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.
August's line-up is Belle-Skinner, Ryan Liddick, Ben Zoleski, and Erin!
Belle-Skinner is a dark nostalgic singer-songwriter based in New York. With a hauntingly beautiful, lilting soprano and innate sense of melody she crafts tales of songbirds, sirens and desert nomads – nuanced and layered stories which bridge the gap between past and present. Though her influences cover a broad range of genres – from French chansons and Russian folk to contemporary alt-pop and rock – her voice often draws comparisons to the likes of Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush, Jeff Buckley, Mary Hopkin, and early St. Vincent.
Ryan Leddick is a queer folk/rock artist whose music is rooted in a childhood listening to classic rock and the folk music of his native Adirondacks—as well as anything else he could get to work on his parents’ sound system. The result is a distinctive fusion of life experience, diverse influences and a strong artistic vision. When you listen to his music, you can hear all of that echo in his unique sound. Leddick, who has shared the stage with Damien Rice, Of Good Nature, and Brian Dunne to name a few, is also a formally trained vocalist and has toured the Northeast for the better part of a decade, in both group and solo acts. He’s now based in Troy, New York, and continues to travel regionally to perform for crowds large and small.
Ben Zoleski is a multi-instrumental songwriter, producer and music director. He has been writing songs for 20 years. Once told that a song of his was "exceptional songwriting" by Livingston Taylor, Ben tries to create songs that will resonate with listeners and that they can find a bit of themselves in. He has toured the country and Asia as part of the music direction team for Andrew Lloyd Webber's "School of Rock: the Musical". Currently, Ben also plays guitar with Margo Macero, keys in the band HARK, and is part of the acoustic duo Gianna + Ben. Other artists and groups Ben has played for include David J, Bea Miller, Moriah Formica, Sirsy and The Refrigerators. Ben resides in Schenectady, NY with his wife Courtney, daughter Eleanor and cat Atticus. His debut album of original material is currently in the works.
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.
