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. The lineup for June is Carolyn Shapiro, Cassandra Kubinski, Rich Ortiz and of course — Erin!
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.
Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Enjoy two weeks of access with your live stream ticket.
BIOS
Erin Harkes
Local favorite Erin Harkes has been called the busiest woman in show biz (NYS Music). She is regularly voted Best Singer/Songwriter, Solo Musician and Comedian in the Capital Region by the Times Union Reader’s Poll and The Alt. She took home the 2020 Thomas Edison Award for Best Solo/Duo Artist of the Year.
Adding to her entertainment portfolio in 2012, Harkes decided to try her hand at standup comedy. Since then she’s performed in nearly every major club in NYC, Toronto and Montreal, as well as being a regular at Funny Bone Comedy Clubs across the country. She likes to say that music is her spouse and comedy is her mistress. She tries to give them equal amounts of love and attention. Whether singing songs or telling jokes, Harkes commands attention every time she steps foot on stage.
Erin began writing her own songs at age 19 and has released four albums of original material since then. Her first CD was aptly titled “Bar Napkins and Magic Markers” due to the crude way the lyrics were jotted down during her college years.
Her music comes from triumphs over tragedy. Though sometimes somber there’s always a resounding theme of resilience. The power of her voice and the emotion that comes through her lyrics make you want to sit and listen to every word. Erin’s lyrics tell stories of her life, sung through a big voice that’s often compared to Janis Joplin. Hearing Erin sing is a powerful experience that grabs anyone within earshot.
Erin’s spontaneity and willingness to perform won her a spot on “Battle of the Instant Bands” on the Jimmy Fallon show in April of 2010. Having only 20 minutes to prepare with an impromptu band made up of complete strangers, Erin won over both Jimmy Fallon and the studio audience by naming the band (“Fallon Angels”) and the song (“Free Jimmy”) – the band performed the song with Erin on vocals to an explosive audience response and easily won the contest.
Erin is regularly voted Best Singer/Songwriter, Solo Musician and Comedian in the Capital Region by the Times Union Reader’s Poll, The Alt and the Metroland. She has been the subject of several cover stories by all of those newspapers. She is definitely a local favorite. Erin has had the privilege to have shared the stage with national acts such as 10,000 Maniacs, Spin Doctors, Pat Benatar and one of her musical idols, Beth Hart. In comedy she has worked with Jeff Dye, Judy Gold, Demetri Martin, Craig Robinson and Mark Normand.
Carolyn Shapiro
Carolyn Shapiro is an old-time banjo player and songwriter from Glens Falls whose music nourishes the spirit like a hearty, home-cooked meal. Blending sultry nuance with deep-rooted traditional style, her songwriting pushes the boundaries of the banjo, creating a catalog of songs that feel both timeless and entirely her own. With a rich tapestry of folk influences and lyrics that balance wit with emotional depth, Carolyn invites listeners into an intimate journey through the complexities of being human. Her commanding voice and resonant banjo tone bring a joyous vulnerability to the stage—leaving audiences not just entertained, but genuinely restored and inspired.
Cassandra Kubinski
Billboard-charting singer/songwriter Cassandra Kubinski has performed from stadiums to living rooms, from Romania to LA, sharing stages with the likes of the Goo Goo Dolls, 10,000 Maniacs, Sawyer Fredericks, Anna Nalick and others. Known for her piano-forward, cutting songwriting that takes listeners from vulnerable canyons to witty sharp peaks, her songs have been heard on Sirius XM, Lifetime’s “Dance Moms” and dozens of other TV shows, NBC promos and more. She's also a tireless artist and womxn in arts advocate, holding board positions at Caffe Lena and Women in Music (emeritus), and regularly leading artist-upleveling workshops and retreats for the likes of the Mechanical Licensing Collective, Mayor’s Office of NY, and Guitar Center.
Billy Joel says: "Cassandra Kubinski is very similar to the singer/songwriters of the late 70's…proves that the genre (singer/songwriter) can still be transcendent.”
Rich Ortiz
Rich Ortiz's style is truly his own and his music is his soul. Ortiz, never a wallflower, believes he is the product of his family's cultural diversity and strengths. Since the age of seventeen he's focused all of his talents and time on his acoustic solo act, if you can call it that. Rich plays guitar, harmonica, and peddle bass (with his feet), and he turns heads with his vocals! He has opened shows for CHICAGO, REO Speedwagon, STYX, Ted Nugent, Ludacris, Hoobastank, KC and the Sunshine Band, Jeffrey Gaines, Ryan Montbleau Band, The Wood Brothers, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Tea Leaf Green, Zach Deputy, Kracker, Merl Saunders, Melvin Seals, Jim Weider and the Drifters.
Inspired by artists like Jim Croce, James Taylor, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder and Willie Nelson, he says "I feel I have to change every gig around in order to grow as a musician." He plays six and twelve string acoustic guitar and chooses not to cultivate a target audience. He thinks "ideally the feeling of people who leave the room or listen to your CD should be one of making someone's day. What comes out of your tongue says a lot about your soul."
In 2006, Ortiz released his long awaited debut album, "Let It Be Life". Recorded with the help of Grammy winning producer, John Seymour, the album features live, unedited studio recordings of all original works. Soon after its release, "Let It Be Life" was listed as one of the Top-40 selling Funk/Blues albums on CD Baby, the #1 online record store for independent music.
In 2010, Ortiz released his sophomore album, "Face of a Lion", which features guest musician Kofi Burbridge (Derek Trucks Band).
As his passion for life grows stronger, so does the energy in his music. Rich is a truly rare, authentic talent.
