Joe Jencks with opener Artur Wachala

“The spirit of folk music is people working together. Joe is a fantastic singer who carries on the traditions.” — Pete Seeger

Few artists embody the heart and humanity of folk music quite like Joe Jencks. A 25-year veteran of the international folk circuit, Jencks is an award-winning songwriter, celebrated vocalist, and master storyteller whose performances blend musical beauty, social consciousness, and spiritual depth. With a voice often described as deep, warm, and timeless, Joe creates concerts that feel less like performances and more like shared experiences — moments of connection that follow you home.

Rooted in Irish heritage and shaped by a working-class upbringing, Jencks merges conservatory training with contemporary songwriting to craft narratives filled with heart, soul, groove, and grit. He has penned multiple #1 folk songs, including the enduring “Lady of the Harbor,” and co-founded the acclaimed harmony trio Brother Sun, whose recordings topped the Folk DJ charts. From legendary festivals like Falcon Ridge and Kerrville to stages such as Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, Joe has captivated audiences with his approachable presence and luminous voice.

His most recent album, The Coming of the Years, draws inspiration from over a decade of travels in Ireland, weaving together themes of immigration, heritage, and belonging. Critics have called it “gorgeous,” “thoughtful,” and “stunningly beautiful,” praising Jencks’ ability to honor tradition while breathing new life into it.

Beyond the stage, Joe has served as a cultural ambassador with the U.S. State Department, collaborated with the Library of Congress, and lent his voice as a harmony arranger on dozens of recordings. Yet what truly sets him apart is the rare sincerity he brings to every song — inviting listeners to open their hearts, reflect on their shared humanity, and find themselves within the music.

At Caffè Lena — where songs are meant to be heard, felt, and remembered — Joe Jencks offers an evening of extraordinary vocals, powerful storytelling, and quiet magic. This is folk music at its most authentic: healing, inspiring, and deeply alive.

SAMPLE SONG

Join us for a night with an artist we truly love — a singer whose voice can stop time, and a performer whose presence reminds us why live music matters.

Artur Wachala is a Capital Region native, born in Niskayuna and raised locally, whose music reflects a deep respect for folk and blues traditions. After studying jazz at Schenectady County Community College, UAlbany, and SUNY Purchase, Artur developed a nuanced sense of phrasing and musicianship that subtly shapes his sound, even beyond the jazz genre. Inspired by legends like Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Brownie McGhee, and Dave Van Ronk, his performances blend storytelling, authenticity, and timeless roots influences.

A familiar face at Caffè Lena as one of our House Managers and a regular presence at Open Mic, Artur embodies the spirit of the listening room. It was here that folk artist Joe Jencks first heard him perform—an encounter that led to Artur being invited to open the show. He continues a proud Lena tradition of staff who are not only dedicated stewards of the space, but remarkable artists in their own right.

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