Caffè Lena

Open Mic
2026-12-14 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | 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 7:00PM 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 ﻿

Price

General
$195.00

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Willie Watson
2026-12-13 19:00 - 21:00
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​Please note: This show was rescheduled from its original 9/11/26 date due to an unforeseen scheduling conflict.

Before he turned 18, Willie Watson had a moment that would quietly change everything. In an apple orchard in upstate New York, singing old songs with a fellow traveler, Ruby Love, he felt something open. Music was more than music, it was a way of making sense of heartbreak, confusion, and the shape of a life just beginning. He’s called it, in his own way, a duet with the divine.

That moment set him on a path that would soon lead to the formation of Old Crow Medicine Show, and years spent carrying forward the deep well of American folk tradition. But the role he stepped into, the keeper of old songs, the “nice singer in the cowboy hat”, would eventually begin to feel limiting. Life moved forward in complicated ways: marriage and fatherhood, years on the road, and the quiet disorientation of trying to hold onto yourself while the world keeps shifting around you. There were harder chapters, too, periods of excess and disconnection that nearly broke him.

What followed was slower, more difficult work. Sobriety, yes, but also something deeper: a willingness to look back, to face the parts of his story that shaped him, and to begin again with intention. In that space, songwriting became not just an outlet, but a necessity. Watson began writing songs that didn’t hide behind tradition, but stood inside his own experience, songs that wrestle with memory, regret, tenderness, and the fragile hope that comes with change.

His self-titled album is the result of that reckoning. Created in close collaboration with songwriter Morgan Nagler and brought to life with a small, intuitive band, the songs feel like moments of discovery unfolding in real time, shaped as much by silence and reflection as by melody. They look backward in order to move forward, tracing the emotional terrain of a life lived fully, and not always easily.

There are still echoes of the old songs he’s long carried, those timeless melodies, familiar shapes, but now they sit alongside something new. Watson has stepped fully into the role of songwriter, adding his own stories to the tradition he once interpreted. The result is music that feels both rooted and deeply personal, shaped by experience and delivered with a voice that has nothing left to prove.

SAMPLE SONG

Join us for an evening with an artist who has spent a lifetime listening, and is now, finally, telling his own story.

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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Sep 23 • 6 PM

The Empty Pockets Holiday Tour
2026-12-12 20:00 - 22:00
Instructional

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The Empty Pockets Holiday Tour brings the Chicago band’s harmony-driven roots rock sound to the season with a festive mix of fan favorites, stories from the road, and holiday songs. They craft a soulful mix of rootsy blues, classic rock, and Midwestern folk, anchored by powerful vocals and sharp, heartfelt songwriting. Their skills have been honed on the road backing legends like Al Stewart, Gary Wright, Simon Kirke, and Kenny Loggins, and their own albums have earned two #1 spots on the Billboard Blues Albums chart.

Affectionately known as the “baseball band,” The Empty Pockets are just as at home on a festival stage as they are singing the national anthem or leading a 7th inning stretch at Major and Minor League Baseball stadiums across the country, and winning over fans one city at a time.

This holiday season, they bring their Holiday Tour to Caffè Lena. You’ll hear festive favorites like “Let It Snow” and “Run Run Rudolph” reimagined with blues-rock grit, alongside the band’s own joyful originals including “Snow Day” and “Party at the North Pole.” Blending holiday cheer with songs from their chart-topping blues albums, The Empty Pockets deliver a warm, soulful, high-energy holiday concert built around real instruments, rich harmonies, and joyful connection.

SAMPLE SONG

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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$35.00

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Sep 17 • 9 AM

Songwriting Club
2026-12-12 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-11-14 10:00 - 12:00
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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Sep 23 • 6 PM

Lucy Kaplansky
2026-12-11 20:00 - 22:00
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"Utterly beautiful and affecting, Lucy sings songs from her life that have resonance in ours." – Scott Simon, NPR

Lucy Kaplansky is an acclaimed singer-songwriter of rare talent, “a truly gifted performer with a bag full of enchanting songs” (The New Yorker) and “the troubadour laureate of modern city folk” (The Boston Globe). She has released nine critically acclaimed albums, two of which were awarded Best Pop Album of the year by the Association for Independent Music. But where she shines brightest is on the live stage.

Maybe it's her background as a clinical psychologist, because there's nobody who helps us unwind, let our guard down, and open our hearts like Lucy Kaplansky. She makes every audience feel like a circle of old friends catching up and reconnecting. Kaplansky is also part of folk supergroup Cry Cry Cry with Dar Williams and Richard Shindell.

Her recording of Roxy Music’s “More Than This” has over 12 million streams on Spotify, and she has been featured on NPR’s All Things Considered, Weekend Edition, and Morning Edition as well as BBC Radio, and CBS Sunday Morning, and has sung harmony on albums by Suzanne Vega, Bryan Ferry, Nanci Griffith and Shawn Colvin.

Her latest release, The Lucy Story (2025), is a retrospective of unreleased tracks, demos, and live recordings spanning her remarkable journey—from teenage bedroom tapes to international tours and studio collaborations with some of folk music’s finest. NPR’s Scott Simon has called her music “utterly beautiful and affecting,” a fitting tribute to an artist whose songs capture the human experience with honesty, warmth, and grace.

SAMPLE SONG

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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$35.00

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Sep 17 • 9 AM

School of Music Slow Jam
2026-12-10 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-12-03 13:00 - 15:00
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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Sep 23 • 6 PM

After School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne
2026-12-09 14:30 - 17:30, 2026-12-02 14:30 - 17:30, 2026-11-18 14:30 - 17:30
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After School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne

11 weeks starting September 30th

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.

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!

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

﻿

Price

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$35.00

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Folk Club Kids
2026-12-09 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-12-02 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-11-18 10:30 - 11:00
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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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Sep 23 • 6 PM

Open Mic
2026-12-07 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-11-30 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-11-16 19:00 - 21:00
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

﻿

Price

General
$35.00

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Sep 17 • 9 AM

Playwright's Jam
2026-12-06 13:30 - 16:00
Instructional

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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.

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Sep 23 • 6 PM

Special Consensus
2026-12-03 19:00 - 21:00
Instructional

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“One of the longest-running and best-respected outfits in bluegrass history.”

— Chicago Reader

For 50 years, Special Consensus has been one of bluegrass music's most enduring and beloved bands.

Founded by banjo master Greg Cahill in 1975, the Chicago-based group has spent five decades honoring the traditions of bluegrass while continuing to find fresh inspiration in contemporary songwriting. Their rich harmonies, impeccable musicianship, and infectious energy have earned them two Grammy nominations, eight International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards, and the admiration of audiences around the world.

Their latest release, Been All Around This World, celebrates the band's remarkable Golden Anniversary, while continuing the sound that has made Special Consensus a bluegrass institution. Whether performing hard-driving instrumentals, classic bluegrass standards, or thoughtful contemporary songs, Cahill and his outstanding band deliver performances that are polished, joyful, and deeply rooted in the traditions they love.

If you joined us for their unforgettable visit last year, you already know what to expect. If you didn't, here's your chance to experience one of bluegrass's finest live bands in the intimate setting of Caffè Lena.

SAMPLE SONG

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

General
$35.00

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Sep 17 • 9 AM

The Kennedys
2026-11-29 14:00 - 16:00
Instructional

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For more than 30 years, Pete and Maura Kennedy have been making music and traveling the world together, creating an unmistakable blend of folk-rock, Americana, ringing guitars and close harmonies. Now The Kennedys return with Smoketree, their first album of all-new original songs in three years.

Their story began in Austin, Texas, in 1992, when Pete and Maura met at the legendary Continental Club. Within days they were singing together and had written their first song. Their first date? A road trip across west Texas to visit Buddy Holly’s grave.

At the time, Pete was playing in Nanci Griffith’s Blue Moon Orchestra. Maura soon joined the band, The Kennedys began opening Griffith’s shows, and a lifelong musical road trip was underway.

Since then, the duo has released more than two dozen recordings and become a fixture of the folk and Americana worlds. Their 2023 album, Headwinds, spent a month at #1 on the national Folk DJ chart, while decades of touring have honed the joyful chemistry and musical connection that can only come from thousands of days and nights spent making music together.

Their new album, Smoketree, turns its attention to both the world around us and the world within us. Its songs explore environmental concerns, social upheaval, displacement, and the search for peace, but The Kennedys approach even difficult subjects with the hopefulness that has long defined their music. They would rather bring the light than simply curse the darkness.

With energized folk-rock, masterful musicianship, rich harmonies and an easy camaraderie with their audience, Pete and Maura Kennedy make a concert feel less like a performance between strangers and more like an evening among old friends.

SAMPLE SONG

After more than three decades, countless miles and a lifetime of songs, The Kennedys are still happily home on the road, and still finding something new to sing about.

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.

﻿

More Information

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Caffè Lena

A+Q with Janis Ian (this time Janis brings the questions!)

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Sep 23 • 6 PM

Folk Club Kids
2026-11-25 10:30 - 11:00
Instructional

Share:

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.

Price

General
$35.00

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

A+Q with Janis Ian (this time Janis brings the questions!)

Instructional

class

Aug 25 • 3 PM

Caffè Lena

Janis Ian Explains the World

Instructional Singer Songwriter Storytelling

class

Aug 28 • 3 PM

Caffè Lena

Guitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson

Instructional

class

Sep 17 • 9 AM

Open Mic
2026-11-23 19:00 - 21:00
Instructional

Share:

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

﻿

More Information

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class

Sep 23 • 6 PM

Mandolin Vitamins - Tunes, Techniques and Ensemble Music
2026-11-23 10:00 - 11:30
Instructional

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Attention Mandolin, Octave Mandolin, Mandola and Mandocello Players – This class is intended for advanced beginner and up mandolin family players and is limited to 10 students. The class will run from 10:00 till 11:30.

Alan Epstein has been playing mandolin for the past 54 years and has been teaching others to play mandolin for 30 years. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pa, he has lived in the Capital District since 2008 and is currently living in Glens falls, NY. Alan has preformed in bluegrass bands in Colorado, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan and New York. In 2002 Alan was the founder of the modern day Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra. and has been a Wernick Method Bluegrass Jam instructor since 2012.

Price

General
$35.00

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Dan Navarro
2026-11-22 19:00 - 21:00
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Dan Navarro has spent a lifetime telling stories through song. As half of the acclaimed duo Lowen & Navarro and now as a solo artist, he's built a career on thoughtful songwriting, a rich, unmistakable baritone, and performances that combine warmth, humor, and hard-earned wisdom. His songs explore love, resilience, loss, and hope with the honesty of someone who has truly lived them.

Along the way, Navarro has written songs recorded by artists including Pat Benatar, The Bangles, Dionne Warwick, and The Temptations. His Grammy-nominated co-write "We Belong" has become one of the defining songs of its generation, while his music has found its way into films and television series including Deadpool 2, This Is Us, Mare of Easttown, The Office, and Pitch Perfect 2.

You may also know his voice without realizing it. Navarro has sung in Disney's Encanto, including the global hit "We Don't Talk About Bruno," as well as Coco, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, and numerous other animated films.

But awards, recordings, and credits tell only part of the story.

On stage, Dan Navarro is a gifted storyteller whose concerts move easily between heartfelt songs, laughter, and the stories behind a remarkable career that has touched nearly every corner of the music industry. His latest recordings continue to reflect a songwriter who remains deeply engaged with the world around him, including his 2025 Folk Alliance International Song of the Year-winning recording of "$20 Bill (for George Floyd)."

SAMPLE SONG

Whether performing an old favorite or introducing a brand-new song, Navarro creates the kind of intimate, conversational evening that has long been at home on the Caffè Lena stage.

“Dan Navarro shares life lessons well worth heeding, underscoring the music with an added embellishment. In effect, Navarro creates his own musical mantra, one that focuses on maintaining a positive perspective and overriding optimism. It leaves an indelible impression and elevates the emotional imprint overall.”

– Lee Zimmerman, American Songwriter

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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Peak Jazz Series: Frank Vignola & Vinny Raniolo
2026-11-20 20:00 - 22:00
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Two world-class guitarists—one unforgettable night.

Frank Vignola is widely recognized as one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing today. With jaw-dropping virtuosity and genre-spanning creativity, he has played alongside legends including Ringo Starr, Madonna, Donald Fagen, Tommy Emmanuel, Lionel Hampton, and guitar icon Les Paul, who once named him among his “Five Most Admired Guitarists” in The Wall Street Journal. Vignola’s dazzling career has taken him to Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, Lincoln Center, The Blue Note, and more than 21 countries worldwide. A prolific recording artist and educator, his influence reaches across generations of musicians and fans alike. Currently, he leads the celebrated weekly “Guitar Night” residency at New York City’s Birdland Jazz Club.

SAMPLE SONG Frank Vignola

Sharing the stage is his longtime collaborator, Vinny Raniolo, a rhythm guitarist in constant demand for his impeccable timing and dynamic accompaniment. Raniolo’s artistry has brought him to venues as iconic as the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, Lincoln Center in New York, and the Teatro Olimpico in Italy. Beyond the stage, he has been a familiar face on PBS, appearing in Tommy Emmanuel & Friends and Four Generations of Guitar. His recording credits include soundtracks for HBO’s Boardwalk Empire and Café Society.

SAMPLE SONG Vinny Raniolo

Together, Vignola and Raniolo create an electrifying duo, weaving jazz standards, timeless classics, and improvisational fireworks into performances that leave audiences spellbound. Their chemistry, virtuosity, and joy in playing are contagious. They remind us why the guitar holds such a powerful place in jazz.

The last time they played Lena's we couldn't get enough of them! Don’t miss this evening at Caffè Lena, where two master musicians transform six strings into pure magic.

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

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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Sep 17 • 9 AM

Music with Miss Deb
2026-11-20 10:00 - 11:00
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Experience this interactive and fun exploration of music with Miss Deb!

9 sessions

10:15 am – 11 am

$120

Scholarships available just email matt@caffelena.org

We will sing songs, move around, play with colorful props and play percussion instruments while enjoying and learning about music in an organic learning environment.

Songs from other cultures will be included along with traditional folk songs.

Fun for the whole family!

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Sep 23 • 6 PM

School of Music Slow Jam
2026-11-19 13:00 - 15:00
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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Sep 17 • 9 AM

Guitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson
2026-11-19 09:00 - 12:30
Instructional

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Guitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson

Level 1 9:15 am – 10:10 am

Level 2 10:15 am – 11:10 am

Level 3 11:15 am – 12:10 pm

If you are unsure of which level to sign up for email: bt@kilakwa.com or matt@caffelena.org

Cost $195 for 9 sessions. Drop ins $25/per session if space allows

This class will focus on learning basic skills in order to play songs alone or with other players. Each week we will focus on learning specific skills that players can build on to gain confidence while playing. We will also work on playing different styles of music and transposing pieces into various keys. The goal is to provide players information and skills so they are comfortable in various musical environments.

Topics Include:

Open position chords and how they are related to each other

Moving from chord to chord smoothly and in time

Rhythm and strumming techniques

Single note play: Pentatonic scale, lead-ins and fills

Movable chord shapes

Learning new songs

Playing and performing with other musicians

﻿

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Mandolin Vitamins - Tunes, Techniques and Ensemble Music
2026-11-16 10:00 - 11:30
Instructional

Share:

Attention Mandolin, Octave Mandolin, Mandola and Mandocello Players – This class is intended for advanced beginner and up mandolin family players and is limited to 10 students. The class will run from 10:00 till 11:30.

Alan Epstein has been playing mandolin for the past 54 years and has been teaching others to play mandolin for 30 years. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pa, he has lived in the Capital District since 2008 and is currently living in Glens falls, NY. Alan has preformed in bluegrass bands in Colorado, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan and New York. In 2002 Alan was the founder of the modern day Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra. and has been a Wernick Method Bluegrass Jam instructor since 2012.

More Information

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Sep 23 • 6 PM

Professor Louie & The Crowmatix
2026-11-14 20:00 - 22:00
Instructional

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“Roots Music Royalty" – Professor Louie & The Crowmatix

Join us for a fun & powerful evening of roots-infused rock and blues with Professor Louie & The Crowmatix, a Grammy-nominated band from Woodstock NY. Hailed as “Roots Music Royalty” by Bill Hurley of Extended Play Sessions. With deep ties to The Band and a musical style that blends rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, blues, and folk, this Woodstock, NY powerhouse brings decades of experience and soul to every performance.

Fronted by Professor Louie, keyboardist, accordionist, and longtime collaborator with The Band, the group has released 18 acclaimed albums including their 2025 release on Woodstock Records, Crowin’ Around, played on over 180 radio stations across the country.

The group continues to expand the boundaries of Americana and blues. Their dynamic shows feature crowd favorites from their original catalog, hits Louie co-produced with The Band during the 16 years and three albums he worked with them (including “Atlantic City” and “Blind Willie McTell”), and songs steeped in the rich tradition of American roots music.

The Crowmatix lineup includes the soaring vocals and percussion of Miss Marie, bassist Frank Campbell, guitarists Todd Mihan, drummer Dan Hickey. This is a seasoned ensemble with heart, groove, and tight musical chemistry. Their live performances are known for their storytelling, warmth, and a vibrant sound that brings audiences to their feet.

With recent releases on the roots and blues radio charts, and festival appearances across North America and Europe, Professor Louie & The Crowmatix are keeping the spirit of American roots music alive and evolving it.

SAMPLE SONG

Professor Louie and The Crowmatix have also been inducted in The New York State Blues Hall of Fame and hold a permanent place in The Canada South Blues Museum. Professor Louie is a recipient of The Robert H. Chambers Award for Excellence in the Traditional Arts from Common Ground on the Hill in MD.

Come experience a band with deep musical roots, unmatched live energy, and a timeless connection to the very heart of Rock and Americana.

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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$35.00

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