch Feature: This Luxury Home Has Plenty of Amenities
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
LENOX, Mass. — Are you looking for a big house to enjoy your days with a big movie theater, a sauna, and more? Then this is the house for you.
Built in 2004, this seven-bedroom, and nine-bathroom home is 7,073 square feet on more than an acre. The home comes with an elevator to the lower level to access a theater, sauna, gym, wine cellar, massage room, and its very own soda fountain.
The home also has a guest house with a saltwater pool. A multi-car garage greets you with heated floors.
The this home is listed for $4,950,000 and is located in the 125-acre, gated Pinecroft compound.
We spoke to Leslie Chesloff, the listing agent with William Pitt Sotheby's.
What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?
Chesloff: This gated Berkshire stone estate truly redefines luxury living in the Berkshires. What sets it apart is the rare combination of resort-style amenities and complete privacy. The property offers Canyon Ranch-level wellness living with a full spa experience at home — including a sauna, massage room, and gym — plus an eight-seat hi-def theater with wine cellar for entertaining. The heated, gunite saltwater pool and spa are complemented by a fully equipped pool house with a guest suite and complete kitchen, perfect for extended family or guests.
What was your first impression when you walked into the home?
The moment you step inside, you're struck by the quality and craftsmanship — those 300-year-old reclaimed timber floors set an immediate tone of authenticity and warmth. The scale is impressive but never overwhelming; this is a home designed for gracious living, not just show. The natural light, cathedral ceilings, and thoughtful flow between spaces create an inviting atmosphere that balances grandeur with genuine comfort.
How would you describe the feel or atmosphere of this home?
This home feels like a private wellness retreat meets sophisticated family estate. There's a serene, spa-like quality throughout — enhanced by features like the sauna, steam shower, and massage room — but it never feels clinical or cold. The Berkshire stone exterior and reclaimed timber floors ground the home in a sense of place and permanence. It's designed for people who appreciate the finer things but want to actually live well — whether that's screening a film in the eight-seat theater with wine from your own cellar, hosting poolside gatherings, or simply unwinding in your own spa sanctuary.
What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?
This is perfect for the discerning buyer who values wellness, privacy, and culture in equal measure. I envision someone who spends their days hiking or exploring the Berkshires, then comes home to unwind in the sauna or pool. They might entertain guests in the theater wine room, host multi-generational gatherings with family staying in the pool house guest suite (which has a full kitchen), and appreciate being minutes from Tanglewood, world-class dining, and Berkshire arts.
This could be an executive looking for a primary residence with work-from-home flexibility (there's an office/bedroom suite), a wellness-focused family, or empty nesters who want to host adult children and grandchildren in style and comfort.
What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?
Picture Saturday morning: you're sipping coffee on the terrace overlooking your heated saltwater pool, planning a day at Tanglewood. Your guests are making breakfast in the pool house kitchen — they have their own private retreat but are steps away when you're ready to gather. Evening arrives, and you screen a favorite film in your eight-seat theater, selecting a perfect bottle from your wine cellar. This isn't just a home; it's a lifestyle that brings resort-level wellness, entertainment, and hospitality to your doorstep — all within a secure, maintenance-free compound where nature meets luxury.
Are there any standout design features or recent renovations?
Absolutely. The home includes an elevator for multilevel accessibility, which is both practical and forward-thinking. The lower level is exceptionally well-conceived — a true entertainment and wellness wing featuring the eight-seat hi-def theater, wine cellar, sauna, gym, massage room, and even a charming soda fountain. The gourmet kitchen has been recently updated, customized wet bar, while outdoor living is elevated with the heated gunite saltwater pool/spa, firepit, and that incredible pool house with guest suite and full kitchen. Also, new HVAC system and heated driveway.
Thoughtful details like cedar closets, steam showers, central vacuum, and backup generator show this home was built to the highest standards.
You can find out more about this house on its listing here.
*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.
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