Caffè Lena

Michael Jerling
2025-10-18 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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Born and raised in Illinois, songwriter Michael Jerling became involved with music while helping to run the campus coffeehouse at the University of Wisconsin. Now settled in Saratoga Springs, Jerling has been a noted artist on the club, college and festival circuits of North America. His butterscotch baritone voice is backed up with first-rate lyrical sense, impressive musicianship – borrowing from blues, rock, country and R&B – with consummate skill on six & twelve string guitars, harmonica and mandolin, all buoyed by his dry sense of humor. A keen student of the good and ghastly in American life, Michael weaves themes like a novelist, evoking our shortcomings and dreams without yielding to cynicism or sentimentality. Often praised as a “songwriter’s songwriter” who composes in styles influenced by the wealth of American music, he has been characterized as an artist who performs extraordinary songs with the uncommon ability to deliver them to an audience with power and grace. The press raves: “Stronger than new rope … especially recommended to fans of Gorka, Greg Brown, Dave Alvin or any other real smart people who make real good music” (Icon, Iowa City). Request magazine writes “He’s got the literate humor and eclectic taste of Lyle Lovett … yet a skewed vision all his own.” And from The Boston Globe: “With a subtle but encyclopedic command of American styles and rhythms, a captivating melodic sense, and incisive, clever lyrics, he is as supple a song craftsman as any riding the folk boards today.” Jerling was a winner of the prestigious New Folk competition at the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas. His song “Long Black Wall” is included on the Smithsonian Folkways CD celebrating twenty years of Fast Folk. 2014’s Music Here Tonight was recorded live at Caffè Lena. SAMPLE SONG Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Enjoy one week of access with your live stream ticket. ﻿ Note: Caffe Lena does not permit ticket reselling above face value. Tickets purchased for the purpose of resale may be canceled without notice, and refunds for such purchases will not be granted.

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Guitar Workshop with Ron Gordon: Roots of Country Guitar
2025-10-18 13:00 - 15:00
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Learn the roots of country guitar with Ron Gordon! Explore bass runs, the Carter Scratch, Jimmy Rodgers’ blues, and Woody Guthrie’s timeless style in this hands-on workshop. Perfect for players of all levels who want to dig into the heart of American roots music.

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Paul McKenna
2025-10-17 20:00 - 22:00
American Roots Bluegrass Country Family Folk Workshop

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Scotland’s Paul McKenna has long been ranked among its finest singers and songwriters, armed with a powerful yet intensely emotive voice and passionate social conscience, often expressed through his songs, a combination that’s brought frequent comparisons to the great Dick Gaughan.

Cutting his teeth as the front person for The Paul Mckenna Band, Paul travelled the world sharing his songs and his stories for over a decade, playing many of the biggest venues and releasing 5 albums. Having honed his craft, he is now touring on his own.

Paul was a featured artist at the world-renowned Transatlantic Sessions in 2019. Alongside Cara Dillon, Tim O’Brien, Molly Tuttle, and the multi-talented house band, he performed a string of shows across the UK.

2024 saw Paul McKenna team up with long term friends, and traditional music powerhouse, Ímar to release a brand-new song titled “Always You”. The single was an immediate hit with fans and was released in time for Paul to join Ímar on their tour of Ireland and perform the song with them on each night of the tour.

Performance highlights over recent years include Edmonton Folk Festival, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Milwaukee Irish Fest, Woodford Folk Festival, and regular appearances at Celtic Connections.

Paul has shared the stage with many great artists over the years including Dick Gaughan, Dougie MacLean, Archie Fisher, Dave Gunning, The East Pointers, Karine Polwart, Cara Dillon, Karan Casey and Billy Bragg, to name a few.

SAMPLE SONG

It’s an evening of folk music at its most honest—personal, rooted, and meant to be shared.

﻿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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Music With Miss Deb
2025-10-17 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-10-10 09:30 - 10:30
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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

Sign up HERE

9:45am – 10:30am $125 9/19 – 11/21

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

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

Fun for the whole family!

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Bright Series: Spencer LaJoye
2025-10-16 19:00 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass Country Family Folk Workshop

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With crystalline vocals, masterful looping, and a weathered acoustic guitar, Spencer LaJoye creates music that disarms, delights, and connects. They sing with a coy smile, a wink to the back row, and the conviction that art can change the world simply by making us feel something.

A coast-to-coast singer/songwriter and vocal loop artist with Midwest roots, Spencer is a classically-trained violinist, Americana enthusiast, and theology graduate whose artistry blends folk, pop, and theatrical storytelling. Since their viral 2021 anthem “Plowshare Prayer”, Spencer has built a devoted following around the globe, recognized for their unflinching songwriting and pastoral stage presence.

Spencer’s performances—whether in theaters, listening rooms, folk festivals, queer clubs, or church sanctuaries—keep audiences laughing one moment and weeping the next. Their catalog spans a decade, from early autobiographical folk/pop to the 2023 EP Plant a Piano, an intimate collection of vocally theatrical piano ballads about change, beauty, and impermanence. Along the way, they’ve won the Kerrville New Folk Songwriting Competition, earned Folk Alliance International official showcase artist status, and released music that has resonated deeply across diverse communities.

SAMPLE SONG

Experience music that invites reflection, sparks joy, and reminds us of the beauty in being fully human together.

﻿The Bright Series is made possible by a generous gift from Kevin & Claudia Bright.

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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School of Music Slow Jam
2025-10-16 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-09 13:00 - 15:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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

THERE ARE NO PRE-SHOW RESERVATIONS FOR THE JAMS!

SUGGESTED DONATION AT THE DOOR. $5.00 per person

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

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

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

What is a Slow Jam?

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

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Guitar Workshop Level 1 with Bruce Thompson
2025-10-16 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-09 11:00 - 12:00
American Roots Bluegrass Country Family Folk Workshop

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

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

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

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Open position chords and how they are related to each other

Moving from chord to chord smoothly and in time

Rhythm and strumming techniques

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

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Guitar Workshop Level 2 with Bruce Thompson
2025-10-16 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-09 10:00 - 11:00
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Registration closed for session, feel free to drop in for $25 per class.

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

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

Topics:

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

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

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

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

Movable chord shapes and voicings

Learning and arranging new songs

Playing and performing with other musicians

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Guitar Workshop Level 1 with Bruce Thompson
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American Roots Bluegrass Country Family Folk Workshop

Share:

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

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

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

Topics Include:

Open position chords and how they are related to each other

Moving from chord to chord smoothly and in time

Rhythm and strumming techniques

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

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Learning new songs

Playing and performing with other musicians

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Bluegrass Jam
2025-10-15 19:00 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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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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Folk Club Kids
2025-10-15 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-10-08 10:30 - 11:00
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Folk Club Kids: Stories, Songs, and Sing-a-longs

Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

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

Stream live and free on Facebook and Youtube!

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

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

#youthclass

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"Where the Music Never Dies: A Celebration of Joel Moss"
2025-10-14 17:30 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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"Where the Music Never Dies: A Celebration of Joel Moss" will take place at Caffe Lena on Tuesday, October 14. EVERYBODY IS INVITED!

We will begin gathering at Trask Memorial Staircase at the south end of Congress Park at 4:30 PM.

A 2nd Line parade led by New Orleans musician Glen David Andrews will take off at 5 PM and we'll clap, dance and sing our way to Caffe Lena.

Music and speakers start at the Caffe–indoors and out–at 5:30 PM and end at 9 PM.

There will be an outdoor video screen to share what's happening inside, and the whole event will be live streamed on YouTube and Caffe Lena TV. Bring your love and your memories, and come celebrate Joel!

If you would like to play or speak at the Celebration, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/RQj6s8Tzsmh33GaL6

﻿

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Open Mic
2025-10-13 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-06 19:00 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass Country Family Folk Workshop

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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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Peak Jazz Series: Mercer Paterson Quintet
2025-10-12 19:00 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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The Mercer Patterson Quintet is a high-energy contemporary jazz ensemble that’s turning heads everywhere they play—including at Caffè Lena’s Sing in the Streets festival, where they wowed audiences with their fearless improvisation, intricate arrangements, and infectious groove.

Hailing from the Metro-Detroit area, this dynamic group blends a variety of original compositions—penned by all members—with influences as wide-ranging as Herbie Hancock’s harmonic genius, Frank Zappa’s adventurous spirit, and Steve Lehman’s rhythmic sophistication.

Formed during their freshman year at the University of Michigan, the quintet has honed its sound under the guidance of jazz greats Terrell Stafford, Robert Hurst, Brian Lynch, Andy Milne, Ellen Rowe, Caroline Davis, and Chuck Bergeron. Their collaborative approach has led to a distinctive voice in the modern jazz landscape—fresh, daring, and deeply rooted in tradition.

Mercer Patterson (piano), Connor Hoyt (saxophone), Ryan Venora (trumpet), Jack Nissen (bass), and Philip Buchman (drums) have brought their music to stages across the country, from the Detroit Jazz Festival and Aspen-Snowmass Jazz to New York’s Shapeshifter Lab, San Francisco’s Mr. Tipples, and beyond.

SAMPLE SONG

Wherever they go, the Mercer Patterson Quintet delivers an exhilarating live experience that blends technical mastery with pure joy in music-making. Don’t miss this chance to catch one of jazz’s most exciting young bands—right here at Caffè Lena.

The Peak Jazz Series focuses on ensembles that lean toward cool jazz, fusion, and funk, offering audiences a dynamic and diverse jazz experience.

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

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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The Gibson Brothers
2025-10-11 20:00 - 22:00
American Roots Bluegrass Country Family Folk Workshop

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There’s a reason Ricky Skaggs pulled Eric and Leigh Gibson off the Ryman Auditorium stage two decades ago to offer to produce their debut—and why Grammy-winning producers like David Ferguson, Dan Auerbach, and Jerry Douglas have all signed on to work with them. The Gibson Brothers are the real deal. They can pick. They can sing. And they can write a great country song.

With a résumé boasting nearly every bluegrass award imaginable, albums on premier Americana labels like Sugar Hill and Rounder, and songs recorded by legends such as Del McCoury, the Gibson Brothers have carved out a singular space in roots music. Their latest album, Darkest Hour, produced by dobro master Jerry Douglas, captures their seamless move between high-octane bluegrass and what Auerbach once dubbed “country soul.”

Growing up on a dairy farm in northern New York gave Eric and Leigh a unique perspective that permeates their songwriting—stories shaped by rural life, road miles, and the ties of family. Jerry Douglas tapped both new and decades-old originals for Darkest Hour, surrounding the brothers with an all-star lineup including Mike Barber, Justin Moses, Eamon McGloughlin, John Gardner, Guthrie Trapp, and Todd Parks.

From their tight harmonies—Leigh’s voice as luminous as his duet with Alison Krauss on “I Feel the Same Way as You”—to their easy command of both traditional and modern sounds, the Gibson Brothers bring warmth, wit, and deep musicality to every stage they grace.

SAMPLE SONG

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.

Don’t miss this chance to experience two of the most respected voices in bluegrass and Americana today—right here at Caffè Lena.

﻿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
2025-10-11 17:00 - 19:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

Share:

There’s a reason Ricky Skaggs pulled Eric and Leigh Gibson off the Ryman Auditorium stage two decades ago to offer to produce their debut—and why Grammy-winning producers like David Ferguson, Dan Auerbach, and Jerry Douglas have all signed on to work with them. The Gibson Brothers are the real deal. They can pick. They can sing. And they can write a great country song.

With a résumé boasting nearly every bluegrass award imaginable, albums on premier Americana labels like Sugar Hill and Rounder, and songs recorded by legends such as Del McCoury, the Gibson Brothers have carved out a singular space in roots music. Their latest album, Darkest Hour, produced by dobro master Jerry Douglas, captures their seamless move between high-octane bluegrass and what Auerbach once dubbed “country soul.”

Growing up on a dairy farm in northern New York gave Eric and Leigh a unique perspective that permeates their songwriting—stories shaped by rural life, road miles, and the ties of family. Jerry Douglas tapped both new and decades-old originals for Darkest Hour, surrounding the brothers with an all-star lineup including Mike Barber, Justin Moses, Eamon McGloughlin, John Gardner, Guthrie Trapp, and Todd Parks.

From their tight harmonies—Leigh’s voice as luminous as his duet with Alison Krauss on “I Feel the Same Way as You”—to their easy command of both traditional and modern sounds, the Gibson Brothers bring warmth, wit, and deep musicality to every stage they grace.

SAMPLE SONG

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.

Don’t miss this chance to experience two of the most respected voices in bluegrass and Americana today—right here at Caffè Lena.

﻿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

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Overit Home Grown Sessions: Maswick & Brown
2025-10-10 20:00 - 22:00
American Roots Bluegrass Country Family Folk Workshop

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Thoughtful songwriting, rich harmonies, and seasoned musicianship.

The recent digital-only singles More or Less and In the Time It Took for Us to Say Goodbye highlight the collaborative talents of Joel Brown and Dave Maswick, two musicians with long and varied careers.

In concert, their duo performances feature well-crafted harmony singing over warm acoustic arrangements, accented by intricate fingerpicked guitar work. Their solo vocals carry songs that blend modern folk/pop sensibilities with contemporary acoustic traditions.

Joel Brown is an accomplished classical guitarist whose work has taken him to the Czech Republic, Asia with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, and to U.S. stages including Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. He has also been featured with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, at Tanglewood and with the Boston Pops. He is also a member of Triple Play, a trio that weaves jazz, blues, and folk influences, and serves as Artist-in-Residence at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs.

Dave Maswick first gained national attention in the ’80s as a member of Blotto, appearing in the video for “I Wanna Be a Lifeguard” on MTV’s first day of broadcast. His song “I Don’t Know Why/Theme in Bar” from the cult classic Basket Case is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection. Over the years, he has written, produced, and performed with a wide range of musicians in the U.S. and Europe, while remaining a charter member of the Stony Creek Band, a progressive country-bluegrass outfit.

SAMPLE SONG

Combine these two seasoned musicians and you get an exquisite evening of music.

﻿Overit Home Grown Sessions is made possible by a generous gift from Overit – a full-service marketing and creative agency based in Upstate New York.

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

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

﻿

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Jun 24 • 10:30 AM

JAZZ at Caffe Lena: Chuck Lamb Trio with special guest Trombonist Steve Davis
2025-10-09 19:00 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass Country Family Folk Workshop

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Join us for another extraordinary evening of jazz as Caffè Lena’s monthly jazz series returns with resident host and pianist Chuck Lamb at the helm. A pillar of Caffè Lena’s jazz programming, Lamb brings fresh energy, deep musicality, and an open-hearted spirit to every performance.

This October, Chuck welcomes a very special guest: internationally acclaimed trombonist Steve Davis.

Nicknamed “Stevie-D” by the late Jackie McLean, Davis is widely regarded as one of today’s leading voices on the trombone. His lyrical, hard-swinging style has earned him recognition across the globe, from his early days with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers to collaborations with Chick Corea, Freddie Hubbard, Horace Silver, Cedar Walton, and Ron Carter. Davis has released 20 albums as a leader, appeared on more than 100 recordings, and performed with the Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars, Jimmy Heath, and Christian McBride, whose Grammy-winning album Bringin’ It featured Davis’ original composition “Optimism.”

Named Trombonist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association for four consecutive years (2010–2013), Davis has played on the stages of Smoke, Smalls, Lincoln Center, the White House, and festivals worldwide. His artistry combines a deep respect for jazz tradition with adventurous, expressive improvisation that continues to inspire musicians and audiences alike.

Steve Davis SAMPLE SONG

Chuck Lamb has been the pianist with the renowned Brubeck Brothers Quartet since 2002 and is known for his passionate, expressive style. In addition to his jazz credentials, he’s a prolific composer whose work spans jazz, fusion, classical, and world music. His performances are electrifying—moving seamlessly between lyricism and explosive improvisation.

With the vision and generosity of the late GRAMMY and Oscar-winning producer Joel Moss, Jazz at Caffè Lena has flourished into a regional destination for lovers of innovative, boundary-pushing jazz. His legacy continues to guide and inspire the series.

Don’t miss this intimate evening as Chuck Lamb welcomes Steve Davis to the Caffè Lena stage—a rare chance to experience two master musicians creating together, spontaneous magic—live and in the moment.

Can't make 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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Martha Spencer & The Wonderland Country Band
2025-10-08 19:30 - 21:30
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“Appalachian music, through and through, with all the dynamism of a string band and the longing of a lovelorn country song.” – Rolling Stone Country

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

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

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

SAMPLE SONG

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

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

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

Price

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Jun 25 • 1 PM

Storytelling Open Mic Featuring Shawn Banner
2025-10-07 19:00 - 21:00
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Shawn Banner, local story teller, teacher, artist has been sharing stories and Yiddish Folk Tales for the last 25 or so years here in the Saratoga area. He began his "official" story-telling career at the bedside of his now grown children as well as in his elementary school classrooms. He will be sharing "Yom Kippur" themed stories–stories about atonement, forgiveness, and kindness; as always with that Yiddishkeit touch of humor and learning.

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

﻿

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Jun 25 • 1 PM

“2025 is so 1984” Kicks Off National Banned Books Week at Skidmore College
2025-10-06 18:30 - 20:00
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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

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

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

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

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

Momentum Series: Eileen Ivers & The Brigideens
2025-10-05 19:00 - 21:00
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The Brigideens: A Fiery New Force in Acoustic Roots Music
Get ready for a night of powerful, resonant, emotional songs with The Brigideens—a bold new acoustic roots band formed and led by Grammy-winning, Emmy-nominated, 9-time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion Eileen Ivers. This dynamic, female-led ensemble brings together acclaimed vocalists and instrumentalists from the Celtic and Americana traditions to create a sound that’s both rooted and refreshing.
From traditional reels to soaring ballads and genre-blending originals, The Brigideens deliver a high-energy, emotionally resonant performance. Expect fiddle fireworks, driving banjo, vibrant percussion, rich harmonies, and stories that celebrate resilience, connection, and the flame of creativity.
Featuring:

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

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

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Jun 25 • 1 PM

Playwright's Jam
2025-10-05 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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