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: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 BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260516T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260516T120000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154035 CREATED:20260504T180728Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260504T182326Z UID:10006270-1778925600-1778932800@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Fingerstyle Guitar Workshop with Ron Gordon 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 Parlor Guitar / Foundations Of American Guitar Styles 10 am – 12pm $35 In this workshop\, we'll learn and play the fingerstyle evolution of American guitar in the 19th Century and became the foundation of accompaniment to songs and set pieces up to this very day. This 3 finger technique includes leading bass\, bass runs\, rhythm\, arpeggios\, etc. Starting here will also serve as a great introduction to fingerpicking for strummers wanting to add right hand technique to their "tool box". Handouts provided. \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/fingerstyle-guitar-workshop-with-ron-gordon-2/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/december-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260516T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260516T140000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154035 CREATED:20260323T151042Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T152626Z UID:10006187-1778936400-1778940000@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Tai Chi & Qi Gong For Musicians (and everyone) with Mark Tolstrup 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\nTai Chi & Qi Gong have many methods for increasing flexibility\, circulation\, breath control and reducing stress. In this class you techniques in all of these areas. These methods are traditionally practiced for health and well being and they have specific benefits that will help musicians play and perform. These techniques are all fairly simple to learn and can be done anywhere with no special equipment.  \n \nMark Tolstrup has taught Tai Chi\, Qi gong and related practices for over 35 years at the Tai Chi Center in Saratoga Springs\, NY. www.the-taichi-center.com Mark is also a performing musicians. In this class he will share practices the will be beneficial to musicians and everyone. \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/tai-chi-qi-gong-for-musicians-and-everyone-with-mark-tolstrup-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/2026/03/december-46.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260518T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260518T120000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154035 CREATED:20260323T150656Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T162320Z UID:10006186-1779098400-1779105600@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 – This class is intended for advanced beginner and up mandolin family players and is limited to 10 students. The class will run from 10:00 till 12 May 4th\, 11th and 18th. \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 Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \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 URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/mandolin-vitamins-tunes-techniques-and-ensemble-music-9/2026-05-18/ 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/2026/03/december-31.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260519T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260519T160000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154035 CREATED:20260414T173156Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T174729Z UID:10006230-1779202800-1779206400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro DESCRIPTION:American Roots 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\nLearn the basics of clawhammer banjo with award winning banjo player Carolyn Shapiro. This four week workshop will introduce you to everything you need to get started on your banjo journey. You will learn the clawhammer technique\, how to tune your instrument\, basic chord shapes\, alternate tunings\, and a few songs that will help you get familiar with your instrument. This is a beginner level workshop and is perfect for anyone who is brand new to music or brand new to this style of banjo. \n \n4-weeks $120 3 pm – 4 pm on Tuesdays \n \nCarolyn is an old-time banjo player and songwriter from Glens Falls who has been picking and singing around the Capital Region for over ten years. She got her start as a performer working at Caffe Lena and is now a regular host of the Monday open mic. Blending sultry flavor with a deep-rooted traditional style\, Carolyn's music pushes the boundaries of the banjo with a catalog of songs that takes listeners on an intimate journey through the complexities of being human. As a performer\, Carolyn brings a joy and vulnerability to the stage\, leaving audiences feeling genuinely restored and inspired. Her 2022 debut album earned her the title of Folk Artist of the Year at the Capital Region Music Rewards. Her sophomore release\, Take it Easy (2024) was recorded live with her band and captures the warmth\, spontaneity\, and camaraderie that define her sound. \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \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 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 \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/clawhammer-banjo-with-carolyn-shapiro-2/2026-05-19/ 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/2026/04/december-42.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260520T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260520T110000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154036 CREATED:20260121T200736Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260125T033938Z UID:10006109-1779273000-1779274800@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 \nJoin Dan Berggren\, Arielle Woodul and Connor Armbruster 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 Andy and Bill Spence. \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 Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \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 URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/folk-club-kids-4/2026-05-20/ 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/2026/01/december-40.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260520T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260520T173000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154036 CREATED:20251126T151246Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251222T181735Z UID:10005759-1779287400-1779298200@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady DESCRIPTION:American Roots 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\nAfter School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne \n \n17 weeks starting January 28th \n \nUse these links to sign up: \n \n2:45\, 3:40\, 4:35 \n \nMusic is a gift best shared with friends! Here is an exciting opportunity for youth 7-14 to learn music by playing together.   \n \nWeekly 45 minute classes will be focused on making music\, including singing\, exploring various string instruments\, music theory basics\, rhythm exercises\, how to learn songs/tunes from scratch\, confidence in performance practice\, and more. At the end of the final class of the session there will be a recital/sharing session for family and friends (with Lena's Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies\, of course!).   \n \nYouth Folk Ensemble is–  \n \nMixed ages and abilities: Open to any level of experience with music; Learn through listening and participation. \n \nFocus on repertoire: Learn classic tunes and songs from the American folk tradition as well as some favorite contemporary songs. \n \nExplore string instruments and singing\, learning basic skills: Opportunities to focus on guitar\, ukulele\, banjo\, mandolin\, bass\, and violin/fiddle*; (*for students interested in violin/fiddle it is recommended that they also be enrolled in private or school lessons). \n \nLearn music fundamentals: Develop strong and steady sense of rhythm; Learn how to listen and hear musically; Explore singing finding one's own unique voice. \n \nLearning valuable life skills: Working in a group setting; Creative contribution and compromise; Being part of a team and playing your part; Building friendships. \n \nNeed help with tuition or an instrument? Let us know how we can help by filling out this application for the Matt McCabe Scholarship Fund or email: musicschool@caffelena.org \n \nAfter School Youth Folk Ensemble classes meet on Wednesdays at Caffe Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY 12866. \n \nThe three time slots are 2:45-3:30 pm; 3:40-4:25 pm; & 4:35-5:20 pm. Sign up for one or all! \n \nSession 3 Dates: Jan 28 – Jun 3 (17 weeks) [off 2/18\, 4/8] \n \n(Summer day camps are offered as well – 2026 details TBA) \n \nEnd of session recitals are on the final day of class: 6/3 from 5:30-6pm \n \nStudents are encouraged to sign up for all three sessions – the more time we spend learning and practicing music together\, the tighter our ensemble will be! Discounts of 10% when purchasing more than 1 class at a time. \n \nMeet the instructors: \n \nJames Gascoyne is a multi-instrumentalist\, composer\, and teacher based in Saratoga Springs\, NY. Originally from Louisville\, KY\, James has been an active participant in the NYS Capital Region arts community since 2004. He has toured nationally with a variety of groups\, at times performing on bass\, guitar\, drums\, and vocals\, all the while maintaining an active local performing and recording schedule as well as teaching privately when time allows. James regularly performs with Oona Grady as their duo\, Drank The Gold\, specializing in traditional Irish and American fiddle tunes and folk songs\, as well as original compositions and arrangements\, plus newly formed bluegrass quintet The Millstone Rounders. With a passion for sharing his musical experience with others\, he’s led various workshops at times on guitar\, mandolin\, banjo\, ukulele\, and bass for the Caffe Lena School of Music\, Dance Flurry Festival\, GrassRoots Culture Camp\, and Winter Village Music Camp. \n \nOona Grady is a musician and educator living in Saratoga Springs\, New York. She performs with the duo Drank The Gold\, a band specializing in creative arrangements of traditional Irish and American fiddle music\, folk songs\, and original compositions\, as well as with other projects including The Grady Girls\, Folk Club Kids\, Carolyn Shapiro\, and newest project The Millstone Rounders. Oona grew up in Ithaca\, NY\, nurtured by a family and community with a deep love of music. After receiving a grounding in Suzuki violin and Irish fiddle\, she began performing with her family band as a teenager\, and moved to Ireland at age eighteen to continue her music studies at University College Cork\, graduating with a B.Mus. in 2008. Oona works as a recording artist (credits include strings on What a Night'll Do\, Dr. Dog)\, manages a private music teaching studio\, and is a founding teacher at the Caffe Lena School of Music. She also works as a guest instructor for weekend workshops and summer programs\, including GrassRoots Culture Camp\, the Flurry Festival\, Winter Village Music Camp\, and the Ithaca Suzuki Institute.  \n \n#youthclass \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \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 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 \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/after-school-folk-ensemble-with-james-gascoyne-and-oona-grady/2026-05-20/ 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/2025/11/december-32.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260520T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260520T210000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154036 CREATED:20250205T223507Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T174321Z UID:10005964-1779303600-1779310800@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Bluegrass 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 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 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 Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \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 URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/bluegrass-jam/2026-05-20/ 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:20260521T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260521T123000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154036 CREATED:20260217T163633Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T221030Z UID:10006129-1779354000-1779366600@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Guitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson DESCRIPTION:American Roots 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\nGuitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson \n \nCost $195 for all 10 sessions. Drop ins $25/per session if space allows \n \n10 Thursdays starting April 2 \n \nClick a time below to sign up: \n \nBeginner 9:15 am – 10:10 am \n \nIntermediate 10:15 am – 11:10 am \n \nIntermediate / Advanced 11:15 am – 12:10 pm \n \nNot sure what class might work best for you email: matt@caffelena.org \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \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 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 \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-workshops-with-bruce-thompson-2/2026-05-21/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/december.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260521T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260521T150000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154036 CREATED:20260105T145344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T150926Z UID:10005914-1779368400-1779375600@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 \nThis weekly program is made possible by the generous support of PHLY Foundation! \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 \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 Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \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 URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/school-of-music-slow-jam-11/2026-05-21/ 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/2026/01/december-3-3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260522T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260522T103000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154037 CREATED:20260309T172610Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T174126Z UID:10006159-1779442200-1779445800@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Music With Miss Deb DESCRIPTION:American Roots 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\nExperience this interactive and fun exploration of music with Miss Deb! Birth – 4 years old \n \nWe will sing songs\, move around\, play with colorful props and play percussion instruments while enjoying and learning about music in an organic learning environment.  \n \nSongs from other cultures will be included along with traditional folk songs.  \n \nFun for the whole family! \n \n#youthclass \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \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 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 \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/music-with-miss-deb-4/2026-05-22/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260522T153000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260522T173000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154037 CREATED:20260420T192016Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260504T160316Z UID:10006245-1779463800-1779471000@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Run the Show: Live Sound and Production Class 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\nFor high school aged students (or middle schoolers with teachers permission) who are looking to learn more about live sound production\, how to run a music venue and more! Taught by our in house sound engineers and house managers. \n \n4 weeks – $120 \n \nScholarships available – email matt@caffelena.org \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 Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \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 URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/run-the-show-live-sound-and-production/2026-05-22/ 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/2026/04/december-47.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260527T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260527T110000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154037 CREATED:20260121T200736Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260125T033938Z UID:10006110-1779877800-1779879600@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Folk Club Kids DESCRIPTION:American Roots 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\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 \nJoin Dan Berggren\, Arielle Woodul and Connor Armbruster 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 Andy and Bill Spence. \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \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 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 \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-4/2026-05-27/ 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/2026/01/december-40.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260527T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260527T173000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154037 CREATED:20251126T151246Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251222T181735Z UID:10005760-1779892200-1779903000@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady 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\nAfter School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne \n \n17 weeks starting January 28th \n \nUse these links to sign up: \n \n2:45\, 3:40\, 4:35 \n \nMusic is a gift best shared with friends! Here is an exciting opportunity for youth 7-14 to learn music by playing together.   \n \nWeekly 45 minute classes will be focused on making music\, including singing\, exploring various string instruments\, music theory basics\, rhythm exercises\, how to learn songs/tunes from scratch\, confidence in performance practice\, and more. At the end of the final class of the session there will be a recital/sharing session for family and friends (with Lena's Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies\, of course!).   \n \nYouth Folk Ensemble is–  \n \nMixed ages and abilities: Open to any level of experience with music; Learn through listening and participation. \n \nFocus on repertoire: Learn classic tunes and songs from the American folk tradition as well as some favorite contemporary songs. \n \nExplore string instruments and singing\, learning basic skills: Opportunities to focus on guitar\, ukulele\, banjo\, mandolin\, bass\, and violin/fiddle*; (*for students interested in violin/fiddle it is recommended that they also be enrolled in private or school lessons). \n \nLearn music fundamentals: Develop strong and steady sense of rhythm; Learn how to listen and hear musically; Explore singing finding one's own unique voice. \n \nLearning valuable life skills: Working in a group setting; Creative contribution and compromise; Being part of a team and playing your part; Building friendships. \n \nNeed help with tuition or an instrument? Let us know how we can help by filling out this application for the Matt McCabe Scholarship Fund or email: musicschool@caffelena.org \n \nAfter School Youth Folk Ensemble classes meet on Wednesdays at Caffe Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY 12866. \n \nThe three time slots are 2:45-3:30 pm; 3:40-4:25 pm; & 4:35-5:20 pm. Sign up for one or all! \n \nSession 3 Dates: Jan 28 – Jun 3 (17 weeks) [off 2/18\, 4/8] \n \n(Summer day camps are offered as well – 2026 details TBA) \n \nEnd of session recitals are on the final day of class: 6/3 from 5:30-6pm \n \nStudents are encouraged to sign up for all three sessions – the more time we spend learning and practicing music together\, the tighter our ensemble will be! Discounts of 10% when purchasing more than 1 class at a time. \n \nMeet the instructors: \n \nJames Gascoyne is a multi-instrumentalist\, composer\, and teacher based in Saratoga Springs\, NY. Originally from Louisville\, KY\, James has been an active participant in the NYS Capital Region arts community since 2004. He has toured nationally with a variety of groups\, at times performing on bass\, guitar\, drums\, and vocals\, all the while maintaining an active local performing and recording schedule as well as teaching privately when time allows. James regularly performs with Oona Grady as their duo\, Drank The Gold\, specializing in traditional Irish and American fiddle tunes and folk songs\, as well as original compositions and arrangements\, plus newly formed bluegrass quintet The Millstone Rounders. With a passion for sharing his musical experience with others\, he’s led various workshops at times on guitar\, mandolin\, banjo\, ukulele\, and bass for the Caffe Lena School of Music\, Dance Flurry Festival\, GrassRoots Culture Camp\, and Winter Village Music Camp. \n \nOona Grady is a musician and educator living in Saratoga Springs\, New York. She performs with the duo Drank The Gold\, a band specializing in creative arrangements of traditional Irish and American fiddle music\, folk songs\, and original compositions\, as well as with other projects including The Grady Girls\, Folk Club Kids\, Carolyn Shapiro\, and newest project The Millstone Rounders. Oona grew up in Ithaca\, NY\, nurtured by a family and community with a deep love of music. After receiving a grounding in Suzuki violin and Irish fiddle\, she began performing with her family band as a teenager\, and moved to Ireland at age eighteen to continue her music studies at University College Cork\, graduating with a B.Mus. in 2008. Oona works as a recording artist (credits include strings on What a Night'll Do\, Dr. Dog)\, manages a private music teaching studio\, and is a founding teacher at the Caffe Lena School of Music. She also works as a guest instructor for weekend workshops and summer programs\, including GrassRoots Culture Camp\, the Flurry Festival\, Winter Village Music Camp\, and the Ithaca Suzuki Institute.  \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 Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \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 URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/after-school-folk-ensemble-with-james-gascoyne-and-oona-grady/2026-05-27/ 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/2025/11/december-32.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260527T174500 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260527T193000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154037 CREATED:20260130T143732Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260130T145326Z UID:10006086-1779903900-1779910200@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Bluegrass Instrumental Course with Bruce Thompson and Sam Katz DESCRIPTION:American Roots 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\nBluegrass Instrumental Course – with Bruce Thompson and Sam Katz \n \nApril 29\, May 6\, 27 and June 3 \n \n5:45 pm – 7:45 pm \n \n$195 \n \nFor instruments: Guitar\, Fiddle\, Mandolin\, Bass\, Banjo\, Dobro \n \nExperience level: students should be familiar with basic chords and have done some melodic playing as well.  \n \nInstructors: Bruce Thompson and Sam Katz \n \nSummary: This course is intended for folks interested in learning bluegrass instrumentals (fiddle tunes) commonly played at jams. Each week we will focus on at least one instrumental tune. Students will have the time to listen and prepare tunes in advance of each class Links to audio and/or video examples as well as music (standard notation and tabs) will be provided. Each class will review the tune as a group then divide into small groups to work on playing the tune together. We will also discuss learning techniques and tools such as StrumMachine and a metronome. Students will become familiar with the tunes covered in the course and develop techniques to quickly learn new tunes.  \n \nTopics: \n \nMemorizing\, learning and mastering a melody \n \nLearning the rhythm part and accompaniment  \n \nSwitching from rhythm to lead parts \n \nSetting the tempo\, kickoffs and endings \n \nLeading the tune in a group \n \nImprovising ideas\, tips and techniques \n \nJam etiquette \n \nPossible Tunes (subject to change): \n \nAngeline the Baker (D) \n \nOld Joe Clark (A) \n \nSoldier’s Joy (D) \n \nCold Frosty Morn (Am) \n \nBig Sandy River (A) \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \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 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 \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-instrumental-course-with-bruce-thompson-and-sam-katz/2026-05-27/ 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/2026/01/december-44.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260528T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260528T123000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154037 CREATED:20260217T163633Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T221030Z UID:10006130-1779958800-1779971400@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 Workshops with Bruce Thompson \n \nCost $195 for all 10 sessions. Drop ins $25/per session if space allows \n \n10 Thursdays starting April 2 \n \nClick a time below to sign up: \n \nBeginner 9:15 am – 10:10 am \n \nIntermediate 10:15 am – 11:10 am \n \nIntermediate / Advanced 11:15 am – 12:10 pm \n \nNot sure what class might work best for you email: matt@caffelena.org \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 Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \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 URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/guitar-workshops-with-bruce-thompson-2/2026-05-28/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/december.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260528T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260528T150000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154038 CREATED:20260105T145344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T150926Z UID:10005915-1779973200-1779980400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:School of Music Slow Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots 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\nAll are Welcome!\nWE LOVE TO MEET NEW PICKERS\,\nAND WE LOVE PUTTING ON A GOOD SHOW FOR LISTENERS!\n \nThis weekly program is made possible by the generous support of PHLY Foundation! \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 \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \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 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 \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-11/2026-05-28/ 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/2026/01/december-3-3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260529T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260529T103000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154038 CREATED:20260309T172610Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T174126Z UID:10006160-1780047000-1780050600@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Music With Miss Deb 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\nExperience this interactive and fun exploration of music with Miss Deb! Birth – 4 years old \n \nWe will sing songs\, move around\, play with colorful props and play percussion instruments while enjoying and learning about music in an organic learning environment.  \n \nSongs from other cultures will be included along with traditional folk songs.  \n \nFun for the whole family! \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 Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \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 URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/music-with-miss-deb-4/2026-05-29/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260529T153000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260529T173000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154038 CREATED:20260420T192016Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260504T160316Z UID:10006246-1780068600-1780075800@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Run the Show: Live Sound and Production Class DESCRIPTION:American Roots 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\nFor high school aged students (or middle schoolers with teachers permission) who are looking to learn more about live sound production\, how to run a music venue and more! Taught by our in house sound engineers and house managers. \n \n4 weeks – $120 \n \nScholarships available – email matt@caffelena.org \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \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 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 \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/run-the-show-live-sound-and-production/2026-05-29/ 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/2026/04/december-47.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260603T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260603T110000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154038 CREATED:20260121T200736Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260125T033938Z UID:10006214-1780482600-1780484400@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 \nJoin Dan Berggren\, Arielle Woodul and Connor Armbruster 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 Andy and Bill Spence. \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 Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \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 URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/folk-club-kids-4/2026-06-03/ 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/2026/01/december-40.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260603T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260603T173000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154038 CREATED:20251126T151246Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251222T181735Z UID:10005761-1780497000-1780507800@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady DESCRIPTION:American Roots 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\nAfter School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne \n \n17 weeks starting January 28th \n \nUse these links to sign up: \n \n2:45\, 3:40\, 4:35 \n \nMusic is a gift best shared with friends! Here is an exciting opportunity for youth 7-14 to learn music by playing together.   \n \nWeekly 45 minute classes will be focused on making music\, including singing\, exploring various string instruments\, music theory basics\, rhythm exercises\, how to learn songs/tunes from scratch\, confidence in performance practice\, and more. At the end of the final class of the session there will be a recital/sharing session for family and friends (with Lena's Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies\, of course!).   \n \nYouth Folk Ensemble is–  \n \nMixed ages and abilities: Open to any level of experience with music; Learn through listening and participation. \n \nFocus on repertoire: Learn classic tunes and songs from the American folk tradition as well as some favorite contemporary songs. \n \nExplore string instruments and singing\, learning basic skills: Opportunities to focus on guitar\, ukulele\, banjo\, mandolin\, bass\, and violin/fiddle*; (*for students interested in violin/fiddle it is recommended that they also be enrolled in private or school lessons). \n \nLearn music fundamentals: Develop strong and steady sense of rhythm; Learn how to listen and hear musically; Explore singing finding one's own unique voice. \n \nLearning valuable life skills: Working in a group setting; Creative contribution and compromise; Being part of a team and playing your part; Building friendships. \n \nNeed help with tuition or an instrument? Let us know how we can help by filling out this application for the Matt McCabe Scholarship Fund or email: musicschool@caffelena.org \n \nAfter School Youth Folk Ensemble classes meet on Wednesdays at Caffe Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY 12866. \n \nThe three time slots are 2:45-3:30 pm; 3:40-4:25 pm; & 4:35-5:20 pm. Sign up for one or all! \n \nSession 3 Dates: Jan 28 – Jun 3 (17 weeks) [off 2/18\, 4/8] \n \n(Summer day camps are offered as well – 2026 details TBA) \n \nEnd of session recitals are on the final day of class: 6/3 from 5:30-6pm \n \nStudents are encouraged to sign up for all three sessions – the more time we spend learning and practicing music together\, the tighter our ensemble will be! Discounts of 10% when purchasing more than 1 class at a time. \n \nMeet the instructors: \n \nJames Gascoyne is a multi-instrumentalist\, composer\, and teacher based in Saratoga Springs\, NY. Originally from Louisville\, KY\, James has been an active participant in the NYS Capital Region arts community since 2004. He has toured nationally with a variety of groups\, at times performing on bass\, guitar\, drums\, and vocals\, all the while maintaining an active local performing and recording schedule as well as teaching privately when time allows. James regularly performs with Oona Grady as their duo\, Drank The Gold\, specializing in traditional Irish and American fiddle tunes and folk songs\, as well as original compositions and arrangements\, plus newly formed bluegrass quintet The Millstone Rounders. With a passion for sharing his musical experience with others\, he’s led various workshops at times on guitar\, mandolin\, banjo\, ukulele\, and bass for the Caffe Lena School of Music\, Dance Flurry Festival\, GrassRoots Culture Camp\, and Winter Village Music Camp. \n \nOona Grady is a musician and educator living in Saratoga Springs\, New York. She performs with the duo Drank The Gold\, a band specializing in creative arrangements of traditional Irish and American fiddle music\, folk songs\, and original compositions\, as well as with other projects including The Grady Girls\, Folk Club Kids\, Carolyn Shapiro\, and newest project The Millstone Rounders. Oona grew up in Ithaca\, NY\, nurtured by a family and community with a deep love of music. After receiving a grounding in Suzuki violin and Irish fiddle\, she began performing with her family band as a teenager\, and moved to Ireland at age eighteen to continue her music studies at University College Cork\, graduating with a B.Mus. in 2008. Oona works as a recording artist (credits include strings on What a Night'll Do\, Dr. Dog)\, manages a private music teaching studio\, and is a founding teacher at the Caffe Lena School of Music. She also works as a guest instructor for weekend workshops and summer programs\, including GrassRoots Culture Camp\, the Flurry Festival\, Winter Village Music Camp\, and the Ithaca Suzuki Institute.  \n \n#youthclass \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \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 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 \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/after-school-folk-ensemble-with-james-gascoyne-and-oona-grady/2026-06-03/1/ 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/2025/11/december-32.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260603T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260603T180000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154039 CREATED:20251126T151246Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251222T181735Z UID:10005762-1780507800-1780509600@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady 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\nAfter School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne \n \n17 weeks starting January 28th \n \nUse these links to sign up: \n \n2:45\, 3:40\, 4:35 \n \nMusic is a gift best shared with friends! Here is an exciting opportunity for youth 7-14 to learn music by playing together.   \n \nWeekly 45 minute classes will be focused on making music\, including singing\, exploring various string instruments\, music theory basics\, rhythm exercises\, how to learn songs/tunes from scratch\, confidence in performance practice\, and more. At the end of the final class of the session there will be a recital/sharing session for family and friends (with Lena's Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies\, of course!).   \n \nYouth Folk Ensemble is–  \n \nMixed ages and abilities: Open to any level of experience with music; Learn through listening and participation. \n \nFocus on repertoire: Learn classic tunes and songs from the American folk tradition as well as some favorite contemporary songs. \n \nExplore string instruments and singing\, learning basic skills: Opportunities to focus on guitar\, ukulele\, banjo\, mandolin\, bass\, and violin/fiddle*; (*for students interested in violin/fiddle it is recommended that they also be enrolled in private or school lessons). \n \nLearn music fundamentals: Develop strong and steady sense of rhythm; Learn how to listen and hear musically; Explore singing finding one's own unique voice. \n \nLearning valuable life skills: Working in a group setting; Creative contribution and compromise; Being part of a team and playing your part; Building friendships. \n \nNeed help with tuition or an instrument? Let us know how we can help by filling out this application for the Matt McCabe Scholarship Fund or email: musicschool@caffelena.org \n \nAfter School Youth Folk Ensemble classes meet on Wednesdays at Caffe Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY 12866. \n \nThe three time slots are 2:45-3:30 pm; 3:40-4:25 pm; & 4:35-5:20 pm. Sign up for one or all! \n \nSession 3 Dates: Jan 28 – Jun 3 (17 weeks) [off 2/18\, 4/8] \n \n(Summer day camps are offered as well – 2026 details TBA) \n \nEnd of session recitals are on the final day of class: 6/3 from 5:30-6pm \n \nStudents are encouraged to sign up for all three sessions – the more time we spend learning and practicing music together\, the tighter our ensemble will be! Discounts of 10% when purchasing more than 1 class at a time. \n \nMeet the instructors: \n \nJames Gascoyne is a multi-instrumentalist\, composer\, and teacher based in Saratoga Springs\, NY. Originally from Louisville\, KY\, James has been an active participant in the NYS Capital Region arts community since 2004. He has toured nationally with a variety of groups\, at times performing on bass\, guitar\, drums\, and vocals\, all the while maintaining an active local performing and recording schedule as well as teaching privately when time allows. James regularly performs with Oona Grady as their duo\, Drank The Gold\, specializing in traditional Irish and American fiddle tunes and folk songs\, as well as original compositions and arrangements\, plus newly formed bluegrass quintet The Millstone Rounders. With a passion for sharing his musical experience with others\, he’s led various workshops at times on guitar\, mandolin\, banjo\, ukulele\, and bass for the Caffe Lena School of Music\, Dance Flurry Festival\, GrassRoots Culture Camp\, and Winter Village Music Camp. \n \nOona Grady is a musician and educator living in Saratoga Springs\, New York. She performs with the duo Drank The Gold\, a band specializing in creative arrangements of traditional Irish and American fiddle music\, folk songs\, and original compositions\, as well as with other projects including The Grady Girls\, Folk Club Kids\, Carolyn Shapiro\, and newest project The Millstone Rounders. Oona grew up in Ithaca\, NY\, nurtured by a family and community with a deep love of music. After receiving a grounding in Suzuki violin and Irish fiddle\, she began performing with her family band as a teenager\, and moved to Ireland at age eighteen to continue her music studies at University College Cork\, graduating with a B.Mus. in 2008. Oona works as a recording artist (credits include strings on What a Night'll Do\, Dr. Dog)\, manages a private music teaching studio\, and is a founding teacher at the Caffe Lena School of Music. She also works as a guest instructor for weekend workshops and summer programs\, including GrassRoots Culture Camp\, the Flurry Festival\, Winter Village Music Camp\, and the Ithaca Suzuki Institute.  \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 Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \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 URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/after-school-folk-ensemble-with-james-gascoyne-and-oona-grady/2026-06-03/2/ 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/2025/11/december-32.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260603T174500 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260603T193000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154039 CREATED:20260130T143732Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260130T145326Z UID:10006087-1780508700-1780515000@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Bluegrass Instrumental Course with Bruce Thompson and Sam Katz DESCRIPTION:American Roots 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\nBluegrass Instrumental Course – with Bruce Thompson and Sam Katz \n \nApril 29\, May 6\, 27 and June 3 \n \n5:45 pm – 7:45 pm \n \n$195 \n \nFor instruments: Guitar\, Fiddle\, Mandolin\, Bass\, Banjo\, Dobro \n \nExperience level: students should be familiar with basic chords and have done some melodic playing as well.  \n \nInstructors: Bruce Thompson and Sam Katz \n \nSummary: This course is intended for folks interested in learning bluegrass instrumentals (fiddle tunes) commonly played at jams. Each week we will focus on at least one instrumental tune. Students will have the time to listen and prepare tunes in advance of each class Links to audio and/or video examples as well as music (standard notation and tabs) will be provided. Each class will review the tune as a group then divide into small groups to work on playing the tune together. We will also discuss learning techniques and tools such as StrumMachine and a metronome. Students will become familiar with the tunes covered in the course and develop techniques to quickly learn new tunes.  \n \nTopics: \n \nMemorizing\, learning and mastering a melody \n \nLearning the rhythm part and accompaniment  \n \nSwitching from rhythm to lead parts \n \nSetting the tempo\, kickoffs and endings \n \nLeading the tune in a group \n \nImprovising ideas\, tips and techniques \n \nJam etiquette \n \nPossible Tunes (subject to change): \n \nAngeline the Baker (D) \n \nOld Joe Clark (A) \n \nSoldier’s Joy (D) \n \nCold Frosty Morn (Am) \n \nBig Sandy River (A) \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \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 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 \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-instrumental-course-with-bruce-thompson-and-sam-katz/2026-06-03/ 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/2026/01/december-44.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260604T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260604T123000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154039 CREATED:20260217T163633Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T221030Z UID:10006131-1780563600-1780576200@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 Workshops with Bruce Thompson \n \nCost $195 for all 10 sessions. Drop ins $25/per session if space allows \n \n10 Thursdays starting April 2 \n \nClick a time below to sign up: \n \nBeginner 9:15 am – 10:10 am \n \nIntermediate 10:15 am – 11:10 am \n \nIntermediate / Advanced 11:15 am – 12:10 pm \n \nNot sure what class might work best for you email: matt@caffelena.org \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 Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \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 URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/guitar-workshops-with-bruce-thompson-2/2026-06-04/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/december.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260604T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260604T150000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154039 CREATED:20260105T145344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T150926Z UID:10005916-1780578000-1780585200@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:School of Music Slow Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots 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\nAll are Welcome!\nWE LOVE TO MEET NEW PICKERS\,\nAND WE LOVE PUTTING ON A GOOD SHOW FOR LISTENERS!\n \nThis weekly program is made possible by the generous support of PHLY Foundation! \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 \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \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 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 \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-11/2026-06-04/ 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/2026/01/december-3-3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260605T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260605T103000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154039 CREATED:20260309T172610Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T174126Z UID:10006161-1780651800-1780655400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Music With Miss Deb 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\nExperience this interactive and fun exploration of music with Miss Deb! Birth – 4 years old \n \nWe will sing songs\, move around\, play with colorful props and play percussion instruments while enjoying and learning about music in an organic learning environment.  \n \nSongs from other cultures will be included along with traditional folk songs.  \n \nFun for the whole family! \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 Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \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 URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/music-with-miss-deb-4/2026-06-05/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260605T153000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260605T173000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154040 CREATED:20260420T192016Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260504T160316Z UID:10006247-1780673400-1780680600@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Run the Show: Live Sound and Production Class DESCRIPTION:American Roots 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\nFor high school aged students (or middle schoolers with teachers permission) who are looking to learn more about live sound production\, how to run a music venue and more! Taught by our in house sound engineers and house managers. \n \n4 weeks – $120 \n \nScholarships available – email matt@caffelena.org \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \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 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 \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/run-the-show-live-sound-and-production/2026-06-05/ 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/2026/04/december-47.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260607T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260607T160000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154040 CREATED:20260102T151855Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260102T153426Z UID:10005872-1780839000-1780848000@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\nLooking for an opportunity to connect with local writers\, actors\, and directors? Want to share a theater piece you’re writing? \n \nJoin us for the 1st Sunday monthly Playwright’s Jams! \n \nA monthly meetup hosted by Caffe Lena for local writers\, actors & directors \n \nThe First Sunday of the Month 1:30pm- 4:00pm \n \nDoors open at 1:00; Casting begins at 1:15pm and Readings start at 1:30pm! \n \nBring your great ideas\, your new scripts\, your edits and your friends for an inspiring afternoon fo theater in the making. \n \n\nPlaywrights should bring a highlighted script for each of their actors and one extra for stage directions\nBring a short scene (7-8 minutes). Cast your actors from the audience\, including your fellow playwrights. Give them brief directions and then put them on stage to read your script. We’ll go around the room after the reading and let everyone give a “popcorn” reaction (one word!).\nEach meeting will include 6 or 7 scenes selected at random from those submitted. After the readings we’ll have time to hang out and get acquainted.  \nThis event will be co-hosted by Michael Wells-Oakes and Vivian Nesbitt\nPlaywright Nice! We foster a diverse community that has a great time making art and helping one another get better. Excessive profanity\, explicit sexual themes and “humor” that unkindly targets a specific group undermines this goal. It is up to the discretion of the host to enforce the house standards. \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 Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \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 URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/playwrights-jam-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/2026/01/Playwright39s-Jam-graphic-940-x-470-px-5.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260608T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260608T120000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154040 CREATED:20260505T160511Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260505T162026Z UID:10006276-1780912800-1780920000@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Mandolin Vitamins with Alan Epstein DESCRIPTION:American Roots 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\nJune 8th and 22nd \n \n10 am – 12 pm \n \n$60 \n \nAttention Mandolin\, Octave Mandolin\, Mandola and Mandocello Players – This class is intended for advanced beginner and up mandolin family players and is limited to 10 students. The class will run from 10:00 till 12. \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 $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \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 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 \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-with-alan-epstein/2026-06-08/ 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/2026/05/december-22.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260610T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260610T110000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154040 CREATED:20260121T200736Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260125T033938Z UID:10006215-1781087400-1781089200@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 \nJoin Dan Berggren\, Arielle Woodul and Connor Armbruster 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 Andy and Bill Spence. \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 Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \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 URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/folk-club-kids-4/2026-06-10/ 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/2026/01/december-40.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260611T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260611T150000 DTSTAMP:20260508T154041 CREATED:20260105T145344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T150926Z UID:10005917-1781182800-1781190000@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:School of Music Slow Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots 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\nAll are Welcome!\nWE LOVE TO MEET NEW PICKERS\,\nAND WE LOVE PUTTING ON A GOOD SHOW FOR LISTENERS!\n \nThis weekly program is made possible by the generous support of PHLY Foundation! \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 \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \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 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 \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-11/2026-06-11/ 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/2026/01/december-3-3.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR