Mary Gauthier w/ sp. guest Jaimee Harris: The 20th Anniversary of Mercy Now
2026-09-05 20:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Country Family Folk Workshop

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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.” ﻿Join Mary Gauthier for a special evening celebrating the 20th anniversary of her landmark album Mercy Now. The show will honor the songs and stories from this beloved record while also featuring music spanning Mary’s extraordinary career. 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. ﻿

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Playwright's Jam
2026-09-06 13:30 - 16:00
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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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The Gibson Brothers
2026-09-06 16:00 - 18:00
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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.

﻿

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The Gibson Brothers
2026-09-06 19:00 - 21:00
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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.

﻿

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Open Mic
2026-09-07 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-14 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-10-12 19:00 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass Country Family Folk Workshop

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

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

OUR HOSTS

First Monday – Rick Bolton

Second Monday – Carolyn Shapiro

Third Monday – Ray Pashoukos

Fourth Monday – Kate Blain

HERE’S WHAT TO EXPECT:

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

CONTACT US

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

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

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

THERE ARE NO PRE-SHOW RESERVATIONS FOR THE JAMS!

SUGGESTED DONATION AT THE DOOR. $5.00 per person

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

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

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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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Songwriting Club
2026-09-12 10:00 - 12:00
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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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The Gothard Sisters
2026-09-13 19:00 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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“Music both fresh as sunrise and yet drenched in tradition” – Folk Words Review

The Gothard Sisters, Greta, Willow and Solana, are a trio of multi-instrumentalists, singers and songwriters who create Celtic-influenced American folk music that resonates with listeners worldwide. Raised in the Pacific Northwest, USA, they studied classical music while exploring folk traditions and imaginative play, shaping a sound that blends Celtic, folk, classical, world and new-age influences. Their performances feature violin, guitar, mandolin, bodhran, djembe, whistle and close sibling harmonies, earning praise as “vivid, inspirational and captivating.”

The Gothard Sisters have amassed 70M global streams across platforms; 13M views on YouTube; played over 2,000 shows in four countries and 48 states; reached #1 on iTunes World Music Charts; won “Best New Irish Artist” (Irish Music Awards) and captured “Album of the Year” at the Celtic Radio Awards.

SAMPLE SONG

“Blending Celtic, folk, world, classical and new age musical influences, the Gothard Sisters bring songs to life with violin, acoustic guitar, mandolin, bodhran, djembe, whistle and vocal harmonies, creating music that is “vivid, inspirational and captivating.”

— Tim Carroll, Folk Words Review 2018

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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An Evening with John Craigie
2026-09-15 18:00 - 20:00
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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.

﻿

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An Evening with John Craigie
2026-09-15 20:30 - 22:30
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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.

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2026-09-16 19:00 - 21:00
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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!!

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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.

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Sober Salon
2026-09-17 19:00 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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This quarterly event gives people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction the opportunity to share their creative work in a happy, drug-and-alcohol-free setting with the support of Caffe Lena's professional sound, lights and stage. Sober Salon is specifically for people in recovery. It welcomes any and all art, crafts, and performances. Bring a sweater you knitted, a painting, a magic trick, a comedy routine, and certainly feel welcome to bring music and poetry! Truly, any artistic work is welcome. Art helps all of us express difficult emotions, and sharing it on stage helps us build trust in others. We hope that Sober Salon will help you move forward in your recovery and connect with a new, healthy circle of friends.

Things to Know:

Our host is Erin Harkes, singer, songwriter, comedian, publisher of Metroland Now and 16 years sober.
Doors will open at 6:30PM and sign up will be on a first come first serve basis.
Presentations will be five minutes max.
The kitchen will be open for service.
We have a piano and a variety of instruments, including guitars you can use.
We will not offer a screen for displaying photos, but we will enable people to play backing tracks to sing with.

We can't wait to welcome you!

Admission is free thanks to the support of the Victor and Helen Geisel Foundation.

﻿

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Chris Smither
2026-09-20 15:00 - 17:00
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"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.

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

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

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

OUR HOSTS

First Monday – Rick Bolton

Second Monday – Carolyn Shapiro

Third Monday – Ray Pashoukos

Fourth Monday – Kate Blain

HERE’S WHAT TO EXPECT:

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

CONTACT US

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

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FREE

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Aztec Two-Step 2.0
2026-09-26 20:00 - 22:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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Originating from a chance meeting at a Boston open mic night in 1971, Rex Fowler & Neal Shulman went on to record four albums throughout the ‘70s on Elektra & RCA Records that left an indelible mark on the folk-rock genre. As their recording career continued, so did the critical acclaim.

In 1986, their indie album “Living in America” was named in Billboard’s year-end critic’s poll and received the New York Music Award for the Best Folk Album. In 1999 they were the subjects of “No Hit Wonder,” a documentary that aired on PBS stations across America. In June 2007, Real Simple, a popular national lifestyle magazine, named ATS’s debut album one of the all-time top five classic folk albums, along with works by Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, Tom Rush and Phil Ochs. More recently, they've been inducted into the music halls of fame of New England and Long Island. Headliners in their own right, the group appeared in concert with The Band, Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt, Donovan, Judy Collins, Jackson Browne, America, Heart, Orleans, The Beach Boys and countless others.

Following Neal's 2018 retirement, Rex has continued their legacy with his wife Dodie Pettit and their expanded band Aztec Two-Step 2.0, adding new layers of sound to ATS fan favorites and forgotten gems.

SAMPLE SONG

"The old songs done in Rex's new lineup has brought new life to the music. This truly is a band that people need to experience!" – Ron Olesko, WFDU-FM/Folk Music Notebook

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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FREE

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Jun 25 • 1 PM

An Evening with Josh Ritter: A Book of Gold Thrown Open
2026-09-27 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-28 19:00 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass Country Family Folk Workshop

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One of today’s most prolific voices, Josh Ritter has released twelve studio albums including 2019’s widely acclaimed, ‘Fever Breaks’, of which NPR Music praised, “He remains a hydrant of ideas while embodying an endless capacity for empathy and indignation, often within a single song.”

His twelfth studio album ‘I Believe in You, My Honeydew’ is out now. Two-plus decades into his celebrated career, Ritter has written music that has transcended generations including luminaries such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Bob Weir covering his songs.

Celebrated for his richly crafted storytelling, heartfelt lyrics, and enchanting blend of folk, rock, and Americana, Ritter’s songs are often rooted in personal experiences and historical themes. The New York Times reflects, “Harking back to Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and maybe a little Mark Knopfler, Mr. Ritter has always been a slinger of serious ideas and high-flown imagery.”

The Book of Gold Thrown Open Tour is meant to encompass the whole of Ritter’s career, versus focusing on any one studio album.

In addition to his work as a musician, Ritter is also a national best-selling author, having released two novels to date: 2021’s The Great Glorious Goddamn of It All and 2011’s Bright’s Passage. Released to critical attention, Stephen King wrote in The New York Times Book Review that Bright’s Passage “shines with a compressed lyricism that recalls Ray Bradbury in his prime … This is the work of a gifted novelist.” ​

Join us at Caffè Lena for a rare opportunity to see Josh Ritter solo in our intimate listening room and immerse yourself in the heartfelt storytelling and rich melodies that define his music.

SAMPLE SONG

“Josh Ritter remains at the top of his game two decades into a highlight-strewn career. He’d be forgiven for loosening his grip, but his hand has never felt surer.” – NPR Music

“Mysterious, melancholy, melodic…and those are only the M’s.” – Stephen King in Entertainment Weekly

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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Jun 24 • 10:30 AM

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

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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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Jun 24 • 10:30 AM

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

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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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Bandits On the Run
2026-10-18 19:00 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass Country Family Folk Workshop

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Bandits On the Run aren't just a band. They're storytellers, collaborators, buskers, theater-makers, and musical adventurers who have built a devoted following by turning unexpected places into unforgettable performances.

The trio of Adrian Blake Enscoe, Sydney Shepherd, and Regina Strayhorn first came together through a chance encounter busking in the New York City subway system. Since then, they've developed a sound all their own, blending indie folk, harmony-driven Americana, theatrical storytelling, and inventive arrangements featuring acoustic and electric guitars, cello, accordion, suitcase percussion, bass, and whatever other instruments help bring a song to life.

Their three-part harmonies have filled concert halls, festival stages, and sold-out clubs across North America and beyond. They've opened for The Wood Brothers, appeared at major festivals including Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, Blissfest, Americanafest, Cambridge Folk Festival, and Summerfest, and have been featured by NPR Tiny Desk, The Moth Story Slam, Netflix's Ask the StoryBots, and the feature film The Same Storm.

Yet despite all their success, Bandits On the Run still carry the spirit of street performers who know how to capture a crowd with nothing more than a great song and genuine connection.

Their latest album, Rough Magic, celebrates friendship, creativity, and the beautiful unpredictability of making art together. Recorded between Brooklyn studios and a converted church in the Catskill Mountains, the album blends lush arrangements, intimate performances, field recordings, and rich vocal harmonies into a collection of songs that feels both timeless and fresh. The band describes Rough Magic as "the goal and the method". It is an embrace of imperfection, community, and the belief that something extraordinary can emerge from a simple human connection.

That spirit extends beyond their music. Bandits On the Run are also accomplished theater creators currently developing new musicals, including a stage adaptation of What's Eating Gilbert Grape in collaboration with Academy Award-nominated writer Peter Hedges. Their work has been supported by leading theater development programs including Berkeley Rep Ground Floor, Rhinebeck Writers Retreat, and Goodspeed Musicals.

SAMPLE SONG

Whether performing on a festival stage, in a theater, or in an intimate listening room, Bandits on the Run create shows that feel spontaneous, joyful, and deeply human. Expect dazzling harmonies, inventive instrumentation, compelling stories, and the rare feeling that anything might happen next.

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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