Written By Wendy Hobday Haugh | Photos provided by Pat McBride-Friesen
Jim Gaudet & the Railroad Boys make the good times roll at Pat’s.
For Saratoga resident Patricia McBride-Friesen, the secret to happiness lies in surrounding herself with things she loves . . . like music, literature, and enlightening conversation! Since April 2018, this gracious supporter of the arts has been hosting Literary and Music Salons in her personal living room and rooftop terrace, inviting guests to experience the arts in a truly unique and intimate setting.
Drawing from the Capital District’s wealth of talent and the countless creatives who visit our regional venues, McBride-Friesen works year-round to schedule vocalists, instrumentalists, ensembles, and bands to perform for her warm and welcoming audiences. “My radar is always up,” she says, “searching for new performers and speakers. I’m continually planning and scheduling upcoming seasons.”
Literary events abound, too, including talks by well-known academics, novelists, poets, cartoonists, and investigative journalists. In 2021, when the pandemic struck, McBride-Friesen quickly pivoted to create SalonZ by Zoom. Thrilled to discover that these online events were being enjoyed by people throughout the States and abroad, she decided to continue her SalonZ programs indefinitely.
McBride-Friesen patterns her modern-day salons after the 17th century French Salons, gatherings organized by aristocratic French ladies to encourage intellectual life through robust conversation, literary criticism, and political discourse. “I’d always been fascinated and intrigued by salons and the endless possibilities they might offer. Gertrude Stein held salons in her Paris apartment and hosted amazing authors and artists, including Hemingway, Picasso, and Fitzgerald.”
McBride-Friesen’s very first Literary Salon, christened Literature & Libations, featured author Lawrence Dudley and his debut novel, New York Station. A year later, singer/guitarist Tim Wechgelaer headlined her first Music Salon. “After seeing my friends’ positive reaction to my literary salons, I reached out to Joel Brown, former Music Director at Skidmore College, and asked if he thought I was crazy to consider doing music salons. Joel loved the idea and has performed for us several times, both with the Finger Lakes Classical Guitar Quartet and as a duo with fellow singer/guitarist Dave Maswick.”
Originally from San Antonio, TX, Patricia McBride-Friesen moved to Saratoga County in 1980. “My passion for the arts and literature has developed over the years,” she muses. “I wasn’t really raised to appreciate those areas, but I made sure my two sons were exposed to the arts, played instruments, and developed an appreciation for the arts. I am not a writer or musician—I cannot read a note of music! But I am an avid supporter and lover of musicians and authors of all genres, and I have a passion for bringing people together and making creative community connections.”
Since 2018, this dedicated, innovative organizer has hosted over 175 salons, with many more to come. “The experience of organizing and hosting my salons,” she notes, “has far exceeded anything I could have imagined six years ago.”
Typically, each Music Salon attendee is asked to contribute $20, all of which goes to the performers as an honorarium. Over time, however, McBride-Friesen has become keenly aware that many musicians travel great distances to attend her salons. “One even comes from Brazil,” she explains, “and I feel they all deserve greater compensation for their willingness to share their talents with a small group, out of the pure love of performing their craft. To bolster my Music Fund and help defray these travel expenses, I am planning a special fundraising event.”
On Friday, June 14th, from 4-8 PM, McBride-Friesen will host an unforgettable night of Cuban music on her enchanting rooftop lounge under the stars. World-renowned musicians Jorge Gomez, keyboard and vocals, and William A. Rodriguez, percussion and vocals, will headline the event. Both musicians are members of two bands: Tiempo Libre, the 3-times Grammy-nominated Afro-Caribbean band founded and directed by Jorge Gomez, and Alta Havana, Gomez’s Saratoga-based Cuban band.
A VIP Social Hour from 4-5:15 PM will feature a special signature cocktail created exclusively for this event by Lisa Elovich, founder of One with Life Tequila. VIP tickets are $35 per person. General admission ($20 per person) opens at 5:30.
“I’ve asked local businesses for donations for a number of really exciting drawings,” McBride-Friesen enthuses, “including a music-themed beaded bag from Heidi West’s Lifestyles of Saratoga, a $150 gift certificate to Brendan Dillon and Dennis Kiingati’s Hamlet & Ghost, and a $300 guided tasting for two at The Bocage Champagne Bar, courtesy of owners Zac Denham and Clark Gale.” Tickets for these and many other prizes will be available for $10/1, $15/2, and $20/3. Winning tickets will be drawn by Jorge Gomez and William Rodriguez following their 6 PM performance.
So, why not start off your summer season with an amazing musical adventure in a star-studded Saratoga setting? On June 14th, head to Patricia McBride-Friesen’s rooftop paradise to enjoy two world-class musicians . . . and the world’s most welcoming hostess!
To learn more about upcoming salons and Pat’s special music fundraiser, call (518) 223-3077 or email