Caffè Lena

After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady
2026-06-03 14:30 - 17:30, 2026-05-27 14:30 - 17:30, 2026-05-06 14:30 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
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After School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne 17 weeks starting January 28th Use these links to sign up: 2:45, 3:40, 4:35 Music is a gift best shared with friends! Here is an exciting opportunity for youth 7-14 to learn music by playing together. Weekly 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!). 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. Need 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 After School Youth Folk Ensemble classes meet on Wednesdays at Caffe Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. The 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! Session 3 Dates: Jan 28 – Jun 3 (17 weeks) [off 2/18, 4/8] (Summer day camps are offered as well – 2026 details TBA) End of session recitals are on the final day of class: 6/3 from 5:30-6pm Students 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. Meet the instructors: James 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. Oona 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. #youthclass

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$27.11

General
$30.37

Child or Student
$15.18

inclusive of fees

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Open Mic
2026-06-01 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-18 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Gypsy Jazz Jazz

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OPEN MIC NIGHTDOORS 6:00PM // SIGN UP 6:30PM // SHOW STARTS 7:00PMPlay 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 HOSTSFirst 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 serveYou 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 USIf you have any questions you can give us a call at 518-583-0022 or email our Monday House Manager: artur@caffelena.org

Doors Open
Doors Open: 7:30 pm

Price

Member
$34.70

General
$39.04

Child or Student
$19.52

inclusive of fees

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School of Music Slow Jam
2026-05-28 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-14 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-07 13:00 - 15:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Jazz

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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. ﻿

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$27.11

General
$30.37

Child or Student
$15.18

inclusive of fees

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Bluegrass Instrumental Course with Bruce Thompson and Sam Katz
2026-05-27 17:45 - 19:30, 2026-05-06 17:45 - 19:30 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
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Bluegrass Instrumental Course – with Bruce Thompson and Sam Katz April 29, May 6, 27 and June 3 5:45 pm – 7:45 pm $195 For instruments: Guitar, Fiddle, Mandolin, Bass, Banjo, Dobro Experience level: students should be familiar with basic chords and have done some melodic playing as well. Instructors: Bruce Thompson and Sam Katz Summary: 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. Topics: Memorizing, learning and mastering a melody Learning the rhythm part and accompaniment Switching from rhythm to lead parts Setting the tempo, kickoffs and endings Leading the tune in a group Improvising ideas, tips and techniques Jam etiquette Possible Tunes (subject to change): Angeline the Baker (D) Old Joe Clark (A) Soldier’s Joy (D) Cold Frosty Morn (Am) Big Sandy River (A) ﻿

Doors Open
Doors Open: 7:30 pm

Price

Member
$34.70

General
$39.04

Child or Student
$19.52

inclusive of fees

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Folk Club Kids
2026-05-27 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-05-06 10:30 - 11:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Gypsy Jazz Jazz

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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.

Doors Open
Doors Open: 7:30 pm

Price

Member
$34.70

General
$39.04

Child or Student
$19.52

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

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Open Mic
2026-05-25 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Jazz

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OPEN MIC NIGHTDOORS 6:00PM // SIGN UP 6:30PM // SHOW STARTS 7:00PMPlay 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 HOSTSFirst 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 serveYou 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 USIf you have any questions you can give us a call at 518-583-0022 or email our Monday House Manager: artur@caffelena.org

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$27.11

General
$30.37

Child or Student
$15.18

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

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Mar 13 • 8 PM

Sawyer Fredericks
2026-05-23 20:00 - 22:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Gypsy Jazz Jazz

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Sawyer Fredericks is an award-winning Americana singer-songwriter from a small family farm in upstate New York, known for his emotive vocals, honest storytelling, and raw, roots-driven sound. At just 16, he gained national attention as the winner of Season 8 of The Voice, captivating millions with his soulful interpretations and grounded presence. Since then, Sawyer has carved his own artistic path, choosing independence and creative freedom over industry expectations. His debut album A Good Storm established him as a rising force, while his self-released albums Hide Your Ghost and Flowers For You deepened his artistic identity, earning critical acclaim and top honors at the Independent Music Awards. Songs like “Born” and “Amen” resonated far beyond the folk world, landing on SiriusXM, curated folk playlists, and playlists celebrating authentic modern songwriting. In 2025, Sawyer released No Need To Wonder, a folk-rock album shaped by themes of home, environmental responsibility, personal reflection, and the ties that bind us to the land and to one another. The work reflects his lived experience — rooted, introspective, and deeply connected to nature. SAMPLE SONG Whether performing solo or with his band, Sawyer invites audiences into an intimate musical space where vulnerability, story, and melody become shared ground. Praise for Sawyer Fredericks: “Fredericks has put on full display his talents, from songwriting to singing and a command of his instrument that continues to grow.” – The Daily Gazette “I’m convinced he would’ve had a place in The Band if they ever needed a distinctive rural voice.” – Americana Highways Expect a performance that’s stirring, soulful, and full of heart. Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Live stream 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.

Doors Open
Doors Open: 7:30 pm

Price

Member
$34.70

General
$39.04

Child or Student
$19.52

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

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Mar 10 • 7 PM

Sawyer Fredericks
2026-05-22 20:00 - 22:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Jazz

Share:

Sawyer Fredericks is an award-winning Americana singer-songwriter from a small family farm in upstate New York, known for his emotive vocals, honest storytelling, and raw, roots-driven sound. At just 16, he gained national attention as the winner of Season 8 of The Voice, captivating millions with his soulful interpretations and grounded presence. Since then, Sawyer has carved his own artistic path, choosing independence and creative freedom over industry expectations. His debut album A Good Storm established him as a rising force, while his self-released albums Hide Your Ghost and Flowers For You deepened his artistic identity, earning critical acclaim and top honors at the Independent Music Awards. Songs like “Born” and “Amen” resonated far beyond the folk world, landing on SiriusXM, curated folk playlists, and playlists celebrating authentic modern songwriting. In 2025, Sawyer released No Need To Wonder, a folk-rock album shaped by themes of home, environmental responsibility, personal reflection, and the ties that bind us to the land and to one another. The work reflects his lived experience — rooted, introspective, and deeply connected to nature. SAMPLE SONG Whether performing solo or with his band, Sawyer invites audiences into an intimate musical space where vulnerability, story, and melody become shared ground. Praise for Sawyer Fredericks: “Fredericks has put on full display his talents, from songwriting to singing and a command of his instrument that continues to grow.” – The Daily Gazette “I’m convinced he would’ve had a place in The Band if they ever needed a distinctive rural voice.” – Americana Highways Expect a performance that’s stirring, soulful, and full of heart. Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Live stream 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.

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$27.11

General
$30.37

Child or Student
$15.18

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

Soggy Po’ Boys

Jazz

event

Sold Out

Feb 14 • 8 PM

Caffè Lena

Peak Jazz Series: Ben Wolfe Trio

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event

Feb 19 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

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Mar 13 • 8 PM

School of Music Slow Jam
2026-05-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Gypsy Jazz Jazz

Share:

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. ﻿

Doors Open
Doors Open: 7:30 pm

Price

Member
$34.70

General
$39.04

Child or Student
$19.52

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

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Bluegrass Jam
2026-05-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Jazz

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All 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!!

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$27.11

General
$30.37

Child or Student
$15.18

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

Soggy Po’ Boys

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event

Sold Out

Feb 14 • 8 PM

Caffè Lena

Peak Jazz Series: Ben Wolfe Trio

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Feb 19 • 7 PM

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Mar 13 • 8 PM

After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady
2026-05-20 14:30 - 17:30, 2026-05-13 14:30 - 17:30 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Gypsy Jazz Jazz

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After School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne 17 weeks starting January 28th Use these links to sign up: 2:45, 3:40, 4:35 Music is a gift best shared with friends! Here is an exciting opportunity for youth 7-14 to learn music by playing together. Weekly 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!). 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. Need 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 After School Youth Folk Ensemble classes meet on Wednesdays at Caffe Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. The 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! Session 3 Dates: Jan 28 – Jun 3 (17 weeks) [off 2/18, 4/8] (Summer day camps are offered as well – 2026 details TBA) End of session recitals are on the final day of class: 6/3 from 5:30-6pm Students 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. Meet the instructors: James 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. Oona 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. #youthclass

Doors Open
Doors Open: 7:30 pm

Price

Member
$34.70

General
$39.04

Child or Student
$19.52

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

Soggy Po’ Boys

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Sold Out

Feb 14 • 8 PM

Caffè Lena

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Jazz

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Feb 19 • 7 PM

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JAZZ at Caffe Lena : The Chuck Lamb Trio with Special Guest Greg Abate

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Mar 10 • 7 PM

Folk Club Kids
2026-05-20 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-05-13 10:30 - 11:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Jazz

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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.

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$27.11

General
$30.37

Child or Student
$15.18

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

Soggy Po’ Boys

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Feb 14 • 8 PM

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Feb 19 • 7 PM

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Stéphane Wrembel Quartet

Gypsy Jazz Jazz

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Mar 13 • 8 PM

Open Mic [Parent]
2026-05-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
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Open Mic night Doors 6:00pm // Sign up 6:30pm // Show starts 7:00pmPlay 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 HostsFirst 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 minutesSign up is first come first serveYou 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.Limited Open Mic menu available. 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 usIf you have any questions you can give us a call at 518-583-0022 or email our Monday House Manager: Artur artur@caffelena.org.

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

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$27.11

General
$30.37

Child or Student
$15.18

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Mar 13 • 8 PM

House of Hamill
2026-05-15 20:00 - 22:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Gypsy Jazz Jazz

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Fiery fiddles. Lush harmonies. Stories that spark laughter and goosebumps alike. House of Hamill wasn’t planned — it was born from a string of cancelled flights and a few leaps of faith. When Rose Baldino (Burning Bridget Cleary) found herself missing bandmates at the 2014 Folk Alliance International conference, she recruited Brian Buchanan of Enter the Haggis to join her onstage. The chemistry was instant. Years later, another flight mishap brought bassist Caroline Browning into the fold — and just like that, the trio was complete. Today, Pennsylvania-based House of Hamill is a beloved fixture on festival stages nationwide, known for electrifying performances that blend Celtic tradition with contemporary folk energy. Whether they’re tearing through original jigs and reels, delivering breathtaking three-part harmonies, or sharing road stories that leave audiences roaring with laughter, this is a band that captures a room from the very first note. Their original song “Banks of the Brandywine” earned the Grand Prize in the 2024 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and their all-violin cover of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” has garnered more than 16 million views, introducing listeners around the world to their inventive musicianship. Their newest album, Wildfire, represents the band at full creative strength — packed with lyrical depth, sophisticated arrangements, and unforgettable hooks. The record climbed to the #1 spot on the FAI Folk Charts, with “The Highwayman” also taking the top song position and the band named #1 Overall Artist in August 2024. The album was also among the Top 10 most-played on U.S. folk radio and earned the trio finalist honors for Group of the Year at the International Acoustic Music Awards. But accolades only tell part of the story. House of Hamill is, above all, a live band — vibrant, magnetic, and deeply connected to their audience. Their shows balance virtuosic playing with warmth, humor, and the kind of musical joy that reminds us why we gather in listening rooms in the first place. SAMPLE SONG If you love high-energy folk, Celtic-inspired musicianship, and performances that leave you smiling long after the final encore, this is a night not to miss. 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.

Doors Open
Doors Open: 7:30 pm

Price

Member
$34.70

General
$39.04

Child or Student
$19.52

inclusive of fees

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Mar 10 • 7 PM

Songwriting Club
2026-05-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
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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

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$27.11

General
$30.37

Child or Student
$15.18

inclusive of fees

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Mar 13 • 8 PM

Bright Series: Cristina Vane
2026-05-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Gypsy Jazz Jazz

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A fearless voice at the crossroads of blues, rock, and roots music. Cristina Vane is more than a practitioner of her craft — she is a deeply committed musical storyteller whose artistry has been shaped by countless miles on the road and a lifetime of cultural exploration. Her third studio album, Hear My Call, represents the powerful convergence of experience, identity, and a growing catalog of songs that demand to be heard. Born in the foothills of the Italian Alps and raised between Italy, England, and France, Vane’s half American–half Guatemalan heritage echoes through her genre-defying sound. Classic rock energy and ‘90s indie textures blend seamlessly with prewar blues, clawhammer banjo traditions, country, and bluegrass — creating music that feels both timeless and urgently alive. Rolling Stone praised her early single “Badlands” as “evocative of a young Bonnie Raitt and early PJ Harvey — entrancing stuff.” A captivating vocalist and formidable multi-instrumentalist, Cristina began writing songs in her teens before discovering the expressive power of slide guitar — a turning point that helped shape her unmistakable style. After graduating from Princeton, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue music wholeheartedly, studying fingerstyle guitar, mastering banjo, and busking on the Venice Boardwalk, where she honed the commanding stage presence audiences know today. True to her independent spirit, Cristina later crowdsourced her first national tour — the transformative Show Me Your Hometown Tour — spending six months living out of her car, a tent, and the kindness of strangers. That journey ultimately led her to Nashville, where she recorded her debut album with Grammy-winning producer Cactus Moser. Her newest release was recorded with Brook Sutton at The Studio and features her touring band, capturing the authentic energy of a nationally traveling artist. The album includes exciting co-writes with Mike Harris (Old Crow Medicine Show) and Silas Lowe, along with guest appearances from Molly Tuttle, JD Simo, Kenny Vaughan, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, and Brenna MacMillan. Cristina’s touring résumé is equally impressive. She has provided direct support for artists including Molly Tuttle, Bob Weir, Jerry Douglas, Wynonna Judd, Sam Bush, Nikki Lane, Town Mountain, Duane Betts, Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Arlo McKinley, and Willi Carlisle. Her work has been recognized by Rolling Stone Country and NPR, and she was featured in a national Bank of America campaign tied to Ken Burns’ landmark documentary Country Music. Festival appearances include Portland Blues Festival, Under the Big Sky, Four Corners Folk Festival, and Rooster Walk — and she was an invited guest for Billy Strings’ String the Halls. Yet for all the acclaim, what defines Cristina Vane is her refusal to be boxed in. “I wanted the album to reflect who I am… I’m essentially a rock kid obsessed with old music. I’m slowly figuring out how to find my own voice within it. It is the sound of growing up.” Onstage, she is electrifying — blending technical mastery with emotional honesty, grit with grace, and tradition with fearless originality. SAMPLE SONG For fans of boundary-crossing roots music, powerhouse musicianship, and artists forging their own path, this is a night not to miss. This show is part of our Bright Series. These are fresh, contemporary roots-based bands that are making waves on the national folk scene, getting strong radio play, charting, releasing albums, developing a strong following on social media, touring hard, and selling out venues. The Bright Series is made possible by the generosity of Kevin and 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. ﻿

Doors Open
Doors Open: 7:30 pm

Price

Member
$34.70

General
$39.04

Child or Student
$19.52

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

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Mar 10 • 7 PM

ONLINE: Songwriting Intensive with Gretchen Peters
2026-05-03 14:00 - 16:00 | Online, Streaming On Zoom
Gypsy Jazz Jazz

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A two-part online songwriting intensive with Gretchen Peters For over two decades, Gretchen Peters has been one of Nashville's most beloved and respected artists. Inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2014 by singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell, who called her "both a songwriter and a poet,” Peters has accumulated accolades as a songwriter for artists as diverse as Etta James, Bonnie Raitt, The Neville Brothers, Patty Loveless, George Strait, Bryan Adams and Faith Hill. Her song “Independence Day” won a CMA Song of the Year award in 1995. She has been nominated for 2 Grammys, a Golden Globe, and numerous other awards. Part One: Sundays March 1 – 22, 2025 Part Two: Sundays April 12 – May 3, 2025 On ZOOM 2pm ET / 1pm CT / 12pm MT / 11am PT ( the two week break between is time for implementing what you learned in preparation for part two) Each class will run approximately 2 hours. All sessions are recorded and will be made available for review within 48 hours. One of the oldest phrases in any language is ‘tell me a story.’ Songwriting is storytelling, and telling your story in a compelling way is all about authenticity and detail. It’s about what you say, and what you don’t say. It’s about the truth, but not necessarily the facts. In this workshop, we’ll explore the process of songwriting—the art and the craft, and the delicate balance between the two. We’ll learn how to keep a sense of creative play and when (and how) to welcome your inner critic into the room. We’ll find ways to work through “writer’s block.” We’ll learn that only through the specific do you achieve the universal—and that’s the holy grail in songwriting and all writing. We write to find out who we are, and in the process we find out we are not alone. – Gretchen Class Description This 2 month intensive workshop with Gretchen will be divided into two parts. In Part One, we’ll focus on: Writing authentically: how to build the back story for your charactersUsing detail and imagery in your lyricsUsing your subconscious as your compassHow to keep your sense of creative play alive and when to “invite the editor” into the writing roomFinding and fine-tuning your melody and chordsStructure: song forms and rhyme schemesIn Part Two, you will bring your songs to play for Gretchen and the class each week, and we’ll use these feedback sessions as “teachable moments” for the whole class. This is where a lot of the lessons of the previous four weeks really sink in – seeing the concepts we’ve talked about actually put into practice. You will “graduate” with many more tools for your songwriting toolkit, including: Focusing your song’s POV – thinking of songs filmicallyHow to access your subconscious during the writing processHow verse order can change everythingWhy it’s better to let the song tell you “what it’s about”How to edit your song, and what to look out for in the editing processWhat to do when you’re stuckSongwriting promptsThe care and feeding of your creative selfBring to our first class Pen & paper or your preferred way of taking notes An open heart and mind How to prepare: In addition, please do Morning Pages for at least one week leading up to the class. Click here for a description of Morning Pages. It is ESSENTIAL that you do this exercise first thing in the morning – before coffee, before breakfast, before anything. Do not edit, cross out, analyze or otherwise “judge” your three pages – don’t think, just write. This is meant to be stream of consciousness writing – it doesn’t need to have form, rhyme, or shape. You will not be required to show your Morning Pages to the class; it’s for your eyes only

Doors Open
Doors Open: 7:30 pm

Price

Member
$34.70

General
$39.04

Child or Student
$19.52

inclusive of fees

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Mar 10 • 7 PM

Playwright's Jam
2026-05-03 13:30 - 16:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
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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 directionsBring 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 NesbittPlaywright 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.

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$27.11

General
$30.37

Child or Student
$15.18

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

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Mar 13 • 8 PM

Livingston Taylor with opener Alex Radus
2026-05-02 20:00 - 22:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Gypsy Jazz Jazz

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Born in Boston and raised in North Carolina, Livingston is the fourth child in a deeply musical family that includes Alex, James, Kate, and Hugh Taylor. He picked up his first guitar at age 13 and recorded his first album at just 18, launching a career defined by thoughtful songwriting, stylistic range, and an easy, welcoming stage presence. From Top 40 hits like “I Will Be in Love with You” and “I’ll Come Running,” to beloved songs such as “I Can Dream of You” and “Boatman” (both recorded by his brother James), Livingston’s catalog is rich with well-crafted, introspective songs that resonate across generations. His repertoire moves effortlessly between folk, pop, jazz, gospel, and Broadway standards, blending storytelling, warmth, and musical depth. A lifelong road warrior, Livingston has shared stages with artists including Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, Fleetwood Mac, Jimmy Buffett, and Jethro Tull, and continues to tour internationally. His shows are peppered with personal stories, humor, and the kind of relaxed authenticity that makes every audience feel like they’re in on the conversation. In addition to performing, Livingston is a full professor at Berklee College of Music, where he has taught his celebrated Stage Performance course since 1989. His book Stage Performance extends those lessons to artists everywhere, reflecting a career devoted not only to music, but to mentoring the next generation. SAMPLE SONG In recognition of his five decades of music-making, January 18, 2017 was officially declared “Livingston Taylor Day”by the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We’re thrilled to welcome Livingston Taylor back to Caffè Lena for two intimate shows on Friday, May 2. Choose your show (or come to both!)—and settle in for an evening of songs, stories, and masterful musicianship from one of folk music’s most enduring voices. ﻿Opening for Livingston is Alex Radus – a “versatile crooner” (UMC Nashville) and “master guitarist” (Courier News), but his songwriting takes center stage. Known for his signature “genre whiplash,” he blends whimsical and poignant storytelling with an eclectic mix of Americana, swing, blues, and folk. 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. ﻿

Doors Open
Doors Open: 7:30 pm

Price

Member
$34.70

General
$39.04

Child or Student
$19.52

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

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