Shaken & Stirred celebrates 10th anniversary

Be a part of the biggest Saratoga party helping ignite creativity in local students

SARATOGA SPRINGS – What began as a simple effort to keep the lights on has evolved into a full-blown celebration of creativity, community, and connection.

When Shaken & Stirred first launched, its mission was straightforward: raise enough money to keep Universal Preservation Hall open and operating. Now, the event has grown in both size and significance. As Shaken & Stirred prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary, the energy behind the fundraiser feels stronger, and more impactful, than ever.

This milestone celebration helps ignite the creative spark in local students in the Collaborative School of the Arts, providing them with opportunities and inspiration that will shape their futures.

“Back at the very beginning, we were just using the funds to stay alive,” recalled longtime UPH Board Member Todd LaRoche. “It was maintenance, overhead, maybe a couple of staff salaries.”

Now, the funds go directly to family programming and educational opportunities such as Rock Camp in the Great Hall – giving young musicians the ultimate band experience – and student matinees – offering live performance opportunities to students who may otherwise not experience it.

LaRoche, who has served on the UPH board for 13 years, has been instrumental in shaping both the look and the legacy of Shaken & Stirred. He’s not only one of the original minds behind the event — he’s the person responsible for the name and part of the visual identity.

“Teddy [Foster] asked me to think about some names for the event, and Shaken & Stirred was one that I guess people gravitated to. It’s sort of a play from the James Bond saying, ‘I drink martinis, shaken, not stirred.’ It’s an event that doesn’t hold back. We’re shaking and stirring,” he said.

Originally envisioned as a celebrity bartending event, Shaken & Stirred has evolved into a full-scale party with teams from local businesses showing up in costume, playing music, and bringing high-energy performances to the stage. LaRoche says it’s been amazing to watch the transformation.

“The last few years especially, the teams have really stepped it up with costumes, songs, and intros. That’s been a lot of fun,” he said. “We used to just be serving drinks behind the bar. Now it’s a whole show.”

Over the last decade, Shaken & Stirred has grown not only in creativity but in impact. What once raised $10,000 in its early days raised more than $100,000 in tips and sponsorship last year —  with hopes to surpass that for the 10th anniversary.

“I love seeing the continued attendance and the larger crowds. Each year, it seems we’ve gotten to the point where we can’t even park on the driveway getting into the venue, and it’s a long driveway. It’s really nice to see the local community supporting us,” he said.

LaRoche said his initial inspiration to join the board came from simply seeing the inside of the building. “Teddy gave me a tour, and when I saw the Great Hall’s potential, I thought it’d be a good thing to get involved with. And I enjoy the arts. I’m a musician. I do think the arts are important.”

“The building is stunning — state-of-the-art lights and sound in this gorgeous historic space. It’s great to see it alive again,” LaRoche said.

As UPH continues to grow, LaRoche says the focus is on sustainability, inclusivity, and diversity of programming. “We’re working on an endowment fund to protect against any future disruptions,” he said. “But we also want to keep expanding. That’s the goal.”

Shaken & Stirred remains one of the most anticipated events in Saratoga — and one of the most meaningful. To be a part of fun, and impact, join the party 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15, at Saratoga National Golf Course and as always, there’s no stinkin’ cover charge.