Tom Paxton’s first weekend at Caffe Lena was in September, 1960. The Caffe was only four months old. Eisenhower was soon to turn over the Oval Office to Kennedy. It was a long time ago. Generations of music lovers know Tom Paxton’s lyric, “Are you going away with no word of farewell / Will there be not a trace left behind.” After six decades as one of the music world’s most influential and prolific songwriters–a clear voice for sanity and compassion–Paxton is bidding farewell to life on the road. He will be coming to Caffe Lena one last time this Friday, and he’ll be at the Eighth Step in Schenectady on Saturday. The in-person show at Lena’s is currently full, but you can stream it live from home HERE.

Not one, but two shows this Thursday with 12-time Blues Music Award nominee and 4-time winner Vanessa Collier. She’s on tour with her new album, featuring her fiery saxophone and soulful voice. Praised by Rolling Stone as an “up-and-comer” and by American Songwriter as a “queen,” Collier’s performances fuse funk, soul, rock, and blues, fueling her meteoric rise. This concert is being filmed for a television special. Please be aware that audience members may appear on camera. 

Intrepid fans dancing at last year’s Caffe Lena @ SPAC Festival, which turned out to be the rainiest, coldest day of the entire fall season. This proves we can have fun no matter what the weather, especially with a line-up like we have this year! This is a fully professional festival, with fabulous bands and big sound. Our very generous underwriters, Dexter & Deborah Senft and The Nordlys Foundation, covered all the bills so all you have to do is bring your lawn chair, your dancing shoes, and your goodwill. We can’t wait to see you on the lawn at Saratoga Performing Arts Center this Saturday!