BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Caffè Lena - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Caffè Lena X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.caffelena.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Caffè Lena REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251217T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251217T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144019 CREATED:20250205T223507Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T174321Z UID:10003901-1765998000-1766005200@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Bluegrass Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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!! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 4:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $65.07\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $70.49\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $35.25\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Heritage Series: Jay Ungar & Molly Mason\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 11 • 8 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/bluegrass-jam/2025-12-17/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/december-7.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251218T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251218T150000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144019 CREATED:20250206T145417Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250207T162945Z UID:10003987-1766062800-1766070000@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:School of Music Slow Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All are Welcome! WE LOVE TO MEET NEW PICKERS\, AND WE LOVE PUTTING ON A GOOD SHOW FOR LISTENERS!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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 7:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $27.11\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $30.37\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $15.18\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Matt Griffin Album Release with opener Jimi Woodul\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 12 • 7 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/school-of-music-slow-jam-4/2025-12-18/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/december-3-3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260107T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260107T173000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144020 CREATED:20250821T181338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250821T182927Z UID:10004017-1767796200-1767807000@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:7 week After School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n After School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne This is a special 7 week session of the After School Folk Ensemble! 11/19 – 1/21 (excluding 11/26\, 12/24 and 12/31) 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 focussed 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 2025-2026 School Year Schedule: 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 1 Dates: Sept 10 – Nov 12 (10 weeks) Session 2 Dates: Nov 19 – Jan 21 (7 weeks) [off 11/26\, 12/24\, 12/31] 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: 11/12\, 1/21\, 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 6:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $21.69\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $23.86\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $11.93\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Heritage Series: Jay Ungar & Molly Mason\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 11 • 8 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/7-week-after-school-folk-ensemble-with-oona-grady-and-james-gascoyne/2026-01-07/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260108T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260108T150000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144020 CREATED:20260105T145344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T150926Z UID:10005887-1767877200-1767884400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:School of Music Slow Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 7:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $27.11\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $30.37\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $15.18\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Matt Griffin Album Release with opener Jimi Woodul\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 12 • 7 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/school-of-music-slow-jam-11/2026-01-08/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/december-3-3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260114T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260114T173000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144020 CREATED:20250821T181338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250821T182927Z UID:10004019-1768401000-1768411800@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:7 week After School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n After School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne This is a special 7 week session of the After School Folk Ensemble! 11/19 – 1/21 (excluding 11/26\, 12/24 and 12/31) 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 focussed 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 2025-2026 School Year Schedule: 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 1 Dates: Sept 10 – Nov 12 (10 weeks) Session 2 Dates: Nov 19 – Jan 21 (7 weeks) [off 11/26\, 12/24\, 12/31] 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: 11/12\, 1/21\, 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 6:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $21.69\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $23.86\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $11.93\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Heritage Series: Jay Ungar & Molly Mason\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 11 • 8 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/7-week-after-school-folk-ensemble-with-oona-grady-and-james-gascoyne/2026-01-14/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T150000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144020 CREATED:20260105T145344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T150926Z UID:10005896-1768482000-1768489200@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:School of Music Slow Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 7:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $27.11\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $30.37\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $15.18\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Matt Griffin Album Release with opener Jimi Woodul\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 12 • 7 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/school-of-music-slow-jam-11/2026-01-15/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/december-3-3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T173000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144020 CREATED:20250821T181338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250821T182927Z UID:10004018-1769005800-1769016600@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:7 week After School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n After School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne This is a special 7 week session of the After School Folk Ensemble! 11/19 – 1/21 (excluding 11/26\, 12/24 and 12/31) 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 focussed 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 2025-2026 School Year Schedule: 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 1 Dates: Sept 10 – Nov 12 (10 weeks) Session 2 Dates: Nov 19 – Jan 21 (7 weeks) [off 11/26\, 12/24\, 12/31] 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: 11/12\, 1/21\, 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 6:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $21.69\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $23.86\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $11.93\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Heritage Series: Jay Ungar & Molly Mason\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 11 • 8 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/7-week-after-school-folk-ensemble-with-oona-grady-and-james-gascoyne/2026-01-21/1/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T180000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144020 CREATED:20250821T181338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250821T182927Z UID:10005763-1769016600-1769018400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:7 week After School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n After School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne This is a special 7 week session of the After School Folk Ensemble! 11/19 – 1/21 (excluding 11/26\, 12/24 and 12/31) 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 focussed 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 2025-2026 School Year Schedule: 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 1 Dates: Sept 10 – Nov 12 (10 weeks) Session 2 Dates: Nov 19 – Jan 21 (7 weeks) [off 11/26\, 12/24\, 12/31] 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: 11/12\, 1/21\, 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 7:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $27.11\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $30.37\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $15.18\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Matt Griffin Album Release with opener Jimi Woodul\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 12 • 7 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/7-week-after-school-folk-ensemble-with-oona-grady-and-james-gascoyne/2026-01-21/2/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144020 CREATED:20250205T223507Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T174321Z UID:10005851-1769022000-1769029200@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Bluegrass Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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!! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 6:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $21.69\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $23.86\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $11.93\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Heritage Series: Jay Ungar & Molly Mason\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 11 • 8 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/bluegrass-jam/2026-01-21/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/december-7.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260122T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260122T150000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144021 CREATED:20260105T145344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T150926Z UID:10005897-1769086800-1769094000@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:School of Music Slow Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 7:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $27.11\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $30.37\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $15.18\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Matt Griffin Album Release with opener Jimi Woodul\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 12 • 7 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/school-of-music-slow-jam-11/2026-01-22/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/december-3-3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260128T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260128T173000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144021 CREATED:20251126T151246Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251222T181735Z UID:10005744-1769610600-1769621400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 6:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $21.69\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $23.86\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $11.93\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Heritage Series: Jay Ungar & Molly Mason\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 11 • 8 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/after-school-folk-ensemble-with-james-gascoyne-and-oona-grady/2026-01-28/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/december-32.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260129T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260129T150000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144021 CREATED:20260105T145344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T150926Z UID:10005898-1769691600-1769698800@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:School of Music Slow Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 7:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $27.11\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $30.37\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $15.18\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Matt Griffin Album Release with opener Jimi Woodul\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 12 • 7 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/school-of-music-slow-jam-11/2026-01-29/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/december-3-3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260204T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260204T173000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144021 CREATED:20251126T151246Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251222T181735Z UID:10005745-1770215400-1770226200@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 6:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $21.69\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $23.86\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $11.93\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Heritage Series: Jay Ungar & Molly Mason\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 11 • 8 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/after-school-folk-ensemble-with-james-gascoyne-and-oona-grady/2026-02-04/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/december-32.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260205T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260205T150000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144021 CREATED:20260105T145344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T150926Z UID:10005899-1770296400-1770303600@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:School of Music Slow Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 7:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $27.11\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $30.37\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $15.18\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Matt Griffin Album Release with opener Jimi Woodul\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 12 • 7 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/school-of-music-slow-jam-11/2026-02-05/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/december-3-3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260211T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260211T173000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144021 CREATED:20251126T151246Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251222T181735Z UID:10005746-1770820200-1770831000@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 6:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $21.69\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $23.86\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $11.93\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Heritage Series: Jay Ungar & Molly Mason\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 11 • 8 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/after-school-folk-ensemble-with-james-gascoyne-and-oona-grady/2026-02-11/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/december-32.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T150000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144022 CREATED:20260105T145344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T150926Z UID:10005900-1770901200-1770908400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:School of Music Slow Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 7:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $27.11\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $30.37\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $15.18\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Matt Griffin Album Release with opener Jimi Woodul\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 12 • 7 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/school-of-music-slow-jam-11/2026-02-12/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/december-3-3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260218T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260218T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144022 CREATED:20250205T223507Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T174321Z UID:10005961-1771441200-1771448400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Bluegrass Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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!! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 6:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $21.69\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $23.86\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $11.93\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Heritage Series: Jay Ungar & Molly Mason\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 11 • 8 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/bluegrass-jam/2026-02-18/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/december-7.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T150000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144022 CREATED:20260105T145344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T150926Z UID:10005901-1771506000-1771513200@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:School of Music Slow Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 7:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $27.11\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $30.37\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $15.18\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Matt Griffin Album Release with opener Jimi Woodul\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 12 • 7 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/school-of-music-slow-jam-11/2026-02-19/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/december-3-3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260225T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260225T173000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144022 CREATED:20251126T151246Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251222T181735Z UID:10005747-1772029800-1772040600@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 6:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $21.69\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $23.86\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $11.93\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Heritage Series: Jay Ungar & Molly Mason\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 11 • 8 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/after-school-folk-ensemble-with-james-gascoyne-and-oona-grady/2026-02-25/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/december-32.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T150000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144022 CREATED:20260105T145344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T150926Z UID:10005902-1772110800-1772118000@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:School of Music Slow Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 7:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $27.11\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $30.37\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $15.18\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Matt Griffin Album Release with opener Jimi Woodul\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 12 • 7 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/school-of-music-slow-jam-11/2026-02-26/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/december-3-3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260301T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260301T160000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144022 CREATED:20251126T153433Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251211T185533Z UID:10005764-1772373600-1772380800@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:ONLINE: Songwriting Intensive with Gretchen Peters DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 6:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $21.69\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $23.86\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $11.93\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Heritage Series: Jay Ungar & Molly Mason\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 11 • 8 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/online-songwriting-intensive-with-gretchen-peters/2026-03-01/ LOCATION:Online\, Streaming On Zoom CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/december-19.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260304T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260304T173000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144023 CREATED:20251126T151246Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251222T181735Z UID:10005748-1772634600-1772645400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 7:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $27.11\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $30.37\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $15.18\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Matt Griffin Album Release with opener Jimi Woodul\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 12 • 7 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/after-school-folk-ensemble-with-james-gascoyne-and-oona-grady/2026-03-04/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/december-32.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T150000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144023 CREATED:20260105T145344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T150926Z UID:10005903-1772715600-1772722800@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:School of Music Slow Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 6:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $21.69\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $23.86\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $11.93\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Heritage Series: Jay Ungar & Molly Mason\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 11 • 8 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/school-of-music-slow-jam-11/2026-03-05/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/december-3-3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260308T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260308T160000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144023 CREATED:20251126T153433Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251211T185533Z UID:10005765-1772978400-1772985600@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:ONLINE: Songwriting Intensive with Gretchen Peters DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 7:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $27.11\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $30.37\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $15.18\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Matt Griffin Album Release with opener Jimi Woodul\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 12 • 7 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/online-songwriting-intensive-with-gretchen-peters/2026-03-08/ LOCATION:Online\, Streaming On Zoom CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/december-19.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260311T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260311T173000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144023 CREATED:20251126T151246Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251222T181735Z UID:10005749-1773239400-1773250200@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 6:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $21.69\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $23.86\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $11.93\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Heritage Series: Jay Ungar & Molly Mason\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 11 • 8 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/after-school-folk-ensemble-with-james-gascoyne-and-oona-grady/2026-03-11/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/december-32.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260312T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260312T150000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144023 CREATED:20260105T145344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T150926Z UID:10005904-1773320400-1773327600@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:School of Music Slow Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 7:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $27.11\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $30.37\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $15.18\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Matt Griffin Album Release with opener Jimi Woodul\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 12 • 7 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/school-of-music-slow-jam-11/2026-03-12/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/december-3-3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260315T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260315T160000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144023 CREATED:20251126T153433Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251211T185533Z UID:10005766-1773583200-1773590400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:ONLINE: Songwriting Intensive with Gretchen Peters DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 6:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $21.69\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $23.86\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $11.93\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Heritage Series: Jay Ungar & Molly Mason\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 11 • 8 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/online-songwriting-intensive-with-gretchen-peters/2026-03-15/ LOCATION:Online\, Streaming On Zoom CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/december-19.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T173000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144023 CREATED:20251126T151246Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251222T181735Z UID:10005750-1773844200-1773855000@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 7:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $27.11\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $30.37\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $15.18\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Matt Griffin Album Release with opener Jimi Woodul\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 12 • 7 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/after-school-folk-ensemble-with-james-gascoyne-and-oona-grady/2026-03-18/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/december-32.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144023 CREATED:20250205T223507Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T174321Z UID:10005962-1773860400-1773867600@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Bluegrass Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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!! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 6:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $21.69\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $23.86\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $11.93\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Heritage Series: Jay Ungar & Molly Mason\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 11 • 8 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/bluegrass-jam/2026-03-18/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/december-7.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T150000 DTSTAMP:20260404T144023 CREATED:20260105T145344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T150926Z UID:10005905-1773925200-1773932400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:School of Music Slow Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doors Open\n Doors Open: 7:30 pm \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n Member\n $27.11\n \n \n \n \n \n General\n $30.37\n \n \n \n \n \n Child or Student\n $15.18\n \n \n \n  \n inclusive of fees\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Little Folks: City Birds\n\n American Roots Family\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Bright Series: Olive Klug\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 4 • 8 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Matt Griffin Album Release with opener Jimi Woodul\n\n American Roots Folk Singer Songwriter\n \n \n \n \n event\n \n \n\n \n Apr 12 • 7 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/school-of-music-slow-jam-11/2026-03-19/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/december-3-3.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR