Caffè Lena

Darlingside Songwriting Workshop
2025-08-10 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Multi-act Program Open Mic

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The Caffè Lena School of Music and Darlingside are excited to bring you this songwriting workshop. ﻿In this workshop, we’ll explore a playful, collaborative, one-step-at-a-time approach to songwriting that we’ve developed over the past decade. We’ll break down an example all the way from a silly prompt to a final song and how each of us played a discrete role in that process. We’ll then invite everyone to sharpen their quills and open their minds in a small group writing exercise. This workshop will involve group writing and sharing (which is not as scary as it sounds, we promise!) but we’ll also be discussing modifications you can make to adapt. ﻿Limited to 50 people. ﻿

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$5.00

General
$5.00

Child or Student
$5.00

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Darlingside
2025-08-09 20:00 - 22:00
Multi-act Program Singer Songwriter

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Caffè Lena has been pivotal to Darlingside’s journey since 2013 when the band first performed as part of our Emerging Artist Breakout series. Annual shows here helped them gain national attention, with NPR describing their indie rock as “exquisitely arranged, literary minded, baroque folk-pop.” Their elegant compositions and unified voices have earned praise from Rolling Stone and The New Yorker, fostering a worldwide following.

Their fourth LP, Everything Is Alive, brings fresh new sounds. Exploring themes of personal and universal change, the album delves into big life decisions, emphasizing loss and redemption. Produced and recorded by the band and mixed by Tucker Martine (My Morning Jacket, Sufjan Stevens, Iron and Wine), it showcases Darlingside’s evolution while retaining signature harmonies and melodic sophistication.

SAMPLE SONG

Join us at Caffè Lena for a luminous evening of music as Darlingside shares their most personal work yet—songs that meet life’s tender complexities head-on, and invite us all to find what’s still alive and beautiful.

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

﻿

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Nordlys Global Voices Series: Elida Almeida
2025-08-08 20:00 - 22:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic

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Born on the island of Santiago in Cape Verde, Elida Almeida began her musical journey singing in church, developing a voice that’s as rich in emotion as it is in strength. At just 22, she burst onto the international scene by winning the Prix Découvertes RFI in 2015 and has since graced major world music stages across Europe, Africa, and North America. This past March, Elida performed an NPR Tiny Desk Concert as part of their x globalFEST.

Elida’s debut album introduced the world to her vibrant sound and earned massive acclaim, with the standout single "Nta Konsigui" amassing over 2.7 million views on YouTube. Her second album, Kebrada—named after the village where she grew up—dives deeper into her roots, blending traditional Cabo Verdean rhythms like batuque, funaná, coladera, and tabanka with a burst of Latin flair.

With a warm, smooth voice and a fiery stage presence, Elida delivers a sound that’s joyful and danceable, yet deeply thoughtful. Her music celebrates identity, resilience, and community, offering ballads that are both nostalgic and socially resonant, all wrapped in irresistible grooves.

SAMPLE SONG

Don’t miss this powerful evening of global music at Caffè Lena—an intimate setting for one of Africa’s most exciting contemporary voices.

﻿Made possible by The Nordlys Foundation.

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

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$5.00

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The Nields
2025-08-07 19:00 - 21:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic

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The Nields have been lighting up the indie circuit since 1991, originally traveling the continent as a five-piece band. Today, sisters Nerissa and Katryna perform as a duo often compared to The Indigo Girls and The Roches. The Chicago Tribune reports, “As the work of the Everly Brothers or the McGarrigle Sisters has amply demonstrated, there are few sounds as sublime as close harmonies rendered by siblings. In the case of western Massachusetts folk rockers the Nields, the siblings are sisters Nerissa and Katryna Nields, and their inimitable vocal blend is a disarming mix of clean folk harmonies and clenched Generation-X angst.”

The Nields have been lauded for their gorgeous, lilting, sibling harmonies, their wise, classic, folk/pop songs, their hilarious banter on stage, and their generosity and warmth in performance and engagement with their fans. “A masterful mix of modern folk with an alternative edge” (Minneapolis Star Tribune), and The Austin Chronicle raves, “If there’s one constant here, it’s The Nields sisters beautifully sweet vocal harmonies that sound eerily like the Roches singing Lush in a really big room. It's infectious stuff.”

SAMPLE SONG

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

﻿

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$5.00

General
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Child or Student
$5.00

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School of Music Slow Jam
2025-08-07 13:00 - 15:00
Multi-act Program Singer Songwriter

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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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Poetry Open Mic Featuring Mike Jurkovic
2025-08-06 19:00 - 21:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic

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Mike Jurkovic was named 2025 Ulster County Poet Laureate. He has published poetry, prose, and music reviews globally with little reportable income. Jurkovic’s 5 full-length collections include Buckshot Reckoning, mooncussers, AmericanMental, (Luchador Press 2023, 2022, 2020); haiku collections Monet’s Bamboo (CAPS Press, 2025) Blue Fan Whirring, (Nirala Press, 2018) 2016 Pushcart nominee. He is the president of Calling All Poets reading series, which is celebrating 26 years in the Hudson Valley. You can find his reviews online at All About Jazz and lightwoodpress.com. He hosts NuJazzXcursions, Monday 9-10:30 am, WVKR-91.3FM Vassar College.

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

﻿

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

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Folk Club Kids
2025-08-06 10:30 - 11:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic

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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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The Piecemakers Story Quilt Night
2025-08-05 19:00 - 21:00
Multi-act Program Singer Songwriter

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The Piecemakers Quilt forms the centerpiece of this unique night. Personal stories as well as stories from all over the world inspire each artful square, and five different storytellers will animate stories from the squares they sewed, creating a living, breathing, human quilt to match the beauty of the fabric one.

In 1997, the Piecemakers Quilt Group was formed in New Paltz, NY. Each year since then, the quilters have chosen a theme and created one-of-a-kind blocks for the quilt to be donated to the Akwesasne Freedom School’s Annual Quilt Auction to support the school’s mission of keeping Mohawk traditions, language, and culture alive. This year, blocks come from all over the US and from as far away as New Zealand on the theme of “More Stories and Legends from Around the World.” Listeners will see the 2025 quilt while Kay Olan, Claire Nolan, Jeannine Laverty, Susan Rivers, and Rebekah Rice with her granddaughter, Yeva Raisin Shifrin bring five of those quilt squares to life.

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

﻿

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Open Mic
2025-08-04 19:00 - 21:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic

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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

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$5.00

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Chris Pierce
2025-08-03 19:00 - 21:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic

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Chris Pierce gained national prominence with “We Can Always Come Back To This,” which appeared on NBC’s This Is Us, then went on to reach #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart. Pierce has headlined tours worldwide, opening for Neil Young, B.B. King, Seal, Al Green, Jill Scott, and Aaron Neville among others. His folk/Americana album, American Silence garnered critical acclaim from the likes of NPR, Rolling Stone and NoDepression. Acoustic Guitar praises the project as: “Soulful, wise and empathetic." PopMatters named American Silence the #1 Best Folk Album of 2021. “Chris Pierce is one of the most important American songwriters working today.” – Nic Harcourt, KCSN Los Angeles

​At a young age, Pierce developed a rare hearing disorder called Otosclerosis that led to the loss of hearing in one ear and partial deafness in the other, a setback that would deter many young musicians forever. The reality, however, fueled his passion and determination all the more, forcing him to re-learn almost everything he had known prior to his condition. To Pierce, music was, and still is, an unconditional companion.

In addition to his solo career, Chris Pierce is a frequent radio co-host on Sirius XM’s “Prisms: the Sound of Color,” performs/records as War & Pierce (with Sunny War), and with Americana/roots band Leon Creek, and has made appearances with the Black Opry Revue. He is also a college professor, specializing in music business & songwriting, and has penned a blues opera for stage. More praise for Pierce: “I haven’t been so deeply, deeply moved by just a person and their guitar like this in a long time.” (NPR Music) “Passionate, well constructed, generously spirited protest music that can’t be ignored,” (Americana UK) “Pierce’s take on soul is heart-wrenching, achingly honest, raw and authentic.” (L.A. Weekly)

SAMPLE SONG

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

﻿

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$5.00

General
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Child or Student
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Stillhouse Junkies
2025-08-02 20:00 - 22:00
Multi-act Program Singer Songwriter

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Stillhouse Junkies are acoustic adventurers forging a path all their own through the landscapes of roots, bluegrass, Texas swing, blues, and rock. With electrifying energy, tight vocal harmonies, and jaw-dropping instrumental chops, this trio brings a spontaneous, genre-bending sound that turns every show into a one-of-a-kind musical experience.

Based in Durango, Colorado, Stillhouse Junkies are: Fred Kosak – guitar & mandolin, Alissa Wolf – fiddle, and Jeanette Adams – upright bass.

Their free-flowing musical interplay and fearless improvisation mean no two performances are ever alike. Every night is an adventurous ride through high-energy, intricately crafted originals, making room for joyful detours, soulful breakdowns, and soaring solos.

Formed in 2017, the band has earned national attention with performances at MerleFest, RockyGrass, Grey Fox, and ROMP, and received the IBMA Momentum Band of the Year Award in 2021. They’ve shared stages with Willie Carlisle, The 'Lil Smokies, and Asleep at the Wheel, and are quickly rising through the ranks of the modern acoustic music scene. Their fourth album is due out in early 2025, and they will definitely be playing some songs from it on our stage!

Join us for an evening of high-energy genre-bending American roots music from the hills of Southwestern Colorado!

SAMPLE SONG

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

﻿

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Little Folks Series: Mr. Moose & Friends
2025-08-02 15:00 - 17:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic

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Zachary Hampton, aka Zak, aka Mr. Moose is a passionate tenor saxophonist, educator and entertainer who is deeply committed to the idea of sharing his wild energy through music with all who will listen. He is a career musician and music teacher, having directed elementary, middle, and high school music and bands for over 10 years in Rutland County, Vermont. Mr. Moose engages kids and adults alike with his enthusiasm and passion for performing music from Raffi to the Beatles and from Miles Davis to Green Day, Stevie Wonder and Dua Lipa.

SAMPLE SONG

Made possible by a generous gift from by Kevin & Claudia Bright.

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

﻿

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
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The Henry Girls
2025-08-01 20:00 - 22:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic

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The Henry Girls — sisters Karen, Lorna, and Joleen McLaughlin — bring the rich musical traditions of their home in Inishowen, County Donegal to stages across the world. Blending traditional Irish folk with the soulful storytelling of Americana, their sound is both rooted and expansive, tender and bold.

Multi-instrumentalists and skilled vocalists, the sisters weave intricate harmonies while playing an array of instruments including fiddle, harp, mandolin, ukulele, banjo, piano, accordion, and guitar. Together, they create music that feels deeply personal yet universally resonant.

Since forming over a decade ago, The Henry Girls have released a string of acclaimed albums and collaborated with beloved artists including Mary Black, Session Americana, Dónal Lunny, and Moya Brennan. Their songs have reached audiences in both concert halls and on screen — including an Irish Film and Television Award nomination for their original score in A Shine of Rainbows.

At the heart of it all is a family connection that radiates through every note. Named in honor of their grandfather, The Henry Girls’ music invites listeners into a shared space of stories, tradition, and heartfelt song.

SAMPLE SONG

Join us for a special night of shimmering harmonies and unforgettable melodies as The Henry Girls bring their signature blend of Irish folk and Americana to Caffè Lena.

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

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Overit Home Grown Sessions: Sydney Worthley
2025-07-31 19:00 - 21:00
Multi-act Program Singer Songwriter

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Sydney Worthley began writing songs at just nine years old, quietly capturing the world around her and transforming it into deeply personal music. Her songwriting explores growing up, finding your voice, and navigating life’s shifting landscapes—with a clarity and emotional depth that invites listeners in.

Her latest album, It Was Nice While It Lasted (Mint 400 Records), was written and recorded during the stillness of the pandemic. Produced by John Naclerio (Nada Studios), the album blends acoustic textures with subtle electronic elements, creating an intimate yet expansive soundscape. Each of the 12 tracks carries the weight of lived experience—poetic, honest, and unafraid to sit with uncertainty.

Sydney first joined us at Lena Go Round in May, where her powerful storytelling and warm presence resonated deeply with our audience. We’re thrilled to welcome her back for a full set—an evening of intimate songs with quiet strength that speak from the heart.

SAMPLE SONG

Let yourself be drawn in by a voice that speaks with sincerity, heart, and a sense of timeless storytelling.

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

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

﻿

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School of Music Slow Jam
2025-07-31 13:00 - 15:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic

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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.

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$5.00

General
$5.00

Child or Student
$5.00

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Lena Go Round-Songwriters Showcase Hosted by Erin Harkes
2025-07-30 19:30 - 21:30
Multi-act Program Open Mic

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For 65 years, Caffè Lena has been a place where great artists get their start—a stage where music is more than just sound; it’s stories, community, and discovery. The Lena Go Round continues that tradition, offering a monthly showcase of rising songwriting talent, curated and hosted by powerhouse musician, comedian, entrepreneur, and all around powerhouse, Erin Harkes.

What makes Lena Go Round special?

It is a curated lineup of the best up-and-coming songwriters—handpicked to deliver unforgettable performances
It is a true “in the round” experience—where songwriters take turns sharing their music and stories, creating an intimate and inspiring atmosphere
It is a direct link to Caffè Lena’s legacy—this stage launched careers, and Lena Go Round continues to nurture the next generation of folk, Americana, and indie artists

The July lineup is Briar Magee, Deb Cavanaugh, Mel Krahmer of Sirsy, and of course, Erin!

You will always hear something fresh, moving, and unforgettable. Come be part of a Capital District must-see event, where the best of the best take the stage and some before the world catches on.

SAMPLE SONG

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

ARTIST BIOS:

Briar Magee

Briar Magee is an actress / singer/ model based in New York City. Cast in musical theatre productions at a young age, Briar’s love for performance comes through every time she takes the stage. Singing is her first love. Recently she’s been learning about technology and producing, which has strengthened her understanding of the mechanics and artistry even more.

Deb Cavanaugh

Award winning singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and roots singer Deb Cavanaugh lives in the foothills of the Taconic Mountains, in upstate New York. She started making music as a toddler singing before she spoke and singing harmony and rounds by age 3. Her dad exposed her to Classical, Big Band and Jazz. As a teenager, she became enamored with blues, rock and Motown. While studying classical music, she was given the opportunity to sing Duke Ellington’s sacred music in a church choir directed by him. During the mid-70s, Deb met her future husband and hitchhiked with him across the country to San Francisco, jumping into the world of rock and roll. They formed the band General Eclectic. After moving back and forth from coast to coast, sometimes in a VW bus, they eventually found their way to upstate New York. After spending her next twenty years immersed in the folk music community, she now combines all of her musical influences writing and performing songs in a variety of styles.​

​She plays many genres, including rock and roll, jazz, blues, children's songs, folk and more. She incorporates traditional American culture into her events with the mountain dulcimer and Limberjack as well as making Crankie rolls, which are moving panoramas that illustrate a song, another folk tradition. Deb also teaches Music Together®, an early-education research-based program for families with young children and classes at Spencertown Academy and Caffe Lena.

They say that variety is the spice of life, and Deb sets out to prove this in her many endeavors.

Sirsy

It’s hard to imagine a sound this big coming from two people. The Boston Globe calls Sirsy “the little band with the big sound.” Fans call them “the little band with a big heart.” Hailing from Upstate NY, SIRSY plays compelling singer-songwriter rock and pop with a charming intensity, a bit of sass, lots of soul, and loads of heart. They write honest, engaging songs that are instantly relatable and catchy. The Times Union says “Sirsy’s clever, smart songs have more hooks than a tackle box”. Sirsy’s passionate and down to earth live shows also include storytelling and even some nerdy jokes. They can somehow make an audience sing along, dance, laugh, and cry – all at the same show.

Melanie Krahmer’s passionate and immediately arresting vocals are sultry and seductive. They can be a floaty whisper or at times raspy and rocking – with a little bit of a tongue-in-cheek tone, as if she’s singing with a wink. She has “one of the most powerful and flexible voices you’ll ever hear” (-Times Union). Mel is also the band’s drummer. She simultaneously plays bass on a keyboard with her drum stick. Live, she also plays piano, melodica, and the occasional badass flute solo too. Mel’s bandmate, co-writer, & husband/bestie is Rich Libutti. Rich masterfully plays a well-loved and road-worn Rickenbacker through a pedal board full of vintage effects. He sounds like 3 guitarists all on his own. The SXSW music blog says “The guitar player is flawless and raw. Clean enough to be enjoyed, and just edgy enough to make you grin.” Rich also plays bass (and at live shows often does it on a pedal board with his feet).

These 2 multi-instrumentalists manage to sound like a full band and somehow do it all with big smiles on their faces. It’s clear they love what they do. And that love is contagious when you see them live. You can’t help smiling along with them. With song lyrics that center around empowerment and resilience, it’s no surprise that Sirsy’s fans have supported the duo through the pandemic, over a dozen records, 20+ years of touring, and Mel’s 2 bouts with cancer. Every show is like a celebration for this couple and their fans. Come celebrate life with them!

Whether you're a lifelong music fan or just love discovering the next big thing, Lena Go Round is the place to be.

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$5.00

General
$5.00

Child or Student
$5.00

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Folk Club Kids
2025-07-30 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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Rainbow Girls
2025-07-29 19:00 - 21:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic

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PLOT TWIST! These girls are a gospel choir from heaven that make sex jokes in between songs.

What began as friends sharing songs at an underground open mic in Isla Vista has grown into one of the folk world’s most captivating trios. Rainbow Girls — Erin Chapin, Caitlin Gowdey, and Vanessa Wilbourn — have spent more than a decade honing their distinctive sound: rich harmonies, sharp songwriting, and a free-spirited energy rooted in deep friendship and wanderlust.

From their early days busking across Europe to recording their crowdfunded debut The Sound of Light and shifting to a more acoustic folk style on American Dream, Rainbow Girls have remained dedicated to the joy of sharing music. Their viral rendition of Down Home Girl introduced millions to their soulful voices and stripped-down, magnetic presence — a moment that opened new doors and expanded their audience worldwide.

They bring a dynamic blend of folk, Americana, and timeless vocal harmony to every stage. Whether reimagining beloved songs or sharing original works, Rainbow Girls create space for connection, laughter, and reflection.

SAMPLE SONG

Join us at Caffè Lena for an evening of heartfelt music from this road-tested band whose harmonies and stories continue to resonate.​ Rainbow Girls are “A gang of sweet angels punching you in the heart.”

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

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

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Open Mic
2025-07-28 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

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$5.00

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"A Joyful Noise!" Gospel Dinner with Soulist Garland Nelson & Friends
2025-07-27 17:00 - 19:00
Multi-act Program Singer Songwriter

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PLEASE NOTE: Thank you for the incredible response to A Joyful Noise! Due to that wonderful response the dinner portion of the event is now completely sold out.

The good news? Show-only tickets are still available—so you can still join us for an evening of uplifting gospel, soul, and celebration with Soulist Garland Nelson & Friends!

The ticket costs reflects the Show price minus the Dinner price.

If you already have dinner included with your ticket—no worries, you’re all set.

If not, we’d love to see you for the music and the spirit of the evening. Come be part of the joy!

There will be a limited drink, snack and dessert menu available à la carte.

A Joyful Noise! Gospel Dinner with Soulist Garland Nelson & Friends is more than a concert—it’s a full-sensory celebration of community, comfort, and spirit. This one-of-a-kind evening blends the rich, uplifting power of live gospel music with a lovingly prepared Caribbean dinner by Vashti's Kitchen Delights, creating an atmosphere that nourishes both body and soul. Led by the incomparable Garland Nelson, whose voice radiates warmth and joy, each gathering becomes a heartfelt experience of connection and praise. Surrounded by friends, familiar songs, and the clink of shared plates, guests don’t just attend—they belong. Join us for a night where the music moves you, the meal fills you, and the spirit of togetherness leaves you glowing.

Sample Song

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

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

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Griffin House
2025-07-26 20:00 - 22:00
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A Nashville-based musician with a Midwestern upbringing, Griffin House bought his first guitar for $100 from a friend, then turned down a golf scholarship to Ohio University and instead went to Miami University where he taught himself how to play guitar and write songs. Inspired by Bruce Springsteen, Woody Guthrie, and the Mermaid Avenue albums by Wilco and Billy Bragg, House embraced the craft of songwriting and issued several albums as an independent artist. His mix of sentimental melodies, ambient guitars, and sparse arrangements attracted attention from Nettwerk, a Vancouver-based record label, and House soon partnered with the label’s American branch to issue Lost & Found in 2004. Several self-released albums followed, and House signed with RCA before issuing Flying Upside Down, a folk-rock album recorded with members of Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers. (AllMusic) His latest release “The Tides” is a five song EP recorded with Grammy Award-winning producer Jacquire King.

House spikes his pop/rock songwriting with a hearty dose of rootsy, atmospheric Americana. He has shared the stage with artists such as Ron Sexsmith, Patti Scialfa, Josh Ritter, John Mellencamp, Mat Kearney, and The Cranberries. American Songwriter raves, “If you are looking to be blown away by raw talent, then look no further than Griffin House.”

SAMPLE SONG

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

﻿

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

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$5.00

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Songwriting Club with Griffin House
2025-07-26 12:00 - 14:00
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Join the Club!

Hear a seasoned songwriters perspective / process
Discuss songwriting tips and strategies
Work on a prompt
With hosts Reese Fulmer and Girl Blue

With special guest Griffin House

$5 at the door

﻿

Doors Open
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Chris Jones & The Night Drivers
2025-07-25 20:00 - 22:00
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Chris Jones & the Night Drivers make some of the most distinctively elegant yet driving bluegrass music heard anywhere today. Deeply rooted in tradition but never bound to it, they deliver original music with tight arrangements, emotional authenticity, and engaging humor. As actor and banjo player Steve Martin says, “Chris Jones’ voice is there with the great masters,” adding that the Night Drivers are “some of the best players in bluegrass.”

Collectively, Chris Jones & the Night Drivers have won 11 IBMA awards and have racked up 22 #1 songs. The band’s latest release, their first all-original album, Make Each Second Last, has received rave reviews and has so far yielded an unprecedented eight consecutive #1 songs, including the title track “We Needed This Ride.” Their song, “Riding the Chief,” co-written by Chris and Thomm Jutz, was nominated for 2022 IBMA Song of the Year. They have topped both the Bluegrass Today and Roots Music Review airplay charts with the latest album. In July of 2022, they made their debut on The Grand Ole Opry. Their new EP is Pages in Your Hand, has also yielded two more #1 songs, including the title track.

SAMPLE SONG

“When I first heard Chris Jones over 25 years ago he became one of my favorite singers, and he continues to have one of the most distinctive and best voices in music, period. It’s like fine wine for the ears.” – Jim Lauderdale

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

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Captain Fun Lunchtime Listening Hour
2025-07-25 12:00 - 13:00
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Bring your lunch & listen to a playlist curated by a Caffe Lena Community member. For the July edition of the Captain Fun Lunchtime Listening Hour, Caffè Lena’s Marketing & Communications Manager Joanne Brown is curating the playlist—and this month, it’s all about singer/songwriters. With her deep love for heartfelt lyrics and memorable melodies, Joanne has chosen songs that spotlight the craft of storytelling through music. Expect a mix of familiar voices and new discoveries that capture the spirit of summer and the soul of the song. The D.J. spinning those records will be the Rochmon himself – Chuck “Rochmon” Vosganian will be spinning the records and getting the conversation flowing.

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. 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.

﻿

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

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Summer Camp: Troubadour in Training
2025-07-25 09:30 - 15:30
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Troubadours in Training Summer Camp with Oona and James

Music is a gift best shared with friends! Here is an exciting opportunity for youth 12-17 (or by instructor permission) to learn music in a dynamic group setting. This camp is for students who already have some experience singing songs and playing string instruments (familiar with the keys of D, G, and C).

In Troubadours in Training camp we will explore:

-How to find and build a repertoire of songs and tunes

-Expanding vocabulary on one's instrument

-Group and harmony singing

-Vocal technique

-Developing a sense of rhythm and groove

-Playing on stage and performance practice

-Songwriting and arranging

This summer camp is a Monday through Friday day camp meeting July 21 – 25, 2025. 9:30am-3:30pm. In this music intensive week we will learn so much after five days together! At the end of the final day there will be a recital/sharing session for family and friends.

Need based scholarships are available as well as instrument loans.

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 other projects including The Grady Girls, Folk Club Kids 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 foundation 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 manages a private music studio focused on teaching and recording 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, and Winter Village Music Camp.

#youthclasses

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

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$5.00

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Peak Jazz Series: Brubeck Brothers Quartet
2025-07-24 19:00 - 21:00
Multi-act Program Singer Songwriter

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"The music is uniformly excellent in its composition, execution, and recording quality. Once again the BBQ attains that rarefield level where music is both relaxed and expressive, and their joy in its creation is contagious. There's nothing out there that comes close to their unique blend of inventiveness." –All About Jazz

Comprised of brothers – and sons of jazz legend Dave Brubeck – Dan Brubeck (drums) and Chris Brubeck (bass, trombone) as well as Mike DeMicco (guitar) and Chuck Lamb (piano), The Brubeck Brothers Quartet is an exciting and dynamic group that showcases the best of "straight-ahead" jazz. Their concerts reveal an inherent ability to explore and play odd time signatures while naturally integrating the influences of funk, blues and world music. The group’s creativity, technique and improvisation can be heard in their uncompromising music, which reflects their dedication to melody, rhythm, culture and the spontaneous spirit of jazz.

With Chris Brubeck’s compositions as a vehicle, B﻿BQ has collaborated with orchestras and chamber groups from around the world including the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, the Russian National Orchestra, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and more.

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

SAMPLE SONG

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

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Summer Camp: Troubadour in Training
2025-07-24 09:30 - 15:30
Multi-act Program Open Mic

Share:

Troubadours in Training Summer Camp with Oona and James

Music is a gift best shared with friends! Here is an exciting opportunity for youth 12-17 (or by instructor permission) to learn music in a dynamic group setting. This camp is for students who already have some experience singing songs and playing string instruments (familiar with the keys of D, G, and C).

In Troubadours in Training camp we will explore:

-How to find and build a repertoire of songs and tunes

-Expanding vocabulary on one's instrument

-Group and harmony singing

-Vocal technique

-Developing a sense of rhythm and groove

-Playing on stage and performance practice

-Songwriting and arranging

This summer camp is a Monday through Friday day camp meeting July 21 – 25, 2025. 9:30am-3:30pm. In this music intensive week we will learn so much after five days together! At the end of the final day there will be a recital/sharing session for family and friends.

Need based scholarships are available as well as instrument loans.

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 other projects including The Grady Girls, Folk Club Kids 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 foundation 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 manages a private music studio focused on teaching and recording 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, and Winter Village Music Camp.

#youthclasses

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$5.00

General
$5.00

Child or Student
$5.00

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Peak Jazz Series: Brubeck Brothers Quartet
2025-07-23 19:00 - 21:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic

Share:

"The music is uniformly excellent in its composition, execution, and recording quality. Once again the BBQ attains that rarefield level where music is both relaxed and expressive, and their joy in its creation is contagious. There's nothing out there that comes close to their unique blend of inventiveness." –All About Jazz

Comprised of brothers – and sons of jazz legend Dave Brubeck – Dan Brubeck (drums) and Chris Brubeck (bass, trombone) as well as Mike DeMicco (guitar) and Chuck Lamb (piano), The Brubeck Brothers Quartet is an exciting and dynamic group that showcases the best of "straight-ahead" jazz. Their concerts reveal an inherent ability to explore and play odd time signatures while naturally integrating the influences of funk, blues and world music. The group’s creativity, technique and improvisation can be heard in their uncompromising music, which reflects their dedication to melody, rhythm, culture and the spontaneous spirit of jazz.

With Chris Brubeck’s compositions as a vehicle, B﻿BQ has collaborated with orchestras and chamber groups from around the world including the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, the Russian National Orchestra, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and more.

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

SAMPLE SONG

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

﻿

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$5.00

General
$5.00

Child or Student
$5.00

Similar Events

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Summer Camp: Troubadour in Training
2025-07-23 09:30 - 15:30
Multi-act Program Singer Songwriter

Share:

Troubadours in Training Summer Camp with Oona and James

Music is a gift best shared with friends! Here is an exciting opportunity for youth 12-17 (or by instructor permission) to learn music in a dynamic group setting. This camp is for students who already have some experience singing songs and playing string instruments (familiar with the keys of D, G, and C).

In Troubadours in Training camp we will explore:

-How to find and build a repertoire of songs and tunes

-Expanding vocabulary on one's instrument

-Group and harmony singing

-Vocal technique

-Developing a sense of rhythm and groove

-Playing on stage and performance practice

-Songwriting and arranging

This summer camp is a Monday through Friday day camp meeting July 21 – 25, 2025. 9:30am-3:30pm. In this music intensive week we will learn so much after five days together! At the end of the final day there will be a recital/sharing session for family and friends.

Need based scholarships are available as well as instrument loans.

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 other projects including The Grady Girls, Folk Club Kids 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 foundation 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 manages a private music studio focused on teaching and recording 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, and Winter Village Music Camp.

#youthclasses

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Jake Xerxes Fussell with opener Christian & Cole
2025-07-22 19:00 - 21:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic

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Step into the timeless world of Jake Xerxes Fussell, a singular voice in contemporary folk music. Hailed by NPR’s Ann Powers as "maybe the leading interpreter of American folk music right now," Fussell’s artistry breathes new life into traditional songs, weaving archival melodies with fresh, evocative arrangements.

A singer, guitarist, and composer based in Durham, NC, Fussell’s intuitive approach to music draws from deep folk traditions, transforming obscure historical tunes into something profoundly resonant. His latest album, When I’m Called (Fat Possum Records, 2024), produced by James Elkington, features contributions from Blake Mills, Ben Whiteley, Joe Westerlund, Joan Shelley, and Robin Holcomb—a testament to his rich, collaborative spirit.

Most recently, Fussell released a stunning rendition of "Close My Eyes", originally composed by the late American visionary Arthur Russell, and composed the score for Rebuilding, a feature film directed by Max Walker-Silvermanthat premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

"Fussell’s music often comes with complex citations; he is a folk singer in the truest sense, collecting ideas and melodies and lyrics from distant and disparate traditions, looking for the things that unite us in our humanity." – The New Yorker

"One of the great magpies of American song, collecting forgotten, tarnished gems with a folklorist’s zeal… his renditions aren’t so much cover versions as composites…" – The Guardian

SAMPLE SONG JAKE XERXES FUSSELL

Opening for Jake is Christian & Cole. Christian & Cole are a dynamic duo specializing in captivating duets and brotherly harmonies. Drawing inspiration from iconic acts like The Carter Family and Everly Brothers, featuring acoustic guitar and resonant dobro, they breathe new life into classic folk and country tunes, honoring tradition while blending a unique sound of their own. Released July 16th, 2024, their debut album, Christian & Cole Sing & Play, contains 8 harmony-filled tracks recorded live, showcasing their authentic and heartfelt musical style."

Join us for an evening of deep-rooted storytelling, mesmerizing guitar work, and musical craftsmanship that bridges the past and present.

SAMPLE SONG CHRISTIAN & COLE

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$5.00

General
$5.00

Child or Student
$5.00

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