New Series for 2025: The PEAK JAZZ Series. Join us for Saturday’s kick-off with Yayoi Ikawa, piano; Lonnie Plaxico, bass; Matt Steckler, saxophones and flute; Tony Lewis, drums. Photo by Michael Hochanadel. Read Hochanadel’s preview here.
Click photo for sample. Direct Link to Tickets
Greetings – While we know there are still a few checks in the mail, Caffe Lena’s all-important ANNUAL FUND DRIVE is nearly a wrap and . . . we are Completely Astounded by your enthusiasm, faith and generosity. Folks, it’s looking like you may well have DOUBLED our goal of $55,000. With very full hearts and a spring in our step, we are looking forward to putting Every Penny To Work bringing you great shows, fun jams and open mics, Caffe Lena On the Road, festivals and more! THANK YOU.
We just passed the 102nd anniversary of Lena Spencer’s birth. In 1960 she introduced espresso to Saratoga Springs and baked desserts for the weekend shows. By the ’70s she’d become a bold and colorful impresario whose off-the-beaten-path venue was part of ushering in the singer-songwriter era and moving American music forward. She did not do it alone. Change was in the air. Lena opened her doors to a community that was excited about new music, freedom, creativity and fun. And that brings us to today, the beginning of Caffe Lena’s 65th Anniversary Year–and the community that you are a part of!
“The Welsh Tornado” astounds with fiery fretwork and engaging stagecraft. Influenced by Tommy Emmanuel and Chet Atkins, his original guitar pieces blend folk, jazz, funk and pop with jaw-dropping precision. “Fast becoming one of the world’s most renowned instrumental guitarists” (BBC Radio Wales), Pearson’s reputation is fueled by fretboard pyrotechnics and charming, humorous stagecraft.
Canadian songwriter, flutist, and acclaimed traditional singer Allison Lupton is on tour with Grand National fiddle champion Shane Cook and Instrumentalist of the Year and Canadian Grand Master Step Dance champion Kyle Waymouth. Their show combines nostalgic ballads, electrifying fiddle tunes, and step dance, blending contemporary folk lyrics with Celtic and bluegrass melodies.
Matt Steckler, Lonnie Plaxico, Yayoi Ikawa, Tony Lewis — Four mighty jazz musicians blend their considerable individual artistry into one voice in original compositions where personal prowess is set aside in favor of deeper collaboration.
This is the first in a year-long PEAK JAZZ SERIES, made possible by the generous support of Joseph and Luann Conlon. The Peak Jazz Series is dedicated to fueling the growth of jazz in Caffè Lena’s renowned listening room.
Enjoy a matinee performance by one of the folk world’s enduring favorites, Ellis Paul. He writes luminous folk-pop songs that weave personal experiences with timely social themes. Paul is the winner of the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Award, 15 Boston Music Awards, An Honorary Doctorate from the University of Maine, and the 2019 International Acoustic Music Awards Artist of the Year.
LAST WEEK TO WATCH THESE SHOWS ON CAFFELENA.TV!
Stream these shows and more HERE.
Explore regular and discounted SUBSCRIPTION options.
CONTACT OUR STAFF Administrative Office:
Leave a message anytime
518-583-0022
Executive Director & Development
SARAH CRAIG
sarah@caffelena.org
Director of Operations
MATEO VOSGANIAN
mateo@caffelena.org
School of Music Director
MATT GRIFFIN
musicschool@caffelena.org
Booking & Production Coordinator
HANNAH STIRZAKER
hannah@caffelena.org
Marketing & Communications Manager
JOANNE BROWN
joanne@caffelena.org
Caffe Lena TV Program Manager / Caffe Lena On the Road
REESE FULMER
reese@caffelena.org
House Manager & Volunteer Coordinator
OLIVIA AMES
volunteer@caffelena.org
