BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Caffè Lena - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Caffè Lena X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.caffelena.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Caffè Lena REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250501T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250501T120000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175134 CREATED:20250131T171445Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T164636Z UID:10003664-1746090000-1746100800@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Guitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Instructional \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guitar Workshop Level 1 and 2 Cost $195 for all 10 sessions. Drop ins $25/per session if space allows This class will focus on learning basic skills in order to play songs alone or with other players. Each week we will focus on learning specific skills that players can build on to gain confidence while playing. We will also work on playing different styles of music and transposing pieces into various keys. The goal is to provide players information and skills so they are comfortable in various musical environments.  Topics Include: Open position chords and how they are related to each other Moving from chord to chord smoothly and in time Rhythm and strumming techniques Single note play: Pentatonic scale\, lead-ins and fills Movable chord shapes Learning new songs Playing and performing with other musicians Bruce Thompson teaches guitar workshops and private lessons at the Caffe. Bruce started playing music in elementary school\, first on violin and later on guitar and dobro. Influenced by acoustic folk and bluegrass and a love for improvisation\, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Composition at the Berklee College of Music and played various music styles in the Boston area for ten years. After moving to Saratoga County\, NY he raised a family and made music at community\, family\, and school events. He currently plays in the band Uken Brew and is a fixture in the capital district bluegrass community.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/guitar-workshop-level-1-with-bruce-thompson/2025-05-01/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/december-6-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250501T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250501T150000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175135 CREATED:20250206T145417Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250207T162945Z UID:10003328-1746104400-1746111600@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:School of Music Slow Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nAll are Welcome! \nWE LOVE TO MEET NEW PICKERS\, \nAND WE LOVE PUTTING ON A GOOD SHOW FOR LISTENERS!\n \nTHERE ARE NO PRE-SHOW RESERVATIONS FOR THE JAMS! \n \nSUGGESTED DONATION AT THE DOOR. $5.00 per person \n \nOur jams are all about sharing songs\, making new friends\, and enjoying a relaxing and casual evening of irresistible string band music. \n \nALL are welcome to join the circle for an afternoon or evening playing and listening to classic grass\, new grass and folk favorites. We sometimes refer to our genre as eclectic acoustic. \n \nRed Spruce and Adirondack Song Dogs will kick off each session with a few tunes then open the floor for musicians to lead their favorite bluegrass tunes and folk music\, backed up by the other pickers in the gathering. Simple tunes are always popular! So sharpen up your axe\, come prepared with your song\, and let us hear some good old fast\, high and lonesome\, some slow and low\, or a good old favorite. All are welcome! \n \nWhat is a Slow Jam? \n \nIt is a group of string instrument players and singers who get together to have fun making music. The “slow” modifier indicates that it is targeted to the following musicians: people who have been playing solo and want to get used to playing in a group setting: people who have just learned how to play and want to play with others; people who have instruments that have been gathering dust for a “few” years; experienced players who are trying out playing instruments other than their primary instrument; people who are comfortable playing their instrument but want to become more comfortable singing/leading a song.. The tunes are played at 80 to 110 BPM and usually in basic keys such a G\, A\, D\, C major\, but it always sounds great to play in some minor keys such as “a”\, “e”\, and “g”. We will try to avoid “jam busters.” It is our hope that after this experience you will feel more comfortable playing at the many open jams and open mics that can be found in our area. \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/school-of-music-slow-jam-4/2025-05-01/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/december-3-3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250504T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250504T160000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175136 CREATED:20250211T161227Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T161228Z UID:10003424-1746365400-1746374400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Playwright's Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/playwrights-jam-2/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Playwright39s-Jam-graphic-940-x-470-px-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250504T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250504T160000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175136 CREATED:20250228T181004Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250228T181005Z UID:10003563-1746367200-1746374400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Online School of Music: Gretchen Peters Songwriting Intensive DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nA two-part online songwriting intensive with Gretchen Peters \n \nFor over two decades\, Gretchen Peters has been one of Nashville's most beloved and respected artists. Inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2014 by singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell\, who called her "both a songwriter and a poet\,” Peters has accumulated accolades as a songwriter for artists as diverse as Etta James\, Bonnie Raitt\, The Neville Brothers\, Patty Loveless\, George Strait\, Bryan Adams and Faith Hill. Her song “Independence Day” won a CMA Song of the Year award in 1995. She has been nominated for 2 Grammys\, a Golden Globe\, and numerous other awards. \n \nPart One: Sundays April 27 – May 18\, 2025 \n \nPart Two: Sundays June 8\, 15\, 22\, 29\, 2025 \n \nOn ZOOM 2pm ET / 1pm CT / 12pm MT / 11am PT \n \n( the two week break between is time for implementing what you learned in preparation for part two) \n \nEach class will run approximately 2 hours. All sessions are recorded and will be made available for review within 48 hours. \n \nOne of the oldest phrases in any language is ‘tell me a story.’ Songwriting is storytelling\, and telling your story in a compelling way is all about authenticity and detail. It’s about what you say\, and what you don’t say. It’s about the truth\, but not necessarily the facts. \n \nIn this workshop\, we’ll explore the process of songwriting—the art and the craft\, and the delicate balance between the two. We’ll learn how to keep a sense of creative play and when (and how) to welcome your inner critic into the room. We’ll find ways to work through “writer’s block.” We’ll learn that only through the specific do you achieve the universal—and that’s the holy grail in songwriting and all writing. We write to find out who we are\, and in the process we find out we are not alone. – Gretchen \n \nClass Description \n \nThis 2 month intensive workshop with Gretchen will be divided into two parts. \n \nIn Part One\, we’ll focus on: \n \n\nWriting authentically: how to build the back story for your characters\nUsing detail and imagery in your lyrics\nUsing your subconscious as your compass\nHow to keep your sense of creative play alive and when to “invite the editor” into the writing room\nFinding and fine-tuning your melody and chords\nStructure: song forms and rhyme schemes\n\nIn Part Two\, you will bring your songs to play for Gretchen and the class each week\, and we’ll use these feedback sessions as “teachable moments” for the whole class. This is where a lot of the lessons of the previous four weeks really sink in – seeing the concepts we’ve talked about actually put into practice. You will “graduate” with many more tools for your songwriting toolkit\, including: \n \n\nFocusing your song’s POV – thinking of songs filmically\nHow to access your subconscious during the writing process\nHow verse order can change everything\nWhy it’s better to let the song tell you “what it’s about”\nHow to edit your song\, and what to look out for in the editing process\nWhat to do when you’re stuck\nSongwriting prompts\nThe care and feeding of your creative self\n\nBring to our first class \n \nPen & paper or your preferred way of taking notes \n \nAn open heart and mind \n \nHow to prepare: \n \nIn addition\, please do Morning Pages for at least one week leading up to the class. Click here for a description of Morning Pages. It is ESSENTIAL that you do this exercise first thing in the morning – before coffee\, before breakfast\, before anything. Do not edit\, cross out\, analyze or otherwise “judge” your three pages – don’t think\, just write. This is meant to be stream of consciousness writing – it doesn’t need to have form\, rhyme\, or shape. You will not be required to show your Morning Pages to the class; it’s for your eyes only \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/online-school-of-music-gretchen-peters-songwriting-intensive/2025-05-04/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/december-19.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250505T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250505T123000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175136 CREATED:20250226T200422Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250226T202746Z UID:10003551-1746439200-1746448200@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Bluegrass Duets with Alan Epstein and Bruce Thompson DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nThe purpose of this class is to allow acoustic musicians to work on Bluegrass Duet repertoire with a musical partner. Early groups such as the Blue Sky Boys\, the Monroe Brothers\, the Louvin Brothers\, and the Delmore Brothers helped develop the roots of the sound that we know as bluegrass. Each week we will listen to recorded examples of these and other duet and bluegrass artists and will work on singing and playing some of their best known songs.  \n \nThis class is NOT intended for beginning musicians looking to learn the basics of their instruments. Rather\, it is aimed at those who can play their acoustic instrument\, (guitar\, banjo\, bass\, fiddle\, mandolin\, dobro) and are interested in exploring the music's roots to help them fine tune their sound with a duet partner. \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/bluegrass-duets-with-alan-epstein-and-bruce-thompson/2025-05-05/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/december-16.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250505T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250505T143000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175137 CREATED:20250404T144814Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250404T150326Z UID:10003671-1746450000-1746455400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Mandolin Vitamins - Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nAttention Mandolin\, Octave Mandolin\, Mandola and Mandocello Players – The purpose of this is 4 week\, in person\, class is for everyone to improve their mandolin skills. Each week we will spend time on right and left hand techniques\, learn some new tunes and play Mandolin Ensemble pieces. This class is intended for advanced beginner and up mandolin family players and is limited to 12 students. The class will run from 1:00 till 2:30 on May 5\, 12\, 19 and June 2. \n \nAlan Epstein has been playing mandolin for the past 54 years and has been teaching others to play mandolin for 30 years. Originally from Pittsburgh\, Pa\, he has lived in the Capital District since 2008 and is currently living in Glens falls\, NY. Alan has preformed in bluegrass bands in Colorado\, North Carolina\, Pennsylvania\, Michigan and New York. In 2002 Alan was the founder of the modern day Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra. and has been a Wernick Method Bluegrass Jam instructor since 2012. \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/mandolin-vitamins-tunes-techniques-and-ensemble-music/2025-05-05/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/december-22.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250507T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250507T110000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175137 CREATED:20250206T151033Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T195936Z UID:10003347-1746613800-1746615600@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Folk Club Kids DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nFolk Club Kids: Stories\, Songs\, and Sing-a-longs \n \nWednesdays 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. \n \nhttps://www.caffelena.org/folk-club-kids/ \n \nStream live and free on Facebook and Youtube! \n \nJoin Dan Berggren and Drank the Gold’s Oona Grady and James Gascoyne for Folk Club Kids: a free weekly interactive concert series for preschoolers and their caregivers. Children are treated to 30 minutes of live music in a welcoming\, inclusive environment. Inspire a love of music\, community\, and togetherness each week\, learn\, play\, make friends and have fun! \n \nThis program is made possible by the generous support of Kevin & Claudia Bright. \n \n#youthclass \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/folk-club-kids/2025-05-07/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Untitled-design-6.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250507T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250507T173000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175137 CREATED:20250211T205748Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250313T144443Z UID:10003452-1746628200-1746639000@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:10 Week Spring After School Folk Ensembles DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nThrough our after school program\, children aged 7 – 14 can study fiddle\, guitar\, ukulele\, banjo\, tin whistle\, mandolin\, bass\, percussion and more. Each session consists of 10 weekly 45 minute lessons. Teachers Oona Grady and James Gascoyne will be leading the students in an ensemble format. Ensemble instills the camaraderie that is at the center of the Folk tradition. Ensemble encourages learning to hear and listen musically\, and enables students to experience the interdependence of each note and strum within the group.  \n \nClasses start 2:45pm\, 3:40pm and 4:25pm. \n \n#youthclass \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/10-week-spring-after-school-folk-ensembles-begins/2025-05-07/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/december-11.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250508T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250508T120000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175138 CREATED:20250131T171445Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T164636Z UID:10003665-1746694800-1746705600@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Guitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nGuitar Workshop \n \nLevel 1 and 2 \n \nCost $195 for all 10 sessions. Drop ins $25/per session if space allows \n \nThis class will focus on learning basic skills in order to play songs alone or with other players. Each week we will focus on learning specific skills that players can build on to gain confidence while playing. We will also work on playing different styles of music and transposing pieces into various keys. The goal is to provide players information and skills so they are comfortable in various musical environments.  \n \nTopics Include: \n \nOpen position chords and how they are related to each other \n \nMoving from chord to chord smoothly and in time \n \nRhythm and strumming techniques \n \nSingle note play: Pentatonic scale\, lead-ins and fills \n \nMovable chord shapes \n \nLearning new songs \n \nPlaying and performing with other musicians \n \nBruce Thompson teaches guitar workshops and private lessons at the Caffe. Bruce started playing music in elementary school\, first on violin and later on guitar and dobro. Influenced by acoustic folk and bluegrass and a love for improvisation\, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Composition at the Berklee College of Music and played various music styles in the Boston area for ten years. After moving to Saratoga County\, NY he raised a family and made music at community\, family\, and school events. He currently plays in the band Uken Brew and is a fixture in the capital district bluegrass community. \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/guitar-workshop-level-1-with-bruce-thompson/2025-05-08/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/december-6-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250508T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250508T150000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175138 CREATED:20250206T145417Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250207T162945Z UID:10003329-1746709200-1746716400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:School of Music Slow Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nAll are Welcome! \nWE LOVE TO MEET NEW PICKERS\, \nAND WE LOVE PUTTING ON A GOOD SHOW FOR LISTENERS!\n \nTHERE ARE NO PRE-SHOW RESERVATIONS FOR THE JAMS! \n \nSUGGESTED DONATION AT THE DOOR. $5.00 per person \n \nOur jams are all about sharing songs\, making new friends\, and enjoying a relaxing and casual evening of irresistible string band music. \n \nALL are welcome to join the circle for an afternoon or evening playing and listening to classic grass\, new grass and folk favorites. We sometimes refer to our genre as eclectic acoustic. \n \nRed Spruce and Adirondack Song Dogs will kick off each session with a few tunes then open the floor for musicians to lead their favorite bluegrass tunes and folk music\, backed up by the other pickers in the gathering. Simple tunes are always popular! So sharpen up your axe\, come prepared with your song\, and let us hear some good old fast\, high and lonesome\, some slow and low\, or a good old favorite. All are welcome! \n \nWhat is a Slow Jam? \n \nIt is a group of string instrument players and singers who get together to have fun making music. The “slow” modifier indicates that it is targeted to the following musicians: people who have been playing solo and want to get used to playing in a group setting: people who have just learned how to play and want to play with others; people who have instruments that have been gathering dust for a “few” years; experienced players who are trying out playing instruments other than their primary instrument; people who are comfortable playing their instrument but want to become more comfortable singing/leading a song.. The tunes are played at 80 to 110 BPM and usually in basic keys such a G\, A\, D\, C major\, but it always sounds great to play in some minor keys such as “a”\, “e”\, and “g”. We will try to avoid “jam busters.” It is our hope that after this experience you will feel more comfortable playing at the many open jams and open mics that can be found in our area. \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/school-of-music-slow-jam-4/2025-05-08/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/december-3-3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250511T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250511T160000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175138 CREATED:20250228T181004Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250228T181005Z UID:10003564-1746972000-1746979200@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Online School of Music: Gretchen Peters Songwriting Intensive DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nA two-part online songwriting intensive with Gretchen Peters \n \nFor over two decades\, Gretchen Peters has been one of Nashville's most beloved and respected artists. Inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2014 by singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell\, who called her "both a songwriter and a poet\,” Peters has accumulated accolades as a songwriter for artists as diverse as Etta James\, Bonnie Raitt\, The Neville Brothers\, Patty Loveless\, George Strait\, Bryan Adams and Faith Hill. Her song “Independence Day” won a CMA Song of the Year award in 1995. She has been nominated for 2 Grammys\, a Golden Globe\, and numerous other awards. \n \nPart One: Sundays April 27 – May 18\, 2025 \n \nPart Two: Sundays June 8\, 15\, 22\, 29\, 2025 \n \nOn ZOOM 2pm ET / 1pm CT / 12pm MT / 11am PT \n \n( the two week break between is time for implementing what you learned in preparation for part two) \n \nEach class will run approximately 2 hours. All sessions are recorded and will be made available for review within 48 hours. \n \nOne of the oldest phrases in any language is ‘tell me a story.’ Songwriting is storytelling\, and telling your story in a compelling way is all about authenticity and detail. It’s about what you say\, and what you don’t say. It’s about the truth\, but not necessarily the facts. \n \nIn this workshop\, we’ll explore the process of songwriting—the art and the craft\, and the delicate balance between the two. We’ll learn how to keep a sense of creative play and when (and how) to welcome your inner critic into the room. We’ll find ways to work through “writer’s block.” We’ll learn that only through the specific do you achieve the universal—and that’s the holy grail in songwriting and all writing. We write to find out who we are\, and in the process we find out we are not alone. – Gretchen \n \nClass Description \n \nThis 2 month intensive workshop with Gretchen will be divided into two parts. \n \nIn Part One\, we’ll focus on: \n \n\nWriting authentically: how to build the back story for your characters\nUsing detail and imagery in your lyrics\nUsing your subconscious as your compass\nHow to keep your sense of creative play alive and when to “invite the editor” into the writing room\nFinding and fine-tuning your melody and chords\nStructure: song forms and rhyme schemes\n\nIn Part Two\, you will bring your songs to play for Gretchen and the class each week\, and we’ll use these feedback sessions as “teachable moments” for the whole class. This is where a lot of the lessons of the previous four weeks really sink in – seeing the concepts we’ve talked about actually put into practice. You will “graduate” with many more tools for your songwriting toolkit\, including: \n \n\nFocusing your song’s POV – thinking of songs filmically\nHow to access your subconscious during the writing process\nHow verse order can change everything\nWhy it’s better to let the song tell you “what it’s about”\nHow to edit your song\, and what to look out for in the editing process\nWhat to do when you’re stuck\nSongwriting prompts\nThe care and feeding of your creative self\n\nBring to our first class \n \nPen & paper or your preferred way of taking notes \n \nAn open heart and mind \n \nHow to prepare: \n \nIn addition\, please do Morning Pages for at least one week leading up to the class. Click here for a description of Morning Pages. It is ESSENTIAL that you do this exercise first thing in the morning – before coffee\, before breakfast\, before anything. Do not edit\, cross out\, analyze or otherwise “judge” your three pages – don’t think\, just write. This is meant to be stream of consciousness writing – it doesn’t need to have form\, rhyme\, or shape. You will not be required to show your Morning Pages to the class; it’s for your eyes only \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/online-school-of-music-gretchen-peters-songwriting-intensive/2025-05-11/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/december-19.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250512T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250512T123000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175139 CREATED:20250226T200422Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250226T202746Z UID:10003552-1747044000-1747053000@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Bluegrass Duets with Alan Epstein and Bruce Thompson DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nThe purpose of this class is to allow acoustic musicians to work on Bluegrass Duet repertoire with a musical partner. Early groups such as the Blue Sky Boys\, the Monroe Brothers\, the Louvin Brothers\, and the Delmore Brothers helped develop the roots of the sound that we know as bluegrass. Each week we will listen to recorded examples of these and other duet and bluegrass artists and will work on singing and playing some of their best known songs.  \n \nThis class is NOT intended for beginning musicians looking to learn the basics of their instruments. Rather\, it is aimed at those who can play their acoustic instrument\, (guitar\, banjo\, bass\, fiddle\, mandolin\, dobro) and are interested in exploring the music's roots to help them fine tune their sound with a duet partner. \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/bluegrass-duets-with-alan-epstein-and-bruce-thompson/2025-05-12/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/december-16.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250512T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250512T143000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175139 CREATED:20250404T144814Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250404T150326Z UID:10003672-1747054800-1747060200@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Mandolin Vitamins - Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nAttention Mandolin\, Octave Mandolin\, Mandola and Mandocello Players – The purpose of this is 4 week\, in person\, class is for everyone to improve their mandolin skills. Each week we will spend time on right and left hand techniques\, learn some new tunes and play Mandolin Ensemble pieces. This class is intended for advanced beginner and up mandolin family players and is limited to 12 students. The class will run from 1:00 till 2:30 on May 5\, 12\, 19 and June 2. \n \nAlan Epstein has been playing mandolin for the past 54 years and has been teaching others to play mandolin for 30 years. Originally from Pittsburgh\, Pa\, he has lived in the Capital District since 2008 and is currently living in Glens falls\, NY. Alan has preformed in bluegrass bands in Colorado\, North Carolina\, Pennsylvania\, Michigan and New York. In 2002 Alan was the founder of the modern day Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra. and has been a Wernick Method Bluegrass Jam instructor since 2012. \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/mandolin-vitamins-tunes-techniques-and-ensemble-music/2025-05-12/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/december-22.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250514T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250514T110000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175139 CREATED:20250206T151033Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T195936Z UID:10003348-1747218600-1747220400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Folk Club Kids DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nFolk Club Kids: Stories\, Songs\, and Sing-a-longs \n \nWednesdays 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. \n \nhttps://www.caffelena.org/folk-club-kids/ \n \nStream live and free on Facebook and Youtube! \n \nJoin Dan Berggren and Drank the Gold’s Oona Grady and James Gascoyne for Folk Club Kids: a free weekly interactive concert series for preschoolers and their caregivers. Children are treated to 30 minutes of live music in a welcoming\, inclusive environment. Inspire a love of music\, community\, and togetherness each week\, learn\, play\, make friends and have fun! \n \nThis program is made possible by the generous support of Kevin & Claudia Bright. \n \n#youthclass \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/folk-club-kids/2025-05-14/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Untitled-design-6.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250514T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250514T173000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175139 CREATED:20250211T205748Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250313T144443Z UID:10003453-1747233000-1747243800@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:10 Week Spring After School Folk Ensembles DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nThrough our after school program\, children aged 7 – 14 can study fiddle\, guitar\, ukulele\, banjo\, tin whistle\, mandolin\, bass\, percussion and more. Each session consists of 10 weekly 45 minute lessons. Teachers Oona Grady and James Gascoyne will be leading the students in an ensemble format. Ensemble instills the camaraderie that is at the center of the Folk tradition. Ensemble encourages learning to hear and listen musically\, and enables students to experience the interdependence of each note and strum within the group.  \n \nClasses start 2:45pm\, 3:40pm and 4:25pm. \n \n#youthclass \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/10-week-spring-after-school-folk-ensembles-begins/2025-05-14/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/december-11.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250515T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250515T120000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175139 CREATED:20250131T171445Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T164636Z UID:10003666-1747299600-1747310400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Guitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nGuitar Workshop \n \nLevel 1 and 2 \n \nCost $195 for all 10 sessions. Drop ins $25/per session if space allows \n \nThis class will focus on learning basic skills in order to play songs alone or with other players. Each week we will focus on learning specific skills that players can build on to gain confidence while playing. We will also work on playing different styles of music and transposing pieces into various keys. The goal is to provide players information and skills so they are comfortable in various musical environments.  \n \nTopics Include: \n \nOpen position chords and how they are related to each other \n \nMoving from chord to chord smoothly and in time \n \nRhythm and strumming techniques \n \nSingle note play: Pentatonic scale\, lead-ins and fills \n \nMovable chord shapes \n \nLearning new songs \n \nPlaying and performing with other musicians \n \nBruce Thompson teaches guitar workshops and private lessons at the Caffe. Bruce started playing music in elementary school\, first on violin and later on guitar and dobro. Influenced by acoustic folk and bluegrass and a love for improvisation\, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Composition at the Berklee College of Music and played various music styles in the Boston area for ten years. After moving to Saratoga County\, NY he raised a family and made music at community\, family\, and school events. He currently plays in the band Uken Brew and is a fixture in the capital district bluegrass community. \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/guitar-workshop-level-1-with-bruce-thompson/2025-05-15/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/december-6-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250515T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250515T150000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175139 CREATED:20250206T145417Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250207T162945Z UID:10003330-1747314000-1747321200@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:School of Music Slow Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nAll are Welcome! \nWE LOVE TO MEET NEW PICKERS\, \nAND WE LOVE PUTTING ON A GOOD SHOW FOR LISTENERS!\n \nTHERE ARE NO PRE-SHOW RESERVATIONS FOR THE JAMS! \n \nSUGGESTED DONATION AT THE DOOR. $5.00 per person \n \nOur jams are all about sharing songs\, making new friends\, and enjoying a relaxing and casual evening of irresistible string band music. \n \nALL are welcome to join the circle for an afternoon or evening playing and listening to classic grass\, new grass and folk favorites. We sometimes refer to our genre as eclectic acoustic. \n \nRed Spruce and Adirondack Song Dogs will kick off each session with a few tunes then open the floor for musicians to lead their favorite bluegrass tunes and folk music\, backed up by the other pickers in the gathering. Simple tunes are always popular! So sharpen up your axe\, come prepared with your song\, and let us hear some good old fast\, high and lonesome\, some slow and low\, or a good old favorite. All are welcome! \n \nWhat is a Slow Jam? \n \nIt is a group of string instrument players and singers who get together to have fun making music. The “slow” modifier indicates that it is targeted to the following musicians: people who have been playing solo and want to get used to playing in a group setting: people who have just learned how to play and want to play with others; people who have instruments that have been gathering dust for a “few” years; experienced players who are trying out playing instruments other than their primary instrument; people who are comfortable playing their instrument but want to become more comfortable singing/leading a song.. The tunes are played at 80 to 110 BPM and usually in basic keys such a G\, A\, D\, C major\, but it always sounds great to play in some minor keys such as “a”\, “e”\, and “g”. We will try to avoid “jam busters.” It is our hope that after this experience you will feel more comfortable playing at the many open jams and open mics that can be found in our area. \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/school-of-music-slow-jam-4/2025-05-15/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/december-3-3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250517T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250517T150000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175140 CREATED:20250228T164500Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250227T172451Z UID:10003558-1747486800-1747494000@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Intro to Fingerstyle Guitar with Lyle Brewer DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nThis class will cover the basics of solo Fingerstyle guitar. We will work through pieces such as “Freight Train” and “You Are My Sunshine” as well as several of my original songs. Whether you are an experienced solo guitarist or brand new to the style this clinic will help you refine your technique\, sound and harmonic understanding. \n \nLyle Brewer is a guitarist and songwriter from Massachusetts. He has released several instrumental guitar albums and has performed all over the country with such artists as Neighbor\, Lori McKenna and Ryan Montbleau. For the last decade Brewer has been a professor of guitar at The Berklee College of Music in Boston. He has released 5 transcription books and maintains a hearty teaching schedule through his Patreon site. The night will feature Brewer's original music from his albums Juno\, Get It Together and Hold On. \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/intro-to-fingerstyle-guitar-with-lyle-brewer/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/december-18.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250518T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250518T160000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175140 CREATED:20250228T181004Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250228T181005Z UID:10003565-1747576800-1747584000@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Online School of Music: Gretchen Peters Songwriting Intensive DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nA two-part online songwriting intensive with Gretchen Peters \n \nFor over two decades\, Gretchen Peters has been one of Nashville's most beloved and respected artists. Inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2014 by singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell\, who called her "both a songwriter and a poet\,” Peters has accumulated accolades as a songwriter for artists as diverse as Etta James\, Bonnie Raitt\, The Neville Brothers\, Patty Loveless\, George Strait\, Bryan Adams and Faith Hill. Her song “Independence Day” won a CMA Song of the Year award in 1995. She has been nominated for 2 Grammys\, a Golden Globe\, and numerous other awards. \n \nPart One: Sundays April 27 – May 18\, 2025 \n \nPart Two: Sundays June 8\, 15\, 22\, 29\, 2025 \n \nOn ZOOM 2pm ET / 1pm CT / 12pm MT / 11am PT \n \n( the two week break between is time for implementing what you learned in preparation for part two) \n \nEach class will run approximately 2 hours. All sessions are recorded and will be made available for review within 48 hours. \n \nOne of the oldest phrases in any language is ‘tell me a story.’ Songwriting is storytelling\, and telling your story in a compelling way is all about authenticity and detail. It’s about what you say\, and what you don’t say. It’s about the truth\, but not necessarily the facts. \n \nIn this workshop\, we’ll explore the process of songwriting—the art and the craft\, and the delicate balance between the two. We’ll learn how to keep a sense of creative play and when (and how) to welcome your inner critic into the room. We’ll find ways to work through “writer’s block.” We’ll learn that only through the specific do you achieve the universal—and that’s the holy grail in songwriting and all writing. We write to find out who we are\, and in the process we find out we are not alone. – Gretchen \n \nClass Description \n \nThis 2 month intensive workshop with Gretchen will be divided into two parts. \n \nIn Part One\, we’ll focus on: \n \n\nWriting authentically: how to build the back story for your characters\nUsing detail and imagery in your lyrics\nUsing your subconscious as your compass\nHow to keep your sense of creative play alive and when to “invite the editor” into the writing room\nFinding and fine-tuning your melody and chords\nStructure: song forms and rhyme schemes\n\nIn Part Two\, you will bring your songs to play for Gretchen and the class each week\, and we’ll use these feedback sessions as “teachable moments” for the whole class. This is where a lot of the lessons of the previous four weeks really sink in – seeing the concepts we’ve talked about actually put into practice. You will “graduate” with many more tools for your songwriting toolkit\, including: \n \n\nFocusing your song’s POV – thinking of songs filmically\nHow to access your subconscious during the writing process\nHow verse order can change everything\nWhy it’s better to let the song tell you “what it’s about”\nHow to edit your song\, and what to look out for in the editing process\nWhat to do when you’re stuck\nSongwriting prompts\nThe care and feeding of your creative self\n\nBring to our first class \n \nPen & paper or your preferred way of taking notes \n \nAn open heart and mind \n \nHow to prepare: \n \nIn addition\, please do Morning Pages for at least one week leading up to the class. Click here for a description of Morning Pages. It is ESSENTIAL that you do this exercise first thing in the morning – before coffee\, before breakfast\, before anything. Do not edit\, cross out\, analyze or otherwise “judge” your three pages – don’t think\, just write. This is meant to be stream of consciousness writing – it doesn’t need to have form\, rhyme\, or shape. You will not be required to show your Morning Pages to the class; it’s for your eyes only \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/online-school-of-music-gretchen-peters-songwriting-intensive/2025-05-18/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/december-19.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250519T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250519T123000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175140 CREATED:20250226T200422Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250226T202746Z UID:10003553-1747648800-1747657800@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Bluegrass Duets with Alan Epstein and Bruce Thompson DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nThe purpose of this class is to allow acoustic musicians to work on Bluegrass Duet repertoire with a musical partner. Early groups such as the Blue Sky Boys\, the Monroe Brothers\, the Louvin Brothers\, and the Delmore Brothers helped develop the roots of the sound that we know as bluegrass. Each week we will listen to recorded examples of these and other duet and bluegrass artists and will work on singing and playing some of their best known songs.  \n \nThis class is NOT intended for beginning musicians looking to learn the basics of their instruments. Rather\, it is aimed at those who can play their acoustic instrument\, (guitar\, banjo\, bass\, fiddle\, mandolin\, dobro) and are interested in exploring the music's roots to help them fine tune their sound with a duet partner. \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/bluegrass-duets-with-alan-epstein-and-bruce-thompson/2025-05-19/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/december-16.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250519T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250519T143000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175140 CREATED:20250404T144814Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250404T150326Z UID:10003673-1747659600-1747665000@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Mandolin Vitamins - Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nAttention Mandolin\, Octave Mandolin\, Mandola and Mandocello Players – The purpose of this is 4 week\, in person\, class is for everyone to improve their mandolin skills. Each week we will spend time on right and left hand techniques\, learn some new tunes and play Mandolin Ensemble pieces. This class is intended for advanced beginner and up mandolin family players and is limited to 12 students. The class will run from 1:00 till 2:30 on May 5\, 12\, 19 and June 2. \n \nAlan Epstein has been playing mandolin for the past 54 years and has been teaching others to play mandolin for 30 years. Originally from Pittsburgh\, Pa\, he has lived in the Capital District since 2008 and is currently living in Glens falls\, NY. Alan has preformed in bluegrass bands in Colorado\, North Carolina\, Pennsylvania\, Michigan and New York. In 2002 Alan was the founder of the modern day Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra. and has been a Wernick Method Bluegrass Jam instructor since 2012. \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/mandolin-vitamins-tunes-techniques-and-ensemble-music/2025-05-19/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/december-22.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250521T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250521T110000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175140 CREATED:20250206T151033Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T195936Z UID:10003349-1747823400-1747825200@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Folk Club Kids DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nFolk Club Kids: Stories\, Songs\, and Sing-a-longs \n \nWednesdays 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. \n \nhttps://www.caffelena.org/folk-club-kids/ \n \nStream live and free on Facebook and Youtube! \n \nJoin Dan Berggren and Drank the Gold’s Oona Grady and James Gascoyne for Folk Club Kids: a free weekly interactive concert series for preschoolers and their caregivers. Children are treated to 30 minutes of live music in a welcoming\, inclusive environment. Inspire a love of music\, community\, and togetherness each week\, learn\, play\, make friends and have fun! \n \nThis program is made possible by the generous support of Kevin & Claudia Bright. \n \n#youthclass \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/folk-club-kids/2025-05-21/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Untitled-design-6.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250521T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250521T173000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175141 CREATED:20250211T205748Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250313T144443Z UID:10003454-1747837800-1747848600@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:10 Week Spring After School Folk Ensembles DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nThrough our after school program\, children aged 7 – 14 can study fiddle\, guitar\, ukulele\, banjo\, tin whistle\, mandolin\, bass\, percussion and more. Each session consists of 10 weekly 45 minute lessons. Teachers Oona Grady and James Gascoyne will be leading the students in an ensemble format. Ensemble instills the camaraderie that is at the center of the Folk tradition. Ensemble encourages learning to hear and listen musically\, and enables students to experience the interdependence of each note and strum within the group.  \n \nClasses start 2:45pm\, 3:40pm and 4:25pm. \n \n#youthclass \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/10-week-spring-after-school-folk-ensembles-begins/2025-05-21/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/december-11.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250521T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250521T210000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175141 CREATED:20250205T223507Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T174321Z UID:10003336-1747854000-1747861200@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Bluegrass Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nAll are welcome to join the circle for an evening playing and listening to classic grass\, new grass and folk favorites. Red Spruce will kick off each session with a few tunes then open the floor for musicians to lead their favorite bluegrass tunes and folk music\, backed up by the other pickers in the gathering. Simple tunes are always popular! So sharpen up your axe\, come prepared with your song\, and let us hear some good old fast\, high and lonesome\, some slow and low\, or a good old favorite. All are welcome!! \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/bluegrass-jam/2025-05-21/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/december-7.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250522T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250522T120000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175141 CREATED:20250131T171445Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T164636Z UID:10003667-1747904400-1747915200@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Guitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nGuitar Workshop \n \nLevel 1 and 2 \n \nCost $195 for all 10 sessions. Drop ins $25/per session if space allows \n \nThis class will focus on learning basic skills in order to play songs alone or with other players. Each week we will focus on learning specific skills that players can build on to gain confidence while playing. We will also work on playing different styles of music and transposing pieces into various keys. The goal is to provide players information and skills so they are comfortable in various musical environments.  \n \nTopics Include: \n \nOpen position chords and how they are related to each other \n \nMoving from chord to chord smoothly and in time \n \nRhythm and strumming techniques \n \nSingle note play: Pentatonic scale\, lead-ins and fills \n \nMovable chord shapes \n \nLearning new songs \n \nPlaying and performing with other musicians \n \nBruce Thompson teaches guitar workshops and private lessons at the Caffe. Bruce started playing music in elementary school\, first on violin and later on guitar and dobro. Influenced by acoustic folk and bluegrass and a love for improvisation\, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Composition at the Berklee College of Music and played various music styles in the Boston area for ten years. After moving to Saratoga County\, NY he raised a family and made music at community\, family\, and school events. He currently plays in the band Uken Brew and is a fixture in the capital district bluegrass community. \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/guitar-workshop-level-1-with-bruce-thompson/2025-05-22/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/december-6-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250522T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250522T150000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175141 CREATED:20250206T145417Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250207T162945Z UID:10003331-1747918800-1747926000@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:School of Music Slow Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nAll are Welcome! \nWE LOVE TO MEET NEW PICKERS\, \nAND WE LOVE PUTTING ON A GOOD SHOW FOR LISTENERS!\n \nTHERE ARE NO PRE-SHOW RESERVATIONS FOR THE JAMS! \n \nSUGGESTED DONATION AT THE DOOR. $5.00 per person \n \nOur jams are all about sharing songs\, making new friends\, and enjoying a relaxing and casual evening of irresistible string band music. \n \nALL are welcome to join the circle for an afternoon or evening playing and listening to classic grass\, new grass and folk favorites. We sometimes refer to our genre as eclectic acoustic. \n \nRed Spruce and Adirondack Song Dogs will kick off each session with a few tunes then open the floor for musicians to lead their favorite bluegrass tunes and folk music\, backed up by the other pickers in the gathering. Simple tunes are always popular! So sharpen up your axe\, come prepared with your song\, and let us hear some good old fast\, high and lonesome\, some slow and low\, or a good old favorite. All are welcome! \n \nWhat is a Slow Jam? \n \nIt is a group of string instrument players and singers who get together to have fun making music. The “slow” modifier indicates that it is targeted to the following musicians: people who have been playing solo and want to get used to playing in a group setting: people who have just learned how to play and want to play with others; people who have instruments that have been gathering dust for a “few” years; experienced players who are trying out playing instruments other than their primary instrument; people who are comfortable playing their instrument but want to become more comfortable singing/leading a song.. The tunes are played at 80 to 110 BPM and usually in basic keys such a G\, A\, D\, C major\, but it always sounds great to play in some minor keys such as “a”\, “e”\, and “g”. We will try to avoid “jam busters.” It is our hope that after this experience you will feel more comfortable playing at the many open jams and open mics that can be found in our area. \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/school-of-music-slow-jam-4/2025-05-22/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/december-3-3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250524T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250524T130000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175141 CREATED:20250513T141050Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250513T142629Z UID:10003751-1748084400-1748091600@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Songwriting Club Workshop DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nThis special edition of Songwriting Club will not have a featured guest artist but instead focus on writing prompts and collaborations. Bring an instrument\, pen and paper! \n \n$5 at the door \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/songwriting-club-workshop/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/december-23.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250528T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250528T110000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175142 CREATED:20250206T151033Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T195936Z UID:10003350-1748428200-1748430000@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Folk Club Kids DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nFolk Club Kids: Stories\, Songs\, and Sing-a-longs \n \nWednesdays 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. \n \nhttps://www.caffelena.org/folk-club-kids/ \n \nStream live and free on Facebook and Youtube! \n \nJoin Dan Berggren and Drank the Gold’s Oona Grady and James Gascoyne for Folk Club Kids: a free weekly interactive concert series for preschoolers and their caregivers. Children are treated to 30 minutes of live music in a welcoming\, inclusive environment. Inspire a love of music\, community\, and togetherness each week\, learn\, play\, make friends and have fun! \n \nThis program is made possible by the generous support of Kevin & Claudia Bright. \n \n#youthclass \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/folk-club-kids/2025-05-28/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Untitled-design-6.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250528T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250528T173000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175142 CREATED:20250211T205748Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250313T144443Z UID:10003455-1748442600-1748453400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:10 Week Spring After School Folk Ensembles DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nThrough our after school program\, children aged 7 – 14 can study fiddle\, guitar\, ukulele\, banjo\, tin whistle\, mandolin\, bass\, percussion and more. Each session consists of 10 weekly 45 minute lessons. Teachers Oona Grady and James Gascoyne will be leading the students in an ensemble format. Ensemble instills the camaraderie that is at the center of the Folk tradition. Ensemble encourages learning to hear and listen musically\, and enables students to experience the interdependence of each note and strum within the group.  \n \nClasses start 2:45pm\, 3:40pm and 4:25pm. \n \n#youthclass \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/10-week-spring-after-school-folk-ensembles-begins/2025-05-28/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/december-11.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250529T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250529T120000 DTSTAMP:20260509T175142 CREATED:20250131T171445Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T164636Z UID:10003668-1748509200-1748520000@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Guitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nGuitar Workshop \n \nLevel 1 and 2 \n \nCost $195 for all 10 sessions. Drop ins $25/per session if space allows \n \nThis class will focus on learning basic skills in order to play songs alone or with other players. Each week we will focus on learning specific skills that players can build on to gain confidence while playing. We will also work on playing different styles of music and transposing pieces into various keys. The goal is to provide players information and skills so they are comfortable in various musical environments.  \n \nTopics Include: \n \nOpen position chords and how they are related to each other \n \nMoving from chord to chord smoothly and in time \n \nRhythm and strumming techniques \n \nSingle note play: Pentatonic scale\, lead-ins and fills \n \nMovable chord shapes \n \nLearning new songs \n \nPlaying and performing with other musicians \n \nBruce Thompson teaches guitar workshops and private lessons at the Caffe. Bruce started playing music in elementary school\, first on violin and later on guitar and dobro. Influenced by acoustic folk and bluegrass and a love for improvisation\, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Composition at the Berklee College of Music and played various music styles in the Boston area for ten years. After moving to Saratoga County\, NY he raised a family and made music at community\, family\, and school events. He currently plays in the band Uken Brew and is a fixture in the capital district bluegrass community. \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/guitar-workshop-level-1-with-bruce-thompson/2025-05-29/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/december-6-1.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR