Saratoga Originals: Mark Tolstrup, Steve Candlen, & Rick Bolton

Saratoga Originals is a new series that features local musicians from the Saratoga community. The first show features Mark Tolstrup, Rick Bolton, and Steve Candlen, three staples of the Saratoga music scene. These musicians often entertain in noisy rooms, but this is their chance to show off their original music to a room of attentive listeners. The show will begin with sets from all three of these musicians and conclude with a collaborative performance. Saratoga bluesman Mark Tolstrup has entranced east coast blues fans with his passionate Delta slide for many years, both solo and with acoustic and electric bands. His set will include original songs that breathe new life into the blues tradition. Rick Bolton has been a staple of the Saratoga music scene for years. He plays regularly around the capital region in bands like the Dwyer Sisters, Big Medicine, or as a solo act. Rick hosts the weekly open mic at Gaffney's in Saratoga and has been a strong influence on many young musicians. Steve Candlen is a singer-songwriter who has played all over the capital region. He began his music career as a drummer, playing for artists like Franklin Micare, Felix Cavelieres Rascals and Irish folk artist Kevin McKrell but he's now more likely seen singing his own original music. In 2005, Steve won the Music for Miracles songwriting contest with the song All Over the World.