Run the Show: Live Sound and Production Class
2026-05-15 15:30 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Multi-act Program Open Mic

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For high school aged students (or middle schoolers with teachers permission) who are looking to learn more about live sound production, how to run a music venue and more! Taught by our in house sound engineers and house managers. 4 weeks – $120 Scholarships available – email matt@caffelena.org

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$5.00

General
$5.00

Child or Student
$5.00

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House of Hamill
2026-05-15 20:00 - 22:00
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Fiery fiddles. Lush harmonies. Stories that spark laughter and goosebumps alike.

House of Hamill wasn’t planned — it was born from a string of cancelled flights and a few leaps of faith.

When Rose Baldino (Burning Bridget Cleary) found herself missing bandmates at the 2014 Folk Alliance International conference, she recruited Brian Buchanan of Enter the Haggis to join her onstage. The chemistry was instant. Years later, another flight mishap brought bassist Caroline Browning into the fold — and just like that, the trio was complete.

Today, Pennsylvania-based House of Hamill is a beloved fixture on festival stages nationwide, known for electrifying performances that blend Celtic tradition with contemporary folk energy. Whether they’re tearing through original jigs and reels, delivering breathtaking three-part harmonies, or sharing road stories that leave audiences roaring with laughter, this is a band that captures a room from the very first note.

Their original song “Banks of the Brandywine” earned the Grand Prize in the 2024 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and their all-violin cover of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” has garnered more than 16 million views, introducing listeners around the world to their inventive musicianship.

Their newest album, Wildfire, represents the band at full creative strength — packed with lyrical depth, sophisticated arrangements, and unforgettable hooks. The record climbed to the #1 spot on the FAI Folk Charts, with “The Highwayman” also taking the top song position and the band named #1 Overall Artist in August 2024. The album was also among the Top 10 most-played on U.S. folk radio and earned the trio finalist honors for Group of the Year at the International Acoustic Music Awards.

But accolades only tell part of the story.

House of Hamill is, above all, a live band — vibrant, magnetic, and deeply connected to their audience. Their shows balance virtuosic playing with warmth, humor, and the kind of musical joy that reminds us why we gather in listening rooms in the first place.

SAMPLE SONG

If you love high-energy folk, Celtic-inspired musicianship, and performances that leave you smiling long after the final encore, this is a night not to miss.

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.

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
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inclusive of fees

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Fingerstyle Guitar Workshop with Ron Gordon
2026-05-16 10:00 - 12:00
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Parlor Guitar / Foundations Of American Guitar Styles

10 am – 12pm $35

In this workshop, we'll learn and play the fingerstyle evolution of American guitar in the 19th Century and became the foundation of accompaniment to songs and set pieces up to this very day. This 3 finger technique includes leading bass, bass runs, rhythm, arpeggios, etc. Starting here will also serve as a great introduction to fingerpicking for strummers wanting to add right hand technique to their "tool box". Handouts provided.

#adultclass

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

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Tai Chi & Qi Gong For Musicians (and everyone) with Mark Tolstrup
2026-05-16 13:00 - 14:00
American Roots Bluegrass Blues Folk Global Jazz Multi-act Program Singer Songwriter Soul

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Tai Chi & Qi Gong have many methods for increasing flexibility, circulation, breath control and reducing stress. In this class you techniques in all of these areas. These methods are traditionally practiced for health and well being and they have specific benefits that will help musicians play and perform. These techniques are all fairly simple to learn and can be done anywhere with no special equipment.
Mark Tolstrup has taught Tai Chi, Qi gong and related practices for over 35 years at the Tai Chi Center in Saratoga Springs, NY. www.the-taichi-center.com Mark is also a performing musicians. In this class he will share practices the will be beneficial to musicians and everyone.

Doors Open
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STOP MOTION TOUR ‘26 : An Evening with ANDREW DUHON
2026-05-16 20:00 - 22:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic Other Storytelling

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Born, raised, shaped, and inspired by his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana, Andrew Duhon tours performing songs that are as much about recognizing our shared stories as they are about telling his own.

Rounding out the touring trio are two of his most trusted collaborators—Myles Weeks (James Hunter Six, Eric Lindell) on bass and Jim Kolacek (Feufollett) on drums.

Blending the gritty, bluesy, folksy, country sounds of his home with the experience of traversing the country and immersing himself in the broad array of cultures across the American landscape, Andrew’s music creates real connection between former strangers through song. As he puts it, “When a song written by a stranger heals you, even in the smallest way, that's a connection beyond entertainment.”

Andrew has shared stages with Guster, Blind Pilot, and Amos Lee, among others, and has performed at major festivals across the US including New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Milwaukee Summerfest, Bonnaroo, and Americanafest.

His music has been featured in Rolling Stone Magazine, Jam In The Van, Meat Church, as well as in Glide Magazine, No Depression, and American Songwriter.

SAMPLE SONG

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

﻿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.

Doors Open
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Sing in the Streets
2026-05-17 12:00 - 17:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic Other

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Caffè Lena Celebrates 66 Years with Free Neighborhood Music Festival

Sing in the Streets Returns to Downtown Saratoga Springs on Sunday, May 17

23 Acts on 10 Stages | Family-Friendly | Free | Rain or Shine

Saratoga Springs, NY – On Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 12:00 to 5:00 PM, the streets surrounding Caffè Lena will come alive with music as the historic venue presents its 5th Annual Sing in the Streets Festival. This free, family-friendly celebration marks 66 years of live music at America's longest-running folk music venue.

Expanding on last year’s seven-stage event, this year’s free festival will feature 23 acts across 10 stages, with a genre-spanning lineup that includes folk, blues, jazz, country, and soul. A dedicated Family Stage will offer performances tailored for children and families.

Performers include:

Alexis P. Suter Band
Sway Wild
Reese Fulmer & the Carriage House Band
Tops of Trees
Kevin McKrell
Kathleen Parks Band
Carolyn Shapiro
Honeysuckle
Olivia Ellen Lloyd
Caity Gallagher
Jenna Nicholls
Beecharmer
High Tea
GNP
Strawberry Wine
Michael Jerling
Roosevelt Baker
Girl Love
CowBelle

Family Stage performers:

The Rolling Pebbles – the Caffè Lena School of Music Folk Ensemble
Deb Cavanaugh & Dandelion Wine

The festival is free and open to the public and will take place rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, performances will move to nearby indoor locations. A full schedule and weather plan will be posted at https://www.caffelena.org/singinthestreets/ in the days leading up to the event.

Caffè Lena is deeply grateful to the local businesses and community partners who make Sing in the Streets possible. Their generous support ensures this event remains free and accessible for all.

2026 Festival Sponsors Include:

Artisanal Brew Works
Common Roots Brewing Company
Divine Sole
Glens Falls Printing
Goats & Grails
Kos Saunas
Off Track Records
Sixth Generation Strings
G. Williker’s
Repeat Business
Beekman 1802
Ben & Jerry’s
Empire Audio Recording & Sound
GTM
Herbie’s Burgers
Impressions
Kru Coffee
UHY, LLP
Walt & Whitman Brewing
Adirondack Sign Co
Ten Eyck Insurance
Allerdice Bldg Supply
Carl Debrule
Discover Saratoga
Eric Gordon LLC
Fenimore Asset Management
High Peaks Canna
JEM Inc
Lyrical Ballad
Mills Entertainment / MISFIT
Silverwood Gallery
NYRA
Old Tavern Farm Winery
T-Shirt Graphics
Bibulous
Dancing Grain Brewery
Winebow

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Mandolin Vitamins - Tunes, Techniques and Ensemble Music
2026-05-18 10:00 - 12:00
Jazz Multi-act Program

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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. The class will run from 10:00 till 12 May 4th, 11th and 18th.

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 [Parent]
2026-05-18 19:00 - 21:00
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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.
Limited Open Mic menu available. 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 artur@caffelena.org.

Doors Open
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$30.37

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$19.52

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2026-05-18 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-25 19:00 - 21:00
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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
﻿

Doors Open
Doors Open: 11:30 am

Price

Member
FREE

General
FREE

Child or Student
FREE

inclusive of fees

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Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro
2026-05-19 15:00 - 16:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic Other Storytelling

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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.

4-weeks $120 3 pm – 4 pm on Tuesdays

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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Rochmon Record Club Listening Party: Led Zeppelin II
2026-05-19 19:00 - 21:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic Other

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On Tuesday, May 19, Rochmon Record Club will converge at Caffe’ Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, to listen to and learn about Led Zeppelin’s second album, appropriately named “Led Zeppelin II”.

When he started Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page wanted a band capable of creating music of light and shade. He got it. After the success of “Led Zeppelin I”, Plant, Page, Jones, and Bonham hit the road touring Europe once and America 3 times in 1969, recording when they could and releasing their second album a scant 10 months after their first. “Led Zeppelin II” is filled with classic Led Zep songs, including “Whole Lotta Love”, “Heartbreaker”, “Living Loving Maid”, “Ramble On”, “What Is and What Should Never Be”, “Bring It On Home”, and 3 more "Hammer of the Gods", ground-shaking songs.

As always, for Rochmaniacs at a distance, Rochmon Record Club will also be streaming live on 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.

A Rochmon Record Club Listening Party is meant to inform and deepen our understanding of the history of the individual performers, songs, and stories that went into the making of this classic album. By listening together, we hear the music again for the first time.

﻿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
2026-05-20 10:30 - 11:00
Jazz Multi-act Program

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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.

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$32.53

General
$37.96

inclusive of fees

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After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady
2026-05-20 14:30 - 17:30
Jazz

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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

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$30.37

General
$34.70

Child or Student
$19.52

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

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Bluegrass Jam
2026-05-20 19:00 - 21:00
American Roots Bluegrass Blues Folk Global Jazz Multi-act Program Singer Songwriter Soul

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

Doors Open
Doors Open: 11:30 am

Price

Member
FREE

General
FREE

Child or Student
FREE

inclusive of fees

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Guitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson
2026-05-21 09:00 - 12:30
Multi-act Program Open Mic Other Storytelling

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Guitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson

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

10 Thursdays starting April 2

Click a time below to sign up:

Beginner 9:15 am – 10:10 am

Intermediate 10:15 am – 11:10 am

Intermediate / Advanced 11:15 am – 12:10 pm

Not sure what class might work best for you email: matt@caffelena.org

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

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$5.00

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Caffè Lena

Open Mic with Special Guest Host Janis Ian

Multi-act Program Open Mic

event

Aug 31 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

Movie Night: Songs From the Reel American Songbook – a Caffè Lena Fundraiser

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event

Sep 10 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

Sober Salon

Multi-act Program Open Mic Other

event

Sep 17 • 7 PM

School of Music Slow Jam
2026-05-21 13:00 - 15:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic Other

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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.

﻿

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

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66th Anniversary Night: True Stories From the Early Days of Caffe Lena
2026-05-21 19:00 - 21:00
Jazz Multi-act Program

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66th Anniversary Night: True Stories From the Early Days at America's Longest Running Coffeehouse

A lot can happen in 66 years! Some of the things that have happened at Caffe Lena are inspiring, or side-splittingly funny, or just soooo typical of the way things were back in the ‘60s and ‘70s. These stories live in the memories of the performers, the regulars, and those who helped Lena behind the scenes. Tonight we’re going to hear these stories first-hand, and we’re going to record them for posterity. Because Caffe Lena is a national treasure, and this venue’s story needs to live forever.

You’ll learn about the day in 1959 when Lena and her husband first saw the disused space that would become their Caffe, Bob Dylan’s real relationship with Lena and the venue, the unusual way Lena booked her performers, and much more.

Our storytellers are: George Ward, Lew & Michael Taub, Joe Bruchac, Joe Deuel, Field Horne, Don Armstrong (video), Jack & Connie Hume, Gordon Boyd, Sandy Silverhart, Michael Jerling, Teresina Huxtable, Bob Warren, Peter Davis, Christine Lavin (video), John Kribs, Lou & Peter Berryman (video), Garnet Rogers (video), and maybe a few more.

We’ll have limited slots available for pre-show recording sessions with additional storytellers. If you have something you’d like to share, please reach out to sarah@caffelena.org to learn more.

Stream this show live at CaffeLenaTV. 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

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$32.53

General
$37.96

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

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Caffè Lena

Open Mic with Special Guest Host Janis Ian

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Aug 31 • 7 PM

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JAZZ at Caffe Lena: The Chuck Lamb Trio with Special Guest Troy Roberts

Jazz

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Sep 8 • 7 PM

Music With Miss Deb
2026-05-22 09:30 - 10:30
Jazz

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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

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$30.37

General
$34.70

Child or Student
$19.52

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

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Oct 3 • 12 PM

Run the Show: Live Sound and Production Class
2026-05-22 15:30 - 17:30
American Roots Bluegrass Blues Folk Global Jazz Multi-act Program Singer Songwriter Soul

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For high school aged students (or middle schoolers with teachers permission) who are looking to learn more about live sound production, how to run a music venue and more! Taught by our in house sound engineers and house managers.
4 weeks – $120
Scholarships available – email matt@caffelena.org

Doors Open
Doors Open: 11:30 am

Price

Member
FREE

General
FREE

Child or Student
FREE

inclusive of fees

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Tim Easton

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Sep 1 • 7 PM

Sawyer Fredericks
2026-05-22 20:00 - 22:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic Other Storytelling

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Sawyer Fredericks is an award-winning Americana singer-songwriter from a small family farm in upstate New York, known for his emotive vocals, honest storytelling, and raw, roots-driven sound. At just 16, he gained national attention as the winner of Season 8 of The Voice, captivating millions with his soulful interpretations and grounded presence. Since then, Sawyer has carved his own artistic path, choosing independence and creative freedom over industry expectations.

His debut album A Good Storm established him as a rising force, while his self-released albums Hide Your Ghost and Flowers For You deepened his artistic identity, earning critical acclaim and top honors at the Independent Music Awards. Songs like “Born” and “Amen” resonated far beyond the folk world, landing on SiriusXM, curated folk playlists, and playlists celebrating authentic modern songwriting.

In 2025, Sawyer released No Need To Wonder, a folk-rock album shaped by themes of home, environmental responsibility, personal reflection, and the ties that bind us to the land and to one another. The work reflects his lived experience — rooted, introspective, and deeply connected to nature.

SAMPLE SONG

Whether performing solo or with his band, Sawyer invites audiences into an intimate musical space where vulnerability, story, and melody become shared ground.

Praise for Sawyer Fredericks:

“Fredericks has put on full display his talents, from songwriting to singing and a command of his instrument that continues to grow.” – The Daily Gazette

“I’m convinced he would’ve had a place in The Band if they ever needed a distinctive rural voice.” – Americana Highways

Expect a performance that’s stirring, soulful, and full of heart.

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.

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.

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Suggested Donation
$5.00

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Caffè Lena

Open Mic with Special Guest Host Janis Ian

Multi-act Program Open Mic

event

Aug 31 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

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Jazz Multi-act Program

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Sep 17 • 7 PM

Sawyer Fredericks
2026-05-23 20:00 - 22:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic Other

Share:

Sawyer Fredericks is an award-winning Americana singer-songwriter from a small family farm in upstate New York, known for his emotive vocals, honest storytelling, and raw, roots-driven sound. At just 16, he gained national attention as the winner of Season 8 of The Voice, captivating millions with his soulful interpretations and grounded presence. Since then, Sawyer has carved his own artistic path, choosing independence and creative freedom over industry expectations.

His debut album A Good Storm established him as a rising force, while his self-released albums Hide Your Ghost and Flowers For You deepened his artistic identity, earning critical acclaim and top honors at the Independent Music Awards. Songs like “Born” and “Amen” resonated far beyond the folk world, landing on SiriusXM, curated folk playlists, and playlists celebrating authentic modern songwriting.

In 2025, Sawyer released No Need To Wonder, a folk-rock album shaped by themes of home, environmental responsibility, personal reflection, and the ties that bind us to the land and to one another. The work reflects his lived experience — rooted, introspective, and deeply connected to nature.

SAMPLE SONG

Whether performing solo or with his band, Sawyer invites audiences into an intimate musical space where vulnerability, story, and melody become shared ground.

Praise for Sawyer Fredericks:

“Fredericks has put on full display his talents, from songwriting to singing and a command of his instrument that continues to grow.” – The Daily Gazette

“I’m convinced he would’ve had a place in The Band if they ever needed a distinctive rural voice.” – Americana Highways

Expect a performance that’s stirring, soulful, and full of heart.

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.

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.

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

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Sep 10 • 7 PM

Bob Dylan Birthday Tribute
2026-05-24 19:00 - 21:00
Jazz Multi-act Program

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Caffè Lena will celebrate the 85th birthday of Bob Dylan with a special evening of live music honoring one of the most influential songwriters ever.

Hosted by Michael Eck, the respected roots musician and longtime chronicler of the region’s music scene, the concert brings together a diverse lineup of Capital Region artists, each offering their own take on Dylan’s work. Eck himself has been recognized among the area’s leading songwriters, earning multiple wins from the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards (The Eddies).

A Caffè Lena Board Member, Eck, who is staging this show as a benefit for the venue, says of his cohort, “Bob Dylan is the father of us all.”

Along with the late Dale Metzger, Eck produced and hosted a long string of Bob Dylan Birthday Bashes at Union College early in the 21st century.

The evening features:

Julia Alsarraf, a rising voice in the indie and alternative scene, known for her emotionally direct songwriting and distinctive vocal style.
The BlueBillies, a Capital Region bluegrass group rooted in traditional sounds, bringing tight harmonies and driving acoustic energy.
Buggy Jive, a genre-blending musician with strong songwriting and lyrics heavily influenced by literature, referencing authors like T.S. Eliot, Ralph Ellison and Toni Morrison to address complex modern social issues, also recognized among the region’s standout artists and Eddies nominees.
Francis Davies, is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist originally from Concord, MA. and half of the folk duo, Question of the Century.
Chuck Lamb, acclaimed jazz pianist and longtime host of Caffè Lena’s Jazz Series, known for his expressive playing and wide-ranging musical collaborations.
Kate McDonnell, a seasoned songwriter and performer whose work blends folk, jazz, and pop influences with sharp lyrical insight.

Together, these artists will explore Dylan’s expansive catalog, from early folk songs to later-era compositions, offering fresh interpretations shaped by their own musical perspectives.

Caffè Lena holds a unique place in Dylan’s history. In 1961, a young Bob Dylan performed three nights at the venue for his first weekend beyond the Greenwich Village folk scene, making this celebration both a tribute and a continuation of that connection.

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.

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$32.53

General
$37.96

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Streaming

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

Open Mic with Special Guest Host Janis Ian

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CLOSED
2026-05-25 00:00 - 02:00
Jazz

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Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$30.37

General
$34.70

Child or Student
$19.52

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

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Poetry Open Mic Featuring Cheryl Clarke
2026-05-26 19:00 - 21:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic Other Storytelling

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Cheryl Clarke is an American lesbian poet, essayist, educator and Black feminist community activist. She is the author of eight books of poetry, the literary study AFTER MECCA: WOMEN POETS AND THE BLACK ARTS MOVEMENT, and the collection DAYS OF GOOD LOOKS: PROSE AND POETRY, 1980-2005. Forthcoming in 2026 from Sinister Wisdom Press is ACTS OF RESISTANCE: ESSAYS AND ARCHIVAL ENCOUNTERS. She is a co-organizer, since 2013, of the annual three day Hobart Festival of Women Writers, which brings up to 20 professional women writers to the Hobart Book Village to conduct writing workshops and public readings. She lives and writes in Hobart, N.Y.

﻿

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Suggested Donation
$5.00

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Caffè Lena

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Folk Club Kids
2026-05-27 10:30 - 11:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic Other

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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.

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

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Caffè Lena

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Multi-act Program Open Mic Other Storytelling

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Sep 10 • 7 PM

After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady
2026-05-27 14:30 - 17:30
Jazz Multi-act Program

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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

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$32.53

General
$37.96

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Streaming

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

Open Mic with Special Guest Host Janis Ian

Multi-act Program Open Mic

event

Aug 31 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

Storytelling Open Mic Featuring Johanna Martin

Multi-act Program Open Mic Other Storytelling

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Caffè Lena

JAZZ at Caffe Lena: The Chuck Lamb Trio with Special Guest Troy Roberts

Jazz

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Sep 8 • 7 PM

Bluegrass Instrumental Course with Bruce Thompson and Sam Katz
2026-05-27 17:45 - 19:30
Jazz

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Bluegrass Instrumental Course – with Bruce Thompson and Sam Katz

April 29, May 6, 27 and June 3

5:45 pm – 7:45 pm

$195

For instruments: Guitar, Fiddle, Mandolin, Bass, Banjo, Dobro

Experience level: students should be familiar with basic chords and have done some melodic playing as well.

Instructors: Bruce Thompson and Sam Katz

Summary: This course is intended for folks interested in learning bluegrass instrumentals (fiddle tunes) commonly played at jams. Each week we will focus on at least one instrumental tune. Students will have the time to listen and prepare tunes in advance of each class Links to audio and/or video examples as well as music (standard notation and tabs) will be provided. Each class will review the tune as a group then divide into small groups to work on playing the tune together. We will also discuss learning techniques and tools such as StrumMachine and a metronome. Students will become familiar with the tunes covered in the course and develop techniques to quickly learn new tunes.

Topics:

Memorizing, learning and mastering a melody

Learning the rhythm part and accompaniment

Switching from rhythm to lead parts

Setting the tempo, kickoffs and endings

Leading the tune in a group

Improvising ideas, tips and techniques

Jam etiquette

Possible Tunes (subject to change):

Angeline the Baker (D)

Old Joe Clark (A)

Soldier’s Joy (D)

Cold Frosty Morn (Am)

Big Sandy River (A)

﻿

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$30.37

General
$34.70

Child or Student
$19.52

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

Movie Night: Songs From the Reel American Songbook – a Caffè Lena Fundraiser

Jazz Multi-act Program

event

Sep 10 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

Peak Jazz Series: Skylar Tang Quartet

Jazz

event

Sep 11 • 8 PM

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Caffe Lena @ SPAC

American Roots Bluegrass Blues Folk Global Jazz Multi-act Program Singer Songwriter Soul

event

Oct 3 • 12 PM

Guitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson
2026-05-28 09:00 - 12:30
American Roots Bluegrass Blues Folk Global Jazz Multi-act Program Singer Songwriter Soul

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Guitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson
Cost $195 for all 10 sessions. Drop ins $25/per session if space allows
10 Thursdays starting April 2
Click a time below to sign up:
Beginner 9:15 am – 10:10 am
Intermediate 10:15 am – 11:10 am
Intermediate / Advanced 11:15 am – 12:10 pm
Not sure what class might work best for you email: matt@caffelena.org

Doors Open
Doors Open: 11:30 am

Price

Member
FREE

General
FREE

Child or Student
FREE

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

Tim Easton

American Roots Singer Songwriter

event

Aug 30 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

Open Mic with Special Guest Host Janis Ian

Multi-act Program Open Mic

event

Aug 31 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

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Multi-act Program Open Mic Other Storytelling

event

Sep 1 • 7 PM

School of Music Slow Jam
2026-05-28 13:00 - 15:00
Multi-act Program Open Mic Other Storytelling

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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.

﻿

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Suggested Donation
$5.00

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

Open Mic with Special Guest Host Janis Ian

Multi-act Program Open Mic

event

Aug 31 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

Movie Night: Songs From the Reel American Songbook – a Caffè Lena Fundraiser

Jazz Multi-act Program

event

Sep 10 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

Sober Salon

Multi-act Program Open Mic Other

event

Sep 17 • 7 PM
