BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Caffè Lena - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Caffè Lena X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.caffelena.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Caffè Lena REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260101T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260101T020000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182754 CREATED:20251210T233108Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251210T234646Z UID:10005815-1767225600-1767232800@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:CLOSED DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Instructional \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/closed-14/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Copy-of-Eventbrite-Banners-25-3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260104T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260104T160000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182754 CREATED:20260102T151753Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260102T153351Z UID:10005867-1767533400-1767542400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Playwright's Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nLooking for an opportunity to connect with local writers\, actors\, and directors? Want to share a theater piece you’re writing? \n \nJoin us for the 1st Sunday monthly Playwright’s Jams! \n \nA monthly meetup hosted by Caffe Lena for local writers\, actors & directors \n \nThe First Sunday of the Month 1:30pm- 4:00pm \n \nDoors open at 1:00; Casting begins at 1:15pm and Readings start at 1:30pm! \n \nBring your great ideas\, your new scripts\, your edits and your friends for an inspiring afternoon fo theater in the making. \n \n\nPlaywrights should bring a highlighted script for each of their actors and one extra for stage directions\nBring 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!).\nEach 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.  \nThis event will be co-hosted by Michael Wells-Oakes and Vivian Nesbitt\nPlaywright 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. \n\n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Streaming\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/playwrights-jam-9/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Playwright39s-Jam-graphic-940-x-470-px.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260105T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260105T113000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182754 CREATED:20251126T144155Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T145727Z UID:10005727-1767607200-1767612600@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:So You Want to Play Mandolin with Alan Epstein DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nThis class is designed for the beginner; those folks who are interested in playing the mandolin but don't know where to start. We will cover the basics of holding\, tuning and playing your first notes and chords on the mandolin\, left and right hand technique and also learn to play a few songs. My goal is to get you started and provide you with the skills needed to play this great little instrument going forward. We will take things slowly\, with a focus on producing clear tone\, developing muscle memory in your fingers and most importantly having fun. Each week we will review all the things we’ve covered in previous classes. We will learn mostly by ear\, but a few handouts will be provided. The only prerequisite is that you have a mandolin\, a few picks\, an extra set of mandolin strings\, an electronic tuner and\, most importantly\, a desire to play the mandolin. Class size is limited to 10 so reserve your spot now! \n \nAlan Epstein has been playing mandolin for the past 54 years and has been teaching others to play mandolin for 30 years. Originally from Pittsburgh\, Pa and currently living in Glens falls\, NY. Alan has preformed in bluegrass bands in Colorado\, North Carolina\, Pennsylvania\, Michigan and New York. A former contributing writer for the now defunct Mandolin Magazine\, in 2002 Alan was the founder of the modern day Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra and has been a Wernick Method Bluegrass Jam instructor since 2012. During all this time he has made it a priority to take mandolin lessons and workshops from the top players in the world and share what he has learned when he teach others to play. Alan teaches by ear and specializes in Bluegrass and Old Time music. In Alan’s own words\, “IMHO the world needs more mandolin players and I'm here to help make that happen”. \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/so-you-want-to-play-mandolin-with-alan-epstein-3/2026-01-05/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/december-8.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260105T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260105T140000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182754 CREATED:20251126T144642Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T150201Z UID:10005731-1767614400-1767621600@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Bluegrass Duet Class with Alan Epstein DESCRIPTION:American Roots Instructional \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nThe purpose of this class is to allow acoustic musicians to work on Bluegrass Duet repertoire with a musical partner. Early groups such as the Blue Sky Boys\, the Monroe Brothers\, the Louvin Brothers\, and the Delmore Brothers helped develop the roots of the sound that we know as bluegrass. Each week we will listen to recorded examples of these and other duet and bluegrass artists and will work on singing and playing some of their best known songs.  \n \nThis class is NOT intended for beginning musicians looking to learn the basics of their instruments. Rather\, it is aimed at those who can play their acoustic instrument\, (guitar\, banjo\, bass\, fiddle\, mandolin\, dobro) and are interested in exploring the music's roots to help them fine tune their sound with a duet partner. \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/bluegrass-duet-class-with-alan-epstein/2026-01-05/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/december-30.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260107T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260107T110000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182755 CREATED:20260102T145810Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T020113Z UID:10005864-1767781800-1767783600@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Folk Club Kids DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nFolk Club Kids: Stories\, Songs\, and Sing-a-longs \n \nWednesdays 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. \n \nhttps://www.caffelena.org/folk-club-kids/ \n \nJoin Dan Berggren and Drank the Gold’s Oona Grady and James Gascoyne for Folk Club Kids: a free weekly interactive concert series for preschoolers and their caregivers. Children are treated to 30 minutes of live music in a welcoming\, inclusive environment. Inspire a love of music\, community\, and togetherness each week\, learn\, play\, make friends and have fun! \n \nThis program is made possible by Andy and Bill Spence. \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/folk-club-kids-3/2026-01-07/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/folk-club-kids-cover.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260107T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260107T173000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182755 CREATED:20250821T181338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250821T182927Z UID:10004017-1767796200-1767807000@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:7 week After School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne DESCRIPTION:American Roots Instructional \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nAfter School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne \n \nThis is a special 7 week session of the After School Folk Ensemble! \n \n11/19 – 1/21 (excluding 11/26\, 12/24 and 12/31) \n \nUse these links to sign up: \n \n2:45\, 3:40\, 4:35 \n \nMusic is a gift best shared with friends! Here is an exciting opportunity for youth 7-14 to learn music by playing together.   \n \nWeekly 45 minute classes will be focussed 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!).   \n \nYouth Folk Ensemble is–  \n \nMixed ages and abilities: Open to any level of experience with music; Learn through listening and participation. \n \nFocus on repertoire: Learn classic tunes and songs from the American folk tradition as well as some favorite contemporary songs. \n \nExplore 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). \n \nLearn music fundamentals: Develop strong and steady sense of rhythm; Learn how to listen and hear musically; Explore singing finding one's own unique voice. \n \nLearning valuable life skills: Working in a group setting; Creative contribution and compromise; Being part of a team and playing your part; Building friendships. \n \nNeed 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 \n \n2025-2026 School Year Schedule: \n \nAfter School Youth Folk Ensemble classes meet on Wednesdays at Caffe Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY 12866. \n \nThe 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! \n \nSession 1 Dates: Sept 10 – Nov 12 (10 weeks) \n \nSession 2 Dates: Nov 19 – Jan 21 (7 weeks) [off 11/26\, 12/24\, 12/31] \n \nSession 3 Dates Jan 28 – Jun 3 (17 weeks) [off 2/18\, 4/8] \n \n(Summer day camps are offered as well – 2026 details TBA) \n \nEnd of session recitals are on the final day of class: 11/12\, 1/21\, 6/3 from 5:30-6pm \n \nStudents 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. \n \nMeet the instructors: \n \nJames 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. \n \nOona 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.  \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/7-week-after-school-folk-ensemble-with-oona-grady-and-james-gascoyne/2026-01-07/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260108T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260108T120000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182755 CREATED:20251203T224442Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T225946Z UID:10005784-1767862800-1767873600@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Guitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nGuitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson \n \nThursdays January 8th – March 12th (excluding Feb 19th) \n \nLevel 1 11:15am-12:10pm Beginner / Intermediate \n \nLevel 2 9:15am-10:10am Intermediate \n \nLevel 3 10:15am-11:10am Intermediate / Advanced \n \nCost $195 for all 10 sessions. Drop ins $25/per session if space allows \n \nClasses limited to 8 students per class \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/guitar-workshops-with-bruce-thompson/2026-01-08/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/december-33.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260108T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260108T150000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182755 CREATED:20260105T145344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T150926Z UID:10005887-1767877200-1767884400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:School of Music Slow Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Instructional \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nAll are Welcome!\nWE LOVE TO MEET NEW PICKERS\,\nAND WE LOVE PUTTING ON A GOOD SHOW FOR LISTENERS!\n \nThis weekly program is made possible by the generous support of PHLY Foundation! \n \nTHERE ARE NO PRE-SHOW RESERVATIONS FOR THE JAMS! \n \nSUGGESTED DONATION AT THE DOOR. $5.00 per person \n \nOur jams are all about sharing songs\, making new friends\, and enjoying a relaxing and casual evening of irresistible string band music. \n \nALL 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. \n \nRed 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! \n \nWhat is a Slow Jam? \n \nIt 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. \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/school-of-music-slow-jam-11/2026-01-08/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/december-3-3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260109T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260109T103000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182755 CREATED:20251205T183804Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251222T181910Z UID:10005801-1767951000-1767954600@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Music With Miss Deb DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nExperience this interactive and fun exploration of music with Miss Deb! Birth – 4 years old \n \nWe will sing songs\, move around\, play with colorful props and play percussion instruments while enjoying and learning about music in an organic learning environment.  \n \nSongs from other cultures will be included along with traditional folk songs.  \n \nFun for the whole family! \n \n#youthclass \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/music-with-miss-deb-3/2026-01-09/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/december-5.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260110T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260110T120000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182755 CREATED:20251216T201825Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251216T203426Z UID:10005833-1768039200-1768046400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Songwriting Club DESCRIPTION:American Roots Instructional \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nI'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.  \n \nJanuary 10th  \n \n10am – 12pm \n \n$5 donation \n \ncookies and coffee by donation \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/songwriting-club-2/2026-01-10/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/december-23.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260112T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260112T113000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182756 CREATED:20251126T144155Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T145727Z UID:10005728-1768212000-1768217400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:So You Want to Play Mandolin with Alan Epstein DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nThis class is designed for the beginner; those folks who are interested in playing the mandolin but don't know where to start. We will cover the basics of holding\, tuning and playing your first notes and chords on the mandolin\, left and right hand technique and also learn to play a few songs. My goal is to get you started and provide you with the skills needed to play this great little instrument going forward. We will take things slowly\, with a focus on producing clear tone\, developing muscle memory in your fingers and most importantly having fun. Each week we will review all the things we’ve covered in previous classes. We will learn mostly by ear\, but a few handouts will be provided. The only prerequisite is that you have a mandolin\, a few picks\, an extra set of mandolin strings\, an electronic tuner and\, most importantly\, a desire to play the mandolin. Class size is limited to 10 so reserve your spot now! \n \nAlan Epstein has been playing mandolin for the past 54 years and has been teaching others to play mandolin for 30 years. Originally from Pittsburgh\, Pa and currently living in Glens falls\, NY. Alan has preformed in bluegrass bands in Colorado\, North Carolina\, Pennsylvania\, Michigan and New York. A former contributing writer for the now defunct Mandolin Magazine\, in 2002 Alan was the founder of the modern day Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra and has been a Wernick Method Bluegrass Jam instructor since 2012. During all this time he has made it a priority to take mandolin lessons and workshops from the top players in the world and share what he has learned when he teach others to play. Alan teaches by ear and specializes in Bluegrass and Old Time music. In Alan’s own words\, “IMHO the world needs more mandolin players and I'm here to help make that happen”. \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/so-you-want-to-play-mandolin-with-alan-epstein-3/2026-01-12/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/december-8.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260112T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260112T143000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182756 CREATED:20251126T144642Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T150201Z UID:10005732-1768219200-1768228200@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Bluegrass Duet Class with Alan Epstein DESCRIPTION:American Roots Instructional \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nThe purpose of this class is to allow acoustic musicians to work on Bluegrass Duet repertoire with a musical partner. Early groups such as the Blue Sky Boys\, the Monroe Brothers\, the Louvin Brothers\, and the Delmore Brothers helped develop the roots of the sound that we know as bluegrass. Each week we will listen to recorded examples of these and other duet and bluegrass artists and will work on singing and playing some of their best known songs.  \n \nThis class is NOT intended for beginning musicians looking to learn the basics of their instruments. Rather\, it is aimed at those who can play their acoustic instrument\, (guitar\, banjo\, bass\, fiddle\, mandolin\, dobro) and are interested in exploring the music's roots to help them fine tune their sound with a duet partner. \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/bluegrass-duet-class-with-alan-epstein/2026-01-12/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/december-30.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260114T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260114T110000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182756 CREATED:20260102T145810Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T020113Z UID:10005865-1768386600-1768388400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Folk Club Kids DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nFolk Club Kids: Stories\, Songs\, and Sing-a-longs \n \nWednesdays 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. \n \nhttps://www.caffelena.org/folk-club-kids/ \n \nJoin Dan Berggren and Drank the Gold’s Oona Grady and James Gascoyne for Folk Club Kids: a free weekly interactive concert series for preschoolers and their caregivers. Children are treated to 30 minutes of live music in a welcoming\, inclusive environment. Inspire a love of music\, community\, and togetherness each week\, learn\, play\, make friends and have fun! \n \nThis program is made possible by Andy and Bill Spence. \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/folk-club-kids-3/2026-01-14/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/folk-club-kids-cover.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260114T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260114T173000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182756 CREATED:20250821T181338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250821T182927Z UID:10004019-1768401000-1768411800@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:7 week After School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne DESCRIPTION:American Roots Instructional \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nAfter School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne \n \nThis is a special 7 week session of the After School Folk Ensemble! \n \n11/19 – 1/21 (excluding 11/26\, 12/24 and 12/31) \n \nUse these links to sign up: \n \n2:45\, 3:40\, 4:35 \n \nMusic is a gift best shared with friends! Here is an exciting opportunity for youth 7-14 to learn music by playing together.   \n \nWeekly 45 minute classes will be focussed 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!).   \n \nYouth Folk Ensemble is–  \n \nMixed ages and abilities: Open to any level of experience with music; Learn through listening and participation. \n \nFocus on repertoire: Learn classic tunes and songs from the American folk tradition as well as some favorite contemporary songs. \n \nExplore 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). \n \nLearn music fundamentals: Develop strong and steady sense of rhythm; Learn how to listen and hear musically; Explore singing finding one's own unique voice. \n \nLearning valuable life skills: Working in a group setting; Creative contribution and compromise; Being part of a team and playing your part; Building friendships. \n \nNeed 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 \n \n2025-2026 School Year Schedule: \n \nAfter School Youth Folk Ensemble classes meet on Wednesdays at Caffe Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY 12866. \n \nThe 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! \n \nSession 1 Dates: Sept 10 – Nov 12 (10 weeks) \n \nSession 2 Dates: Nov 19 – Jan 21 (7 weeks) [off 11/26\, 12/24\, 12/31] \n \nSession 3 Dates Jan 28 – Jun 3 (17 weeks) [off 2/18\, 4/8] \n \n(Summer day camps are offered as well – 2026 details TBA) \n \nEnd of session recitals are on the final day of class: 11/12\, 1/21\, 6/3 from 5:30-6pm \n \nStudents 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. \n \nMeet the instructors: \n \nJames 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. \n \nOona 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.  \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/7-week-after-school-folk-ensemble-with-oona-grady-and-james-gascoyne/2026-01-14/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T120000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182756 CREATED:20251203T224442Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T225946Z UID:10005785-1768467600-1768478400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Guitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nGuitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson \n \nThursdays January 8th – March 12th (excluding Feb 19th) \n \nLevel 1 11:15am-12:10pm Beginner / Intermediate \n \nLevel 2 9:15am-10:10am Intermediate \n \nLevel 3 10:15am-11:10am Intermediate / Advanced \n \nCost $195 for all 10 sessions. Drop ins $25/per session if space allows \n \nClasses limited to 8 students per class \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/guitar-workshops-with-bruce-thompson/2026-01-15/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/december-33.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T150000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182756 CREATED:20260105T145344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T150926Z UID:10005896-1768482000-1768489200@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:School of Music Slow Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Instructional \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nAll are Welcome!\nWE LOVE TO MEET NEW PICKERS\,\nAND WE LOVE PUTTING ON A GOOD SHOW FOR LISTENERS!\n \nThis weekly program is made possible by the generous support of PHLY Foundation! \n \nTHERE ARE NO PRE-SHOW RESERVATIONS FOR THE JAMS! \n \nSUGGESTED DONATION AT THE DOOR. $5.00 per person \n \nOur jams are all about sharing songs\, making new friends\, and enjoying a relaxing and casual evening of irresistible string band music. \n \nALL 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. \n \nRed 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! \n \nWhat is a Slow Jam? \n \nIt 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. \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/school-of-music-slow-jam-11/2026-01-15/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/december-3-3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260116T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260116T103000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182757 CREATED:20251205T183804Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251222T181910Z UID:10005802-1768555800-1768559400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Music With Miss Deb DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nExperience this interactive and fun exploration of music with Miss Deb! Birth – 4 years old \n \nWe will sing songs\, move around\, play with colorful props and play percussion instruments while enjoying and learning about music in an organic learning environment.  \n \nSongs from other cultures will be included along with traditional folk songs.  \n \nFun for the whole family! \n \n#youthclass \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/music-with-miss-deb-3/2026-01-16/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/december-5.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260119T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260119T113000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182757 CREATED:20251126T144155Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T145727Z UID:10005729-1768816800-1768822200@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:So You Want to Play Mandolin with Alan Epstein DESCRIPTION:American Roots Instructional \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nThis class is designed for the beginner; those folks who are interested in playing the mandolin but don't know where to start. We will cover the basics of holding\, tuning and playing your first notes and chords on the mandolin\, left and right hand technique and also learn to play a few songs. My goal is to get you started and provide you with the skills needed to play this great little instrument going forward. We will take things slowly\, with a focus on producing clear tone\, developing muscle memory in your fingers and most importantly having fun. Each week we will review all the things we’ve covered in previous classes. We will learn mostly by ear\, but a few handouts will be provided. The only prerequisite is that you have a mandolin\, a few picks\, an extra set of mandolin strings\, an electronic tuner and\, most importantly\, a desire to play the mandolin. Class size is limited to 10 so reserve your spot now! \n \nAlan Epstein has been playing mandolin for the past 54 years and has been teaching others to play mandolin for 30 years. Originally from Pittsburgh\, Pa and currently living in Glens falls\, NY. Alan has preformed in bluegrass bands in Colorado\, North Carolina\, Pennsylvania\, Michigan and New York. A former contributing writer for the now defunct Mandolin Magazine\, in 2002 Alan was the founder of the modern day Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra and has been a Wernick Method Bluegrass Jam instructor since 2012. During all this time he has made it a priority to take mandolin lessons and workshops from the top players in the world and share what he has learned when he teach others to play. Alan teaches by ear and specializes in Bluegrass and Old Time music. In Alan’s own words\, “IMHO the world needs more mandolin players and I'm here to help make that happen”. \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/so-you-want-to-play-mandolin-with-alan-epstein-3/2026-01-19/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/december-8.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260119T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260119T140000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182757 CREATED:20251126T144642Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T150201Z UID:10005733-1768824000-1768831200@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Bluegrass Duet Class with Alan Epstein DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nThe purpose of this class is to allow acoustic musicians to work on Bluegrass Duet repertoire with a musical partner. Early groups such as the Blue Sky Boys\, the Monroe Brothers\, the Louvin Brothers\, and the Delmore Brothers helped develop the roots of the sound that we know as bluegrass. Each week we will listen to recorded examples of these and other duet and bluegrass artists and will work on singing and playing some of their best known songs.  \n \nThis class is NOT intended for beginning musicians looking to learn the basics of their instruments. Rather\, it is aimed at those who can play their acoustic instrument\, (guitar\, banjo\, bass\, fiddle\, mandolin\, dobro) and are interested in exploring the music's roots to help them fine tune their sound with a duet partner. \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/bluegrass-duet-class-with-alan-epstein/2026-01-19/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/december-30.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T110000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182757 CREATED:20260102T145810Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T020113Z UID:10005866-1768991400-1768993200@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Folk Club Kids DESCRIPTION:American Roots Instructional \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nFolk Club Kids: Stories\, Songs\, and Sing-a-longs \n \nWednesdays 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. \n \nhttps://www.caffelena.org/folk-club-kids/ \n \nJoin Dan Berggren and Drank the Gold’s Oona Grady and James Gascoyne for Folk Club Kids: a free weekly interactive concert series for preschoolers and their caregivers. Children are treated to 30 minutes of live music in a welcoming\, inclusive environment. Inspire a love of music\, community\, and togetherness each week\, learn\, play\, make friends and have fun! \n \nThis program is made possible by Andy and Bill Spence. \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/folk-club-kids-3/2026-01-21/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/folk-club-kids-cover.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T173000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182758 CREATED:20250821T181338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250821T182927Z UID:10004018-1769005800-1769016600@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:7 week After School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nAfter School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne \n \nThis is a special 7 week session of the After School Folk Ensemble! \n \n11/19 – 1/21 (excluding 11/26\, 12/24 and 12/31) \n \nUse these links to sign up: \n \n2:45\, 3:40\, 4:35 \n \nMusic is a gift best shared with friends! Here is an exciting opportunity for youth 7-14 to learn music by playing together.   \n \nWeekly 45 minute classes will be focussed 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!).   \n \nYouth Folk Ensemble is–  \n \nMixed ages and abilities: Open to any level of experience with music; Learn through listening and participation. \n \nFocus on repertoire: Learn classic tunes and songs from the American folk tradition as well as some favorite contemporary songs. \n \nExplore 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). \n \nLearn music fundamentals: Develop strong and steady sense of rhythm; Learn how to listen and hear musically; Explore singing finding one's own unique voice. \n \nLearning valuable life skills: Working in a group setting; Creative contribution and compromise; Being part of a team and playing your part; Building friendships. \n \nNeed 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 \n \n2025-2026 School Year Schedule: \n \nAfter School Youth Folk Ensemble classes meet on Wednesdays at Caffe Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY 12866. \n \nThe 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! \n \nSession 1 Dates: Sept 10 – Nov 12 (10 weeks) \n \nSession 2 Dates: Nov 19 – Jan 21 (7 weeks) [off 11/26\, 12/24\, 12/31] \n \nSession 3 Dates Jan 28 – Jun 3 (17 weeks) [off 2/18\, 4/8] \n \n(Summer day camps are offered as well – 2026 details TBA) \n \nEnd of session recitals are on the final day of class: 11/12\, 1/21\, 6/3 from 5:30-6pm \n \nStudents 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. \n \nMeet the instructors: \n \nJames 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. \n \nOona 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.  \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/7-week-after-school-folk-ensemble-with-oona-grady-and-james-gascoyne/2026-01-21/1/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T180000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182758 CREATED:20250821T181338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250821T182927Z UID:10005763-1769016600-1769018400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:7 week After School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne DESCRIPTION:American Roots Instructional \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nAfter School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne \n \nThis is a special 7 week session of the After School Folk Ensemble! \n \n11/19 – 1/21 (excluding 11/26\, 12/24 and 12/31) \n \nUse these links to sign up: \n \n2:45\, 3:40\, 4:35 \n \nMusic is a gift best shared with friends! Here is an exciting opportunity for youth 7-14 to learn music by playing together.   \n \nWeekly 45 minute classes will be focussed 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!).   \n \nYouth Folk Ensemble is–  \n \nMixed ages and abilities: Open to any level of experience with music; Learn through listening and participation. \n \nFocus on repertoire: Learn classic tunes and songs from the American folk tradition as well as some favorite contemporary songs. \n \nExplore 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). \n \nLearn music fundamentals: Develop strong and steady sense of rhythm; Learn how to listen and hear musically; Explore singing finding one's own unique voice. \n \nLearning valuable life skills: Working in a group setting; Creative contribution and compromise; Being part of a team and playing your part; Building friendships. \n \nNeed 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 \n \n2025-2026 School Year Schedule: \n \nAfter School Youth Folk Ensemble classes meet on Wednesdays at Caffe Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY 12866. \n \nThe 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! \n \nSession 1 Dates: Sept 10 – Nov 12 (10 weeks) \n \nSession 2 Dates: Nov 19 – Jan 21 (7 weeks) [off 11/26\, 12/24\, 12/31] \n \nSession 3 Dates Jan 28 – Jun 3 (17 weeks) [off 2/18\, 4/8] \n \n(Summer day camps are offered as well – 2026 details TBA) \n \nEnd of session recitals are on the final day of class: 11/12\, 1/21\, 6/3 from 5:30-6pm \n \nStudents 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. \n \nMeet the instructors: \n \nJames 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. \n \nOona 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.  \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/7-week-after-school-folk-ensemble-with-oona-grady-and-james-gascoyne/2026-01-21/2/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T210000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182758 CREATED:20250205T223507Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T174321Z UID:10005851-1769022000-1769029200@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Bluegrass Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nAll 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!! \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/bluegrass-jam/2026-01-21/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/december-7.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260122T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260122T120000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182758 CREATED:20251203T224442Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T225946Z UID:10005786-1769072400-1769083200@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Guitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson DESCRIPTION:American Roots Instructional \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nGuitar Workshops with Bruce Thompson \n \nThursdays January 8th – March 12th (excluding Feb 19th) \n \nLevel 1 11:15am-12:10pm Beginner / Intermediate \n \nLevel 2 9:15am-10:10am Intermediate \n \nLevel 3 10:15am-11:10am Intermediate / Advanced \n \nCost $195 for all 10 sessions. Drop ins $25/per session if space allows \n \nClasses limited to 8 students per class \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/guitar-workshops-with-bruce-thompson/2026-01-22/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/december-33.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260122T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260122T150000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182758 CREATED:20260105T145344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T150926Z UID:10005897-1769086800-1769094000@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:School of Music Slow Jam DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nAll are Welcome!\nWE LOVE TO MEET NEW PICKERS\,\nAND WE LOVE PUTTING ON A GOOD SHOW FOR LISTENERS!\n \nThis weekly program is made possible by the generous support of PHLY Foundation! \n \nTHERE ARE NO PRE-SHOW RESERVATIONS FOR THE JAMS! \n \nSUGGESTED DONATION AT THE DOOR. $5.00 per person \n \nOur jams are all about sharing songs\, making new friends\, and enjoying a relaxing and casual evening of irresistible string band music. \n \nALL 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. \n \nRed 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! \n \nWhat is a Slow Jam? \n \nIt 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. \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/school-of-music-slow-jam-11/2026-01-22/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/december-3-3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260123T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260123T103000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182759 CREATED:20251205T183804Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251222T181910Z UID:10005803-1769160600-1769164200@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Music With Miss Deb DESCRIPTION:American Roots Instructional \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nExperience this interactive and fun exploration of music with Miss Deb! Birth – 4 years old \n \nWe will sing songs\, move around\, play with colorful props and play percussion instruments while enjoying and learning about music in an organic learning environment.  \n \nSongs from other cultures will be included along with traditional folk songs.  \n \nFun for the whole family! \n \n#youthclass \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/music-with-miss-deb-3/2026-01-23/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/december-5.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260126T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260126T113000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182759 CREATED:20251126T144155Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T145727Z UID:10005730-1769421600-1769427000@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:So You Want to Play Mandolin with Alan Epstein DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nThis class is designed for the beginner; those folks who are interested in playing the mandolin but don't know where to start. We will cover the basics of holding\, tuning and playing your first notes and chords on the mandolin\, left and right hand technique and also learn to play a few songs. My goal is to get you started and provide you with the skills needed to play this great little instrument going forward. We will take things slowly\, with a focus on producing clear tone\, developing muscle memory in your fingers and most importantly having fun. Each week we will review all the things we’ve covered in previous classes. We will learn mostly by ear\, but a few handouts will be provided. The only prerequisite is that you have a mandolin\, a few picks\, an extra set of mandolin strings\, an electronic tuner and\, most importantly\, a desire to play the mandolin. Class size is limited to 10 so reserve your spot now! \n \nAlan Epstein has been playing mandolin for the past 54 years and has been teaching others to play mandolin for 30 years. Originally from Pittsburgh\, Pa and currently living in Glens falls\, NY. Alan has preformed in bluegrass bands in Colorado\, North Carolina\, Pennsylvania\, Michigan and New York. A former contributing writer for the now defunct Mandolin Magazine\, in 2002 Alan was the founder of the modern day Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra and has been a Wernick Method Bluegrass Jam instructor since 2012. During all this time he has made it a priority to take mandolin lessons and workshops from the top players in the world and share what he has learned when he teach others to play. Alan teaches by ear and specializes in Bluegrass and Old Time music. In Alan’s own words\, “IMHO the world needs more mandolin players and I'm here to help make that happen”. \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/so-you-want-to-play-mandolin-with-alan-epstein-3/2026-01-26/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/december-8.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260126T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260126T140000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182759 CREATED:20251126T144642Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T150201Z UID:10005734-1769428800-1769436000@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Bluegrass Duet Class with Alan Epstein DESCRIPTION:American Roots Instructional \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nThe purpose of this class is to allow acoustic musicians to work on Bluegrass Duet repertoire with a musical partner. Early groups such as the Blue Sky Boys\, the Monroe Brothers\, the Louvin Brothers\, and the Delmore Brothers helped develop the roots of the sound that we know as bluegrass. Each week we will listen to recorded examples of these and other duet and bluegrass artists and will work on singing and playing some of their best known songs.  \n \nThis class is NOT intended for beginning musicians looking to learn the basics of their instruments. Rather\, it is aimed at those who can play their acoustic instrument\, (guitar\, banjo\, bass\, fiddle\, mandolin\, dobro) and are interested in exploring the music's roots to help them fine tune their sound with a duet partner. \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/bluegrass-duet-class-with-alan-epstein/2026-01-26/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/december-30.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260128T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260128T110000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182759 CREATED:20260121T200736Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260125T033938Z UID:10006049-1769596200-1769598000@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:Folk Club Kids DESCRIPTION:American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nFolk Club Kids: Stories\, Songs\, and Sing-a-longs \n \nWednesdays 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. \n \nhttps://www.caffelena.org/folk-club-kids/ \n \nJoin 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! \n \nThis program is made possible by Andy and Bill Spence. \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $345.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Songwriting Club\n\n Singer Songwriter Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 9 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Clawhammer Banjo with Carolyn Shapiro\n\n American Roots Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 12 • 3 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/folk-club-kids-4/2026-01-28/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/december-40.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260128T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260128T173000 DTSTAMP:20260508T182759 CREATED:20251126T151246Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251222T181735Z UID:10005744-1769610600-1769621400@www.caffelena.org SUMMARY:After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady DESCRIPTION:American Roots Instructional \n\n \n Share:\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nAfter School Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne \n \n17 weeks starting January 28th \n \nUse these links to sign up: \n \n2:45\, 3:40\, 4:35 \n \nMusic is a gift best shared with friends! Here is an exciting opportunity for youth 7-14 to learn music by playing together.   \n \nWeekly 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!).   \n \nYouth Folk Ensemble is–  \n \nMixed ages and abilities: Open to any level of experience with music; Learn through listening and participation. \n \nFocus on repertoire: Learn classic tunes and songs from the American folk tradition as well as some favorite contemporary songs. \n \nExplore 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). \n \nLearn music fundamentals: Develop strong and steady sense of rhythm; Learn how to listen and hear musically; Explore singing finding one's own unique voice. \n \nLearning valuable life skills: Working in a group setting; Creative contribution and compromise; Being part of a team and playing your part; Building friendships. \n \nNeed 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 \n \nAfter School Youth Folk Ensemble classes meet on Wednesdays at Caffe Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY 12866. \n \nThe 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! \n \nSession 3 Dates: Jan 28 – Jun 3 (17 weeks) [off 2/18\, 4/8] \n \n(Summer day camps are offered as well – 2026 details TBA) \n \nEnd of session recitals are on the final day of class: 6/3 from 5:30-6pm \n \nStudents 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. \n \nMeet the instructors: \n \nJames 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. \n \nOona 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.  \n \n#youthclass \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n \n General\n $120.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Information \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Similar Events\n \n View All\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Mandolin Vitamins – Tunes\, Techniques and Ensemble Music\n\n Bluegrass Instructional\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 11 • 10 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n Folk Club Kids\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Family Folk\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 10:30 AM \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n Caffè Lena\n \n\n \n\n After School Folk Ensemble with James Gascoyne and Oona Grady\n\n American Roots Bluegrass Celtic Country Folk Workshop\n \n \n \n \n class\n \n \n\n \n May 13 • 2:30 PM URL:https://www.caffelena.org/event/after-school-folk-ensemble-with-james-gascoyne-and-oona-grady/2026-01-28/ LOCATION:Caffè Lena\, 47 Phila Street\, Saratoga Springs\, NY\, 12866\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.caffelena.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/december-32.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR