School of Music Slow Jam
2025-04-10 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Workshop

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

Price

General
$195.00

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Pat McGee and Friends
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Pat McGee brings melodic, guitar-driven songs that blend the heart of singer-songwriter storytelling with the energy of a jam band.

Pat McGee has spent a career bringing wildly talented musicians together, crafting melodic, guitar-driven songs that blend the heart of singer-songwriter storytelling with the energy of a jam band. Since forming the Pat McGee Band in 1995, he has shared stages with The Who, James Taylor, Fleetwood Mac, Counting Crows, The Allman Brothers Band, and more, earning a devoted following along the way.

Joining him is longtime collaborator Patrick McAloon (guitar, mandolin, vocals), whose chemistry with McGee shines in soulful harmonies and dynamic performances. Together, they create a warm, organic sound, infused with classic rock influences, thoughtful lyrics, and groove-driven melodies.

Recent highlights include:

A sold-out show with John Popper playing to 2,000+ fans at Capitol One Center
A performance for 4,000+ at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center
Returning in 2025 to Train’s "Sail Across the Sun" cruise

Beyond performing, McGee is a community builder in the music world, curating celebrated festivals like Down The Hatch (NC) and Ocean State of Mind (RI), where he brings together fellow artists and fans in unforgettable settings.

Don’t miss this intimate, harmony-rich evening with Pat McGee & Friends LIVE at Caffè Lena.

Can't make the show in person? Stream this show live at CaffeLenaTV. Enjoy two weeks of access with your live stream ticket.

SAMPLE SONG

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Doors Open: 9:30 am

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Peak Jazz Series : Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin Jazz Sextet
2025-04-11 20:00 - 22:00
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A multi-talented artist, Baratta’s career spans both music and film, with an impressive list of Hollywood credits, including The Wolf of Wall Street, The Irishman, Joker, and several Spider-Man films. After decades in the film industry, Baratta made a triumphant return to jazz, earning a GRAMMY nomination for his 2020 album, Music in Film: The Reel Deal, which reimagined iconic movie soundtracks in a jazz setting. His follow-ups, Music in Film: The Sequel and Off the Charts, solidified his place as a boundary-pushing bandleader and visionary musician.

Now, the drummer-bandleader returns with his new album, Looking Back—a thrilling jazz reinterpretation of classic rock and soul hits from the 1960s and '70s. Expect fresh, dynamic takes on the music of James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and Bob Dylan, all brought to life through the virtuosic energy of the Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin Jazz Sextet.

The Players are Bill O'Connell – piano, Craig Handy – saxophones, Paul Bollenback – guitar, Michael Goetz – bass, Paul Rossman – percussion, and Richard Baratta on drums.

Baratta and his Sextet blend the soul of classic rock with the improvisational fire of jazz, creating a performance that is both nostalgic and fresh, familiar yet unpredictable. Experience an electrifying night where jazz meets the legends of rock & soul—LIVE at Caffè Lena! This show is part of the Peak Jazz Series.

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

SAMPLE SONG

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Momentum Series: Roomful of Blues
2025-04-12 16:00 - 18:00
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Hailed by DownBeat Magazine as “in a class by themselves,” this boisterous, super-tight big band has remained one of the most joyful blues ensembles in the world for more than five decades. Currently an eight-piece unit led by guitarist Chris Vachon, the band has never sounded fresher or stronger.

Led by guitarist Chris Vachon and featuring saxophonist Rich Lataille (a member since 1970), their current lineup includes powerhouse vocalist D.D. Bastos, who brings fresh, soulful energy to their timeless sound, Jeff Ceasrine on keyboards, Alek Razdan on baritone and tenor sax, Carl "Geerz" Gerhard on trumpet, John Turner on bass and Mike Coffey on drums.

With five GRAMMY nominations, seven Blues Music Awards, thousands of shows worldwide, and collaborations with legends like B.B. King and Eric Clapton to their critically acclaimed albums on Alligator Records, this “best little big band in the blues” (Blues Music Magazine) guarantees a night of foot-stomping, hand-clapping fun.

Their winning combination of jump, swing, blues, R&B and soul remains their calling card, as does their ability to get our listening room fans swaying in their seats. Roomful keeps on rockin’!

Sample Song

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Hailed by DownBeat Magazine as “in a class by themselves,” this boisterous, super-tight big band has remained one of the most joyful blues ensembles in the world for more than five decades. Currently an eight-piece unit led by guitarist Chris Vachon, the band has never sounded fresher or stronger.

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With five GRAMMY nominations, seven Blues Music Awards, thousands of shows worldwide, and collaborations with legends like B.B. King and Eric Clapton to their critically acclaimed albums on Alligator Records, this “best little big band in the blues” (Blues Music Magazine) guarantees a night of foot-stomping, hand-clapping fun.

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Sample Song

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Skidmore Songwriters
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What better way to celebrate Skidmore College’s Songwriting Workshop than to showcase these talented students' work at Caffè Lena? Join Joel Brown and his class for a concert of sometimes nostalgic, sometimes fun, but always thoughtful songwriting! This community concert gives Saratogians a chance to experience the hard work going on in Skidmore’s celebrated music department.

Free community event. Donations welcome at the door. This is a recital by students in Joel Brown's semester-long songwriting workshop.

Caffe Lena’s full menu will be available.

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Mindy Smith
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Mindy Smith is a renowned singer-songwriter blending Americana, folk, & pop with deeply vulnerable lyrics and a career spanning two decades.

“Smith’s best songs sound like little miracles.”– USA Today

Join us for a night of heartfelt music and storytelling as acclaimed singer-songwriter Mindy Smith graces the stage at Caffè Lena. Known for her deeply vulnerable lyrics and genre-defying vocals, Mindy has carved a unique path in the Americana and folk world.

This performance celebrates her latest album, Quiet Town, a stunning reflection on love, loss, connection, and renewal. With six studio albums and collaborations with legends like Dolly Parton, Kenny Chesney, and Matraca Berg, Mindy’s career spans two decades of crafting music that resonates deeply with listeners.

Her hauntingly beautiful rendition of Parton’s "Jolene" was declared by Dolly herself as her favorite version of the iconic song, and Mindy’s signature blend of emotional honesty and musical grace continues to captivate audiences.

Others might struggle against or dismiss vulnerable thoughts and feelings, but Smith has built a career out of expressing the most human of vulnerabilities. In doing so, she lets listeners know it’s normal, and even healthy, to fully experience such fundamentally human feelings.

“I write for one purpose,” she’s been quoted as saying, “and that’s to figure out how to live in the world I am in.”

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience one of Americana’s most celebrated voices.

Sample Song

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So You Want to Play Mandolin with Alan Epstein
2025-04-14 10:00 - 11:30
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This class is designed for the beginner; those folks who are interested in playing the mandolin but don't know where to start. We will cover the basics of holding, tuning and playing your first notes and chords on the mandolin, left and right hand technique and also learn to play a few songs. My goal is to get you started and provide you with the skills needed to play this great little instrument going forward. We will take things slowly, with a focus on producing clear tone, developing muscle memory in your fingers and most importantly having fun. Each week we will review all the things we’ve covered in previous classes. We will learn mostly by ear, but a few handouts will be provided. The only prerequisite is that you have a mandolin, a few picks, an extra set of mandolin strings, an electronic tuner and, most importantly, a desire to play the mandolin. Class size is limited to 10 so reserve your spot now!

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

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Bluegrass Mandolin Solos with Alan Epstein
2025-04-14 11:30 - 13:00
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In this 6 week class we will learn how to create mandolin solos by ear for 12 bluegrass songs from the JAM Songbook. The JAM Songbook, created by Pete Wernick and Liam Purcell is used in the Junior Appalachian Musician’s after school roots music program that runs in various Southeastern states in the US. All registered students will receive a copy of the JAM songbook at the first class. Course Objectives At the end of this course, students will be able to: • Pick out the melody based break on a Bluegrass song by ear. • Begin to understand how to ornament a melody based break on a Bluegrass song. • Gain confidence playing in a bluegrass jam session. • Gain knowledge of the mandolin fretboard.

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

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Open Mic
2025-04-14 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-04-21 19:00 - 21:00
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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: Reese @caffelena.org

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Rochmon Record Club Listening Party : “Fleetwood Mac”, aka their "White LP"
2025-04-15 19:00 - 21:00
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Explore the first Fleetwood Mac album including Buckingham and Nicks, w/songs like “Over My Head”, “Warm Ways” & “Rhiannon".

In late 1974 Fleetwood Mac lost singer-songwriter Bob Welch to the call of a solo career. Destiny and coincidence brought Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks to Mick Fleetwood’s attention. In early 1975 Buckingham and Nicks Joined the 7-Year-old British Blues Band as their newest in a series of lead singers and songwriters. Their first album together with songs like “Over My Head”, “Warm Ways”, “Say You Love Me”, “Landslide”, “Rhiannon” and 6 more was an unprecedented success, setting the groundwork for one of the most successful and popular bands in Rock & Roll. 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 at caffelena.org

A Rochmon Record Club Listening Party is meant to inform and deepen our understanding of the history of the individual performers, songs, and stories that went into the making of this classic album. By listening together, we hear the music again for the first time. Rochmon Record Club takes place on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at Caffe’ Lena in Saratoga Springs (caffelena.org).

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2025-04-16 19:00 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass

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Guitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson
2025-04-17 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-24 09:00 - 12:00
American Roots Bluegrass

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Guitar Workshop

Level 1 and 2

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

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

Topics Include:

Open position chords and how they are related to each other

Moving from chord to chord smoothly and in time

Rhythm and strumming techniques

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

Movable chord shapes

Learning new songs

Playing and performing with other musicians

Bruce Thompson teaches guitar workshops and private lessons at the Caffe. Bruce started playing music in elementary school, first on violin and later on guitar and dobro. Influenced by acoustic folk and bluegrass and a love for improvisation, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Composition at the Berklee College of Music and played various music styles in the Boston area for ten years. After moving to Saratoga County, NY he raised a family and made music at community, family, and school events. He currently plays in the band Uken Brew and is a fixture in the capital district bluegrass community.

﻿

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School of Music Slow Jam
2025-04-17 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-04-24 13:00 - 15:00
American Roots Bluegrass

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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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The April Fools: Christine Lavin, Buskin & Batteau, John Forster &Carla Ulbrich
2025-04-17 19:00 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass

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Five of the funniest folk musicians on the scene, one unforgettable night! The April Fools bring you a perfect mix of witty songwriting, top-tier musicianship, and side-splitting humor. If you love folk music with a comedic twist, this is the show for you!

Featuring:

Christine Lavin – Founder of Four Bitchin’ Babes & On a Winter’s Night

"A folkzinger" – Orlando Sentinel

SAMPLE SONG

John Forster – Four-time Grammy nominee

"If Joni Mitchell & Daffy Duck had a love child, he’d probably write songs like John Forster." – Boston Globe

SAMPLE SONG

Carla Ulbrich – As heard on SiriusXM Comedy & Dr. Demento

"Erudite and charming" – Goldmine Magazine

SAMPLE SONG

Buskin & Batteau – Hit songwriters

"Irresistible, melodic, sensual, grit and killer wit" – Washington Post

SAMPLE SONG

Expect razor-sharp satire, delightful absurdity, and top-notch musicianship from this crew of folk luminaries. You’ll leave with laugh lines and a full heart!

Can't make it in person to the show? Stream this show live at CaffeLenaTV. Enjoy two weeks of access with your live stream ticket.

﻿

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65th Anniversary Folk Heritage Series: Dan Berggren
2025-04-18 20:00 - 22:00
American Roots Bluegrass

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Join Adirondack songsmith Dan Berggren for an evening of heartfelt stories, timeless melodies, and songs rooted in tradition and humanity.

Join us for an evening of heartfelt storytelling and timeless music with recent Eddies Hall of Fame inductee, Dan Berggren, a tradition-based songsmith whose music celebrates the beauty of human connection and the natural world. For over five decades, Dan has captivated audiences near and far, weaving stories with honesty, humor, and a deep sense of place.

Raised in the Adirondacks, Dan’s songs are rooted in the values of home, hard work, and community, yet their reach is universal. His music has traveled across borders—from Kentucky to Zimbabwe, Belgium to Bulgaria—carrying lessons that resonate with audiences everywhere.

As an award-winning musician and educator, Dan has been a beloved presence at Caffè Lena for 40 years. He also co-hosts Folk Club Kids, our weekly program for preschoolers, and runs Sleeping Giant Records, producing over 20 albums of original and traditional folk music. His performances are a celebration of life’s joys and struggles, wrapped in melodies that linger long after the last note fades.

Don’t miss this intimate evening with a local treasure who has touched hearts worldwide. This isn’t just a concert; it’s an experience—rooted in tradition, alive with authenticity, and brimming with heart.

Sample Song

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

The Folk Heritage Series is made possible by the Charlie Pickett & Kathleen Rehl Endowment Fund.

﻿

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The Slambovian Circus of Dreams Unplugged
2025-04-19 20:00 - 22:30
American Roots Bluegrass

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Step behind the curtain with The Slambovian Circus of Dreams Unplugged, raw, and brimming with Woodstock-tinged acoustic enchantment!

Join us for a rare and intimate evening with The Slambovian Circus of Dreams, unplugged! This special trio performance features the creative heart of the band: Joziah Longo (vocals/guitar), Tink Lloyd (accordion, cello, mandolin, flute), and Sharkey McEwen (guitar).

Take a peek behind the “Slambovian Curtain” as they strip things down to the essentials, creating a personal and dynamic connection with the audience. You'll hear rarely performed songs from their extensive catalog, plus tracks from their critically acclaimed album, A Very Unusual Head. Of the album, Americana UK said, "9 out of 10 – Love at first spin!"

Expect an evening filled with Woodstock-tinged psychedelia, Americana, and folk-rock, blended with innovative storytelling and heartfelt performances. Their songwriting draws inspiration from legends like Dylan, Bowie, and The Waterboys, delivering an acoustic magic that taps into a deeper human connection.

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the "Slambovian" experience, this show is a must-see for anyone who loves innovative music with heart and soul.

Sample Song

Can't make it in person? Stream this show live at CaffeLenaTV. Enjoy Two weeks of access with your live stream ticket.

﻿.

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Folk Club Kids
2025-04-23 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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10 Week Spring After School Folk Ensembles
2025-04-23 14:30 - 17:30
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Through our after school program, children aged 7 – 14 can study fiddle, guitar, ukulele, banjo, tin whistle, mandolin, bass, percussion and more. Each session consists of 10 weekly 45 minute lessons. Teachers Oona Grady and James Gascoyne will be leading the students in an ensemble format. Ensemble instills the camaraderie that is at the center of the Folk tradition. Ensemble encourages learning to hear and listen musically, and enables students to experience the interdependence of each note and strum within the group.

Classes start 2:45pm, 3:40pm and 4:25pm.

#youthclass

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Overit Home Grown Series: Honeysuckle
2025-04-24 19:00 - 20:30
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Known for their irresistible vocal chemistry, progressive folk duo Honeysuckle draws inspiration from American roots and bluegrass.

With a sound that glows with Americana warmth and modern folk energy, Honeysuckle crafts harmonies that captivate and transport. This Upstate NY-based duo, featuring Holly McGarry and Chris Bloniarz, blends lush two-part vocals with intricate arrangements on acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, and subtle synth textures. Their music resonates with fans of Boy & Bear, The Novel Ideas, and Shook Twins, offering a dynamic interplay between traditional folk roots and contemporary sonic landscapes. From delicate ballads to vibrant, foot-tapping melodies, Honeysuckle brings an intimate and immersive live experience that lingers long after the last note fades.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of rich harmonies and heartfelt storytelling with Honeysuckle.

This show with Honeysuckle is the second in a new series, Overit Home Grown Sessions, a new live concert series celebrating local music talent, in partnership with Overit, a full-service creative and consulting agency based in Albany, NY.

Home Grown Sessions will spotlight both established and fast-rising artists from across the Capital Region and greater Upstate New York, offering them a platform to share original work on one of the most storied stages in America.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of rich harmonies and heartfelt storytelling with Honeysuckle and enjoy the new Overit Home Grown Sessions.

Sample Song

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Captain Fun Lunchtime Listening Hour
2025-04-25 12:00 - 13:00
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Bring your lunch & listen to a playlist curated by a Caffe Lena Community member. The April Playlist is by the Rochmon himself –Chuck Vosganian! The D.J. spinning those records will be sound man & photographer extradinaire, Joe Deuel!

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

The Captain Fun Listening Library occupying the north wall in the Caffè Lena lobby is comprised of 1,516 vinyl albums and several hundred CDs selected from Al “Captain Fun” McKenney’s expertly curated collection. This treasure trove of folk, blues and jazz was left us in 2015 and we share it through our monthly listening hour, as Al wished. Enjoy the memories these records bring back, and dig deep into American roots music.

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Laurie MacAllister of Red Molly
2025-04-25 20:00 - 21:30
American Roots Bluegrass

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Best known as a part of Americana trio Red Molly, MacAllister brings her soulful voice & heartfelt storytelling on her Solo Debut Tour.

Join us for an unforgettable evening with Laurie MacAllister, the soulful singer-songwriter best known as a part of the beloved Americana trio Red Molly. With her warm, captivating voice and heartfelt storytelling, Laurie has been a cherished figure in contemporary folk music for over two decades. From headlining festivals like MerleFest to lending her voice to the iconic Folgers Coffee jingle, Laurie’s journey has been as remarkable as her music.

Her solo album, The Lies the Poets Tell, is a tribute to the contemporary folk music scene, celebrated by SiriusXM as “Defining. A curated collection packed with emotional vibrancy.”

In late 2024, Laurie launched her solo career, marking the start of an exciting new chapter. Now, on her Solo Debut Tour, she brings her soul-stirring songs and intimate stage presence to fans old and new.

Sample Song

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Mark Cosgrove & Good Medicine
2025-04-26 20:00 - 22:00
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When it comes to jaw-dropping guitar work and crowd-pleasing performances, Mark Cosgrove and his band take a backseat to no one. A National Flatpicking Champion and Doc Watson Guitar Champion, Cosgrove is known for his lightning-fast picking, rich musicality, and dynamic stage presence.

But this isn’t just a solo act—this band delivers. Featuring some of the most respected players in roots and acoustic music, this quartet brings incredible energy, chemistry, and musicianship to every show:

Nate Grower (David Bromberg Quintet & Big Band) – A monster fiddler whose playing is both fiery and expressive

Peter Lorch – Brilliant high harmony singing & rhythm guitar, adding depth and texture to every song

Larry Cohen (Tony Trischka & Skyline) – A new acoustic music pioneer, holding down the bottom end on bass

With a blend of bluegrass, swing, folk, and country, this band will take you on a high-energy, masterfully played musical journey.

SAMPLE SONG

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﻿

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"A Joyful Noise!" Sunday Gospel Dinner with Soulist Garland Nelson & Friends
2025-04-27 14:00 - 16:00
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Early Sunday dinner and soul-cleansing music by soulist Garland Nelson & Friends.

Saratoga and the entire Capital District, will be thrilled to learn that A Joyful Noise is back every month this year! This is a soul-cleansing early Sunday dinner hour of music directed by Soulist Garland Nelson. Nelson will be joined by a variety of his friends who are musicians and singers for a mid-afternoon of joyful noise. Songs range from traditional gospel and contemporary church music to soulful pop classics. Audience participation is downright thunderous. It's impossible to stay quiet or in your seat as Garland Nelson stirs up the Spirit!

An early Sunday dinner served to your table is an integral part of this cultural event and is included in your ticket price. Your plate will be heaped with traditional food from the Carribbean. Coffee and tea is included.

Sample Song

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

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Online School of Music: Gretchen Peters Songwriting Intensive
2025-04-27 14:00 - 16:00
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A two-part online songwriting intensive with Gretchen Peters

For over two decades, Gretchen Peters has been one of Nashville's most beloved and respected artists. Inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2014 by singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell, who called her "both a songwriter and a poet,” Peters has accumulated accolades as a songwriter for artists as diverse as Etta James, Bonnie Raitt, The Neville Brothers, Patty Loveless, George Strait, Bryan Adams and Faith Hill. Her song “Independence Day” won a CMA Song of the Year award in 1995. She has been nominated for 2 Grammys, a Golden Globe, and numerous other awards.

Part One: Sundays April 27 – May 18, 2025

Part Two: Sundays June 8, 15, 22, 29, 2025

On ZOOM 2pm ET / 1pm CT / 12pm MT / 11am PT

( the two week break between is time for implementing what you learned in preparation for part two)

Each class will run approximately 2 hours. All sessions are recorded and will be made available for review within 48 hours.

One of the oldest phrases in any language is ‘tell me a story.’ Songwriting is storytelling, and telling your story in a compelling way is all about authenticity and detail. It’s about what you say, and what you don’t say. It’s about the truth, but not necessarily the facts.

In this workshop, we’ll explore the process of songwriting—the art and the craft, and the delicate balance between the two. We’ll learn how to keep a sense of creative play and when (and how) to welcome your inner critic into the room. We’ll find ways to work through “writer’s block.” We’ll learn that only through the specific do you achieve the universal—and that’s the holy grail in songwriting and all writing. We write to find out who we are, and in the process we find out we are not alone. – Gretchen

Class Description

This 2 month intensive workshop with Gretchen will be divided into two parts.

In Part One, we’ll focus on:

Writing authentically: how to build the back story for your characters
Using detail and imagery in your lyrics
Using your subconscious as your compass
How to keep your sense of creative play alive and when to “invite the editor” into the writing room
Finding and fine-tuning your melody and chords
Structure: song forms and rhyme schemes

In Part Two, you will bring your songs to play for Gretchen and the class each week, and we’ll use these feedback sessions as “teachable moments” for the whole class. This is where a lot of the lessons of the previous four weeks really sink in – seeing the concepts we’ve talked about actually put into practice. You will “graduate” with many more tools for your songwriting toolkit, including:

Focusing your song’s POV – thinking of songs filmically
How to access your subconscious during the writing process
How verse order can change everything
Why it’s better to let the song tell you “what it’s about”
How to edit your song, and what to look out for in the editing process
What to do when you’re stuck
Songwriting prompts
The care and feeding of your creative self

Bring to our first class

Pen & paper or your preferred way of taking notes

An open heart and mind

How to prepare:

In addition, please do Morning Pages for at least one week leading up to the class. Click here for a description of Morning Pages. It is ESSENTIAL that you do this exercise first thing in the morning – before coffee, before breakfast, before anything. Do not edit, cross out, analyze or otherwise “judge” your three pages – don’t think, just write. This is meant to be stream of consciousness writing – it doesn’t need to have form, rhyme, or shape. You will not be required to show your Morning Pages to the class; it’s for your eyes only

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Open Mic
2025-04-28 19:00 - 21:00
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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: Reese @caffelena.org

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The Michael Mills Magic Show
2025-04-29 19:00 - 21:00
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He's back! After a four-month run of shows at Caffe Lena in 2024, magician Mills returns with an all-new show featuring jaw-dropping surprises, quick wit, and an unforgettable good time.

Michael’s performance is playful, surprising, and packed with moments that will leave you laughing, amazed, and wondering if you can trust your own eyes.

This show is the perfect way to hit pause on life's to-do list and just have a great time. Bring your curiosity—and someone to share the 'Did that really just happen?!' moments with!

Recommended for ages 14+

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