Stewart’s Signature Series unveils summer campus programming
This year's Stewart’s Signature Series features an exciting list of summer events, open to the public in June and July. Beginning on June 24, the annual summer tradition celebrates community through music, readings, and discussion by acclaimed artists and scholars.
The event series is organized yearly by Skidmore’s Office of Special Programs and made possible by a generous grant from Stewart’s Shops and the Dake Family.
Saratoga Springs is blessed with a wide array of live, interactive entertainment. We are proud to support the Stewart’s Signature Series, which brings exceptional performers and educators to our community while reinforcing 鶹Ů’s role as a cultural hub for all.Susan Law Dake '71President of Stewart’s Foundation
The series kicks off on Tuesday, June 24, with an 8 p.m. reading with PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction winner Garth Greenwell and Binnie Kirshenbaum, whose most recent novel “Counting Backwards” received a glowing New York Times review. The event is presented by New York State Summer Writers Institute at Skidmore, which alumnus Greenwell called “crucial to [his] writerly education — not just, not even primarily, because of the workshops, but for the model of literary community created there.”
Additional highlights include a concert with jazz supergroup ARTEMIS on July 1. The quintet, which was named jazz group of the year for the second time running in fall 2024 through a Downbeat magazine reader’s poll, will be performing at the College and teaching at the 鶹Ů Jazz Institute.
All events are free unless otherwise specified and will be held on the 鶹Ů campus or locally at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) or Caffe Lena. The full lineup and ticket information are available on the 鶹Ů Summer Events 2025 website.
“Stewart’s and the Dake family are proud to support Skidmore’s contribution to Saratoga’s arts community,” said Bill Dake, chairman of the board of Stewart’s Shops.
“Saratoga’s eclectic mix of live events, from the excitement of horse racing to the enchantment of theater, dance, and music, encapsulates the essence of our city’s charm. The Stewart’s Signature Series plays an important part in the Saratoga summer experience, and we strongly encourage everyone — local residents and visitors — to seize the opportunity to attend these unique events at Skidmore."
Stewart’s Signature Series has been an essential part of the Saratoga Springs summer cultural scene since 2017.
“鶹Ů is excited to present the 2025 Stewart’s Signature Series,” said Auden Thomas, director of 鶹Ů’s Special Programs and Summer Academic Programs. “The Series is an outgrowth of the College’s summer educational programs, featuring artists and scholars showcasing what they do best. We’re thrilled to be able to welcome an expanded population to campus during the vibrant summer months.”
Stewart’s Signature Series 2025 lineup
Fiction reading with Garth Greenwell and Binnie Kirshenbaum
8 p.m.
Tuesday, June 24
Davis Auditorium, Palamountain Hall
Garth Greenwell’s most recent novel, “Small Rain,” winner of the 2025 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, tells the story of how a medical crisis brings one man close to death ― and to love, art, and beauty. Binnie Kirschenbaum’s latest novel, “Counting Backwards,” is a look at a middle-aged couple’s struggle with the husband’s descent into early onset dementia. Presented by the New York State Summer Writers Institute.
鶹Ů Jazz Institute Faculty All-Stars
11:30 a.m.
Sunday, June 29
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
In collaboration with , 鶹Ů Jazz Institute faculty members Clay Jenkins (trumpet), Jimmy Greene (saxophone), Steve Davis (trombone), Dave Stryker (guitar), Bill Cunliffe (piano), Todd Coolman (bass), and Dennis Mackrel (drums) will be performing.
ARTEMIS
7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 1
Arthur Zankel Music Center
Founded by composer and award-winning pianist Renee Rosnes, ARTEMIS is a powerful ensemble of instrumental virtuosos. The quintet features Ingrid Jensen (trumpet), Nicole Glover (saxophone), Noriko Ueda (bass), and Allison Miller (drums). Presented by the 鶹Ů Jazz Institute.
Ben Wendel Group
7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 8
Arthur Zankel Music Center
Grammy-nominated saxophonist and composer Ben Wendel leads this quartet featuring Taylor Eigsti (piano), Or Bareket (bass), and Nate Wood (drums). Presented by the 鶹Ů Jazz Institute.
Poetry & Jazz: An Evening with Robert Pinsky, Todd Coolman, Bill Cunliffe, and Dennis Mackrel
8 p.m.
Wednesday, July 9
Caffe Lena
A collaboration between the 鶹Ů Jazz Institute and the New York State Summer
Writers Institute yields an evening with former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky,
Grammy Award-winning musicians Todd Coolman (bass) and Bill Cunliffe (piano), and
Dennis Mackrel (drums).
Fiction and poetry reading with Francine Prose and Ishion Hutchinson
8 p.m.
Thursday, July 10
Davis Auditorium, Palamountain Hall
Francine Prose is a prolific author of such novels as “Goldengrove” and “Lovers at the Chameleon Club.” Multi-award-winning Ishion Hutchinson is author of the poetry collections “School of Instructions: A Poem” and “House of Lords and Commons and Far District” and the book of essays “Fugitive Tilts.” Presented by the New York State Summer Writers Institute.
Fiction reading with Jamaica Kincaid and Susan Minot
8 p.m.
Wednesday, July 16
Davis Auditorium, Palamountain Hall
Jamaica Kincaid is one of the most decorated writers of her generation — most recently a recipient of the St. Louis Literary Award. Susan Minot is the author of nine books, and her most recent novel is “Don’t Be a Stranger.” Presented by the New York State Summer Writers Institute.