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 July lineup is Briar Magee, Deb Cavanaugh, Mel Krahmer of Sirsy, and of course, Erin!

You will always hear something fresh, moving, and unforgettable. Come be part of a Capital District must-see event, where the best of the best take the stage and some before the world catches on.

SAMPLE SONG 

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

ARTIST BIOS:

Briar Magee

Briar Magee is an actress / singer/ model based in New York City. Cast in musical theatre productions at a young age, Briar’s love for performance comes through every time she takes the stage. Singing is her first love. Recently she’s been learning about technology and producing, which has strengthened her understanding of the mechanics and artistry even more.

Deb Cavanaugh

Award winning singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and roots singer Deb Cavanaugh lives in the foothills of the Taconic Mountains, in upstate New York. She started making music as a toddler singing before she spoke and singing harmony and rounds by age 3. Her dad exposed her to Classical, Big Band and Jazz. As a teenager, she became enamored with blues, rock and Motown. While studying classical music, she was given the opportunity to sing Duke Ellington’s sacred music in a church choir directed by him. During the mid-70s, Deb met her future husband and hitchhiked with him across the country to San Francisco, jumping into the world of rock and roll. They formed the band General Eclectic. After moving back and forth from coast to coast, sometimes in a VW bus, they eventually found their way to upstate New York. After spending her next twenty years immersed in the folk music community, she now combines all of her musical influences writing and performing songs in a variety of styles.​ 

​She plays many genres, including rock and roll, jazz, blues, children's songs, folk and more. She incorporates traditional American culture into her events with the mountain dulcimer and Limberjack as well as making Crankie rolls, which are moving panoramas that illustrate a song, another folk tradition. Deb also teaches Music Together®, an early-education research-based program for families with young children and classes at Spencertown Academy and Caffe Lena.

They say that variety is the spice of life, and Deb sets out to prove this in her many endeavors.

Sirsy

It’s hard to imagine a sound this big coming from two people. The Boston Globe calls Sirsy “the little band with the big sound.” Fans call them “the little band with a big heart.” Hailing from Upstate NY, SIRSY plays compelling singer-songwriter rock and pop with a charming intensity, a bit of sass, lots of soul, and loads of heart. They write honest, engaging songs that are instantly relatable and catchy. The Times Union says “Sirsy’s clever, smart songs have more hooks than a tackle box”. Sirsy’s passionate and down to earth live shows also include storytelling and even some nerdy jokes. They can somehow make an audience sing along, dance, laugh, and cry – all at the same show.

Melanie Krahmer’s passionate and immediately arresting vocals are sultry and seductive. They can be a floaty whisper or at times raspy and rocking – with a little bit of a tongue-in-cheek tone, as if she’s singing with a wink. She has “one of the most powerful and flexible voices you’ll ever hear” (-Times Union). Mel is also the band’s drummer. She simultaneously plays bass on a keyboard with her drum stick. Live, she also plays piano, melodica, and the occasional badass flute solo too. Mel’s bandmate, co-writer, & husband/bestie is Rich Libutti. Rich masterfully plays a well-loved and road-worn Rickenbacker through a pedal board full of vintage effects. He sounds like 3 guitarists all on his own. The SXSW music blog says “The guitar player is flawless and raw. Clean enough to be enjoyed, and just edgy enough to make you grin.” Rich also plays bass (and at live shows often does it on a pedal board with his feet).

These 2 multi-instrumentalists manage to sound like a full band and somehow do it all with big smiles on their faces. It’s clear they love what they do. And that love is contagious when you see them live. You can’t help smiling along with them. With song lyrics that center around empowerment and resilience, it’s no surprise that Sirsy’s fans have supported the duo through the pandemic, over a dozen records, 20+ years of touring, and Mel’s 2 bouts with cancer. Every show is like a celebration for this couple and their fans. Come celebrate life with them!

 Whether you're a lifelong music fan or just love discovering the next big thing, Lena Go Round is the place to be.