Come Explore Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga on New Year’s Eve -By: Niki Kaos

From outside the lovingly restored building, you can see the stained-glass windows glowing with subtle neon hues. The caliber of the tech inside Universal Preservation Hall is only surpassed by the quality of acts that come to Saratoga to experience performing in upstate New York’s recent addition to the mid-size concert venue offerings. And this is a delight for the audience, as you have the chance to experience some incredible musicians in an intimate, comfortable setting. 

Originally constructed in 1871 as a Methodist church, the impressive space operated as a church until the building could no longer be maintained and was ultimately condemned. UPH began its remarkable transformation when it was rescued by a group of Saratoga Springs residents in 2000. As the scope of the project grew, and the vision for raising the funding to create a world class, state of the art music venue became clear, UPH joined the Proctors Collaborative in 2015. With renovations completed in early 2020, this state-of-the-art facility has welcomed performers and events that are diverse, engaging and entertaining.

The program scheduled for New Year’s Eve is no exception – as we have headliner Jeffrey Gaines taking the stage at 9pm. You can check out our recent RRX interview with Jeffrey here. He promises an intimate solo performance that builds from communicating with his audience. “When I play solo, I incorporate the moment. It’s very specific to each night. That night will be that night. Unlike any other night. And me and that audience – me and that group of people assembled will make it up as we go. Because I’ll be feeling the energy so directly and it’s free enough to go wherever that takes us as a collective.” And “Either way, it’s really going to be fun.”

Starting off the night at 7pm, UPH will host local jazz favorite The Keith Pray Band, bringing his versatility with saxophone and organ to the stage. Extensively touring through Europe and long residencies in NYC have Keith’s chops right on point. And as a Capital Region resident, he invests his experience into his community and is a high school and college jazz band music teacher in addition to being highly sought out for private instruction and recording gigs. 

UPH is excited to have emerging artist Cait Devin to the stage at 8pm. This bright young star has a voice and guitar skills lightyears ahead of her age. Ranging from bluesy guitar to shredding solos, her songwriting dances across genres effortlessly. She’s bringing her unique and smoldering style to the stage for the first time at UPH. 

UPH has partnered with Saratoga New Year’s Fest to bring this exciting music to you as part of the venues included with your admission on New Year’s Eve. For $20 you can enjoy the music and explore one of the Capital Region’s newest treasures. Tickets will be available at the venue day of show. Note: This will be an alcohol-free venue.