Newswise — SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY (February 7, 2017)— Skidmore College is pleased to announce the Stewart’s Signature Series, a lineup of premier music and arts events to be held during the summer of 2017.

The Stewart’s Signature Series performances are made possible through a generous grant from Stewart’s Shops and the Dake family. Beginning in May, the Stewart’s Signature Series will feature a series of world-class performances held on the Skidmore campus in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Saturday May 13, 8 p.m., Arthur Zankel Music Center, Ladd Hall: A concert by The Manhattan Transfer, an American a cappella, jazz fusion/pop music group founded in 1969. With accolades, awards, and almost 30 albums, the power of Manhattan Transfer is ageless in its breathtaking vocal abilities, strong musicianship, and exciting live shows. Its version of “Birdland” remains a modern classic. Tickets are $55/$45, available at skidmore.edu/zankel.

Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3, 7:30 p.m., Bernhard Theater: Suzuki Company of Toga, Japan, presents The Trojan Women. Named for its founder, Tadashi Suzuki, the Suzuki Company of Toga (SCOT) marked its 50th anniversary in 2015. Since their first overseas performance at the Théâtre des Nations Festival in Paris in 1972, the company has performed in more than 84 cities and 31 countries. Tadashi Suzuki was the founder of Japan’s first international theater festival (Toga Festival), and the creator of the Suzuki Method of actor training. He and Anne Bogart co-founded the SITI Company, originally known as the Saratoga International Theater Company, which will hold its 25th annual summer workshop to coincide with the SCOT performances.

Thursday, June 15, 7:30 p.m., Arthur Zankel Music Center, Ladd Hall: A special performance by Stephen Petronio Company. Acclaimed by audiences and critics alike, Petronio is widely regarded as one of the leading dance-makers of his generation. New music, visual art and fashion collide in Petronio’s dances, and he has built a body of work with some of the most provocative composers and artists in the world. Founded in 1984, the company has performed in 26 countries throughout the world, including over 40 New York City engagements with 22 seasons at the Joyce Theater. Petronio’s accolades include a Guggenheim Fellowship, an American Choreographer Award, and a New York Dance and Performance “Bessie” Award. Petronio and visual artist Janine Antoni are in residence at Skidmore College as the 2016–17 Don and Judy McCormack Endowed Visiting Artist-Scholars. Their exhibit, Entangle, is currently at the Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery.

Saturday, July 22, 7:30 p.m., Arthur Zankel Music Center: Selected Shorts will be performed live on the Skidmore Campus. Described as “spellbinding short stories by established and emerging writers which take on a new life when they are performed by stars of the stage and screen,” the weekly radio program is broadcast on over 150 public radio stations to over 300,000 listeners. Each episode represents a unique theme, featuring stories that are fictional, sometimes classic, sometimes new, but always performed by great actors from stage, screen and television who bring the short stories to life. Evenings are often co-hosted by writers, literary producers and other interesting characters. This program will coincide with the New York State Summer Writers Institute held at Skidmore.

Skidmore College’s summer program offers 12 weeks of world-class dance, music, theater, film, studio art and literary readings by internationally renowned artists-in-residence. The program provides extraordinary performances and special opportunities offering an intimate look into the creative process. Additional events and ticketing information for 2017 events will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Saratoga Springs is blessed with a wide array of live interactive entertainment, making our community truly unique in a world where so many are limiting their attention to their screens. We are proud to support the Stewart’s Signature Series at Skidmore which will bring exceptional performers to our community while reinforcing Skidmore as a cultural resource for everyone,” said Susan Law Dake, Skidmore Class of ’71, president of the Stewart’s Foundation.

Bill Dake, chairman of the board at Stewart’s Shops, continued, “Stewart’s and the Dake family are proud to support Skidmore’s contribution to Saratoga’s arts community. Saratoga’s eclectic mix of live events from horse racing and polo, theater and opera, to dance and music of all kinds makes our city unique, and Stewart’s Signature Series will be a major part of the summer experience in Saratoga Springs this year. We strongly encourage Saratogians, and residents of the greater Capital Region, to seize the opportunity to attend these unique arts performances at Skidmore.”

For additional information, please visit www.skidmore.edu/zankel, www.skidmore.edu/summertheater or call 518-580-5321.