Lena Go Round-Songwriters Showcase Hosted by Erin Harkes

For 65 years, Caffè Lena has been a place where great artists get their start—a stage where music is more than just sound; it’s stories, community, and discovery. The Lena Go Round continues that tradition, offering a monthly showcase of rising songwriting talent, curated and hosted by powerhouse musician, comedian, entrepreneur, and all around powerhouse, Erin Harkes.

What makes Lena Go Round special?

• It is a curated lineup of the best up-and-coming songwriters—handpicked to deliver unforgettable performances
• It is a true “in the round” experience—where songwriters take turns sharing their music and stories, creating an intimate and inspiring atmosphere
• It is a direct link to Caffè Lena’s legacy—this stage launched careers, and Lena Go Round continues to nurture the next generation of folk, Americana, and indie artists

The lineup changes every month, but one thing is constant: you will always hear something fresh, moving, and unforgettable. Whether you're a lifelong folk fan or just love discovering the next big thing, Lena Go Round is the place to be. Come be part of a Capital District must-see event, where the best of the best take the stage before the world catches on.

The artists for the 11/26 show are Jacob Shipley, Rob Fleming, Maddie Gallagher and of course, Erin!

SAMPLE SONG 

ARTIST BIOS:

Jacob Shipley Bio:

Shit happens. Jacob Shipley writes not-so-sad-anymore acoustic folk-rock for those who forgave, but find some masochistic joy in remembering. With a voice that is raw, powerful, and emotive, he shares stories from his own emotionally complicated life with humor and a knowing smile that only hindsight can bring. Jacob gives his live audiences the space to commiserate and laugh through the pain, sorrow, and embarrassments they’ve experienced. He performs as a solo musician or with a backing band.

Recorded and produced in their Brooklyn apartment, Jacob’s third EP Getting Older brings them back to their acoustic roots. It opens with an ironic take on aging from a 25 year old who just found their first gray hair, inappropriately titled ‘Older.’ From there, the EP lands on ‘Kitchen Floor’ — a deeply personal love song for those struggling with anxious attachment styles. Next falls ‘Death of Me,’ a rousing invitation to revel in autumn’s decay. With a sobering look at love lost, ‘Kitchen Floor II’ brings us back to the depths of despair, while ‘The Painter’ is an ode to artist Fred Terna, a sage old friend who passed in 2022. Getting Older ends with ‘If a Robot Takes My Job,’ a sardonic and silly song about AI, not written with the help of ChatGPT. 

Jacob’s music can be caught on radio throughout the Northeast US and they have been seen and heard at historic venues such as Caffe Lena, The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, and the late Rockwood Music Hall. Jacob starred as John Newton in the first national tour of “Amazing Grace: the Musical” and was featured in the first actor-musician production of “Godspell."

Rob Fleming Bio:

For the Upstate NY-based singer & songwriter Rob Fleming, RHOSEWAY is the given name of a creative solo project, a truth-telling reflection, and an artistic reaction to the choice to play music at all from years as a writer and performer in other projects. It's an act of free expression through melody, progression, sounds, and words that are based on feel. The music comes from a renewed perspective to create something from nothing.

The music finds its place as effectually layered dynamic and melodic droning, in the form of indie-alternative rock. Riding on three separate two track singles, the latest being the harmonious alt-folk leanings of 2024's SUMMER RUN, and up-tempo guitar flourishing of 2023's CLOAK & DAGGER.

Full length record "RHOSEWAY" released July ‘24 brings all works remixed and remastered as a full album release, with the inclusion of two additional tracks SUMMER RUN, and ROOTS & ROPE. Early 2025's single release of DEAD TO ME is an alt-folk storyteller in a synth sonic landscape.

Maddie Gallagher Bio:

Maddie Gallagher is a pop singer-songwriter, instrumentalist, and producer who blends acoustic folk elements and found natural sounds with pop production and synthesized sounds. She is a junior at SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music studying Studio Composition. In this performance, she will be playing original material that will be released on her upcoming record to be released in 2026!

Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Live stream available for $5 – 100% of live stream tickets on CaffeLenaTV benefit the artists. Subscribe for unlimited live streaming, two week access to recent shows, and Caffe Lena's video archive. 

Note: Caffe Lena does not permit ticket reselling above face value. Tickets purchased for the purpose of resale may be canceled without notice, and refunds for such purchases will not be granted.