Honoring some very special friends

Greetings – This coming weekend we’ll be hosting a virtual celebration of the late Matt McCabe, owner of Saratoga Guitar, civic leader, and a friend to more people than we’ll ever know. Sadly, I have learned of more passings that mean a great deal to our Caffe Lena family. Though I have dedicated this space to remembering lost friends on more than one occasion lately, I can’t let these treasured community members go without sharing their stories with you.

We are mourning the unexpected loss of a great volunteer and music lover, Brett Bydairk, who has for the last several years maintained a complete-as-possible list by date of the performances that have taken place on Caffe Lena’s stage since 1960. Brett spent countless hours researching newspaper archives, talking to long-time Caffe Lena friends, and reaching out to performers to check our records against theirs. It was a labor of love, and we use his list day in and day out.

And then we bid farewell to former Caffe Lena treasurer and Board president Jack Hellman. Jack was an important part of transitioning Caffe Lena from “Lena’s cafe” to an independent nonprofit with it’s own style and values. He saw that the staff was treated with fairness and respect and the books were balanced. He gave his all to his community, students and family. We thank Jack for the gift of his talent and send our love to Lois Hellman and the rest of the family.

-Sarah