Mandolin Vitamins - Tunes, Techniques and Ensemble Music
2026-02-09 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Multi-act Program Open Mic

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Attention Mandolin, Octave Mandolin, Mandola and Mandocello Players – This class is intended for advanced beginner and up mandolin family players and is limited to 20 students. The class will run from 10:00 till 11:30 on February 2 , 9, 16 and 23rd. 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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Doors Open: 6:30 pm

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$5.00

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$5.00

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Bluegrass Duet Class with Alan Epstein
2026-02-09 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-16 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-23 12:00 - 14:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic

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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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Open Mic
2026-02-09 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-16 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-23 19:00 - 21:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic Storytelling

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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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Doors Open: 6:30 pm

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$5.00

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$5.00

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After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady
2026-02-11 14:30 - 17:30
Multi-act Program Open Mic

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After School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne

17 weeks starting January 28th

Use these links to sign up:

2:45, 3:40, 4:35

Music is a gift best shared with friends! Here is an exciting opportunity for youth 7-14 to learn music by playing together.

Weekly 45 minute classes will be focused on making music, including singing, exploring various string instruments, music theory basics, rhythm exercises, how to learn songs/tunes from scratch, confidence in performance practice, and more. At the end of the final class of the session there will be a recital/sharing session for family and friends (with Lena's Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies, of course!).

Youth Folk Ensemble is–

Mixed ages and abilities: Open to any level of experience with music; Learn through listening and participation.

Focus on repertoire: Learn classic tunes and songs from the American folk tradition as well as some favorite contemporary songs.

Explore string instruments and singing, learning basic skills: Opportunities to focus on guitar, ukulele, banjo, mandolin, bass, and violin/fiddle*; (*for students interested in violin/fiddle it is recommended that they also be enrolled in private or school lessons).

Learn music fundamentals: Develop strong and steady sense of rhythm; Learn how to listen and hear musically; Explore singing finding one's own unique voice.

Learning valuable life skills: Working in a group setting; Creative contribution and compromise; Being part of a team and playing your part; Building friendships.

Need help with tuition or an instrument? Let us know how we can help by filling out this application for the Matt McCabe Scholarship Fund or email: musicschool@caffelena.org

After School Youth Folk Ensemble classes meet on Wednesdays at Caffe Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

The three time slots are 2:45-3:30 pm; 3:40-4:25 pm; & 4:35-5:20 pm. Sign up for one or all!

Session 3 Dates: Jan 28 – Jun 3 (17 weeks) [off 2/18, 4/8]

(Summer day camps are offered as well – 2026 details TBA)

End of session recitals are on the final day of class: 6/3 from 5:30-6pm

Students are encouraged to sign up for all three sessions – the more time we spend learning and practicing music together, the tighter our ensemble will be! Discounts of 10% when purchasing more than 1 class at a time.

Meet the instructors:

James Gascoyne is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and teacher based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Originally from Louisville, KY, James has been an active participant in the NYS Capital Region arts community since 2004. He has toured nationally with a variety of groups, at times performing on bass, guitar, drums, and vocals, all the while maintaining an active local performing and recording schedule as well as teaching privately when time allows. James regularly performs with Oona Grady as their duo, Drank The Gold, specializing in traditional Irish and American fiddle tunes and folk songs, as well as original compositions and arrangements, plus newly formed bluegrass quintet The Millstone Rounders. With a passion for sharing his musical experience with others, he’s led various workshops at times on guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, and bass for the Caffe Lena School of Music, Dance Flurry Festival, GrassRoots Culture Camp, and Winter Village Music Camp.

Oona Grady is a musician and educator living in Saratoga Springs, New York. She performs with the duo Drank The Gold, a band specializing in creative arrangements of traditional Irish and American fiddle music, folk songs, and original compositions, as well as with other projects including The Grady Girls, Folk Club Kids, Carolyn Shapiro, and newest project The Millstone Rounders. Oona grew up in Ithaca, NY, nurtured by a family and community with a deep love of music. After receiving a grounding in Suzuki violin and Irish fiddle, she began performing with her family band as a teenager, and moved to Ireland at age eighteen to continue her music studies at University College Cork, graduating with a B.Mus. in 2008. Oona works as a recording artist (credits include strings on What a Night'll Do, Dr. Dog), manages a private music teaching studio, and is a founding teacher at the Caffe Lena School of Music. She also works as a guest instructor for weekend workshops and summer programs, including GrassRoots Culture Camp, the Flurry Festival, Winter Village Music Camp, and the Ithaca Suzuki Institute.

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Doors Open: 6:30 pm

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Vanessa Collier
2026-02-11 19:30 - 21:30
Multi-act Program Open Mic Storytelling

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A twelve-time Blues Music Award nominee and four-time winner — including B.B. King Entertainer of the Year and Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year — Vanessa Collier is a force of nature. Her newest album, Do It My Own Way (out September 13 via Phenix Fire Records), is a bold and deeply personal collection inspired by the golden era of Memphis soul, with modern messages of empowerment and resilience. From the anthemic title track to the gospel-tinged “Rosetta” and the empowering “Wild As a Rainstorm,” Collier’s show is a masterclass in soulful storytelling and high-impact performance.

Vanessa is appearing with analog warmth and a band stacked with talent, including the legendary Rev. Charles Hodges on organ and the jaw-droppingly brilliant Laura Chavez on guitar — a fiery, soulful player whose solos are pure electricity. Expect dazzling saxophone solos, stirring vocals, and grooves steeped in the legacy of Mavis Staples, Sharon Jones, and Aretha Franklin.

SAMPLE SONG

This is music that moves both heart and feet.

A multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer, Vanessa Collier doesn’t just play music — she lives it. Don’t miss this chance to experience one of today’s most exciting and inspiring voices in Blues music.

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

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

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Guitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson
2026-02-12 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-26 09:00 - 12:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic

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Guitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson

Thursdays January 8th – March 12th (excluding Feb 19th)

Level 1 11:15am-12:10pm Beginner / Intermediate

Level 2 9:15am-10:10am Intermediate

Level 3 10:15am-11:10am Intermediate / Advanced

Cost $195 for all 10 sessions. Drop ins $25/per session if space allows

Classes limited to 8 students per class

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Lucy Wainwright Roche
2026-02-12 19:00 - 21:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic Storytelling

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A Voice Steeped in Legacy, Carried with Grace

Lucy Wainwright Roche has one of the most recognizable surnames in modern folk music—and a voice and songwriting style that are uniquely her own. The daughter of Grammy-winner Loudon Wainwright III and beloved Roche sister Suzzy Roche, Lucy grew up surrounded by harmony, humor, and the fierce honesty that defines her family’s music. Yet her path was far from predetermined. Before stepping into the songwriter’s life, Lucy earned degrees in creative writing and education, and taught elementary school in North Carolina and New York.

In 2007, she made the leap into music full-time—and folk audiences have been grateful ever since.

With a crystal-clear voice, disarming wit, and an understated storytelling style that cuts straight to the heart, Lucy has become one of the most compelling singer-songwriters of her generation. Her songs have appeared on television and film, won the Independent Music Award for Best Folk/Singer-Songwriter Song, and earned her recognition as an Emerging Artist at both Falcon Ridge Folk Festival and Kerrville Folk Festival.

Lucy has toured with—and been championed by—some of folk and Americana’s finest, including the Indigo Girls, Dar Williams, Girlyman, Amos Lee, Neko Case, Loudon Wainwright, Rufus Wainwright, and more. Whether performing solo or alongside her mother Suzzy or her extended Wainwright–McGarrigle musical family, her performances are intimate, warm, funny, and deeply human.

At Caffè Lena, Lucy brings a career-spanning set of songs filled with vulnerability, sharp insight, and the wry humor the Wainwrights are known for. Expect an evening of luminous vocals, gorgeous acoustic arrangements, and storytelling that feels like sitting with an old friend who sees the world clearly—and sings about it beautifully.

SAMPLE SONG

Don’t miss this rare chance to experience Lucy Wainwright Roche up close in an intimate listening room that’s been part of her family’s musical story for generations.

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

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

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Music With Miss Deb
2026-02-13 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-02-20 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-02-27 09:30 - 10:30
Multi-act Program Open Mic

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Experience this interactive and fun exploration of music with Miss Deb! Birth – 4 years old

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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Carolyn Shapiro
2026-02-13 20:00 - 22:00
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Carolyn Shapiro is an old-time banjo player and songwriter from Upstate New York whose music feels like a warm, home-cooked meal for the spirit. Rooted in traditional Appalachian style yet boldly original, her songs weave together sultry nuance, old-time grit, and thoughtful storytelling. The result is music that sounds both timeless and newly unearthed—familiar enough to feel like home, yet fresh enough to stir something deep within.

With a voice that commands attention and a banjo tone full of resonance and heart, Carolyn brings a rare blend of vulnerability, joy, and emotional clarity to the stage. Her performances invite listeners into an intimate space where songs explore the full range of what it means to be human—tenderness, humor, longing, resilience, and everything in between.

Though she once planned on a career in law, everything changed when she picked up a banjo in college. Immersed in the folk community from that moment forward, she quickly discovered a calling she hadn’t known she was missing. Her 2022 debut album earned her the title of Folk Artist of the Year for New York’s Capital Region, and her 2024 sophomore album, Take It Easy—recorded live with her band—captures the warmth, camaraderie, and spontaneous musical magic that define her sound.

Join us for an evening of heartfelt folk music, old-time banjo, and songs you'll be humming when you leave. Carolyn Shapiro doesn’t just perform—she restores, reconnects, and reminds us of the beauty in simplicity and truth.

SAMPLE SONG

A night of roots, reflection, and radiant songwriting awaits.

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

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

﻿

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Songwriting Club
2026-02-14 10:00 - 12:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic

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

January 10th

10am – 12pm

$5 donation

cookies and coffee by donation

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Soggy Po' Boys
2026-02-14 20:00 - 22:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic Storytelling

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The Soggy Po’ Boys may hail from New England, but their hearts—and their sound—live squarely in New Orleans. Since forming on Fat Tuesday in 2012, this eight-piece powerhouse has become a beloved fixture of the Northeast, spreading the joy, grit, and spirit of NOLA music everywhere from street corners to concert halls, festivals to libraries. Wherever a party is needed, the Po’ Boys deliver.

Their music is steeped in the rich traditions of New Orleans, but the band has grown far beyond Mardi Gras staples. Their repertoire reaches across the musical tributaries that feed the Crescent City: traditional Caribbean tunes, classic NOLA jazz, Meters-inspired funk, soulful grooves, and high-energy brass band street beats. Their original songs reflect the many cultures and histories that make New Orleans so endlessly captivating.

With guitar, reeds, brass, drums, and an irresistible sense of play, The Soggy Po’ Boys thrive on group dynamics and big-band chemistry—turning every performance into a celebration. Saratoga audiences may remember their crowd-stealing set at Caffè Lena @ SPAC 2023, then again last year where they lit up the audience and left us eager to bring them back to our listening room.

There may be no better cure for a cold February night than this joyous, toe-tapping, horn-lifting tribute to America’s most musical city.

SAMPLE SONG

Come join the party—New Orleans style—right here at Caffè Lena.

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

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

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Folk Heritage Series: Rev. Robert Jones
2026-02-15 19:00 - 21:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic

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Rev. Robert Jones, Sr. — Roots Music, Storytelling & Spirit

Rev. Robert Jones, Sr. is a true American original—an award-winning musician, educator, storyteller, and pastor whose work brings the full history of African American roots music to life. For more than forty years, he has traveled the world sharing songs and stories that illuminate the rich cultural traditions behind blues, spirituals, gospel, and folk music.

A Detroit-born multi-instrumentalist, Rev. Jones plays guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, harmonica, and ukulele with masterful ease. His performances blend music, history, humor, and deep humanity—inviting audiences into a space where art becomes a bridge between cultures and generations.

Encouraged early in his career by blues legend Willie Dixon, Rev. Jones has spent decades bringing roots music into schools and communities. His leadership as an educator earned him recognition from the National Blues Foundation, and he has taught at Wayne State University, Berklee College of Music’s affiliate program, Ashokan, Fiddle Hell, Summer Acoustic Music Week, and many more.

A nationally recognized storyteller and ordained minister, he weaves personal and historical narratives into every performance. His message is grounded in the belief that our cultural diversity tells a story worth celebrating—not simply tolerating. His vast knowledge of African American musical traditions has made him a beloved performer across the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

Rev. Jones is also co-founder of Common Chords, a nonprofit using music and storytelling to build community and foster understanding. In 2018, he received the prestigious Kresge Arts Fellowship for music composition and performance.

As photographer and author James Fraher writes:

“Perhaps the world’s most highly educated blues musician… a living encyclopedia of blues history.”

Expect an evening of powerful songs, unforgettable stories, spiritual depth, and a rare kind of authenticity that only Rev. Robert Jones can deliver.

SAMPLE SONG

Join us for a night that celebrates the roots of American music—and the resilience, joy, and truth at its core.

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

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

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$5.00

General
$5.00

Child or Student
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Mandolin Vitamins - Tunes, Techniques and Ensemble Music
2026-02-16 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-02-23 10:00 - 11:30
Multi-act Program Open Mic Storytelling

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Attention Mandolin, Octave Mandolin, Mandola and Mandocello Players – This class is intended for advanced beginner and up mandolin family players and is limited to 20 students. The class will run from 10:00 till 11:30 on February 2 , 9, 16 and 23rd.

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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Rochmon Record Club Listening Party: Meatloaf "Bat Out Of Hell"
2026-02-17 19:30 - 21:30
Multi-act Program Open Mic

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On Tuesday, February 17th, Rochmon Record Club will converge at Caffe’ Lena 47 Phila Street, Saratoga to listen to one of the bestselling albums of all time. Actor and singer Meatloaf & music savant Jim Steinman brought theater into Rock & Roll like it had never been done before. The drama and genius of “Bat Out Of Hell” is evident from the title song, "You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)", "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad", "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" and 3 more.

Hosted by Chuck Vosganian (The Rochmon) with a live audio & video presentation and the Executive Producer, Karen, aka “The Button Pusher!” As usual, Rochmon will have some surprises in store! These listening parties are designed to inform, engage, and help us hear familiar music in brand-new ways.

As always Rochmon will have some surprises in store! For Rochmaniacs at a distance, Rochmon Record Club will also be streaming live on Caffe’ Lena TV. Tickets are available for $10 – 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.

By listening together, we experience the album not just as fans, but as curious explorers—rediscovering the art and intention behind every note. Whether you're a lifelong collector or simply love great music, you'll leave with a deeper connection to the record—and maybe a few surprises along the way.

Come curious. Leave inspired.

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

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Peak Jazz Series: Ben Wolfe Trio
2026-02-19 19:00 - 21:00
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New York bassist, composer, and bandleader Ben Wolfe has been hailed as one of the most distinctive creative voices in modern jazz. His music—described by The New York Times’ Ben Ratliff as “Mingus and Miles Davis meet Bartók and Bernard Herrmann—balances elegance and propulsion, accessibility and edge, with a clarity that rewards repeated listening.”

Wolfe’s 2024 release, The Understated, is his eleventh album as a leader and features all original compositions. A follow-up to his critically acclaimed record Unjust, the album showcases Wolfe’s signature: melodic ensemble writing, expressive subtlety, and a chamber-like approach to jazz. DownBeat calls the record “a beauty.”

A first-call bassist for decades, Wolfe has toured and recorded internationally with Wynton Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr., Diana Krall, Branford Marsalis, Eric Reed, Benny Green, and many others. His early credits include Grammy-winning, platinum-selling albums like When Harry Met Sally and Krall’s When I Look in Your Eyes. He also performed with the Wynton Marsalis Septet and was a member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, sharing stages with legends such as Joe Henderson, Doc Cheatham, Jon Hendricks, and Billy Higgins.

As an award-winning composer, Wolfe is a two-time recipient of Chamber Music America’s New Works grant from the Doris Duke Foundation, creating extended works such as “Contradiction: Music for Sextet” and “Nonet,” both slated for release. His portfolio includes over 100 original compositions across 11 leader albums, along with film scoring work praised by The New York Sun as “a standout music score.”

Ben leads several distinctive ensembles, featuring top jazz veterans, and upcoming young talents, presented in a range of formats, from Quartet to Sextet, featuring trumpet, saxophone, and vibraphone. He also performs with his trio sometimes featuring piano and other times piano-less, with vibraphone or saxophone. He’s appearing at Lena’s as a Trio.

Today, alongside his international performing career, Wolfe is on the faculty at The Juilliard School, mentoring the next generation of jazz innovators.

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As Wynton Marsalis puts it: “Ben Wolfe swings with authority!”

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

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

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

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Heather Maloney
2026-02-20 19:00 - 21:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic Storytelling

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Massachusetts-based “writer song-singer” Heather Maloney creates music shaped by deep introspection, spiritual curiosity, and an unwavering devotion to storytelling. Before she was a touring musician, Maloney spent three years living and studying at a meditation center, days steeped in silence and the teachings of poets and seekers. That stillness shaped her artistic voice—one that combines the emotional depth of Joni Mitchell with the inward-looking precision of Rilke and the narrative resonance of Zen parables.

Today, with over 1,000 performances across the U.S. and Europe and eight studio albums to her name, Maloney stands on the edge of releasing her most personal record to date.

Written in the wake of her father’s death, Exploding Star began as a private act of grief—songs Heather never planned to record. But the people who knew her best heard something extraordinary in them. So she stepped back into her abandoned childhood home and tracked the first two days of the record there, playing her father’s guitar and capturing the sounds, memories, and ghosts that shaped her earliest years.

What emerged is a collection of 12 songs that are both celebratory and devastating, moving through emotional landscapes that range from lush to spare, urgent to quietly trembling. Produced by Don Mitchell of Darlingside, with arrangements by High Tea’s Isabella DeHerdt and Isaac Eliot, the album is a sweeping, intimate journey—woven with bold lyricism, surprising lightness, and Maloney’s fearless willingness to look grief directly in the face.

Her past work has drawn major acclaim:

PopMatters praised her “radical ability to channel emotion” on Soil in the Sky

Her duet with Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes) and a feature by Rachael Price (Lake Street Dive) showcase her wide-reaching musical community

Folk legend Jay Ungar appears on “Oklahoma Lullaby”

The Bluegrass Situation called Making Me Break “an intoxicating blend” of indie rock, folk humanity, and Rumi-like spirituality

Her collaboration with Darlingside on Woodstock earned praise from The New York Times and Graham Nash

Her songs have been featured on NPR, eTown, AudioTree, and in the CBS series Elementary, and she has toured with Lake Street Dive, Gary Clark Jr., Mary Chapin Carpenter, Dar Williams, Colin Hay, Shakey Graves, and many more.

In addition to her music, Maloney is also a gifted illustrator and linocut artist, carving visual interpretations of her songs that mirror the emotional landscapes of her work.

SAMPLE SONG

Heather Maloney’s music doesn’t just tell a story—it invites you inside it. This is a night of truth, tenderness, and transcendent songwriting you won’t want to miss.

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

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

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Mary Fahl - Formerly of October Project
2026-02-21 20:00 - 22:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic

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With “a voice for the gods that can transport listeners to other realms” (Boston Globe), Mary Fahl is an expressive, emotional singer/songwriter who first achieved fame as lead singer and co-founder of the mid-1990s NYC- based chamber-pop group October Project, a band known for their lush harmonies, sweeping melodies and Fahl’s unique and powerful vocals. After two records on Epic, the band disbanded, but Fahl had more freedom to pursue her own muse, whether that meant writing and recording songs for movies (including the theme for the Civil War epic Gods and Generals), singing arias and medieval Spanish songs for Sony Classical or releasing a unique album-length take on Dark Side of the Moon…

Fahl’s earthy, viscerally powerful contralto bridges the generational gap between Fairport Convention’s Sandy Denny and London Grammar’s Hannah Reid. She makes music that feels timeless, esoteric and ecumenical. Her elegant, cinematic songs have a hauntingly gothic romanticism that inspired renowned writer Anne Rice to portray Mary’s voice emanating from a dead woman’s room in her 2013 novel The Wolves of Midwinter…

Over the past few years, Fahl has been touring and recording on her own label, Rimar Records, and her recent releases have garnered awards including an Indie Acoustic Award for Best Live Album for Live at the Mauch Chunk Opera House (filmed for PBS) and a 2020 Independent Music Award for her recent holiday album, Winter Songs and Carols. Her Blu-ray 5.1 surround DVD, From the Dark Side of the Moon, brilliantly mixed by Bob Clearmountain, won the 2021 Immersive Album Audio Listener’s Choice award and was named “Immersive Album of the Year” by Life in Surround.

Now she returns with “Can’t Get It Out of My Head.” In an effort to find some light and comfort during these challenging times, singer/songwriter Fahl looks back to some of the essential music that has brought her sustenance and clarity by reinterpreting songs from her greatest inspirations … Pink Floyd, George Harrison, Moody Blues, ELO, The Rolling Stones, Neil Young and others. For Mary, this is a tribute to the music that defined her as an artist.

SAMPLE SONG

Step into a world of beauty, mystery, and song—an unforgettable evening with Mary Fahl awaits.

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

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

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Poetry Open Mic Featuring Maggie Greaves
2026-02-24 19:00 - 21:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic

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Maggie Greaves is the author of the scholarly book Lyric Poetry and Space Exploration from Einstein to the Present (Oxford University Press, 2023), as well as articles on modern and contemporary poetry published in Genre, Contemporary Literature, the Journal of Modern Literature, and elsewhere. Her poems have appeared in The Missouri Review, The Seneca Review, Literary Matters, and North American Review, among other venues. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Maggie now lives in Greenfield, NY and is associate professor of poetry and poetics at Skidmore College.

﻿

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Jan 6 • 7 PM

After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady
2026-02-25 14:30 - 17:30
Multi-act Program Open Mic Storytelling

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After School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne

17 weeks starting January 28th

Use these links to sign up:

2:45, 3:40, 4:35

Music is a gift best shared with friends! Here is an exciting opportunity for youth 7-14 to learn music by playing together.

Weekly 45 minute classes will be focused on making music, including singing, exploring various string instruments, music theory basics, rhythm exercises, how to learn songs/tunes from scratch, confidence in performance practice, and more. At the end of the final class of the session there will be a recital/sharing session for family and friends (with Lena's Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies, of course!).

Youth Folk Ensemble is–

Mixed ages and abilities: Open to any level of experience with music; Learn through listening and participation.

Focus on repertoire: Learn classic tunes and songs from the American folk tradition as well as some favorite contemporary songs.

Explore string instruments and singing, learning basic skills: Opportunities to focus on guitar, ukulele, banjo, mandolin, bass, and violin/fiddle*; (*for students interested in violin/fiddle it is recommended that they also be enrolled in private or school lessons).

Learn music fundamentals: Develop strong and steady sense of rhythm; Learn how to listen and hear musically; Explore singing finding one's own unique voice.

Learning valuable life skills: Working in a group setting; Creative contribution and compromise; Being part of a team and playing your part; Building friendships.

Need help with tuition or an instrument? Let us know how we can help by filling out this application for the Matt McCabe Scholarship Fund or email: musicschool@caffelena.org

After School Youth Folk Ensemble classes meet on Wednesdays at Caffe Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

The three time slots are 2:45-3:30 pm; 3:40-4:25 pm; & 4:35-5:20 pm. Sign up for one or all!

Session 3 Dates: Jan 28 – Jun 3 (17 weeks) [off 2/18, 4/8]

(Summer day camps are offered as well – 2026 details TBA)

End of session recitals are on the final day of class: 6/3 from 5:30-6pm

Students are encouraged to sign up for all three sessions – the more time we spend learning and practicing music together, the tighter our ensemble will be! Discounts of 10% when purchasing more than 1 class at a time.

Meet the instructors:

James Gascoyne is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and teacher based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Originally from Louisville, KY, James has been an active participant in the NYS Capital Region arts community since 2004. He has toured nationally with a variety of groups, at times performing on bass, guitar, drums, and vocals, all the while maintaining an active local performing and recording schedule as well as teaching privately when time allows. James regularly performs with Oona Grady as their duo, Drank The Gold, specializing in traditional Irish and American fiddle tunes and folk songs, as well as original compositions and arrangements, plus newly formed bluegrass quintet The Millstone Rounders. With a passion for sharing his musical experience with others, he’s led various workshops at times on guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, and bass for the Caffe Lena School of Music, Dance Flurry Festival, GrassRoots Culture Camp, and Winter Village Music Camp.

Oona Grady is a musician and educator living in Saratoga Springs, New York. She performs with the duo Drank The Gold, a band specializing in creative arrangements of traditional Irish and American fiddle music, folk songs, and original compositions, as well as with other projects including The Grady Girls, Folk Club Kids, Carolyn Shapiro, and newest project The Millstone Rounders. Oona grew up in Ithaca, NY, nurtured by a family and community with a deep love of music. After receiving a grounding in Suzuki violin and Irish fiddle, she began performing with her family band as a teenager, and moved to Ireland at age eighteen to continue her music studies at University College Cork, graduating with a B.Mus. in 2008. Oona works as a recording artist (credits include strings on What a Night'll Do, Dr. Dog), manages a private music teaching studio, and is a founding teacher at the Caffe Lena School of Music. She also works as a guest instructor for weekend workshops and summer programs, including GrassRoots Culture Camp, the Flurry Festival, Winter Village Music Camp, and the Ithaca Suzuki Institute.

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Ryan Montbleau (Solo) with opener Lyle Brewer
2026-02-26 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-27 20:00 - 22:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic Storytelling

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A relentless road warrior and masterful wordsmith, Ryan Montbleau has spent the better part of thirty years cultivating a devoted audience on the strength of his ecstatic live shows and exhilarating sonic versatility. He’s collaborated with artists as diverse as Trombone Shorty, Galactic, Steel Pulse, Tall Heights, Martin Sexton, Anders Osborne, and George Porter, Jr; shared bills with the likes of Tedeschi Trucks Band, Ani DiFranco, Todd Snider, The Wood Brothers, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and Mavis Staples; and racked up more than 150 million streams on Spotify alone. NPR’s Mountain Stage compared his “eloquent, soulful songwriting” to Bill Withers and James Taylor, while Relix celebrated his “poetic Americana,” and The Boston Herald raved that “he’s made a career of confident, danceable positivity.”

Montbleau’s freewheeling new album finds him exploring the full spectrum of his influences like never before, touching on folk, rock, funk, soul, hip-hop, and reggae, all with a preternatural ease that belies the intensely focused craftsmanship behind it. The songs are sprawling and unpredictable, grappling with a modern world perpetually teetering on the edge of chaos, but the performances are relentlessly optimistic, insisting on hope and joy in the face of it all. The result is Montbleau’s most vulnerable and cathartic work yet, an album that acknowledges the inevitability of doubt and pain while at the same time celebrating our limitless capacity for growth and love.

SAMPLE SONG

Opening for Ryan is Lyle Brewer. Lyle Brewer is a guitarist and songwriter from Massachusetts. He has released several instrumental guitar albums and has performed all over the country with such artists as Neighbor, Ryan Montbleau and Lori McKenna. For the last decade Brewer has been a professor of guitar at The Berklee College of Music in Boston. He has released three transcription books and maintains a hearty teaching schedule through his Patreon site.

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.

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Momentum Series: The Mallett Brothers Trio
2026-02-28 20:00 - 22:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic

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The Mallett Brothers Band of brothers excels on the live stage, bringing high-energy and an authenticity that fans love. They typically play this area with their full five-piece rock band. Tonight, as Luke and Will Mallett take the Caffe Lena stage in the footsteps of their father, long-time folk favorite David Mallett, they're leaving the drums back home and creating a special, intimate acoustic trio for our venue – The Mallett Brothers Trio.

In the spirit of folk music, Mallett Brothers songs are filled with vivid imagery that captures the rugged spirit of the beautiful Maine landscape where they make their home. They "punch it into high gear" with rock and country instrumentation, creating "gutsy country rock" (Americana UK) that has been celebrated in the pages of Relix, No Depression and Americana Highways.

SAMPLE SONG

This show is part of our Momentum Series, made possible by Joe & Luann Conlon. This 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.

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

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

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