Tang Museum’s Upbeat on the Roof kicks off July 11

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College is kicking off its annual free Upbeat on the Roof summer concert series on Thursday, July 11, with a collaboration performance.

The summer’s first performance, which starts at 6 p.m., is called “The Future of Broadway.” It will feature contemporary showtunes from works-in-progress, including an upcoming theatrical version of the 2012 feature film “Safety Not Guaranteed.” The performance is a collaboration with The Orchard Project, a theater and performance incubator in residence at Skidmore.

Featured artists for the performance include Guster’s Ryan Miller and Nick Blaemire and composers-in-residence Jesse J. Sanchez and Anna DeNoia.

The Orchard Project’s summer residency includes nurturing new works for musical theater with an eye on Broadway. “Safety Not Guaranteed” will have a major production this fall in New York City.

As part of Upbeat on the Roof, the Tang presents the return of Crafts on the Grass. Museum educators will offer art-making activities for kids starting at 5:30 p.m. A different craft project will be available each week. All projects are suitable for children ages 5 and up, with adult supervision. Materials will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Admission is free. Visitors are invited to bring blankets, camping chairs, food, and drink to picnic on the lawn. Craft kits will be available at 5:30 p.m.; concerts begin at 6 p.m. The Tang galleries will be open before and after the concerts. In the case of inclement weather, the art-making activities and concerts will be held inside the museum.

Upbeat on the Roof 2024 schedule:

• July 11: Future of Broadway — Contemporary showtunes from works-in-progress, presented in conjunction with The Orchard Project

• July 18: Great Mutations — Indie rock

• July 25: Dust Bowl Faeries — Dark cabaret

• Aug. 1: Drank the Gold — Contemporary traditional Irish and American tunes

• Aug. 8: Dan Carr and the Cure for Asthma — Indie rock

• Aug. 15: Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band — Americana

For more information, please call the Visitors Services Desk at 518-580-8080 or visit https://tang.skidmore.edu/visit.