Greetings – As we roll into a new year that will almost certainly end on a brighter note than this one, we invite you to begin imagining a return to normalcy. Maybe not soon, but it’s coming. In our optimistic video above, some of the Caffe Lena crew shares what they’re most looking forward to. See if it strikes a chord with you!
Next week we’ll be tallying the results of the all-important Annual Fund Drive. The Drive enables us to plan how we’ll deliver music in the coming year. It will be free livestreams and online music lessons while the pandemic lasts. When it’s over, it will be in-person shows at the Caffe, as well as at nursing homes, at-risk student programs, the soup kitchen, daycares. We’ll have Saturday morning Family Jams, Little Folks Shows, Open Mics . . . Yee haw!! The Drive ends on December 31st. Last call! (And thank you!!)
Many of you will have noticed the #SaveOurStages hashtag in the bottom left of our livestream screens. If you looked it up, you will be aware of the tremendous grassroots movement that led to the inclusion of the Save Our Stages Act in the relief bill that was finally signed on Sunday. This provides $15 billion in aid to the live music and theater world. Here’s an article from the Schenectady Daily Gazette with good info on how this will affect our region.
Happy New Year!
Sarah
All Of These Events Are Streamed Live We use three high-def cameras and premium audio. Live music venues are still not allowed to have an audience in NYS.1. Click a photo below to go directly to that broadcast, OR 2. Go to www.CaffeLena.org and click the red box for “Watch Live on YouTube”
THESE ARE FREE EVENTS.
YOUR TIPS ARE THE ONLY INCOME FOR OUR ARTISTS AND VENUE.
Monday, Dec 28 / 7 PM
Rick’s Picks Local Showcase: Randall Mauger & Maurizio
Local talent is the focus every Monday. Discover the folks who entertain in Capital Region bars and coffeehouse. Our host and curator, Rick Bolton, invites these artists to play their own, original songs, alongside a few favorite cover tunes.
WEXT’s 60-Episode Podcast: “Caffe Lena: 60 Years of Song”
To celebrate Lena’s 60th anniversary year, WEXT has been running a weekly podcast featuring a song that would have been heard on our stage during the spotlighted year, and one song from our current offerings that carries the tradition forward. You can breeze through the two-minute version of each episode HERE. We started 60 weeks ago with Jackie Washington, who played opening night, and ended with J.S. Ondara, one of our bucket list performers for when we reopen.
Tuesday, 8 PM “Live From Caffe Lena” Radio Show Listen on WEXT 97.7 & 106.1 FM
Featuring: The Restless AgeThis week you can tune in to hear a recent performance by one of our new favorite bands, The Restless Age. From raucous power pop to tender acoustic ballads, this trio keeps listeners riveted with hook-laden melodies, spectacular vocal harmony and compelling lyrics.
Wednesday, Dec 30 / 7 PM OPERA SARATOGA PRESENTS “America Sings” Brandie Sutton & Damien Sneed“Brandie Sutton brings a radiant, agile voice and tender, expressive touches…” -New York Times
Opera Saratoga’s BIPOC America Sings series encompasses classical, jazz and popular music performed by diverse, internationally acclaimed artists. Enjoy a stunning, livestreamed performance by soprano Brandie Sutton with pianist and composer Damien Sneed
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Our staff has selected 20 highlights from our 2020 concerts, and we look forward to sharing them with you. Tune in to Lena’s YouTube and Facebook streams to celebrate the end of our 60th Anniversary Year. This year has been challenging, heart wrenching, exhilarating and amazingly jam-packed with great shows. Let’s remember the good parts & prepare for better days!
Satuday, Jan 2 / 8 PM
Steve Gillette
& Cindy Mangsen Live Viewing Party
Instead of traveling to Saratoga, we asked our dear friends Steve & Cindy to guest-host the chat room for a rebroadcast of their 2019 performance which took place exactly one year ago. The house was packed and the music was lovely. Organize a viewing party and enjoy the memories with friends!
This mother-daughter duo is making a return appearance to Caffe Lena, following a truly special show in our “Stay Home Sessions” last August. Their sets range from humorous to poignant to righteous. They play ukes, guitars, piano, and both have unique voices that our audience loves.
