Caffè Lena

Open Mic
2026-03-02 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Bluegrass Workshop

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OPEN MIC NIGHTDOORS 6:00PM // SIGN UP 6:30PM // SHOW STARTS 7:00PMPlay 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 HOSTSFirst 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 serveYou 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 USIf you have any questions you can give us a call at 518-583-0022 or email our Monday House Manager: artur@caffelena.org

Price

General
$195.00

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Storytelling Open Mic Featuring Margaret French
2026-03-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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Margaret French tells personal and family stories with their roots in Canada, the land where she grew up, and in upstate New York, Saratoga, where she now lives. Her stories are unexpected, often humorous, sometimes touching tales about our all-too-human condition. Margaret also leads popular storytelling workshops, many at Crandall Library in Glens Falls. Read many of her stories in her blog at www.margaretfrench.com.

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

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Folk Club Kids
2026-03-04 10:30 - 11:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Workshop

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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/

Join Dan Berggren, Arielle Woodul and Connor Armbruster 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 Andy and Bill Spence.

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After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady
2026-03-04 14:30 - 17:30 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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After School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne

17 weeks starting January 28th

Use these links to sign up:

2:45, 3:40, 4:35

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

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

Youth Folk Ensemble is–

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meet the instructors:

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

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

#youthclass

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Introduction to Gypsy Jazz Rhythm with Chuck Kish
2026-03-04 17:45 - 18:45 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Workshop

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Introduction to Gypsy Jazz: Gypsy Rhythm, Gypsy Picking

with Chuck Kish ( Hot Club of Saratoga )

4 weeks: Feb 4th, 18th, 25th and Mar 4th

5:45 pm – 6:45 pm

$120

Learn the basics of Gypsy Jazz style.

Gypsy Swing music has been passed down through the generations through families and generally as a folk process: watch, listen, imitate, learn. When Django Reinhardt "fathered" Gypsy Jazz along with Stephane Grappelli and The Quintet of The Hot Club of France in the 1930's it was just called jazz. It is now a genre known for soulful ballads and driving swing, with fiery solos

This class is an introduction to the basic elements that distinguish Gypsy Jazz from other genres. We will focus mainly on the unique Gypsy Rhythm known as la pompe, the foundation of the entire genre as commonly known today. We will explore various ways to play and styles of rhythm, common chords used, and lastly a very brief intro to soloing in the style.

To get the most out of this class participants should be comfortable playing typical guitar chords and strumming. Some experience with picking melodies, and barre chords is helpful but not necessary. This class will focus on playing, the how more than the why, though the why will often be mentioned. Any acoustic guitar will be fine for this class.

4 weeks

Week 1: Gypsy Jazz Style, La Pompe, Power Chord of GJ

la pompe: downstroke style

powerchord of gypsy jazz #1

minor swing

Week 2: La Pompe styles, Another

la pompe: upstroke style

powerchord of gypsy jazz #2

Dark Eyes

Week 3: Other Gypsy Rhythm Styles

Varying la pompe

A few more chords

Gypsy Bossa, Rumba

Swing Gitane played as swing, bossa, and rumba

Bossa Dorado if time permits

Week 4: Other Chord Forms, Intro To Gypsy Picking and Soloing

rest stroke picking

stylistic basics in the genre

some basic triads and tetrads on which to bass soloing

wrapup

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Guitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson
2026-03-05 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-12 09:00 - 12:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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Guitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson

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

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

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

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

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

Classes limited to 8 students per class

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School of Music Slow Jam
2026-03-05 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Workshop

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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.

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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Téada
2026-03-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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For more than two decades, Téada has been one of the leading voices in Irish traditional music—dynamic, deeply rooted, and internationally celebrated. As the band approaches 25 years on the road this year, 2026, Téada continues to bring the heart and soul of Ireland’s musical heritage to audiences around the globe.

Known for their driving rhythms, expressive melodies, and electrifying live performances, Téada has headlined major festivals across North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. Their remarkable career includes landmark appearances such as a 30,000-person concert in Brittany, performances at the Edmonton Folk Festival, Penang World Music Festival (Malaysia), Harare International Festival of the Arts (Zimbabwe), and the Rainforest World Music Festival (Borneo), as well as a seven-week tour of Japan and Taiwan that drew more than 40,000 attendees.

Since first touring the United States in 2001, Téada has maintained a strong and beloved presence with American audiences, earning a reputation for performances that are both exhilarating and deeply authentic. The band has also collaborated with orchestras, including Germany’s Württembergische Philharmonie, further showcasing the versatility and richness of Ireland’s traditional music.

Their most recent release on Gael Linn features special guest appearances by actor and singer John C. Reilly and the late Séamus Begley, one of Ireland’s most cherished traditional singers and accordionists. Recent appearances at the Dublin Irish Festival, Savannah Music Festival, Montana Folk Festival, Festival Interceltique de Lorient (France), and the Irish Festival of Oulu (Finland) underscore Téada’s role as true ambassadors of Irish culture.

Rooted in tradition yet alive with energy and invention, Téada’s music is made to be shared—felt in the feet, the heart, and the spirit. We’re thrilled to welcome them back to the Caffè Lena stage for an unforgettable evening of world-class Irish music.

SAMPLE SONG

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

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

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Music With Miss Deb
2026-03-06 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-03-13 09:30 - 10:30 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Workshop

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

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

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

Fun for the whole family!

#youthclass

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Dust Bowl Faeries
2026-03-06 20:00 - 22:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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THIS SHOW WAS RESCHEDULED FROM SUNDAY, JANUARY 25TH DUE TO THE STORM.

Dust Bowl Faeries perform a faerie-tale of dark cabaret and macabre polka music, infused with a dose of witchcraft and a dusting of woodland magic. Hailing from the haunted villages of the NY Hudson Valley, the Faeries perform original songs peppered with nuances of tango, flamenco, Klezmer, Balkan and Romani swing music. Singing saw, piano accordion, lap-steel, bass, acoustic guitar and percussion combine to create the Dust Bowl Faeries otherworldly sound.

The Dust Bowl Faeries ensemble has toured internationally and has released several albums including Magic & Mayhem (2024) featuring Melora Creager/Rasputina on cello, Carnival Dust (2023) featuring harpist Mikaela Davis, and a debut album featuring Tommy Stinson of The Replacements/Guns N' Roses.

SAMPLE SONG

Americana by way of pagan cabaret – Bay Area Reporter

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

Note: Caffe Lena does not permit ticket reselling above fave 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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Little Folks Series: Peter Davis
2026-03-07 15:00 - 16:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Workshop

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Little Folks audiences are in for a joyful, music filled morning with Peter Davis.

A true musical shapeshifter, Peter plays an astonishing range of instruments (including clarinet, alto sax, 5-string & tenor banjos, piano, tenor and 6-string guitar, whistle and hulu-si) and brings an intuitive, playful approach to traditional folk, blues, jazz, vintage pop, and more. His performances are warm, interactive, and full of surprises, inviting kids and grownups alike to sing along, move, and join the fun.

Peter has shared music with families across the country through school residencies, festivals, and community programs, spreading the joy of traditional music and dancing for decades. With deep roots in both performance and education, he creates an atmosphere where curiosity, laughter, and participation are always welcome.

He has performed nationally, and internationally, with Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, The Prairie Home Companion House Band, Papa John Phillips, Annie and the Hedonists, the Whippersnappers, the Clayfoot Strutters and others, For 12 years, Peter was the Program Director of The Flurry Festival of Traditional Music and Dancing. He is known to Capital District audiences as a member of the WAMC Dancing on the Air Orchestra, and Reggie's Red Hot Feetwarmers, the house band at Saratoga Race Course each summer. Since 1989, Peter has been on staff at Ashokan Western and Swing Week, where he teaches chord theory, improvisation, and leads dynamic group singing sessions.

Expect lively songs, engaging stories, and plenty of chances to sing along at this Little Folks favorite, designed especially for young listeners and their caregivers.

This Little Folks Show is FREE, as always, but we ask you to please sign up so we know how many people to expect!

The Little Folks Series is made possible by the generous support of Kevin & Claudia Bright.

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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More Music Less Violence Presents: Girls Need Lov3
2026-03-07 20:00 - 22:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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More Music Less Violence Presents: Girls Need Lov3. An Independent Artist Experience, in collaboration with the award-winning Capital Region nonprofit More Music Less Violence, we highlight female artists in honor of International Women’s Day. Nine different women from the Capital Region will bring their talents to the Caffe Lena stage for a night of empowering and uplifting women’s voices.

Doors at 7, show at 8

This is the third installment of Girls Need Lov3 since its launch in 2020, created and assembled by DJ HollyW8D to highlight women in music in honor of international women's day.

Each program has been an unforgettable and empowering experience so you are in for a treat!

This is a very unique all-women music showcase celebrating the month of March, community and local artistry. See you there!

Live music

Live violin

Live painting

& More

Live Performances by:

RIA CURLEY

SHEHXNA

AMANDA CASE

IVELIAH

LACE

SHAYN JEANETTE

VIOLINA-VIOLINIST

AILA CHIAR

V3X

Live Painting by: Spice

(Painting will be auctioned off post show)

This isn’t just a concert.

This is a curated experience designed to uplift women creatives within the capital district while giving the community a space to discover and support them all at once.

Advance tickets recommended.

Space is limited at Caffe Lena.

Secure your spot now and be part of the movement.

﻿Www.MoreMusicLessViolence.Org

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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ONLINE: Songwriting Intensive with Gretchen Peters
2026-03-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Online, Streaming On Zoom
American Roots Workshop

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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 March 1 – 22, 2025

Part Two: Sundays April 12 – May 3, 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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Mar 11 • 10:30 AM

Tim O'Brien with Jan Fabricius
2026-03-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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Tim O’Brien and his wife Jan Fabricius have performed together nationally and internationally since 2015. The original songs on their 2025 release Paper Flowers offer tangible proof of a deep collaboration and serve as a narrative of the couple’s life together. Both live and in the studio, they present an acoustic music roots repertoire that’s at once both original and traditional.

Tim O’Brien might operate a bit under music business radar, but he’s been an essential part of the fabric of the folk, bluegrass, and Americana scenes for the past fifty years. Since his emergence as singer, instrumentalist, and songwriter with the iconic 1980’s bluegrass group Hot Rize, the West Virginia native has continued down a diverse and constantly evolving musical pathway. In the process he’s written songs for people like Garth Brooks and the Dixie Chicks, released rootsy classics like Red on Blonde and The Crossing, and earned a few Grammy awards.

A registered nurse from Kansas, Fabricius started dating O’Brien in 2011. After moving to Nashville in 2013, she took a crash course in the music business as tour manager. O’Brien describes their musical evolution: “Jan started adding harmony vocals and mandolin to shows and recordings soon after we became a couple. We would play music around the house, and she would learn new songs as I wrote them. Then soon enough we started writing together.”

When Cathy Fink and Jon Weisberger approached O’Brien in 2023 to contribute to what became 2024’s Bluegrass Sings Paxton, Tim and Jan wrote the song “You Took Me In” with the man himself. Encouraged by the results, the three scheduled weekly Zoom co-writing sessions and the songs kept coming. Paper Flowers includes twelve of those songs as well as three more originals.

SAMPLE SONG

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

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

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Mandolin Vitamins - Tunes, Techniques and Ensemble Music
2026-03-09 10:00 - 11:30 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Workshop

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Attention Mandolin, Octave Mandolin, Mandola and Mandocello Players – This class is intended for advanced beginner and up mandolin family players and is limited to 10 students.

Alan Epstein has been playing mandolin for the past 54 years and has been teaching others to play mandolin for 30 years. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pa, he has lived in the Capital District since 2008 and is currently living in Glens falls, NY. Alan has preformed in bluegrass bands in Colorado, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan and New York. In 2002 Alan was the founder of the modern day Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra. and has been a Wernick Method Bluegrass Jam instructor since 2012.

﻿

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Open Mic
2026-03-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
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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JAZZ at Caffe Lena : The Chuck Lamb Trio with Special Guest Greg Abate
2026-03-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots 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 March, the Chuck Lamb Trio welcomes a very special guest: acclaimed saxophonist Greg Abate, a lifelong champion of straight-ahead jazz whose vibrant tone and masterful improvisation have captivated audiences around the world. A Berklee College of Music graduate and former member of both the Ray Charles Orchestra and the Artie Shaw band, Abate brings decades of experience — and an unmistakable musical voice — to every performance.

A prolific recording artist and Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame inductee, Abate is celebrated for keeping the spirit of bebop alive while infusing it with fresh energy. His appearance with the trio promises an evening of inspired interplay, bold creativity, and the thrilling spontaneity that only happens when great jazz musicians share the stage.

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.

Started by Chuck with support from late GRAMMY and Oscar-winning producer Joel Moss, the Jazz at Caffè Lena series continues to grow as a regional destination for lovers of innovative, boundary-pushing jazz.

Whether you’re a longtime jazz aficionado or a newcomer to the scene, this night of music will surprise, delight, and leave you wanting more. We’re thrilled to welcome Greg Abate as a special guest with Chuck Lamb for an evening of deep musical conversation, fearless improvisation, and world-class jazz artistry.

SAMPLE SONG

Don’t miss your chance to witness spontaneous magic—live and in the moment.

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

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

﻿

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Folk Club Kids
2026-03-11 10:30 - 11:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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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/

Join Dan Berggren, Arielle Woodul and Connor Armbruster 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 Andy and Bill Spence.

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After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady
2026-03-11 14:30 - 17:30 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Workshop

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After School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne

17 weeks starting January 28th

Use these links to sign up:

2:45, 3:40, 4:35

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

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

Youth Folk Ensemble is–

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meet the instructors:

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

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

#youthclass

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Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro
2026-03-11 17:45 - 18:45 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
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Learn the basics of clawhammer banjo with award winning banjo player Carolyn Shapiro. This four week workshop will introduce you to everything you need to get started on your banjo journey. You will learn the clawhammer technique, how to tune your instrument, basic chord shapes, alternate tunings, and a few songs that will help you get familiar with your instrument. This is a beginner level workshop and is perfect for anyone who is brand new to music or brand new to this style of banjo.

Carolyn is an old-time banjo player and songwriter from Glens Falls who has been picking and singing around the Capital Region for over ten years. She got her start as a performer working at Caffe Lena and is now a regular host of the Monday open mic. Blending sultry flavor with a deep-rooted traditional style, Carolyn's music pushes the boundaries of the banjo with a catalog of songs that takes listeners on an intimate journey through the complexities of being human. As a performer, Carolyn brings a joy and vulnerability to the stage, leaving audiences feeling genuinely restored and inspired. Her 2022 debut album earned her the title of Folk Artist of the Year at the Capital Region Music Rewards. Her sophomore release, Take it Easy (2024) was recorded live with her band and captures the warmth, spontaneity, and camaraderie that define her sound.

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Music Theory for Jammers with Bruce Thompson
2026-03-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Workshop

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Wednesday Night with Caffè Lena School of Music –

March 11, 25 and April 1, 8. 7pm – 8pm

$120

This course covers the basics of music theory for those who play music regularly but have limited or no knowledge of music theory. A basic understanding of music theory can help musicians at all levels learn faster, be more creative and communicate better with other musicians. Each week we will discuss a different aspect of music theory (i.e. rhythm, melody and harmony) and real world examples of how these concepts are applied.

Experience level: All levels

Instructor: Bruce Thompson

Topics:

Rhythm Concepts

Intervals

Major and Minor Scales

Chords & Chord Progressions (Constructions and types)

Notation and Musical forms

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Caitlin Canty
2026-03-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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Caitlin Canty’s songs feel discovered rather than constructed—rooted in tradition, shaped by lived experience, and delivered with a voice that is both haunting and quietly resolute. Drawing from the grit and grace at the heart of American music, her work blends folk, blues, and Americana into songs that linger long after the last note fades.

Since the release of her critically acclaimed Reckless Skyline in 2015, Canty has become a beloved presence in the roots music world, touring extensively across the U.S. and Europe and performing at festivals like Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, FreshGrass, and Telluride Bluegrass Festival—where she won the Telluride Troubadour songwriting competition. Her song “Get Up” was nominated for Song of the Year at the Folk Alliance International Music Awards and featured on NPR Music’s Songs We Love. Her music has appeared in film and television (House of Cards, Money Heist, Code Black) and has earned over 40 million streams worldwide.

Canty’s newest album, Night Owl Envies the Mourning Dove, marks a return to a grittier, more electric Americana sound—echoing Reckless Skyline while reflecting the profound life changes of recent years. Recorded live in the studio while Canty was nearly eight months pregnant, the album captures songs shaped by motherhood, place, resilience, and the shifting meaning of home. Co-produced with Sam Kassirer (Josh Ritter), the record was tracked over four days in rural Maine with a band of longtime collaborators, preserving the raw immediacy and emotional clarity of the performances.

Canty’s songwriting is cinematic and precise—her lyrics vivid as short stories, her melodies steeped in blues and folk tradition yet unmistakably her own. Whether whispering a lullaby or leaning into a driving electric groove, she sings with restraint and intention, letting every bend, breath, and quiver carry weight.

SAMPLE SONG

“Dreamy and daring.” — Rolling Stone

“A beautiful voice both strong and deliberate.” — No Depression

“Clear-sighted courage and profound authenticity.” — The Bluegrass Situation

This is music shaped by real life—by storms weathered, homes remade, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going. We’re honored to welcome Caitlin Canty back to 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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Stéphane Wrembel Quartet
2026-03-13 20:00 - 22:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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“Perhaps the most creative improviser in Gypsy jazz today, Mr. Wrembel plays the guitar with a rich and colorful lyricism.”

— The New York Times

Hailed by Rolling Stone as “a revelation” and described by The New York Observer as “the living face of Gypsy jazz,” Stéphane Wrembel stands among the world’s most celebrated guitarists and composers.

Born in Fontainebleau, France, Wrembel has spent more than two decades enchanting audiences across the globe with a singular sound that blends jazz, gypsy swing, and world music into something unmistakably his own.

In addition to his extraordinary live performances, Wrembel is a highly sought-after composer. His music has been featured prominently in acclaimed films including Midnight in Paris (“Bistro Fada”), Vicky Cristina Barcelona (“Big Brother”), and Rifkin’s Festival (original score). Midnight in Paris went on to win the GRAMMY® Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack, and in 2012 Wrembel was personally selected by Hans Zimmer to perform at the Academy Awards® alongside an all-star ensemble including Esperanza Spalding, Pharrell, and Sheila E.

With 19 albums released under his own name and the acclaimed Django Experiment series, Wrembel continues to push creative boundaries. His most recent release, a three-CD Triptych (Phases I, II & III) recorded with renowned improvisational pianist Jean-Michel Pilc, was released in April 2024 and received glowing reviews from DownBeat, Guitar Player Magazine, Acoustic Guitar Magazine, New York City Jazz Record, and more. His collaborations with artists such as David Grisman and GRAMMY®-winning guitarist Raul Midón further underscore his remarkable versatility.

Wrembel is also a passionate educator and cultural ambassador. Since 2003, he has served as the artistic director of Django à Gogo, a weeklong festival and guitar camp celebrating the Sinti guitar tradition, hosted at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, and featuring master classes with world-class musicians.

Over the years, Wrembel has shared the stage with an astonishing range of artists—from Elvis Costello, Patti Smith, and The Roots to Medeski Martin & Wood, John Scofield, Sam Bush, and Stochelo Rosenberg—and has appeared on NPR’s Mountain Stage and Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour. His performances transcend labels and expectations, offering something deeply resonant for every listener.

SAMPLE SONG

As Wrembel says:

“I just play my own music. It’s not only for the rock lover, the Django lover, or the jazz lover—it’s for the music lover.”

We’re thrilled to welcome Stéphane Wrembel & Band to the Caffè Lena stage for an evening of virtuosic guitar, rich storytelling, and music without borders.

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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Songwriting Club
2026-03-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
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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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Cherish the Ladies
2026-03-14 16:00 - 18:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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Virtuosity, Tradition & Joyful Irish Music

For nearly four decades, Cherish the Ladies has captivated audiences around the world as one of the most celebrated ensembles in Irish music history. Known for their exhilarating blend of traditional Irish music, stunning vocals, and propulsive step dancing, the group delivers performances that are as moving as they are joyful.

Since their founding in 1985, this GRAMMY®-nominated ensemble has helped redefine what Irish traditional music can be—forging a powerful path for women in a historically male-dominated genre while earning the admiration of audiences and critics alike. As The Boston Globe puts it: “It is simply impossible to imagine an audience that wouldn’t enjoy what they do!”

Led by flute and whistle virtuoso Joanie Madden, a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Award, Cherish the Ladies showcases an extraordinary mix of virtuosic instrumentalists, beautiful vocalists, engaging arrangements, and dynamic step dancing. Their signature sound seamlessly blends tradition and innovation, creating an experience that is both deeply rooted and thrillingly alive.

Over the years, Cherish the Ladies has released 18 critically acclaimed albums and performed thousands of concerts worldwide—from prestigious concert halls and international festivals to the Olympics and the White House. Their collaborations read like a who’s who of American and Irish music, including the Boston Pops Symphony, The Chieftains, Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Vince Gill, Nanci Griffith, and The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem. They have also performed more than 300 nights with leading symphony orchestras, earning their reputation as the most celebrated Celtic Pops act in history.

Praise for the band is universal. The New York Times calls their sound “passionate, tender, and rambunctious,” while The Washington Post marvels at their “astonishing array of virtuosity.” Their accolades include BBC Best Musical Group of the Year and Top North American Celtic Group at the Irish Music Awards—along with a street named in their honor in the Bronx: “Joanie Madden and Cherish the Ladies.”

SAMPLE SONG

We’re thrilled to welcome Cherish the Ladies to Caffè Lena for an evening of world-class Irish music that promises to delight longtime fans and newcomers alike.

This show is made possible by the generous support of Celtic Treasures.

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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Cherish the Ladies
2026-03-14 20:00 - 22:00 | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
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Virtuosity, Tradition & Joyful Irish Music

For nearly four decades, Cherish the Ladies has captivated audiences around the world as one of the most celebrated ensembles in Irish music history. Known for their exhilarating blend of traditional Irish music, stunning vocals, and propulsive step dancing, the group delivers performances that are as moving as they are joyful.

Since their founding in 1985, this GRAMMY®-nominated ensemble has helped redefine what Irish traditional music can be—forging a powerful path for women in a historically male-dominated genre while earning the admiration of audiences and critics alike. As The Boston Globe puts it: “It is simply impossible to imagine an audience that wouldn’t enjoy what they do!”

Led by flute and whistle virtuoso Joanie Madden, a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Award, Cherish the Ladies showcases an extraordinary mix of virtuosic instrumentalists, beautiful vocalists, engaging arrangements, and dynamic step dancing. Their signature sound seamlessly blends tradition and innovation, creating an experience that is both deeply rooted and thrillingly alive.

Over the years, Cherish the Ladies has released 18 critically acclaimed albums and performed thousands of concerts worldwide—from prestigious concert halls and international festivals to the Olympics and the White House. Their collaborations read like a who’s who of American and Irish music, including the Boston Pops Symphony, The Chieftains, Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Vince Gill, Nanci Griffith, and The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem. They have also performed more than 300 nights with leading symphony orchestras, earning their reputation as the most celebrated Celtic Pops act in history.

Praise for the band is universal. The New York Times calls their sound “passionate, tender, and rambunctious,” while The Washington Post marvels at their “astonishing array of virtuosity.” Their accolades include BBC Best Musical Group of the Year and Top North American Celtic Group at the Irish Music Awards—along with a street named in their honor in the Bronx: “Joanie Madden and Cherish the Ladies.”

SAMPLE SONG

We’re thrilled to welcome Cherish the Ladies to Caffè Lena for an evening of world-class Irish music that promises to delight longtime fans and newcomers alike.

﻿This show is made possible by the generous support of Celtic Treasures.

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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ONLINE: Songwriting Intensive with Gretchen Peters
2026-03-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Online, Streaming On Zoom
American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk

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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 March 1 – 22, 2025

Part Two: Sundays April 12 – May 3, 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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