- Our mission is to provide music, connection & learning from a legendary venue
MISSION: To provide music, connection and learning from a legendary venue.
Caffè Lena presents extraordinary music in an intimate setting steeped in history. It is widely recognized as the longest continuously operating folk music venue in the United States. The Library of Congress calls Caffè Lena “An American music treasure,” and we have been recognized by The GRAMMY Foundation for our important contributions to the development of American music.
In addition to our performance schedule, the Caffè Lena School of Music carries on the folk tradition of music as a social pastime. Our students, from toddlers to seniors, learn in small, friendly groups, master a repertoire of American roots music, and write some new classics, too.
The Caffè Lena you see today operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. In 2017 we completed a donor-funded renovation of our 19th century building in Saratoga’s historic downtown. The transformation guarantees a home for Lena’s celebrated programming for decades to come, creates 100% handicap-accessibility to our second floor performance space, and brings the listener and artist experience in line with the club’s international reputation.
Opened in a former woodworking shop in 1960, the Caffè has helped to launch many of America’s best loved songwriters, ranging from Bob Dylan in 1961 to Anaïs Mitchell (2008), Billy Strings (2015), Allison Russell (2016), Amythyst Kiah (2017), and an amazing “who’s who” list that’s continues to unfold with each passing year. Upon the passing of founder Lena Nargi Spencer in 1989, Caffè Lena was converted to a non-profit institution supported by concert revenue, private and corporate donors, grants, and an ever-evolving team of volunteers.
In keeping with Lena’s devotion to presenting deserving talent regardless of fame, our diverse programming sets the stage for musical discovery year ’round. Whether you join us in-person or through live stream, Caffè Lena is a place where your faith in the power of music will be renewed. You’ll see a world-class performer up close; watch every movement of fingers on frets, and feel in your heart the foot tapping rhythm on the stage.
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