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.

May's lineup is Sydney Worthley, Jes Hudak and TJ Foster.

SAMPLE SONG 

Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Enjoy two weeks of access with your live stream ticket.

ARTIST BIOS

Erin Harkes

Local favorite Erin Harkes has been called “the busiest woman in show biz” (NYS Music), and for good reason. Regularly voted Best Singer/Songwriter, Solo Musician and Comedian in the Capital Region, she’s a dynamic performer equally at home singing and telling jokes. Since adding stand-up to her repertoire in 2012, Erin has played major comedy clubs across North America and is a regular at Funny Bone Comedy Clubs nationwide. Whether on guitar or behind the mic, she commands attention with her big, soulful voice—often compared to Janis Joplin—and her deeply personal songwriting, shaped by resilience and life’s ups and downs. Erin has shared the stage with national music acts including 10,000 Maniacs and Pat Benatar, and wowed TV audiences with her winning performance on Jimmy Fallon’s Battle of the Instant Bands.

Sydney Worthley:

Sydney Worthley rings out melodies and vocal parts nodding towards Florence and the Machine, while songwriting styles comparable to Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers shine through her songs. By writing from personal brooding memory, Worthley strives to make connections with her audience through her raw lyricism.

"Right when Worthley’s voice struck the microphone, it was easy to hear the effortless power and true passion behind her enchanting voice." -September Sinclair

Jes Hudak :

Jes Hudak is a piano-playing singer/songwriter from Saratoga Springs, NY. She was most known for competing on Bravo's songwriting reality show, Platinum Hit, in which she placed second. She continues to write, record and release her music independently while raising her 2 daughters. You can listen to her new album "Photographic Memory" on all streaming sites. 

TJ Foster: Despite wearing a plethora of hats within the industry, these days TJ Foster is probably best known for fronting local indie-punk band, E.R.I.E. (who took home Alt/Indie Artist of the Year at the 2025 Eddies Awards!) and simultaneously playing guitar for songwriter extraordinaire, Sydney Worthley (sometimes even within the same show). The truth is, his prolificity is remarkable, having put out so much music in various projects over the years, it would be a bore to list it all. You’ll just have to trust us.

Lately, he’s received several casual comparisons to Michael Stipe, which he’s yet to understand, other than the fact that he wakes up most days wondering if this truly is the end of the world as we know it. 

With songs ranging from achingly existential to sarcastically observant, the throughline that connects them all is earnestness. Whether it be loud and bombastic a la E.R.I.E.’s latest concept effort “The Highs, The Lows, And Everything in Between”, somber and intimate a la his 2018 solo record “First Person Vol. 1”, or even conceptually astute like The Cast Before the Break’s 2007 masterpiece “As Your Shoulders Turn On You”, Foster’s songwriting is rife with emotion and a deep yearning to understand the world around him.