Caffè Lena

Guitar Workshop Level 2 with Bruce Thompson
2025-10-09 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Bluegrass Workshop

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Registration closed for session, feel free to drop in for $25 per class. Guitar Workshop Intermediate guitar players 11:15 am – 12:10 pm This class will focus on learning additional skills in order to play more advanced songs and arrangements alone or with other players. Each week we will focus on learning specific skills that players can build on to gain confidence while playing. We will also work on playing different styles of music and transposing pieces into various keys. The goal is to provide players information and skills so they are comfortable in various musical environments. Topics: Open position chords and how they are related to each other, including more advanced voicings Chord extensions (6, 7, 9, 13), inversions and advanced voicings Rhythm and strumming techniques, including syncopated rhythms, crosspicking and finger style rhythm playing Single note play: utilizing various scales and phrasing to map out breaks/solos Movable chord shapes and voicings Learning and arranging new songs Playing and performing with other musicians

Price

General
$195.00

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Guitar Workshop Level 1 with Bruce Thompson
2025-10-09 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-10-02 09:00 - 10:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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Registration closed for session, feel free to drop in for $25 per class.

Guitar I – Beginner 9:15 am – 10:10 am

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

Topics Include:

Open position chords and how they are related to each other

Moving from chord to chord smoothly and in time

Rhythm and strumming techniques

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

Movable chord shapes

Learning new songs

Playing and performing with other musicians

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Martha Spencer & The Wonderland Country Band
2025-10-08 19:30 - 21:30 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Folk Workshop

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“Appalachian music, through and through, with all the dynamism of a string band and the longing of a lovelorn country song.” – Rolling Stone Country

Get ready for an unforgettable ride through the heart of Appalachia with Martha Spencer & Wonderland! Led by the magnetic Martha Spencer, this high-energy group brings together Jamie Collins (bass/vocals), Lucas Pasley (fiddle/banjo/vocals), and Jake Dwyer (percussion, washboard, and dance) to deliver a toe-tapping, heartwarming show you won’t want to miss.

From California honky-tonks to Nashville stages—and everywhere in between—this band has wowed audiences at the Topanga Banjo Fiddle Festival, Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, Ashkenaz Center, the Oklahoma Banjo Museum, and on Song of the Mountains on PBS. Their upcoming tour will take them even farther, with performances lined up across Canada, Ireland, and Europe.

Martha Spencer herself is a powerhouse singer-songwriter, dancer, and multi-instrumentalist hailing from Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Raised in the musical Spencer family, she picked up everything from guitar and fiddle to banjo, mandolin, and flatfoot dancing at an early age. She’s shared her talents worldwide, performing, recording, and teaching from Australia to the UK. Her acclaimed solo album has earned praise from Rolling Stone Country, No Depression, Americana Highways, and more—and she was even featured in the documentary film "Fiddlin’."

SAMPLE SONG

If you love authentic roots music with heart, soul, and a whole lot of rhythm, this is the show for you!

Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Enjoy two weeks of access with your live stream ticket.

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

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Folk Club Kids
2025-10-08 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-10-01 10:30 - 11:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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

Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

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

Stream live and free on Facebook and Youtube!

Join Dan Berggren and Drank the Gold’s Oona Grady and James Gascoyne for Folk Club Kids: a free weekly interactive concert series for preschoolers and their caregivers. Children are treated to 30 minutes of live music in a welcoming, inclusive environment. Inspire a love of music, community, and togetherness each week, learn, play, make friends and have fun!

This program is made possible by the generous support of Kevin & Claudia Bright.

#youthclass

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Jan 21 • 2:30 PM

Storytelling Open Mic Featuring Shawn Banner
2025-10-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Folk Workshop

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Shawn Banner, local story teller, teacher, artist has been sharing stories and Yiddish Folk Tales for the last 25 or so years here in the Saratoga area. He began his "official" story-telling career at the bedside of his now grown children as well as in his elementary school classrooms. He will be sharing "Yom Kippur" themed stories–stories about atonement, forgiveness, and kindness; as always with that Yiddishkeit touch of humor and learning.

Can't make it in person? Can't make it in person? Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Enjoy two weeks of access with your live stream ticket.

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Jan 21 • 10:30 AM

Open Mic
2025-10-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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

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

OUR HOSTS

First Monday – Rick Bolton

Second Monday – Carolyn Shapiro

Third Monday – Ray Pashoukos

Fourth Monday – Kate Blain

HERE’S WHAT TO EXPECT:

Every Monday. All ages, all styles. Originals encouraged but not required.
Please leave a $3-$5 donation for our non-profit organization if you’re able to.
Sign-up is 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM / Show at 7:00 / 2 songs or 10 minutes /
Sign up is first come first serve
You are welcome to use our Yamaha studio upright acoustic piano or acoustic Martin guitar. We can play your MP3 backing track through our sound system. You are welcome to bring amps and drums BUT set up and break down is part of your 10 minutes.
Full table service (see menu). No alcohol! We like to keep our Monday nights family friendly.
Play Nice! We foster a diverse community that has a great time making art and helping one another get better. Excessive profanity, explicit sexual themes, and “humor” that unkindly targets a specific group undermines this goal. It is up to the discretion of the host to enforce the house standards.

CONTACT US

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

﻿

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“2025 is so 1984” Kicks Off National Banned Books Week at Skidmore College
2025-10-06 18:30 - 20:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Folk Workshop

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To launch National Banned Books Week, a community program titled “2025 is so 1984” will take place on Monday, October 6, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in Davis Auditorium at Skidmore College.

The evening will be led by Dr. Timothy Wientzen, English professor and chair of the English Department at Skidmore. Dr. Wientzen will guide a conversation about George Orwell’s 1984, the most frequently banned book of the past 75 years. Discussion will explore why the novel has been repeatedly censored, how it resonates with contemporary culture, and the continuing relevance of Orwell’s vision. Attendees are encouraged to read 1984 ahead of time and come ready to participate.

Admission is free, with a suggested donation of a banned book or cash contribution to help stock the Little Liberty Library in Caffè Lena’s courtyard. This community library provides free access to frequently challenged works and will remain stocked through the generosity of event participants.

Each year, the American Library Association (ALA) designates Banned Books Week to highlight the importance of diverse literature, raise awareness about ongoing censorship, and encourage action to preserve public access to all books, including those deemed controversial.

Local sponsors of “2025 is so 1984” include: Caffè Lena, the League of Women Voters, Our Foundation, Saratoga Public Library, Lucy Scribner Library, and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation.

Momentum Series: Eileen Ivers & The Brigideens
2025-10-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Folk Workshop

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The Brigideens: A Fiery New Force in Acoustic Roots Music
Get ready for a night of powerful, resonant, emotional songs with The Brigideens—a bold new acoustic roots band formed and led by Grammy-winning, Emmy-nominated, 9-time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion Eileen Ivers. This dynamic, female-led ensemble brings together acclaimed vocalists and instrumentalists from the Celtic and Americana traditions to create a sound that’s both rooted and refreshing.
From traditional reels to soaring ballads and genre-blending originals, The Brigideens deliver a high-energy, emotionally resonant performance. Expect fiddle fireworks, driving banjo, vibrant percussion, rich harmonies, and stories that celebrate resilience, connection, and the flame of creativity.
Featuring:

Eileen Ivers – fiddle
Caitlin Maloney – lead vocals
Hilary Hawke – banjo, upright bass, clarinet, spoons & vocals
Anna Colliton – bodhrán, cajón, percussion
Colin Forhan – guitar, tenor banjo, concertina & vocals

Named for Brigid, the Celtic patron of poets and healers, The Brigideens are keepers of a musical flame—honoring tradition while blazing their own trail. Their debut EP, The First Sessions – Live in Studio, arrives later this year, but you can experience the magic live, right here at Caffè Lena.
SAMPLE SONG
As Stone Mountain Arts Center’s Carol Noonan puts it:
"Soaring vocals and equally stellar playing—a gal power band you don’t want to miss . . . the crowd went wild for them!"
Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Enjoy one week of access with your live stream ticket.
﻿The Momentum Series features high energy music–solo or band. These are typically more shows that infuse the room with crackling energy rather than featuring solo acoustic performers. Many, but not all, of the monthly Momentum artists are playing our venue for the first time.
The Momentum Series is Made possible by the generous support of Joseph & Luann Conlon, in honor of Thom O'Neil.
﻿Note: Caffe Lena does not permit ticket reselling above face value. Tickets purchased for the purpose of resale may be canceled without notice, and refunds for such purchases will not be granted.
﻿

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Playwright's Jam
2025-10-05 13:30 - 16:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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

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

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

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

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

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

Playwrights should bring a highlighted script for each of their actors and one extra for stage directions
Bring a short scene (7-8 minutes). Cast your actors from the audience, including your fellow playwrights. Give them brief directions and then put them on stage to read your script. We’ll go around the room after the reading and let everyone give a “popcorn” reaction (one word!).
Each meeting will include 6 or 7 scenes selected at random from those submitted. After the readings we’ll have time to hang out and get acquainted.
This event will be co-hosted by Michael Wells-Oakes and Vivian Nesbitt
Playwright Nice! We foster a diverse community that has a great time making art and helping one another get better. Excessive profanity, explicit sexual themes and “humor” that unkindly targets a specific group undermines this goal. It is up to the discretion of the host to enforce the house standards.

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Saratoga Book Festival: Tom Piazza - Living in the Present with John Prine
2025-10-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Folk Workshop

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Saratoga Book Festival and Caffè Lena present “John Prine: A Night of Song and Stories” with Tom Piazza, author of Living in the Present with John Prine.

In the spring of 2018, author, writer, and Yaddo alumni Tom Piazza climbed into a 1977 Coupe de Ville with the great singer-songwriter John Prine to write an article for the Oxford American. Their Florida road trip ignited a deep friendship, full of tall tales over epic meals, long nights playing guitar and trading songs, and visits back and forth between their homes in Nashville and New Orleans.

Along the way, John invited Tom to work with him to write a memoir, with John telling sprawling, often hilarious stories of his youth and family in Chicago and Kentucky, his breakthrough into the national spotlight, his riotous early years in the Nashville country scene, and much more. When John died suddenly of COVID in April 2020, that unfinished memoir evolved into Living in the Present with John Prine, an unforgettable portrait of the beloved musician in his late glory.

With a warm stage presence, Tom shares stories about John, their trip together, and how his book came to be. He'll even play a few of the songs from John's playbook. A book signing will follow the event. Copies of Living in the Present with John Prine will also be available for purchase. For more about Author Tom Piazza and Living in the Present with John Prine, please see https://saratogabookfestival.org/2025-festival-authors/.

Piazza is a four-time winner of the ASCAP Deems Taylor Award for Music Writing, and author of several books including the nonfiction bestseller Why New Orleans Matters and the novels The Auburn Conference and A Free State. A Yaddo artist, he lives in New Orleans.

Don't miss this joyful evening at Caffe Lena, a warm and intimate setting to celebrate the beloved icon.

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

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Caffe Lena @ SPAC
2025-10-04 12:00 - 17:30 | Saratoga Performing Arts Center, 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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Caffè Lena @ SPAC – A Free Day of Music on the Charles R. Wood Stage

Caffè Lena @ SPAC returns with an unforgettable day-long celebration of live music on the Charles R. Wood Stage! This year’s lineup brings together five acclaimed bands who each bring a unique voice to today’s folk and roots scene:

Misty Blues – powerhouse blues with soul, jazz, and gospel flair
Tom Chapin – beloved folk legend and three-time Grammy winner
Chatham County Line – North Carolina Americana favorites with tight harmonies
Farah Siraj – Jordan’s “Musical Ambassadress,” fusing Arabic music, flamenco, and jazz
Aleksi Campagne – bilingual indie-folk innovator blending fiddle, voice, and looping

From blues and bluegrass to indie-folk and global sounds, this eclectic bill showcases the depth and diversity of the folk tradition.

✨ Admission is free – please register to receive event updates and “Know Before You Go” details. By registering, your email will be added to SPAC and Caffè Lena’s mailing lists.

🌦 Rain or shine! Bring your friends, your curiosity, and enjoy a day of extraordinary music in a beautiful setting.

REGISTER HERE

ARTIST INFORMATION:

MISTY BLUES

Misty Blues, 2019 International Blues Challenge finalist, has been delivering powerhouse blues since 1999. Led by Gina Coleman’s commanding vocals, the Berkshire-based band blends jazz, soul, funk, and gospel into a rich, original sound. They’ve collaborated with legends like Eric Gales, Charles Neville, and Joe Louis Walker, and shared stages with Tab Benoit, Albert Castiglia, James Montgomery, John Primer, and Roomful of Blues. With 17 albums, tours across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., and worldwide airplay—including a song featured in a 2024 U.S. presidential campaign—Misty Blues has secured their place in today’s blues landscape.

Sample Song Misty Blues

TOM CHAPIN

“One of the great personalities in contemporary folk music.” – New York Times

With six decades, 27 albums, and three Grammys to his name, Hudson Valley troubadour Tom Chapin has done it all. From his early days in Greenwich Village with The Chapin Brothers to Broadway, TV’s National Geographic Explorer, and a remarkable body of songs for both adults and children, his career is as wide-ranging as it is impactful. Beyond the music, Chapin has been a tireless advocate for the environment, social justice, hunger relief, and arts education.

Sample Song Tom Chapin

CHATHAM COUNTY LINE

For over 20 years, Chatham County Line (CCL) has bridged timeless bluegrass traditions with modern Americana songwriting. Formed in Raleigh in 1999, the harmony-driven band has released 11 albums, including their latest, Hiyo, and earned four #1 spots on the Billboard Bluegrass chart. Known for dynamic live shows across the U.S. and Europe, as well as appearances on Showtime’s George & Tammy, they continue to balance innovation and tradition with grace.

Sample Song Chatham County Line

FARAH SIRAJ

“The Norah Jones of the Middle East” from Time Out New York.

Hailed as Jordan’s Musical Ambassadress, Farah Siraj is an internationally acclaimed virtuoso whose career spans the Middle East, Europe, and the U.S. She has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, from Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center to the Nobel Prize Hall and United Nations, where she represents Jordan annually on World Peace Day. A composer and bandleader, Farah fuses Arabic music, flamenco, jazz, bossa nova, and pop, reflecting her mission to use music as a force for peace, advocacy, and cultural connection. Leading a diverse quintet of global musicians, she continues to captivate audiences worldwide with her cross-cultural sound.

Sample Song Farah Siraj

ALEKSI CAMPAGNE

Montreal-born singer-songwriter and violinist Aleksi Campagne brings a bold, contemporary edge to the fiddle-singing tradition. Blending heartfelt folk songwriting, soaring vocals, and layered textures with violin and looping pedals, he’s quickly become one of Canada’s most exciting emerging artists. His bilingual debut album, For the Giving / Pour donner(2023), drew acclaim from Le Devoir and Roots Music Canada as “one of the most musically ambitious accomplishments of the year.” Touring internationally, Aleksi delivers an unforgettable fusion of indie-folk authenticity and instrumental virtuosity.

Sample Song Aleski Campagne

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Saratoga Book Festival
2025-10-04 10:00 - 17:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Folk Workshop

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FOR INFORMATION AND TICKETS, PLEASE VISIT https://friends.sspl.org/book-festival/

Session 1: 10am – 11am – Friends with Secrets: Historical Fiction Panel with Juliette Fay and Marjan Kamali, moderated by Kim van Alkemade

Award-winning authors Juliette Fay (The Harvey Girls) and Marjan Kamali (The Lion Women of Tehran) join author and Northshire Bookstore Bookseller Kim van Alkemade (Counting Lost Stars) in a discussion about their latest novels, the very different secrets that their characters carried, and the healing power of women’s friendships. Admission is free and includes a cup of Sense + SensibiliTea, a soothing blend featuring La Provençale herbs provided by Saratoga Tea & Honey.

Session 2: 1:00pm – 2:00pm – Family Sagas: A Fiction Panel with Serena Burdick and Jessica Shattuck, moderated by Jack Rightmyer

Authors Serena Burdick (A Promise to Arlette) and Jessica Shattuck (Last House) chat about their latest novels with Jack Rightmyer, an author (On Your Left), teacher, and Times Union freelance book reviewer. With the scope of a saga and the heart of a thriller, A Promise to Arlette is an evocative historical novel following a married couple whose idyllic 1950s suburban life is threatened by the promises they made during World War II. It’s a sweeping, unforgettable story about love and friendship, trust and betrayal, and how promises made, broken, and ultimately renewed, can determine our fate. Shattucks’s Last House is “a richly detailed, slow-burning family saga” (NYT) that digs deeply into questions of inheritance and what we owe each other—and captures to stunning effect the gravity of time, the double edge of progress, and the hubris of empire. This session is perfect for fans of Ann Patchett’s The Dutch House.

Session 3: 2:30pm – 4:30pm – Teatime at Pemberley: A Lit Night Celebration of Jane Austen in Words and Music, presented by Kristina Kulin

To celebrate the anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, join Lit Night’s Kristina Kulin at the 2025 Saratoga Book Festival as she presents “Teatime at Pemberley: A Celebration of Jane Austen in Words and Music.” Enjoy an immersive exploration of Austen’s life and works. Sit back, listen to live Regency-era music, and enjoy Saratoga Tea & Honey’s Sense + SensibiliTea,” in Caffe Lena’s warm and welcoming setting while guest speakers read their favorite passages. (This is a 90-minute program that’s perfect for Jane Austen fans of all ages.) For more information about Lit Night’s monthly curated literary appreciation events, visit https://litnightsaratoga.com/

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Nordlys Global Voices Series: Hasan Isakkut Quartet
2025-10-03 20:00 - 22:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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Hasan Isakkut: A Journey Through Middle Eastern Jazz and Classical Turkish Music

Experience a transcendent evening of rich musical heritage and modern artistry with renowned Turkish composer and multi-instrumentalist Hasan Isakkut.

Born in Adana, Turkey, and now based in New York, Hasan Isakkut is a master of the kanun and violin, blending the intricate beauty of Classical Turkish music with Middle Eastern jazz, world fusion, and new age elements. Over the course of his international career, he has collaborated with musical luminaries such as Brian Keane, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Simon Shaheen, Richie Havens, and Ara Dinkjian, with performances at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and Town Hall on Broadway.

Isakkut’s compositions have traveled far beyond borders—featured on the globally popular Buddha Bar Vol. 2, recorded by clarinet virtuoso Hüsnü Şenlendirici, and performed by Turkish music legend Muazzez Ersoy. His work as a composer, arranger, and performer is both deeply rooted in tradition and daringly innovative.

At Caffè Lena, Hasan and his group will present selections from his evocative albums, including Kibar, Hayat 1 Hayat, Hegira, and his most recent release, Journey. Joined by world-class collaborators, this performance promises a captivating journey through time, culture, and sound.

Whether you are a fan of global music traditions, jazz improvisation, or the shimmering tones of the kanun, this is a rare chance to witness a musical storyteller at the height of his powers.

SAMPLE SONG

Don’t miss this unforgettable night of music that bridges East and West with soul, skill, and heart.

Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Enjoy two weeks of access with your live stream ticket.

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

﻿

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Music With Miss Deb
2025-10-03 09:30 - 10:30 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Folk Workshop

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Experience this interactive and fun exploration of music with Miss Deb!

Sign up HERE

9:45am – 10:30am $125 9/19 – 11/21

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

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

Fun for the whole family!

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Taylor Ashton
2025-10-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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A road trip. A banjo. A nation rediscovered in song.

Taylor Ashton’s latest album, Stranger To The Feeling, was recorded along a 4,000-mile cross-country journey, with each track capturing the soul of a different place and moment—from the quiet of Brooklyn’s Prospect Park to the vast skies of Wyoming’s Bighorn National Forest. With his rich voice, warm storytelling, and effortless musicianship, Ashton invites listeners into an intimate sonic scrapbook of America, stitched together with guitar, banjo, and heart.

These songs bloom with a rare kind of immediacy, shaped by outdoor sessions and spontaneous collaborations with friends old and new—including Rachael Price (Lake Street Dive), Buck Meek (Big Thief), and Theo Katzman (Vulfpeck). At once deeply personal and instantly relatable, Ashton’s music resonates with fans of Nick Drake, Paul Simon, and the new generation of folk poets.

SAMPLE SONG

Come hear the road unfold in song.

Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Enjoy one week of access with your live stream ticket.

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

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School of Music Slow Jam
2025-10-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Folk Workshop

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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.

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Guitar Workshop Level 1 with Bruce Thompson
2025-10-02 11:00 - 12:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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Registration closed for session, feel free to drop in for $25 per class.

Guitar I – Beginner 11:15 am – 12:10 pm

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

Topics Include:

Open position chords and how they are related to each other

Moving from chord to chord smoothly and in time

Rhythm and strumming techniques

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

Movable chord shapes

Learning new songs

Playing and performing with other musicians

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Guitar Workshop Level 2 with Bruce Thompson
2025-10-02 10:00 - 11:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Folk Workshop

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Registration closed for session, feel free to drop in for $25 per class.

Guitar Workshop Intermediate guitar players 11:15 am – 12:10 pm

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

Topics:

Open position chords and how they are related to each other, including more advanced voicings

Chord extensions (6, 7, 9, 13), inversions and advanced voicings

Rhythm and strumming techniques, including syncopated rhythms, crosspicking and finger style rhythm playing

Single note play: utilizing various scales and phrasing to map out breaks/solos

Movable chord shapes and voicings

Learning and arranging new songs

Playing and performing with other musicians

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Jan 21 • 10:30 AM

Poetry Open Mic Featuring Bertha Rogers
2025-10-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Folk Workshop

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BERTHA ROGERS, poet, translator, and visual artist, has published poems and translations in literary journals and anthologies, among them the just released What Want Brings: New & Selected Poems (Salmon, Ireland) Like Light: 25 Years of Poetry & Prose by Bright Hill Poets & Writers, Seeing Things: Woodland Arts Editions; and Even the Daybreak: 35 Years of Salmon Poetry. Her poetry collections include Wild, Again (Salmon); Heart Turned Back (Salmon); Sleeper, You Wake (Mellen). Her illustrated translation of Beowulf was published in 2000, and her translation with illuminations of the Anglo-Saxon Riddle-Poems from the Exeter Book, Uncommon Creatures, was published in 2019. She has been awarded fellowships by the MacDowell Colony, Hawthornden International Writers Retreat, and others. Her writings on inclusion and cultural diversity in arts education have been published in Open the Door, Education Week, and the Poetry Foundation’s Harriet Blog, In 1992, she founded, with her husband, Ernest M. Fishman, Bright Hill Press & Literary Center of the Catskills. She led the development of the New York State Literary Web Site and Map in partnership with the New York State Council on the Arts.

Stream this show live at CaffeLenaTV. Enjoy two weeks of access with your live stream ticket.

﻿

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Darrell Scott
2025-09-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Folk Workshop

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Darrell Scott doesn’t just write songs—he captures the truth of life’s quiet moments and turns them into something luminous. A Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist and award-winning songwriter, Scott brings poetic honesty, soulful musicianship, and masterful storytelling to every performance. His music transforms the everyday into the eternal, the mundane into the meaningful.

From touring with Robert Plant and Zac Brown Band to writing hits for The Chicks, Faith Hill, Garth Brooks, and Patty Loveless, Scott’s songwriting legacy is both vast and deeply personal. His powerful song “Hank Williams’ Ghost” was named Americana Song of the Year, and his lyrics have become part of the American musical fabric.

With roots in a musical family and a life devoted to creativity, Scott is just as likely to be found hiking the Tennessee woods or cooking homegrown meals as he is writing and producing for others. Whether leading songwriting workshops or crafting his next timeless ballad, he remains a torchbearer for authenticity and heart.

SAMPLE SONG

Join us for an evening with one of America’s most revered musical voices—an artist whose songs help us make sense of our world and ourselves.

Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Enjoy one week of access with your live stream ticket.

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

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Jan 21 • 10:30 AM

Open Mic
2025-09-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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

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

OUR HOSTS

First Monday – Rick Bolton

Second Monday – Carolyn Shapiro

Third Monday – Ray Pashoukos

Fourth Monday – Kate Blain

HERE’S WHAT TO EXPECT:

Every Monday. All ages, all styles. Originals encouraged but not required.
Please leave a $3-$5 donation for our non-profit organization if you’re able to.
Sign-up is 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM / Show at 7:00 / 2 songs or 10 minutes /
Sign up is first come first serve
You are welcome to use our Yamaha studio upright acoustic piano or acoustic Martin guitar. We can play your MP3 backing track through our sound system. You are welcome to bring amps and drums BUT set up and break down is part of your 10 minutes.
Full table service (see menu). No alcohol! We like to keep our Monday nights family friendly.
Play Nice! We foster a diverse community that has a great time making art and helping one another get better. Excessive profanity, explicit sexual themes, and “humor” that unkindly targets a specific group undermines this goal. It is up to the discretion of the host to enforce the house standards.

CONTACT US

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

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So You Want to Play Mandolin with Alan Epstein
2025-09-29 14:30 - 15:30 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Folk Workshop

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This class is designed for the beginner; those folks who are interested in playing the mandolin but don't know where to start. We will cover the basics of holding, tuning and playing your first notes and chords on the mandolin, left and right hand technique and also learn to play a few songs. My goal is to get you started and provide you with the skills needed to play this great little instrument going forward. We will take things slowly, with a focus on producing clear tone, developing muscle memory in your fingers and most importantly having fun. Each week we will review all the things we’ve covered in previous classes. We will learn mostly by ear, but a few handouts will be provided. The only prerequisite is that you have a mandolin, a few picks, an extra set of mandolin strings, an electronic tuner and, most importantly, a desire to play the mandolin. Class size is limited to 10 so reserve your spot now!

Alan Epstein has been playing mandolin for the past 54 years and has been teaching others to play mandolin for 30 years. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pa and currently living in Glens falls, NY. Alan has preformed in bluegrass bands in Colorado, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan and New York. A former contributing writer for the now defunct Mandolin Magazine, in 2002 Alan was the founder of the modern day Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra and has been a Wernick Method Bluegrass Jam instructor since 2012. During all this time he has made it a priority to take mandolin lessons and workshops from the top players in the world and share what he has learned when he teach others to play. Alan teaches by ear and specializes in Bluegrass and Old Time music. In Alan’s own words, “IMHO the world needs more mandolin players and I'm here to help make that happen”.﻿

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Bluegrass Duet Class with Alan Epstein and Bruce Thompson
2025-09-29 11:30 - 14:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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The purpose of this class is to allow acoustic musicians to work on Bluegrass Duet repertoire with a musical partner. Early groups such as the Blue Sky Boys, the Monroe Brothers, the Louvin Brothers, and the Delmore Brothers helped develop the roots of the sound that we know as bluegrass. Each week we will listen to recorded examples of these and other duet and bluegrass artists and will work on singing and playing some of their best known songs.

This class is NOT intended for beginning musicians looking to learn the basics of their instruments. Rather, it is aimed at those who can play their acoustic instrument, (guitar, banjo, bass, fiddle, mandolin, dobro) and are interested in exploring the music's roots to help them fine tune their sound with a duet partner.

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Mandolin Vitamins - Tunes, Techniques and Ensemble Music
2025-09-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Folk Workshop

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Attention Mandolin, Octave Mandolin, Mandola and Mandocello Players – The purpose of this is 4 week, in person, class is for everyone to improve their mandolin skills. Each week we will spend time on right and left hand techniques, learn some new tunes and play Mandolin Ensemble pieces. This class is intended for advanced beginner and up mandolin family players and is limited to 12 students. The class will run from 10:00 till 11:15 on September 8, 15, 22 and 29th.

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

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Jan 21 • 10:30 AM

"A Joyful Noise!" Gospel Dinner with Soulist Garland Nelson & Friends
2025-09-28 17:00 - 19:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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A Joyful Noise! Gospel Dinner with Soulist Garland Nelson & Friends is more than a concert—it’s a full-sensory celebration of community, comfort, and spirit. This one-of-a-kind evening blends the rich, uplifting power of live gospel music with a lovingly prepared Caribbean dinner by Vashti's Kitchen Delights, creating an atmosphere that nourishes both body and soul. Led by the incomparable Garland Nelson, whose voice radiates warmth and joy, each gathering becomes a heartfelt experience of connection and praise. Surrounded by friends, familiar songs, and the clink of shared plates, guests don’t just attend—they belong. Join us for a night where the music moves you, the meal fills you, and the spirit of togetherness leaves you glowing.

Sample Song

Can't make it in person? Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Enjoy two weeks of access with your live stream ticket.

This event is made possible by the generous support of Dottie Pepper and David Normoyle.

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

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Fiddles & Foliage Festival
2025-09-28 12:00 - 16:00 | High Rock Park, 112 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Folk Workshop

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Our 3rd Annual Fiddles and Foliage Fundraiser for the Caffè Lena School of Music!

High Rock Park Saratoga Springs 12pm-4pm

Celebrate the Caffè Lena School of Music with this special fundraiser Sept 28th at the beautiful High Rock Park!

Bring the whole family for an afternoon of food, music and friendship!

Here's what to expect:

Games, Vendors and Crafts
Coffee by Stinky's Coffee Co.
Silent Auction

Gibson Guitar and more!

Pie Auction
Band Scramble
Live Music by

The Rolling Pebbles
The Jazz Pebbles
Volunteers of America
Adirondack Song Dogs
Cowbelle
Opening blessing with Joe Bruchac

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

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A Special Event with Janis Ian: Screening & in-person interview & audience Q&A
2025-09-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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Join us for an extraordinary evening with the celebrated singer-songwriter herself, Janis Ian, as we present American Masters – Janis Ian: Breaking Silence at Caffè Lena.

Janis Ian has spent her life turning truth into song. This documentary explores Ian’s uncompromising journey as a songwriter and performer, confronting racism, media scrutiny, the music industry’s expectations, and her own identity—all while crafting a deeply influential and award-winning body of work.

Featuring archival footage, new interviews, and Janis’s own reflections, the film paints a moving portrait of an artist who never stopped evolving, even when the world wasn’t ready for what she had to say.

Event Highlights:

Screening of the 2024 PBS American Masters documentary, rich with archival footage, animation, and newly filmed interviews
Exclusive in-person appearance by Janis Ian, who will join us in conversation after the screening
Conversation & Q&A: Guests are invited to ask Janis about her creative process, enduring career, courage in speaking her truth, and the life experiences that shaped her music.
Witness firsthand the insights of a folk music legend whose courageous voice spans civil rights, LGBTQ visibility, and musical innovation.
Engage in a rare opportunity to connect directly with Janis as she reflects on her legacy and the power of honesty in art.
Janis will be signing things you bring and things you purchase.

﻿

Don’t miss this intimate and powerful gathering with a living folk icon—Janis Ian: Breaking Silence, in conversation.

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

﻿

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Saratoga Arts Community Regrant Information Session
2025-09-27 13:00 - 15:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Folk Workshop

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Saratoga Arts Community Regrant Information Session

Saratoga Arts Regrants award local artists and nonprofits in Saratoga, Montgomery, and Fulton Counties a total of $245,000 annually. Grants Coordinator Spencer Sherry will walk potential applicants through the three grant opportunities, including program structure, guidelines, project eligibility, and more. This hour-long presentation, geared towards first-time applicants, is a comprehensive look into the regrant process – followed by a Q&A.

Free and open to the public!

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