School of Music Slow Jam
2026-09-10 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Jazz

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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

Member
$27.11

General
$30.37

Child or Student
$15.18

inclusive of fees

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Movie Night: Songs From the Reel American Songbook - a Caffè Lena Fundraiser
2026-09-10 19:00 - 21:00
Jazz

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An evening in two parts (sets).

First – The Golden Age of Hollywood. It will feature songs from movies from the 1920's-early 1960s.

Second – Modern Cinema Americana – songs from the late 1960's-present.

The main performers are the Jillian Smith Trio featuring: Azzaam Hameed and Allen Halstead. They have added special guests drummer, Sam Zuccini, and bass player, Pete Toigo, for this performance, and have three guest performers: Chris Dollard, Jeanne O'Connor, and Jeannine Oderkirk.

The evening was conceived by John Griffith, of the popular Bar People website and musician and active arts community member Judy LaPook. The show will be hosted by Jillian Smith.

Smith is a jazz and blues vocalist based in Saratoga Springs, who has delighted audiences throughout the Capital Region and Central New York for more than 15 years. Known for her warm, smoky voice and expressive style, she has performed at premier venues including Turning Stone Resort Casino, the Stanley Theatre in Utica, the Capitol Theatre in Rome, and the Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival in Syracuse, among many others.

A graduate of the Ithaca College School of Music, Jillian is a passionate advocate for music education. Beyond performing, Jillian created the original Broadway Music Lecture Series, Stories & Songs of Broadway’s Great Composers, which she presents to independent senior living communities throughout New York’s Capital Region. Combining live performance with engaging stories about Broadway’s legendary composers, lyricists, and musicals, the program offers audiences an entertaining and enriching journey through the history of American musical theater.

Whether performing with her trio or collaborating with other outstanding musicians, Jillian brings warmth, authenticity, and a love of great songs to every performance. She is delighted to present this special fundraising performance benefiting Caffè Lena.

BIOS OF PERFORMERS FOR MOVIE NIGHT

Jillian Smith Trio: Jillian has developed a close musical partnership with her trio companion’s pianist Azzaam Hameed and saxophonist Allen Halstead. Together, they have cultivated an intuitive musical rapport that has become a hallmark of their performances. While all three artists maintain active performing careers with other musicians, they continue to reunite as a trio, sharing a musical connection that audiences have come to recognize and enjoy.

AZZAAM HAMMED

Azzaam Hameed is a pianist, vocalist composer and arranger with more than 50 years of musical experience. His signature sound jazz, gospel, R&B, and Latin into a soulful uplifting musical experience. For more than 42 years, Azzaam has served as organist and pianist At Friendship Baptist Church. Throughout his career, he has provided music for a wide variety of secular and faith-based events, with a mission centered on spreading love, peace, and unity through music.

Caffè Lena audiences may know him from his performances with Garland Nelson and Friends for A Joyful Noise events.

Wildly regarded as one of the Capital Region’s most sought-after keyboardists he has performed along many talented vocalists and musicians throughout the area. His original music, Music with Your Mind in Mind, is available on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon and YouTube

ALLEN HALSTEAD

Allen Halstead is a local saxophonist with over 50 years of musical performance experience. Allen’s early years were spent playing in many types of projects which ranged from lounge trios to 10-piece rhythm bands. His musical styles include all genres of music: R&B, jazz standards, classic rock, smooth jazz, and big band tunes. He has played all types of venues from small quiet lounges to wedding parties to the large stage. His mentors include such greats as John Coltrane, Stan Getz, Gato Barbieri, David Sanborn and Grover Washington. Allen is a 1981 graduate of Florida State University with a Master of Music degree. While in college, he was able to experience playing with such well-known artists such as Stan Kenton, Ella Fitzgerald, and Lou Rawls. Allen plays tenor, alto and soprano saxophones using each horn to uniquely express what the music is trying to tell the audience.

PETE TOIGO:

Chatham, NY bassist Pete Toigo first played at Caffè Lena in 1989 with Emilio Dabul and The Babahasens. Since then, he’s performed at Lena’s with Scott Smith, Sonny & Perley, Jeanne O’Connor, String of Pearls, Pat Melita & Nat Phipps (as part of the Dance Flurry) and most recently with Mark & Jill.

SAM ZUCCHINI

Sam Zucchini is a drummer, vocalist, and educator who has worked with an assortment of artists including Jay Ungar & Molly Mason, David Bromberg, the Gibson Brothers, John Sebastian, Levon Helm, Carly Simon, Kate Taylor, Donald Fagen, Phoebe Snow, Pete Seeger, and back in the day, with the award-winning band, "the Zucchini Brothers.”

CHRIS DOLLARD

“I'm a passionate full-time performer and a standout pianist and vocalist in the vibrant Upstate New York music scene! With a dynamic history of entertaining in a wide array of venues, restaurants, clubs, and special events— my goal is to deliver a vibrant and personalized musical experience that makes each event truly unforgettable. Peace and Love!”

JEANNE O’CONNOR

Jeanne O'Connor is a versatile jazz vocalist whose warm, expressive style has taken her from legendary New York venues like the Blue Note, to concert halls and festivals around the world. Equally at home with jazz standards, the Great American Songbook, pop, Latin, and R&B, Jeanne is preparing for the 2027 release of her new album, The Sweetest Sounds.

JEANINE O

Jeanine Ouderkirk is a jazz vocalist and multi-instrumentalist hailing from Saratoga Springs, NY. Aside from performing, Jeanine joyfully spends her time as a music educator at Saint Gregory’s School in Loudonville, NY teaching PK-8th grade General Music and at Union College as a Voice Teacher in the Jazz and Pop styles. More information can be found at: www.jeaninemariemusic.com

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
$41.21

General
$45.55

Child or Student
$22.77

inclusive of fees

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Peak Jazz Series: Skylar Tang Quartet
2026-09-11 20:00 - 22:00
Global Jazz

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“Every now and then, a musician comes along who has a vision and focus that you just know will affect the world—a sense of high artistry, skill, and profound leadership. Skylar Tang is one of the ones in her generation who fits this description.”

— Sean Jones

Trumpeter and composer Skylar Tang is one of the most exciting young voices in jazz today.

Raised in California's Bay Area, Tang discovered jazz through her father's record collection, where the music of Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Bill Evans sparked a lifelong passion. She began playing trumpet at age nine, started composing as a teenager, and quickly distinguished herself as an artist with both remarkable technical ability and an original musical voice.

Her composition Kaleidoscope earned first prize in Jazz at Lincoln Center's prestigious Essentially Ellington Student Composition & Arranging Contest, and while studying at Columbia University, she was invited by saxophone great Joshua Redman to record on his 2025 album Words Fall Short.

Now based in New York City, Tang leads a quartet of outstanding young musicians: pianist William Schwartzman, bassist John Murray, and drummer Ethan Oliver. Together they create performances that balance adventurous improvisation with lyrical melodies, thoughtful compositions, and the energetic interplay that makes live jazz so compelling. The quartet has performed throughout the United States and recently appeared at the 2026 Montreal Jazz Festival.

Already sharing stages with artists including Joshua Redman, the SFJAZZ Collective, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Sean Jones, and Rufus Reid, Skylar Tang represents a new generation of jazz musicians honoring the tradition while developing a voice entirely their own.

SAMPLE SONG

Don't miss the opportunity to hear one of jazz's rising stars in the intimate listening room of Caffè Lena.

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

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: 7:30 pm

Price

Member
$29.28

General
$32.53

Child or Student
$16.27

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

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Songwriting Club
2026-09-12 10:00 - 12:00
Jazz

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I'm happy to announce that Songwriting Club is back at Caffè Lena with a more structured time slot. "Second Saturday Songwriting Club" will meet (you guessed it) every second Saturday! Starting January 10th 10am – 12pm. Hosted by Reese Fulmer and Girl Blue! The club will meet monthly with special guests being a more "special" event. Bring your pens, pencils, instruments, thinking caps, favorite songs.

January 10th

10am – 12pm

$5 donation

cookies and coffee by donation

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$41.21

General
$45.55

Child or Student
$22.77

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

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Aug 14 • 8 PM

Bright Series: Cris Jacobs Band
2026-09-12 20:00 - 22:00
Global Jazz

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Cris Jacobs has earned a reputation as one of the most compelling voices in modern American roots music. Blending bluegrass, folk, blues, soul, and rock, his songs are deeply personal, richly crafted into a sound that’s as dynamic as it is heartfelt, and delivered by a masterful guitarist with a soulful, elastic voice.

His latest album, One of These Days, marks both an artistic breakthrough and a personal one. Produced by dobro legend Jerry Douglas and featuring members of The Infamous Stringdusters along with guests including Billy Strings, Sam Bush, Lindsay Lou, Lee Ann Womack, and the McCrary Sisters, the album finds Jacobs returning to the music that first inspired him. The result is an uplifting collection of songs rooted in the traditions of American string band music while embracing the freedom to explore beyond genre.

A gifted storyteller, Jacobs writes with remarkable honesty about resilience, family, hope, and finding purpose through life's challenges. His songs feel timeless, drawing listeners into vivid characters and unforgettable moments while remaining grounded in authenticity and heart. He is true to himself. On this latest album, Jacobs tells the stories of the locals from the Baltimore neighborhood where he grew up, like the crabpickers. “Work Song” explores the transcendent power of singing and features vocals by Lindsay Lou.

Jacobs says, “I read about crab pickers down on the eastern shore. All they did all day long was pick crabs––tedious, boring work. The conditions were awful. But one of them said, ‘No matter what, I could still sing, and that was all I needed to get through to the next moment.’”

SAMPLE SONG

On stage, Jacobs is a magnetic performer whose expressive voice and virtuosic guitar playing have earned him tours alongside artists including Steve Winwood and Sturgill Simpson, as well as praise from Rolling Stone, NPR, and Paste. Whether delivering an intimate ballad or an electrifying roots jam, he brings warmth, spontaneity, and extraordinary musicianship to every performance. He brings the Cris Jacobs Band to Caffè Lena. Live is where his songs are best heard and his artistry comes fully to life.

Join us for an evening with one of today's finest American songwriters, at once a seasoned craftsman and a restless innovator, the Cris Jacobs Band will share songs that celebrate perseverance, connection, and the enduring power of roots music.

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

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

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

Doors Open
Doors Open: 7:30 pm

Price

Member
$29.28

General
$32.53

Child or Student
$16.27

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

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Aug 11 • 7 PM

Playwright's Jam
2026-09-13 13:30 - 16:00
Jazz

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Looking for an opportunity to connect with local writers, actors, and directors? Want to share a theater piece you’re writing?

We are off in August, then back September 13th and on the 2nd Sunday monthly from then on!

A monthly meetup hosted by Caffe Lena for local writers, actors & directors

The Second Sunday of the Month 1:30pm- 4:00pm

Doors open at 1:00; Casting begins at 1:15pm and Readings start at 1:30pm!

Bring your great ideas, your new scripts, your edits and your friends for an inspiring afternoon fo theater in the making.

Playwrights should bring a highlighted script for each of their actors and one extra for stage directions
Bring a short scene (7-8 minutes). Cast your actors from the audience, including your fellow playwrights. Give them brief directions and then put them on stage to read your script. We’ll go around the room after the reading and let everyone give a “popcorn” reaction (one word!).
Each meeting will include 6 or 7 scenes selected at random from those submitted. After the readings we’ll have time to hang out and get acquainted.
This event will be co-hosted by Michael Wells-Oakes and Vivian Nesbitt
Playwright Nice! We foster a diverse community that has a great time making art and helping one another get better. Excessive profanity, explicit sexual themes and “humor” that unkindly targets a specific group undermines this goal. It is up to the discretion of the host to enforce the house standards.

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$41.21

General
$45.55

Child or Student
$22.77

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

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Aug 14 • 8 PM

Momentum Series: The Gothard Sisters
2026-09-13 19:00 - 21:00
Global Jazz

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“Music both fresh as sunrise and yet drenched in tradition” – Folk Words Review

The Gothard Sisters, Greta, Willow and Solana, are a trio of multi-instrumentalists, singers and songwriters who create Celtic-influenced American folk music that resonates with listeners worldwide. Raised in the Pacific Northwest, USA, they studied classical music while exploring folk traditions and imaginative play, shaping a sound that blends Celtic, folk, classical, world and new-age influences. Their performances feature violin, guitar, mandolin, bodhran, djembe, whistle and close sibling harmonies, earning praise as “vivid, inspirational and captivating.”

The Gothard Sisters have amassed 70M global streams across platforms; 13M views on YouTube; played over 2,000 shows in four countries and 48 states; reached #1 on iTunes World Music Charts; won “Best New Irish Artist” (Irish Music Awards) and captured “Album of the Year” at the Celtic Radio Awards.

SAMPLE SONG

“Blending Celtic, folk, world, classical and new age musical influences, the Gothard Sisters bring songs to life with violin, acoustic guitar, mandolin, bodhran, djembe, whistle and vocal harmonies, creating music that is “vivid, inspirational and captivating.”

— Tim Carroll, Folk Words Review 2018

﻿﻿﻿This show is part of our Momentum Series, ﻿made possible by the generous support of Joseph & Luann Conlon, in honor of Thom O'Neil.

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: 7:30 pm

Price

Member
$29.28

General
$32.53

Child or Student
$16.27

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Streaming

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Aug 11 • 7 PM

Open Mic
2026-09-14 19:00 - 21:00
Jazz

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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: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$41.21

General
$45.55

Child or Student
$22.77

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Streaming

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Aug 14 • 8 PM

An Evening with John Craigie
2026-09-15 18:00 - 20:00
Global Jazz

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For more than a decade, John Craigie has built a following the old-fashioned way, by touring steadily, writing strong songs, and connecting with audiences one room at a time.

His shows move easily between storytelling and song, with a style that feels conversational without ever losing its musical focus. The humor is dry, the observations are sharp, and the songs carry more weight the longer you sit with them.

Craigie’s new album, I Swam Here (2026), was recorded in part in New Orleans with a group of handpicked musicians, and in Oregon with longtime collaborators. The result reflects both places, with looser, groove-driven arrangements alongside quieter, more reflective songs.

SAMPLE SONG

OFFICIAL AUDIO OF JOHN’S NEW ALBUM

Following Pagan Church, his chart-topping collaboration with TK & The Holy Know-Nothings, this new work continues to expand his sound while staying rooted in what he does best: clear songwriting and a strong sense of voice.

On stage, Craigie has become known for shows that feel personal and unhurried, shaped as much by the room as by the setlist. He’s toured widely across the U.S., Europe, and Australia, appearing at festivals including Newport Folk Festival, Pickathon, and High Sierra, and sharing stages with artists like Gregory Alan Isakov, Jack Johnson, and Sierra Hull.

At Caffè Lena, this is the kind of night where the stories land, the songs open up, and the room leans in.

﻿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: 7:30 pm

Price

Member
$29.28

General
$32.53

Child or Student
$16.27

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Streaming

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

An Intimate Evening with Bettye LaVette

Blues Jazz

event

Aug 2 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

Hot Club of Cowtown

American Roots Jazz

event

Aug 5 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

JAZZ at Caffè Lena : Chuck Lamb Album Release

Jazz

event

Aug 11 • 7 PM

An Evening with John Craigie
2026-09-15 20:30 - 22:30
Jazz

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For more than a decade, John Craigie has built a following the old-fashioned way, by touring steadily, writing strong songs, and connecting with audiences one room at a time.

His shows move easily between storytelling and song, with a style that feels conversational without ever losing its musical focus. The humor is dry, the observations are sharp, and the songs carry more weight the longer you sit with them.

Craigie’s new album, I Swam Here (2026), was recorded in part in New Orleans with a group of handpicked musicians, and in Oregon with longtime collaborators. The result reflects both places, with looser, groove-driven arrangements alongside quieter, more reflective songs.

SAMPLE SONG

OFFICIAL AUDIO OF JOHN’S NEW ALBUM

Following Pagan Church, his chart-topping collaboration with TK & The Holy Know-Nothings, this new work continues to expand his sound while staying rooted in what he does best: clear songwriting and a strong sense of voice.

On stage, Craigie has become known for shows that feel personal and unhurried, shaped as much by the room as by the setlist. He’s toured widely across the U.S., Europe, and Australia, appearing at festivals including Newport Folk Festival, Pickathon, and High Sierra, and sharing stages with artists like Gregory Alan Isakov, Jack Johnson, and Sierra Hull.

At Caffè Lena, this is the kind of night where the stories land, the songs open up, and the room leans in.

﻿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
$41.21

General
$45.55

Child or Student
$22.77

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Streaming

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

An Intimate Evening with Bettye LaVette

Blues Jazz

event

Aug 2 • 7 PM

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American Roots Jazz

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Aug 5 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

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Aug 14 • 8 PM

Bluegrass Jam
2026-09-16 19:00 - 21:00
Global Jazz

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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: 7:30 pm

Price

Member
$29.28

General
$32.53

Child or Student
$16.27

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Streaming

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

An Intimate Evening with Bettye LaVette

Blues Jazz

event

Aug 2 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

Hot Club of Cowtown

American Roots Jazz

event

Aug 5 • 7 PM

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Aug 11 • 7 PM

School of Music Slow Jam
2026-09-17 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-24 13:00 - 15:00
Jazz

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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

Member
$41.21

General
$45.55

Child or Student
$22.77

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Streaming

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

An Intimate Evening with Bettye LaVette

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Aug 2 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

Hot Club of Cowtown

American Roots Jazz

event

Aug 5 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

Los Sugar Kings

Global Jazz

event

Aug 14 • 8 PM

Sober Salon
2026-09-17 19:00 - 21:00
Global Jazz

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This quarterly event gives people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction the opportunity to share their creative work in a happy, drug-and-alcohol-free setting with the support of Caffe Lena's professional sound, lights and stage. Sober Salon is specifically for people in recovery. It welcomes any and all art, crafts, and performances. Bring a sweater you knitted, a painting, a magic trick, a comedy routine, and certainly feel welcome to bring music and poetry! Truly, any artistic work is welcome. Art helps all of us express difficult emotions, and sharing it on stage helps us build trust in others. We hope that Sober Salon will help you move forward in your recovery and connect with a new, healthy circle of friends.

Things to Know:

Doors will open at 6:30PM and sign up will be on a first come first serve basis.
Presentations will be five minutes max.
The kitchen will be open for service.
We have a piano and a variety of instruments, including guitars you can use.
We will not offer a screen for displaying photos, but we will enable people to play backing tracks to sing with.

We can't wait to welcome you!

Admission is free thanks to the support of the Victor and Helen Geisel Foundation.

﻿

Doors Open
Doors Open: 7:30 pm

Price

Member
$29.28

General
$32.53

Child or Student
$16.27

inclusive of fees

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Singing with Girl Blue
2026-09-18 14:00 - 15:30
Jazz

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Singing with Girl Blue

Fridays Sept 18 – Oct 9

2 pm – 3 pm

$120

Spend four weeks with Girl Blue learning how to become more connected, comfortable, and confident in your relationship with your singing voice. Enjoy meditating, breathing, learning and singing with others as our sessions culminate in a group recording of a beautiful original song by the great Dan Berggren. A wonderful and safe place to get into your body and find a deeper connection to your own voice.

Arielle Woodul (Girl Blue) is a local singer and songwriter who has been performing around the area and throughout the country for years. She has been the recipient of nine Thomas Edison Music Awards, and has had her songs placed in national and international commercials and television shows. She is also a vocalist who has been trained in opera and classical singing as well as pop and jazz. She has taught many students over the years and is certified in Vocal Health First Aid.

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$41.21

General
$45.55

Child or Student
$22.77

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

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Caffè Lena

An Intimate Evening with Bettye LaVette

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Aug 2 • 7 PM

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Aug 14 • 8 PM

Slambovian Circus of Dreams Unplugged
2026-09-18 20:00 - 22:00
Global Jazz

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Caffè Lena presents "The Slambovian Circus of Dreams – Unplugged" in a rare trio performance by founding members of the band. Take a peek behind the "Slambovian Curtain" and experience the creative engine behind the band in this intimate performance.

The Slambovians' connection with audiences taps into a greater human-ness. Charismatic frontman, Joziah presides center-ring with vocals "Soothing and bewitching as a snake oil tonic", joined onstage by founding bandmates Tink (accordion, cello, mandolin, flute) and the guitar-slinging skills of Sharkey McEwen, creating a show that constantly evolves.

Exploring the depths of Americana one trippy tune at a time, elements of Dylan, Bowie, Incredible String Band, Syd Barrett and The Waterboys flavor the musical mix. (Waterboys co- founder Anthony Thistlethwaite is featured on A Very Unusual Head). Woodstock-tinged psychedelia, a hint of southern rock and solid songwriting elevates this version of Americana to new Heights.

SAMPLE SONG

Fans of the band include: Garth Hudson (The Band), Dar Williams, Anthony Thistlethwaite (The Waterboys), Gary Burke (Bob Dylan, Joe Jackson), Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull.)

“They take the stage by storm!” – NY Times

“A breath of fresh air in a sometimes stagnant world – especially as a live act – with varied eclectic influences and great musicianship. Plus moustaches, hats and stage presence gild their Interesting and thought- provoking lyrics for the curious adult mind.” – Ian Anderson, Jethro Tull

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: 7:30 pm

Price

Member
$29.28

General
$32.53

Child or Student
$16.27

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Streaming

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Caffè Lena

An Intimate Evening with Bettye LaVette

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Aug 2 • 7 PM

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Aug 11 • 7 PM

Capital Region Blues Network Solo-Duo Competition
2026-09-19 13:00 - 15:00
Jazz

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The road to Memphis begins at Caffè Lena!

Some of the Capital Region's finest blues musicians will compete for the opportunity to represent our region at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, in January 2027. Presented by the Capital Region Blues Network, an affiliate of The Blues Foundation, this showcase is part of one of the most respected competitions in blues music.

Performing artists will take the stage before a panel of judges, who will evaluate each act on musicianship, vocal and instrumental talent, originality, and stage presence. The winning solo or duo act will earn the honor of representing the Capital Region on the international stage, joining musicians from blues societies across the United States and around the world.

For audiences, it's a rare opportunity to experience an afternoon of outstanding live blues while cheering on local artists as they compete for a chance to perform in the birthplace of the blues.

The competing solo and duo performers will be announced prior to the event.

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
$41.21

General
$45.55

Child or Student
$22.77

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Streaming

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

An Intimate Evening with Bettye LaVette

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Aug 2 • 7 PM

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Aug 5 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

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Aug 14 • 8 PM

The Clements Brothers
2026-09-19 20:00 - 22:00
Global Jazz

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“Pitch perfect sibling harmonies and gossamer sounds.” (Americana UK)

Identical twins George and Charles Clements first played Lena's stage with the hugely popular Lonely Heartstring Band. Their breakout 2023 duo album, Dandelion Breeze, "staked its claim as one of the year’s best debuts." (Folk Radio UK) With roots, rock, bluegrass, jazz, and classical influences, George (on guitar) and Charles (on bass) make groovy, serene music that "unassumingly and softly seeps into your soul." They are joined by drummer Mike Harmon for a show of seamless vocal harmonies, instrumental virtuosity, and a genuine love of song.

SAMPLE SONG

“The Clements Brothers have woven a tapestry of folk and Americana that tugs at the heartstrings and soothes the soul. Dandelion Breeze is a triumph for The Clements Brothers, a testament to their growth as artists and storytellers. This album is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates soul-stirring folk music that lingers in the heart and mind. With its compelling narratives and captivating melodies, it’s an album that will undoubtedly stand the test of time. – Jason Felton, Record Dept.

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: 7:30 pm

Price

Member
$29.28

General
$32.53

Child or Student
$16.27

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Streaming

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

An Intimate Evening with Bettye LaVette

Blues Jazz

event

Aug 2 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

Hot Club of Cowtown

American Roots Jazz

event

Aug 5 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

JAZZ at Caffè Lena : Chuck Lamb Album Release

Jazz

event

Aug 11 • 7 PM

Chris Smither
2026-09-20 15:00 - 17:00
Jazz

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"His finger-picked guitar lines are sleek, unhurried and insistent. And then there's the voice–equal parts gravel and molasses." – NPR

This stark, elemental sage always has a twinkle in his eye, a light touch at your elbow as he guides you along. Accompanying himself with masterful finger-picking and amplified foot percussion, his extraordinary lyrics are packed with well-developed story lines and little punches that land on your heart.

After six decades of sharpening his knife as a songwriter, Smither can at this point open damn near anything with a flick of his wrist. Politics, consciousness, renewal, family, vulnerability, surrender . . . Smither has sat with these topics like so many Zen koans for so long that every line is a pearl. His style is utterly confident and unafraid, filled with humility, humor, a knowledge of what inevitably lies ahead, yet refusing to succumb to darkness.​

In the latest news, his acting debut was in, "The Singers," which just won the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film. You can stream it on Netflix.

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
$41.21

General
$45.55

Child or Student
$22.77

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Streaming

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

An Intimate Evening with Bettye LaVette

Blues Jazz

event

Aug 2 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

Hot Club of Cowtown

American Roots Jazz

event

Aug 5 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

Los Sugar Kings

Global Jazz

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Aug 14 • 8 PM

Open Mic
2026-09-21 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-28 19:00 - 21:00
Global Jazz

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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: 7:30 pm

Price

Member
$29.28

General
$32.53

Child or Student
$16.27

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Streaming

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

An Intimate Evening with Bettye LaVette

Blues Jazz

event

Aug 2 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

Hot Club of Cowtown

American Roots Jazz

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Aug 5 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

JAZZ at Caffè Lena : Chuck Lamb Album Release

Jazz

event

Aug 11 • 7 PM

Reed Foehl Trio
2026-09-24 19:00 - 21:00
Global Jazz

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“Reed's songs hit you in the heart, and everything else falls away." –Anais Mitchell

Reed Foehl writes songs that feel lived in.

Born into a musical family in rural New England, Foehl began his career busking on the streets of Boston before finding a national audience as a singer-songwriter whose work is rooted in honesty, quiet observation, and the landscapes of American life. His songs unfold like well-worn postcards from the long way home, exploring love, loss, resilience, and the people we become along the way.

Drawing from the traditions of American folk, Foehl combines a warm, weathered voice with thoughtful melodies and lyrics that reveal new details with every listen. His performances are understated and deeply personal, allowing the songs themselves to take center stage.

Over the course of more than a dozen recordings, Foehl has built a devoted following, with his music appearing in film and television and his songs recorded by artists including Grammy-winning country singer Lee Ann Womack. His upcoming solo album, recorded in Woodstock, New York, features collaborations with Gregory Alan Isakov, Anna Tivel, Jeffrey Martin, Rich Hinman, and Jeb Bows.

Now based in Vermont's Green Mountains, Foehl continues to tour internationally, bringing audiences songs that are intimate, beautifully crafted, and grounded in the traditions of American songwriting. Whether you're discovering his music for the first time or returning as a longtime listener, this promises to be an evening of thoughtful songs and memorable stories played by the Reed Foehl Trio.

“Reed writes songs that live and breathe, and sings them with real delicacy and power. No small thing.”– Jeffrey Foucault

SAMPLE SONG

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

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

﻿

Doors Open
Doors Open: 7:30 pm

Price

Member
$29.28

General
$32.53

Child or Student
$16.27

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Streaming

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

An Intimate Evening with Bettye LaVette

Blues Jazz

event

Aug 2 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

Hot Club of Cowtown

American Roots Jazz

event

Aug 5 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

JAZZ at Caffè Lena : Chuck Lamb Album Release

Jazz

event

Aug 11 • 7 PM

Captain Fun Lunchtime Listening Hour
2026-09-25 12:00 - 13:00
Jazz

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Bring your lunch & listen to a playlist curated by a Caffe Lena Community member. For the September edition of the Captain Fun Lunchtime Listening Hour, our playlist curator will be community member, Janice Van Dyke! Maybe she'll even bring her singing dog Eli! The D.J. spinning those records will be the Rochmon himself – Chuck “Rochmon” Vosganian.

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 consists 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.

If you want to create a playlist and host a session, please contact Laura Sterling or let us know when you are next at Lena’s!

﻿

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$41.21

General
$45.55

Child or Student
$22.77

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Streaming

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

An Intimate Evening with Bettye LaVette

Blues Jazz

event

Aug 2 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

Hot Club of Cowtown

American Roots Jazz

event

Aug 5 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

Los Sugar Kings

Global Jazz

event

Aug 14 • 8 PM

Singing with Girl Blue
2026-09-25 14:00 - 15:30
Global Jazz

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Singing with Girl Blue

Fridays Sept 18 – Oct 9

2 pm – 3 pm

$120

Spend four weeks with Girl Blue learning how to become more connected, comfortable, and confident in your relationship with your singing voice. Enjoy meditating, breathing, learning and singing with others as our sessions culminate in a group recording of a beautiful original song by the great Dan Berggren. A wonderful and safe place to get into your body and find a deeper connection to your own voice.

Arielle Woodul (Girl Blue) is a local singer and songwriter who has been performing around the area and throughout the country for years. She has been the recipient of nine Thomas Edison Music Awards, and has had her songs placed in national and international commercials and television shows. She is also a vocalist who has been trained in opera and classical singing as well as pop and jazz. She has taught many students over the years and is certified in Vocal Health First Aid.

Doors Open
Doors Open: 7:30 pm

Price

Member
$29.28

General
$32.53

Child or Student
$16.27

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Streaming

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

An Intimate Evening with Bettye LaVette

Blues Jazz

event

Aug 2 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

Hot Club of Cowtown

American Roots Jazz

event

Aug 5 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

JAZZ at Caffè Lena : Chuck Lamb Album Release

Jazz

event

Aug 11 • 7 PM

Sara Milonovich & Daisycutter
2026-09-25 20:00 - 22:00
Jazz

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Join Sara Milonovich & Daisycutter in celebrating the release of her new album Last Resort Motor Inn, and her only Capital District show before they head off on a UK tour!

A record about identity, persistence, and the common ground that brings us together, even when modern life threatens to pull us apart, Last Resort Motor Inn is the sound of a songwriter taking stock – not just of a changing America, but of a lifetime spent navigating its back roads, small-town communities, music scenes, and contradictions. Recorded alongside her band, Daisycutter, and longtime producer Greg Anderson, Last Resort Motor Inn unpacks those stories even further. She writes about gentrified mill towns losing their identities, farmers watching country culture become high-class fashion, resilient women surviving on the margins of society, and people searching for connection in fractured times. That resilience is the beating heart of Last Resort Motor Inn – a reminder that when you're a lifer, there's no such thing as throwing in the towel.

Raised on a working family farm in upstate New York, Milonovich grew up surrounded by bluegrass, folk, old-school country, and the earthy sounds of an agrarian area that still relied on agriculture. "This record reflects every version of me for the last 25 years, from the bluegrass fiddle player to the singer/songwriter to the rock experimentalist," says Milonovich, who's spent decades balancing her solo work with countless opportunities as a session player, instrumentalist, road warrior, and cultural ambassador. "It feels like a culmination of all the years of experience and musical adventures I’ve been on, through so many different genres and scenes. This is the first time I've just done exactly what I wanted, and stopped worrying about making everything make sense on paper."

Sara Milonovich has built her career across countless musical worlds: from Americana stages and tours to collaborations with folk and bluegrass royalty, as well as work on Broadway's Tony Award-winning Come From Away. With Last Resort Motor Inn, she funnels those worlds into a universe all her own.

SAMPLE SONG

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

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

﻿

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$41.21

General
$45.55

Child or Student
$22.77

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Streaming

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

An Intimate Evening with Bettye LaVette

Blues Jazz

event

Aug 2 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

Hot Club of Cowtown

American Roots Jazz

event

Aug 5 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

Los Sugar Kings

Global Jazz

event

Aug 14 • 8 PM

Aztec Two-Step 2.0
2026-09-26 20:00 - 22:00
Global Jazz

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Originating from a chance meeting at a Boston open mic night in 1971, Rex Fowler & Neal Shulman went on to record four albums throughout the ‘70s on Elektra & RCA Records that left an indelible mark on the folk-rock genre. As their recording career continued, so did the critical acclaim.

In 1986, their indie album “Living in America” was named in Billboard’s year-end critic’s poll and received the New York Music Award for the Best Folk Album. In 1999 they were the subjects of “No Hit Wonder,” a documentary that aired on PBS stations across America. In June 2007, Real Simple, a popular national lifestyle magazine, named ATS’s debut album one of the all-time top five classic folk albums, along with works by Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, Tom Rush and Phil Ochs. More recently, they've been inducted into the music halls of fame of New England and Long Island. Headliners in their own right, the group appeared in concert with The Band, Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt, Donovan, Judy Collins, Jackson Browne, America, Heart, Orleans, The Beach Boys and countless others.

Following Neal's 2018 retirement, Rex has continued their legacy with his wife Dodie Pettit and their expanded band Aztec Two-Step 2.0, adding new layers of sound to ATS fan favorites and forgotten gems.

SAMPLE SONG

"The old songs done in Rex's new lineup has brought new life to the music. This truly is a band that people need to experience!" – Ron Olesko, WFDU-FM/Folk Music Notebook

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: 7:30 pm

Price

Member
$29.28

General
$32.53

Child or Student
$16.27

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Streaming

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

An Intimate Evening with Bettye LaVette

Blues Jazz

event

Aug 2 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

Hot Club of Cowtown

American Roots Jazz

event

Aug 5 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

JAZZ at Caffè Lena : Chuck Lamb Album Release

Jazz

event

Aug 11 • 7 PM

The 4th Annual Fiddles and Foliage Fundraiser for the Caffè Lena School of Music
2026-09-27 12:00 - 16:00
Jazz

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Our 4th Annual Fiddles and Foliage Fundraiser for the Caffè Lena School of Music!

High Rock Park Saratoga Springs 12pm-4pm

Admission Free!

Celebrate the Caffè Lena School of Music with our most important school fundraiser of the year!

Sept 27th at the beautiful High Rock Park in Saratoga Springs, NY

Bring the whole family for an afternoon of food, music and friendship!

Here's what to expect:

Live Music
Games, Vendors and Crafts
Food and Ice Cream
Silent Auction
Pie Auction
Band Scramble

﻿

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$41.21

General
$45.55

Child or Student
$22.77

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Streaming

Similar Events

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Caffè Lena

An Intimate Evening with Bettye LaVette

Blues Jazz

event

Aug 2 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

Hot Club of Cowtown

American Roots Jazz

event

Aug 5 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

Los Sugar Kings

Global Jazz

event

Aug 14 • 8 PM

An Evening with Josh Ritter: A Book of Gold Thrown Open
2026-09-27 19:00 - 21:00
Global Jazz

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One of today’s most prolific voices, Josh Ritter has released twelve studio albums including 2019’s widely acclaimed, ‘Fever Breaks’, of which NPR Music praised, “He remains a hydrant of ideas while embodying an endless capacity for empathy and indignation, often within a single song.”

His twelfth studio album ‘I Believe in You, My Honeydew’ is out now. Two-plus decades into his celebrated career, Ritter has written music that has transcended generations including luminaries such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Bob Weir covering his songs.

Celebrated for his richly crafted storytelling, heartfelt lyrics, and enchanting blend of folk, rock, and Americana, Ritter’s songs are often rooted in personal experiences and historical themes. The New York Times reflects, “Harking back to Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and maybe a little Mark Knopfler, Mr. Ritter has always been a slinger of serious ideas and high-flown imagery.”

The Book of Gold Thrown Open Tour is meant to encompass the whole of Ritter’s career, versus focusing on any one studio album.

In addition to his work as a musician, Ritter is also a national best-selling author, having released two novels to date: 2021’s The Great Glorious Goddamn of It All and 2011’s Bright’s Passage. Released to critical attention, Stephen King wrote in The New York Times Book Review that Bright’s Passage “shines with a compressed lyricism that recalls Ray Bradbury in his prime … This is the work of a gifted novelist.” ​

Join us at Caffè Lena for a rare opportunity to see Josh Ritter solo in our intimate listening room and immerse yourself in the heartfelt storytelling and rich melodies that define his music.

SAMPLE SONG

“Josh Ritter remains at the top of his game two decades into a highlight-strewn career. He’d be forgiven for loosening his grip, but his hand has never felt surer.” – NPR Music

“Mysterious, melancholy, melodic…and those are only the M’s.” – Stephen King in Entertainment Weekly

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: 7:30 pm

Price

Member
$29.28

General
$32.53

Child or Student
$16.27

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Streaming

Similar Events

View All

Caffè Lena

An Intimate Evening with Bettye LaVette

Blues Jazz

event

Aug 2 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

Hot Club of Cowtown

American Roots Jazz

event

Aug 5 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

JAZZ at Caffè Lena : Chuck Lamb Album Release

Jazz

event

Aug 11 • 7 PM

An Evening with Josh Ritter: A Book of Gold Thrown Open
2026-09-28 19:00 - 21:00
Jazz

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One of today’s most prolific voices, Josh Ritter has released twelve studio albums including 2019’s widely acclaimed, ‘Fever Breaks’, of which NPR Music praised, “He remains a hydrant of ideas while embodying an endless capacity for empathy and indignation, often within a single song.”

His twelfth studio album ‘I Believe in You, My Honeydew’ is out now. Two-plus decades into his celebrated career, Ritter has written music that has transcended generations including luminaries such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Bob Weir covering his songs.

Celebrated for his richly crafted storytelling, heartfelt lyrics, and enchanting blend of folk, rock, and Americana, Ritter’s songs are often rooted in personal experiences and historical themes. The New York Times reflects, “Harking back to Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and maybe a little Mark Knopfler, Mr. Ritter has always been a slinger of serious ideas and high-flown imagery.”

The Book of Gold Thrown Open Tour is meant to encompass the whole of Ritter’s career, versus focusing on any one studio album.

In addition to his work as a musician, Ritter is also a national best-selling author, having released two novels to date: 2021’s The Great Glorious Goddamn of It All and 2011’s Bright’s Passage. Released to critical attention, Stephen King wrote in The New York Times Book Review that Bright’s Passage “shines with a compressed lyricism that recalls Ray Bradbury in his prime … This is the work of a gifted novelist.” ​

Join us at Caffè Lena for a rare opportunity to see Josh Ritter solo in our intimate listening room and immerse yourself in the heartfelt storytelling and rich melodies that define his music.

SAMPLE SONG

“Josh Ritter remains at the top of his game two decades into a highlight-strewn career. He’d be forgiven for loosening his grip, but his hand has never felt surer.” – NPR Music

“Mysterious, melancholy, melodic…and those are only the M’s.” – Stephen King in Entertainment Weekly

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
$41.21

General
$45.55

Child or Student
$22.77

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Streaming

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Rochmon Record Club Listening Party: Joe Cocker's "Mad Dogs & Englishmen"
2026-09-29 19:00 - 21:00
Jazz

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On Tuesday, September 29th, Rochmon Record Club will converge at Caffe’ Lena 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, to listen to, and learn about Joe Cocker's epic live album, “Mad Dogs & Englishmen”.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest live bands in the history of Rock & Roll,1970’s “Mad Dogs & Englishmen” is hard to deny. Often chaotic but riveting in its precision, “Mad Dogs & Englishmen” stands out as one of the best live albums ever recorded. Joe Cocker, coming off a successful set at Woodstock, had to mount a band in 8 days for a 48-concert American tour. Enter Leon Russell. Doomed for failure “Mad Dogs & Englishmen” was a triumph of spirit receiving massive critical and commercial success. The album and subsequent movie were taken from two performances at Bill Graham’s Fillmore East. Rochmon culls down the original 79-minute album and fills the night with classic Cocker covers such as “Honky Tonk Women”, “Cry Me A River”, “Feelin’ Alright”, “The Letter”, “Delta Lady”, “A Little Help From My Friends,” and 5 more. Anchored by some of the best studio and live musicians at the time, Joe Cocker's band of Mad Dogs & Englishmen grabs your ears. Also of note, a young, uncredited recording engineer, Joel Moss, worked as an assistant on the concert recordings. A long and cherished friend of Caffé Lena, we take this opportunity to remember and thank Joel for his work in music, movies, and at Caffé Lena.

Doors open at 6:30, and the show begins at 7 pm with a live audio & video presentation by Chuck Vosganian aka “Rochmon”. As always, Rochmon will have some surprises in store! These listening parties are designed to inform, engage, and help us hear familiar music in brand-new ways.

For Rochmaniacs at a distance, Rochmon Record Club will also be streaming live on Caffe’ Lena TV.

By listening together, we experience the album not just as fans, but as curious explorers—rediscovering the art and intention behind every note. Whether you're a lifelong collector or simply love great music, you'll leave with a deeper connection to the record—and maybe a few surprises along the way.

Come curious. Leave inspired.

﻿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
$41.21

General
$45.55

Child or Student
$22.77

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

Streaming

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View All

Caffè Lena

An Intimate Evening with Bettye LaVette

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event

Aug 2 • 7 PM

Caffè Lena

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