December 2 - 8 - Caffe Lena

Hazel Dickens | Hazel the Bass | Hazel’s first real gig!
Enjoy a little story below about our very special 1/2 size string bass.

Greetings – Here’s a recent story from Caffe Lena: Hazel is Caffe Lena’s half-size acoustic bass, named after Hazel Dickens—the West Virginia folksinger who championed miners and women back when it was neither profitable nor popular. We got Hazel the Bass so students in our School of Music could learn to hold down the low end on an instrument bigger than themselves.On November 24, we had a proud moment: Our Hazel got her first real gig! Jazzmeia Horn’s bassist, Eric Wheeler, used her during the band’s thrilling double-header debut at Caffe Lena.

Here’s why this story matters: Hazel was bought with funds from a pancake breakfast fundraiser. The student playing her in the photo above—a Matt McCabe Scholarship recipient—has been with us for four years, growing into a talented multi-instrumentalist. Jazzmeia’s concert? That was part of the Momentum Series, underwritten by a generous donor who champions high-energy artistry.

Every piece of this story was made possible by donations from audience members like you. From creating special concerts to training the next generation of musicians, your support makes it happen. As many of your favorite non-profits will be reminding you today, Tuesday, December 3 is Giving Tuesday. Here at Lena’s we need to raise $55,000 by December 31 to complete our Annual Fund Drive. Every gift is tax-deductible—and keeps the music, connection and learning flowing here at Lena’s. Thank you for helping.

See you at the show,
Sarah

– WEEK AT A GLANCE –

Monday
7 PM Open Mic Night
Tuesday
7 PM STORYTELLING OPEN MIC WITH SIRI ALLISON
8 PM “Live From Caffe Lena” on WEXT 97.7 or 106.1 FM
Wednesday
10 – 10:30 AM FOLK CLUB KIDS
7 PM POETRY OPEN MIC WITH EFFY REDMEN
7 PM & 12 AM “Live From Caffè Lena” on Folk Music Notebook
Thursday
7 PM BRIGHT SERIES: TATANIA EVA-MARIE & THE AVALON JAZZ BAND
Friday
8 PM SIRSY Low Tickets!
Saturday
8 PM SIRSY Almost Sold Out!
Sunday
9 AM Dharma Meditation with Pierre Zimmerman
3 PM SIRSY

– HIGHLIGHTS –

Sample Song | In-Person Tickets | Watch on Caffe Lena TV

Nicknamed the “Gypsy-jazz Warbler” by the New York Times, Eva-Marie is a transatlantic bandleader, singer, author, and actress now based in Brooklyn. Her French popular songs are rooted in the Django tradition, with Balkan Gypsy and folk influences. She has racked up nearly 100 million views on YouTube & is regarded as the international ambassador of “1930s Paris.”

Sample Song | In-Person Tickets | Watch Friday on Caffe Lena TV | Watch Saturday on Caffe Lena TV | Watch Sunday on Caffe Lena TV

The little band with a big sound takes over Caffe Lena for a full weekend! This indie pop-rock duo is fronted by charismatic vocalist/drummer/pianist/flautist Melanie Krahmer and her guitarist/bassist husband Rich Libutti. Their honest, instantly relatable songs, “have more hooks than a tackle box.” (Times Union) With Krahmer’s sultry vocals and ability to play keyboards and drums at once, plus Libutti’s vintage Rickenbacker, they’re as much fun to watch as hear. They’ll play acoustic on Friday, electric on Saturday, and hybrid for Sunday’s special matinee. Catch them all, or pick your favorite!