Caffè Lena

Captain Fun Lunchtime Listening Hour
2026-06-26 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Bluegrass Instructional Workshop

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Bring your lunch & listen to a playlist curated by a Caffe Lena Community member. For the June edition of the Captain Fun Lunchtime Listening Hour, our playlist curator will be our beloved Director of Finance & Operations, Mateo Vosganian! The D.J. spinning those records will be the Rochmon himself – Chuck “Rochmon” Vosganian. All are welcome to gather at Lena’s from Noon to 1 PM on the last Friday of each month to enjoy musical memories and new discoveries. The playlist is selected by a different community member each month from the Captain Fun Listening Library of vinyl records in Lena’s lobby. Bring a brown bag lunch. Coffee and tea are provided. The Captain Fun Listening Library occupying the north wall in the Caffè Lena lobby consists of 1,516 vinyl albums and several hundred CDs selected from Al “Captain Fun” McKenney’s expertly curated collection. This treasure trove of folk, blues and jazz was left us in 2015 and we share it through our monthly listening hour, as Al wished. Enjoy the memories these records bring back, and dig deep into American roots music. If you want to create a playlist and host a session, please email Laura Sterling or let us know when you are next at Lena’s! ﻿

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$195.00

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Gail Ann Dorsey
2026-06-26 20:00 - 22:00
American Roots Bluegrass Instructional

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Philadelphia-born singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Gail Ann Dorsey is widely recognized as one of the most respected bass players and vocalists in modern music.

Many fans know her from her longtime collaboration with David Bowie, where she held the bass chair in Bowie’s touring band from 1995–2004. Her powerful voice was featured in live performances of the Queen/Bowie classic “Under Pressure,” and she contributed to Bowie’s albums Earthling, Reality, and The Next Day, along with several archival releases.

Dorsey’s career has also included recording and touring with an impressive range of artists including Thomas Dolby, Seal, Gwen Stefani, Joan Osborne, Gang of Four, Lenny Kravitz, and Tears for Fears. She is currently a featured vocalist with Blackstar Symphony, led by saxophonist Donny McCaslin.

Alongside these collaborations, Dorsey has continued her own work as a songwriter and performer, releasing the albums The Corporate World, Rude Blue, and I Used to Be…

Her new record, The Appearance of Life, to be released in late Spring.

SAMPLE SONG

Don’t miss the chance to hear this remarkable musician up close in the intimate setting of Caffè Lena.

Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Livestream available for $5 – 100% of live stream tickets on CaffeLenaTV benefit the artists. Subscribe for unlimited live streaming, two week access to recent shows, and Caffe Lena's video archive.

Note: Caffe Lena does not permit ticket reselling above face value. Tickets purchased for the purpose of resale may be canceled without notice, and refunds for such purchases will not be granted.

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Bright Series: Sam Robbins
2026-06-27 20:00 - 22:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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Sam Robbins writes the kind of songs that hold your attention without asking for it.

Often described as an “old soul” singer-songwriter, the New England–based, nationally touring musician has been compared to James Taylor and Jackson Browne, with a modern, grounded approach to songwriting.

He has built his audience through steady touring, sharing stages with artists such as Jason Mraz and David Wilcox, and appearing at festivals including Kerrville, Falcon Ridge, and the Philadelphia Folk Festival.

Robbins’ latest album, So Much I Still Don’t See, reflects his years on the road, shaped by travel, observation, and everyday moments. Produced by Seth Glier and recorded live in a church in Springfield, MA, the album centers on voice and acoustic guitar, with light accompaniment that supports the songs without overpowering them.

Growing up in New Hampshire, Robbins was influenced early on by 1970s singer-songwriters, a sound that continues to inform his work. His songwriting focuses on small, specific details and moments that build into a larger sense of place and perspective.

A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Robbins spent several years based in Nashville before returning to the Northeast. He now performs over 200 shows a year in listening rooms and festivals across the country.

SAMPLE SONG

In addition to his songwriting, Robbins has developed as a fingerstyle guitarist, with his recent work including his first original instrumental piece. His involvement with Music Therapy Retreats, where he works with veterans to help shape their stories into songs, has also informed the depth and direction of his writing.

﻿﻿﻿The Bright Series is made possible by a generous gift from Kevin & Claudia Bright.

Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Livestream available for $5 – 100% of live stream tickets on CaffeLenaTV benefit the artists. Subscribe for unlimited live streaming, two week access to recent shows, and Caffe Lena's video archive.

﻿Note: Caffe Lena does not permit ticket reselling above face value. Tickets purchased for the purpose of resale may be canceled without notice, and refunds for such purchases will not be granted.

﻿

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Mandolin Recital with Alan Epstein
2026-06-28 10:00 - 12:00
American Roots Bluegrass Instructional

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Join us to hear our Mandolin student perform a recital!

These classes are led by Alan Epstein.

Free

Coffee and Cookies by donation.

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Jun 24 • 10:30 AM

Folk Heritage Series: The Seldom Scene
2026-06-28 15:00 - 17:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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For more than 50 years, The Seldom Scene has helped shape what modern bluegrass can be.

Formed in 1971, the band built its reputation by balancing traditional bluegrass with a broader songbook, bringing in material from outside the genre and treating it with the same care and precision as the standards. That approach, once unusual, helped open the door for the wider range of influences heard in bluegrass today.

The current lineup, Lou Reid (guitar, mandolin), Ronnie Simpkins (bass), Ron Stewart (banjo, fiddle), Fred Travers (dobro), and Clay Hess (guitar), continues that tradition. The playing is tight and rooted, with a focus on strong arrangements, clear vocals, and the interplay that comes from years of experience.

Over the decades, The Seldom Scene has remained a steady presence in bluegrass, known for bringing new songs into the tradition while keeping the core sound intact. Their interpretations, whether of classic country, folk, or original material, reflect a band that understands the form and knows how to stretch it without losing its center.

SAMPLE SONG

NEWS PIECE

Folk Heritage Series Made possible by the Charlie Pickett & Kathleen Rehl Endowment Fund

Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Livestream available for $5 – 100% of live stream tickets on CaffeLenaTV benefit the artists. Subscribe for unlimited live streaming, two week access to recent shows, and Caffe Lena's video archive.

﻿Note: Caffe Lena does not permit ticket reselling above face value. Tickets purchased for the purpose of resale may be canceled without notice, and refunds for such purchases will not be granted.

﻿

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Folk Heritage Series: The Seldom Scene
2026-06-28 19:00 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass Instructional

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For more than 50 years, The Seldom Scene has helped shape what modern bluegrass can be.

Formed in 1971, the band built its reputation by balancing traditional bluegrass with a broader songbook, bringing in material from outside the genre and treating it with the same care and precision as the standards. That approach, once unusual, helped open the door for the wider range of influences heard in bluegrass today.

The current lineup, Lou Reid (guitar, mandolin), Ronnie Simpkins (bass), Ron Stewart (banjo, fiddle), Fred Travers (dobro), and Clay Hess (guitar), continues that tradition. The playing is tight and rooted, with a focus on strong arrangements, clear vocals, and the interplay that comes from years of experience.

Over the decades, The Seldom Scene has remained a steady presence in bluegrass, known for bringing new songs into the tradition while keeping the core sound intact. Their interpretations, whether of classic country, folk, or original material, reflect a band that understands the form and knows how to stretch it without losing its center.

SAMPLE SONG

NEWS PIECE

Folk Heritage Series Made possible by the Charlie Pickett & Kathleen Rehl Endowment Fund

Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Livestream available for $5 – 100% of live stream tickets on CaffeLenaTV benefit the artists. Subscribe for unlimited live streaming, two week access to recent shows, and Caffe Lena's video archive.

﻿Note: Caffe Lena does not permit ticket reselling above face value. Tickets purchased for the purpose of resale may be canceled without notice, and refunds for such purchases will not be granted.

﻿

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Open Mic
2026-06-29 19:00 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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OPEN MIC NIGHT
DOORS 6:00PM // SIGN UP 6:30PM // SHOW STARTS 7:00PM

Play your song on the Caffe’s famous stage! During the past three decades, Lena’s open mic has been recognized with “Best Of” awards from Metroland Magazine, The Alt Weekly, The Saratogian Reader’s Poll and Saratoga’s Fab Five. Just like at our weekend shows, all attention is focused on the stage.

OUR HOSTS

First Monday – Rick Bolton

Second Monday – Carolyn Shapiro

Third Monday – Ray Pashoukos

Fourth Monday – Kate Blain

HERE’S WHAT TO EXPECT:

Every Monday. All ages, all styles. Originals encouraged but not required.
Please leave a $3-$5 donation for our non-profit organization if you’re able to.
Doors open at 6:00 PM. Sign-up is 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM / Show at 7:00 / 2 songs or 10 minutes /
Sign up is first come first serve
You are welcome to use our Yamaha studio upright acoustic piano or acoustic Martin guitar. We can play your MP3 backing track through our sound system. You are welcome to bring amps and drums BUT set up and break down is part of your 10 minutes.
Coffee & Cookies are available for purchase in the Lobby. No alcohol! We like to keep our Monday nights family friendly.
Play 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.

CONTACT US

If you have any questions you can give us a call at 518-583-0022 or email our Monday House Manager: artur@caffelena.org

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Jun 22 • 10 AM

Sober Salon
2026-06-30 19:00 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass Instructional

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This quarterly event gives people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction the opportunity to share their creative work in a happy, drug-and-alcohol-free setting with the support of Caffe Lena's professional sound, lights and stage. Sober Salon is specifically for people in recovery. It welcomes any and all art, crafts, and performances. Bring a sweater you knitted, a painting, a magic trick, a comedy routine, and certainly feel welcome to bring music and poetry! Truly, any artistic work is welcome. Art helps all of us express difficult emotions, and sharing it on stage helps us build trust in others. We hope that Sober Salon will help you move forward in your recovery and connect with a new, healthy circle of friends.

Things to Know:

Our host is TBA
Doors will open at 6:30PM and sign up will be on a first come first serve basis.
Presentations will be five minutes max.
The kitchen will be open for service.
We have a piano and a variety of instruments, including guitars you can use.
We will not offer a screen for displaying photos, but we will enable people to play backing tracks to sing with.

We can't wait to welcome you!

Admission is free thanks to the support of the Victor and Helen Geisel Foundation.

﻿

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Folk Club Kids
2026-07-01 10:30 - 11:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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Folk Club Kids: Stories, Songs, and Sing-a-longs

Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

https://www.caffelena.org/folk-club-kids/

Join 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!

This program is made possible by Andy and Bill Spence.

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Jun 22 • 10 AM

Pride Open Mic
2026-07-01 19:00 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass Instructional

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Bring a poem, a song, an instrument, a story to the 2026 Pride Open Mic at Caffe Lena, sponsored by Saratoga Pride. All are welcome at this evening honoring LGBTQ+ identity!

Saratoga Pride is a welcoming community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender expansive, queer people and our allies in the greater Saratoga Springs area, offering social and informational events and entertainment, as well as LGBTQ+ resources, networking, and advocacy. We hope you will join us!

﻿

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School of Music Slow Jam
2026-07-02 13:00 - 15:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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All are Welcome!
WE LOVE TO MEET NEW PICKERS,
AND WE LOVE PUTTING ON A GOOD SHOW FOR LISTENERS!

This weekly program is made possible by the generous support of PHLY Foundation!

THERE ARE NO PRE-SHOW RESERVATIONS FOR THE JAMS!

SUGGESTED DONATION AT THE DOOR. $5.00 per person

Our jams are all about sharing songs, making new friends, and enjoying a relaxing and casual evening of irresistible string band music.

ALL 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.

Red 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!

What is a Slow Jam?

It 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.

﻿

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Jun 22 • 10 AM

An Evening with Kate Taylor
2026-07-02 19:00 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass Instructional

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As the only sister in the renown Taylor family, Kate shares her dual musical heritage of New England and North Carolina with brothers James, Livingston, Hugh, and her late brother Alex. Her style draws on the gospel and rockabilly sounds of the South along with the ‘60s soul and rock they loved on the radio.

Kate began performing in high school and by nineteen was signed to Atlantic/Cotillion under the tutelage of her manager, legendary producer Peter Asher. That first album, "Sister Kate," produced her first charting hit, a cover of Elton John's "Country Comfort," recorded with his encouragement and blessing.

She later recorded two albums for Columbia Records, "Kate Taylor," produced by her brother James Taylor and "It's in There," produced by acclaimed Muscle Shoals/Nashville producer Barry Beckett.

Lots of touring, several other records and two beautiful daughters followed over the decades

In 2001, Kate reunited with her old friend Peter Asher to produce another record, marking 50 years since their first collaboration and, incredibly, featuring the same musicians who played on the first! The result is the acclaimed, "Why Wait!" on Red House Records. It was received enthusiastically in the press and by fans.

As James Taylor told Rolling Stone: “For Kate to be doing this with Peter, and that both of them have this life experience that brings them back together, it’s really a moving thing. I think it’s so great that Kate will have this next iteration, you know, this next chance for people to hear her and pick up on her.”

SAMPLE SONG

“Her sound and style are uniquely her own. Blues? Country? R&B? Folk? 60s? Yes, to all and more. She covers some greats and shares her own witty and heartfelt tunes. To say her warmth and charm on stage is intoxicating is surely an understatement. It’s a wonderful evening of music and laughter”

Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Livestream available for $5 – 100% of live stream tickets on CaffeLenaTV benefit the artists. Subscribe for unlimited live streaming, two week access to recent shows, and Caffe Lena's video archive.

Note: Caffe Lena does not permit ticket reselling above face value. Tickets purchased for the purpose of resale may be canceled without notice, and refunds for such purchases will not be granted.

﻿

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Jun 24 • 10:30 AM

Jeanne O’Connor: The Sweetest Sounds — Exclusive Pre-Release Concert
2026-07-03 20:00 - 22:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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Acclaimed jazz vocalist Jeanne O’Connor presents an exclusive preview of her forthcoming album The Sweetest Sounds in this special one-night-only performance at Caffè Lena.

O’Connor shares music from the new recording before its official release alongside a handpicked repertoire that reflects a lifetime in song, from the Great American Songbook to contemporary classics and original works. The new album takes its title from the Richard Rodgers song that speaks to the artist’s ongoing pursuit of the sounds we can hear but haven’t quite achieved yet.

She is joined by an exceptional ensemble: pianist Ted Rosenthal, bassist Todd Coolman, and drummer Bob Halek, with special guest vocalist Amy London, Jeanne’s collaborator in the NYC vocal group The Royal Bopsters. Also joining Jeanne is a guitarist well known to Caffè Lena jazz fans, Dave Stryker. Stryker has appeared several times with Chuck Lamb in his Jazz at Caffè Lena series and with his own group as well. There may be a couple of other surprise guests this evening, as well!

This intimate performance offers Capital Region audiences a first listen to The Sweetest Sounds ahead of its national release. CDs and download links will be available for purchase at the show.

SAMPLE SONG

ARTIST BIO

Jeanne O’Connor is a jazz vocalist known for her nuanced interpretations, deep connection to lyric, and longstanding presence in the New York jazz community. Over a career spanning several decades, she has performed with leading improvisers and developed a repertoire that bridges the Great American Songbook, contemporary composers, and original material.

Over her career, Jeanne has performed at NYC venues such as Birdland Jazz Club, Smoke Jazz & Supper Club, and Blue Note Jazz Club, and has appeared in concerts and clubs throughout the U.S. and abroad.

She has performed at Caffè Lena with a variety of groups, including the The Royal Bopsters vocal jazz quartet, her pop/rock/R&B group Jeanne O’Connor and the New Standard, and her more intimate jazz ensembles.

Her new album, The Sweetest Sounds, reflects a lifelong engagement with song and collaboration, featuring appearances by Randy Brecker, Gil Goldstein, and Dave Stryker. Now based in Saratoga Springs, she continues to perform, record, and explore the evolving possibilities of jazz singing.

Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Livestream available for $5 – 100% of live stream tickets on CaffeLenaTV benefit the artists. Subscribe for unlimited live streaming, two week access to recent shows, and Caffe Lena's video archive.

Note: Caffe Lena does not permit ticket reselling above face value. Tickets purchased for the purpose of resale may be canceled without notice, and refunds for such purchases will not be granted.

﻿

Price

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FREE

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CLOSED
2026-07-04 00:00 - 02:00
American Roots Bluegrass Instructional

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Jun 24 • 10:30 AM

Playwright's Jam
2026-07-05 13:30 - 16:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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Looking for an opportunity to connect with local writers, actors, and directors? Want to share a theater piece you’re writing?

Join us for the 1st Sunday monthly Playwright’s Jams!

A monthly meetup hosted by Caffe Lena for local writers, actors & directors

The First Sunday of the Month 1:30pm- 4:00pm

Doors open at 1:00; Casting begins at 1:15pm and Readings start at 1:30pm!

Bring your great ideas, your new scripts, your edits and your friends for an inspiring afternoon fo theater in the making.

Playwrights should bring a highlighted script for each of their actors and one extra for stage directions
Bring 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!).
Each 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.
This event will be co-hosted by Michael Wells-Oakes and Vivian Nesbitt
Playwright 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.

Price

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FREE

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Jun 22 • 10 AM

The Skidmore Summer Jazz Institute Students Concert
2026-07-05 19:00 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass Instructional

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The Skidmore Jazz Institute has been called the “non-pareil destination for attentive and engaged instruction in the improviser’s art” by DOWNBEAT Magazine. For two weeks each summer, 65 aspiring young musicians from across the country come to Skidmore College to learn from a faculty of top jazz practitioners who are also gifted educators. The Skidmore Summer Jazz Institute Students Concert is held annually at the midpoint of the program and showcases the dedication, hard work, and immense musical growth achieved by these gifted students during their time at the Institute.

﻿Come hear the future of jazz, alive, inspired, grounded in tradition and unfolding right in front of you!

Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Livestream available for $5 – 100% of live stream tickets on CaffeLenaTV benefit the artists. Subscribe for unlimited live streaming, two week access to recent shows, and Caffe Lena's video archive.

﻿Note: Caffe Lena does not permit ticket reselling above face value. Tickets purchased for the purpose of resale may be canceled without notice, and refunds for such purchases will not be granted.

﻿

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Jun 24 • 10:30 AM

Summer Camp: Youth Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne
2026-07-06 09:30 - 15:30, 2026-07-07 09:30 - 15:30, 2026-07-08 09:30 - 15:30, 2026-07-09 09:30 - 15:30
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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Youth Folk Ensemble Summer Camp with Oona and James

and special guest Deb Cavanaugh.

Music is a gift best shared with friends! Here is an exciting opportunity for youth 7-14 to learn music by playing together. Building on the format of the weekly After School Youth Folk Ensembles offered during the school year at Caffe Lena, this summer camp is a Monday through Friday day camp meeting July 6 – 10, 2025. 9:30am – 3:30pm (Friday 9:30am – 12:30pm)

Three hours each morning and midday 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. Each day will finish with extracurricular activities including lunch in congress park! At the end of the final day there will be a recital/sharing session for family and friends.

Youth Folk Ensemble is–

Mixed ages and abilities:

-Open to any level of experience with music

-Learn through listening and participation

Focus on repertoire:

-Learn classic tunes and songs from the American folk tradition as well as some favorite contemporary songs

Explore 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)

Learn music fundamentals:

-Develop strong and steady sense of rhythm

-Learn how to listen and hear musically

-Explore singing finding one's own unique voice

Learning valuable life skills:

-Working in a group setting

-Creative contribution and compromise

-Being part of a team and playing your part

-Building friendships

Scholarships are available as well as instrument loans.

#youthclass

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FREE

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Jun 17 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

School of Music Slow Jam

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Jun 18 • 1 PM

Caffè Lena

Mandolin Vitamins with Alan Epstein

American Roots Bluegrass Instructional

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Jun 22 • 10 AM

Open Mic
2026-07-06 19:00 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass Instructional

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OPEN MIC NIGHT
DOORS 6:00PM // SIGN UP 6:30PM // SHOW STARTS 7:00PM

Play your song on the Caffe’s famous stage! During the past three decades, Lena’s open mic has been recognized with “Best Of” awards from Metroland Magazine, The Alt Weekly, The Saratogian Reader’s Poll and Saratoga’s Fab Five. Just like at our weekend shows, all attention is focused on the stage.

OUR HOSTS

First Monday – Rick Bolton

Second Monday – Carolyn Shapiro

Third Monday – Ray Pashoukos

Fourth Monday – Kate Blain

HERE’S WHAT TO EXPECT:

Every Monday. All ages, all styles. Originals encouraged but not required.
Please leave a $3-$5 donation for our non-profit organization if you’re able to.
Doors open at 6:00 PM. Sign-up is 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM / Show at 7:00 / 2 songs or 10 minutes /
Sign up is first come first serve
You are welcome to use our Yamaha studio upright acoustic piano or acoustic Martin guitar. We can play your MP3 backing track through our sound system. You are welcome to bring amps and drums BUT set up and break down is part of your 10 minutes.
Coffee & Cookies are available for purchase in the Lobby. No alcohol! We like to keep our Monday nights family friendly.
Play 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.

CONTACT US

If you have any questions you can give us a call at 518-583-0022 or email our Monday House Manager: artur@caffelena.org

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Jun 24 • 10:30 AM

Storytelling Open Mic Featuring Tom Porter
2026-07-07 19:00 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass Instructional

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In this one-hour special feature, we are honored by the presence of Tom Porter, Sakokwenionkwas, (Sago gway noon gwas), “The One Who Wins.” He is the spokesperson and spiritual leader of the Mohawk Community of Kanatsiohareke (Ga na jo ha lay gay) in the Mohawk Valley near Fonda, New York.

He is a member of the Bear Clan of the Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne, and he held the position of sub-chief for 21 years. He was also the director of and a teacher at the Akwesasne Freedom School where he taught Mohawk language, philosophy and history. He organized and lectured for the “White Roots of Peace,” a traveling multi-media campaign to revitalize Native traditions and beliefs in North America. Author of eleven books and pamphlets on Mohawk traditions, he also has four honorary doctorates from Keene State College in New Hampshire, Syracuse University, Trent University in Canada, and SUNY Cobleskill.

Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Livestream available for $5 – 100% of live stream tickets on CaffeLenaTV benefit the artists. Subscribe for unlimited live streaming, two week access to recent shows, and Caffe Lena's video archive.

﻿

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Jun 24 • 10:30 AM

Folk Club Kids
2026-07-08 10:30 - 11:00
American Roots Bluegrass Instructional

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Folk Club Kids: Stories, Songs, and Sing-a-longs

Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

https://www.caffelena.org/folk-club-kids/

Join 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!

This program is made possible by Andy and Bill Spence.

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Jun 24 • 10:30 AM

School of Music Slow Jam
2026-07-09 13:00 - 15:00
American Roots Bluegrass Instructional

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All are Welcome!
WE LOVE TO MEET NEW PICKERS,
AND WE LOVE PUTTING ON A GOOD SHOW FOR LISTENERS!

This weekly program is made possible by the generous support of PHLY Foundation!

THERE ARE NO PRE-SHOW RESERVATIONS FOR THE JAMS!

SUGGESTED DONATION AT THE DOOR. $5.00 per person

Our jams are all about sharing songs, making new friends, and enjoying a relaxing and casual evening of irresistible string band music.

ALL 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.

Red 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!

What is a Slow Jam?

It 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.

﻿

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Jun 24 • 10:30 AM

Darlingside
2026-07-09 19:00 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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Caffè Lena has been pivotal to Darlingside’s journey since 2013 when the band first performed as part of our Emerging Artist Breakout series. Annual shows here helped them gain national attention, with NPR describing their indie rock as “exquisitely arranged, literary minded, baroque folk-pop.” Their elegant compositions and unified voices have earned praise from Rolling Stone and The New Yorker, fostering a worldwide following.

Their fourth LP, Everything Is Alive, brings fresh new sounds. Exploring themes of personal and universal change, the album delves into big life decisions, emphasizing loss and redemption. Produced and recorded by the band and mixed by Tucker Martine (My Morning Jacket, Sufjan Stevens, Iron and Wine), it showcases Darlingside’s evolution while retaining signature harmonies and melodic sophistication.

SAMPLE SONG

Join us at Caffè Lena for a luminous evening of music as Darlingside shares their most personal work yet—songs that meet life’s tender complexities head-on, and invite us all to find what’s still alive and beautiful.

Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Livestream available for $5 – 100% of live stream tickets on CaffeLenaTV benefit the artists. Subscribe for unlimited live streaming, two week access to recent shows, and Caffe Lena's video archive.

Note: Caffe Lena does not permit ticket reselling above face value. Tickets purchased for the purpose of resale may be canceled without notice, and refunds for such purchases will not be granted.

﻿

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General
FREE

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Jun 22 • 10 AM

Summer Camp: Youth Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne
2026-07-10 09:30 - 12:30
American Roots Bluegrass Instructional

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Youth Folk Ensemble Summer Camp with Oona and James

and special guest Deb Cavanaugh.

Music is a gift best shared with friends! Here is an exciting opportunity for youth 7-14 to learn music by playing together. Building on the format of the weekly After School Youth Folk Ensembles offered during the school year at Caffe Lena, this summer camp is a Monday through Friday day camp meeting July 6 – 10, 2025. 9:30am – 3:30pm (Friday 9:30am – 12:30pm)

Three hours each morning and midday 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. Each day will finish with extracurricular activities including lunch in congress park! At the end of the final day there will be a recital/sharing session for family and friends.

Youth Folk Ensemble is–

Mixed ages and abilities:

-Open to any level of experience with music

-Learn through listening and participation

Focus on repertoire:

-Learn classic tunes and songs from the American folk tradition as well as some favorite contemporary songs

Explore 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)

Learn music fundamentals:

-Develop strong and steady sense of rhythm

-Learn how to listen and hear musically

-Explore singing finding one's own unique voice

Learning valuable life skills:

-Working in a group setting

-Creative contribution and compromise

-Being part of a team and playing your part

-Building friendships

Scholarships are available as well as instrument loans.

#youthclass

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Jun 24 • 10:30 AM

Jim Gaudet and The Railroad Boys
2026-07-10 20:00 - 22:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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“There is no other band that can sound so modern and yet so classic and nostalgic." – Mel Guarino of The Bluebillies

If you’ve never attended a performance by Jim Gaudet and The Railroad Boys, you’re missing out on one of the Capital Region’s true musical treasures. Since 2006, The Railroad Boys, comprised of singer/songwriter Jim Gaudet on guitar, Bobby Buckley on bass and backing vocals, Sten Isachsen on mandolin and backing vocals, Sara Milonovich or Tucker Callander on fiddle, and ‘Upstate’ Richie Pagano on piano, have been playing festivals and venues, big and small, all over the country.

Jim Gaudet writes nearly all The Railroad Boys songs, but pinning down the band’s genre can be tricky. Although it started out as bluegrass, its style has morphed over time into what Gaudet calls “hillbilly rock ‘n roll.” Still, limiting this band to just one label seems a disservice because, in his songwriting, Gaudet does it all: Americana-roots, classic and outlaw country, Southern rock, honky-tonk, blues, Cajun. You name it, he’s probably done it. In fact, last April at the 4th annual Capital Region Thomas Edison (aka Eddies) Music Awards ceremony at Proctors Mainstage, Jim Gaudet and The Railroad Boys were honored to win Country/Bluegrass Artist of the Year for the third time, 2024, 2023 and 2022. Along with this outstanding honor Jim was selected as performer of the year 2024 by RadioRadio X for the "Listen Up" awards in the Folk/Bluegrass category.

Gaudet has a uniquely animated, conversational style of singing, his tone every bit as original as the songs he writes. Clear diction, an abundance of good humor, and vocal inflections that follow each song’s emotional arc make you feel like you’re talking with a good friend over the back fence. Gaudet can growl, yowl, even yodel with the best of them, and when he belts out a snappy “Hey!” between verses, you can feel the room’s energy surge.

SAMPLE SONG

“We’ll be bringing the Ruckus! It ain’t nothing but Hillbilly Rock n Roll.” Jim Gaudet

Stream this show live at CaffeLenaTV. Livestream available for $5 – 100% of live stream tickets on CaffeLenaTV benefit the artists. Subscribe for unlimited live streaming, two week access to recent shows, and Caffe Lena's video archive.

Note: Caffe Lena does not permit ticket reselling above face value. Tickets purchased for the purpose of resale may be canceled without notice, and refunds for such purchases will not be granted.

﻿

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General
FREE

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Jun 22 • 10 AM

Songwriting Club
2026-07-11 10:00 - 12:00
American Roots Bluegrass Instructional

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I'm happy to announce that Songwriting Club is back at Caffè Lena with a more structured time slot. "Second Saturday Songwriting Club" will meet (you guessed it) every second Saturday! Starting January 10th 10am – 12pm. Hosted by Reese Fulmer and Girl Blue! The club will meet monthly with special guests being a more "special" event. Bring your pens, pencils, instruments, thinking caps, favorite songs.

January 10th

10am – 12pm

$5 donation

cookies and coffee by donation

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Jun 24 • 10:30 AM

Peak Jazz Series: John Pizzarelli Presents “Dear Mr. Bennett"
2026-07-11 17:00 - 19:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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For world-renowned guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli, Tony Bennett was more than simply an influence. Pizzarelli’s late father, the revered guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, was a frequent sideman for the legendary singer, appearing on albums including 1960’s To My Wonderful One and 1969’s I’ve Gotta Be Me. John got his own opportunity to accompany Bennett for a radio broadcast that also featured pianist Ralph Sharon and bassist Jay Leonhart.

The admiration was mutual – Bennett could be found in the audience for a number of Pizzarelli’s performances, and sketched his likeness on two occasions. The charming artwork that graces the cover of Pizzarelli’s heartfelt new tribute album, Dear Mr. Bennett, was rendered during an engagement at Feinstein’s nightclub at New York’s Loews Regency hotel.

Dear Mr. Bennett, released on March 3, 2026 via Green Hill Music, is on the one hand a loving farewell to a profoundly influential musician who meant so much to so many. At the same time, it’s a spirited celebration, arriving just in time for Bennett’s landmark August 3rd centennial. A five-song EP will follow on August 7th to coincide with the occasion. Both releases feature songs made famous by Bennett over the course of his remarkable seven-decade career, rendered with lively warmth, soulful balladry and embracing swing by Pizzarelli and his trio featuring bassist Mike Karn and pianist Isaiah J. Thompson.

Few performers in any genre or medium can tout the kind of longevity and universal admiration that Bennett enjoyed. As Pizzarelli marvels, “Tony’s artistry was just so magnificent. And he was able to continually reinvent himself.”

Pizzarelli’s trio has established a brilliant chemistry over the last six years. Dear Mr. Bennett finds them in dazzling form, equally adept at scintillating jazz, breathtaking beauty and radiant pop. They will be touring the world to perform this repertoire throughout 2026 and into 2027.

Pizzarelli had long wanted to record an album dedicated to Bennett, adding the tribute to the list of great songwriters and musicians that he’s honored in the past: Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Sir Paul McCartney, Richard Rodgers, and Duke Ellington among them. In Bennett, he has a subject who was not only one of the greatest singers of the last century, but a friendly and accessible presence who might be encountered on the streets of New York City as easily as on a concert stage.

“In Manhattan, you’d run into him on the street,” Pizzarelli recalls with a chuckle. “He was such a New Yorker, and he was just a very open and kind person.”

Listen To "Dear Mr, Bennett" HERE

﻿﻿The Peak Jazz Series is made possible by the generous support of Joseph & Luann Conlon in memory of Joel Moss.

﻿Note: Caffe Lena does not permit ticket reselling above face value. Tickets purchased for the purpose of resale may be canceled without notice, and refunds for such purchases will not be granted.

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General
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Jun 17 • 7 PM

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Jun 18 • 1 PM

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class

Jun 22 • 10 AM

Peak Jazz Series: John Pizzarelli Presents “Dear Mr. Bennett"
2026-07-11 20:00 - 22:00
American Roots Bluegrass Instructional

Share:

For world-renowned guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli, Tony Bennett was more than simply an influence. Pizzarelli’s late father, the revered guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, was a frequent sideman for the legendary singer, appearing on albums including 1960’s To My Wonderful One and 1969’s I’ve Gotta Be Me. John got his own opportunity to accompany Bennett for a radio broadcast that also featured pianist Ralph Sharon and bassist Jay Leonhart.

The admiration was mutual – Bennett could be found in the audience for a number of Pizzarelli’s performances, and sketched his likeness on two occasions. The charming artwork that graces the cover of Pizzarelli’s heartfelt new tribute album, Dear Mr. Bennett, was rendered during an engagement at Feinstein’s nightclub at New York’s Loews Regency hotel.

Dear Mr. Bennett, released on March 3, 2026 via Green Hill Music, is on the one hand a loving farewell to a profoundly influential musician who meant so much to so many. At the same time, it’s a spirited celebration, arriving just in time for Bennett’s landmark August 3rd centennial. A five-song EP will follow on August 7th to coincide with the occasion. Both releases feature songs made famous by Bennett over the course of his remarkable seven-decade career, rendered with lively warmth, soulful balladry and embracing swing by Pizzarelli and his trio featuring bassist Mike Karn and pianist Isaiah J. Thompson.

Few performers in any genre or medium can tout the kind of longevity and universal admiration that Bennett enjoyed. As Pizzarelli marvels, “Tony’s artistry was just so magnificent. And he was able to continually reinvent himself.”

Pizzarelli’s trio has established a brilliant chemistry over the last six years. Dear Mr. Bennett finds them in dazzling form, equally adept at scintillating jazz, breathtaking beauty and radiant pop. They will be touring the world to perform this repertoire throughout 2026 and into 2027.

Pizzarelli had long wanted to record an album dedicated to Bennett, adding the tribute to the list of great songwriters and musicians that he’s honored in the past: Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Sir Paul McCartney, Richard Rodgers, and Duke Ellington among them. In Bennett, he has a subject who was not only one of the greatest singers of the last century, but a friendly and accessible presence who might be encountered on the streets of New York City as easily as on a concert stage.

“In Manhattan, you’d run into him on the street,” Pizzarelli recalls with a chuckle. “He was such a New Yorker, and he was just a very open and kind person.”

Listen To "Dear Mr, Bennett" HERE

﻿﻿The Peak Jazz Series is made possible by the generous support of Joseph & Luann Conlon in memory of Joel Moss.

﻿Note: Caffe Lena does not permit ticket reselling above face value. Tickets purchased for the purpose of resale may be canceled without notice, and refunds for such purchases will not be granted.

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