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 Kansas native Freedy Johnston is often called a "songwriter's songwriter" for his brilliantly crafted, sometimes witty, often poignant folk-rock portraits of characters who seem unaware of how their lives have gone wrong. Once named Rolling Stone's "Songwriter of the Year," Johnston is also known to mix a generous sample of classic cover songs into his live sets. He is beloved by fans as a dynamic live performer who loves to joke around on stage. |
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| Saturday, Feb. 3 • 8 PM |
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FRANK JAKLITSCH & FRIENDS |
| $15/12 |
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With Special guests The Gospel Train |
| www.frankjak.com |
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 Folk/Celtic artist Frank Jacklitsch has a knack for turning an ordinary concert into an extra special occasion. This time he and his band of local luminaries will donate the evening's proceeds to support mental health agencies working in New Orleans in the wake of Katrina.
 Frank will be joined on stage by Steve Butler on bodhran, John Cromie on Irish whistles, Michael Eck on mandolin and guitar, and Greg Haymes on harmonica. Special guest The Gospel Train (Tom Lindsay and Michael Eck) will contribute a set of American spiritual and religious songs from the Civil War to the Civil Rights era. |
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 Andy Cohen was only sixteen when he set out to become a traveling country bluesman. A disciple of the late Rev. Gary Davis, Cohen comes about as close as anyone can to replicating Davis' intricate style of guitar playing. Along with Davis classics, Andy shares an endless wealth of good old, honest, down-to-earth, licks-filled acoustic blues.
He is lucky (and old) enough to have learned directly from some of the greats, including Jim Brewer, Pink Andersen, Honeyboy Edwards, Rev. Dan Smith, Daniel Womack, and many more. Andy is also adept on piano and never fails to haul out his dulceola. Don't know what that is? Come find out! |
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| Wednesday, Feb. 7 • 7 PM |
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POETRY OPEN MIC |
| $3 |
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With Featured Reader Julie Lomoe |
Poetry Open Mic takes place on the second Wednesday of each month. Each reader reads 2 short poems or one long poem.
This month's featured reader, Julie Lomoe, has been a SoHo resident for many years, has exhibited her paintings and prints at the Museum of Modern Art, The Brooklyn Museum, the 1969 Woodstock Festival, and in many Manhattan galleries. Julie has published poetry as well as articles on mental health, aging, women’s issues and gardening. She’s been a featured poet at many local readings and has just published her first novel, Mood Swing. |
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 During the course of a long and colorful life Utah Phillips has become a national treasure of wit and humor. Dubbed the "Golden Voice of the Great Southwest," Phillips has earned a devoted following for his tales, guitar music, and songs. His performances extol self-reliance and encourage people to stop depending on government or corporatism, and to toss their televisions out the window.
Beloved as a rabble rouser, individualist, and perpetual presidential candidate (on the "Sloth and Indolence" ticket), he remains true to unionism in the tradition of Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and the strikers of the 1930s. A heart condition prevents him from touring regularly so a live performance at Caffè Lena is a not-to-be-missed treat. |
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 Rex Fowler and Neal Shulman have spent a lifetime making music together. Their first four albums, full of sweet singing and timely lyrics, were staples of progressive FM and college radio and helped to bring the music of the 1960s into the '70s.
Today they continue to impress audiences with intelligent songwriting, dazzling acoustic lead guitar, and inspiring "James Taylor meets Simon & Garfunkel" harmonies. Their latest work, as reflected on Days of Horses, reflects their musical growth with touches of blues and country added to their familiar pop sound. |
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"Someone hold me . . . this is so good it makes me dizzy . . . If you like your music of the Louisiana-ragtime-blues-dixieland-country-screamin'-folky-twang Tin Pan Alley type then this is for you."
-Steve Gardner, WXDU Radio
Wallace has emerged as one of the most exciting additions to our roster in recent years. Discovering his 'old school' whiskey-and-cigarette voice, vintage guitar, and unforgettable lyrics is pure heaven for anyone serious about American roots music.
He was schooled in his craft by the late Dave Van Ronk, who said of Jeremy, "He's one of the most arresting new talents I've ever heard. When I hear him I get the feeling I got the first time I heard Bob Dylan and Arlo Guthrie."
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| Sunday, Feb. 11 • 7 PM |
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MARK EMANATION & FOLDING SKY |
| $10/8 |
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CD Release Celebration |
 Winner of the Northeast Blues Society's top award for Best Blues Band (2004), Albany's Folding Sky puts a fresh spin on blues for the new century.
The trio features songwriter and guitarist Mark Emanatian, formerly of Ernie Williams & the Wildcats, backed by Tom Dolan on bass and Gary Piambino on guitar and vocals. The brand new CD slated for release this evening is the band's first all-acoustic project.
Not content to just rock out, this collection digs deep into personal and political themes, taking a good hard look at the big questions of today. |
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Friday, Feb. 16 • 8 PM
$10 |
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BEN DAVIS WITH
CRACKER SUPREME & THE SALTINES |
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 Saratoga native Ben Davis joins with fellow upperclassmen from the New England Conservatory of Music in this unique Jazz-Hip Hop ensemble. In town to play the Dance Flurry, Cracker Supreme will spending Friday evening at Caffè Lena entertaining new and old fans with their original compositions that draw on free improvisational jazz, pop rock (especially avant pop), latin, folk, and bluegrass.
Bassist Ben Davis will be joined by Eric Lane of Boulder on keyboards, Mike Calabrese of Philadelphia on drums, and Cole Kamen of NYC on trumpet and samples. |
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 This husband and wife duo features one of the folk world's most highly-regarded writers.
Steve Gillette's songs, including "Darcy Farrow," "Happy Hour" and "Back on the Street Again," have been recorded by the likes of Tammy Wynette, Ian & Sylvia, Gordon Lightfoot and Garth Brooks.
Cindy plays dulcimer, guitar, banjo and concertina and sings with a smooth, silky voice utterly lacking in affectation. In concert, these long-time Caffè Lena favorites cover a variety of country and folk styles, blending world-class professionalism with down-home, informal charm. |
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| Sunday, Feb. 18 • 3 PM |
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MONDAY MUSICAL CLUB OF ALBANY |
| $10 |
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This organization of classical music enthusiasts is celebrating is 103rd season! Monday Musical Club artists will present a wide range of classical pieces and popular songs of the stage in solo, duet, and chamber ensembles. This informal recital is a lovely way to enjoy classical music in a relaxed setting. Audience members of all ages are warmly welcomed. |
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 Bill and Livia Vanaver, founders of the famed Vanaver Caravan dance and music ensemble, help close out this year's Dance Flurry with a sit-down concert to rest and re-energize before hitting the road.
Together they sing and play new, traditional-styled music from across the world. Along with banjo and guitar, expect to hear unusual ethnic instruments such as the Bulgarian tambura, Greek lauto and much more. Bill enjoys leading the audience in song, so get your pipes in order! |
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 This Canadian quintet is bounding with high energy, big harmony vocals and fine songcraft. Using Celtic, maritime and French Canadian influences, they have created an extensive repertoire of traditional sounding new ballads that bring down the house everywhere they play.
Fans of all ages come to hear their memorable musical tales plus invigorating harmony singing and foot-stomping fiddle, guitar, mandolin, upright bass and keyboards. |
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| Saturday, Feb. 24 • 8 PM |
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MOP AND BUCKET COMPANY |
| $12/10 |
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| www.mopco.org |
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 Based in Albany, the Mop & Bucket Co. is the area's oldest improvisational theater troupe. Co-directors Michael Burns and Kat Koppett have assembled a top-notch company that will satisfy your hunger for a real theatrical experience. They guarantee a richer experience*. It's as simple as that.
From politics, to relationships, to current events and timeless universal experience, Mop & Bucket will have you on the edge of your seat as they take you on a high speed journey through laughter, pathos, enlightenment and more laughs. Try them once, and you'll be hooked!
*Void where prohibited by fussiness. Some audience participation required. |
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  This will be a night of new songs played well and delivered with deep heart.
Leading off will be Saratoga's own Torey playing straightforward, honest songs on guitar and ukulele. His sound has roots in old blues, folk and early rock, with a real American sound that smacks of urban grit, dusty back roads, adventure and heartbreak.
Rusty Belle is a quartet that combines delicate musical precision with wild abandon, ranging from haunting, sensitive storytelling to raucous song. The line-up features four-part singing by percussionist Kate Lorenz, drummer Zak Trojano, pianist/accordionist Jazer Giles, and classical guitarist Matt Lorenz. |
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