RECAP: Bela Fleck Trio @ Universal Preservation Hall, 10/2/2025

Words and Photography by Niki Kaos.

Universal Preservation Hall (UPH) kicked off the 2025 Saratoga Book Festival with a deliciously fresh and captivating trio. Antonio Sánchez (drums), Béla Fleck (banjo), and Edmar Castañeda (harp) took the stage to bring their May 2025 debut album, “BEATrio,” to life.

I never imagined the possibilities of those three instruments, but the combination proved thrilling with the thoughtful and ambitious compositions. The show brought the audience on an emotional journey of exquisite melodies syncopated with expert rhythmic dynamics and harmonic interplay.

It’s rare to see musicians of this caliber performing in such an intimate setting, and UPH handles the mix deftly. The energy is palpable and the audience rapt through a two-hour set spanning jazz, classical, and world music. While the trio let the music do most of the talking, they each took a turn to introduce their connection to this project, which was inspired by a desire for innovation and growth as musicians.

The audience gave a standing ovation at the conclusion of the show, and the night was truly something special. Keep an eye out for UPH’s schedule and consider becoming a member to support this treasure of a venue. They’ve got a great roster of events sure to appeal – and a welcoming venue to help both the performers and the audience feel right at home. https://atuph.org/

More from Universal Preservation Hall here …