Caffè Lena

School of Music Slow Jam
2026-08-27 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Country Family Folk Workshop

Share:

All are Welcome!WE LOVE TO MEET NEW PICKERS,AND WE LOVE PUTTING ON A GOOD SHOW FOR LISTENERS!This weekly program is made possible by the generous support of PHLY Foundation! THERE ARE NO PRE-SHOW RESERVATIONS FOR THE JAMS! SUGGESTED DONATION AT THE DOOR. $5.00 per person Our jams are all about sharing songs, making new friends, and enjoying a relaxing and casual evening of irresistible string band music. ALL are welcome to join the circle for an afternoon or evening playing and listening to classic grass, new grass and folk favorites. We sometimes refer to our genre as eclectic acoustic. Red Spruce and Adirondack Song Dogs will kick off each session with a few tunes then open the floor for musicians to lead their favorite bluegrass tunes and folk music, backed up by the other pickers in the gathering. Simple tunes are always popular! So sharpen up your axe, come prepared with your song, and let us hear some good old fast, high and lonesome, some slow and low, or a good old favorite. All are welcome! What is a Slow Jam? It is a group of string instrument players and singers who get together to have fun making music. The “slow” modifier indicates that it is targeted to the following musicians: people who have been playing solo and want to get used to playing in a group setting: people who have just learned how to play and want to play with others; people who have instruments that have been gathering dust for a “few” years; experienced players who are trying out playing instruments other than their primary instrument; people who are comfortable playing their instrument but want to become more comfortable singing/leading a song.. The tunes are played at 80 to 110 BPM and usually in basic keys such a G, A, D, C major, but it always sounds great to play in some minor keys such as “a”, “e”, and “g”. We will try to avoid “jam busters.” It is our hope that after this experience you will feel more comfortable playing at the many open jams and open mics that can be found in our area. ﻿

Similar Events

View All

Online

ONLINE: Songwriting Intensive with Gretchen Peters

Singer Songwriter Workshop

class

Apr 26 • 2 PM

Caffè Lena

Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro

American Roots Instructional

class

Apr 28 • 3 PM

Caffè Lena

Folk Club Kids

American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

class

Apr 29 • 10:30 AM

Captain Fun Lunchtime Listening Hour
2026-08-28 12:00 - 13:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

Share:

Bring your lunch & listen to a playlist curated by a Caffe Lena Community member. For the August edition of the Captain Fun Lunchtime Listening Hour, our playlist curator will be community member, Al Massinger! The D.J. spinning those records will be the Rochmon himself – Chuck “Rochmon” Vosganian.

All are welcome to gather at Lena’s from Noon to 1 PM on the last Friday of each month to enjoy musical memories and new discoveries. The playlist is selected by a different community member each month from the Captain Fun Listening Library of vinyl records in Lena’s lobby. Bring a brown bag lunch. Coffee and tea are provided.

The Captain Fun Listening Library occupying the north wall in the Caffè Lena lobby consists of 1,516 vinyl albums and several hundred CDs selected from Al “Captain Fun” McKenney’s expertly curated collection. This treasure trove of folk, blues and jazz was left us in 2015 and we share it through our monthly listening hour, as Al wished.

Enjoy the memories these records bring back, and dig deep into American roots music.

If you want to create a playlist and host a session, please contact Laura Sterling or let us know when you are next at Lena’s!

﻿

Streaming

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro

American Roots Instructional

class

Apr 28 • 3 PM

Caffè Lena

After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady

American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop

class

Apr 29 • 2:30 PM

Caffè Lena

Bluegrass Instrumental Course with Bruce Thompson and Sam Katz

Bluegrass Workshop

class

Apr 29 • 5:45 PM

Bria Skonberg
2026-08-28 20:00 - 22:00
Bluegrass Workshop

Share:

A JUNO Award winner and 10-time DownBeat Rising Star, Bria Skonberg has been called the “shining hope of hot jazz” by The New York Times and “one of the most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation” by The Wall Street Journal. As a trumpeter, vocalist, and songwriter, she moves effortlessly between classic swing, New Orleans traditions, and original compositions that push the genre forward.

Her career has taken her to some of the world’s most celebrated stages, including the Newport Jazz Festival, Montreal International Jazz Festival, and Carnegie Hall. Her debut album on Sony Masterworks climbed to #5 on the Billboard Jazz charts, and her seventh release, What It Means, recorded in New Orleans, earned a rare five-star review from DownBeat.

With more than 25 million streams worldwide, Skonberg continues to reach new audiences while staying grounded in the spirit of early jazz. Since relocating to New York in 2010, she has played a leading role in revitalizing classic American music, both onstage and as an educator, working with organizations like Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Louis Armstrong House Museum.

Whether leading her band, headlining festivals, or guiding the next generation of musicians, Bria Skonberg brings energy, elegance, and a joyful sense of swing to everything she does.

SAMPLE SONG

Join us at Caffè Lena for an unforgettable night with one of today’s most dynamic voices in jazz.

"Ms. Skonberg has become the shining hope of hot jazz, on the strength of a clarion trumpet style indebted to Louis Armstrong, a smooth purr of a singing voice inspired by Anita O'Day and the wholesome glow of youth"

– Nate Chinen, NY Times

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

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

﻿

Price

General
$195.00

More Information

Similar Events

View All

Online

ONLINE: Songwriting Intensive with Gretchen Peters

Singer Songwriter Workshop

class

Apr 26 • 2 PM

Caffè Lena

Folk Club Kids

American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

class

Apr 29 • 10:30 AM

Caffè Lena

After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady

American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop

class

Apr 29 • 2:30 PM

Rock Hearts
2026-08-29 20:00 - 22:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop

Share:

With soaring harmonies, seasoned picking, and a passion for tradition with a modern twist, Rock Hearts has emerged as one of bluegrass music’s most exciting bands on the rise. Formed in 2013 by five veteran musicians from Southern New England, Rock Hearts blends classic bluegrass and old country with fresh arrangements of unexpected tunes—delivering what they call “bluegrass-ified” favorites with skill and heart.

Since being named an Official Showcase Band by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2021, they’ve shared stages with bluegrass greats like Del McCoury, Michael Cleveland, The Gibson Brothers, and more. Their album, Unfinished Bridges, released on the 615 Hideaway label, has taken national charts by storm with five #1 singles and widespread acclaim. Critics have called it “one of the most satisfying recent bluegrass releases” and praise the band for their tight musicianship and heartfelt songwriting.

As this show is announced, the group is in Nashville recording their new record, which they expect to have released at the time of their Caffè Lena show!

Led by founding member and banjoist Joe Deetz, the lineup includes:

Alex MacLeod – guitar & vocals, 2024 IBMA Songwriter Showcase artist

Billy Thibodeau – mandolin, Maine Country Music Hall of Fame inductee

Rick Brodsky – bass

Austin Scelzo – fiddle, 2024 IBMA Momentum Awards nominee

SAMPLE SONG

Come experience the drive, harmony, and heart of a band that’s keeping bluegrass fresh, vibrant, and full of soul.

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

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

﻿

Price

General
$345.00

Similar Events

View All

Online

ONLINE: Songwriting Intensive with Gretchen Peters

Singer Songwriter Workshop

class

Apr 26 • 2 PM

Caffè Lena

Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro

American Roots Instructional

class

Apr 28 • 3 PM

Caffè Lena

Folk Club Kids

American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

class

Apr 29 • 10:30 AM

Tim Easton
2026-08-30 19:00 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

Share:

Tim Easton has lived the kind of life that seeps into every note he writes.

Born in Upstate New York and raised between Tokyo and Ohio, Easton’s path as a songwriter took shape on the streets of Europe, where he spent years busking in cities like Paris, London, and Prague. That time became the foundation of his songwriting: vivid, unfiltered stories told with honesty and grit.

After returning to the U.S., Easton recorded his debut Special 20 in Nashville and quickly built momentum, signing with EMI Publishing and later New West Records. His breakthrough album The Truth About Us featured members of Wilco, followed by Break Your Mother’s Heart, which earned four stars from Rolling Stone and praise for its “novelist’s sense of humanity.”

More than two decades into an international touring career, Easton continues to evolve. His latest release, fIREHORSE is his fourteenth album, released on Easton’s own label, Campfire Propaganda this past February.

Recorded primarily in Nashville, the ten-song collection features production from multi-instrumentalist Kevin Nolan and contributions from the rhythm section of Lainey Wilson’s touring band. Together they push Easton’s sound across country-blues, folk, pop, and classic rock while preserving the intimate storytelling he’s honed since his 1997 debut Special 20.

The songs draw from Easton’s years as a European street musician, his mentorship under legends such as Townes Van Zandt and Willie Nelson, and his lifelong commitment to travel, giving the album its wandering spirit and lived-in detail.

Offstage, Easton is equally prolific: over 130 original songs available online, five published books of poetry and essays, and a unique visual art practice creating hand-painted album jackets, each one a one-of-a-kind piece. His creative alter ego, DARK WATSON, resurfaced in 2025 with a limited vinyl release, adding yet another layer to his expansive artistic world.

Whether leading songwriting workshops, touring across continents, or stepping onto intimate stages like ours, Tim Easton brings a lifetime of stories, and the rare ability to make them feel like your own.

Join us for an evening with a true troubadour with the stories and songs to prove it.

SAMPLE SONG

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

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

Streaming

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro

American Roots Instructional

class

Apr 28 • 3 PM

Caffè Lena

After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady

American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop

class

Apr 29 • 2:30 PM

Caffè Lena

Bluegrass Instrumental Course with Bruce Thompson and Sam Katz

Bluegrass Workshop

class

Apr 29 • 5:45 PM

Open Mic
2026-08-31 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-07 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-14 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-21 19:00 - 21:00
Bluegrass Workshop

Share:

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

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

OUR HOSTS

First Monday – Rick Bolton

Second Monday – Carolyn Shapiro

Third Monday – Ray Pashoukos

Fourth Monday – Kate Blain

HERE’S WHAT TO EXPECT:

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

CONTACT US

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

Price

General
$195.00

More Information

Similar Events

View All

Online

ONLINE: Songwriting Intensive with Gretchen Peters

Singer Songwriter Workshop

class

Apr 26 • 2 PM

Caffè Lena

Folk Club Kids

American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

class

Apr 29 • 10:30 AM

Caffè Lena

After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady

American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop

class

Apr 29 • 2:30 PM

School of Music Slow Jam
2026-09-03 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-10 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-17 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-24 13:00 - 15:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop

Share:

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

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

THERE ARE NO PRE-SHOW RESERVATIONS FOR THE JAMS!

SUGGESTED DONATION AT THE DOOR. $5.00 per person

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

ALL are welcome to join the circle for an afternoon or evening playing and listening to classic grass, new grass and folk favorites. We sometimes refer to our genre as eclectic acoustic.

Red Spruce and Adirondack Song Dogs will kick off each session with a few tunes then open the floor for musicians to lead their favorite bluegrass tunes and folk music, backed up by the other pickers in the gathering. Simple tunes are always popular! So sharpen up your axe, come prepared with your song, and let us hear some good old fast, high and lonesome, some slow and low, or a good old favorite. All are welcome!

What is a Slow Jam?

It is a group of string instrument players and singers who get together to have fun making music. The “slow” modifier indicates that it is targeted to the following musicians: people who have been playing solo and want to get used to playing in a group setting: people who have just learned how to play and want to play with others; people who have instruments that have been gathering dust for a “few” years; experienced players who are trying out playing instruments other than their primary instrument; people who are comfortable playing their instrument but want to become more comfortable singing/leading a song.. The tunes are played at 80 to 110 BPM and usually in basic keys such a G, A, D, C major, but it always sounds great to play in some minor keys such as “a”, “e”, and “g”. We will try to avoid “jam busters.” It is our hope that after this experience you will feel more comfortable playing at the many open jams and open mics that can be found in our area.

﻿

Price

General
$345.00

Similar Events

View All

Online

ONLINE: Songwriting Intensive with Gretchen Peters

Singer Songwriter Workshop

class

Apr 26 • 2 PM

Caffè Lena

Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro

American Roots Instructional

class

Apr 28 • 3 PM

Caffè Lena

Folk Club Kids

American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

class

Apr 29 • 10:30 AM

Mary Gauthier w/ sp. guest Jaimee Harris: The 20th Anniversary of Mercy Now
2026-09-05 20:00 - 22:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

Share:

Mary Gauthier w/ special guest Jaimee Harris: Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Mercy Now

This is a celebration of her incredible album and song, Mercy Now. This critically acclaimed folk-country song is so personal, and yet a universal plea for grace, compassion, and redemption in the face of familial struggles, personal shortcomings, and political turmoil. Mercy Now won widespread acclaim and propelled Gauthier into the spotlight, making the Top Ten Albums list in many publications.

Mary says, "I am excited to announce that this year is the 20th Anniversary of the release of Mercy Now, a record that changed my life. We are celebrating with a vinyl re-release and a tour. I’m not really one to look back, but reflecting on these ten songs feels more like standing still long enough to take stock, and appreciating the grace that brought them into existence. These shows will be a continuation of a long conversation with kindred souls, like you, who understand the alchemy of song. Kindred souls who know a sad song doesn’t make the darkness deeper; it gives it a shape, a name, shines the light on it, and brings forth hope. "Yeah, we all could use a little mercy now…” Mary Gauthier

SAMPLE SONG

Over the past 25 years, Mary Gauthier has become one of the most respected songwriters in American roots music, known for songs that face life directly and without compromise. “I’m the kind of songwriter who writes what I see in the world right now,” she says.

Her eleventh album, Dark Enough to See the Stars, was her first collection of entirely new original songs in more than eight years. Her work reflects both loss and renewal. Written in the wake of personal and collective upheaval, Dark Enough to See the Stars holds grief and gratitude in the same frame, tracing the difficult work of moving forward. It followed Rifles & Rosary Beads, her Grammy-nominated collaboration with wounded Iraq war veterans. In 2021, she published Saved by a Song: The Art and Healing Power of Songwriting, a reflection on how songwriting helps make sense of difficult experiences.

Gauthier’s songs have been recorded by artists including Dolly Parton, Jimmy Buffett, Tim McGraw, and Kathy Mattea, and have appeared in film and television, most recently on HBO’s Yellowstone.

Brandi Carlile has said, “Mary’s songwriting speaks to the tender aspects of our humanness,” while the Associated Press calls her “one of the best songwriters of her generation.”

Can't make it to the show in person? 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.

﻿

Streaming

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro

American Roots Instructional

class

Apr 28 • 3 PM

Caffè Lena

After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady

American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop

class

Apr 29 • 2:30 PM

Caffè Lena

Bluegrass Instrumental Course with Bruce Thompson and Sam Katz

Bluegrass Workshop

class

Apr 29 • 5:45 PM

Playwright's Jam
2026-09-06 13:30 - 16:00
Bluegrass Workshop

Share:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Price

General
$195.00

More Information

Similar Events

View All

Online

ONLINE: Songwriting Intensive with Gretchen Peters

Singer Songwriter Workshop

class

Apr 26 • 2 PM

Caffè Lena

Folk Club Kids

American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

class

Apr 29 • 10:30 AM

Caffè Lena

After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady

American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop

class

Apr 29 • 2:30 PM

The Gibson Brothers
2026-09-06 16:00 - 18:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop

Share:

There’s a reason Ricky Skaggs pulled Eric and Leigh Gibson off the stage at the Ryman two decades ago to offer to produce their debut, and why producers like Dan Auerbach, David Ferguson, and Jerry Douglas have all chosen to work with them. The Gibson Brothers are the real deal: exceptional musicians, natural collaborators, and deeply compelling songwriters.

With a résumé that includes nearly every major bluegrass award, albums on premier Americana labels like Sugar Hill and Rounder, and songs recorded by legends such as Del McCoury, they’ve earned lasting respect across the roots music world.

Their latest album, Darkest Hour, produced by Jerry Douglas, captures the full range of their sound, from high-energy bluegrass to what Auerbach once called “country soul.” Built from both new material and songs written over decades, the record reflects a lifetime of writing, refining, and living inside the music.

Raised on a dairy farm in northern New York, Eric and Leigh bring a grounded perspective to their songwriting with stories shaped by rural life, long tours, and a deep commitment to family. Onstage, that translates into something immediate and engaging: rich harmonies, easy humor, and a connection that only comes from years of making music together.

From standout collaborations, like Leigh’s luminous duet with Alison Krauss, to their own unmistakable vocal blend, they take the best of traditional bluegrass and deliver it with clarity, heart, and unmistakable chemistry.

SAMPLE SONG

Join us for an evening with two of the most respected voices in bluegrass and Americana—live on the Caffè Lena stage.

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

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

﻿

Price

General
$345.00

Similar Events

View All

Online

ONLINE: Songwriting Intensive with Gretchen Peters

Singer Songwriter Workshop

class

Apr 26 • 2 PM

Caffè Lena

Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro

American Roots Instructional

class

Apr 28 • 3 PM

Caffè Lena

Folk Club Kids

American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

class

Apr 29 • 10:30 AM

The Gibson Brothers
2026-09-06 19:00 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

Share:

There’s a reason Ricky Skaggs pulled Eric and Leigh Gibson off the stage at the Ryman two decades ago to offer to produce their debut, and why producers like Dan Auerbach, David Ferguson, and Jerry Douglas have all chosen to work with them. The Gibson Brothers are the real deal: exceptional musicians, natural collaborators, and deeply compelling songwriters.

With a résumé that includes nearly every major bluegrass award, albums on premier Americana labels like Sugar Hill and Rounder, and songs recorded by legends such as Del McCoury, they’ve earned lasting respect across the roots music world.

Their latest album, Darkest Hour, produced by Jerry Douglas, captures the full range of their sound, from high-energy bluegrass to what Auerbach once called “country soul.” Built from both new material and songs written over decades, the record reflects a lifetime of writing, refining, and living inside the music.

Raised on a dairy farm in northern New York, Eric and Leigh bring a grounded perspective to their songwriting with stories shaped by rural life, long tours, and a deep commitment to family. Onstage, that translates into something immediate and engaging: rich harmonies, easy humor, and a connection that only comes from years of making music together.

From standout collaborations, like Leigh’s luminous duet with Alison Krauss, to their own unmistakable vocal blend, they take the best of traditional bluegrass and deliver it with clarity, heart, and unmistakable chemistry.

SAMPLE SONG

Join us for an evening with two of the most respected voices in bluegrass and Americana—live on the Caffè Lena stage.

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

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

﻿

Streaming

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro

American Roots Instructional

class

Apr 28 • 3 PM

Caffè Lena

After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady

American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop

class

Apr 29 • 2:30 PM

Caffè Lena

Bluegrass Instrumental Course with Bruce Thompson and Sam Katz

Bluegrass Workshop

class

Apr 29 • 5:45 PM

Songwriting Club
2026-09-12 10:00 - 12:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

Share:

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

January 10th

10am – 12pm

$5 donation

cookies and coffee by donation

Streaming

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro

American Roots Instructional

class

Apr 28 • 3 PM

Caffè Lena

After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady

American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop

class

Apr 29 • 2:30 PM

Caffè Lena

Bluegrass Instrumental Course with Bruce Thompson and Sam Katz

Bluegrass Workshop

class

Apr 29 • 5:45 PM

An Evening with John Craigie
2026-09-15 18:00 - 20:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop

Share:

For more than a decade, John Craigie has built a following the old-fashioned way, by touring steadily, writing strong songs, and connecting with audiences one room at a time.

His shows move easily between storytelling and song, with a style that feels conversational without ever losing its musical focus. The humor is dry, the observations are sharp, and the songs carry more weight the longer you sit with them.

Craigie’s new album, I Swam Here (2026), was recorded in part in New Orleans with a group of handpicked musicians, and in Oregon with longtime collaborators. The result reflects both places, with looser, groove-driven arrangements alongside quieter, more reflective songs.

SAMPLE SONG

OFFICIAL AUDIO OF JOHN’S NEW ALBUM

Following Pagan Church, his chart-topping collaboration with TK & The Holy Know-Nothings, this new work continues to expand his sound while staying rooted in what he does best: clear songwriting and a strong sense of voice.

On stage, Craigie has become known for shows that feel personal and unhurried, shaped as much by the room as by the setlist. He’s toured widely across the U.S., Europe, and Australia, appearing at festivals including Newport Folk Festival, Pickathon, and High Sierra, and sharing stages with artists like Gregory Alan Isakov, Jack Johnson, and Sierra Hull.

At Caffè Lena, this is the kind of night where the stories land, the songs open up, and the room leans in.

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

﻿

Price

General
$345.00

Similar Events

View All

Online

ONLINE: Songwriting Intensive with Gretchen Peters

Singer Songwriter Workshop

class

Apr 26 • 2 PM

Caffè Lena

Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro

American Roots Instructional

class

Apr 28 • 3 PM

Caffè Lena

Folk Club Kids

American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

class

Apr 29 • 10:30 AM

An Evening with John Craigie
2026-09-15 20:30 - 22:30
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

Share:

For more than a decade, John Craigie has built a following the old-fashioned way, by touring steadily, writing strong songs, and connecting with audiences one room at a time.

His shows move easily between storytelling and song, with a style that feels conversational without ever losing its musical focus. The humor is dry, the observations are sharp, and the songs carry more weight the longer you sit with them.

Craigie’s new album, I Swam Here (2026), was recorded in part in New Orleans with a group of handpicked musicians, and in Oregon with longtime collaborators. The result reflects both places, with looser, groove-driven arrangements alongside quieter, more reflective songs.

SAMPLE SONG

OFFICIAL AUDIO OF JOHN’S NEW ALBUM

Following Pagan Church, his chart-topping collaboration with TK & The Holy Know-Nothings, this new work continues to expand his sound while staying rooted in what he does best: clear songwriting and a strong sense of voice.

On stage, Craigie has become known for shows that feel personal and unhurried, shaped as much by the room as by the setlist. He’s toured widely across the U.S., Europe, and Australia, appearing at festivals including Newport Folk Festival, Pickathon, and High Sierra, and sharing stages with artists like Gregory Alan Isakov, Jack Johnson, and Sierra Hull.

At Caffè Lena, this is the kind of night where the stories land, the songs open up, and the room leans in.

﻿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.

﻿

Streaming

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro

American Roots Instructional

class

Apr 28 • 3 PM

Caffè Lena

After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady

American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop

class

Apr 29 • 2:30 PM

Caffè Lena

Bluegrass Instrumental Course with Bruce Thompson and Sam Katz

Bluegrass Workshop

class

Apr 29 • 5:45 PM

Bluegrass Jam
2026-09-16 19:00 - 21:00
Bluegrass Workshop

Share:

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!!

Price

General
$195.00

More Information

Similar Events

View All

Online

ONLINE: Songwriting Intensive with Gretchen Peters

Singer Songwriter Workshop

class

Apr 26 • 2 PM

Caffè Lena

Folk Club Kids

American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

class

Apr 29 • 10:30 AM

Caffè Lena

After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady

American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop

class

Apr 29 • 2:30 PM

Chris Smither
2026-09-20 15:00 - 17:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

Share:

"His finger-picked guitar lines are sleek, unhurried and insistent. And then there's the voice–equal parts gravel and molasses." – NPR

This stark, elemental sage always has a twinkle in his eye, a light touch at your elbow as he guides you along. Accompanying himself with masterful finger-picking and amplified foot percussion, his extraordinary lyrics are packed with well-developed story lines and little punches that land on your heart.

After six decades of sharpening his knife as a songwriter, Smither can at this point open damn near anything with a flick of his wrist. Politics, consciousness, renewal, family, vulnerability, surrender . . . Smither has sat with these topics like so many Zen koans for so long that every line is a pearl. His style is utterly confident and unafraid, filled with humility, humor, a knowledge of what inevitably lies ahead, yet refusing to succumb to darkness.​

In the latest news, his acting debut was in, "The Singers," which just won the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film. You can stream it on Netflix.

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

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

Streaming

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro

American Roots Instructional

class

Apr 28 • 3 PM

Caffè Lena

After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady

American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop

class

Apr 29 • 2:30 PM

Caffè Lena

Bluegrass Instrumental Course with Bruce Thompson and Sam Katz

Bluegrass Workshop

class

Apr 29 • 5:45 PM

Open Mic
2026-09-28 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-10-05 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-10-12 19:00 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

Share:

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

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

OUR HOSTS

First Monday – Rick Bolton

Second Monday – Carolyn Shapiro

Third Monday – Ray Pashoukos

Fourth Monday – Kate Blain

HERE’S WHAT TO EXPECT:

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

CONTACT US

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

Streaming

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro

American Roots Instructional

class

Apr 28 • 3 PM

Caffè Lena

After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady

American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop

class

Apr 29 • 2:30 PM

Caffè Lena

Bluegrass Instrumental Course with Bruce Thompson and Sam Katz

Bluegrass Workshop

class

Apr 29 • 5:45 PM

School of Music Slow Jam
2026-10-01 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-10-08 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-10-15 13:00 - 15:00
Bluegrass Workshop

Share:

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

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

THERE ARE NO PRE-SHOW RESERVATIONS FOR THE JAMS!

SUGGESTED DONATION AT THE DOOR. $5.00 per person

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

ALL are welcome to join the circle for an afternoon or evening playing and listening to classic grass, new grass and folk favorites. We sometimes refer to our genre as eclectic acoustic.

Red Spruce and Adirondack Song Dogs will kick off each session with a few tunes then open the floor for musicians to lead their favorite bluegrass tunes and folk music, backed up by the other pickers in the gathering. Simple tunes are always popular! So sharpen up your axe, come prepared with your song, and let us hear some good old fast, high and lonesome, some slow and low, or a good old favorite. All are welcome!

What is a Slow Jam?

It is a group of string instrument players and singers who get together to have fun making music. The “slow” modifier indicates that it is targeted to the following musicians: people who have been playing solo and want to get used to playing in a group setting: people who have just learned how to play and want to play with others; people who have instruments that have been gathering dust for a “few” years; experienced players who are trying out playing instruments other than their primary instrument; people who are comfortable playing their instrument but want to become more comfortable singing/leading a song.. The tunes are played at 80 to 110 BPM and usually in basic keys such a G, A, D, C major, but it always sounds great to play in some minor keys such as “a”, “e”, and “g”. We will try to avoid “jam busters.” It is our hope that after this experience you will feel more comfortable playing at the many open jams and open mics that can be found in our area.

﻿

Price

General
$195.00

More Information

Similar Events

View All

Online

ONLINE: Songwriting Intensive with Gretchen Peters

Singer Songwriter Workshop

class

Apr 26 • 2 PM

Caffè Lena

Folk Club Kids

American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

class

Apr 29 • 10:30 AM

Caffè Lena

After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady

American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop

class

Apr 29 • 2:30 PM

Playwright's Jam
2026-10-04 13:30 - 16:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop

Share:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Price

General
$345.00

Similar Events

View All

Online

ONLINE: Songwriting Intensive with Gretchen Peters

Singer Songwriter Workshop

class

Apr 26 • 2 PM

Caffè Lena

Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro

American Roots Instructional

class

Apr 28 • 3 PM

Caffè Lena

Folk Club Kids

American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

class

Apr 29 • 10:30 AM

Songwriting Club
2026-10-10 10:00 - 12:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop

Share:

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

January 10th

10am – 12pm

$5 donation

cookies and coffee by donation

Price

General
$345.00

Similar Events

View All

Online

ONLINE: Songwriting Intensive with Gretchen Peters

Singer Songwriter Workshop

class

Apr 26 • 2 PM

Caffè Lena

Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro

American Roots Instructional

class

Apr 28 • 3 PM

Caffè Lena

Folk Club Kids

American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

class

Apr 29 • 10:30 AM
